Valves & Retainers
Inflatable Bladder Configurations
Inflatable bladders only expand one way: out, just like a balloon. With thin walls and large surface areas, bladders work best for pipe plug applications. However unlike inflatable seals, bladders can not withstand great pressure differentials.
Fabric sleeves can be employed to contain bladders to direct their force. High tensile strength and high temperature resistant fabrics can be used for certain applications. Please contact Weiler about your application.
All bladders are custom made, so the required rate of expansion and required operational duty cycle should be known before hand.
Extrusion Data
Weiler can extrude custom profiles with a variety of compounds. Tolerances can be held up to E2 commercial tolerances. High precision tolerances can be held upon request, but may require additional tooling and molding depending on the application.
Most inflatable seals are extruded custom profiles, this allows Weiler to create inflatable seals easily with custom changes in mind. Call Weiler for more information regarding your application. Sizes of extrusions can be as thin as 1/32″ and up to 6″ in thickness.
Extrusions are available with the following features if required:
Continuous (on a roll)
Cut to length
Adhesive backings
Square corners
Molded rounded corners
Valve Configurations & Options
The location of a valve on an inflatable seal is suited best on the base of the seal, or in a non-inflating portion of the seal. In some cases the valve can be situated on the side of the seal.
Valves can also be configured to be placed out the end of a straight length of the seal. (Please contact Weiler about where you require the valve to be situated on the seal.)
Retainers
Most retainers are made from extruded aluminum profiles. Other materials will require extra time for setup.