By Walker Mcfadden
The SEI fuel bladder Fuel-Easy system is a fully collapsible external liquid container for safe and cost-efficient transportation by helicopter, to and from remote location.
It is proven to work in the toughest conditions around the world, from the cold Arctic, to the arid deserts of Africa.
Fuel bladder systems offer a wide range of improvements over conventional fuel drums when it comes to helicopter transportation safety and efficiency. This is a vital issue when confronting wildland fires in remote or inaccesible locations.
There are more than 2,000 wildfires in British Columbia every year. Through quick suppresive action 92% of all wildfires in British Columbia are controlled at less than tour hectares (9.8 acres) damage. One of the keys to preventing wildfires from expanding is the early detection and aggresive inicial attack.
SEI is manufacturing water storage tanks and fuel bladders since 1978, working since to aid the wildfire supression industry.
The Fuel-Easy system makes the transportation of fuels or other liquids by helicopter a risk free and smooth operation.
Characteristics
A lightweight structure that can be assembled easily under 5 minutes. The fuel bladder is made of high strength urethane coated nylon, a fexible and damage proof material. The frame of the fuel bladder is high strength aluminium, bronze or steel.
The fuel bladder shows increased savings compared to a fuel drum. Because of its aerodynamic design, the fuel bladder can be flown at a helicopters maximum cruise speed while remaining predictable and stable in flight. A cargo load that changes shape in flight can be dangerous. The sturdy yet light metal frame of the fuel bladder guarantees a symmetrical position while flying. Unlike fuel drums, the Fuel-Easy system doesnt tend to move around on the hook..
When flown with partial cargo, the fuel bladder collapses itself, creating the required aerodynamic drag to stabilize the aircraft in flight.
Standard pipe fittings for the fuel bladder system are 2 (5cm) NPT Flange on top for all the fill piping and a 2 (5cm) NPT Flange on the bottom for the outlet piping. Fuel Easy bladders can be equipped with different piping diameters as optional equipment according to your needs.
Fuel bladders are specially available for potable water and a variety of chemicals.
SEI Industries Ltd. is committed to providing reliable tools and excellent customer service to the aerial firefighting community. The companys Firefighting Division is focused on meeting the demands of the many operators and agencies charged with protecting people, property and assets worldwide. Our overall commitment is to make sure that our equipment is safe, reliable and performing optimally to ensure that you can get your job done.
Walker Mcfadden has spent a few years as a firefighter in British Columbia, Canada. He follows the industry as a freelance writer and writes regularly on Aerial Fire Fighting. This article aims to provide readers valuable information regarding fuel bladder
Aerial Transport Fuel-Easy
For Increased Fuel-Hauling Capability
By Walker Mcfadden
The Fuel-Easy helicopter fuel tank system, designed by SEI Industries Ltd., is designed for aerial transport to and from forest fires in the safest, fastest mode of transportation possible. The aerodynamic design of the Fuel-easy(tm) helicopter fuel tank allows for aerial transport via helicopter in maximum cruise speed. Fuel-Easy offers the operator greatly increased fuel-hauling capability compared to the fuel drum.
The shell of the helicopter fuel tank is made of radio frequency welded polyester or nylon scrim coated fabric. Fuel-Easys body is cradled by vertical straps to create points for a lifting harness. Its five minute set-up allows for a fully usable product to be filled and in the air in less time. Pliable, puncture safe material allows for full collapse when not in use. When collapsed, the unit can be hand carried in a pair of bags. This external fluid container is safe as well as cost efficient. Fuel-Easy offers the operator greatly increased fuel-hauling capability compared to the fuel drum with the added convenience of knowing clean fluids will stay clean and contaminant free until needed.
Camlock fittings are used on both top and bottom of the helicopter fuel tank. The bottom camlock fitting allows for gravity draining. No vapor, less waste provides portable fluid for forest fire suppression work as well as ferrying operations. The system is available in three sizes. Large units use a galvanized steel frame, or slightly smaller units using a cast aluminum frame.
This helicopter fuel tank has been tested in the most rugged conditions. Predictable and stable in flight, the Fuel-Easy system has been tested from the Arctic to African deserts. This aerial transportation system has performed equally well under any conditions. This translates into safe delivery of fluid each and every time.
Optional Features
Optional ground hoses, optional fittings, separate ground wire to connect the bladder with the stand of the helicopter fuel tank.
Safety Features
The Fuel Easy helicopter fuel tank has a rigid frame that maintains its configuration in any condition. A partial load will allow the frame to collapse into itself to allow for full stabilization while in flight.
Safety is top priority to SEI Industries, Ltd. Well established, respected, trusted and utilized by Latin America, North America and Canada, SEIs full service facility is conveniently located in North Delta, British Columbia.
Walker Mcfadden has spent a few years as a firefighter in British Columbia, Canada. He follows the industry as a freelance writer and writes regularly on Aerial Fire Fighting. This article aims to provide readers valuable information regarding fuel-easy & helicopter fuel tank
Collapsible Tanks for Storage and Transport
By Walker Mcfadden
Fireflex Ground Fire Fighting Products
The SEI industries FireFlex product group has provided reliable water storage and transport products to wild land firefighting organizations for over twenty years. Collapsibility, transportability, and quick set-up has been the goal and SEI provides a variety of liquids handling and storage applications including potable water, grey water, and fire retardants.
Fireflex Pumpkin Tank and the Fireflex Low Profile (LP) Tank
The Pumpkin Tank was the first frame less collapsible water relay and dip tank to be used by wildfire fighting teams. Compact and simple to use it has no frame or parts to assemble. Made of an industrial fabric which is mold and mildew resistant it has a unique flotation collar and no inflation is required. The Pumpkin tank’s large open top comes in sizes that allow easy filling of any helicopter bucket. Conversely, a helicopter bucket can be used to replenish the tank from a remote water source.
Built with NSF rated fabric, it is also available as a potable water station. The Fireflex Low Profile (LP) Tank allows easy filling by tanker or water tender system. Its construction is similar to the Pumpkin Tank.
The Dump Truck Tank and the Pickup Truck Tank
These blivet tanks are both available in two sizes and both will fit perfectly into most truck beds. The low profile design of each tank allows for even weight distribution. These heavy-duty PVC coated nylon fabric tanks ensure durability and strength. Four models are available: Each blivet comes in two models, Models DT 1300 and DT 1600 (Imp. Gal 1300 1600, Litres 5910 7274) and Models PT 90 and PT 150 (90/150 Imp. Gal) or (409/682 Litres).
The Stilwell Flyer and the Heli-Tank
These blivet tanks are for helicopter carry able water transport to attack crews fighting fires in remote areas where vehicle access is limited. Stilwell Flyer helicopter transported blivet is for transportation of water to remote locations and its unique tetrahedral shape eliminates twisting and bouncing in flight. The Stilwell is available for standard water and potable water. The Stilwell blivet has two models are the Stilwell 60 and Stilwell 110 (60/110 Imp. Gal) or (273/500 Litres).
Heli-Tank
The Heli-Tank blivet is designed for water delivery in remote areas with limited water resources no flat ground. Its harness, constructed of heavy-duty tie-down webbing and has to two large ‘D’ rings for secured with a sling to a tree or stump. Two Model are available the Helitank 200 and Helitank 300 (200/300 Imp. Gal) or (909/1364 Litres).
Walker Mcfadden has spent a few years as a firefighter in British Columbia, Canada. He follows the industry as a freelance writer and writes regularly on Aerial Fire Fighting. This article aims to provide readers valuable information regarding fireflex pumpkin tank & blivet
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