Industries used
Onion tanks, which are sometimes called "pillow tanks" or "bladder tanks" (although their designs can differ slightly), are collapsible water storage tanks that have a unique onion or doughnut shape when filled. They are often used in a variety of situations due to their portability and ease of setup. Here are some common users and applications for onion tanks:
- Emergency Services and Disaster Relief: In situations where natural disasters have compromised local water infrastructure, emergency services might deploy onion tanks to store clean drinking water for affected populations.
- Military: Armed forces often use these tanks in field operations where a temporary and portable water supply is needed.
- Fire Departments: Onion tanks can be set up quickly to provide an additional water source for firefighting operations, especially in areas where hydrants or other water sources are not readily available.
- Remote Construction Sites: In places where access to water is limited, construction crews might use onion tanks to ensure they have an adequate water supply.
- Oil and Gas Industry: They might use onion tanks for temporary storage of water used in operations.
- Agriculture: Farmers can use these tanks for temporary irrigation or livestock water storage.
- Environmental Clean-up Operations: In situations where water from a particular site might be contaminated, it can be stored in onion tanks for later treatment.
- Temporary Events: Organizers of events like music festivals or large outdoor gatherings might use onion tanks to provide water for attendees, especially if the event is in a remote location.
- Rural Areas: In regions where water supply infrastructure might not be as developed, onion tanks can be a short-term solution during periods of drought or other water shortages.
The appeal of onion tanks lies in their ease of transport (since they're collapsible), rapid deployment, and the fact that they don't typically require any tools or heavy equipment to set up.
Size Chart
Capacity | Base Diameter Filled | Collar Diameter Filled | Filled Height | Weight |
Gallons | Liters | Inches | Meters | Inches | Meters | Inches | Meters | Pounds | Kilograms |
600 | 2,271 | 84" | 2.1m | 54" | 1.4m | 38" | 1m | 40 | 18 |
1,200 | 4,543 | 128" | 3.3m | 82" | 2.1m | 34" | 0.9m | 70 | 32 |
1,800 | 6,814 | 154" | 3.9m | 102" | 2.6m | 36" | 0.9m | 75 | 34 |
2,400 | 9,085 | 180" | 4.6m | 128" | 3.3m | 34" | 0.9m | 85 | 39 |
3,000 | 11,356 | 188" | 4.8m | 132" | 3.4m | 38" | 1m | 100 | 45 |
3,600 | 13,628 | 189" | 4.8m | 144" | 3.7m | 38" | 1m | 115 | 52 |
4,800 | 18,170 | 224" | 5.7m | 164" | 4.2m | 42" | 1.1m | 150 | 68 |
6,000 | 22,713 | 209" | 5.3m | 144" | 3.7m | 60" | 1.5m | 150 | 68 |
10,000 | 37,854 | 236" | 6.0m | 144" | 3.7m | 80" | 2m | 200 | 91 |
14,400 | 54,510 | 260" | 6.6m | 144" | 3.7m | 93" | 2.4m | 250 | 113 |
Dimensions on tank sizes can vary a little depending on the application, the fabric used, and/or military spec. We offer custom tanks so if you do not see what you need give us a call or drop us a note.
Forest Fires
Onion tanks play a pivotal role in supporting efforts to combat forest fires. Their primary function in such scenarios is to act as a water reservoir for firefighting operations, especially in remote locations where access to steady water sources might be limited. Here's how they are typically used:
- Helicopter Dipping Operations: Helicopters equipped with buckets or "bambi buckets" can dip into onion tanks to fill up with water, which is then dropped on the fire. Given that onion tanks can be rapidly set up in strategic locations, they provide an accessible water source for aircraft, allowing them to refill more frequently without having to travel long distances.
- Supply for Ground Firefighting Crews: Onion tanks can be set up as water supply points for ground crews, supplying water for both handheld hoses and mobile firefighting equipment. Having a reliable water source nearby allows firefighters to maintain a continuous effort in combating the blaze.
- Filling from Various Sources: Onion tanks can be filled using water tenders, portable pumps drawing from natural water sources (like rivers or lakes), or even by helicopters that shuttle water. This flexibility ensures a constant water supply, even in the most challenging terrains.
- Decanting and Relay: Sometimes, one water tender will offload its water into an onion tank, while another tender fills up from it to transport water closer to the fire lines or to another storage point. This relay system ensures a steady water flow to the areas where it's needed most.
- Temporary Storage During Water Transfer: In scenarios where large volumes of water are being moved from a distant source, onion tanks can serve as temporary holding points. This ensures that the water is readily available when and where it's needed.
- Mixing Additives: Sometimes, firefighting efforts involve the use of foam or other fire-retardant additives. Onion tanks can be used to mix and store water with these additives before it's deployed against the fire.
The rapid deployability, portability, and ease of use of onion tanks make them invaluable assets in forest firefighting operations. By providing a steady and reliable water source, these tanks help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of both aerial and ground-based firefighting teams.