Wholesale Reusable Water Blocking Balloon Large Diameter Pipe Airbag for Emergency Pipe Repair

Pipeline Plugging Airbag: A Convenient Tool for Temporary Blockage

I. Basic Concept and Core Structure1. Core Functions

• Pipeline Testing: When conducting water-tightness tests on municipal drainage pipelines, it blocks both ends of the pipeline to retain water and check for leaks.

• Maintenance and Emergency Repair: When pipelines crack or pipe joints leak, it temporarily blocks water flow to buy time for repairs (e.g., replacing pipe fittings, clearing blockages).

• Temporary Flow Interruption: When local pipeline fluid needs to be blocked during construction (e.g., water pipe renovation in residential areas), it avoids large-scale water outages.

• 

2. Main Structure

• Airbag Body: Made of high-strength rubber (natural rubber, neoprene) or composite rubber, which is water-pressure resistant and anti-aging. It is shaped into cylindrical, oval, or other forms based on pipeline dimensions.

• Inflation System: Includes an inflation valve (one-way valve to prevent air leakage), a pressure gauge (to monitor inflation pressure), and an inflation tube. Some models are equipped with a manual pump or electric air pump.

• Auxiliary Accessories: Some airbags have positioning plates at both ends (to prevent the airbag from sliding in the pipeline) and sealing rings (to enhance the blocking tightness).

II. Working Principle

1. Select an airbag that matches the inner diameter of the pipeline, fold it, and insert it into the designated position of the pipeline (the section to be blocked).

2. Inflate the airbag (with air or nitrogen) through the inflation valve. As the airbag expands, it fits tightly against the inner wall of the pipeline, and uses friction between the rubber and the pipeline as well as expansion pressure to block fluid flow.

3. After the work is completed, open the deflation valve to release the gas. The airbag contracts and can be removed from the pipeline to restore fluid flow in the pipeline.

III. Common Types (Classified by Application/Pipeline Type)

IV. Usage Precautions (Key Points to Avoid Problems)

1. Choose the Right Size: The airbag diameter must match the inner diameter of the pipeline (usually 5%-10% smaller than the pipeline inner diameter). An oversized airbag may get stuck in the pipeline, while an undersized one will fail to block tightly and cause water leakage.

2. Check the Condition: Before use, check if the airbag has cracks or aging (e.g., rubber splitting), if the inflation valve leaks, and if the pressure gauge works normally. Do not use damaged airbags.

3. Control Inflation Pressure: Strictly follow the recommended pressure (usually 0.05-0.2MPa, specified in the product manual). Over-inflation may burst the airbag or damage the pipeline (especially plastic pipes).

4. Avoid Sharp Objects: Ensure there are no sharp debris (e.g., broken glass, steel bars) in the pipeline before inserting the airbag, to prevent the airbag from being punctured during expansion.

5. 
   

How to Use a Pipe Plugging Airbag

A pipe plugging airbag (also called a pipe blocking balloon) is a practical tool for temporarily sealing or unclogging pipes during maintenance, repair, or clog-clearing work. Below is a step-by-step guide to its safe and effective use, along with key safety tips.

1. Preparation: Gather Tools and Inspect Equipment

Before starting, ensure you have all necessary items and confirm the airbag is in good condition—this prevents leaks or tool failure mid-operation.

Tools needed:

· Pipe plugging airbag (select the correct size for your pipe diameter; mismatched sizes cause poor sealing).

· Manual or electric air pump (equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor inflation).

· Protective gloves (to avoid hand contact with dirty water or sharp pipe edges).

· Bucket or towel (to catch residual water in the pipe).

· Pipe inspection tool (optional, e.g., a small camera, to locate the clog more accurately).

Safety check:

· Examine the airbag’s surface for cracks, holes, or worn seams. If any damage is found, do not use it.

· Check the air pump and pressure gauge for accuracy (ensure the gauge can display the airbag’s rated pressure—usually marked on the airbag’s label).

· Turn off the main water supply to the pipe (critical to avoid water backflow during operation).

2. Locate the Pipe Clog (or Sealing Point)

Identify where the clog is or where you need to seal the pipe:

· For clogs: Run a small amount of water (before turning off the supply) to observe drainage—slow drainage or standing water usually indicates the clog’s general area.

· For sealing (e.g., to isolate a pipe section): Mark the area 10–15 cm away from the clog or repair point (this ensures the airbag seals the pipe tightly without blocking access to the target area).

3. Insert the Airbag into the Pipe

· Put on protective gloves and wipe the airbag’s surface dry (moisture may cause it to slip during insertion).

· Gently insert the deflated airbag into the pipe, aligning it with the marked sealing point.

· Ensure the airbag is fully inside the pipe (at least 80% of its length) to avoid it popping out when inflated. If the pipe is narrow, twist the airbag slightly while inserting to reduce friction.

4. Inflate the Airbag to the Rated Pressure

· Connect the air pump’s hose to the airbag’s inflation valve (ensure a tight fit to prevent air leakage).

· Inflate the airbag slowly while monitoring the pressure gauge. Never exceed the airbag’s rated pressure (typically 0.2–0.5 MPa for household pipes)—overinflation can burst the airbag or damage the pipe.

· Stop inflating once the pressure reaches the rated value. Disconnect the air pump and close the inflation valve (some airbags have a one-way valve to keep air in if the pump is removed).

· Test the seal: Pour a small amount of water into the pipe. If no water leaks past the airbag, the seal is successful. If leaks occur, deflate the airbag slightly, reposition it, and inflate again.

5. Perform Clog-Clearing or Maintenance Work

With the airbag sealed:

· For unclogging: Use a plunger, drain snake (auger), or chemical drain cleaner (follow the cleaner’s instructions) to clear the clog. The airbag will prevent water or debris from flowing back into other pipe sections.

· For maintenance/repair: Work on the isolated pipe section (e.g., replacing a fitting, patching a leak). The airbag keeps the pipe dry and free from water flow.

6. Deflate and Remove the Airbag

Once the work is done:

· Open the airbag’s deflation valve to release air slowly (sudden deflation may cause the airbag to shift and splash dirty water).

· Wait until the airbag is fully deflated, then gently pull it out of the pipe.

· Clean the airbag with mild soap and water, dry it thoroughly, and inspect it again for damage (store it in a cool, dry place for future use).

· Turn the main water supply back on and run water through the pipe to confirm the clog is cleared and there are no leaks.

Key Safety & Usage Tips

· Size matters: Always use an airbag that matches your pipe’s diameter (e.g., a 50mm airbag for 50mm household drain pipes).

· Avoid overinflation: Exceeding the rated pressure is the most common cause of airbag failure—always watch the pressure gauge.

· No hot pipes: Do not use the airbag in pipes carrying hot water (temperatures over 60°C can damage the airbag’s material).

· Chemical caution: If using chemical drain cleaners, ensure the airbag’s material is resistant to the cleaner (check the airbag’s user manual) to avoid corrosion.