Self-inflatable containment boom and method of making

A containment boom comprising:

• a plurality of barrier units coupled together end to end in a predetermined string formation;
• each of said units including a self air inflatable chamber capable of being wound on a reel and deployed therefrom;
• each self air inflatable chamber comprising:
• an outer water resistant covering defining an inner space;
• a pair of self-inflatable flotation members within said inner space positioned in side-by-side spaced relation and formed of an open cell foam material;
• a water repellent flotation member between said self-inflatable flotation members;
• and
• an air valve in communication with said self-inflatable flotation members mounted on said outer water resistant covering and movable between open and closed positions, said air valve when in an open position permitting flow of air between atmosphere and the inner space defined by said covering to permit inflation and expansion of said self-inflatable flotation members, said air valve when in open position permitting exhaust of air from said self-inflatable flotation members for flattening of said boom for winding into a coil.

A method for forming a self-inflatable flotation section for a containment boom comprising the steps of:

• providing an outer water resistant covering defining an inner space and having an air path communicating with said inner space;
• forming a flotation subassembly including a pair of open cell flotation members separated by a closed cell water repellent flotation member and secured together to define said subassembly;
• and
• inserting said subassembly within said inner space defined by said covering so that air via said air path permits expansion of said open cell flotation members against said covering when said covering is unrestrained.