BACKGROUND
Invented by Wolf Herkenberg and developed by Brian Ablett in response to the Exxon Valdez incident, extensively tested in the Gulf in 2010
The Initial design was intended for “rapid first response”
Lightweight, low cost, and laboratory tested
Extremely low pre-deployment bulk enables rigs, ships, marinas, first responders to have significant linear length quantities on hand.
Revised design enables more uses for HE Film.
Oil Containment HE (High Extension) film is:
Proven in labs tests and field tests
Less than 1/10th to 1/30th the price of current booms,
Far lighter, more compact, and safe
Rapid deployment and recovery
Oil recovery from booming and beach clean up
PRODUCT FEATURES
Exceptionally low cost can be supplied by any plastic bag maker anywhere in the world.
Low technology does not require special training – for example a four person crew supported by a specially equipped flat bottom boat will be able to clean a marsh area the size of a football field per day.
Can also be deployed by one or two men in small craft to make wave conforming booms at up to 30 mph; Potential Deployment Platforms include Crew boats, Small boats, Jet Ski, ATV, Truck, Aerial via “tail gate” drop (loops only, not long booms).
Picks up all viscosities and types of oil and tar; does not pick up water, soil or organic material in any significant way
Collects from water, grass, sand, rocks and soil.
Fast effective removal of up to 90% of oil and tar with very minimal environmental impact – no chemicals, residue or foreign substances introduced or left behind.
HE is a high grade plastic widely used in the food and grocery business.
CAPABILITIES
The Oleophilic Action makes use of well-understood science; Trapped oil adds buoyancy, enhances booming. “Sticky” to oil that allows for cleanup use.
The amount of freeboard and draft needed drives the size of the boom.
The more responsive a boom is to water action, the less freeboard and draft is needed as oil slicks are measured in thousandths of an inch.Ultra-flexible = Ultra reduced size