Ro-Clean Desmi A/S of Denmark has been officially awarded the Guinness World Record for developing the largest offshore oil containment boom in the world. Known as the RO-BOOM 3500 this boom has an overall height of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m). Traditionally offshore booms have only been around
6.5 ft. (2 m) in height.
This unusually large boom was developed for use in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in Europe where the sea conditions are especially harsh with waves reaching up to 23 ft. (7 m). RO-BOOM 3500 has an overall deflated width of 3.5 m, an operational freeboard of 1.3 m and a draft of 1.5 m.
The operational performance of this boom was tested extensively in the North Sea over a three-year period. The oil retention abilities were confirmed with underwater cameras.
A typical system comprises of 400 m of RO-BOOM 3500 wound onto a specially developed hydraulic reel that can store, deploy and recover this massive boom. The boom is inflated using an ultra high capacity air blower. The system is completed with a specially designed set of towing equipment that includes a transverse bridle for the formation a skimmer pocket.
RO-BOOM 3500 oil containment boom is manufactured from heavy-duty neoprene rubber with a Hypalon external skin. This unique one-piece molded composite construction has complete cross vulcanization of rubber and reinforcing fabrics. The construction has high abrasion resistance, peel resistance and tensile strength. RO-BOOM lies completely flat when deflated allowing for easy cleaning and storage. The individual air chambers provide high integrity. RO-BOOM is fitted with stainless steel fittings and a hot
galvanized ballast/tension chain. Stainless steel hinge connectors are fitted as standard.