SEACOR Environmental Products

A boom deflector is a device that uses the force of flowing water to direct oil containment booms on a watercourse. Previous techniques involve an elaborate series of ropes anchored to the shoreline. The boom deflectors provide the following advantages to spill response techniques.Faster deployment of containment booms (time is critical).

Far less manpower requirements.
Effective method of booming in fast water (beyond previous limits).
Free of ropes means the system will remain effective in the presence of floating debris such as ice or logs.

How they operate

Boom deflectors are installed in between boom sections prior to development. The wing on the deflector is set at an angle against the water flow. As the water moves the deflector wing, the boom is also moved at an angle toward the shoreline. The speed of the current will determine the appropriate angle to set the wing. Faster currents will apply more force and therefore less angle on the wing is needed to achieve the desired results. See deployment guideliens for tipson determining optimum results.

Note: The boom deflectors will not move a boom against the prevailing direction of flow. For example, if the current is moving toward the outside bend of a corner the deflectors will not be able to direct the boom to the inside of the corner.