> What is an elastic beacon?

< An elastic beacon is a metallic tube (connected to a sinker on the seabed) which supports a steel platform which can be equipped with lanterns, radars, racons or other instrumentation. The structure is held verticle by the thrust of a submerged floatation body.

>   We have to substitute some floats on our underwater oil pipeline. We have seen three types of deep water floats in your catalogue. Which type do you advise us to use from your range: Hinged, Bolted or Grooved?
Do they have various characteristics and performances?

> Is it possible to assemble the float even if the line has already been installed?

> Which of your products can be used for fish farming?

< We have, by now, a long experience in producing offshore fish farm equipment. Our support buoys both small and big and signals are very well-suited for use in such plants.We also supply complete floating cages.

> We plan to create a fish farm in open sea, what must I do to signal it?

< Our best selling marine farming kit consists of a yellow central light buoy with a 3 meter focal plane and 4 radar buoys to define the 4 corners of the farming area. More than often the central buoy is replaced by an elastic beacon to obtain data concerning sea conditions.

> What float do you suggest for the farm cages?

< We suggest to use our deep water buoys which make up part of the range used for open sea fish farming: thay are indispensable to fix the new type of sub surface cages which reduce the risk of damage during sea storms.

> Our company is projecting a big port and we have planned fenders for the jetty. Which fenders do you suggest among the various fenders which could be offered by Resinex?

< Resinex produce the foam filled fender and commercialize the rubber cylindrical fender with the intenal passage of the chain and that, always in rubber, inflatable of the type "Yokohama". They are three types of typology with very different characteristics:

• The foam filled type is a cylinder full of polyethylene foam and covered with polyurethane elastomer. It is floating and has a high buoyancy and an elevate energy absorption with a contained reaction force. In short it is soft but is made resistant by the elastomer and responds to the force with moderation. It doesn’t leave any colour on the ship’s hull. It is the fender most suitable for quality boats: terminals for cruise ships or tourist ports.
• The cylindrical type with the chain passage is the most heavy duty. It is composed of mix of full rubber. It is therefore very rigid, not buoyant and absorbs less energy. It is suitable for cargo ships that don’t need hull protection.
• The inflatable fender is instead placed between the two previously mentioned types. It is composed of a protected pneumatic rubber inner tube. It absorbs more energy than the rubber cylinder but less than the foam filled type and leaves less than the rubber cylinder. It is buoyant and very suitable for ship to ship operations in open sea where buoyancy, resistance and strength are necessary.

> We want to create a buoy system for the mooring of big vessels, can we have the certainly that the buoys supplied by you are adequate?

< Also in this case Resinex can offer a detailed simulated programme. We need, as always, your help, in particular with these informations: length of the ship and water surface (or at least the draught). It is also necessary, in this case, to know marine metereological conditions: current and wind strength, period, wave size and length at extreme conditions.

 > We have been asked to position a steel pipe inside the port to signal its entrance. What can we install and what lantern should we position?

< In this case the Port Authorities will have indicated the focal plane height of the fixed pipes to position, the colour and light range (measured in nautical miles, indicates the lantern light range).With this information we can project the fixed pipes with protected access and with an eventual platform at the lantern height. The beacon can be powered by solar panels and battery or it can be connected to the terrestial electric network with back-up battery and charge regulator so as to mantain a signal even in the event of a black-out.

> Do you have other types of beacon production?

< Resinex is able to supply all types of lanterns from the smaller ø60mm to the bigger rotating beacons. Together with these we have the high performance fog detectors, which, together with the acustic anti-fog equipment (fog horns), guarantee a high level of safety in the event of reduced visibility.

> As a safeguard, during the loading and unloading of a ship we must have a boom. Many types of booms are on the market. Which one do we chose?

< The booms are divided into Permanent, Semi-Permanent, for Occasional or Emergency use and Inflatable.

• The booms for Occasional or Emergency use must be both easily stored on the dock and manageable (the weight is contained). The float is vertical and in a flattened form which consents it be rolled up on a reel or a special bag (easy booms).
• The Permanent boom is generally a horizontal float: the float is positioned in a horizontal position in relation to the sea surface and is often made of rigid material. This permits the boom to follow the wave movements with ease and so gives a more efficient barrier effect against material present on the water surface. The major drawback of this type of boom is its need for space in storage. The horizontal cylindrical booms don’t have the possibility to be rolled up.
• The Semi-Permanent boom is very often similar to that of the permanent, the buoyancy is always horizontal but less rigid and with a lesser dimension. Storage problems remain even if these are more manageable (smaller volume).
• The Inflatable boom is utilized only in emergencies and its horizontal buoyancy permits it to be used in the open sea. It can be rolled up on a reel. It is more vulnerable than the others. The price of a linear meter is high.

Resinex is able to supply all the types of booms described with our products OSA (emergency), OSB (semi-permanent), OSC (permanent) and OSD (inflatable). Our OSC booms are studied ad hoc for every type of positioning and foreseen event. Information concerning depth, current, sea conditions and material to contain is necessary for every project concerning the permanent boom.

> We have pollutant elements suspended under the water level, how we can contain them?

< The height of different booms can be studied during the offer. To completely protect the stretch of sea, booms that reach the sea-bed with a special protection net are supplied.

> I must position a permanent boom, but I have a problem of high tide during the day.

< Concerning high tide and dock mooring, the terminals of our booms have particular connections which allow them to rise and fall according to the sea level variations.

> Do you supply any other enviromental control products?

< We build paltforms and buoys for the monitorimg and analysis of both the marine and air environmental conditions. They are structures that have been conceived and built from our beacon equipment and developed ad hoc for every project. The structures vary according to the instrumentation on the platform and the float to the weight; it must stand the typology of sensors that must go down to the sea-bed. To have the optimum projection, information concerning position (depth, current, wind, waves) together with the total pay load the platform must support when the instrumentation is operative, is necessary.

> Have you developed any particular solutions in the enviromental control area?

< Resinex is the only company that can supply an Integrated system of Control, Prevention and Anti-Pollution. We propose the I.M.E.S. (Integrated Marine Enviromental System), a Resinex service which satisfies marine enviromental coordination needs. The I.M.E.S. has the most advanced monitoring means (buoys or beacons with sensors) for protection (4 types of floating booms) and for decontamination (different absorption products).

> We need to make our dredging pipe, which is used to carry the dredged material far away from the sight, buoyant. What do you advise?

< To give you the best advice we need to know the external diameter and weight of the pipe, flange weight, typology of transported material and at which water height you want to float the pipe (completely out, almost completely submerged, etc.). With these informations we can choose the most suitable and ideal number of floats required to optimize the ratio between requested buoyancy level and cost.

> Is it better to use an empty float or one filled with material?

< This depends on the use of the line. If there are evident risks of collision between the line and the ships, then it’s better to fill the float with polyurethane foam which make it unsinkable. If there is no evidence of such a risk, then an empty float, which is in itself already resistant, would give good economic advantages for the client.

> If the pipe has to remain at depth, which could be used?

< Resinex manufacture floats with a shell that can be used with a reinforcing filling. The density of this filling depends on the depth the line is used at.

> Do you also have floats for small diameter pipes?

< Our floats range from a minimum diameter of 160mm to a maximum of 960mm, always mantaining a high value of buoyancy for every module.

> We must signal the position of a submerged pipe in the sea; what technical information is needed to establish the correct type of the beacon?

< First of all we need the focal plane height (the height of the lantern right above the surface of the water) and the luminous range (the distance of visibility); these informations must be communicated by the Port Authorities together with light colour. We also need to know the sea depth, positioning distance from the coast and, above all, the most extreme meteorological sea conditions experienced at the sight: wind speed, current speed, height, length and period of the waves.

> What is an elastic beacon?

< An elastic beacon is a metallic tube (connected to a sinker on the seabed) which supports a steel platform which can be equipped with lanterns, radars, racons or other instrumentation. The structure is held verticle by the thrust of a submerged floatation body.

> What type of signal do you suggest?
Is it preferable to install a buoy or an elastic beacon?

< A buoy is easier to position requiring less sophisticated means and is generally less expensive than the elastic beacon. The elastic beacon guarantees a higher precision and reliability due to its greater stability.

> Can you guarantee that my signalization still remain intact and efficient even in the high seas?

< Our signals are projected to face the most extreme sea conditions. As an ulterior guarantee, Resinex will, on request, supply the results of a computer simulation showing the behaviour of both the buoy and elastic beacon in extreme sea conditions. It is because of this that we ask for information regarding the meteorological conditions.

> How is the lantern powered?

< Both the buoy and elastic beacon are powered by solar panels. The panels feed the battery (which are regulated by a charge regulator) which in turn powers the lantern. Generally, night-time the lantern consumption is calculated to be a tenth of the battery power, which allows the system to operate for several days in poor sunlight. In the case of particular geographical sights or in the need to power other equipment on the buoy or beacon, a more powerful solar system can easily be furnished (more panels, more batteries).

> In the event of blown bulbs, how can they be replaced?

< The lantern mounted on Resinex beacons have, generally, a six position lampchanger which gives a 1000 hours life (night-time) of the bulb system. The lampchanger automatically substitutes the blown bulbs up to a maximum of six bulbs. A six months control is suggested to check and eventually change any blown bulbs.

> We have chosen a buoy to signal the entrance to our port. How can we choose the correct size?

< The Port Authorities will certainly indicate the focal plane height (the height of the lantern light above the surface of the water), luminous range and light colour. As well as having the above informations, Resinex will need to be informed of sea depth, distance from the shore and, if possible, the principal meteorological conditions so as to have a more appropriate project. At this point Resinex will study the appropriate dimensions to support the requested focal plane and the necessary size (length, chain diameter, type of swivels and shackles) of the mooring system for the depth and marine conditions. This data will then be inserted in a simulation programme to verify performance and behaviour of the buoy in such conditions.

> Which mooring system do you suggest?

< The choice of mooring system is very important. In relation to the marine meteorological conditions we will study the mooring system which gives the greatest safety guarantee while not being too excessive for the size of the buoy. Normally an open link chain is chosen with a diameter calculated on the maximum stress the structure can bear. The chain normally consists of a swivel and two shackles for the connection of the buoy to the sinker. In the event of great depth we can create a sub-surface buoy. In this case the mooring is composed of a chain, a sub-surface buoy and a cable. The buoy design, the positioning and the dimensions of mooring are always evaluated "ad hoc" for every position in order to minimize the weight and stress and to guarantee major stability.

> We have chosen a beacon to signal the entrance to our port. How can we choose the correct size?

< Also in this case we must receive all the data requested for the study of the buoy. It is necessary to note that the maximum positioning depth of a beacon is 400/500 meters. With all the available informations, a finalized beacon project will be supplied with the ideal characteristics to optimize the signaling performance.

> How is the maintenance of a buoy or elastic beacon carried out?

< With every shipment, Resinex supplies a complete maintenance manual which precisely shows the simple steps to follow over various years in order to guarantee a long and high performance.

> I would like to instal a temporary signalization which doesn’t create great problems both in easy positioning and cost. What can you suggest?

< Resinex has a wide range of light buoys. For this type of need we have a wide range of small buoys mounted with lanterns and solar panels and incorporated batteries which don’t require maintenance. The price could even be less the 500 Euro.

> I have a waste pipe in the sea and I want to couple water analysis equipment to the beacon. Can your buoy or beacon be fitted with such equipment to monitor and analise the water and marine meteorological conditions?

< We have many types of buoys and beacons adapted "ad hoc" for activities of analysis. Analysis of water, air, sea conditions (tide, current) and wind, etc. For every use, we study particular fittings for the beacon platform or the hull of the buoy. The sensors are generally placed in a specially protected tube safeguarding them from adverse atmosphere conditions. We have studied solutions which exclude the use of pulleys which give unsatisfactory mechanical results in sea conditions. The power system can be adapted to both the power of the solar panels and supply to the analysis system.

>   We have to substitute some floats on our underwater oil pipeline. We have seen three types of deep water floats in your catalogue. Which type do you advise us to use from your range: Hinged, Bolted or Grooved?
Do they have various characteristics and performances?

> Is it possible to assemble the float even if the line has already been installed?

< Certainly, Resinex supplies a complete kit of "plate sinkers" to position the float underwater. All our floats are equipped with metal inserts which allow the connection of the sinker.

> To what depths can Resinex pipe and cable floats reach?

< From 0 to 7000 meters. Our Marine Research Centre is however developing the new Nautex and Synt compounds for even greater depths.

> What is Nautex and Synt?

< Nautex is an acronym for Nautilus-Resinex which reminds one of our exigency towards deep water. The development of new Nautex compounds increases the maximum ratio between pressure resistance and specific weight, thus increasing buoyancy in respect to volume and allowing lower production costs: in other words, it weighs less in relation to pressure resistance. Synt is our syntactyc foam compound which is projected for depths greater than 1500 meters. Also in this case, we are researching ways to reduce weight and increase operating depths.

> I have rated that, often, there are spheres similar to ping pong balls in your Compounds. What are they for?

< We have a wide range of "macrospheres" of different thickness and diameter. These are our "cherries on the cake" of our compounds . They increase compound resistance and at the same time lighten them. Material, dimension and range are our secret.

> We have a floating line with also a stretch on the surface. The Port Authorities have asked me to signal its presence. I don’t know what to do.

< We have the possibility to supply winkerlights. These are beacons of little weight which are applied to the pipe flanges giving a warning of the line presence at night through a little luminous signal (often ø60mm). We have two types of winkerlight, one with a battery, the other with a solar panel and battery; the last one, more costly, gives a maintenance free period of 5 years.

> Is this technology applicable, besides the oil sector, in others fields?

< Floats of smaller sizes are used to lighten mooring weight, telecommunication cables and umbilicals for ROV- In this case, given the reduced cable weight, the buoyancy support required per meter being more contained, smaller floats are only required.

> In the case of cables and umbilicals, how can we eliminate the risk of float slippage on the cable?

< Particular clamps and reducers have been studied (in polyurethane, rubber, etc.) which, when positioned on the internal diameters of the float, give a maximum grip on the cable. In this case we ask our client to inform us of the composition of the cable or umbilical surface material so as to be able to offer the best possible gripping material.

> Especially in the case of the umbilical, we need to minimize the float installation and dismantelling time. How can we do this?

< On some models there are special handles which increase speed of connection while giving safe closure.

> We would like to use the floats for different types of work that we have acquired in these years.Unfortunately, the cables we have to lighten are of different dimensions. What can we do to be able to use the same floats and so to reduce costs?

< Our technical department has studied and come up with an excellent solution. The internal diameter of the float can host a plastic reducer (always with internal friction and high grip) which can, in turn, have an internal diameter from 200mm to 20mm. In the event of analogous work with cables of different dimensions, it is only necessary to change the internal reducer with a minimum expense, even up to 10 times less than having to change the float. This solution has been adapted also for oil pipe floats. With the same float we can achieve different internal diameters. The system of inserts of our floats allows them to adapt to any new client needs with ease.

> I have seen in your catalogue that your products undergo various tests. What are the standard tests and those made on request by the client. What guarantee do they give?

< In the case of floats and buoys ear-marked for deep water, the resistance tests are compulsory. The Resinex Marine Research Centre , which is the apple of our eye, enables us to carry out very accurate tests as these are directly managed by us in the company. The following are the standard steps of a float or deep water buoy.

• The float shell is made with rotational moulding during which the metallic inserts are placed (sunk) into the moulded plastic. In this phase the shell thickness is controlled by the appropriate equipment.
• The shell is filled with material (Nautex, Synt) suitable for the float operational depth. Material samples are taken, density and consistency is verified.
• The various plastic and metallic parts are assembled (stainless steel or titanium); material and welding certificates always follow the product.
• At this point the product is finished and now the most important tests begin.
• The weight is verified with electronic scales.
• The float is put in a pressure tank (we have four tanks of different dimension and performance) and connected to one of the load cells where the net buoyancy is tested in surface buoyancy conditions.
• The pressure tank is closed and brought to the appropriate pressure required by international norms for the test (always at a higher pressure than required by the float in its operational life). Besides pressure resistance, net buoyancy under pressure is also controlled at the same time.
• Weight details, buoyancy and pressure resistance are gathered on PC and the certificate of conformity is drawn up which accompanies the product.
• Traction test on the complete float are done only on request. This test is carried out with load cells that measure the traction on the float body by machines and weights.

With these standardized test steps on our deep water products, we really believe we are able to give our clients a very high degree of guarantee. Clients, whose work in the sea depend on our products, are more than welcome to come and assist during the testing procedures. Supervision on the behalf of clients is often carried out by specialized entities (Lloyd’s, DNV,ABS,etc.).

> Besides the floats, buoys also undergo quality control tests? The buoys which I would like to utilize come under an elevate pressure, how can I be at ease?

< Buoys can also undergo the previously described tests as we have a pressure tank, equipped with load cells, that has a diameter of 2,5 meters and a depth of 3,5 meters. If the proof load test goes over 5 tons; it will be carried out by an external laboratory specialized in the tests of cables and chains. Here we test the metallic parts of the buoy which need a traction of upto 150 tons.

> Are you only specialized in the production of buoys of a big dimension?

< Absolutely no. Just think we have in our range small buoys with a diameter of 200mm and 300mm and that support 3 and 12 kgs. Certainly we arrive until a maxi-buoy of 100.000 kgs of buoyancy (our Pem 43: 4,3 meters diameter and 9 meters high) of which we are very proud. But also the sale of a little buoy gives up the pleasure of being able to satisfy all types of our customer needs.

> Very often I have to go near the buoy that I am positioning and I am afraid of hitting the boat keel. Are you able to supply buoys that are protected and protect from blows?

< The elastomer buoys were built just for this reason. They were created in mind of the oil tankers which docked to the single point mooring where through these elastic buoys they brought abroad the loading and unloading pipes to the mono-buoys. In order not to damage the tanker hull and keel, 40 years ago, Resinex started and developed this type of buoy. Now, we produce tens of types, small and big. The material is polyethylene foam with a density of 30 to 50 kg/mc, covered with elastomer polyurethane (a type of rubber, at the same time, more elastic and more abrasion proof). The union of these two materials and a metallic cover cap makes it possible to produce a light buoy but resistant to impacts and above all elastic to demands.