Boom sections are frequently combined into assemblages hundreds of meters in length prior to towing through the water to a spill site. The friction of moving long boom assemblages through the water can impose high tensile stresses on boom segments near the tow vessel.

Tensile forces are also set up in a boom when it is being towed in a sweeping mode. The magnitude of this tensile force can be related to the immersed depth of the boom, the length of boom involved, the width of the bight formed by the two towing vessels, and the speed of movement.

Note 1—When the towing speed exceeds about 1 knot (0.5 m/s), substantial oil will be lost under the boom.

Knowledge of maximum and allowable working tensile stresses will help in the selection of boom for a given application and will permit specification of safe towing and anchoring conditions for any given boom.

1.1 These test methods cover static laboratory tests of the strength of oil spill response boom under tensile loading.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see Section 7.