HDPE floating structures: adaptable and robust

Pacific Netting Products designed and manufactured a 225’ ballasted floating HDPE shear boom to direct woody debris from the Clark Fork River into a debris collection holding area

Pacific Netting Products’ HDPE floating structures have been developed to offer a superior return on investment when compared to booms built of rotomolded plastic, aluminum, or other materials, the company says. Their outer surface have been designed for exceptional visibility and impact resistance, coupled with resilient coating. This makes it an ideal choice for public safety applications, ensuring durability and longevity. Moreover, the outer surface is resistant to chipping and peeling, providing a long-lasting solution. PNP says its commitment to environmental sustainability is evident as the outer surface does not leach and is eco-friendly. The incorporation of UV stabilizers and antioxidants further safeguards the appearance, maintaining a high level of aesthetic quality. With a co-extruded outer surface ranging from 4mm to 7mm, PNP’s HDPE floating structures exhibit robustness and resilience. Additionally, the outer surface demonstrates a high resistance to biofouling, contributing to the structures’ overall durability and efficiency.

PNP booms are unique in that they are fabricated in the US  and designed to site specific conditions for maximum performance. 

Co-extrusion is a manufacturing process that allows a coloured outer HDPE layer to be extruded simultaneously with an inner black HDPE foundation. The process results in one homogenous material, with a surface that is colored and not subjected to chipping, peeling, fading and/or delamination. 

MultiFunction Boom series

PNP’s MultiFunction Booms provide a highly versatile floating HDPE platform for managing wood debris, anthropogenic floating debris, ice, turbidity, algae, and water temperature. The keel of the MultiFunction Boom can be modified with heavy gage steel mesh, high molecular strength netting, HDPE, or rubber skirting for enhanced performance. The keel can also be fitted with a high mil vinyl curtain for applications involving turbidity, algae, and water temperature control. The MultiFunction Boom provides managers with the ability to protect biological receptors and critical infrastructure at a reasonable cost. 

SafeGuard Boom series

SafeGuard Booms are designed with an external steel frame that consists of a solid hot-dipped galvanized steel structural member that spans the length of the underside of the boom. The high density polyethylene (HDPE) floatation element is attached to the structural member with hot-dipped galvanized clamp bands that are bolted to the structural member. Multiple boom sections are connected together with heavy duty marine grade galvanized stud link chain attached to the structural load member with a galvanized safety hex bolt. 

Each boom has a hot-dipped galvanized steel safety clevis plate at each end, which serves as a restraint to the HDPE floatation section to further lock the float to the structural member and creates an attachment point for the stud link chain. 

Customisations

PNP worked with West Fork Environmental to design and manufacture a rugged HDPE floating structure to support their vertical RFID antennae for detection of PIT tagged fish. PNP’s design allows continuous tracking at various river stages and weather conditions. 

Installation features include:

•  36’ foam-filled HDPE pontoons 
• CNC fabricated HDPE beam blocks for attachment of structural beams and equipment 
• Adaptable for reconfiguration and decking options 
• Minimal steel components 
• Modular construction for ease of transport and assembly    
• Continuous tracking 
• Solar powered 
• Stable work platform 

The company is able to offer custom structures