Flexible bladder tanks as an alternative for fire water storage in municipal services

The installation of traditional steel tanks, although prevalent, involves high costs and complex installation and administrative procedures. Modern flexible materials technology, however, provides alternatives that can significantly reduce the cost and time required for implementing fire water storage systems. How does this work in practice? Let us demonstrate with the example of our product – the Waterbase F flexible bladder tank.

In this article, you will learn:

• what flexible bladder tanks for firefighting purposes are;
• the advantages and disadvantages of portable bladder tanks;
• where fire bladder tanks, also known as “pillow tanks”, are used;
• how to prepare the site for installation;
• how fire bladder tanks are installed and how long it takes;
• whether flexible bladder tanks require planning permission.

What is a flexible bladder tank forfirefighting purposes?

When are fire tanks needed? They are essential in industrial and municipal services, providing a source of water in the event of a fire. Typically, commercial fire tanks evoke images of massive steel structures. A search for “fire tanks” online will predominantly reveal these huge steel constructions. However, flexible bladder tanks offer an attractive alternative, and their unique properties are making them increasingly popular in municipal services.

What is a flexible bladder tank made from?

Flexible bladder tanks are constructed from a special durable PVC-coated fabric, which provides excellent flexibility and weather resistance. The material is UV and tear-resistant, ensuring the tanks have a long lifespan. Additionally, the PVC structure is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, expanding their possible applications.

How is a flexible bladder tank installed?

One of the primary advantages of flexible bladder tanks is their ease of installation. Supplied in a compact form, usually on pallets for easy transport and storage, these tanks can be quickly and straightforwardly installed by rolling them out on a prepared level surface and filling them with water – no complex earthworks or planning permission required, unlike steel or concrete tanks.

Flexible bladder tanks versus steel tanks – what is the difference?

Flexible bladder tanks are significantly cheaper to purchase, transport and install – often up to four times cheaper than traditional steel tanks. The lack of need for planning permission and associated legal formalities further reduces the cost of implementing the system. Quick installation and minimum preparation make flexible bladder tanks ideal for rapid response to fire hazards. Flexible bladder tanks are significantly cheaper to purchase, transport and install – up to four times cheaper than traditional steel tanks.

What are the advantages of flexible bladder tanks for firefighting purposes?

We have already discussed what flexible bladder tanks are and how they differ from traditional tanks used in municipal services. Now, let us analyse their advantages using the example of Exflo branded flexible bladder tanks, where we have developed a proprietary concept for the installation of thermal insulation and automatic heating. Here is what makes Exflo flexible bladder tanks superior to conventional solutions:

• Speed of installation – flexible bladder tanks can be ready for use in a very short time. Typically, it takes about six weeks from the time the tank is ordered to when it is ready to be filled. Our staff have even reported exceptional order turnarounds of 48 hours, made possible by the simplicity of the design and the lack of need for complex earthworks or construction. This makes flexible bladder tanks ideal for situations where time is of the essence, such as reduced performance of the hydrant system or expansion of landfill sites.
• No legal formalities – the installation of flexible bladder tanks does not require planning permission, which is a significant advantage. With traditional steel tanks, the process of obtaining the necessary permits can be lengthy and complicated, thus delaying their use. The fact that flexible bladder tanks do not require planning permission not only speeds up the entire process but also reduces the costs associated with paperwork and administration.
• No construction work required – installation of a flexible bladder tank takes an average of 2 hours for the year-round version. All that is required is a hardened sand bed. The heating mats and tank are then placed on top and the connections are installed. The tank is not permanently anchored to the ground, so it can be quickly removed, stored and disassembled as needed.
• No construction work required– the lack of a permanent connection to the ground means that the tank can be moved to any location, allowing it to be used as a temporary solution or resold on the secondary market.

Fire fighting water tank installation

• Year-round use – flexible bladder tanks are designed for year-round use regardless of weather conditions. Fitted with special heating mats connected to an electrical panel, they automatically switch on the heating system when the water temperature drops below 3 degrees Celsius to prevent freezing. Waterbase F flexible bladder tanks are cold-resistant and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. High temperatures and UV rays are no problem either – thanks to a special coating that covers the PVC fabric and prolongs its life.
• 10-year warranty – despite its lightweight and portable form, our Waterbase F flexible bladder tank, which is becoming increasingly popular in the municipal services industry, comes with a 10-year warranty. We ensure the high quality of our tanks by using high-end European components.

Potential drawbacks and safety requirements for flexible bladder tanks?

Despite their many advantages, flexible bladder tanks have some limitations that may affect their usability in certain situations.

• Sensitivity to mechanical damage – one of the main risks with flexible bladder tanks is the possibility of mechanical damage, such as cuts or punctures caused by sharp tools or objects like reinforcing bars. To minimise this risk, it is essential to prepare the site properly and restrict access to unauthorised individuals.
• Space requirements – compared to vertical steel tanks, flexible bladder tanks occupy a relatively large area, as they can be as large as 16 x 11 metres with a capacity of 225 m 3 . This feature limits their usefulness in areas with limited space, where vertical structures could make better use of the available area. Therefore, when planning the location of flexible bladder tanks, space requirements should be taken into account to maximise their efficiency without disrupting existing infrastructure.
• Safety procedures – despite these challenges, flexible bladder tanks can be used safely and effectively for fire water storage, provided that proper safety and maintenance procedures are followed. As with their standard counterparts, it is important to carry out regular maintenance on the tanks to ensure their long-term functionality and safe use.

Where are flexible bladder tanks used in municipal services?

“Waterbase F” flexible bladder tanks have been used in a variety of scenarios, ranging from small communes to large urban areas, including landfill sites and manufacturing plants.

Flexible bladder tanks for firefighting purposes are becoming an increasingly popular solution for managing water resources due to their adaptability to different conditions and minimal formal requirements prior to installation. Our existing customers appreciate the simplicity and ability to install the tanks themselves, as well as the fact that they can be deployed quickly, which is crucial in an emergency.

Exflo flexible bladder tanks are designed to complement traditional water storage methods. They offer a rapid response to specific needs, meeting fire protection requirements during water supply extensions for both private and public waste management companies. Data shows that in 2023, 60% of orders for Waterbase F year-round tanks were completed specifically for waste management companies. Among the 16 completed projects, the tanks were deployed to locations including Warsaw, Koszalin, Żarki, Górzec, Tczew, Szczecin and Kielce.

Flexible bladder tanks for firefighting purposes – an effective alternative to conventional solutions

Flexible bladder tanks for firefighting purposes are gaining popularity due to their numerous advantages, which significantly improve fire safety in locations without established water infrastructure. Their lower purchase and installation costs combined with minimal formal requirements make them an attractive solution for those looking to optimise budgets. Additionally, their year-round usability, even in harsh winter conditions (thanks to the integrated heating system), ensures they meet fire safety standards.

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