The Waterwall® System is a rapid deployment anti-blast containment system utilising water to contain fragments.
Water, having a relatively high mass, has often been used to mitigate the effects of explosions either deliberate or accidental.
In sufficient quantity, it can dramatically reduce the damage caused by primary and secondary projectiles and interact with the chemistry of the explosion, reducing heat and the overall effectiveness of the primary explosive material.
Depending on the thickness of the water and the size of the explosive, blast overpressures can be significantly reduced and a high percentage, if not all, of the fragmentation captured.
Why Use Water?
The velocity of fragments produced by an explosion and passing through a layer of water is significantly reduced. If the water layer is thick enough it will stop all fragments completely.
Tests have also demonstrated that if placed correctly, water will also reduce the blast pressures associated with an explosive event by as much as 95%. Coupled with the fragment retaining properties it is easy to see why the use of water is so desirable in mitigating explosive events.
Furthermore, relatively thin layers of water can prevent the ‘sympathetic’ detonation of neighbouring ammunition stacks should an explosion occur in a magazine. Unlike other materials, water offers a low ‘down-range’ hazard and is readily available in urban areas where the threats of terrorist attacks are highest. Moreover water is cheap. Its use in explosive ordnance disposal systems facilitates the capture of forensic evidence, inhibits the formation of toxic gas clouds and can be pre-mixed with decontaminants to facilitate clean up following a ‘dirty bomb’ attack.
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 must be capable of dramatically reducing blast effects; it 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 component purges the air out through a relief valve. The time needed to fill each component will vary depending of the pressure of the water supply but is typically 10 minutes or less. Following use, if the unit is undamaged, the water can be emptied out and the unit stored for reuse. Shelf life of an unused product is indefinite and for a used component in excess of three years.
All products are designed for temporary use although the period of service can be extended to several months should the need arise. In such cases it may be necessary to make minor modifications to the original. Further more, all products shown on this site are generic and sizes, shapes and performance can be adjusted to suit customer requirements. Please contact us for further information.
Blast Protection Products 
Significantly reduces the velocity of fragments produced by an explosion;