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Product Overview

The Oil Only Absorbent Socks, 3in x 4ft, 30/case is a hydrophobic tubular absorbent designed to selectively absorb oil, diesel, gasoline, and hydrocarbons while repelling water. Each 3" diameter sock is filled with hydrophobic poly blend polypropylene filler inside a durable polypropylene mesh skin. White color coding indicates oil-only absorption for instant identification.

These oil-only socks float on water, making them ideal for retention ponds, stormwater drains, marina containment, and outdoor spill response. Deploy around equipment with petroleum leaks, across trench drains to filter oil from stormwater runoff, or in secondary containment basins. The flexible tube design conforms to irregular surfaces and creates an effective barrier against oil spread.

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Technical Specifications

Oil Only Absorbent Socks, 3in x 4ft, 30/case — Oil-Only Absorbent Sock

AbsorbentsOnline SKU AWSO430S
Product Type Oil-Only Absorbent Sock
Absorbs Oil, diesel, gasoline, fuel & hydrocarbons — repels water
Color White — oil-only color coding
Fill Material Hydrophobic Poly Blend — polypropylene
Skin Material Polypropylene mesh
Diameter 3"
Dimensions 3" x 4 ft
Weight N/A lbs
Absorbency Per Case Up to 25.0 gallons
Quantity 30 socks per case
Buoyancy Floats on water — ideal for marine & outdoor use
Incinerable Yes
Regulatory Compliance EPA SPCC · OSHA · NPDES Stormwater
Shipping FREE to the Continental US

Compare Absorbent Sock Types

Choose the right sock type and length for your spill containment needs

Universal vs Oil-Only vs Hazmat vs Corn Cob Socks

Absorbent Sock Type Comparison
Feature Universal (Gray) Oil-Only (White)This Product Hazmat (Yellow) Corn Cob
Best For Oil, water, coolant & solvents Petroleum spills on water & land Aggressive chemicals, acids & bases Eco-friendly general-purpose use
Absorbs Oil? ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Absorbs Water? ✓ Yes ✗ No — repels water ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Absorbs Chemicals? ✗ Non-aggressive only ✗ No ✓ Yes — acids, bases, solvents ✗ Non-aggressive only
Floats on Water? ✗ No — absorbs water ✓ Yes — hydrophobic ✗ No — absorbs water ✗ No — absorbs water
Filler Material Polypropylene blend Hydrophobic polypropylene 100% polypropylene Natural ground corn cob
Color Code Gray White Yellow Tan / Natural
Outdoor Use? Yes, but absorbs rain ✓ Ideal — repels rain Yes, but absorbs rain Yes, but absorbs rain
Eco-Friendly? ✗ Synthetic ✗ Synthetic ✗ Synthetic ✓ Natural, renewable filler
Shop View Universal Socks → ✓ You're viewing this View Hazmat Socks → View Corn Cob Socks →

Sock Length Guide

Absorbent Sock Length Comparison
Specification 3 In. × 4 Ft. 3 In. × 8 Ft. 3 In. × 12 Ft.
Socks per Case 10 or 30 15 10
Best For Individual machines, drip pans, tight spaces Workstation perimeters, equipment bays Long runs, doorways, loading docks
Available Types Universal, Oil-Only, Hazmat Universal, Oil-Only, Hazmat Universal, Oil-Only, Hazmat
Extend a Line? Not connectable — overlap ends to create dike Not connectable — overlap ends to create dike Not connectable — overlap ends to create dike

Regulatory Compliance & Standards

This product supports compliance with the following regulations:

Helps Meet EPA Supports Environmental Protection Agency spill response requirements
OSHA Standards Supports workplace safety requirements under 29 CFR 1910
SPCC Plan Support Supports Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasure requirements (40 CFR 112)
DOT Compliant Meets Department of Transportation hazmat transport standards (49 CFR)

Expert Insights

With decades of industrial spill response experience, AbsorbentsOnline recommends oil-only absorbent socks for outdoor spill response, stormwater management, and any application where water is present but only petroleum needs to be removed. The hydrophobic filler repels water and selectively absorbs oil, diesel, gasoline, and hydrocarbons — critical for wet environments where universal socks would saturate with water.

White oil-only socks float on water, making them the preferred choice for deployment in retention ponds, trench drains, marina containment, and stormwater outfalls. The flexible tube design creates an effective barrier against oil spread on both land and water surfaces.

Pro Tip: Deploy oil-only socks across trench drain openings to filter oil from stormwater runoff before it enters the storm sewer system. This is one of the most cost-effective NPDES stormwater compliance measures available. Replace socks when they begin to sink — this indicates full oil saturation. For indoor multi-fluid use, switch to Gray Universal Socks.
Travis Zdrazil PCI Products — 40 Years in Industrial Spill Containment & Safety

Oil Only Absorbent Socks, 3in x 4ft, 30/case | Industrial Spill Containment

Wholesale & B2B Information

Absorbent Socks are essential for spill containment plans and preventive maintenance. Used across manufacturing, petrochemical, food processing, and facility maintenance industries. Available in Oil-Only, Universal, and Hazmat formulations in 4, 8, and 12 foot lengths. Volume pricing available for facility-wide stocking. Free shipping to the lower 48 states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of liquids do oil-only absorbent socks absorb?

White oil-only absorbent socks selectively absorb petroleum-based liquids including motor oil, hydraulic fluid, diesel, gasoline, and other hydrocarbons while repelling water. They will not absorb water-based fluids.

How do I use absorbent socks?

Lay socks around the perimeter of machinery, under leaking equipment, or along the edge of a spill to create a barrier. Overlap the ends of multiple socks to form a continuous dike. Socks conform to irregular surfaces and can be wrapped around pipes, hoses, and fittings.

Do oil-only socks float on water?

Yes. White oil-only socks are hydrophobic and float on water surfaces, making them ideal for retention ponds, marina fuel docks, stormwater drains, and outdoor spill containment where selective oil absorption is needed.

What lengths are available for oil-only absorbent socks?

Oil-only (white) socks are available in three lengths: 3 in. x 4 ft. (10 or 30 per case), 3 in. x 8 ft. (15 per case), and 3 in. x 12 ft. (10 per case). Choose shorter socks for individual machines, longer socks for extended containment lines.

Can I use oil-only socks outdoors in the rain?

Yes — oil-only socks are ideal for outdoor use because they repel rainwater and only absorb petroleum-based fluids. This makes them more efficient than universal socks in wet outdoor environments.

Can socks be extended for longer barriers?

Socks are not connectable like booms, but you can overlap the ends to create a continuous dike of any length. Socks are flexible and conform to curves, corners, and uneven surfaces around equipment and drain inlets.

How do I dispose of used absorbent socks?

Socks are incinerable, but disposal must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Oil-saturated socks can typically be disposed of as non-hazardous industrial waste, but always verify with your local waste hauler.

Do you offer bulk or pallet pricing?

Yes. Volume discounts, pallet pricing, and government purchase orders are accepted. Contact [email protected] or call (800) 869-9633 for quotes.

Why are oil-only socks white?

The white color is the industry standard for oil-only absorbents. It instantly identifies the sock as hydrophobic — meaning it absorbs petroleum-based liquids while repelling water. White also makes it easy to see how much oil has been absorbed, helping you gauge replacement timing. Gray = universal, yellow = hazmat.

Can oil-only socks be used around stormwater drains?

Yes — oil-only socks are ideal for placing around stormwater drain inlets to create a barrier that catches petroleum sheen before it enters the storm system. They absorb oil while allowing water to flow past, supporting EPA NPDES Stormwater permit compliance and SWPPP requirements.

What is the best sock length for my application?

Choose based on the area you need to protect: 4 ft. socks are best for individual machines or equipment. 8 ft. socks cover larger perimeters efficiently. 12 ft. socks are ideal for long containment lines along loading docks, tank farms, or outdoor storage areas where continuous oil-only barriers are needed.

Why Customers Choose AbsorbentsOnline

Facilities, field crews and government buyers have ordered from us since 1985.

Cross-Reference Guide

Manufacturer part number for this item:

  • AWSO430S
  • SpillTech WSO430

Oil Only Absorbent Socks, 3in x 4ft, 30/case