Vertical & Horizontal Bladder Tank
Foam Storage Devices | Model MXC

Description

The bladder tank together with ratio controllers, form a balanced pressure proportioning system used to mix water and firefighting foam concentrate together to produce an effective extinguishing medium. The bladder tank technology is a dependable and precise mixing method that is widespread in the fixed fire protection market. This method gives a stable water/foam ratio by adjusting automatically to the variable flow rate and pressure conditions that occur during system operation. This feature makes bladder tanks particularly suitable to fit multiple hazard systems, sprinkler systems and any other systems operating under variable, non-predictable flow and pressure conditions. The bladder tank is a carbon steel pressure vessel containing an elastomeric bladder between the water and foam concentrate. The bladder permits water pressure to be transferred to the foam concentrate without the two fluids mixing together.

This technical data is intended for trained experts. It contains basic information needed to use the product described. Legally binding is the product operation and maintenance manual, which must be observed. For further information, please contact Fomtec or refer to the technical documentation. The contents of this publication are subject to modifications without notice.

Listings and approvals

The bladder tank is FM Approved and/or UL Listed as part of a fire extinguishing system combining designated foam concentrates, model KFP ratio controllers, Model KBP ILBP’s and discharge devices. Approved and listed system components can be found at www.approvalguide.com and www.database.UL.com.

  • FM Approved – Low Expansion Foam Systems (FM5130)
  • UL Listed – Guide GHXV.EX26572 (UL162)
  • Manufactured according to ASME Sec. VIII Div.1 or EN13445
  • CE marked according to the PED Directive 2014/68/EU (Europe Only)
  • Fire Safety Certified for Russian Federation territory CTP (formally GOST)
  • ASME U-1A (“U” Stamp) certification process available on request with additional charge. See data page TD2.3.1.3 for ordering information.

Notice: Other international approval certificates may be available upon request.

Technical data
Construction features

  • Vertical tanks on legs or horizontal tanks on saddles
  • Legs and saddles are provided with ground fixing holes
  • Approved system design pressure of 175 PSI (12.1 bar) or 232 PSI (16.0 bar)
  • 100% pressure tested according to the applied design code
  • Shell and heads in ASTM A516 Gr. 70 or EN10028-3 P275NH/P355NH
  • Lockable corrosion resistant brass tank trim/service ball valves (UL Listed / FM Approved)
  • Inspection flange available on left or right side of horizontal tanks (left as standard)
  • Machine welded circumferential and longitudinal seams for maximum quality and durability
  • Welded lifting lugs to facilitate safe handling operations
  • Earth lug for electrical safety
  • Safety thermal valve on water side of bladder to prevent slow overpressure and relieve thermal fluctuations

Standard materials

Tank shell and heads ASTM A516 Gr. 70 or P275NH to EN10028-3 or P355NH to EN10028-3
Bladder Polyester reinforced hypalon-neoprene polymers
Trim valves Brass
Safety thermal relief valve Brass
Pressure gauges Stainless steel
Level indicator Hydrometer: Stainless steel or Sight tube: PVC
Paint Epoxy zinc rich primer with aliphatic polyurethane finish
Standard colour Flame red RAL3000
Flange material ASTM A105
Flange connection ANSI B16.5 Class 150
  • Bladder equipped with cast rubber caps to ensure water & foam integrity under constant pressure
  • Bladder specifically tested for compatibility with foams shown in FM Approval and UL Listing
  • Oversized to permit concentrate thermal expansion (volume expansion allowance)
  • Tank equipped with inside protection at any opening to ensure no damage to the bladder
  • Internal PVC foam concentrate distribution pipe ensures optimal foam concentrate usage
  • Internal water distribution channel to equalize the water pressure everywhere avoiding damage to the bladder and to drain the tank during service and maintenance
  • Nameplate holder to avoid undetected corrosion on the tank’s shell behind the plate
  • Analog level indicator or classic sight tube (specify at point of order)
  • External epoxy zinc rich primer with aliphatic polyurethane finish tested by FM and UL for corrosive atmosphere (salt fog)

 

Standard design specifications

Design pressure 175 PSI / 12.1 bar (1.2MPa) or 232 PSI / 16.0 bar (1.6MPa)
Operating temperature range 35°F to 120°F (1.7°C to 49°C)
Capacity See tables in datasheet
Empty weight See tables in datasheet
Proportioning range See ratio controller datasheet
(*) Further temperature limitations come from foam concentrate and water.
See more information in the datasheet.