Abstract: The present invention contemplates a particulate, free-flowing pelleting agent with energy value. The pelleting agent is constituted by discrete, free-flowing absorbent clay agglomerates that include clay and molasses in a clay-to-molasses weight ratio of at least about 1.5:1, respectively.

Abstract: An absorbent article suitable for absorption of aqueous as well as oleaginous liquids such as metal cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids, oils and the like is disclosed. The absorbent article is a spunlaced material sleeve closed at both ends and filled with an inherently flameproof particulate material, such as particulate clay material, having a certain particle size range. The spunlaced material is liquid permeable, oleophilic, and hydrophilic. The spunlaced material also has a liquid wicking rate that is at least equal to that of the particulate clay material contained within the sleeve. Preferred spunlaced materials are woodpulp/polyester spunlaced materials having a woodpulp-rich face and a polyester-rich face. The polyester-rich face is situated contiguous to the particulate absorbent material.