Product Overview
While we try our best to prevent oil spills from happening in the first place, spills can and will occur. When a spill does happen, a quick and effective response will greatly reduce the damage it can have on the environment and the cost of cleanup. ACME Environmental’s Inflatable Containment Boom is perfect for when you need to make the most out of your storage area. Our inflatable boom can be stored easily on a boom reel and saves vital space, especially on large vessels where space is limited. It’s also perfect for docks and piers near open waters that need a large boom, and lots of it!
It’s important to proactively plan for the three C’s of handling a spill, which will be essential in your response plan: control, contain, and cleanup. Containing the spill is a crucial step as it keeps the product from spreading to other areas and causing further harm. Our Inflatable Oil Spill Containment Boom effectively keeps spilled product contained to minimize environmental damage and streamline your cleanup efforts.
Application Areas for Inflatable 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 to be used in aquatic environments, an Inflatable boom is recommended for open waters specifically. They are ideal for large lakes, bays, and harbors and are capable of withstanding stronger currents, wind, and larger waves. An inflatable boom is most useful in applications where hundreds or even thousands of feet of boom are necessary due to its compatibility with boom reels. An inflatable boom is best implemented onboard marine vessels where it can be deployed rapidly from the vessel.
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.
Product Features & Materials
ACME’s Inflatable Oil Spill Containment Boom is made of 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 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
- Custom Diameter Flotation
- Choice of Skirt Depth (Inflatable, 10”, 24”, or Custom – choose from drop-down)
- Custom Size Galvanized Chain Ballast
- 22 oz. / sq. yd. PVC or 24 oz. / sq. yd PVC-coated 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: 50′ and 100′
- Top cable is recommended when several hundred feet are deployed
- 3/8″ chain ballast is recommended when tidal flows or currents exist
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.