Large water supply, compact for transport and quick to deploy

Buitink Technology’s mobile fire-fighting water tank combines a very large capacity with compact transport dimensions. The flexible tank has a clear top opening of approximately 8 metres and is suitable as a temporary water source for helicopters, fire engines and mobile fire-fighting pumps.

Temporary fire-fighting water supply in the event of major fires

In the event of large-scale wildfires and forest fires, sufficient water for fire-fighting is not always available where it is needed. Existing mobile reservoirs are often relatively small, whilst reservoirs with a capacity of more than one million litres require a great deal of space, equipment and preparation.

Buitink Technology has therefore developed a flexible fire-fighting water tank with a capacity of approximately 275 m³, or 275,000 litres. The tank combines a very large water capacity with compact transport dimensions and can be set up close to the scene of the incident.

The reservoir is suitable as a temporary water supply for, amongst other things, helicopters, fire engines, mobile pumping systems and large-scale fire-fighting operations.

Designed for helicopter operations

The open top has a diameter of approximately 8 metres. This allows a helicopter to draw water using a water bag or another suitable water-intake system.

With a water depth of up to approximately 3 metres, a large volume of fire-fighting water is available within a relatively small footprint. The maximum external diameter of the reservoir is approximately 13.75 metres.

Various filling options

The reservoir can be filled from, amongst other sources,

• Tankers
• Hydrants
• Surface water
• Mobile pumping systems
• Temporary transport pipelines

Even without the use of helicopters, the reservoir can serve as a central water supply for fire engines, mobile fire pumps and water cannons.

Flexible and self-supporting structure

The reservoir consists of a strong, flexible membrane structure with inflatable support elements.

The structure comprises

• Inflatable upper collar around the water inlet
• Supporting inflatable ring at the base
• Flexible water-retaining membrane
• Integrated connections for filling and emptying
• Option to connect to pump systems

Due to the shape of the reservoir, the water pressure supports the structure whilst it is being filled. This means that there is no need for heavy steel wall panels or bulky frame structures.

Compact transport size

After use, the reservoir can be emptied, cleaned and folded away compactly.

Specification	Approximate value
Length when folded:	+/- 3.0 m
Width when folded:	± 2.0 m
Height when folded:	+/- 1.8 m
Tank weight:	+/- 1,000 kg

Carrying and transport bag with lifting loops

The folded reservoir is packed into a sturdy carrying and transport bag with integrated lifting loops. This allows the package to be moved using, amongst other things,

• Truck-mounted crane
• Mobile crane
• Telehandler
• Forklift
• Off-road vehicle with suitable transport equipment
• Helicopter as an external load

Transport as an external helicopter load is possible subject to assessment and approval by the relevant helicopter operator.

The carrying case protects the reservoir during storage and transport and keeps the whole package together.

Fully equipped mobile storage container

The fire-fighting water tank can be supplied as a complete mobile deployment kit in a compact container.

One possible configuration consists of

• Folded reservoir in a carry bag
• Two compact air pumps
• Air hoses
• Electrical cables
• Connectors
• Repair kit
• Lifting and fastening equipment
• Installation, operating and maintenance instructions

The container can be transported by lorry, ship or rail and stored at a strategic location. From the container, the tank can be transported separately to the actual area of operation.

Can be deployed quickly even with limited infrastructure

The system has been developed for situations where a large temporary water supply needs to be established quickly, but where there is no permanent infrastructure.

Possible applications

• Forest and wildfires
• Campsites
• Remote or mountainous areas
• Areas with insufficient fire-fighting water capacity
• Temporary protection of villages and infrastructure
• Industrial sites
• Airports and military sites
• Emergency provisions following droughts or earthquakes
• Emergency provisions in the event of infrastructure failure
• Large-scale fire drills

Key features

• Capacity of approximately 275,000 litres
• Clear top opening of approximately 8 metres
• Height of approximately 3 metres
• Maximum external diameter of approximately 13.75 metres
• Fully flexible structure
• No bulky steel wall frame
• Compact and foldable
• Carry bag with integrated lifting loops
• Suitable for water intake by helicopters
• Central fire-fighting water reservoir for fire engines
• Optionally available as a complete operational container
• Customised connections, pumps and logistics

Developed and manufactured by Buitink Technology

Buitink Technology develops and manufactures flexible structures made from technical textiles and plastic films for demanding industrial and operational applications.

The 275 m³ tank is tailored to the required operating method, mode of transport, filling capacity and connections. Accessories such as pumps, hoses, support structures and transport containers can also be supplied as part of the overall system.

FAQs

Should we deploy a mobile fire-fighting water tank?

Do you wish to use the reservoir for fire-fighting, emergency response or temporary water storage?

Please contact Buitink Technology for technical information, customisation options and a proposal for a complete deployment and transport configuration.