Product Overview
Although we make every effort to prevent oil spills from occurring, it’s important to acknowledge that spills can and will take place despite our best intentions. When an oil spill does happen, having a swift and effective response is critical. Utilizing a containment boom can significantly mitigate the environmental damage and reduce the cost involved in the cleanup process.
To ensure a well-coordinated response to an oil spill, it is essential to proactively plan for what can be called the three C’s: control, contain, and cleanup. Each step plays a vital role in managing the incident. In particular, the containment of the spill is paramount; it prevents the spilled oil from spreading further, thereby protecting additional areas from potential harm.
Our 4”x9″ Oil Spill Containment Boom is designed specifically for this purpose in small streams, creeks, small ponds, and low waters. Ideal for calm environments with minimal wind and currents, these booms create a reliable barrier to contain and control oil spills, preventing further spread and allowing for more efficient cleanup efforts. Their size makes them particularly suitable for tight spaces, ensuring that even in challenging conditions, your containment strategy remains robust and effective.
Application Areas for 4” x 9” Oil Spill Containment Boom
An oil containment boom is one of the first tools used in oil spill control and cleanup. They float at the surface where oil has been spilled, creating a flexible barrier that effectively contains an oil slick. An oil containment boom is designed for aquatic environments, a 4” x 9” boom is recommended for low waters specifically. These booms are engineered to perform well in most standard conditions, including lakes, ponds, and rivers, ensuring that users have access to the most suitable options for their specific cleanup needs. This boom has a broader range that can be utilized for more purposes by cleaning contractors, it has more capabilities than the 4” x 6”. It is a size in between the 6” x 6” boom. If you’re looking for an inland or a near-shore oil containment boom designed for use in most standard situations, including lakes, ponds, and rivers, browse our full catalog here. featuring a variety of booms designed for typical scenarios.
Product Features & Materials
ACME’s 4” x 9” Oil Spill Containment Boom is made of 22oz PVC-coated fabric. Our standard PVC-coated fabric is resistant to tears, punctures, or other damage and is available in standard orange or international yellow. For an oil containment boom used in areas with excessive hydrocarbon or UV exposure, consider our 24oz or 28oz PVC-coated fabric that comes standard in orange and provides superior protection, helping extend the life of the oil containment boom by up to 50%.
Boom Fabric Information and Choices
Product Specifications
- 4″ Diameter Flotation
- 9” Skirt Depth
- 1/4″ or 5/16″ Galvanized Chain Ballast
- 22 oz. / sq. yd. PVC or 24 oz. /sq.yd PVC fabric: orange or yellow
- ASTM aluminum quick latch (Z) or slide couplers are recommended
- Top tension cable available on request
Product Recommendations
- Recommended section lengths: 25’ 50′ and 100′
- Top cable is recommended when several hundred feet are deployed
Deployment and Maintenance of an Oil Spill Containment Boom
Choosing Your Oil Spill Containment Boom
Once an oil spill occurs, the first step is to choose the correct size of oil containment boom for the cleanup. Cleanup crews should evaluate the situation, taking into account wind patterns, wave height, water depth, and current speeds. Offshore or open water environments, or locations with extreme conditions including high wind, large waves, or fast-moving currents are best suited for an open-water oil containment boom.
Deploying Your Oil Containment Boom
Care should be taken when deploying a boom for both the safety of personnel and to prevent unnecessary damage to the boom itself. A boom should never be anchored or towed by its tension members. Tow bridles made from extrusion matching the boom coupler type should be used to evenly distribute loads to the oil containment boom during deployment and use.
Maintaining Your Oil Containment Boom
Harsh chemicals and fuels should not be used to clean an oil containment boom. An oil “stain” is far less harmful to the boom fabric than the damage diesel does when scrubbing the boom down. A mild detergent and medium-bristled brush are ideal for cleaning the surface of your oil containment boom. Power steam cleaning should be done with caution as weakened seams and welds may separate from heat and pressure. Fabric repair kits as well as hardware and fittings are available, or ACME can perform repairs at our manufacturing plant — contact us today with any questions or to schedule a repair!
Storing Your Oil Containment Boom
Rinse the boom thoroughly, allow it to fully dry, and inspect for any damage before storage. An oil containment boom should be clean and free of contaminants when stored and kept out of direct sunlight as U-V radiation shortens fabric life.
Not Sure What Size You Need? We Can Help!
Since 1967, ACME Environmental has experience in manufacturing oil spill containment boom and all of our team members would be happy to answer your questions. Let us help you find the perfect size and length of containment boom to fit your needs.