Bladder Tanks Explained

Pillow Tanks Explained

Pillow Tanks

Ridge Flexible Pillow Tanks, which are also known as bladder tanks, have been designed to store liquids from 1,000 litres to 250,000 litres. Our pillow tank design has been used successfully for many years to store product over short, medium and long terms of use.

Our pillow tanks are manufactured in PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or a TPU/PVC blend. The material is bonded together to make the pillow tank construction by welded the seams together using a High Frequency Welding machine.

Features & Benefits

  • Durable and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions (typically -30 to +70 deg. C)
  • Manufactured from high-quality materials including PVC and TPU
  • Flexible and easily deployed, can be rolled up and stored in a very short time
  • Can be re-used over and over again
  • Manufactured in the UK
  • Available in a wide range of specifications to suit your application
  • East to maintain
  • Can be tailored to meet your exact requirements

A wide range of applications

  • Storage of drinking (potable) water for public events (i.e. Concerts, Racing, Sports)
  • Storage of waste water at public events, shows etc
  • Fire service (water storage for firefighting)
  • Storage of slurry (Agriculture)
  • Storage of chemical fertilizer
  • Storage of produced water for drilling activities
  • Storage of water on small boats/vessels
  • Temporary storage of liquid during routine maintenance and repair
  • Rainwater collection
  • Storage of Biogas
  • Storage of contaminated water
  • Storage of water for ballast
  • Load testing bags

Recent Projects

In the last 12 months we have supplied 5 x 200,000 litre bladder tanks to Albania for storage of produced water for a drilling operation. We have supplied bladder tanks to the public to store drinking water, waste water from showers, rain water collection bladders for irrigation, water storage on small boats and storage of water for a concrete manufacturing company.

With summer now approaching and COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, large events will hopefully take place again where they have a need to store drinking water and waste water, and our tanks are perfect for this application.

Available in a wide range of specifications depending on requirements

Ranging in capacities from 1,000 up to 250,000 litres, Ridge flexible pillow tanks are supplied in different material specifications depending on storage requirements and contained fluids such as potable or non-potable water. Ridge can also provide other products for use alongside flexible tanks including PVC ground sheets and UV/Dust covers which help prolong the tanks in harsh environments (i.e. deserts). We can also supply ball valves if required. We can fit most types of connectors/adaptors including BSP and Camlock.

General Description Flexible Storage Tank materials

TPU coated high tenacity polyester woven fabric designed to store drinking water to WRAS  requirements with an operational life expectancy of 10 years

PVC a non-toxic PVC-coated high tenacity polyester woven fabric designed to store both potable and non-potable water with an operational life expectancy of up to 10 years. We use 3 different grades - 1 for drinking water, 1 for waste-water and slurry and a heavy-duty version for waste water, contaminated water

PVC/TPU blend coated high tenacity polyester woven fabric designed to store produced water from drilling operations and contaminated water,  with an operational life expectancy of 10 years

Most tanks are made to order; we have a standard range and can tailor sizes and accessories to meet with your specific requirements.

Accessories

  • All connection and adaptor types including BSP, Cam lock
  • We can fit connections up to 8 inch (200mm) on our tanks (dependent on connector type)
  • Ground sheets (geotextile groundsheets are provided as standard, but we can provide PVC groundsheets for rougher ground)
  •  UV Covers/Dust Covers - This is an additional layer of PVC that fit over the tank to provide additional protection from the elements
  • Ball valves, elbows, hose tails

Warranty

  • We offer a standard one-year warranty on all our products for materials and workmanship, this may be extended for a small fee

Tank Data

The list of standard tanks and fittings is shown below however we can bespoke manufacture the tanks to any capacity you require (up to 250,000 litres) or we can make them to a specific space envelope and provide you with the capacity that it can provide for a given size – all we need is the length and width of your available space


Pillow tank weights and dimensions

Tank Types

Types Of Pillow Tanks

STANDARD NON-POTABLE BLADDER TANK 

Used for waste water, rain water and slurry



1000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable1000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable
from £340.00 ex VAT
(£408.00 inc VAT)
6000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable6000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable
from £719.00 ex VAT
(£862.80 inc VAT)

10000 Litre Bladder Tank, Non Potable10000 Litre Bladder Tank, Non Potable
from £720.00 ex VAT
(£864.00 inc VAT)
30000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable30000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable
Free Delivery
from £1,498.00 ex VAT
(£1,797.60 inc VAT)

100000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable100000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable
Free Delivery
from £3,575.00 ex VAT
(£4,290.00 inc VAT)
150000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable150000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Non Potable
Free Delivery
from £4,650.00 ex VAT
(£5,580.00 inc VAT)

Heavy Duty Bladder Tank

HEAVY DUTY NON-POTABLE BLADDER TANK

Thicker material than the standard, used for waste-water, slurry, some chemicals, drill water and general water storage



Heavy duty non potable bladder tank

POTABLE (DRINKING) WATER BLADDER TANK

We also can produce a WRAS approved tanks



1000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable1000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable
from £390.00 ex VAT
(£468.00 inc VAT)
6000 Litre Bladder Tank, Potable6000 Litre Bladder Tank, Potable
from £838.00 ex VAT
(£1,005.60 inc VAT)

10000 Litre Bladder Tank, Potable10000 Litre Bladder Tank, Potable
from £840.00 ex VAT
(£1,008.00 inc VAT)
20000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable20000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable
from £1,102.00 ex VAT
(£1,322.40 inc VAT)

50000 Litre Flexible Bladder Water Tank, Potable50000 Litre Flexible Bladder Water Tank, Potable
Free Delivery
from £2,475.00 ex VAT
(£2,970.00 inc VAT)
100000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable100000 Litre Bladder Water Tank, Potable
Free Delivery
from £4,265.00 ex VAT
(£5,118.00 inc VAT)

Frequently asked Questions

What ground preparation is needed?

A flat well-drained location is the ideal choice of a site that should be free from rocks, stones, tree stumps or any other sharp objects that may chafe or puncture the tank. On rough or stony ground, sharp objects should be removed and ideally a layer of sand laid to provide a base. Maximum care must be taken to avoid placing tanks on ground having a cross slope as the tank is liable to “roll away” when being filled.

Do I need a ground sheet?

Not always, if the ground is free from debris and sharps then you can use these tanks without a ground sheet however, we do recommend using a ground sheet to prolong the life of the bladder tank

How do I fill the tank?

This can be done from the water mains or through a pump with the relevant connector fitted to attach to the bladder tank. This must start slowly (up to max 490 litres per minute) then increased to a maximum of 1,000 litres per minute dependent on tank capacity

How do I empty the tank?

This can be done by gravity or pumped, the tank may have to be lifted slightly to empty any remaining liquid

How do I maintain the bladder tank?

Our bladder tanks are quite easy to maintain. The surface should kept clean of debris and washed down occasionally. The inside can be cleaned through a small hatch using a hose pipe then drained away

Can the bladder tanks be repaired?

Small cuts and abrasions can be repaired using our repair kit. Larger cuts/splits may have to be repaired at our factory (for a fee)

What liquids cannot be stored in a bladder tank?

PVC bladder tanks can store most liquids except fuels and certain acids, this requires a special material, so please inquire. We can manufacture a bladder tank to store pretty much any liquid, but please check with us regarding your specific application


Read More From Tanks Direct

Does Your Water Tank Need Cleaning?
Does Your Water Tank Need Cleaning?
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Water Tanks

Bladder/ Flexible Tanks

What ground preparation is needed for a Bladder Tank?

A flat well-drained location is the ideal choice of a site that should be free from rocks, stones, tree stumps or any other sharp objects that may chafe or puncture the tank. On rough or stony ground sharp objects should be removed and ideally a layer of sand laid to provide a base. Maximum care must be taken to avoid placing tanks on ground having a cross slope as the tank is liable to “roll away” when being filled.

Do I need a ground sheet?

Not always, if the ground is free from debris and sharps then you can use these tanks without a ground sheet however, we do recommend using a ground sheet to prolong the life of the bladder tank

How do I fill the bladder tank?

This can be done from the water mains or through a pump with the relevant connector fitted to attach to the bladder tank. This must start slowly (up to max 490 litres per minute) then increased to a maximum of 1,000 litres per minute dependent on tank capacity

How do I empty the bladder tank?

This can be done by gravity or pumped, the tank may have to be lifted slightly to empty any remaining liquid

What is the best way to maintain my bladder water tank?

Our bladder tanks are quite easy to maintain. The surface should kept be clean of debris and washed down occasionally. The inside can be cleaned through a small hatch using a hose pipe then drained away

Can the bladder tanks be repaired?

Small cuts and abrasions can be repaired using our repair kit. Larger cuts/splits may have to be repaired at our factory (for a fee)

What liquids cannot be stored in a bladder tank?

PVC bladder tanks can store most liquids except fuels and certain acids, this requires a special material so please inquire. We can manufacture a bladder tank to store pretty much any liquid but please check with us regarding your specific application

How long do bladder tanks last?

A well-maintained bladder tank can last anywhere from five to ten years or more. The flexible bladder, often made from materials like PVC, polyurethane, or rubber, is resilient and designed to withstand repeated expansions and contractions without compromising its integrity. Regular inspections for signs of wear, tear, or damage, such as punctures or leaks, is crucial for identifying issues early on. Following proper cleaning procedures between uses helps prevent the accumulation of debris or contaminants that could affect the bladder's material over time.

Exposure to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, or prolonged sunlight can accelerate the deterioration of the materials. Proper storage, away from direct sunlight and in a controlled environment, contributes to preserving the tank's overall quality. Similarly, adhering to recommended usage guidelines and avoiding overfilling the tank helps prevent unnecessary stress on the bladder and extends its operational life. Tanks with reinforced seams, reinforced corners, and durable outer shells are more likely to withstand the demands of frequent use and challenging environments. When considering bladder tanks for your specific application, be sure to consult with manufacturers or suppliers to understand the expected lifespan based on your usage requirements and to receive guidance on proper maintenance practices.

What is the purpose of a bladder tank?

Bladder tanks are designed to provide a flexible and collapsible solution for storing and transporting water in a space-efficient and convenient manner. Bladder tanks are particularly valuable in situations where rapid deployment and mobility are crucial. The flexible bladder within the tank allows it to expand or contract based on the volume of water stored inside, ensuring efficient use of space. This makes bladder tanks ideal for emergency response scenarios, remote construction sites, agriculture, and firefighting efforts, where a quick and temporary liquid storage solution is necessary.

The sealed, flexible bladder serves as a barrier between the stored water and external elements, reducing the risk of contaminants entering the liquid. This makes bladder tanks suitable for applications where maintaining the purity and integrity of the water is essential, such as in drinking water storage. Their lightweight construction allows for convenient mobility, making them an excellent choice for temporary liquid storage needs in diverse environments. Whether it's establishing a temporary water supply for emergency response or transporting water to remote locations, bladder tanks provide a quick and efficient solution that can be easily moved and set up as needed.

What is the best material for a boat tank?

HDPE, a common choice for water storage, boasts impressive resistance to corrosion and UV radiation, making it well-suited for marine environments. Its innate durability ensures that the water bladder can withstand the rigours of boat use, remaining resilient against external elements that could compromise the integrity of the tank. XLPE, a variation of polyethylene, further enhances the performance of water bladder tanks on boats. Its cross-linked structure not only provides superior resistance to temperature extremes but also contributes to increased structural stability. This is particularly advantageous for boats where water tanks may be exposed to varying temperatures during journeys. The added resilience of XLPE ensures a prolonged lifespan for the water bladder, making it a reliable choice for boaters seeking a durable and robust water storage solution.

The lightweight nature of both HDPE and XLPE is a crucial factor for water bladder tanks on boats. Boats have specific weight limitations, and using lightweight materials helps maintain optimal weight distribution. The flexibility of these materials allows the water bladder to adapt to irregular spaces on the boat, optimising storage capacity without sacrificing structural integrity. Boaters can benefit from efficient space utilisation, ensuring they have an adequate and accessible water supply without compromising the vessel's performance.