An Air Inflatable Rubber Dam is a modern flexible water-retaining structure designed for low-head hydraulic applications. Developed in the mid-20th century, this system replaces traditional rigid gates with a high-strength rubberized membrane structure.
The dam body consists of:
- High-strength synthetic fiber fabric reinforcement
- Chloroprene (CR) or EPDM rubber outer and inner layers
- Anchoring system fixed to concrete riverbed and sidewalls
- Inflation and deflation control system
When inflated with air (or water), the dam forms a flexible barrier that retains upstream water. When deflated, the membrane collapses flat against the riverbed, restoring full flood discharge capacity.
Key Advantages of Inflatable Rubber Dams
1. Excellent Water Tightness & Flood Safety
- No leakage when inflated
- Fully collapsible during flood discharge
- Allows sediment, stones, and floating debris to pass freely
- Ideal for seasonal water level management
2. Lower Construction Cost
Compared with traditional concrete, steel, or gate dams:
- No heavy lifting machinery required
- No gate piers or operating bridges
- Reduced steel, cement, and timber consumption
- Short construction period (typically 3–15 days installation)
3. Simple Structure & Easy Operation
- Manual or automatic control systems available
- No complex mechanical lifting devices
- Low maintenance requirement
- Fast inflation and deflation
4. Seismic Resistance & Durability
- Flexible structure absorbs seismic energy
- High tensile synthetic fabric reinforcement
- Long service life with anti-aging rubber layers
Technical Specifications
|
Item |
Specification |
|
Dam Type |
Air Inflatable Rubber Dam |
|
Dam Height (H) |
0.5 m – 6.0 m (Customizable) |
|
Single Span Length |
Up to 100 m per section |
|
Total Length |
Custom Design |
|
Reinforcement Material |
High-Strength Synthetic Fiber Fabric |
|
Rubber Material |
Chloroprene (CR) / EPDM |
|
Inflation Medium |
Air |
|
Inflation Equipment |
Roots Blower |
|
Operating Temperature |
-30°C to +70°C |
|
Design Service Life |
20 – 30 Years |
|
Installation Time |
3 – 15 Days (Typical) |
|
Anchoring Method |
Bolted Anchor System |
|
Control System |
Manual / Automatic Monitoring System |
|
Standard Compliance |
Conforms to Water Resources Industry Standards |
Main System Components
An inflatable rubber dam system typically consists of:
- Rubber Dam Bag (Bladder)
- Anchoring System
- Inflation & Deflation System
- Monitoring & Control System
Medium and small projects can often be completed and operational within the same year.
Applications
Air inflatable rubber dams are widely used in:
- River regulation projects
- Irrigation and water diversion systems
- Urban landscape water retention
- Flood control projects
- Hydropower auxiliary systems
- Ecological water management projects
They play an essential role in sustainable water resource development and hydraulic engineering modernization.
Company Overview
Jiangsu Yangzhou Heli Rubber Products Co., Ltd. was originally established in 1964 as a state-owned enterprise (Yangzhou Rubber General Factory) and restructured into a modern corporation in 1999. Located in the historic city of Yangzhou, China, the company specializes in the research, design, and manufacturing of inflatable rubber dams, rubber air bags, and integrated inflation–deflation control systems.
With over 380 employees and more than 90 engineering professionals, the company operates on a 50,000 m² production facility and has decades of experience in hydraulic rubber engineering.
Heli Rubber is:
- Participating unit in national standards for inflatable rubber dams
- National High-Tech Enterprise
- Recognized Provincial Technology Center
- Holder of multiple military and confidential production certifications
- Owner of 60+ national patents (including 10 invention patents)
Our company maintains long-term cooperation with leading research institutions in rubber technology and hydraulic engineering.
Custom Engineering Support
We provide:
- Design consultation
- Structural calculation support
- Customized manufacturing
- On-site installation guidance
- Monitoring system integration
FAQ
Q1: What is the lifespan of an air inflatable rubber dam?
A: Typically 20–30 years depending on environmental conditions and maintenance.
Q2: Is it suitable for cold regions?
A: Yes. Air type dams do not freeze internally and can be fully deflated during winter.
Q3: Can the dam height be adjusted?
A: For air type, height is fixed after inflation. Adjustable overflow is available with water-filled type.
Q4: What maintenance is required?
A: Routine inspection of anchoring system and air pressure monitoring. Maintenance workload is minimal.
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