Back Ground
All Flow Systems and Solutions
Lithgow, New South Wales
Drop-stitched matrix web-constructed inflatables are ideal for industrial applications requiring precise shapes. These inflatables maintain their form when inflated, can be configured into squares, circles, and other shapes, and can be glued or welded together. They effectively seal and fill voids in complex environments, such as inflatable weir plugs.
A weir is a barrier built across a river or stream to regulate water flow. It controls water levels, ensures consistent flow rates, and helps manage flood risks. Weirs also divert water for irrigation and maintain navigation levels for locks.
Challenge
For this project, two inflatable weir plugs were constructed using Inflatable drop-stitched matrix web constructions, which are the ideal choice for industrial applications that require precise shapes. These inflatables maintain their form when inflated, can be configured into squares, circles, and other shapes, and can be glued or welded together for maximum effectiveness. They are perfect for sealing and filling voids in complex environments, such as inflatable weir plugs.
A weir is a highly effective barrier constructed across a river or stream to regulate water flow. It ensures consistent flow rates, controls water levels, and helps manage flood risks. Weirs also divert water for irrigation and maintain navigation levels for locks.
During periodic maintenance and repairs, such as valve replacements, grouting, and painting, the weir must be temporarily isolated, stopping water flow and leaving the affected weir dry for remediation.
In this case, two Matrix web cushions were bonded like Siamese twins to supplement the inherent weakness at each surface. The filler plug placed in the opening was supplemented by a lid plate. The lid plate was designed to seal against the outside face of the weir, and the filler plug was used to assist in securing it in place. An inflatable weir plug was placed on each side of the weir, which was undergoing maintenance in a double block and bleed configuration.
