Y-panel anchoring system for boom installation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom, the anchoring system including: a Y-panel member which is adapted to be connected to a curtain of a containment/exclusion boom, said Y-panel member comprising a first skirt panel and a second skirt panel each having their proximal ends joined together and each having a distal end; and means for maintaining the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels substantially against the floor of a body of water upon introduction of the anchoring system into the body of water. Also disclosed are a containment/exclusion boom which includes an anchoring system of the present invention and a method of containing/excluding contaminants from passage from one side to another side of a boom through the use thereof.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom, the anchoring system comprising: 
 a Y-panel member comprising a portion having an upper end, which is adapted to be connected to a submerged curtain of a containment/exclusion boom, and exactly two skirt panels, the exactly two skirt panels being formed of the same material, each having a proximal end connected to the portion and each having a distal end; and    means, secured to the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels, for maintaining their distal ends substantially against the floor of a body of water upon introduction of the anchoring system into the body of water.    
     
     
         2 . The anchoring system of  claim 1  wherein the means for maintaining comprises: 
 first and second ballast secured, respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels.  
 
     
     
         3 . The anchoring system of  claim 2  wherein the means for maintaining further comprises: 
 first and second anchors secured, respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels.  
 
     
     
         4 . The anchoring system of  claim 1  wherein the means for maintaining comprises: 
 first and second anchors secured, respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels.  
 
     
     
         5 . The anchoring system of  claim 1  wherein the Y-panel member is formed of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water therethrough.  
     
     
         6 . The anchoring system of  claim 5  wherein the Y-panel member is formed of a geosynthetic fabric.  
     
     
         7 . The anchoring system of  claim 1  wherein the Y-panel member is formed of a flexible material that resists movement of water therethrough.  
     
     
         8 . The anchoring system of  claim 7  wherein the Y-panel member is formed of a rubberized canvas.