Inflatable Rubber Weir

Working Principle of Inflatable Rubber Weir (Pneumatic Rubber Dam)

1. Basic Structure

An inflatable rubber weir (also called pneumatic rubber dam) is a flexible hydraulic structure made of high-strength synthetic rubber-coated fabric (reinforced rubber). It consists of three core parts:

Rubber dam body/bag: The flexible, inflatable main structure.

Anchoring system: Fixes the rubber dam firmly to the concrete foundation and riverbed.

Inflation & deflation system: Includes air compressor, pipes, valves, and control unit for air intake and exhaust.

2. Detailed Working Process

(1) Inflation Stage (Raising the Dam)

When water retaining, flood control, irrigation or water level regulation is needed:

The air compressor injects compressed air into the closed rubber dam bag.

As air pressure increases, the flexible rubber body gradually expands and rises from the riverbed.

When it reaches the designed height and internal air pressure, the inflation stops, and the valves are closed.

The inflated rubber dam forms a stable barrier to block and store water automatically.

(2) Operating Stage (Water Retention)

The internal air pressure keeps the rubber dam in a fixed, upright shape.

It reliably intercepts river water, raises the water level, and meets the needs of water storage, irrigation, landscape water, or flood control.

The system can maintain stable pressure automatically for long-term safe operation.

(3) Deflation Stage (Lowering the Dam)

When flood discharge, river dredging or full water passing is required:

The exhaust valves open to release compressed air from the rubber bag.

Under the pressure of upstream water, the rubber dam deflates, collapses and lies flat on the riverbed.

The river can flow freely without obstruction, realizing rapid flood discharge or water passing.

3. Main Functions

River water interception and storage

Irrigation water supply

Flood control and discharge

Urban landscape water level adjustment

Ecological water management

4. Core Features

Fully pneumatic operation, fast inflation & deflation

Flexible structure, strong adaptability to riverbeds

Simple installation, low construction cost

Easy maintenance and long service life