Cylindrical Foam-Filled Boom (EPS CYLN)

The cylindrical foam-filled boom is a marine boom buoyed by closed-cell cylindrical foam logs. Unlike the rectangular block floaters used in a fence boom, it stands apart for its cylindrical form and its structural reinforcement with a top tension cable. It is well suited to oil spill response operations and to fast deployment in ports, marinas, rivers, lakes, and other confined bodies of water.

What Is the EPS Cylindrical Boom?

The boom floats on cylindrical logs made from closed-cell polyethylene foam, giving it a more hydrodynamic, water-slicing profile than a rectangular block floater. Sections are typically manufactured in 25-meter lengths and connect easily via ASTM-Z aluminum connectors with a quick-pin system. A hot-dip galvanized chain in the skirt provides ballast, while a top tension cable adds structural integrity and tensile strength.

Technical Advantages

Freeboard and draft are the key metrics that define boom performance. Freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the top of the boom, measured from its lowest point; draft is the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the boom’s skirt. On the EPS CYLN 480, freeboard is 180mm and draft is 300mm; on the EPS CYLN 750, freeboard is 250mm and draft is 500mm; and on the EPS CYLN 900, freeboard is 300mm and draft is 600mm. The CYLN 900 model delivers high strength with a 4200/4000 N/5cm warp/weft tensile strength per EN ISO 1421 and a 500/400 N tear strength per EN ISO 4674-1; it operates between -30°C and +70°C and carries a UV resistance rating of 6+ under BS EN ISO 105-BO2.

The boom fabric is PVC-coated, with acrylic, silver, or PVDF coating options available on request to boost resistance to oil, chemicals, and algae. Connection bolts are AISI 316 stainless steel. Thanks to its ASTM-Z quick-connect system, the boom can be deployed rapidly at sea or on rivers; because of its cylindrical foam-filled construction, it cannot be wound onto a reel and is instead stored and transported in sections.

Deployment & Maintenance

Deployment requires care in challenging weather and sea conditions: standard boom designs may not fully contain a spill at water speeds above 2 knots, so site conditions and the appropriate boom configuration should be assessed in advance. For operations that need to enclose large areas, a two-boat tow in a U, V, or J configuration can be used. Frequent anchor points are recommended to maintain the correct angle and tension; where water depth is unsuitable for anchoring, a sea anchor can be used instead.

Maintenance is straightforward: a hot or cold pressure wash is sufficient, with the nozzle held at least 30cm from the boom and no use of abrasive agents such as bleach. If damage occurs, the affected area is visually inspected, sanded, and patched with a piece at least 5cm larger than the tear on every side; EPS Marine’s repair kit contains all the materials needed for this process.

Applications

Port & Marina Enclosure

Used to rapidly contain oil spills at harbor entrances and marina areas.

River & Waterway Applications

Its design allows effective deployment even in fast-flowing water, making it well suited to river environments.

Confined Water Body Protection

Used to contain spills or debris in lakes, reservoirs, and other confined bodies of water.

Emergency Response Operations

Can be towed by two boats in U, V, or J configurations for oil recovery operations across large areas.

Technical Specifications

EPS CYLN Model Options

Comparison: Cylindrical Boom vs. Fence Boom

EPS Cylindrical Foam-Filled Boom is a marine oil boom manufactured by EPS Marine, buoyed by closed-cell cylindrical foam logs and reinforced with a top tension cable. It is used for oil spill response and rapid deployment in ports, marinas, rivers, lakes, and confined water bodies. It connects via ASTM-Z aluminum connectors with a quick-pin system, and is available in three models: EPS CYLN 480 (480mm height), EPS CYLN 750 (750mm), and EPS CYLN 900 (900mm). Due to its cylindrical construction, it cannot be wound onto a boom reel and is stored in sections instead. The design is engineered to meet the freeboard, tensile strength, and buoyancy-to-weight ratio criteria referenced in international oil spill contingency frameworks, including the OPRC Convention (International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation) and MARPOL Annex I.

FAQ

What is a cylindrical foam-filled boom?

A cylindrical foam-filled boom is a marine boom buoyed by closed-cell cylindrical foam logs. Unlike a fence boom’s rectangular block floater, it is distinguished by its cylindrical form and its reinforcement with a top tension cable.

What is the difference between the EPS CYLN 480, CYLN 750, and CYLN 900 models?

The EPS CYLN 480 is the smallest and lightest model at 480mm total height, 300mm draft, and 180mm freeboard (3.5 kg/m). The EPS CYLN 750 measures 750mm total height, 500mm draft, and 250mm freeboard (4.3 kg/m). The EPS CYLN 900 offers the highest protection and strength at 900mm total height, 600mm draft, and 300mm freeboard (5.2 kg/m). As height increases, the boom’s protection against waves and currents increases as well.

What water conditions can the cylindrical boom be used in?

The boom is designed for rapid deployment in ports, marinas, rivers, lakes, and confined water bodies. As a general boom principle, standard boom designs cannot fully contain a spill at water speeds above 2 knots, so selecting the right configuration and angle is important in fast-flowing water.

How is the boom anchored?

Maintaining the correct angle is critical to boom performance, so frequent anchor points may be required. Where water depth is unsuitable for anchoring, a sea anchor can be used to hold the boom’s position.

How is the cylindrical boom cleaned?

The boom can be cleaned with a hot or cold pressure wash, holding the nozzle at least 30cm from the boom surface. A mild detergent can be used if needed, but bleach or similar abrasive agents should never be used.

How is damage to the boom repaired?

The damaged area is identified through visual inspection, with connectors or other parts removed for access if needed. The damaged fabric is sanded, and a patch at least 5cm larger than the tear on every side is cut and bonded in place. EPS Marine’s repair kit includes the bag, various fabric sizes, cutting tool, sandpaper, and adhesive needed for this process.

Are spare parts available for the cylindrical boom?

Yes. ASTM-Z connectors, nuts and bolts, the tension cable, ballast chain, and connector pins are all available as individual spare part items.