Common Questions
What are microbes?
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Microbes are microscopic bacteria organisms. Micro-Blaze® microbes are found naturally in the world’s soils and waters.
The manufacturer has selected specific strains of microbes for their affinity for hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants commonly found in the commercial/industrial workplace.
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What are the ingredients?
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Micro-Blaze® microbial products contain a unique proprietary blend of wetting agents, nutrients, and safe, non-pathogenic, spore-forming bacteria.
Made up of a proprietary blend of Bacillus spores – they are natural, non-pathogenic bacteria. Upon application onto a spill or contaminated soil, the microbes germinate, and become active within 15 to 20 minutes. In ideal conditions, the microbes double in population every 20 minutes, and will digest the waste as long as all of the necessary ingredients (water, oxygen, and a food source, i.e. the organic waste) are present.
The harmless byproducts of their degradation process are carbon dioxide, water, and trace amounts of organic salts.
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What is the difference between Enzyme & Microbial products?
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Enzymes will only liquefy a waste, thereby changing the form of the waste; they can not digest it, like microbes do. Microbes produce their own enzymes that help to digest waste, changing it into harmless byproducts of carbon dioxide and water. You can have an enzyme product without microbes, but it can not digest and bioremediate the waste.
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Are these Microbes harmful?
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No. The Bacillus spores are not harmful to wetlands, grass, dirt, rubber, plastics or metals. In all likelihood, they are already present in the soils and waterways of the earth’s wetlands.
The spores are very tolerant of brackish and sea water. The microbes do not recognize roadway asphalt as a food source. Micro-Blaze® Microbial products are actually used by golf courses and farms to improve the health of the grass. These Microbes only digest organic materials and are therefore safe on all rubber, plastic, and metals.
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What is the ph range of the products?
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The pH of Micro-Blaze® Microbial Products ranges (when diluted to proper application rates) from 7.0 – 8.0. The microbes work in pH environments ranging from about 4.5 – 10.5, with the optimal range being from 6.0 – 9.0
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How Much Product
Do I Need?
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APPLICATION & DILUTION RATIOS
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There are many variables to consider when remediating soil, including the type/amount/ depth/concentration of the contaminant, soil porosity, available moisture, oxygen supply, and temperature.
All of these factors play a role in determining the length of time necessary to remediate the hydrocarbon. Depending on these and other factors, remediation time may range from just a couple weeks to several months.
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To calculate the amount of Spill Control you need, for generic soil remediation at a 3% dilution, you would need 1 gallon of concentrate for every 10 cubic meters of soil. A general “rule of thumb” calculation is that 1-gallon of Micro-Blaze® Emergency Liquid Spill Control concentrate is required for every 10 cubic yards of contaminated soil. The concentrate is then diluted with water down to a 3% to 6% solution (3-6 parts concentrate, 94-97 parts water).
For each gallon required you will need 33 gallons of water to mix with the concentrate and apply to the affected area (each of our 5-gallon pails are pure concentrate).
Should you have vapours coming off the contaminated area, you will need a 6% solution. You will require 35 gallons of ELSC X 15 gallons of water = 560 gallons of ready to use concentrate. This is 16 gallons of water for every 1 gallon of concentrate.The premixed solution can then be applied in a variety of ways.
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Water-Type Fire Extinguisher Application
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Micro-Blaze® Emergency Liquid Spill Control can be used on petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, and other hydrocarbons, as well as industrial solvents such as benzene, acetone or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). A full fire extinguisher will cover about 100 square feet.
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Completely discharge extinguisher, releasing all pressure.
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Unscrew and remove nozzle assembly.
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Fill with two (2) gallons of clear water.
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Add one pint (16 oz.) of Micro-Blaze® Emergency Liquid Spill Control slowly. (Always add water first to lessen foaming.) This creates a 6% mixture that works best for lighter end and volatile hydrocarbons, such as gasoline and condensate and glycols. Use less (1 cup: 3% mixture) with heavier hydrocarbon spills such as motor oils, hydraulic fluids, etc.
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Emergency Liquid Spill Control can also be applied by eductor application. Adjust the setting to 3 or 6 percent and the concentrate will be diluted from the concentrate pail or drum by the system.
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For optimal results, upon completion of application, till the soil to thoroughly mix the microbes with the contaminant. Micro-Blaze® Emergency Liquid Spill Control can also be effectively used in situations where the contamination is deep.
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Note - The microbes need moisture and oxygen to work effectively. Be sure to check the moisture level when working with soil, applying water after initial application if necessary.
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