Non-Absorbent Oil Spill & Containment Booms | AbsorbentsOnline
Oil Spill Containment Boom - Oil Booms - Containment Boom - Oil Spill EquipmentContainment Boom Product Comparison Chart Economax Super Swamp Simplex Optimax I Optimax II Height Over All 16" 1...
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Water Containment Booms & Barriers - Non-Absorbent
For Shallow and Calm Waters | Freeboard 4" Draft 6"
Description: For calm, shallow water areas. Very lightweight and can easily be transported. Fitted with a cylindrical closed cell foam float and has galvanized ballast chain.
Conforms to OPA90 specs. Available in 25 foot, 50 foot and 100 foot lengths. Each section is fitted with sturdy, marine grade, aluminum quick connectors.
Uses: For calm water in small streams, canals, roadside ditches and shallow water areas. For more technical information see order page.
EconoMax - Oil Spill Containment Boom - Non-Absorbent
For Calm and Protected Waters | Freeboard 6" Draft 10"
Description: Lightweight and compact. Inexpensive. Closed cell foam panels. Can be folded into sections due to the flat panels. Store in vehicles, boats or trucks for quick deployment by hand. Welded 22 ounce PVC material. Freeboard is 6 inches and draft is 10 inches. Available in three lengths.
This boom has handles and anchor points. Available accessories include anchors, lights, repair kits, carry bags, towing sets and reflectors. Easily cleaned with detergents or power washing.
Uses: Use on calm and protected water when you have debris and oil to contain. For use on inland waterways, marinas and harbors. Floats on water. Contains all hydrocarbons such as oil, gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and fuel oil as well as debris. Additional product information on order page.
Optimax I & II - Oil Spill Equipment Boom - Non-Absorbent
For Rivers, Streams & Near Shore Where Fast Currents May Exist
Optimax I: Freeboard 7" Draft 12" | Optimax II: Freeboard 8" Draft 12
Description: Features closed cell foam buoyancy. Fitted with steel cables that provide high tensile strength for towing and fast water applications. Bottom tension is galvanized chain. Top tension galvanized cable.
This oil spill equipment boom is also fitted with handles and anchor points. Accessories include anchors, lights, repair kits, towing sets and reflectors.
Uses: Typically used in ports, harbors, rivers and estuaries. Ideal for fast currents and for long term deployments. More technical information on order page.
Simplex - Oil Booms - Non-Absorbent
For Shoreline and Coastal Protection | Freeboard 6" Draft 12"
Description: This is the industry standard for oil containment booms. Features a high buoyancy reserve provided by stable log floats. Light weight and reliable construction. Can easily be moved for boat traffic.
The boom is fitted with handles and anchor points. Heavy duty marine-grade connectors. UV resistant 22-ounce vinyl-coated polyester material.
Uses: For shoreline and coastal protection. Additional technical information on order page.
Non-Absorbent Oil Spill Containment Booms — Floating Barriers for Oil, Debris & Fuel Spills
When oil hits the water, you need a physical barrier that stops the spread — fast. AbsorbentsOnline.com Non-Absorbent Oil Spill Containment Booms are engineered to contain, control, and corral petroleum spills on rivers, harbors, ponds, marinas, and industrial waterways. Unlike absorbent booms that soak up oil, these floating containment barriers create an impenetrable wall on the water surface so you can skim, vacuum, or recover spilled hydrocarbons efficiently.
We carry five professional-grade boom series — EconoMax, Super Swamp, Simplex, Optimax I, and Optimax II — in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft sections, plus deployment accessories including anchor systems and tow bridles. Whether you need a budget-friendly option for calm inland waters or a heavy-duty boom rated for open harbors and high-current environments, we have the right containment solution.
Compare Our Non-Absorbent Containment Boom Models
| Specification | EconoMax | Super Swamp | Simplex | Optimax I | Optimax II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Height | 16" | 10" | 18" | 19" | 20" |
| Freeboard (Above Surface) | 6" | 4" | 6" | 7" | 8" |
| Draft (Below Surface) | 10" | 6" | 12" | 12" | 12" |
| Foam Flotation | Rectangular | Round | Round | Round | Round |
| Top Tension Member | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1/4" Cable | 1/4" Cable |
| Bottom Tension / Ballast | 3/16" Chain | 3/16" Chain | 1/4" Chain | 5/16" Chain | 5/16" Chain |
| Breaking Strength | 1,800 lbs | 1,800 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 6,400 lbs | 6,400 lbs |
| Weight Per Foot | 1.2 lbs | 1.0 lb | 1.7 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Best For | Calm inland water, ponds, retention basins | Shallow swamps, marshes, low-draft areas | Moderate currents, harbors, industrial facilities | Open water, harbors, moderate to strong currents | Heavy-duty open water, high-current harbors |
Our Non-Absorbent Containment Boom Series
EconoMax Containment Booms
The budget-friendly choice for calm inland waters, retention ponds, and industrial drainage areas. At 16" overall height with 6" of freeboard, the EconoMax uses rectangular foam flotation and a 3/16" chain ballast to maintain an upright profile. With 1,800 lbs of breaking strength at just 1.2 lbs per foot, it's lightweight enough for fast deployment and strong enough for daily-use containment barriers. Available in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft sections.
Super Swamp Containment Booms
Engineered specifically for shallow-water environments — swamps, marshes, wetlands, and low-draft waterways where a standard boom's draft would drag bottom. At just 10" overall height with a 6" draft, the Super Swamp navigates shallow areas that deeper booms cannot. Round foam flotation and 3/16" chain ballast provide stable positioning. Available in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft sections.
Simplex Oil Containment Booms
Step up to the Simplex for moderate-current harbors, ports, and industrial waterfront facilities. At 18" overall height with a 12" draft, this boom provides deeper below-surface containment than economy models. A heavier 1/4" chain ballast and 5,000 lbs of breaking strength make the Simplex a reliable workhorse for facilities that need permanent or semi-permanent boom lines. Available in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft sections.
Optimax I & II Containment Booms
Our heavy-duty, professional-grade containment booms for open water, harbor entrances, and high-current environments. Both models feature a 1/4" top tension cable, 5/16" chain ballast, and an industry-leading 6,400 lbs of breaking strength. The Optimax I stands 19" tall with 7" of freeboard, while the Optimax II reaches 20" with 8" of freeboard — the maximum containment height in our lineup. Available in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft sections.
Deployment Accessories
Complete your containment boom system with professional deployment accessories designed to secure your boom line in position:
- Anchor System: Heavy-duty anchoring hardware to hold boom lines in place against current, wind, and tidal forces
- Tow Bridle: Connect to boats or vehicles for rapid boom deployment and repositioning during active spill response
- Tow Bridle with Bullet Float: Enhanced tow bridle with integrated float for maintaining proper boom orientation during towing operations
Who Uses Non-Absorbent Containment Booms?
- Oil & gas companies — refineries, offshore platforms, pipeline operators
- Marine facilities — marinas, ports, harbors, shipyards, boat yards
- Environmental response teams — HAZMAT crews, EPA contractors, spill response organizations
- Military & government — Coast Guard, Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, municipal utilities
- Industrial facilities — power plants, manufacturing plants near waterways, wastewater treatment
- Construction & demolition — bridge work, dredging, waterway construction projects
- Transportation — railroad operators, highway departments near rivers and wetlands
Absorbent Booms vs. Non-Absorbent Containment Booms — What's the Difference?
| Feature | Absorbent Booms | Non-Absorbent Containment Booms |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Soak up oil from the water surface | Create a physical barrier to contain and corral oil |
| Reusability | Single-use — disposed after saturation | Reusable — cleaned and redeployed repeatedly |
| Best For | Small to mid-size spills, final polishing | Large-scale spills, permanent installations, high-current water |
| Oil Recovery | Oil absorbed into filler material | Oil held for skimming/vacuum recovery |
| Durability | Lightweight, disposable construction | Heavy-duty PVC fabric, chain ballast, foam flotation |
How to Choose the Right Containment Boom
- Assess your water conditions: Calm ponds and retention basins need less boom. Open harbors and tidal zones need heavy-duty models with higher breaking strength.
- Measure the containment area: Calculate the perimeter distance to determine how many boom sections you need. Booms connect end-to-end with universal connectors.
- Check water depth: For shallow marshes and swamps (under 12" deep), choose the Super Swamp with its 6" draft. For deeper water, the Simplex or Optimax series provide better below-surface containment.
- Consider current and wind: Higher breaking strength (Simplex at 5,000 lbs, Optimax at 6,400 lbs) is critical for areas with strong currents, tidal flow, or wind exposure.
- Plan for anchoring: Permanent or semi-permanent installations require anchor systems. Active response operations benefit from tow bridles for repositioning.
Why Choose AbsorbentsOnline.com for Containment Booms?
- 40+ years in the spill response industry — real expertise, not just product listings
- Free shipping to the lower 48 states on qualifying orders
- Five boom series covering every water condition from shallow marshes to open harbors
- Complete accessory line — anchors, tow bridles, and connectors in stock
- Bulk & pallet pricing available — call (800) 869-9633 for custom quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-absorbent containment boom?
A non-absorbent containment boom is a floating barrier made of durable PVC fabric with foam flotation and chain ballast. Unlike absorbent booms that soak up oil, containment booms create a physical wall on the water surface to trap and corral oil so it can be skimmed, vacuumed, or recovered.
How long do non-absorbent containment booms last?
With proper care and storage, non-absorbent containment booms can last for years. They are reusable and can be cleaned and redeployed after each use. UV-resistant PVC fabric and galvanized chain components resist weathering and corrosion.
Can I connect multiple boom sections together?
Yes. All our containment booms feature universal end connectors that allow you to link sections end-to-end to create a barrier as long as you need. Sections are available in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft lengths for maximum flexibility.
Which boom is best for shallow water?
The Super Swamp is specifically designed for shallow-water environments. With only a 6" draft (below-surface depth), it works in marshes, swamps, wetlands, and shallow drainage areas where standard booms would drag the bottom.
What is the difference between Optimax I and Optimax II?
Both are heavy-duty booms with 6,400 lbs breaking strength, 1/4" top tension cable, and 5/16" chain ballast. The Optimax II is 1" taller overall (20" vs 19") and provides 8" of freeboard compared to 7" on the Optimax I — giving it extra above-water containment for rougher conditions.
Do I need an anchor system?
For permanent or semi-permanent boom installations, an anchor system is strongly recommended to hold the boom line in position against current, wind, and tidal forces. For temporary spill response, tow bridles may be sufficient for positioning.
What is "freeboard" on a containment boom?
Freeboard is the height of the boom that sits above the water surface. Higher freeboard prevents oil from washing over the top of the boom in rough conditions. Our booms range from 4" (Super Swamp) to 8" (Optimax II) of freeboard.
Can these booms contain diesel and gasoline spills?
Yes. Non-absorbent containment booms contain all petroleum-based liquids that float on water, including crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, and motor oil. The boom physically blocks the spread — it does not absorb the liquid.
Are these booms suitable for ocean and harbor use?
The Simplex, Optimax I, and Optimax II are designed for moderate to heavy-duty marine environments including harbors, ports, and coastal waters. The Optimax series offers 6,400 lbs of breaking strength and top tension cables for the most demanding conditions.
Does AbsorbentsOnline.com offer free shipping?
Yes! Qualifying orders ship free to the lower 48 U.S. states. For pallet quantities and bulk orders, call (800) 869-9633 for custom pricing and freight quotes.
Order Non-Absorbent Containment Booms Today
From calm retention ponds to high-current harbor entrances, AbsorbentsOnline.com has the right containment boom for your facility. With five boom series, professional deployment accessories, and 40+ years of spill response expertise — you'll have the containment capability you need when it matters most.
Browse our boom categories above and add to cart — or call (800) 869-9633 for pallet pricing and bulk orders.
Oil Spill Containment Boom - Oil Booms - Containment Boom - Oil Spill Equipment
Containment Boom Product Comparison Chart
| Economax | Super Swamp | Simplex | Optimax I | Optimax II | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Over All | 16" | 10" | 18" | 19" | 20" |
| FreeBoard (Above Surface) |
6" | 4" | 6" | 7" | 8" |
| Draft (Below Surface) |
10" | 6" | 12" | 12" | 12" |
| Foam Flotation | rectangular | round | round | round | round |
| Top Tension | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1/4"cable | 1/4"cable |
| Bottom Tension | 3/16"chain | 3/16"chain | 1/4"chain | 5/16"chain | 5/16"chain |
| Breaking Strength | 1800 Lbs | 1800 Lbs | 5000 Lbs | 6400 Lbs | 6400 Lbs |
| Weight Per Ft | 1.2 lbs | 1 lb | 1.7 lbs | 2 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
