For the control of sediment in waterways.

Flotation Curtains assist contractors working adjacent to creeks or waterways and control any movement of sediment in the waterway.

Flotation Curtains work by slowing the flow of water inside the curtain, thereby ensuring the sediment drops to the bottom of the floor of the waterway – this removes the traditional “plume” of sediment that contractors working without such a curtain experience.

Flotation Curtains are available in 10, 15 or 20m sections. A joining system has been developed to provide simple but effective removal and attachment of sections both on land or in the water. The system uses ASTM 962 pattern connectors to join the floats, tension members and D rings. Galvanised shackles and skirts are joined using either eyelets and ties or marine zippers.  Long length curtains are factory pre-joined to provide easily deployable bundles minimising the on site installation time. The float casing is constructed from PVC coated polyester which is longitudinally reinforced with polyester webbing. Floats are integrated into the casing using oil resistant crumble proof closed cell PE foam block. A webbing reinforced PVC coated chain pocket is attached to the bottom of the skirt. Standard skirt fabric is 270gsm non-woven polyester. However a range of alternative materials are available including woven and non-woven polypropylene, high strength woven polyester, impermeable coated fabrics and various mesh configurations.

Flotation Curtains have been used widely, including projects where EPA and waterway authorities have monitored the water quality on both sides of the curtains.  For example, the newly constructed finger groynes at Lady Robinson's Beach (NSW 2004) used 1,860 lineal metres of flotation curtain to control sediment movement from the works into Botany Bay.

Working with our partners, Flotation Curtains can be offered as a supply, install, maintain and dispose solution to your on-site sediment control works.

For further information, please contact your nearest Maccaferri office.

The International Erosion Control Association (Australasian Chapter) is active in promoting the use of erosion and sediment control techniques, and provides training and other activities throughout Australia. The IECA (Australasia) can provide technical support in recommending the correct product for your application.

Visit the International Erosion Control Association (Australasia) website.