OBERMEYER HYDRO, Inc. Ideas that Hold Water

Air bladders are designed and manufactured by methods similar to those used in the manufacture of automotive tires. A Butyl rubber inner liner provides excellent air retention characteristics. A section of high tensile strength rubber compounds containing multiple layers of polyester or arimid, e.g. duPont Kevlar® tire, cord reinforcement provide the mechanical strength needed to contain the internal pressure. A cover compound utilizing aging and ozone resistant polymers such as EPDM is used to protect the bladder from wear and weathering.

Air bladders for systems of less than 2 meters in height incorporate integral hinge flaps to which the gate panels are attached. Systems higher than 2 meters utilize separate hinge flaps. The hinge flaps utilize the same high strength tire cord construction as the inflatable portion of the air bladders. No mechanical hinges are used.