Turbidity Curtains

Turbidity Curtains, sometimes called silt curtains, turbidity screens, turbidity barriers, or silt barriers are floating barriers used in marine construction, dredging projects, and similar applications to contain the dispersion of silt and sediment that is suspended during these commercial activities. Turbidity curtains are deployed to keep the project in compliance, to protect the environment, and aid in the proper operation of pumps and other equipment. Texas Boom Company’s Turbidity Curtains support compliance with the Clean Water Act and any state or local Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Turbidity Curtains can be deployed in parallel to increase the effectiveness of controlling the silt or runoff. Texas Boom offers a variety of fabric weights and skirt depths depending on project needs. Both permeable and impermeable skirts are available per your request. Type I, II, and III are recommended for slow, medium, and fast-moving waters, respectively.

Turbidity Curtains are constructed using floatation at the top to suspend the turbidity curtain in the water. Skirts are attached below the floatation and serve as the barrier to control the silt and sediment. Tension cables are used on heavier duty turbidity curtains to provide strength. Ballast chains provide strength as well as weight to keep the skirts oriented as close to vertical as conditions allow. The are several different configurations available based on how curtains will be connected end-to-end to provide longer spans, ranging from grommets only to universal aluminum connectors.

Type I Turbidity Curtains

Type 1 turbidity curtains are suitable for use in protected waters where the effects of the wind, waves, and currents are minimal. Texas Boom manufactures Type 1 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.

Type II Turbidity Curtains

Type 2 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and turbidity in moving water applications. Type 2 turbidity curtains are manufactured using high strength fabric with heavy-duty tension members. These Type II turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience mild current, wind, and wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 2 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.

Type III Turbidity Curtains

Type 3 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and sediment in water applications with swifter moving water and greater wind exposure. Type III curtains are manufactured using high strength fabric with heavy-duty tension members. These Type 3 turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience strong currents and tides, high winds, and greater wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 3 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.

Turbidity Curtain Applications

Dredging
Bridge construction and repair
Dam construction and repair
Marina and harbor projects
Bulkhead installation and repair
Pile driving projects
Erosion and runoff control
Port and terminal projects
Pipeline crossings
Coastal and shoreline restoration and rehabilitation
Intake construction and repair
Discharge management

Turbidity Curtains are available with permeable and impermeable skirts.

Permeable skirts: Turbidity curtains with permeable skirts allow water to flow through the skirt while containing the silt or sediment suspended in the water. The permeable skirts are fabricated using geotextile fabric that serves as a filter. Permeable skirts are typically used in applications with fast water, waves, or other demanding conditions, or where there are specific environmental concerns.

Impermeable skirts: Turbidity curtains with impermeable skirts completely block the flow of water as it meets the skirt. The non-permeable skirts are fabricated using PVC fabric that does not allow water to flow through the skirt. These are more commonly deployed in applications with slower-moving or still waters and calmer weather conditions.

Furling Lines or Reefing Lines

Furling lines (also referred to as reefing lines) are an optional feature on turbidity curtains. These ropes run vertically spanning the height of the turbidity curtain on both sides at set intervals. The furling lines are attached at the top through tabs with grommets, at the bottom at the ballast chain through a grommet, and then looping back to the top on the reverse side of the skirt to another attachment tab. The furling lines can be used to adjust the depth that the skirt extends below the surface. They can also be used to slope the bottom of the turbidity curtain to mirror the contour of the bottom. Because the depth of the turbidity curtain can be adjusted, it allows the curtain to be used in multiple locations, at locations with varying depths, and at locations with significant tidal swings.

How to Use Turbidity Curtains

Turbidity curtains are most effective when the bottom of the skirt is suspended a foot above the bottom. This prevents the build-up of silt on the base of the skirt which over time can result in the freeboard of the turbidity curtain becoming submerged below the water surface. The bottom of a turbidity curtain dragging on the bottom can also generate additional silt. When the skirt drags on the bottom, it can also reduce the life of the turbidity curtain. Finally, by leaving a gap between the skirt and the bottom of the body of water, it allows for fish and other wildlife to freely bypass the turbidity curtain without harm.

When tides impact the depth of the water where the turbidity curtain is being used, the height of the curtain should be set at a point appropriate for the average depth at low tide. Turbidity curtains can also be fabricated with tapered bottoms to accommodate changing depths over the span where it is being used.

Turbidity curtains can be attached to fixed objects on land and/or using anchor systems. The exact configuration of the turbidity curtain deployment is dependent on the specifics of the project. TBC advisors are available to consult with you to determine your exact needs.

Turbidity Curtain installation instructions can be found folder here .

Silt Curtains

Product Gallery:

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Silt Curtains

Turbidity Curtains, sometimes called silt curtains, silt screens, turbidity barriers, or silt barriers are floating barriers used in marine construction, dredging projects, and similar applications to contain the dispersion of silt and sediment that is suspended during these commercial activities. Turbidity curtains are deployed to keep the project in compliance, to protect the environment, and aid in the proper operation of pumps and other equipment. Texas Boom Company’s Turbidity Curtains support compliance with the Clean Water Act and any state or local Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Silt Curtains can be deployed in layers, where multiple silt curtains are deployed in parallel to increase the effectiveness of controlling the silt or runoff. Texas Boom offers a variety of fabric weights and skirt depths depending on project needs. Both permeable and impermeable skirts are available at your request. Type I, II, and III are recommended for slow, medium, and fast-moving waters, respectively.

Available with permeable and impermeable skirts.

Permeable skirts: Silt curtains with permeable skirts allow water to flow through the skirt while containing the silt or sediment suspended in the water. The permeable skirts are fabricated using geotextile fabric that serves as a filter. Permeable skirts are typically used in applications with fast water, waves, or other demanding conditions.

Impermeable skirts: Silt curtains with impermeable skirts completely block the flow of water as it meets the skirt. The non-permeable skirts are fabricated using PVC fabric that does not allow water to flow through the skirt. These are more commonly deployed in applications with slower-moving or still waters and calmer weather conditions.

Need Furling Lines or Reefing Lines? Learn more here.

TYPE I SILT CURTAINS

Type 1 turbidity curtain is suitable for use in protected waters where the effects of the wind, waves, and currents are minimal. Texas Boom manufactures Type 1 DOT compliant silt curtains.

TYPE II SILT CURTAINS

Type 2 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and turbidity in moving water applications. Type 2 curtains are manufactured using high strength fabric with heavy-duty tension members. These Type II turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience mild current, wind, and wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 2 DOT compliant silt curtains.

TYPE III SILT CURTAINS

Type 3 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and turbidity in water applications with swifter moving water and greater wind exposure. Type III curtains are manufactured using high strength fabric with heavy-duty tension members. These type 3 turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience strong currents and tides, high winds, and greater wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 3 DOT compliant silt curtains.

Applications:

Dredging
Bridge construction
Dam removal and restoration
Marina/harbor projects
Pile driving projects
Port and terminal projects
Pipeline crossings
Coastal and shoreline restoration and rehabilitation
Intake construction

There are lots of options when it comes to customizing your silt curtain to meet your exact needs. Consult with one of our turbidity curtain experts to allows us to help specify a turbidity barrier that will meet your needs without breaking your budget. Texas Boom will provide you with exactly what you need for your project.

TYPE I TURBIDITY CURTAIN

TYPE II TURBIDITY CURTAIN

TYPE III TURBIDITY CURTAIN

Floating Baffle Curtains

Product Gallery:

Turbidity Curtains - Floating Baffle Curtains

Turbidity Curtains - Floating Baffle Curtains

Floating Baffles Curtains are used to control water flow and circulation in ponds and other bodies of water. These are commonly deployed in wastewater treatment ponds, aeration ponds, and mixing ponds. The Baffles are designed to aid with oxygen uptake and retention time. Baffle windows can be positioned vertically in the suspended curtain to achieve desired water flow. Eliminates dead zones and reduces Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The ends of the Floating Baffle Curtains can be tapered to accommodate the contour of the pond. All welds are RF welds for superior strength. Various fabric options are available. Floating Baffle Curtains sized to meet your exact specifications.

Applications:

Wastewater Treatment
Aeration Ponds
Mixing Ponds
Debris containment in flowing water

Product Specifications Sheet

Turbidity Curtain Information

Turbidity Curtains are floating barriers that are used in marine construction and dredging projects to control the dispersion of silt and sediment suspended during commercial activities. Turbidity Curtains are also known as silt curtains or silt screens. Turbidity curtains can be used to ensure compliance and protect the environment. They also aid in the operation of pumps, and other equipment, and help to maintain project safety. The Turbidity Curtains manufactured by Texas Boom Company comply with the Clean Water Act. Multiple silt curtains can be placed in parallel to improve the control of silt and runoff. Texas Boom Company can provide a wide range of skirt thicknesses and fabric weights to suit your project requirements. Permeable and impermeable skirts can be ordered upon request. Turbidity Curtain types I, II, and III are recommended respectively for slow, medium, and fast-moving water.

There are many options available for customizing your silt curtain according to your specific needs. Our turbidity curtain specialists can help you design a barrier that meets your needs. Texas Boom Company will help you find the right solution for your project. There are several different types of Turbidity Curtains. Type I turbidity curtains, also known as silt curtains and Type 1, are designed to reduce sediment runoff in calm waters. These turbidity curtains use foam-filled floats (also known as Freeboards) and skirts that range from 3 to 20 feet in height. These floating silt curtains prevent the water from absorbing any silt or sediment. Type I turbidity curtains can be used in calm waters that are protected from wind exposure. They are suitable for use in lakes, canals or streams with little wind exposure. Type 1 silt curtains, which are lighter-weight fabric and do not require aluminum connectors, are the most cost-effective.

Type II turbidity curtains, also known as silt curtains and Type 2, are designed to reduce sediment runoff in slow-moving waters. These turbidity curtains use foam-filled floats (also known as Freeboards) and skirts that range from 5 to 50 feet in height. These floating silt curtains prevent the water from absorbing any silt or sediment. Type II turbidity curtains can be used in slow-moving waters like lakes, streams, canals, and slow-moving rivers. Type 2 silt curtains feature aluminum end connectors and grommets with reinforced side seams. Type III turbidity curtains, also known as silt curtains and Type 3 curtains, are designed to reduce sediment and runoff in moving water and moderate wind and wave conditions. These turbidity curtains use foam-filled floats (also known as Freeboards) and skirts that range from 5 to 50 feet in height. These floating silt curtains prevent the flow of sediment or silt that might be suspended in the water. Type III turbidity curtains can be used in moving water bodies such as rivers, bays, and harbors. Type 3 silt curtains use aluminum end connectors and grommets with reinforced side seams. Connector plates are attached using toggle pins, while grommets can be joined with rope, nuts & bolts, or strong zipties. If you require any type of Turbidity Curtain, Texas Boom Company is the place for you.