Understanding Foam Bladder Tanks and Their Uses

Jun 7, 2023 | news

Foam bladder tanks provide a lightweight, flexible and cost-effective solution for storing liquids in industrial and commercial applications. These “tanks within a tank” use a sealed bladder to contain liquids while taking up less space than traditional metal or plastic tanks. Foam bladder tanks are available in both horizontal and vertical configurations.

What Is A Foam Bladder Tank?

A foam bladder tank consists of:

• An outer tank or container made of steel, fiberglass orother durable material
• A flexible inner bladder made of puncture-resistant foam or rubber
• Fittings and valves that allow liquids to be filled and drained from the bladder

How Foam Bladder Tanks Work

Foam bladder tanks function by:

• Filling the inner bladder with the liquid via fill pipes and valves
• Sealing the bladder to contain the liquid within the outer tank structure
• Allowing the liquid inside the bladder to be drained using separate drain valves and pipes

The bladder expands to fill the available space within the outer tank as it is filled with liquid. When drained, the bladder collapses and takes up very little space.

Vertical Foam Bladder Tank for Fire Protection

Benefits Of Foam Bladder Tanks

• Compact – Collapses to minimize space when empty
• Flexible – Adjusts shape to fill any tank size or configuration
• Lightweight – The bladder itself weighs very little when empty
• Cost-effective – Cheaper than constructing full metal or plastic tanks
• Easy to install – Fits into existing tanks or enclosures
• Chemical resistance – Many bladder materials resist corrosion
• Leak proof – Properly sealed bladders prevent leaks into the outer tank

Applications for Foam Bladder Tanks

• Industrial liquid storage – Chemicals, raw materials, waste liquids
• Fire suppression systems – Foam concentrates, water reservoirs
• Grey or wastewater storage – Rainwater harvesting, septic systems
• Marine – Bilge water, fuel, fresh water on boats
• Irrigation systems – Storing fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals