| 摘要 |
<p>A containment boom (10) includes a plurality of self-inflatable units (12) each having a plurality of chambers (26) connected end to end. Each chamber (26) has an air valve (28) at each end thereof. A water repellent and airtight covering (32) is provided for each chamber (26). A flotation subassembly (44) is positioned within an open space formed within the covering (32). The flotation subassembly includes a pair of open cell buoyant flotation members (54, 56) disposed on adjacent sides of an intermediate water repellent flotation member (58). The intermediate water repellent flotation member (58) is preferably formed of a closed cell polyethylene material and provides increased buoyancy to open cell flotation members (54, 56), particularly in the event that a rupture of the covering were to occur such that the open cell flotation members (54, 56) absorb water. The self-inflatable flotation members (54, 56) are compressed between 25 % and 65 % of their original volume and thus may be space efficiently stored for future deployment. The boom (10) may be coiled into a package for shipment or storage (figures 7 and 8). When uncoiled with air valves (28) open, the boom self-inflates with air flowing to the open cell flotation members (54, 56) for expansion.</p> |
