Pneumatic Valves Technology: The Many Uses of Pneumatic Bladders
Pneumatic bladders are hermetic containers of air configured to specific or unique shapes and sizes. They are devices that are made out of flexible materials like fabrics or rolled sheets of films that are filled with air. Pneumatic bladders use the concept and technology of pneumatic valves, but instead of using pressurised air to move a valve back and forth, pressurised air is used to fill up the bladder.
Pneumatic bladders need to be flexible as this allows them to be used in a variety of applications. These include emergency applications such as seal drains and ducts to contain chemical spills or fire water on water, marine applications such as artificial coral reefs, pneumatic dunnage bags to stabilise cargo, and medical research applications.
The making of pneumatic bladders
Pneumatic bladders are created through a process using radio frequency welding, hot air welding, hot wedge sealing, or solvent bonding. Rotational moulding or injection moulding can also be used if the containment bladder needs to be rigid instead of collapsible or flexible.
The medium in the bladder, the application, and the environment it will be used in will determine its construction and materials. Common materials used include:
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
- Nylon
- Olefin
- PVC laminated or coated fabric
- Cloth-backed vinyl
- Thermoplastic films
- Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or elastomers (TPE)
Each of these materials has its specific strength, and each works best for its particular application. Each material comes in a variety of thickness and even colours.
Chemical resistance
Some industries need pneumatic bladders for chemical resistance. This means the bladders need not only be UV resistant, but the materials should also resist all types of chemicals from the inside and out. Standard materials used for such bladders are polyethylene and PVC.
Industries where you commonly see pneumatic bladders
- Aerospace – The airbags in airline seats can also double as flotation devices.
- Shipping – Pneumatic bladders are used to fill vacant spaces that might cause damage to packages should they suddenly shift during shipping.
- Automotive – Bladders for lumbar support are used to make the automobile seats more comfortable.
- Medical industry – Pneumatic bladders are used extensively throughout the medical field, including therapeutic arm wraps.
- Safety industry – Pneumatic bladders are preferred as emergency oxygen bags on many commercial aircraft.
Master Mac 2000
For pneumatic valves and other pressure control valve system needs, Master Mac 2000 has been a long-time provider of these as well as other cylinder and pneumatic components. It is one of the country’s largest distributors of premium brands, including Univer, Mack, Piab, and many others. For enquiries, go to https://mastermac2000.com.au/ today.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.