Containment Boom FAQs
Q: What type containment boom does Texas Boom Company make?
A: TBC manufactures conventional boom, river boom, permanent (fence) boom, inflatable boom and shore barrier. These boom types come in various sizes and colors.
Q: How do you determine what size boom is needed for a specific application?
A: Location, currents, tides, and wind all must be taken into consideration when selecting a particular oil spill containment boom for purchase. If you aren’t sure which boom you need, it is strongly suggested that you consult with one of our expert advisors to help you choose the product that is right for your purchase.
Q: Does Texas Boom Company install the boom for customers?
A: TBC does not provide oil spill response services. We work with customers to provide them with the oil containment boom that they need, but do not do the installation.
Q: Does Texas Boom Company make fire boom?
A: Texas Boom does not manufacture fire boom, which is used to contain oil spills and allow them to be burned off at the spill location. This is a specialty product that few suppliers fabricate.
Q: How is your oil containment boom different than that of your competitors?
A: There are several factors that we believe differentiate Texas Boom Company from the competition. First, we utilize RF welds on all of our products. This technology consistently provides the strongest welds that adhere the fabrics used. Next, we use top grade materials to fabricate our products. From the fabric to the hardware, you can be confident our components will not lead to product failure. All components are not created equal. We also offer the ability to quickly and economically fabricate to your exact specifications. Regardless of the fabric weight or color, boom height or length, floatation or ballast required, Texas Boom Company has you covered. And if you need it fast, we stock product for quick response.
Q: Does Texas Boom Company offer boom reels?
A: Yes, TBC offers Boom Reels that are typically used to store and deploy inflatable boom. We can offer stationary boom reel racks, or provide reels that are mounted on trailers to provide ease of mobility. Contact us to discuss your specific boom reel needs.
Q: How is oil containment boom held in place when it is deployed?
A: Typically, the boom is either tied off to piling or stakes when deployed near shore. If there are not stationary sites to tie off to, then anchor kits are used to hold the oil spill boom in position. It is important to consider current, tides, wind and waves, as well as the need to not impede boat traffic, when planning the deployment.
Q: Are storage containers available for the oil spill boom?
A: TBC can provide storage containers to transport and store the boom in when not in use. Shipping containers are often used for this purpose, but other options are available as well. It is important to keep boom clean while limiting exposure to the sun (UV) and rodents during storage. This will significantly increase the life of the boom.
Q: Can oil containment boom be cleaned and reused?
A: If the oil containment boom has been exposed to oil, it can be cleaned. However, the cost to adequately perform this task often exceeds to expense of properly disposing of the soiled boom and replacing it.
Q: Can oil containment boom be repaired?
A: Small rips, tears, or punctures can be repaired using a Texas Boom Repair Kit. These type repairs are limited to small ruptures.
Q: Can oil containment boom sections be connected together?
A: Yes, the boom sections have aluminum connectors and pins on each end that allow the sections to be connected end to end to form long continuous runs of boom. Connecting these sections together is easy to do and forms a secure link.
Q: Do you only offer boom in 50 and 100 foot sections?
A: The lengths offered are those typically requested. Buying shorter sections of boom increases the cost due to more frequent aluminum end connectors. Purchasing longer sections of containment boom results in heavier weights that make it more difficult to handle the boom during installation, retrieval, cleaning, and storage. The 50 foot and 100 foot sections are the optimal lengths for most applications, but custom lengths are available upon request.
Q: Are different fabrics and colors available?
A: We typically stock TBC containment boom and fabric in international orange, but we often also use yellow when requested by customers. Other colors may be used, depending on fabric availability from our suppliers. Different weight PVC fabrics can be used to manage a balance between cost and durability. The fabrics used are selected for their proven durability, creating value for our customers.
