Waterwall water storage, a ground breaking concept developed by Cintec international comprises a range of self inflating, water storage units which are capable of providing a high level of protection to people and property against a range of terrorist devices, including those containing chemical, biological and radiological agents. Manufactured from poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC) coated fabric, Waterwall water storage structures are internally reinforced using a specialist stitching technique to enable them to maintain their shape and stability. Before use, the Waterwall water storage structures are partially inflated with air to assist with handling and positioning. The Waterwall water storage structures are then filled with water, which displaces the air through a pressure relief valve.
The time taken to fill each Waterwall water storage unit varies depending on its size and the pressure of the water supply but typically takes ten minutes or less. The water from the Waterwall water storage structure can then be emptied out and the Waterwall water storage unit stored for future use.
Waterwall water storage products of varying shapes and sizes have been designed to contain and isolate devices ranging in size from a shoe to a car bomb. The structural Stability of the Waterwall water storage design has also enabled Cintec International to produce a Waterwall water storage unit large enough to enclose a vehicle of up to seven tonnes, also a range of blast panels that can be linked together and rapidly deployed to lessen the impact of explosions for checkpoint security and vehicle search purposes.
DESIGN
The Waterwall® water storage system is based around the requirement that each component in the system must be capable of rapid deployment, use simple, inexpensive materials and can accept any type of water. Furthermore, each component of the Waterwall water storage units must be capable of dramatically reducing blast effects; the Waterwall water storage unit can also be easily stored and transported without the need of mechanical equipment if necessary.
All Waterwall® water storage system components made from PVC coated double wall fabric and are partially inflated with air first to facilitate handling and positioning before the water is introduced into the system. The flow of water into the Waterwall water storage component purges the air out through a relief valve. The time needed to fill each Waterwall water storage component will vary depending of the pressure of the water supply but is typically 10 minutes or less. Following use, if the Waterwall water storage unit is undamaged, the water can be emptied out and the unit stored for reuse. Shelf life of an unused Waterwall water storage product is indefinite and for a used component in excess of three years.
With prices starting from £1200 the cost effective nature of the Waterwall water storage range puts effective blast mitigation within reach of every government and private organisation.