Sorbent Booms – Tips to Properly Use Them

Oil spill accidents can be worst than robbers in terms of losing money. You could lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars from fines alone. Not only will you be liable for the damages, but you’ll also need to take care for the cleanup of the oil spills. No one expects for accidents to happen but everyone should be prepared just in case it happens.

Sorbent booms are one of the ways that can prevent you from spending massive amounts of money when oil spills occur. The main purpose of sorbent booms is to prevent the oil spill from spreading out. It controls the affected areas and it also has the ability to absorb oils and hydrocarbons on its path. It handles spills such as fuel oils, hydraulic oils, gasoline, diesel, motor oil, jet fuel, and kerosene.

Sorbent booms look like chains of sausages. It usually comes in fragments that you can attach or detach depending on your needs. This is a cost saving measure that allows you to only use the number of booms you need. It has carbon steel connectors to create a link with other fragments. A nylon rope also runs through each boom fragment. It makes retrieval of the boom easier.

These are distinctively made with a tough outer mesh. The mesh protects the polypropylene filter which allows it to absorb the oil. It has a diameter ranging from 5″ to 8″. The length of each fragment can reach to 10 foot or 20 foot. With a bright white color, it is easy to notice when it becomes fully saturated and needs replacement. It makes sure that you efficiently use the boom. By replacing the boom when it only becomes fully saturated will save you money.

Here are some useful tips in using solvent booms:

TIP #1: Make sure people know how to use it

Provide trainings and workshops on how to properly use the solvent booms. Accidents happen instantly and people won’t have time to read the manual. Make sure that your people are fully trained to deal with oil spill accidents. You can even have drills that will allow them to have the opportunity to become more aware of the material.

TIP #2: Invest in Quality Sorbent Booms

You don’t want your sorbent booms failing on you when you most need it. Shopping with quality on your mind ensures that your materials will be reliable. Make sure that the filter will not shred when you use it in actual spills.

TIP #3: Store your booms in a proper place

Make it easy for anyone to access the booms once an accident happen. It should be stored in places where people can easily get in and out from. If there’s a particular place that is prone to oil spills, equip those areas with an accessible oil spill kit.

TIP #4: Dispose your booms properly

Make sure that you bag it carefully and tag it. Also throw away other items that are contaminated by the oil spill. Have some plastic bags or containers ready for disposing the booms. Wipe off any residue outside the plastic bags or drums. Then contact a waste disposal company or directly go to your local landfills.