-------
AMERICAN MARINE, INC. NEW DESIGN II
- 10 -
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BENNETT OFFSHORE OIL BOOM
The boom is basically a sandwich structure, center-most is
the strongest support element, consisting of three steel
cables, two 3/4-inch and one 3/8-inch, running the length
of the boom with 3/4-inch steel tubing vertical stiffeners
spaced 3 feet apart. It has a vinyl-covered steel chain
link fence over the full length and height of the boom.
The freeboard portion is covered with a yellow 22-ounce
PVC material while the skirt is encased with a polypropylene
fibre mechanically entangled and fused by heat.
The structure is vertically supported in depth by floatation
cylinders attached to the outside of the boom. The cylinders
are ethafoam, 9 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, attached
by nylon straps.
The section lengths are 100 feet with 24-inch freeboard and
48-inch draft, weighing 14 pounds per lineal foot.
Ballast is effected by lead weights attached to the steel
cable at the bottom of the skirt.
- 11 -
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BENNETT OFFSHORE OIL BOOM
Patents issued and pending
ETHAFOAM FLOAT ATTACHED TO
BOOM WITH NYLON STRAPS
STRAP TIE
FERRULES
NEOPRENE COVER
GALVANIZED STEEL CABLES,
eyes at each end
VINYL COVERED GALVANIZED
STEEL CHAIN LINK FENCE.
GALVANIZED EXTRA HEAVY
STEEL PIPE BOOM POSTS
LEAD STABILIZERS
SPECIFICATIONS
Freeboard
Draft
Weight Per Foot
Section Length
Colour
24 Inches
48 Inches
14 Lbs.
100 Ft.
Signal Yellow
Freeboard Cover Material Neoprene on nylon
Submerged Cover Material Polypropylene Non-Woven Heat
Sealed 4-Ply 20mil. Cloth
Strength Members
Total Grab Tensile
Floatation
Vertical Stiffeners
Ballast
Two %" steel cables, centre & bottom
One%" steel cable, top
106,000 Lbs.
8" Dia. Ethafoam Rounds 9'0" Long
%" E.H. Steel Tubing
Lead Weights
Method of Joining Boom Fabric slid into P.V.C. joiner,
Sections cables shackled
- 12 -
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BENNETT 3-FOOT HARBOUR OIL BOOM
The boom is constructed whereby the freeboard is a barrier-
and the skirt is a filter. The freeboard cover material is
a yellow neoprene on nylon, while the skirt is covered with
polypropylene, non-woven, heat sealed, 4 ply mil. cloth.
Floatation consists of 6-inch diameter ethafoam rounds 4.6
inches long encased in the freeboard cover material. Ver-
tical stiffeners are 1 1/8 inches by 1 1/16 inches by 1/4
inch PVC I beams. Strength members at the top and bottom
of the boom are 3/8-inch steel cables. Ballast is achieved
by the attachment of lead weights to the steel cable
enclosed in the skirt.
Section lengths are 50 feet long with a 12-inch freeboard
and a 24-inch draft. The boom weighs 3.5 pounds per lineal
foot. Sections are joined by fabric slid into PVC joiner
and the cables shackled together.
Brochure received from Bennett Pollution Controls, Ltd.,
Suite 980, Guinness Tower, 1055 W. Hastings, Vancouver 1,
B. C. Canada in June 1972
- 13 -
-------
3 FT. HARBOUR OIL BOOM
P.V.C. POST
FERRULES.
NEOPRENE COVER
Galvanized Steel Cable
eyes at each end
ETHAFOAM FLOAT. 6 IN. DIAMETER.
'..," POLYPROPYLENE ROPE STABILIZING WEIGHTS.
FILTER MATERIAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Freeboard
Draft
Weight Per Foot
Section Length
Colour
12 Inches
24 Inches
3.5 Lbs.
50 Ft.
Signal Yellow
Freeboard Cover Material Neoprene
on nylon
Submerged Cover Material
Strength Members
Total Grab Tensile
Floatation
Vertical Stiffeners
Ballast
Method of Joining Boom Sections
Polypropylene Non-Woven Heat
Sealed 4-Ply 20mil. Cloth
Two %" Steel Cables
28,000 Lbs.
6" Dia. Ethafoam Rounds 4'6" Long
I'/s" x 1V,6" x '/<" P.V.C. l-Beam
Lead Weights
Fabric slid into P.V.C. joiner,
cables shackled.
-------
BENNETT 36-INCH FLEXI BOOM
Individual lengths are 50 feet and have a freeboard of 12
inches and a draft of 24 inches.
Sections of oval shaped Ethafoam (2 inches by 6 inches by
9 feet), set 6 inches apart are used for floatation. The
floatation is secured to the boom by 1/4 inch by 1 inch
PVC stiffeners, which pass through the floatation at 3-feet
intervals.
The boom fabric is a yellow neoprene on nylon material,
which covers all boom components. Two 3/8-inch steel cables,
encased in the hem at the top and bottom of the boom, are
used for connecting sections of booms by means of shackles.
A "joiner" made of PVC is also used for joining and sealing
at the connections.
Lead weights, secured to the lower steel cable, are used
for ballast. One foot of boom weighs 4.5 pounds.
No price was mentioned by the manufacturer.
Brochure received from Bennett Pollution Control, Ltd., Suite
980, Guinness Tower, 1055 W. Hastings, Vancouver 1, B. C.
Canada in June 1972
- 15 -
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36" FLEXI BOOM
P.V.C. JOINER
AND SEAL
ETHAFOAM FLOAT
2" x 6" x 9'0" OVAL
NEOPRENE COVER
RIVETS
SHACKLE
P.V.C. STIFFENER
SPECIFICATIONS
Freeboard
Draft
Weight Per Foot
Section Length
Colour
Cover Material
Strength member
Total Grab Tensile
Flotation
Float Spacing
Stiffeners
12"
24"
4.5 Ibs.
50ft.
Signal Yellow
Neoprene on nylon
Two %" Steel Cables
28.000 Ibs.
2" x 6" x 9'0" Oval Ethafoam
6" Apart
%" x 1" P.V.C. Strips, SS Rivets Top and Bottom
Floats held in Position by P.V.C. Stiffeners Passing through Float at 3' intervals.
Ballast Lead Weights
Method of Joining Boom Sections
Fabric Slid into P.V.C. Joiner, cables shackled
- 16 -
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BENNETT 20-INCH HARBOUR OIL BOOM
Individual lengths are 50 feet and have a freeboard of 8
inches and a draft of 12 inches.
Sections of oval shaped ethafoam, 2 inches by 6 inches by
4 feet 6 inches, set 6 inches apart and riveted to the boom
fabric, are used for floatation.
The boom fabric is a yellow neoprene on nylon material,
which covers all boom components.
A 3/4-inch polypropylene rope, passing through the top hem,
and a 5/16-inch galvanized steel chain ( also used for bal-
last), passing through the bottom hem of the boom, are used
for connecting individual sections. Connections are made
with shackles and a joiner made of PVC, which also seals the
connection.
One foot of boom weighs 2.7 pounds
No price given by manufacturer.
Brochure received from Bennett Pollution Control, Ltd.,
Suite 980, Guinness Tower, 1055 W. Hastings, Vancouver 1,
B.C. Canada in June 1972.
- 17 -
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20" HARBOUR OIL BOOM
3/4" POLYPROPYLENE ROPE
SHACKLES
P.V.C. JOINER
AND SEAL
NEOPRENE COVER
RIVETS
ETHAFOAM FLOAT
2"x 6"x4'6"OVAL
5/16" GALVANIZED
STEEL CHAIN
SPECIFICATIONS
Freeboard
Draft
Weight Per Foot
Section Length
Colour
Cover Material
Strength Member
Total Grab Tensile
Flotation
Float Spacing
8"
12"
2.7 Ibs.
50ft.
Signal Yellow
Neoprene on nylon
5/16" Galvanized Steel Chain * 3/4" Polypropylene Rope
7.800 Ibs.
2" x 6" x 4'6" Oval Ethafoam
6" Apart
Floats held in position by riveting between floats
Ballast 5/16" Galvanized Steel Chain
Method of Joining Boom Sections Fabric Slid into P.V.C. Joiner, Chain and Polypropylene Rope Shackled
- 18 -
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BOA BOOM
The boom is fabricated of reinforced PVC. It is made up
of a self-contained replaceable air bladder for buoyancy
and strength. The skirt is nylon reinforced PVC with a
1/4-inch chain contained in the hem for ballast, mooring
and towing. There are eyelets for mooring, anchoring
and towing at each end of the skirt through the ballast
chain.
Each section is 50 feet in length with vinyl zipper on
each end so that any number of sections may be added. The
floatation collar is 1 foot in diameter and the skirt is
2 feet long. The floatation cover has an air bladder
access zipper and double valves for inflation and deflation
of the enclosed bladder.
The boom is bright yellow in color for maximum visibility.
Each 50-foot section costs from $412.50 to $315.00 each,
depending on the quantity purchased.
Product brochure form Environetics, Inc., Environmental
Control Products, 5934 West 116th Place, Worth, Illinois
60482, received April 1972
- 19 -
-------
BOA-BOOM DETAILS
to
O
DOUBLE VALVES FOR INFLATION AND DEFLATION
-BLADDER-LINED FLOATATION COLLAR WITH REINFORCED P.V.C. COVER
AIR BLADDER ACCESS ZIPPER
— HERMAPHRODITIC VINYL ZIPPER
\7 x_
r S~
•NYLON REINFORCED P.V.C. SKIRT
MOORING/ANCHORING EYELETS
— WEIGHTED HEM (1/4 " CHAIN)
J
-------
BRIDGESTONE OIL BOOM
This boom is a submerging system designed primarily for per-
manent installation in such places as dolphin and seaberths.
It floats when in use and submerges when not needed.
The boom is made of a special compound of rubber as the
main material. The skirt is pleated to make it ride more
smoothly on the waves. Glass rods are inserted in the skirt
as stiffeners. The skirt is weighted with lead weights and
floatation is provided by float hoses attached on both sides
of the skirt. As there is about 55% surplus buoyancy, even
if one of the float hoses becomes damaged, the boom will
still float.
The boom is manufactured in two sizes, one approximately
32 inches high with a 12-inch freeboard and a 20-inch skirt;
the other approximately UO inches high with a 16-inch free-
board and a 24-inch skirt. These are approximate sizes as
the booms are made with metric measurement specifications.
Each boom comes in 65 1/2-foot sections. The smaller boom
weighs approximately 7 pounds per foot while the larger one
weighs 10 pounds per foot.
The boom is moored to anchors on the bottom of the waterways.
The boom is kept on the surface by air pumped into the float-
ation hoses with a compressor.
- 21 -
-------
The boom is submerged by expelling the air from the floa-
tation hoses. The submerging hose and anchor are attached
to the boom on the end furthest from the air imput end.
This hose and anchor projects into the water below the bot-
tom of the boom.
Manufacturer's time estimations for operating the boom are:
(a) surfacing (depending on the size compressor used) 98 -
164 feet per minute; (b) submerging approximately 98.4 feet
per minute.
Product brochure furnished by Mitsubishi International Corp.
277 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y. 10017 in June 1972
- 22 -
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BRIDGESTONE OIL BOOM
-------
BRISTOL AIRCRAFT COMPANY BOOM (GREAT BRITAIN)
In 1967 the Bristol Aircraft Company developed a boom
comprised of 10-inch diameter fiberglass pipe onto which
strips of marine plywood, 12 and 9-inches wide, were
attached to the top and bottom edges of the pipe. The
fiberglass pipe is provided in 20-foot lengths with both
ends sealed to permit flotation. In the upright position
this boom has a height of 31 inches, consisting of the
12-inch strip of plywood serving as freeboard, the 10-inch
flotation unit, and the 9-inch plywood board serving as the
submersible section. The structure is maintained upright
by 28-pound weights attached to the 9-inch plywood strip
and positioned at 5-foot intervals along the boom.
Any number of 20-foot sections may be joined together to give
the desired length of boom. The assembly is moored to oil
drums every 100 feet with support cables tied to marine
anchors.
Inter-Office Memo by U. S. Corps of Engineers, Hydraulic Design
Branch, August 3, 1967.
-------
BP BOOM
The boom is a three-tube fabrication in a 30-ounce Butaclor-
coated nylon fabric. All joints are hot vulcanized to ensure
good retention of mechanical properties even after long stor-
age and to provide good resistance to degradation by mineral
oils and detergents.
The three-tube configuration produces a most effective barrier
at a very low weight, three pounds per foot. The top tube is
a 3-inch floatation cuff. The freeboard tube is 27 inches in
diameter while the draft is a 17-inch tube.
The small cufe is inflated with a compressed air cylinder and
prevents sinking during laying and recovery operations. The
boom is connected at one end to diesel-driven fan and ducted
propeller water pump. These simultaneously fill the air and
water chambers of the boom respectively. The large volume of
the air and water chambers ensures that the boom remains at
the air/sea interface and does not suffer loss of barrier
efficiency even under severe wave conditions.
Once inflation is completed, the inflation equipment will con-
tinue to run for up to eight days maintaining the boom at the
correct pressure, sufficient air and water being available to
cope with any minor damage that may occur.
- 25 -
-------
The manufacturer claims that a typical laying time for the
standard 1,600 feet of boom is 20 minutes from the start of
the operation.
On completion of the operation, the booms can either be
recovered at sea or towed inflated to protected water and
recovered.
Brochure from BP North America, Inc., 620 Fifth Avenue, New
York, N. Y. 10020
- 26 -
-------
BP BOOM
FLOTATION CUFF
27"
•REEBOARD
= WAI IR :=
Manufactured from nylon reinforced
BUTACLOR fabric with
iot vulcanised joints
- 27 -
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CLEAN WATER, INC., INFLATABLE FILTER BOOM
This boom is designed for high mobility and quick deployment
in moderate sea conditions. The boom requires less than one
third its deployed volume for storage and transportation.
For example, 1,000 feet of boom can be readily carried and
deployed by a truck.
The floatation unit of the boom is fabricated from rubber
impregnated nylon material and is vulcanized throughout.
The material, originally designed for use in inflatable dun-
nage bags, is abrasion and puncture resistent. The hardware
includes two 3/8-inch top and one 1/4-inch bottom galvanized
chains.
The boom is furnished in 55 foot lengths, with five 10-foot
1-ong 12 1/2-inch diameter floatation chambers bifurcated
longitudinally to provide two separate compartments for each
chamber. The floatation chambers are inflatable to a pressure
of about 10 p.s.i.
The boom presents an approximate 15-inch freeboard with an 8-
inch impermeable skirt depending (hanging below) below the
waterline. A 1/8-inch (18 ounce) nylon net depends from each
3/8-inch chain to form a 2-foot deep filtration skirt beneath
the floatation unit on either side of the 8-inch impermeable
skirt.
- 28 -
-------
Towing bridles and related hardware are available to adapt
the boom for sweeping operations.
Product brochure furnished by Clean Water, Inc., Toms River
N. J. 08753
- 29 -
-------
.
.
CLEAN WATER, INC. INFLATABLE FILTER BOOM
-------
FLEXY OIL BOOM
Flexy Oil Boom, made in Canada by Smith-Anderson Co., Ltd.,
Montreal, Quebec, is constructed of 36-inch wide PVC nylon
fabric. When in use, the skirt depth is 24 inches and the
freeboard 12 inches.
Available in 100-foot lengths, the nylon fabric has a tensile
strength of 450 pounds per inch and is fitted with aluminum
stiffeners for rigidity. Stability is provided and maintained
by floats and lead ballast weights spaced two feet on center,
and galvanized chain at the skirt bottom running the full
length of the section. Weight of a 100-foot section, in-
cluding floats and ballast, is reported at 250 pounds.
For attaching one or more sections together, each end of the
boom is equipped with five snap hooks placed two feet from the
end, and five matching outlets on the adjoining section; thus
providing an overlap of two feet at the junction or connection
points. For extra strength, the chain ballast at the skirt
base is shackled together.
Information provided by Hurum Shipping and Trading Co., Ltd.,
300 St. Sacrament Street, Montreal, Quebec, sole distributors
for Flexy Boom; January 1970.
- 31 -
-------
j< 2 FT.
FLOATS
/
ALUMINUM STIFFNERS
THE ALUMINUM STIFFNERS ARE SEWN INTO A SEPARATE DOUBLE LAMINATED
POCKET BEFORE SEWN ON TO THE FABRIC AND EACH STIFFNER SPACED
AT TWO FEET CENTERS.
T
1 FT.
/» '
[- )l WATER LINE
3 FT.
2 FT.
k.
LEAD WEIGHT
Jf," GALVANIZED CHAIN FOR
STABILITY AND STRENGTH.
— Yt" NYLON LINE
TO ADD MORE STRENGTH, THE FABRIC IS
DOUBLED AT A WIDTH OF 7" IN LONGI-
TUDINAL DIRICTION ALONG WATER.
LINE.
LEAD WEIGHT
NYLON LINE
FLEXY OIL BOOM
- 32 -
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FLO-FENCE
Flo-Fence, an inflatable barrier, available in various
diameters and weight skirt lengths, is manufactured by
Logan Diving and Salvage Company, Jacksonville, Florida.
Constructed of fireproof, acid, and oil resistant coated
fiber, the barrier is available in 100-foot lengths,
weighs 95 pounds per 100-foot section, and can be stored
in an area of 6 feet by 5 feet by 3 feet.
Company picture with description obtained December 1969 from
Logan Diving and Salvage Company, 530 Goodwin Street,
Jacksonville, Florida 32204.
- 33 -
-------
.
i'r~--^ > ~' -
FLO-FENCE BOOM
-------
GALVAING FLOATING BOOMS (FRANCE)
Galvaing Booms are composed of short compact units of
rigid floats inserted into plastic-coated fabric panels
or PVC-coated asbestos panels. Individual units (con-
sisting of a vertical panel and a float attached to each
side of the panel) are coupled together by neoprene rubber
or a plastic-coated fabric. To avoid unnecessary strain
on the panels and prevent them from being pulled out of
shape, a cord or metallic chain is inserted into the top
and bottom hems of the panels running the length of the
barrier.
Individual units are only 3.2 - 3.9 feet long to provide
for maximum flexibility of the boom. A standard section
of the Galvaing barrier comprises either 4 or 5 units de-
pending upon the type of barrier. The length of a standard
section varies from 16 to 20 feet. Security hooks are pro-
vided to link any number of standard sections together for
total length of boom desired. The barrier extends approxi-
mately 8 inches above water and 8 inches below.
-------
Three types of Galvaing barriers are available: (1) The
Emergency Barrier; (2) The Ballast Water Removing
Barrier; and (3) The Fire Barrier.
The Emergency Barrier is made up of polyurethane floats
attached onto plastic-coated fabric panels and may come
equipped with skirt and ballast fixed to the bottom of the
panels. The Ballast Water Removing Barrier appears similar
to the Emergency Barrier except a special skirt is attached
to the bottom of the panels giving a total submersible
depth of about 3 feet. When used for the purpose of re-
taining and separating oils from ballast water, the manu-
facturer recommends weighting of the skirt. The two types
of barriers described above are relatively light-weight,
approximating 1.1 pounds per foot without auxiliary skirt
and ballast.
The Fire Control Barrier is designed for containing oil and
petroleum product spills within harbors and other similar
areas, but is also intended for encircling and minimizing
the spread of petroleum fires on water. The Fire Barrier
is like the Emergency Barrier in principle. Major dif-
ferences are aluminum alloy floats inserted into PVC-coated
- 36 -
-------
asbestos cloth, and the units being coupled by plastic-
coated asbestos and galvanized steel chain. The Fire
Control Barrier is available in standard and heavy-duty
forms. The standard fire barrier has an overall height
of 13 inches, weighs approximately 4 pounds per foot,
and cost given in 1967 was $16.20/foot - FOB Marseilles,
France. The heavy-duty fire barrier has an overall height
of 18 inches, weighs approximately 8 pounds per foot, and
1967 cost quotations were given as $22.UO/foot. After use
in a fire, considerable repair work is indicated even for
the Fire Control Barriers. One to three months delivery
time may be expected for Galvaing barriers and/or replace-
ment parts.
The manufacturer recommends that when the Galvaing boom is
towed to the site of an oil spill, it should not be pulled
at a speed exceeding one knot. It is also suggested that
these booms not be deployed against a fast-moving current
nor placed directly across a river or waterway. Rather,
the boom should be moored at a desirable angle of closure
with the shoreline, enabling recovery of oils in the slower-
moving downstream areas of the boom.
Product bulletins received from Gamlen Naintre and Cie
(Subsidiary of Gamlen Chemical Co.), 92 Clichy, 2,
Rue Huntiziger, France, 1969.
- 37 -
-------
GALVAING BOOM
- 38 -
-------
GATES BOOM HOSE
The Gates Boom Hose is a 25-inch (outer diameter) floating
cylinder to which is attached a 20-inch deep skirt ballasted
by two pounds of lead weight per running foot of skirt.
The one-half inch thick hose consists of two piles of nylon
tire cord carcass reinforced with spiral wire, with neoprene
outer cover and inner high-tensile Buna-S tube. The Gates
Boom Hose rides 19-20 inches above the water surface and
5-6 inches below (excluding skirt). The 1/16-inch thick
neoprene-nylon skirt is built into the hose with rein-
forcing piles,' and comes equipped with grommets along the
bottom edge of the skirt to attach lead weights and with
grommets at the ends of skirt section to splice adjacent
lengths together.
The hose assembly is available in lengths of approximately
25 feet. The ends of the hose are reinforced with fiber-
glass, also containing a built-in aluminum nipple and aluminum
round plate welded to the nipple. Adjacent hose sections
are fastened together by stainless steel bands over the end
plates. It is noted the Gates Hose is a non-inflatable boom.
- 39 -
-------
It is reported the assembly is flexible and has high-tensile
strength capable of withstanding end loads of 30,000 pounds.
When the Gates Boom Hose exceeds UOO feet in length, the
manufacturer recommends that additional reinforcement be
provided by steel cables attached to the hose nipples.
Boom price is quoted at approximately $50 per foot.
Neoprene
Cover
2 plies
Nylon tire
cord carcass
Reinforcing
wire
Surface of Water
20"
Reinforcing Plies
Nylon with heavy
neoprene skim stock
Approx. 1/16" thick
||j-—• 2 Lb. lead weight
v 12" centers
Hose Cross Section
GATES BOOM
Information received from the Gates Rubber Company,
999 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80217, November 1969.
-------
JATON BOOM
"Jaton" is the tradename for a floating oil retainer,
which is of the float and skirt design. The flotation
pocket contains a unicellular plastic foam cylinder
measuring 4 inches in diameter by 9 feet long. The foam
flotation cylinders, \n standard nine foot lengths, are
thermetically sealed in individual, air-tight compartments.
The curtain extends down from the underside of the flotation
element and is made of vinyl-impregnated nylon. The curtain
depth comes in various sizes, 6 to 24 inches.
Steel keel weights are stitch-enclosed along the bottom edge
of the curtain to span the length of each flotation segment.
The keel weights are galvanized steel bars, 4 inches in
length and 3/8-inch diameter. Grommets are No. 3 brass
spur.
Costs for this boom may be obtained from Centri-Spray
Corporation.
Product bulletin obtained in December 1969 from Centri-Spray
Corporation, Centri Clere Filter Division, 39001 Schoolcraft
Road, Livonia, Michigan 48150.
-------
FLOATING OIL RETAINER
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE: 4" DIA. FLOTATION MEMBER WITH 10" CURTAIN
NO. 3 BRASS
GROMMETS
6" THERMAL SEAM
KEEL WEIGHT POCKETS
NYLON STITCHING
FLOTATION POCKET CONTAINS 4" x 9' DOW ETHAFOAM CYLINDER
KEEL WEIGHTS ARE 3/6" x 4" HOT DIPPED GALV. RODS
Figure 6
JATON BOOM
-------
JOHNS-MANVILLE SPILLGUARD BOOMS
The Johns-Manville "Spillguard" boom is a sheet fence which
rides vertically in the water. The boom consists of 10-foot
lengths of asbestos rubber sheet. A neoprene flotation liner
is cemented firmly to both sides of the boom running the
length of the section and enabling the sheets to ride upright
at the waterline near the mid-point of the flotation liner.
Each of the 10-foot sections is connected to the next section
with a 2-ply reinforced rubber hinge. Nine sections, plus
the hinges, are combined to form a 100-foot length. The
Spillguard boom is available in two sizes:
No. 411 - 4 inches above the water surface and
11 inches below
No. 1224 - 12 inches above the water surface and
24 inches below
The Spillguard boom is furnished in standard lengths of 100-feet
and a special connection is provided for joining the standard
lengths. Bulkhead connectors are also available which provide
a seal between the end of the boom and the stationary vertical
member; the connectors allow for free movement of booms with
the rise and fall of tides.
- 43 -
-------
The manufacturer reports that the No. 411 boom can be
handled by two men in a small outboard-driven boat. The
No. 411 boom weighs approximately 3 pounds per foot.
The No. 1224 boom, which weighs about 9 pounds per foot,
reportedly can be deployed and recovered by four men.
During a demonstration in Chesapeake Bay, the company
reports that 300-feet of the No. 1224 were connected and
set by four men in less than 10 minutes; recovery of the
boom required less than 15 minutes hauling aboard a har-
bor tug.
Costs recently quoted for the Nos. 411 and 1224 oil booms are
respectively $7.50/ft. and $20.00/ft. The connection for
joining standard sections is included in the above costs,
whereas bulkhead connectors are quoted at $75 and $125
respectively for the Nos. 411 and 1224 booms.
(1) Johns-Manville product bulletins, Manville, New Jersey
and New York, New York, 1968 and 1969.
(2) Personal communication with Johns-Manville Sales Office,
New York, New York, October 1969.
- 44 -
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KAIN FILTRATION BOOMS
The Kain Filtration Boom essentially comprises a deep
vertical barrier supported by flotation chambers on each
side of the curtain. Approximately one-third of the cur-
tain boom protrudes above the water surface (freeboard)
and two-thirds is immersed below the waterline. Three types
of booms are reported available, including the 3-foot curtain
intended principally for use in marinas and for surrounding
tankers; the 5-foot curtain for harbor use; and the large
8-foot curtain for offshore sea operations.
The vertical section of the boom is basically a "sandwich"
structure. The centerpiece consists of wire mesh or one-half
inch steel-cable net (depending upon type of boom) sandwiched
on each side by galvanized steel industrial cyclone fencing,
and finally encased with filtration fabric comprising the
outer sides of the boom. The steel-cable net is woven into
8-inch squares with a longitudinal strength of 400 tons safe
working load. The two layers of cyclone fencing serve as a
support for the filtration material on each side of the steel-
cable net. The filtration fabric is constructed of a polypro-
pylene fiber mechanically enmeshed and heat-fused. The filtra-
tion material reportedly allows water to freely pass through
-------
in both directions, but precludes the passage of floating
oils, etc. A standard section of offshore boom would
appear to be 150 feet long.
Flotation chambers providing for proper immersion depth of
the curtain are firmly attached to both sides of the curtain
by 3/8-inch galvanized wire (through the barrier), thimbles,
clips and snaphooks. The flotation cylinders are nylon-vinyl
sleeves stuffed with polyurethane bags which in turn are filled
with styrofoam pellets. The assembled cylinders for the off-
shore boom are 14-inches in diameter and manufactured in
18-foot long sections. Tow cables, ropes, grommets, shackles,
cables and thimbles represent auxiliary equipment used in
completing the Kain Filtration Boom.
The heaviest component of the Kain offshore filtration boom is the
curtain element which weighs approximately 1,000 pounds for a
150-foot section. All elements for the offshore boom are stored
and shipped together for the standard 150-foot length. The
standard length can be reduced into a volume of 800 cubic feet
weighing approximately 1,250 pounds.
-------
The filtration boom at sea reportedly has considerable
freedom of movement and can encompass 360 degrees of travel.
The Kain filtration boom may be purchased outright or leased
on a short or long-term basis from Bennett International.
Purchase costs for 1,000-feet of marina and harbor boom are
respectively $18,000 and $23,000; no purchase price is given
for the offshore boom. Weekly rental rates for the marina,
harbor and offshore booms per 1,000-feet usage are respectively
$1,800, $2,300 and $2,900 (prices do not include auxiliary
services, and minimum of 2 weeks use for the offshore boom).
Other lease plans are also available.
"Oil Pollution Defense", bulletin and technical data received
from Bennett International Services, Inc., Woodland Hills,
California, September 1969.
-------
CHAIN LINK FENCE
WIRE ROPE MESH
FLOAT
FILTRATION MATERIAL
KAIN BOOM
KAIN FILTRATION BOOM
-------
MARSAN OIL BARRIER
The Marsan Oil Barrier is essentially a plastic curtain
with an air or styrofoam filled buoyancy pocket, a stif-
fened freeboard portion above the pocket, and drop curtain
below the buoyancy pocket.
The upper few inches of the boom riding above the water
surface are described as the stowage fin with grommets lo-
cated on two-foot centers. Stowage fin stiffeners are pro-
vided at each end of a standard barrier section. The buoyant
pocket is sewn into the curtain separating it from the stowage
fin and drop curtain. The upper sewline contains a dacron ten-
sion line running the full length of boom. At the bottom edge
of the drop curtain is found a pocket for inserting chain
ballast providing vertical orientation of the Marsan barrier
within the water. The standard Marsan barrier has a drop
curtain 15 inches in depth but 2U and 36-inch curtains are
also available.
The barrier is provided in standard lengths of 50 or 100-feet
and is constructed of vinyl-covered nylon material, which is
fire-resistant and reportedly remains flexible at temperatures
-------
considerably below 0°F. The standard boom sections would
appear linked together by a series of snap connectors to-
gether with special provisions for extending a hose line
through the sections when air inflation is used. Self-
actuating buoyant air reservoirs, which serve to inflate
the hose in the buoyancy pocket, are spaced every 200-feet
on the barrier.
The cost of the standard Marsan barrier (with 15-inch drop
curtain) is $5.95/ft., including actuating air reservoirs.
Inflatable barriers with 24 and 36-inch drop curtains are
quoted at $6.95/ft. A relatively small metal storage rack
for holding 500-feet of barrier may also be purchased for
$175 and a zippered canvas cover over the storage rack is
$75. Prices are F.O.B., Chicago, Illinois.
Product Bulletins received from the Marsan Corporation, Chicago,
Illinois, 1969.
- 50 -
-------
Closed cell bead-type styrofoam floats
Chain Ballast
Cutaway view showing construction of
Marsan Oil Barrier and method
of segmenting sections
•rv*
Marsan Oil Barrier confining oil-soaked straw and heavy
load of debris
MARSAN OIL BARRIER
- 51 -
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MP BOOM
Metropolitan Petroleum Company, Inc., manufacturers the
MP Boom, which essentially consists of a 6-inch diameter,
closed cell polystyrene bead filled flotation chamber,
a 12-inch submerged skirt, and a solid weighted keelson to
provide ballast. The flotation material is enclosed in a
vinyl envelope for added protection in case of a break
in the synthetic fabric covering.
This particular boom is recommended by the manufacturer for
use on sheltered water where wave height is less than two
feet. Constructed in 6-foot sections, and available in
100-foot lengths, this containment device is priced at
$9.75 per foot. Lower prices are available when booms are
purchased in lots exceeding 400 feet in length.
This same boom, with a different label (6-12 Boom), is also
available from Worthington Corporation. (See Page 85).
Bulletin and letter received from Metropolitan Petroleum
Petrochemicals Company, Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey,
October 1969.
- 52 -
-------
Clip fasteners (on the other end) for additional lengths
Grommets for a variety of uses \ Toe plate (on one end)
Buoyant flotation sausage
Strong, flexible skirt
Keelson stabilizing rod
Cable for towing and skirt stability
Figure 10 MP BOOM
- 53 -
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MUEHLEISEN BOOM
The oil boom consists of a series of Ethafoam floats from
which is suspended a one-foot barrier shield above water
and a two-foot skirt below. Manufactured in three-foot high
by 100-foot lengths, the barrier is fabricated from a vinyl-
nylon material.
Both ends of each 100-foot section are reinforced by doubling
the material to form a pocket to insert an aluminum plate;
then punching through this reinforced area for the attachment
of grommets to prevent tearouts. At each joint where 1,000-
foot sections are joined together, a positive lap type connec-
tion (full width) is used to prevent oil from escaping through
these areas.
The top edge of the barrier shield is semi-rigid construction
by reinforcement with PVC pipe and rope hem, with the rope
inserted to prevent the top edge from drooping while the boom
is floating in either a relaxed position or under tension. The
bottom skirt leading edge is lead and chain weighted to main-
tain the boom in an upright position through a series of perpen-
dicular aluminum rods that are inserted in pockets at the
folding parts of the boom.
-------
Each section folds at approximately 3 feet-4 inches on center
for the full length of these 100-foot sections to enable
stowing in an orderly fashion. The bottom leading edge of the
skirt has a rope hem with rope insert and a series of grommets
for the attachment of a continuous chain. This chain is
attached with lap links in such a manner that the chain's pri-
mary function is to relieve the stress on the boom during pull-
ing and installation.
Product bulletins received December 1969 from Muehleisen Manu-
facturing Company, El Cajon Industrial Park, 1100 North Johnson
Avenue, El Cajon, California 92020.
- 55 -
-------
100'
L.o-J
-|
TYP
3/8" ALUMINUM ROD
36"
4" DIA.
•
30 EQUAL SPACES
LINK CHAIN
13.5"
TYP TYP TYP TYP
40" TYP
22"
TOP OF SNAP
TYP BOTH ENDS
ROPE HEM 2.5" TYP
L_
- 3/16" POLY ROPE
REINFORCED
AREA TYPICAL
3/8" X 32" PVC SCHED tt40 PIPE.28 PCS
CENTER SECTIONS, TOP ONLY
3/8" X 28" BOTH ENDS.
DB
3/)6" POLY ROPE
Figure 11
MUEHLEISEN BOOM
- 56 -
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OSCARSEAL; HOVER-PLATFORM
The Oscarseal Hover-Platform consists of a series of inter-
connected "captured air" floats. The standard floats are
fabricated from steel plate in lengths of 40 feet. The "Air
Skirt" is attached to one side of the float which will form
the inner circle. A hinged plate is attached to the opposite
side of the "Air Skirt" acting as a depth-shield and keel.
Extension curtain sections for high-sea state and locations
may be attached to the bottom edge of the shield. Each float
has its own blower-air supply system, capable of being powered
from a variety of sources.
The linkage of the Oscarseal Containment Systems consist of two
clip-links attached to the steel float on the upper edge of the
inner-side providing for approximately 3-inches of interval
between each two air floats. In addition to this a steel cable
is provided to be installed on the top side near the clip-links.
It serves both as a safety device for the system, for the serv-
ice of the embedment anchors, and also for towing purposes.
The "Air Skirt" is made of a puncture resistant textile designed
and manufactured to withstand the impact of the sea and the air-
- 57 -
-------
sea interaction. It is claimed that the skirt material does
not absorb water, stays lightweight, is easy to handle even
when wet; flash-dries, is rot and mildew resistant, and can be
stored wet or dry. It is further claimed that it is easy to
clean with a bristle brush, soap and water.
A price quotation will be submitted upon request. The Oscar-
seal Containment Systems was developed by the Rath Company vn a
joint venture with Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc.
Figure 12 OSCARSEAL HOVER-PLATFORM
Product brochure received in December 1969 from the Rath Company,
P. 0. Box 226, La Jolla, California 92037.
- 58 -
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OSCARSEAL - STEEL BOOM
Each individual section of the Oscarseal containment boom
measures 40 feet in length, is 7 feet wide and weighs
approximately 5,000 pounds. Flotation is derived from two
longitudinal steel pipes and boxed cross-members. The for-
ward pipe is to be 14- inches in outside diameter and the rear
pipe is 12 3/4 inches. Both have wall thicknesses of
3/16-inch and are sealed with welded-on end caps. Two
12 x 12-inch boxed flotation members will be spaced 13 feet
inward from the ends of the flotation pipes. In addition,
two 24 x 12-inch boxed flotation members are located at each
end of the float, both of which are installed on a 45-degree
slope to give "lift" to the float when being towed.
A two-foot upright barrier runs the length of the forward
14-inch pipe section. It is constructed with a steel frame and
12-gauge steel face. A rubber seal is attached to the lower
edge of this barrier to prevent any passage of an oil slick
between the 14-inch flotation pipe and the upright barrier.
The barrier itself is hinged to the pipe so it can be folded
to facilitate shipment or storage.
- 59 -
-------
Angling downward beneath the 14-inch flotation pipe is
a "slope sheet" that is five feet wide and 40 feet long.
It has a welded frame of 1 x 1 x 1/8 inch angle steel and
a skin-plate of 16-gauge steel. The entire assembly is
attached to the 14-inch pipe by hinges, which permit
folding for transport or storage, and is also sealed with
rubber belting at the point of contact with the flotation
pipe. It is suspended beneath the float at a 45-degree
angle by adjustable chains.
Running the length of the slope sheet at its low (undersea)
end is a 1 1/2 inch-diameter pipe manifold, drilled with a
total of 160 holes, each 1/8 inch in diameter and spaced on
three inch centers. From these holes, air is emitted to
escape upward along the slope sheet, thus giving a rolling
action to the water.
Air is supplied at 6-pounds pressure to each unit by means of
a 3 HP electric motor that drives a rotary compressor at
1,800 rpm. The compressor delivers 61 cfm of air to the mani-
fold, and by increasing the speed of the motor to 2,400 rpm,
can deliver 96 cfm. Motor and compressor are mounted on an
angle-iron frame in the center of float.
- 60 -
-------
Electrical power at 4UO volts is required to supply a series
of Dynamic Oil Boom units. This can be accomplished by a
diesel-powered generating unit aboard a service barge or tug.
Each 40-foot float unit is equipped with 1 inch pad eyes and 1-inch
shackles for coupling to another unit, thus enabling the boom
to be extended to any length. Wire straps may be used on the
backside connections in order to permit formation of a desired
arc around an oil slick.
Cost of this boom, which is presently not commercially available,
is estimated at $40 to $50 per foot.
Product brochure received January 1970 from the Morrison-
Knudsen Company, Inc., Box 7808, Boise, Idaho 83707
- 61 -
-------
OSCARSEAL STEEL BOOM
- 62 -
-------
PCR-36 OIL CONTAINMENT BOOM
The individual sections measure 100 feet in length, are 36
inches wide and weighs approximately 300 pounds. •
The fabric is a yellow PVC-coated nylon and constructed
by stitching, rivets and grommets. Floatation is derived
from cylindrical expanded polyethylene floats fastened with
bronze chain and toggle connectors.
Vertical stiffeners are aluminum rods or fibreglass rein-
forced epoxy rods enclosed in stitched pockets reinforced
top and bottom.
The boom has a galvanized chain ballast draped every 12
inches.
Sections can be hooked together to make up any desired
length.
Product brochure received February 1972 from Colloid Chemical
Company, 31 Perkins Street, Brockton, Mass. 02402
- 63 -
-------
PCR-36 OIL CONTAINMENT BOOM
-------
PIRELLI OIL SPILL BOOM
The boom is fabricated of neoprene rubber reinforced with
nylon beltstock. It is held upright in water by rigid
stiffeners to which polyethylene air floats are fastened.
Each individual section is 10 meters long and 90 centi-
meters wide, providing for 13-inch freeboard and 22-inch
draft. The boom is weighted with permanently attached
lead ballasts. The floatation units are attached at intervals
of 27 inches along the length of the boom.
Lengths of the boom are fastened together by means of
stainless steel wing nuts and bolts which pass through
reinforced terminal plates.
Provision for fastening to posts, workboats or docks are
provided at section ends. Nylon rope reinforcement is
inserted in the sealed fold of the neoprene fabric at top
and bottom of the skirt.
Product brochure received from GREFCO, Inc., Control Products
Unit, 1 Rossmoor Drive, Jamesburg, N. J. 08831
- 65 -
-------
A nylon cord reinforced neoprene skirt
B semi-rigid polymeric stiffener
C polyethylene air floats
D stainless steel wing nuts
E lead weight
F reinforced terminal plate
-------
QUINCY ADAMS STANDARD OIL BOOM
The boom was designed to be a permanently installed boom.
The boom is made with a 1/8-inch thick rigid polypropylene
fin. Floatation is supplied by 2-inch by 4-inch creosote-
treated fir timbers.
It is constructed in 10-foot units. The connections of the
units consists of a neoprene membrane and a brass piano
hinge with a removable pin. The membrane is brass riveted
to the polypropylene fin and to the piano hinge. The ballast
is lead weights riveted to the fin.
The standard weight of the boom is 4.5 pounds per lineal
foot.
Large floatation and heavier weights are available depend-
ing on tides and usage.
Information received from Quincy Adams Marine Basin, Inc.
47 Palmer St., Quincy, Mass. 02169
- 66 -
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RED EEL OIL BOOM
The Red Eel Oil Boom, available from Trelleborg Rubber
Company, Inc., New Rochelle, New York, can be assembled
on site during oil spill incidents. Sections ready for
assembly include a 164-foot length of 23 1/2-inch wide
PVC (2-ply); shaped cellular plastic floats; plastic bags
for sinkers; seven battens for each 164-foot section; and
metal hank couplings to attach each section. Price for
each 164-foot section is quoted at $426.40, or $2.60 per
foot.
Information supplied by Trelleborg Rubber Company, Inc.,
P.O. Box 178, 225 Main Street, New Rochelle, New York, 10802,
March 1970
- 67 -
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RED EEL BOOM
- 68 -
-------
RETAINER SEAWALL
A light and heavy duty oil containment system has been devel-
oped by Environmental Pollution Systems, Inc. The light duty
unit consists of two cells, while the heavy duty unit consists
of six cells, each made separately and then sealed together to
comprise one unit.
Each cell has a zipper top through which ballast and flotation
materials are placed. Two #6 grommets in the bottom of each
cell allow movement of water into the cell for additional ball-
ast.
A cell is approximately 11.6 cu. ft. Unit dimensions for the
light duty are 2 feet-4 inches wide by 6 feet-11 inches long by
28 inches deep; while the heavy duty unit is 6 feet-2 inches
wide. A skirt extends 28 inches below the bottom of the cell
giving an overall depth of 4 feet-8 inches. Minimum depth below
the water level is 32 inches, thus providing additional protec-
tion in rough seas. Skirt design gives a low center of gravity
acting as a stabilizer.
Units are hooked with quick connections to make a wall the
desired length. Also, in case of damage, replacement of a single
unit is facilitated. The upper and lower fins of each unit are
- 69 -
-------
also connected to provide a positive seal for the entire length
of the seawall.
Patents are pending on the Retainer Seawall systems. Prices are
approximately $20.00 per foot for the light duty and $58.60 per
foot for the heavy duty unit, F.O.B. Victoria, Texas.
Product bulletins obtained in December 1969 from Environmental
Pollution Systems, Inc., 209 Profit Drive, Victoria, Texas 77901,
- 70 -
-------
LIGHT DUTY UNIT
•HEAVY DUTY UNIT
RETAINER SEAWALL
- 71 -
-------
REYNOLDS ALUMINUM OIL BOOM
The Reynolds Boom is constructed of corrugated aluminum
(3003 H14). The corrugations are oriented vertically to
provide flexibility in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Floatation is provided by a single strip of plastic alloy
material which affords 7-inch freeboard and a 21 inch draft
for the 28-inch boom.
The barrier weighs approximately 2.6 pounds per lineal foot
and may be reeled on to a cylindrical spool 40 inches in
diameter.
The bottom of the fence is weighted to provide good meta-
centric height and stability in a seaway.
The side of the fence without floatation would normally be
the oil side of the boom. This provides a smooth surface
for easier cleaning when operations are finished.
One hundred foot sections are attached with bolts to pro-
vide for booms of greater length.
The fence uses no longitudinal cables or other strength
members. The tensile strength of the metal sheet is well
in excess of a ton. All metallic components of the contain-
ment device are galvanically compatible for long life in
salt water environment.
Product brochure received Dec. 1971 from Reynolds Submarine
Service Corp., P.O. Box 2700, Richmond, Virginia 23261
- 72 -
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FLOTATION
SMOOTH
OIL
SIDE
0
0
0
0
7 " FREEBOARD
21 DRAFT
ALUMINUM
REYNOLDS ALUMINUM OIL BOOM
BALLAST WEIGHTS
The oil boom comes
in 100ft. lengths, but
ca n be cut to a ny spe-
cifications. It is made
of 3003-H14 alumi-
num alloy corrugated
vertically.
-------
REYNOLDS ALUMINUM OIL BOOM (15 INCH)
This is a smaller inshore version of the 28-inch boom for
rivers, harbors, industrial ponds and waterways. It is
lighter in weight and smaller (15 inches) for ease of
handling and is for use in waters where wind conditions are
not severe.
It is constructed of continuoua sheets 100 feet long of
corrugated aluminum alloy (3003-H1U) weighing 1 pound per
linear foot. The corrugations are oriented vertically to
provide flexibility in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Floatation is provided by a single strip of plastic alloy
material on one side of the upper portion of the boom to
afford a 5-inch freeboard and a 10-inch draft. The side
of the boom without the floatation would normally be the
oil side of the boom. This provides a smooth surface for
easier cleaning when operations are finished.
The bottom of the barrier has ballast weight attached to
provide height and stability in the water.
The sections can be attached with bolts to provide for
booms of greater lengths.
The barrier uses no longitudinal cables or other strength
-------
members. All metallic components of the device are gal-
vanically compatible for long life in salt water environ-
ment.
Three 100-foot sections may be stored on a spool arrange-
ment 48 inches by 53.5 inches by 52 inches in height. The
spool is designed for easy deployment of the boom.
The cost of the boom is $3.75 per linear foot, F.O.B.,
Richmond, Virginia.
Product brochure received April 1972 from Reynolds Sub-
marine Service, P. 0. Box 27002, Richmond Virginia 23261
- 75 -
-------
SEA BOOM
There are two basic types of Sea Boom the permanently
floating model, 3PF, and the submersible model, 3SU. They
are designed and constructed to remain in the water con-
stantly. Each boom can be utilized independently as a com-
plete barrier or in conjunction with each other.
In a typical installation, the permanently floating version
and the submersible boom completely enclose a terminal. The
portion of the terminal for docking and undocking would use
the submersible boom. One man, normally the dock foreman,
would raise and lower the boom by turning two valves to allow
ship movement.
Both booms are in 24-feet section lengths with 12 inches
freeboard and 24 inches draft. The permanently floating
barrier weighs 13 pounds per foot, while the submersible
version weighs 15 pounds per foot.
The manufacturer lists the materials used in the construction
of the boom as Sea Rubber, Searethane and Sea Coat, all trade
names. The boom is black with white and international orange
striping.
- 76 -
-------
The manufacturer claims the booms are designed for con-
tinual immersions and heavy abrasion operations for
periods in excess of two years.
Product brochure furnished by Submarine Engineering Assoc.,
Inc., 278 Forest Avenue, Cohasset, Mass. 02025
- 77 -
-------
sj
x
SEA BOOM
-------
SEA CURTAIN
Sea Curtain, manufactured by Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc.,
Torrance, California, is a relatively large plastic-rubberized
oil spill barrier consisting of an upper air or foam-filled
flotation chamber, and a lower-hanging skirt. The foam-filled
chamber consists of polystyrene beads enclosed in an inner
liner. The Sea Curtain is available in standard 20-foot lengths
and in four different sizes and types as follows:
Type A - Heavy-duty, off-shore, ocean service
boom with foam-filled float 20-inches
in diameter and with a 30-inch skirt
suspended below. Approximate price
is between $10 - $15 per foot.
Type B - Heavy-duty harbor and channel boom
with foam-filled float 12-inches in
diameter and with an 11-inch skirt
below. Approximate price is given
as $6 - $9 per foot.
Type C - An emergency service boom with lined-
inflatable float 19 inches in diameter
and a 32-inch skirt. Price range is
between $4 - $6 per foot.
Type D - Light-duty boom with 12-inch inflatable
float and an 11-inch skirt. Price range
is reported as $2 - $4 per foot.
The Sea Curtain is provided with ballast in the form of a
chain running through the bottom of the skirt. Recently,
- 79 -
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Kepner Plastics has started design of booms containing
chain ballast on both sides of the skirt with up to
3/8-inch cable being used on the heavy-duty ocean boom.
It is possible to add chain ballast onto the offshore
boom until the unit weight approaches and even exceeds 10
pounds per running foot of boom. Extremely heavy ballast
may be best for severe offshore winds arid waves, but until
additional data are secured, the company suggests for off-
shore booms that lesser amounts of ballast in the range of
5 to 7 pounds per foot be employed for ease in handling,
towing and installation. The Kepner heavy-duty offshore boom
weighs approximately two pounds per foot without ballast.
The offshore boom with heavy ballast is belived to be in
the cost range of $15 to $17 per foot.
Standard fittings at the ends of each section of the Sea Cur-
tain are reportedly similar to that provided on the Slickbar Boom
(given later in this report) although the company is known to .
be developing new joints providing tighter and more secure
connections between sections. The foam-filled boom is apparently
- 80 -
-------
recommended by Kepner Plastics over the inflatable-type
curtain for durability and longer service upon open waters.
(1) "Study of Equipment and Methods for Removing Oil from
Harbor Waters", Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific
Northwest Laboratories, Richland, Washington 99352,
Report No. CR 70.001, prepared under Contract N 62399-69-C-0028
for the U.S. Department of the Navy, August 25, 1969.
(2) Product bulletins received from Kepner Plastics Fabricators,
Inc., Torrance, California 90510, 1969.
(3) Personal communication with Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc.,
Torrance, California 90510, July and September 1969.
- 81 -
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20"
HEAVY DUTY OCEAN SERVICE
FOAM FILLED FLOAT
HEAVY DUTY HARBOR & CHANNEL
SERVICE
FOAM FILLED FLOAT
COMPACT STORAGE FOR QUICK
EMERGENCY SERVICE
LINED INFLATABLE FLOAT
ECONOMY MODEL-FOR PROTECTED
HARBORS AND SIMILAR LIGHT
DUTY SERVICE
SEA CURTAIN
- 82 -
-------
SEA FENCE
The Sea Fence is an oil spill boom in the experimental-develop-
ment stage expected soon to be in commercial production by the
Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). The Sea Curtain is made up
of rigid vertical sheets of aluminum held together by steel cable,
with foamed plastic material for flotation, and neoprene joints
providing a flexible seal between the aluminum panels. The boom
is fireproof and reportedly capable of being stored onto reels.
A prototype model has been tested. However, no further informa-
tion is currently available concerning the Sea Fence.
"Study of Equipment and Methods for Removing Oil From Harbor
Waters", Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Labora-
tories, Richland, Washington 99352. Report No. CR 70.001,
prepared under Contract N 62399-69-C-0028 for the U. S. Depart-
ment of the Navy, August 25, 1969.
- 83 - -
-------
SEALDBOOM
Sealdboom, manufactured by Uniroyal, Inc., Providence,
Rhode Island, is a thin-wall barrier made of nylon-rubber.
Closed-call polyethylene foam support floats provided on each
side of the curtain, are fully-enclosed within the barrier.
Vertical stiffeners, which are elastomer-coated spring
steel strips, are located 21 inches on center. Available
in 30-foot sections, the barrier provided 12-inch freeboard
and a 24-inch draft below the waterline.
The curtain is fabricated from "Paracril" coated nylon and
is reported to be abrasion-resistant and vulcanized similar
to an automobile tire for added strength. The boom, which
weighs 3.8 pounds per foot, uses lead weights, spaced 21
inches apart, for ballast. Cost of the Uniroyal barrier is
reported as $12.00 per foot.
Information received from Uniroyal, Inc. (U.S. Rubber),
Providence, Rhode Island, October 1969.
_ 84 -
-------
SEALED BOOM
- 85 -
-------
SEA SKIRT
The system consists generally of lengths of inflatable tubing
provided with weighted skirts, the widths of which can be
changed as conditions require. The tube and integral skirt
sections can be stored on a reel in a deflated condition. When
needed, the units are inflated as they are being unreeled for
deployment into the water. Additional skirt sections can be
added during the unreeling and inflating step, or they can be
added later. Inflation to a pressure of 0.25 to 0.50 psi is
reportedly sufficient to provide buoyancy and still allow flex-
ibility to permit conformance with the water surface.
When deploying, three anchor points are utilized to form an
elongated diamond shape, with the long apex being in the down-
wind or leeward direction. A windward opening can be provided
to permit ingress and egress of boats. The windward apexes are
held relatively stable by anchor lines, but the leeward apex is
free-floating, so that it will not submerge and allow oil to
spill over. An oil collecting sump is attached to the leeward
apex to permit separation and pumping out of the oil. If the
wind direction changes appreciably, either the anchors can be
moved or the sump can be moved from one apex to another.
- 86 -
-------
Under circumstances where the 12-inch inflated section is not
sufficient, due either to rough seas or a thick accumulation
of oil, it is possible to increase the height of the above water
barrier by pyramiding the inflated tube units.
No costs are available on this oil boom. This boom is manufac-
tured by Core Laboratories, Box 10185, Dallas, Texas 75201.
TOP VIEW
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SIDE VIEW
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News Release obtained in December 1969 from Lenen & Newell, Inc,
Advertising, Wyatt and Williams Division, 19th Floor LTV Tower,
Dallas, Texas 75201.
- 87 -
-------
6-12 BOOM
The 6-12 Boom, available from the Pioneer Products
Division, Worthington Corporation, Livingston, New Jersey,
is the same boom that is offered by Metropolitan Petroleum
Petrochemicals Co. (See Page 57).
In addition, Worthington also has available the "Acorn"
barrier, which has a flotation chamber of approximately
16 inches, and a skirt of approximately 15 inches. This
barrier, which is claimed to be applicable for open sea
conditions, weighs 4.U pounds per foot.
Product bulletin received from Worthington Corporation, Pioneer
Products Division, P.O. Box 211, Livingston, New Jersey 07039,
1970
- 88 -
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o
• &•-
CLOSED CELL POLYSTYRENE BEADS
FLOTATION MATERIAL ENCLOSED
IN VINYL ENVELOPE
FOR ADDED PROTECTION
TOUGH LAMINATED
SYNTHETIC FABRIC COVERING
CURTAIN DESIGNED TO ARREST
AND CONTAIN SPILLED MATERIAL
6-12 BOOM
SOLID WEIGHTED KEELSON
TO INSURE VERTICAL
POSITION OF CURTAIN
- 89 -
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SLICKBAR MARK V
This boom was designed especially for use in high seas and
rough and choppy water. It is 36 inches wide with a con-
tinuous fin of polyester woven monofilament fabric. The
material is impregnated with international orange PVC and
treated with UV inhibitor.
Floatation is provided by floats of yellow hard-skinned
polyurethane foam attached to each side of the fin. There
are two pair of floats per 10 feet of the fin. The place-
ment of the floats afford a 12-inch above-surface and 24-
inch below surface fin.
A reinforcing cable of 3/8-inch stainless steel is attached
to the fin and placed below the floats. All loads imposed
on the boom are transferred to the cable. The combination
of specially designed fabric and stainless steel cable give
the boom a tensile strength in an assembled condition dur-
ing a static load test in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Ballast is provided by lead weights, hardened with antimony,
riveted to the bottom of the fin, 2.1 pounds per foot of the
boom.
End sets on the boom sections are made of extruded aluminum.
Connections are made without tools or any additional pieces.
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To disconnect just pull a pin and the boom is detached.
* The material is designed to be flexible in the horizontal
plane and rigidized" in the vertical plane. This feature
eliminates the need for vertical stiffeners.
The Slickbar Mark V sells for $12.00 per foot.
Brochure from Slickbar, Inc., Box 296, Saugatuck Station
Westport, Conn. 06880, received April 1972
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SWAGED
CABLE TERMINATOR
The cable ends are terminated in
stainless steel swaged fittings which
are then bolted to the end set/
connectors, (larger cables are
available.)
FASTENINGS
All fastenings
are stainless steel.
SKIRT MATERIAL
Polyester woven monofiliament
fabric, stretched and heat-set before
coating. The material is impregnated
with International Orange PVC and
treated with UV inhibitor for longer life.
Tensile Strength — 500 Ibs/in
(Grab Method 5100).
Temperature Range: -20°-200°+F.
Exceeds fed. Std. #191.
FLOTATION
Yellow Hard Skinned
polyurethane foam.
2 pair of floats per 10'.
END SET/CONNECTORS
Extruded aluminum, 6061-T6,
corrosion resistant, anodized to
exceed (MIL-A-8625 Type 2).
The end sets are combinations
of end sets and connectors and
are equipped with a towing plate
which clips into place when in use.
TOW ROPES
50'%" diamond bra id
polypropylene line.
LOAD SUPPORT CABLE
Stainless steel %" 7 x 19. Heavier
cables are also available. The cable
is firmly attached to the boom at
3 points along each float section and
at all anchor points.
BALLAST
2.1 Ibs/ft. Ballast weights
are lead, hardened with
antimony for longer life
and riveted to the bottom
of the fin. (Additional
ballast is available on
request.)
SLICKBAR - MARK V
-------
SLICKBAR-MARK VI
A redesign of the Slickbar Mark VI boom. Boom sections may be
ordered in lengths from over 200 feet to less than 50 feet.
The floatation consisting of individual floats made of yellow,
cylindrical shaped, solid polyethylene are 50 inches long and
tapered on both ends. Floats come in U-inch or 6-inch diam-
eters and are secured to the boom skirt by vinyl-coated poly-
ester straps. \
A woven polyester fabric coated with international orange
PVC is used for the skirt. The skirt is available in 6, 8,
10 and 12-inch depths. The 12-inch depth is used only with
the 6-inch diameter floats.
Individual lead weights, fastened to the bottom of the skirt,
furnish ballast. Weights come in several sizes to meet the
need for the current velocity where the boom will be used.
A load support cable made of 1/U-inch stainless steel is
placed below the floats and runs the entire length of the
boom. Both ends of the cable are provided with eyes.
Boom sections are connected by pairs of aluminum inter-
locking plates called the Mark II Slickhitch. The Mark II
Slickhitch is not compatible with the original "Slickhitch"
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used on the older Mark IV boom, but buyer can specify when
ordering the newer boom.
The boom varies in price according to the size of the floats,
depth of the skirt and size of ballast. Prices range from
$4.25 per foot to $10.90 per foot. Booms ordered over 200
feet in length come equipped with end connectors, while with
booms under 200 feet, end connectors are additional. Also,
booms under 100 feet are priced 10% or 20% higher.
Brochure received from Slickbar Inc., Box 295, Saugatuck
Station, Westport, Conn. 06880
-------
SLICKBAR - MARK VI
SLICKBAR SPECIFICATIONS
SWAGED CABLE TERMINATORS
The load support cable is attached to the Slick-
hitch Mark II Connector through a stainless steel
swaged cable terminator This type of construc-
tion allows the end sets and cable to carry almost
all of the load instead of the skirt
FASTENINGS
All fastenings are stainless steel
FLOAT STRAP
Special high tensile PVC coated polyester fabric.
V'wide
SLICKHITCH MARK II CONNECTOR
The Slickhitch Mark II Connector is extruded
aluminum, anodized to exceed Mll-A-8625 (Type
2) It is designed to join sections of boom together
instantly without any tools When you want to
disconnect sections, just remove the retaining pin
and the halves come apart
FLOATATION
4" (10 cm) or 6.5" (16.5 cm) high, bright yellow
polyethylene foam The foam is processe
impart a solid polyethylene skin over the ei....e
surface Ultra violet and oxidation inhibitors are
incorporated in the foam tor durability and ex-
tended life.
HARDENED FLOAT ENDS
Float ends are provided with a hard, tapered end
during processing for durability and streamlining
SKIRT MATERIAL
Woven polyester fabric coated with International
Orange PVC with UV inhibitors for longer life. The
fabric exceeds USA FTMS 191. required to meet
MIL-B-28617 (YD) Temperature range -20° F to
+ 200°F.
BALLAST
Ballast is lead, hardened with antimony for longer
life Each weight is securely riveted to the bottom
of the skirt The amount of ballast is varied to
meet individual conditions. See our price list for
information about selecting ballast.
TOW ROPES
50', braided. 1/2". high tensile floating synthetic
rope.
LOAD SUPPORT CABLE
Stainless steel. 7x 19x1/4"dia. The load support
cable supplies tension load capability in excess
of 5,000 IDS. 2272 kg. During use. loads imposed
on the boom are transferred to the cable through
numerous attachments along the floats and at
every anchor point Stronger cables are also
available
ANCHOR POINTS
Anchor Points are standard every 100' Additional
anchor points are available
MARK II SLICKHITCH CONNECTORS
Line up two opposite ends and remove the towing
plates by pulling out the retaining pin.
Interlock the two halves It is not necessary to
slide the ends together from top or bottom.
HI
Insert the retaining pin For added security, both
pins may be used even though only one is neces-
sary The Mark II Slickhitch allows 4" and 6.5"
booms to be interlocked without misalignment of
the load support cables or the float water line.
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SLIKGUARD OIL SLICK BARRIER
The individual sections are 50 feet in length with an over-
all width of 36 inches. The freeboard varies from 9 to 12
inches and the draft is 25 inches, plus or minus 3 inches.
The fabric is a yellow nylon based material with a coating
of PVC, treated with an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent.
Individual segments of foam, 18 inches in length are used for
floatation. Each segment is protectively sheathed. The seg-
ments are fastened 6 inches from the top edge and spaced
every 24 inches on both sides of the boom.
The ballast has two "draw cords" that are passed through the
sewn hem at the top and bottom. The draw cords can be used
for towing and securing the end of the boom to a pier or
bulkhead.
Sectional end connections are made by bolting the provided
end aluminum plates.
The boom is constructed of non-corrosive materials and sells
for $8.00 per foot.
Product brochure received January 1972 from Slikguard, Inc.,
Division of Alfred G. Peterson & Sons Inc., 491 W. Main St.,
Avon, Mass. 02322
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•vl
I
-------
SNV FLOATING BARRIER - UGINOX
An all metal, basically stainless steel, fireproof boom.
Available in 50-meter sections (165 feet) and is 31 inches
wide.
Separate pairs of steel floats (37 inches in circumference)
have to be rigged through metal grommet holes spaced along
the boom. Each pair of floats consists of a male float
fitted with a metal rod that passes through the grommet and
then through the female float on the opposite side. Securing
the floats is accomplished by inserting a large safety pin
through the end hole on the male rod.
Individual sections are connected by means of eight bolts
(cotter pin type). The boom ends are fitted with vertical
fins that provide tension at the connection for a tight seal
at the 12-inch overlap.
Oil burning tests have shown the boom suffers no distortion
after prolonged heat.
Stowage can be done on a large reel, similar to reels used
for wire rope, but floats have to be removed.
Each length of boom (165 feet) weighs 1,100 pounds and
sells for $5,000.00.
Product brochure received November 1971 from Societe Nantaise
de Voilerie, Route de Paris, Nantes, France
- 98 -
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•aa
SNV FLOATING BARRIER - UNINOX
-------
SOS BOOMS (SWEDEN)
"SOS Booms", manufactured in Sweden and distributed in
the United States, are available in two types: the inflatable
emergency boom and the permanent boom of glass-fiber rein-
forced polyester.
The inflatable emergency boom, suggested for temporary or
intermediate use, consists of a circular float section 6-inches
in diameter made of PVC plastic, a 14-inch skirt extending
downward from the float, and chain ballast provided in the
bottom hem of the skirt. This bottom chain is also used in
towing the boom. The SOS emergency boom is manufactured in
standard lengths of approximately 80 feet. Adjacent sections
are joined by vertically-slit rigid PVC tubes and hooks for
linking the respective ballast chains.
It is reported that the inflatable emergency boom retains air
for long periods of time and that these booms have been in the
water for more than two months without need for refilling.
The boom may be inflated by means of a motor-driven air com-
pressor, compressed air bottles, etc. Equipment is also
available for simultaneously inflating more than one section
of the boom at a time. A standard 80-foot length of inflatable
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emergency boom weighs approximately 29 pounds (unit weight
of 0.4 pounds per foot) and had a purchase price in 1967 of
$350, East Coast U.S. (i.e., $4.40 per foot).
The SOS permanent boom consists of a 7-inch diameter fiber-
glass tube filled with urethane foam. Attached to the flota-
tion tube is a nylon-reinforced PVC-coated skirt 18-inches
in depth. The SOS permanent boom, available in 10-foot
sections, comes equipped with chain ballast fitted into the
bottom edge of the skirt. A price of $16.50 per foot,
delivered East Coast, U. S., has been reported.
(1) "Study of Equipment and Methods for Removing Oil From
Harbor Waters", Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific
Northwest Laboratories, Richland, Washington 99352.
Report No. CR 70.001 prepared under Contract N 62399-69-C-
0028 for the U. S. Department of the Navy, August 25, 1969.
(2) Product bulletins supplied by Surface Separator Systems, Inc.,
Baltimore, Maryland 21233, 1968 (products manufactured by
Skandinavisk Oljeservice AB, Goteborg, Sweden)
(3) Copy of letters of correspondence from Surface Separator
Systems, Inc., to Maryland Port Authority, April 1967.
- 101 -
-------
^
I
*
SOS BOOMS
- 102 -
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T-T OIL BOOM (NORWAY)
The "T-T" boom is a reasonably-deep plastic rubberized
curtain maintained in the vertical position by bottom ballast
and floated by means of many individual plastic floats spaced
at close intervals attached to both sides of the curtain. The
canvas curtain, made of PVC plastic pressed from both sides
into nylon cloth, floats in the water with approximately
one-foot freeboard and two-feet submersible depth.
Two types of T-T booms are available and different only in
the spacing of the plastic floats. The Type 1-98 has floats
spaced 3-feet, 4-inches, whereas the Type 2-160 has floats
spaced every 2 feet on the curtain. The T-T boom is manu-
factured in standard lengths of 16^-feet (50 meters), is
3-feet deep, and weighs approximately 220 pounds per standard
length.
The foam plastic floats are firmly attached by hooks and straps
on each side of the curtain. Aluminum rods are sewn into the
canvas across the width of the boom (i.e., standing struts) to
enable vertical stability of the boom. Lead weights are per-
manently fixed at appropriate intervals on the lower edge of the
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boom, and increased ballast may be provided by chain
threaded through eyelets on the bottom of the curtain ex-
tending the full length of the boom. The T-T boom is
reportedly highly-flexible in the longitudinal direction,
and by means of terylene rope lines running through brass
rings fixed on both top and bottom edges of the curtain,
the boom can be easily contracted in accordian-like~fashion
to reduce the encircled area of an oil spill. Tensile strength
of the nylon-plastic cloth is reported around 300 pounds per
inch. Sections are interconnected by a two-foot overlap of
the canvas and appropriate hooks and tie-lines. After use,
a standard section may be folded and stored into a 3 foot
by 4 foot area.
When the T-T boom is used in towing and for sweeping a sea
surface, the ends of the boom may be equipped with "paravanes"
for greater stability and ease in handling the boom. The
paravanes, made of aluminum, are designed with stable-keel
and steering ropes. A pair of paravanes weighs approximately
220 pounds.
- 10U -
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Purchase costs for a standard section (164-feet) of T-T
boom were reported in May 1969 as $1,110 for the Type 1-98
(i.e., $6.77 per foot), delivered to the East Coast, U.S.;
and $1,325 for the Type 2-160 (i.e., $8.08 per foot). A.
pair of aluminum paravanes were quoted at $720 and Magnet
clamps (pair) for attachment of booms to vessels, etc.
(weighing 55 pounds) were quoted at $376.
(1) Product bulletin received from Hurum Shipping and Trading
Company, Ltd., Montreal, Canada, March 1969 and May 1969.
(2) Personal communication with Hurum Shipping and Trading
Company, Ltd., Montreal, Canada, September 1969.
- 105 -
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TERYLENE LINE
ALUMINUM BAR
STIFFENER
FOAM-PLASTIC FLOAT
PLASTIC SKIRT
LEAD BALLAST
T.T BOOM
T-T BOOM
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U.S. COAST GUARD BOOM
This boom, built by Johns-Manvilie for the USCG under a $1 million
contract, is designed to be a fast deployable, high seas device.
Its design specifications call for operation in 5-foot seas with
20-knot winds. It is intended that this boom will be used in
the event of an oil spill as an interim containment unit; i.e.:
it will be first on site and will operate until more substantial
units arrive. The 27-inch skirt, 21-inch freeboard fence-type
boom has several unique design features which make it quite sea-
worthy.
1. Floatation is provided by 12-inch diameter, 6-inch long
air-filled tubes which run perpendicular to the skirt.
These floats, which are placed every 4 feet along the
boom, extend 3 feet out on either side of the skirt. Due
to this and the skirt stiffeners, the boom will not lay
flat or submerge when working in high currents or towed
at speeds or currents in excess of about 10 knots in order
to prevent structural damage.
2. The fabric is specially woven to provide more strength
at stress points. It is understood that this is the first
time that the material was designed for the boom and not
vice versa.
3. The tensile member is a wire rope that runs the length of
the boom; however, it is not secured directly to the unit.
Wire cords, in groups of three, hold the boom about 2 feet
downstream from the wire rope. All towing and mooring of
the boom is done directly with the wire rope. This per-
mits the boom to remain flexible during operations and
thus it follows the water surface very well.
4. The floatation tubes, which are interconnected by air
hoses, are inflated by compressed gas. As the boom is
being withdrawn from its container box, a rip cord on each
float opens a valve and the tube is inflated automatically.
This makes deployment relatively easy.
Information taken from Oil Pollution Research Newsletter,
Edison Water Quality Laboratory, September 1971, Volume V.
- 107 -
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WARNE BOOMS (GREAT BRITAIN)
Warne Booms are manufactured by William Warne and Co., Ltd.,
England, and distributed in the United States by Surface
Separator Systems, Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland.
The Warne Booms are heavy-duty booms made of fabric-reinforced
synthetic rubber and consisting of an inflatable or plastic
filled flotation tube, fabric skirt, and pocket at the bottom
edge of the skirt for enclosing chain ballast. Four types
of Warne Booms are currently available:
1. Rising and Sinking Boom (Type Z)
2. Inflatable Oil Spillage Boom (Type Y)
3. Polythene Tube-Filled Boom (Type T)
4. Foam-Filled Boom (Type F)
The Rising and Sinking Boom (Type Z) is primarily intended for
permanent installation at off-load and on-load terminal
facilities and cutout berths where there is heavy vessel
traffic. This boom has an 8-inch diameter inflatable chamber,
20-inch skirt and 3-inch tube at the bottom of the curtain
for containing chain ballast. Standard sections are 25-feet
and 50-feet long, and adjacent sections are connected by
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pin-hinge joints. A permanent air supply is required for
this installation. An air line runs the full length of the
boom and release valves are incorporated into each boom
section to avoid over-pressurizing. Although the main line
air pressure is maintained around 40 psi, the pressure within
the flotation chamber approximates only 1.5 psi. Prices recently
quoted for the Type Z boom are $UUO for the 25-foot length
and $750 for the 50-foot length (i.e., $15.00 to $17.40 per
foot).
The Inflatable Oil Spillage Boom (Type Y) is similar to the
Rising and Sinking Boom. Whereas this boom is available with
either an 8 or 16-inch diameter flotation chamber — the skirt,
the 3-inch weighing tube, and other appurtenances and connections
are identical to those employed for the Type Z boom above.
The inflatable barriers may be rolled-up when not in use, or
the hinged joints permit the boom to be folded concertina-wise
in an enclosed area of the harbor away from vessel traffic.
Spring-loaded non-return air valves connecting adjoining
sections of the boom ensure that the entire length of barrier
will not lose buoyancy if one section fails; yet the same air
system permits the complete boom to be inflated from a common
point.
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The inflatable Warne Booms have been used for controlling
the spread of petroleum fires, and in some cases, water hoses
have been added across the top of the boom making it possible
to spray a water curtain over the entire length of the barrier.
Recent price quotations for the Type Y Warne Boom are given
as follows: 8-inch float, 25-ft. section - $445; 8-inch float,
50-ft. section - $755; 16-inch float, 25-ft. section - $585;
16-inch float, 50-ft. section - $940. The above price range
is $15.10 to $23.40 per foot.
The Polythene Tube-Filled Boom (Type T) is different from the
inflatable booms in that the flotation chamber is tightly filled
with 2-inch diameter polythene tubes which are sealed or
crimped at 2-ft. intervals and at the ends of the boom section.
The Type T boom is intended for use in strong tidal conditions
and rough waters. The Type T boom is similar in outer con-
figuration, but reportedly more flexible and durable than the
inflatable barriers. The polythene tube-filled boom, con-
structed of synthetic rubber and reinforced with plastic fabric,
has a 20-inch weighted skirt and is available with either
8 or 16-inch flotation chambers, and in standard lengths of
25 and 50 feet. Because of the nature of the Type T boom,
it is less vulnerable to failure than inflatable booms used
- 110 -
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under the same conditions. This boom is relatively ex-
pensive and latest prices for East Coast, U.S. delivery
are as follows: 8-inch float, 25-ft. section - $595;
8-inch float, 50-ft. section - $975; 16-inch float, 25-ft.
section - $900; 16-inch float, 50-ft. section - $1,525.
The above price range is $19.50 to $36.00 per foot.
Except for the differences in the type of flotation chamber,
the neoprene-coated, plastic foam-filled boom (Type F), is
essentially the same, including its application potential,
as the Type T Boom. Prices for this boom are in the same
general area as the Type T barrier.
The Warne booms are relatively heavy and their unit weights
are in the range of 6.0 to 8.5 pounds per foot. The majority
of weight is centered in the 5/8-inch chain ballast inserted
in the bottom of the curtain of most booms. This chain has
a unit weight of 4.3 pounds per foot.
The company also specifies that any type of boom must
receive proper and continuous maintenance to operate
satisfactorily over long periods, and for its permanent
installation, the company recommends weekly inspection and
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servicing if necessary. If an oil boom is held within
the water for considerable time, maintenance and routine
cleaning of the boom become very important. Without
cleaning, it has been shown that accumulated marine growths
can greatly limit the effectiveness of a boom, besides
causing serious damage to the boom itself.
(1) Personal communication with Surface Separator Systems, Inc.,
Baltimore, Maryland 21233, October 1969.
(2) Product bulletins of Warne and Co., Ltd., England, received
from Surface Separator Systems, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland
21233, 1968.
(3) Product bulletins received from Surface Separator Systems, Inc.,
Baltimore, Maryland 21233, 1968.
(4) "Floating Oil Spill Booms - Their Use for Counteracting
Spillages", Dock & Harbor Authority, Vol. 42, No. 498,
April, 1962.
(5) "Removal of Oil from Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engineering
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California 93041, February 1968.
(6) "Containing and Removing of Oil Spillage from Water Surfaces",
Cornelessin, J., MPD Division, Paper C-9, Pollution Abatement
Conference, The Hague, 1963.
(7) "Oil Spillage Booms", Petroleum Times, 69, No. 1775, August
20, 1965.
(8) Inter-Office Memo by U. S. Corps of Engineers, Hydraulic
Design Branch, August 3, 1967.
(9) "Study of Equipment and Methods for Removing Oil from Harbor
Waters", Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest
Laboratories, Report No. CR 70.001 Prepared under Contract
N 62399-69-C-0028 for the U. S. Department of the Navy,
Richland, Washington 99352, August 25, 1969.
- 112 -
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16" DIAMETER TUBE
16" DIAMETER TUBE
WATERTIGHT
T LONG FOAM SECTIONS
SEALED WITH NEOPRENE
SYNTHETIC RUBBER
RUBBER TUBE & SKIRT
REINFORCED WITH
SYNTHETIC FABRIC
TYPE
POLYTHENE TUBES
SEALED AT 2' INTERVALS
CHAIN POCKET
RUBBER TUBE & SKIRT
REINFORCED WITH
SYNTHETIC FABRIC
CHAIN POCKET
TYPE T
AIR, FOAM, OR
TUBE FILLED
WARNE BOOMS
NEOPRENE TUBES
AND SKIRT
REINFORCED WITH
SYNTHETIC FABRICS
20" SKIRT
TUBE FOR BALLAST CHAIN
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WATER POLLUTION CONTROLS BOOM
Water Pollution Controls, Inc. has developed a 48-inch diameter
inflatable device which is stored as a thin plastic "ribbon",
attached on a reel, and designed for compact stowage on ships,
helicopters and drilling rigs. The boom can be retrieved after
use and eliminates the need for skirt attachment.
Deployment around the spill periphery is made from a helicopter
or small craft using a reel to unload an evacuated ribbon from an
anchored and marked point of beginning. The purpose of stringing
the material flat is to make possible the accommodation of sever-
al thousand feet of containment equipment on a spool of reasonable
diameter and weight. After making turns for a closure back to the
original point (around buoyant floats), inflation of the evacuated
tube begins at a single point into a valve.
Inflation of the ribbon is accomplished by use of a small pump
discharging through a venturi, taking sea water into its suction,
and air into the venturi inlet. Gauges provide the unit volume
ratio (air to water) desired to meet the sea condition and deter-
mine what portion of the tube will serve as the underflow skirt
or surface trap.
-------
This design eliminates the need for a skirt attachment. Infla-
tion of 4,000 linear feet of 48-inch diameter tubing reportedly
can be accomplished in approximately 30 minutes, with a pump
delivering a one-to-one air to water ratio through the venturi.
The tubing can be modular, and therefore, is capable of being
expanded or contracted as need requires. After the oil has been
removed and the need for containment is over, the ribbon can be
retrieved.
The patent is pending on this containment device.
Product bulletin received in December 1969 from Water Pollution
Controls, Inc., 2035 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024.
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MULTIPURPOSE BOOMS
-------
ABSOEVENT BOOM - MODEL 12D
This boom is a bag, 4 feet long and 12 inches in diameter.
It is filled with ABSORBENT-1012, an inert mineral material
of volcanic rock origin, granular in appearance. Because
of its low density and imperviousness to water, the boom
floats on water. Nylon ties make it possible to tie a
series of bags to each other, forming a barrier to floating
oil. At the same time that it acts as a barrier, it also
absorbs oil.
Each section weighs approximately 25 pounds. It sells for
$12.00 per section. (Minimum order: 16 units)
Information from Colloid Chemical Company, Division of
Pollution Control and Research, Inc.
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GREFCO SORBENT BOOM
The sorbent materials used under the trade name of FIBERPERL
and DICA-SORB are enclosed in 9-ounce woven jute fibre cloth
treated to resist moisture penetration. A double-stitched
seam runs down the full length of each side of the boom with
an 1,800-pound test line running through brass grommets along
one side of the boom for dragging or towing operations.
The boom comes in 10-feet sections. Two or more booms may
be fastened together. One brass grommeted end is inserted
into the sheathlike grommeted skirt of the next boom section
The two ends are tied together with 3/16-inch line. This
line may also serve as attachment for drag lines, if needed.
It is packaged in weatherproof containers for storage in
plants out-of-doors, aboard ship or in remote areas..
Information received from Grefco, Inc., Control Products
Unit, Jamesburg, N. J. 08831, March 1972
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SORBENT SCIENCE FILTERING BOOM
The sorbent material is a specially manufactured polyurethane
foam sorbent, which the manufacturer claims absorbs and retains
40 to 60 times its own weight. The sorbent absorbs oil and
other organic liquids and will not attract water except for
minute amounts resulting from surface tension. The buoyant,
non-toxic slip-resistant foam is re-usable.
Type FB filtering booms consist of 1% square inch strips, 8
and 4 feet in length, 10 inches in diameter, contained in nylon
netting (55 PSI). "Booms" are easily joined together by a 750-
pound polyester center cord with connecting shackles at each
end. Primarily used for removal of oil and other organic liquids,
Suggested list price: FB-8 $30.00, FB-4 $20.00.
Product brochure furnidhed by Sorbent Sciences Corporation,
1269 East Edna Place, Covina, California 91724 (213-339-1259)
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K)
o
SORBENT SCIENCE FILTERING BOOM
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ICI OIL ABSORBING BOOM (GREAT BRITAIN)
The ICI boom, fabricated by ICI Fibres, Ltd., Yorkshire,
England, has been designed to serve both an oil spill
barrier and absorbent boom for collecting floating oils.
The main feature of the ICI boom is the heavy oil-absorbing
skirt or curtain, which consists of a 2-foot wide quilt of
polypropylene fibre wrapped within "ulstron" polypropylene
netting, and mounted on a "spunstron" polypropylene support
rope. The boom (and skirt) is fitted with alternative floats
depending upon site conditions; otherwise the polypropylene
quilted skirt may be used without floats for absorbing oils
in quiet waters. It is reported the skirt can absorb oils
upwards of six times its own weight.
The skirt is made up in individual sections 25-feet long.
The fibrous polypropylene is loosely packed in the netting
amounting to about 7 pounds absorbent material per running
foot of the boom. The netting is oversewn with synthetic twine
at 18-inch intervals to form pockets of fiber and give the
appearance of a large quilted blanket. By itself, the poly-
propylene quilt will float on water, but it is normal practice
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to provide chain ballast on the skirt of one pound per foot
or greater. The polypropylene skirt, 2-feet deep by
approximately 3-inches thick, is supported on the polypro-
pylene "spunstron" headrope, which is one-inch in diameter
and has a minimum breaking strength of 7.5 tons.
Various floats suggested for the ICI polypropylene skirt
include:
1. Polyethylene or propathane semi-rigid tubing
having one-quarter inch wall. This tubing is
heat-sealed on the ends and adjacent lengths
are attached by flexible couplings. The float
is attached to the headrope on the polypropylene
skirt by straps wound around the circumference
of the float. This type of float is reported
relatively durable and can withstand a high
degree of abrasion.
2. Twelve-inch diameter spiral-reinforced flexible
ducting produced from PVC-coated nylon fabric.
The ducting is filled with polystyrene and
attached to the skirt headrope by grommetted
flaps on the ducting.
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3. Polyurethane coated nylon fabric containing
an inflatable inner tube made of PVC with
independent inflation nozzles. This type of
float is provided with flanges for attachment
to the skirt headrope and/or secured by straps
around the float and headrope.
The above floats are provided in standard lengths varying
from 20 to 150-feet. Sections of polypropylene skirt are
linked by eye splices and shackles on the headrope, together
with twine interlacing between the skirts. Total weight of
the ICI oil absorbing boom is in the range of 7.5 - 9.0
pounds per foot. Price quotations were given in 1967 as
$4.70 per foot for the polypropylene skirt alone, and
$6.75 - $7.45 per foot for the complete boom assembly in-
cluding one of the three alternative floats described above.
(1) "Cleaning up the Oil", Paper published in Petroleum
Magazine; however volume, numbers and date of this
article are not known.
(2) "New Boom Absorbs Oil", Chemistry and Industry, p. 632,
April 22, 1967.
(3) General information release, ICI Fibres Ltd., Harrogate,
Yorkshire, England.
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ROSOOFF HEAVY AND LIGHT-WEIGHT BOOMS (FRANCE)
Of the large mass of oil which escaped from the Torrey Canyon
in March 1967, part of it in weathered form or in the highly-
emulsified chocolate mousse form, finally reached the coast
of North Brittany, France, between Roscoff and the lie de Batz
around mid to late April 1967. The Marine Biological Laboratory
at Roscoff provided considerable assistance in shoreline de-
fense, particularly in design and construction of oil spill
barriers. Two types of booms developed for use during this
period are described below.
The first of these was a heavy bo^om comprised of blocks of
expanded polyurethane (6.5 ft. by 1 ft. by 1 ft.) surrounded
by great amounts of straw and overwrapped by a parcel of
rubber sheeting 39 feet long. The exterior of the boom was
covered by 0.3-inch mesh seine netting and a 24-inch ballasted
skirt was suspended from the boom. The barrier was strengthened
by 1/4-inch nylon rope encircling the boom at 20-inch intervals
and by a 1/2-inch nylon rope running the length of the boom.
The ends of adjacent sections of boom were overlapped 3-6
feet and firmly bound together by 1/2-inch ropes. The heavy
boom has reasonably good flotation and provides 8-12 inches
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freeboard above water. However, the weight and bulkiness
of this boom created problems in handling and deployment.
It was reported that sections of heavy boom, 330 feet long
and 2.3 feet in diameter, have an approximate weight of
7,000 pounds and require at least 100 men to lift these
sections onto the shore. It was also found the net wrap-
ping was not strong enough to withstand abrasion from the
shore bottom. Further problems were encountered in attempts
to moor the boom against the strong tidal current mainly
because anchor blocks were too light and there was an insuf-
ficient supply on hand. Subsequent change was made in the
above boom whereby the sections were reduced to 93 feet in
length, weighing 2,400 pounds, and the boom was covered by
double-woven jute sacking to increase its strength against
tearing.
The light boom was a smaller version of the boom described
above with the purpose of being deployed in more confined
areas and for combating superficial films of oil or small
patches remaining after the large oil masses had passed. The
expanded polyurethane blocks were of smaller size around 20-inches
by 6-inches by 4-inches, lesser quantities of straw were used,
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and the boom sections were reduced to 93 feet in length
with an approximate diameter of 8 inches. The small
barrier was strengthened by 1/4-inch sisal rope encircling
the boom at 12 - 16 inch intervals and longitudinal pull
was taken by 1/2-inch nylon rope. The boom was covered
with jute sacking and a short skirt was attached and also
made of jute. The buoyancy of the small boom was relatively
good, but this boom provided only 2 inches freeboard, thereby
limiting its use to calm waters. Despite reduction in size,
it was found for proper mooring, this boom required 90 - 220
pound anchors every 15-16 feet.
Other observations were made concerning both types of booms.
Straw was used in construction of the booms because of low
cost, availability and adsorptive properties. The chocolate
mousse emulsion was reportedly broken down by the hydrophobic
properties of the straw causing the oils to agglutinate. The
boom skirts made of netting and subsequently weighed, were
found effective in strong currents only if liberal amounts of
straw were spread on the waters directly in front of the boom
before arrival of the oil slick. Although the heavy boom appeared
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capable of giving good protection against moderate oil
slicks, a better system of mooring is advised. This boom,
in offering considerable resistance against strong waves
and currents, requires great weight in anchoring. It was
also reported that in bad weather both booms "suffered",
presumably due to the battering action of strong waves
and currents.
"How Roscoff Won the Torrey Canyon Battle", Cabioch, L. and
Lacassagne, M., The Dock Harbour Authority, Vol. I, No. 583,
May 1969.
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SEA SERPENT
"Sea Serpent" is an absorbent product currently in the
final testing phases by the Johns-Manville Company. The
product may be described as sausages or bundles of oil-
absorbent material contained in a polypropylene mesh
netting. The sausages may be tied together into the form
of an oil boom or applied in discrete bundles onto an
oily-water surface and later retrieved.
The absorbent material is a preprocessed rayon fiber in
a polypropylene rayon fiber. The manufacturer reports the
fiber will absorb approximately 6-16 times its own weight
in crude oil. If so desired, the oil-saturated bundles may
be incinerated, and manufacturing objectives indicate com-
plete combustion is possible. The absorbent sausage, when
commercially made available, will likely have an approxi-
mate size of 8-feet long by 16-inches in diameter and weigh
about 30 pounds per section. A nylon or plastic-type rope
is strung through the sausages to couple the units together
for towing purposes or for stringing an oil boom.
Information received from Johns-Manville Company, Manville,
New Jersey 08835, 1969.
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-•-•taatw.
SEA SERPENT
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SKIMMER BOOM
The Skimmer Boom is a concept described in a patent
application whereby a skimming trough is embodied as an
integral function within a floating boom for the purpose
of containing and collecting floating oil. It is envisioned
the collected oils or oily-water mixtures are subsequently
conveyed to recovery facilities for eventual disposal and/or
reuse.
The Skimmer Boom provides three functions: a skimming tube
or section for oil capture; a flotation section to properly
float the boom on the water; and a weight section to provide
integrity and stability of the boom.
The skimming section of the boom allows for entry of floating
oils through a series of slots, over a weir, or other means,
into the trough or skimming tube. The floating section is
specified as being filled with air, cellular material or other
appropriate means. The patent description indicates that
the size and shape of the skimmer slots, and the flotation
and weighting materials may be varied into a wide range of
configurations without altering the basic concept.
Report of Invention on Skimming Boom for Floating Oil, Hall, E.P.,
Radamacher, J.M., and Biglane, K.E., U. S. Department of the
Interior, FWPCA, December 15, 1967.
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COLLECTION TROUGH
WATER FLOW DIRECTION
FLOTATION
BOOM SECTIONS
CONNECTED TO FORM BOOM
DISPOSAL POND
FLOATING OIL
SKIMMER BOOM
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IMPROVISED BOOMS
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SUMMARY TABLE
IMPROVISED BOOMS
Type of Boom
Location Where it was Used
1. Cork-Filled Boom
Norfolk, Virginia
2. Cork-Float Boom
Port Hueneme, California
3. Fire Hose Boom
Quiescent. Waters
Puerto Rican Boom
Ocean Eagle Oil Spill
5. Rubber Bladder Boom
Helford River, Great Britain
6. Rubber Tire Boom
Torrey Canyon Oil Spill
7. Steel Pipe Boom
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8. U.S. Navy Boom
Long Beach, California;
Chevron Spill, 1970
9. Wooden Float Boom
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
10. Wooden Timber Boom
Quiescent. Waters
11. Wooden V-Boom
Peros Gyiroc, France
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CORK FILLED BOOM
The U. S. Navy facilities at Norfolk, Virginia have
employed a homemade boom of granular cork enclosed
within 6-inch diameter neoprene fabric tubing. The
flotation cylinder is attached to a 2-inch submersible
skirt with sufficient ballast affixed to the skirt.
Standard sections are 10-feet long and the boom is reported
easy to handle and clean. Although the Norfolk cork-
filled boom is relatively stiff, it functions suitably in
certain harbor waters. No further information is available
concerning this boom.
"Removal of Oil From Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engineering
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California, February 1968.
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POLYVINYL COVERED 6-INCH DIAMETER CORK FLOAT BOOM
ON 8-FOOT DIAMETER REEL
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CORK FLOAT BOOMS
A U.S. Navy report indicates that cork float booms are
used for combating oil spills in harbors and other pro-
tected areas. One type of cork float boom is made up of
a series of cork discs 6-inches in diameter by 2-inches
thick, and 3-inches in diameter by 1-inch thick, strung
alternately onto a 3/8-inch diameter cable. The cable
may be made of polyvinyl-coated steel or bronze. The
cork floats are then suitably enclosed inside a polyvinyl
or canvas cover. On occasion the cover is perforated to
permit water to enter and cause the boom to float lower
in the water. This type of boom is available in 50-foot
sections and normally is unskirted.
The cork float boom is adaptable for being rolled onto
large reels for storage and transportation. For use in
somewhat rougher waters, a one-piece polyvinyl (presumably
slip-on) cover and skirt is also available. The flexibility
of the cork float boom reportedly permits the boom to follow
the water profile very closely. Nevertheless, the absence
of a skirt would cause loss of oil under the boom even in
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relatively quiescent waters and a submersible curtain is
advised.
These booms are reported quite durable, easily cleaned
and handled especially when powered reels are employed.
Estimated costs for the above cork float boom is around
$6 per foot.
"Removal of Oil From Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engineering
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California, February, 1968.
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SIX-INCH DIAMETER CORK BOOM
SHOWING ARRANGEMENT OF FLOATS TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY
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FIRE HOSE BOOM
Readily-available fire hose inflated for use as an oil
boom has been deployed in many port and harbor areas
for containing oil spills. The normal couplings are
removed from the hose and replaced with plastic or
aluminum inserts for connecting the various lengths of
hose. Metal caps and air valve fittings are provided
on the ends of the hose, and the sections are then in-
flated with air.
This type of boom is reported easy to tow and clean.
Afterwards, the sections are deflated and rolled up for
compact storage. Because of its relative stiffness and
small diameter, floating oils will sweep over and under
this boom when the water surface is other than calm.
The fire hose has limited use.
"Removal of Oil From Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engiiu t r
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California 930U1, February 196S.
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PUERTO RICAN BOOM
A large floating boom was fabricated by the Puerto Rico
Department of Public Works following the sinking of the
"Ocean Eagle" in the entrance to San Juan Harbor on
March 3, 1968. Two 55-gallon drums were firmly secured
onto each side of U-foot by 8-foot sections of 5/8-inch
marine plywood. A canvas curtain was then attached to the
bottom edge of the plywood extending 40-inches below the
boom and a 1 1/2-inch steel rod was inserted in the curtain
serving as ballast. Heavy canvas was also provided between
successive sections of plywood to seal the sections and
a heavy steel cable was strung continuously and fastened
across the uppermost part of the plywood sections for
longitudinal strength in the boom. In many respects, this
boom is quite similar to the U. S. Navy - Long Beach
(California) boom described elsewhere in this report.
A total of 588-feet of continuous boom was fabricated and
subsequently placed in the harbor waters on March 20, 1968.
However, by this time it was reported the oil pollution
problem had materially subsided.
(1) Preliminary Report of March 13-21, 1968 concerning the
Ocean Eagle Tanker, San Juan, Puerto Rico, unpublished,
FWPCA, Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia, 1968.
(2) Trip Report of April 2, 1968 concerning the Ocean Eagle
Tanker, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Inter-Office Memo, FWPCA,
Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia, 1968.
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RUBBER BLADDER BOOM (GREAT BRITAIN)
Following the Torrey Canyon, a rubberized-bladder oil
boom was tested at the mouth of the Helford River in
Great Britain. This boom consisted of a number of
rubber bladders approximately 18-inches in diameter by
15-feet long fastened together by ropes and anchored at
the ends of the sections. The bladders were filled with
air for flotation. Whereas no actual data were available,
it appeared that the boom would be adaptable only for
quiescent waters. Indication was given that short period
waves of 2 feet or more and excessive water current could
cause the boom to break or otherwise cause floating oils
to be carried under the boom.
Inter-Office Memo by U. S. Corps of Engineers, Hydraulic
Design Branch, August 3, 1967.
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RUBBER TIRE BOOM (FRANCE)
During the Torrey Canyon, the Roscoff Laboratories in
North Brittany, France also conceived a boom system con-
sisting of abundant amounts of foam plastic wrapped with
straw and burlap encased in used automobile tires on both
sides and around the bottom of the boom. The tires served
to protect the burlap covering and to reduce waves splashing
over the top of the boom. It was also visualized that fish
netting would be suspended from the bottom tires to give
proper depth to the boom. The rubber tire boom was to be
anchored with 80 pound weights spaced at 20-meters along
the barrier and with anchors weighing one ton each spaced
every 100-meters. There is no information to indicate
whether this boom was fabricated and eventually used.
Inter-Office Memo by U. S. Corps of Engineers, Hydraulic
Design Branch, August 3, 1967.
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STEEL PIPE BOOM
A make-shift steel pipe boom has been used across the
mouth of a river in the Philadelphia area serving as both
an .oil and debris barrier. The boom is made up of a con-
tinuous length of 8-inch pipe about 80-feet long welded
shut on both ends. One end has a horizontal ring which
encircles a pile and the boom rides up and down the pile
as the tide varies. The other end has a cable loop which
allows the gate to be opened and vessels to pass through.
The steel pipe boom used mainly as a debris barrier is
reported relatively inexpensive, durable, and maintenance-
free. As an oil boom, this device would appear effective
only for quiet water conditions.
"Removal of Oil From Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engineering
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California 930U1, February 1968.
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U. S. NAVY - LONG BEACH (CALIFORNIA) BOOM
The U. S. Navy at their Naval Shipyard in Long Beach,
California, has fabricated and tested a sturdy oil boom
made up of heavy plywood sections (serving as the vertical
curtain) supported and floated by a series of 55-gallon
drums strapped to both sides of the plywood sections along
the full length of the boom.
The individual boom units consist of 4-foot by 8-foot ply-
wood sheets (4 ft. vertically and 8 ft. horizontally) onto
which four 55-gallon drums are strapped - two drums on each
side. The individual units are joined together with two
sheets of nylon cloth impregnated with vinyl ("Fasilon").
This nylon cloth is also used for the bottom skirt. Half-inch
wire ropes are firmly attached to the outer periphery of each
drum and the painters run the full length of the boom on both
sides of the barrier. These wire guides provide suitable
tensile strength in towing and mooring the boom, particuarly
in relieving stress and tear in the nylon-vinyl end connections.
The 24-inch bottom skirt is weighted or ballasted with approxi-
mately 50 pounds of sand or scrap material per 8-foot section.
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A five-unit boom section received extensive testing by
the U. S. Navy including towing trials to determine
strength and stability of the boom. According to the
U. S. Navy, the boom remained in a vertical position de-
spite reasonably high-towing speeds and the freeboard
was never less than two-feet. When a sharp turn was exe-
cuted with the boom, it did tip but returned to the normal
position when the turn was completed. The tests demon-
strated that the boom section followed the wave contours
quite'well with good performance under simulated storm
conditions. Waves were generated by a tow boat running
close to the boom at high speeds.
In another series of tests, the U. S. Navy towed a 320-foot
section of boom beyond the outer breakwater and moored the
section to mine buoys in place. The boom section was judged
by the U. S. Navy as giving good performance and did not fail
during a seven-day period moored at sea over which time at
least two storms passed through the area.
Chevron Oil Company constructed this boom during the Louisiana
platform fire and oil spill in February 1970. It was observed
by FWQA representatives on scene that this boom performed
relatively well.
Letter, technical data and photographs provided by U. S.
Department of the Navy, Naval Facilities Command, April 1969.
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3/4" PLYWOOD
1/2" WIRE ROPE
NAVY" BOOM
BALLAST FILLED PLASTIC SKIRT
-
T
!
NAVY BOOM
*•. rs. __«•
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WOODEN FLOAT BOOM
A wooden float boom has been previously used in Pearl
Harbor. It consists of short compact hollow wooden
floats 6-inches square by 36-inches long, interconnected
by heavy waterproof canvas held onto the ends of the
floats by 1/8-inch copper wire. The wooden floats are
made from 1 1/U-inch redwood (often scrap lumber),
grooved and nailed together, with a cap plug at each
end of the float to give additional buoyancy. Several
of these booms are used alternately so that the wood
may dry adequately between uses, thereby minimizing damage
by marine growths. The wooden float boom is reported
relatively inexpensive, light-weight and easily deployed.
"Removal of Oil From Harbor Waters", Scott, A. L. and
Gifford, S. E., Technical Note N-964, Naval Civil Engineering
Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California 93041, February 1968.
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•F
--J
PEARL HARBOR WOOD FLOAT BOOM
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WOODEN TIMBER BOOMS
Wooden timber booms may be assembled by joining together
used wooden timbers or telephone poles end-to-end, and
wrapping the ends with heavy canvas, burlap or other
suitable material to preclude oil leakage between the
joints. To provide increased strength and integrity over
a long wooden boom, a steel cable is strung continuously
over the length of the boom and fastened to each wooden
section at two or more points.
Advantages of the wooden timber booms are their relative
simplicity and comparatively low cost. Because of its
rigidity, the timber boom will not closely follow the con-
tour of a water surface, which is subject to wind and
wave action. Therefore, the timber boom is considered only
appropriate in relatively quiet waters.
"Study of Equipment and Methods for Removing Oil From Harbor
Waters", Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest
Laboratories, Richland, Washington 99352. Report No. CR 70.001
prepared under Contract N 62399-69-C-0028 for the U. S.
Department of the Navy, August 25, 1969.
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WOODEN V-BOOM (FRANCE)
In attempts to preclude large amounts of crude oil from
the Torrey Canyon flowing into the harbor at Peroa Gyiroc
in France, a V-shaped wooden boom was anchored to two
jetties spanning the harbor entrance. A pair of 1 1/2 by
12-inch planks were nailed together in the shape of a
trough. It was hoped short-period waves would spill oil
into the trough and the oil could be recovered by pumping
from both ends of the trough. The boom remained in place
under quiet water conditions but broke apart under sub-
sequent wave action. The trough was not effective in
removing oils from the harbor waters.
Inter-Office-Memo by U. S. Corps of Engineers, Hydraulic
Design Branch, August 3, 1967.
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AIR CURTAINS
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AIR CURTAINS
Air Barriers for Oil Slick Containment
The air barrier (air curtain) represents, in certain
cases, an alternative method of containing or confining
spilled oils within a given area, and also preventing
floating materials from entry into high-use waterfront
areas. A perforated pipe is laid on the river or harbor
bottom and compressed air is forced through the line.
The air delivery pipe may also be suspended at some depth
above the river bottom depending upon local conditions.
A curtain of rising air bubbles produces an upward current
which upon reaching the free surface, spreads laterally
in opposite directions. The artifically-induced currents
generated by the air curtain are designed to counter the
normal surface currents prevalent in the body of water,
thus confining floating pollutants within the desired
boundaries. The air barrier has distinct advantages over
the physical oil booms since vessel traffic may pass through
the control area without hindrance; however, it also has
certain disadvantages. The Standard Oil Company (New Jersey)
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reports that:
"The capacity of a pneumatic barrier
is limited by both environmental and
economic considerations. The natural
current of the water effects the
rising air plume, by causing it to
lean over. If the plume is leaned
over more than 30 degrees from the
position it would assume if no cur-
rent were acting, the plume will
break up and the overall effective-
ness is diminished. This problem
can be overcome by increasing the
velocity of the rising air bubbles.
However, for a given nozzle there is
a critical velocity above which
additional increases in air volume
have little effect on the magnitude
of the surface generated current;
i.e., the efficiency of the barrier
is greatly reduced. The efficiency
of the barrier improves in proportion
to water depth; shallow waters require
greater volumes of air."
In conclusion, air barriers have been demonstrated to be
successful in quiescent waters. However, more work is
required on determining the influence of orbital wave
motion on the performance of an air barrier.
Oil Spill Cleanup Manual, prepared by The Standard Oil
Company (New Jersey), 1969.
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RESTRAINED Oil
STAGNATION ZONE
1
RIVER FLOW
FREE SURFACE
AIR BARRIER EFFECT
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HARMSTORF PNEUMATIC BARRIER
The Harmstorf Pneumatic Barrier has been commercially
available for many years with extensive use in many locations
throughout Western Europe and Northern Africa. Harmstorf
employs a small diameter plastic pipe(s) properly weighted
and placed on the harbor bottom. It is believed that the
Harmstorf curtain produces a relatively small diameter
bubble under small orifice conditions with relatively high
pressure in the air delivery line.
Harmstorf's air barriers have generally been limited to
harbor areas where surface currents do not exceed 0.8 -
1.0 feet per second. The cost of this barrier is approxi-
mately $30.00 per foot.
Product bulletins received from the Harmstorf Corporation,
Germany. Materials also received from Spearin, Preston, and
Burrows, Inc. - U.S. Representative for Karmstorf Corporation,
New York, New York, 1968.
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