Permanent floating oil boom for harbor (compressed air system)
Hydro Technik LÃ¼beck

Pneumatic Oil Barrier creates a current on the water surface which prevents floating liquids or debris from spreading. The current is generated by compressed air flowing through a thick walled PE-Pipe placed on the bottom of the water. The air escapes through special nozzles incorporated in the Pe-Pipe and rises to the surface, forming a vertical current in the water column. When reaching the surface the vertical current is transformed into a horizontal current. This horizontal current acts as barrier.

Basic components of a bubble barrier
1. Compressed air from a compressor station or works supply system
2. pipes with incorporated special nozzles and anchor blocks
3. surface current generated by bubble curtain
4. Drain valves at the end of the nozzle pipes

Main advantages of Pneumatic oil barriers
- Very fast in operation without needing manpower. A harbour entrance of 200 m can be blocked within 60 seconds by just starting the compressor.
- The running barrier is no hindrance to the ship traffic.
- Totally fire resistant.
- Minimal maintenance costs at a very long operational live. The only maintenance has to be done at the compressor. Because of the special nozzles in the distribution pipes no mud or silt can enter the pipes and lessen their function.