Waterwall

Waterwall, a ground breaking concept developed by Cintec international comprises a range of self inflating, water-filled structures which are capable of providing a high level of protection to people and property against a range of terrorist devices, including those containing chemical, biological and radiological agents. Manufactured from poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC) coated fabric, Waterwall structures are internally reinforced using a specialist stitching technique to enable them to maintain their shape and stability. Before use, the Waterwall structures are partially inflated with air to assist with handling and positioning. The Waterwall structures are then filled with water, which displaces the air through a pressure relief valve.

The time taken to fill each Waterwall unit varies depending on its size and the pressure of the water supply but typically takes ten minutes or less. The water from the Waterwall can then be emptied out and the Waterwall unit stored for future use.

Waterwall products of varying shapes and sizes have been designed to contain and isolate devices ranging in size from a shoe to a car bomb. The structural Stability of the Waterwall design has also enabled Cintec International to produce a Waterwall unit large enough to enclose a vehicle of up to seven tonnes, also a range of blast panels that can be linked together and rapidly deployed to lessen the impact of explosions for checkpoint security and vehicle search purposes.

DESIGN

The Waterwall® System is based around the requirement that each component in the system must be capable of rapid deployment, use simple, inexpensive materials and can accept any type of water. Furthermore, each component of the Waterwall units must be capable of dramatically reducing blast effects; the Waterwall can also be easily stored and transported without the need of mechanical equipment if necessary.

All Waterwall® System components made from PVC coated double wall fabric and are partially inflated with air first to facilitate handling and positioning before the water is introduced into the system. The flow of water into the Waterwall component purges the air out through a relief valve. The time needed to fill each Waterwall component will vary depending of the pressure of the water supply but is typically 10 minutes or less. Following use, if the Waterwall unit is undamaged, the water can be emptied out and the unit stored for reuse. Shelf life of an unused Waterwall product is indefinite and for a used component in excess of three years.

With prices starting from £1200 the cost effective nature of the Waterwall range puts effective blast mitigation within reach of every government and private organisation.