BLADDER TANK

PROPORTIONING SYSTEM
INSTALLATION, FILLING, OPERATING, MAINTENANCE
AND FOAM TESTING MANUAL
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This manual has been prepared as an aid and guide for trained personnel involved in the
installation, operation, filling, and maintenance of a SOLBERG Bladder Tank Proportioning
System. All instructions must be read and understood thoroughly before attempting the
installation, operation, maintenance or filling of the system. Failure to follow any instructions
could result in personal injury and/or damage to the equipment. Solberg Bladder Tanks are
certified to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Listed – Standard 162, and FM Approved per
FM Approval Standard 5130.

System Description
The bladder tank is the main component in the Solberg Bladder Tank Proportioning System.
The system is available in either horizontal or vertical configurations.

The main components of the Solberg Bladder Tank Proportioning System are:

• An ASME constructed carbon steel pressure vessel.

► NOTE: ASME Code construction is standard for all Solberg Bladder Tanks.

• A flexible nylon reinforced Buna-N rubber bladder which contains the foam concentrate.
The bladder provides a physical barrier which prevents the foam concentrate from coming in
contact with the water or inside of the tank shell.

• Perforated PVC Schedule 80 center discharge piping, located within the bladder, terminating at
the flanged concentrate connection points on the tank. The purpose of the center discharge
piping is to insure that the foam concentrate can be channeled to the outlet connection points
regardless of the manner in which the bladder collapses.

• Internally installed section of 1 in. (2.5 cm) rubber hose between the bladder and the tank shell,
extending from the water vent to the water drain connection. This hose prevents the bladder from
sealing off the water vent and drain openings during filling operation.
• All necessary drain and vent valves, concentrate fill piping and fill cup, and carbon steel
tank supports.

• Optional Sight Gauge Assembly with 5/8 in. (1.6 cm) O.D. polycarbonate sight glass, a ball check
shutoff valve to stop leakage of concentrate in case of accidental sight glass breakage and
compression nut and washer to mount the sight glass to the shutoff valve.

The customer connections for water pressurization and foam concentrate outlet are NPT.
All Solberg bladder tanks are designed for 175 psi (12.1 bar) maximum operating pressure
and are UL Listed.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
• Before installation is started, the final plans and design data should be presented to the
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for approval.

• Solberg recommends that trained personnel responsible for the design, installation, operation,
testing, and maintenance of the foam fire protection system refer to the appropriate Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for compliance with applicable standard(s), code(s) and regulation(s)
for the system and its components.

• Solberg foam concentrates must be must be stored within the temperature range listed on the
foam concentrate containers.

• The foam system provided is based on specific design requirements, such as, material(s) being
protected and area(s) of coverage. Any changes to the material or coverage area could exceed the
design parameter of the system.

• Contact Solberg Technical Services Department for questions regarding changes to the design.

• NFPA 11 states “at least annually, all foam systems shall be inspected and checked for
proper operation.”

• In accordance with the requirements of NFPA 11 – Standard for Low, Medium, and High
Expansion Foam, Solberg recommends that the system be inspected and tested by qualified
trained personnel. Testing shall meet the approval of the AHJ, and as a minimum, shall be as
outlined in NFPA 11 to insure that the system has been properly installed and will operate
as intended.

• Before filling the bladder tank, carefully read and understand the concentrate filling instructions
to prevent damaging the bladder.

• All electrical installations and equipment must conform to the provisions of the National Electric
Code and all local codes.

• The operating temperature range of the bladder tank system(s) and sub-systems shall be
35oF (1.7oC) to 120oF (49oC) [FM Approved Systems].

• The minimum and maximum operating pressure of the bladder tank system(s) and sub-system at
70oF (21oC) is 30psi (2 Bar) and 175psi (12 Bar) [FM Approved Systems].
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BLADDER TANK DESCRIPTION

The bladder tank is the main component in the total system. Bladder tanks are available from Solberg in either horizontal
or vertical design. Tanks are available in horizontal size ranges from 50 gal (189 l) to 3300 gal (12,492 l) and in vertical
design from 36 gal (136 l) to 1600 gal (6057 l). Shown below are the main components of each style tank. For detailed
bladder tank dimensions, refer to Bladder Tank Data Sheet, Form No. F-2011017.

Bladder
Vent/Fill
Valve

Concentrate Tank Shell

Outlet Vent Valve

Tank

Water
Channel
Bladder

Water
Inlet

Center
Tube

Tank Shell
Drain Valve
Bladder
Drain/Fill
Valve

Bladder
Sight Gauge Tee Vent/Fill
Valve
Water
FIGURE 1 Inlet

Center Concentrate Tank Shell

Tubes Outlet Vent Valve

Tank

Bladder Tank Shell

Drain Valve

Water
Channel

Sight Gauge Tee

Bladder
FIGURE
Drain/Fill 2
Valve
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TOTAL SYSTEM SCHEMATIC

The figures below (3 and 4) show the typical piping and component layouts for a horizontal
and vertical bladder tank proportioning system.

Proportioner System Actuation Valve

To Discharge (Manual or Automated)
Devices
Pressurized
Water Source
Bladder
Vent/Fill
Valve Tank Shell
Vent Valve

Swing
Check Valve

Concentrate
Isolation Valve
Water Inlet Valve
(Manual or
Strainer (Required Automated)
With Protein-Based
Foams)

Bladder Tank Shell

Drain/Fill Drain Valve
Valve

Sight Gauge Tee Proportioner System Actuation Valve

To Discharge (Manual or Automated)
Devices
Pressurized
FIGURE 3 Water Source
Concentrate Bladder
Isolation Valve Vent/Fill
Valve
Water Inlet Valve
(Manual or
Automated)
Swing
Check Valve Tank Shell
Vent Valve

Strainer (Required
With Protein-Based
Foams)

Tank Shell
Drain Valve

Sight Gauge Tee

Bladder
Drain/Fill FIGURE 4
Valve
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TANK INSTALLATION
1. Securely mount the bladder tank to the floor or an approved rigid mounting member.
CAUTION: Do not weld on the bladder tank. Welding temperatures will damage the interior bladder.

2. Install the distribution piping and the system proportioner to the discharge devices.

► NOTE: Proportioner must be installed at the same height as the top flange of the bladder tank.
If not possible, a normally closed valve must be installed in the foam concentration supply line.

3. Install the tank water inlet piping from the water supply to the tank inlet.

► NOTE: Water inlet piping must be installed in the water supply piping upstream of the proportioner.

4. Install the piping required from the bladder tank foam concentration outlet to the concentration inlet on the proportioner.

5. If an optional sight gauge is required, install by the following:

• Remove the sight glass, split pipe clamp, threaded rod and (2) nuts from the packaging.

• Mount the treaded rod to the split pipe clamp. Thread one nut onto the threaded rod.

• Mount the threaded rod and split pipe clamp to the channel hanger on tank. Thread second nut onto threaded rod.

• Adjust the mounting nuts so vertical alignment of split pipe clamp and gauge valve allows proper seating of sight
glass in gauge valve. Centerline of sight glass and valve seat is 4 in. (10.2 cm) from side of bladder tank.

TANK INITIAL FILL

Equipment required to fill a bladder tank:

• Concentrate fill pump capable of providing a maximum of 25 GPM (95 l) output, including a close/open ball valve

• Suction and discharge hoses for pump

• A Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum that has a 2 HP or larger motor

► NOTE: The temperature of the foam concentrate, during time of filling, should be as close as possible to the actual
ambient temperature in the area where the tank will be located.

1. Before filling, check all tank valve to determine they are in the correct positions:

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve............. Open

• Water Inlet Valve................................... Closed
• Tank Shell Vent Valve............................ Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Drain Valve................................... Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve........................ Open secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve................... Closed

• Sight Gauge Valve................................. Closed
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2. Attach the suction hose of the shop vacuum to the Tank Shell Vent Valve. See Figure 5-1 and 5-2.

Bladder Tank Shell

Vent/Fill Vent Valve
Valve
Connect To
Shop Vac
Hose

Concentrate
Isolation Valve
Water Inlet Valve
(Manual or
Air Air Automated)

Bladder
Vent/Fill
FIGURE 5-1 Valve

Tank Shell Tank Shell

Bladder Vent Valve
Drain/Fill Drain Valve
Valve

Sight Gauge Tee

FIGURE 5-2 Tank Shell

Drain Valve

3. Connect the suction hose attached to the Tank Shell Vent Valve to the suction port
Water of the shop vacuum.
Channel
Start the vacuum. A high pitch sound will be heard from the shop vac.
Sight Gauge Tee
Bladder
Drain/Fill
4. Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve. This process will start to pull the air out of the area between the bladder
Valve FIGURE 2
and the inside of the tank shell.

5. When a noticeable change in the sound of the vacuum is heard, this will be the indication that the air between the tank
and the bladder has been evacuated, and the bladder is now tight to the inside of the tank shell. At this time, close the
Tank Shell Vent Valve, then shut-off the shop vacuum.

6. Open the pump ball valve located on the concentrate fill pump and prime the pump with the foam concentrate
to be used in the bladder tank. After priming, close the pump valve.
 Proportioner System Actuation Valve
BLADDER TANK PROPORTIONING
To Discharge (Manual or Automated) SYSTEM | 8
Devices
F-2012020-2 Pressurized
Water Source
Bladder
Vent/Fill
Valve Tank Shell
Vent Valve Proportioner System Actuation Valve
To Discharge (Manual or Automated)
Devices
Pressurized
Swing Water Source
Check Valve Bladder
Concentrate
7. Connect the foam concentrate pump to the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve located on bottom
Isolation Valve of tank.
Vent/Fill See Figure 6.
Concentrate Valve
Isolation Valve
► NOTE: Only the type of foam concentrate specified on the tank nameplate may be pumped into the
Water Inlet Valve bladder.
Water Inlet Valve
(Manual or
(Manual or
Strainer (Required Automaated) Automaated)
With Protien-Based Swing
Foams) Check Valve

Air Air
Strainer (Required
With Protien-Based
Foams)

Tank Shell Tank Shell

Bladder Drain Valve
Drain/Fill Drain Valve
Valve

Sight Gauge Tee

Sight Gauge Tee Bladder
FIGURE 6-1 FIGURE
Drain/Fill 6-2
Valve

8. Start the foam concentrate pump and open the valve on the pump.

9. The foam concentrate will now be pumping into the bladder. The only valves that should now be open are the: Valve on
the pump, the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve, Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve. See Figures 5 and 6 above.

► NOTE: While filling the bladder, do not allow air to be pumped into the bladder. Any air entering the bladder
during pumping will cause air bubbles within the concentrate.

10. When the bladder tank is filled to the rated capacity (refer to nameplate on tank), close the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve,
shut-off the foam concentrate fill pump, and close the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve.

11. At this point, disconnect the shop vacuum hose from the Tank Shell Vent Valve.

12. Disconnect the foam concentrate fill pump from the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.

13. If the optional sight gauge has been installed, note and mark the full level on the sight glass.

14. Return all bladder tank valves to the correct operating position:

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve.......................... Closed

• Water Inlet Valve................................................ Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve......................................... Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve........................................ Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve...................................... Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve................................ Open

• Sight Gauge Valve.............................................. Closed

15. If valves contain ring pins, place pins in valve handles and seal.

16. Instruct the personnel in the correct operating of the system.

17. Record the date that the system was filled and placed into service.
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REFILLING FOAM CONCENTRATE

► NOTE: Refer to the “Filling Measurement Guide” in the back section of this manual to determine the proper
amount of foam concentrate required to be added to bladder tank.

Two methods can be utilized to refill the bladder tank after a complete or partial system discharge: Foam concentrate can
be poured in or can be pumped in. Regardless of selected method, it is important that the bladder internal to the tank is
re-inflated to assure that air is evacuated from the area between the bladder and the inside of the tank shell. Use of a
wet/dry shop vacuum that has a 2 HP or larger motor is best to accomplish this task. Please refer to Steps #2 - #6 on
Page #7 of this manual as required. The system shall be operable within a 24 hour period. Consult NFPA 11, Chapter 4
(System Components and System Types) for additional guidance as required.

Proportioner System Actuation Valve

To Discharge (Manual or Automated)
Devices
Pressurized
Water Source
Bladder
Vent/Fill
Valve Tank Shell
Vent Valve
Proportioner System Actuation Valve
To Discharge (Manual or Automated)
Swing Devices
Check Valve Pressurized
Water Source
Concentrate Bladder
Concentrate Isolation Valve Vent/Fill
Isolation Valve Valve
Water Inlet Valve
(Manual or Water Inlet Valve
Strainer (Required Automated) (Manual or
With Protein-Based Automated)
Foams) Swing
Check Valve Tank Shell
Vent Valve

Strainer (Required
With Protein-Based
Foams)

Bladder Tank Shell

Drain/Fill Drain Valve Tank Shell
Valve Drain Valve

Sight Gauge Tee Sight Gauge Tee

Bladder
Drain/Fill
FIGURE 7-1 FIGURE
Valve 7-2

Pouring In Method:

1. Close the following valves on the tank:

• Water Inlet Valve

• Concentrate Isolation Valve

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2. To drain the water from the bladder tank shell, position the following valves:

CAUTION: Tank may contain pressure. Do not position your head/body in front of valve while opening.

• Open the Tank Shell Drain Valve

• Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve

3. Open the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve

4. Insert funnel into the opening of the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve and pour in the required amount of foam
concentrate to fill the bladder tank.

5. Return all valves to the correct operating position:

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Open

• Sight Gauge Valve..................................................Closed

6. If valves contain ring pins, place pins in valve handles and seal.

7. Record the date of filling and inform the necessary personnel that the system has been refilled and is back in service.

Pumping In Method:
► NOTE: Refer to the “Filling Measurement Guide” in the back section of this manual to determine the proper
amount of foam concentrate required to be added to bladder tank.

1. Close the following valves on the tank:

• Water Inlet Valve

• Concentrate Isolation Valve

2. To drain the water from the bladder tank shell, position the following valves:

CAUTION: Tank may contain pressure. Do not position your head/body in front of valve while opening.

• Open the Tank Shell Drain Valve

• Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve

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3. Open the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve

4. Open the concentrate pump valve and prime the pump with foam concentrate.

5. Close the concentrate pump valve.

6. Connect the concentrate pump fill line to the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.

7. Start the foam concentrate pump and open the concentrate pump valve.

8. Slowly open the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve. Foam Concentrate will now start to be pumped into the bladder.
Continue to pump foam concentrate until the correct amount of recharge concentrate is reached.

9. Close the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve and disconnect the line form the foam concentrate pump.

10. Return all valves to the correct operating position:

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Open

• Sight Gauge Valve..................................................Closed

11. If valves contain ring pins, place pins in valve handles and seal.

12. Record the date of filling and inform the necessary personnel that the system has been filled and is back in service.

INSPECTION
System inspection should be conducted at least semi-annually. Inspection is required to provide reasonable assurance
that the bladder tank is full and the total system is in an operational condition. Consult NFPA 25, Chapter 11 for additional
guidance as required.

1. Check the appearance of the all the components relating to the total bladder tank system, ie., bladder tank, valves,
piping, proportioner, discharge devices, etc. Check for damage, corrosion, or missing parts.

2. Check all component nameplates to determine they are readable.

3. Check all piping and hangers for damage or corrosion.

4. Inspect all auxiliary equipment in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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5. Check all valve handles on the bladder tank valves to determine they are in the correct operating position and are ring
pinned in place.

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Open

• Sight Gauge Valve..................................................Closed

6. Check the foam concentrate level in the bladder tank by referring to the “Filling Measurement Section” of this manual.
Add foam concentrate if required.

► NOTE: Refer to nameplate on bladder tank for correct type of foam concentrate.

7. After the inspection is completed, record the inspection date.

8.. Inform the proper personnel that the inspection has been completed and the system is in service.

MAINTENANCE
System maintenance must be performed at least yearly or sooner if indicated by the results found during an inspection.
Maintenance is required to provide maximum assurance that the bladder tank is full and the total system is in an
operational condition. Consult NFPA 25, Chapter 11 for additional guidance as required.

1. Check the appearance of the all the components relating to the total bladder tank system, ie., bladder tank, valves,
piping, proportioner, discharge devices, etc. Check for damage, corrosion, or missing parts.

2. Check all component nameplates to determine they are readable.

3. Check all piping and hangers for damage or corrosion.

4. Inspect all auxiliary equipment in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

5. Collect a sample of the foam concentrate from the bladder tank. Do this by completing the following:

• Open the Bladder tank Fill/Drain Valve. Collect approximately one pint (474 ml) of concentrate into a clean container.
Then, close valve.

• Check the foam concentrate by referring to the instructions stated in the “Refractive Index Testing Section”
of this manual.
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6. Check all valve handles on the bladder tank valves to determine they are in the correct operating position and are
ring pinned in place. See Figure 7.

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Open

• Sight Gauge Valve..................................................Closed

7. Collect a sample of the foam solution by completing the following:

• Turn the water supply on and let the system discharge for two minutes.

• After that period of time, collect a sample of the foam solution (approx. 1 quart. / 1 L) in a clean container.

• After collecting the sample, close the Water Inlet Valve and shut and shut off the water supply.

• Then, open the Tank Shell Drain Valve and the Tank Shell Vent Valve. Allow the water to drain completely from
the tank.

• Check the foam solution sample by following the required steps stated in the “Refractive Index Testing Section”
of this manual.

8. Check the foam concentrate level in the bladder tank by referring to the “Filling Measurement Guide Section” of this
manual. Add foam concentrate if required.

► NOTE: Refer to nameplate on bladder tank for correct type of foam concentrate.

9. Return (and check) that all valves are in the correct operating position and ring pin in position. See Figure 7.

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Open
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
secure with plastic seal.
• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Closed
• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Open
• Sight Gauge Valve..................................................Closed

10. Record the date that the maintenance was completed.

11. Inform the proper personnel that the maintenance is completed and the system is back in service.
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FILLING MEASUREMENT GUIDE

This filling measurement guide section is for the purpose of estimating the amount of foam concentrate contained in the
SOLBERG bladder tank. The filling measurement guide details both vertical and horizontal bladder tanks.

Two methods are available for determining the amount of foam solution remaining in the bladder tank:

• Site Gauge: If the bladder tank contains a sight gauge, the amount of foam concentrate can be determined
by the use of the gauge.

• Measuring Stick: If the tank does not contain a sight gauge, the amount of foam concentrate can be determined
by the use of a measuring stick.

► NOTE: Optional Sight Gauge level check cannot be performed with alcohol type AFFF concentrates.

Determine Amount of Foam Concentrate Using a Sight Gauge

1. Close the Water Inlet Valve on the external piping.

2. Open the Tank Shell Drain Valve and the Tank Shell Vent Valve. Leave these valves in the open position until all water
and pressure is released from the tank.

3. Turn the handle on the sight gauge to open.

4. At this point the foam concentrate will be flowing into the sight gauge. Allow the foam concentrate to settle out in the
sight gauge tube.

5. Record the level of foam concentrate in the tube.

6. Return the sight gauge valve to the closed position.

7. Open the petcock on the bottom of the sight gauge and allow the concentrate to completely drain from the sight
gauge tube.

8. Using the recorded level of concentrate from Step No. 5, refer to the Filling Measurement Guide for the size and type
of bladder tank being used. This information will determine the quantity of foam concentrate contained in the tank.

9. The bladder tank should be filled to the rated capacity based on the number of gallons (liters) of foam
concentrate required.

10. Close the Tank Shell Drain Valve.

11. Slowly open the Water Inlet Valve to vent the air between the internal tank shell and the bladder.

12. Close the Tank Shell Vent Valve.

13. This now completes the steps required to fill the bladder tank based on utilizing the sight gauge measuring method.
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The second type of procedure to measure the amount of foam concentrate in the bladder tank requires the use of a
wooden rod/stick.

Determine Amount of Foam Concentrate Using a Wooden Rod/Stick

When using a wooden rod or stick, it must be small enough in diameter to slide through the opening in the bladder tank
vent/filling valve located on top of the tank. The rod must also be long enough to reach to the bottom of the bladder tank.

Prior to using this measuring method, it is advisable, if possible, to use the rod to measure the depth of the tank
immediately after the tank was first filled and mark this height on the stick or rod.

1. Close the Water Inlet Valve.

2. Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve and the Tank Shell Drain Valve. This will allow all the water and the internal pressure to
drain from the tank.

3. Open the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling.

4. Insert the rod/stick through the open Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve until it touches the bottom of the bladder.

5. Remove the rod from the tank.

6. Measure and record the length of the wet (dampened) portion of the rod. This measurement will indicate the depth of
the foam concentrate in the bladder.

7. Close the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve.

8. Noting the measurement determined in Step No. 6, refer to the Filling Measurement Guide for the size and type of
bladder tank being used. This information will determine the quantity of foam concentrate contained in the tank.

9. The bladder tank should be filled to the rated capacity based on the number of gallons of foam concentrate required.

10. Close the tank Shell Drain Valve and slowly open the Water Inlet Valve to vent all the air located between the bladder
and the tank shell.

11. Close the Tank Shell Vent Valve.

12. This now completes the steps required to fill the bladder tank based on utilizing the rod/stick measuring method.
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CHECKING CONDITION OF BLADDER

If it is suspected that there may be damage to the internal bladder, the following steps can be completed to determine if
the bladder needs replacement.

1. To separate the bladder tank from the total system, close the Water Inlet Valve and the Concentrate Isolation Valve.

2. Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve and the Tank Shell Drain Valve. This will drain the water from the tank.

3. Attach a suitable hose to the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve. Open the valve and remove all foam concentrate to a
suitable container.

4. When the bladder tank is completely empty, locate the valves in the following positions:

• Bladder Fill/Drain Valve.........................................Open

• Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve..............................Open ► VALVE LOCKOUT PROCEDURE:
• Tank Shell Vent Valve.............................................Closed Pin handle in correct position as shown,
• Tank Shell Drain Valve...........................................Closed secure with plastic seal.

• Concentrate Isolation Valve....................................Closed

• Water Inlet Valve....................................................Closed

5. Using a Wet/Dry Shop Vac (minimum of 2 HP); attach the vacuum hose to the Tank Shell Vent Valve.

6. With the vacuum hose connected to the shop vac, turn on the vac. At this point, a high pitch sound should be noted.
If no high pitch sound is heard, check to see if vacuum hose if tightly attached the closed Tank Shell Vent Valve.

7. Open the Tank Shell Vent Valve. This will start to draw out the air located between the bladder and the tank shell.
This will cause the bladder to be pulled to the internal surface of the tank shell.

8. When there is a notable change to the pitch from the vacuum, this will indicate that the bladder is now pulled
completely to the surface of the tank wall.

► NOTE: If there is not a notable change to the sound of the pitch after 15-20 minutes, this will indicate that the
bladder is damaged and must be replaced.

9. If the bladder has been determined to be OK (change in pitch), Close the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve and turn off
the shop vacuum.

10. Refill the bladder by following the step listed in the “REFILLING FOAM CONCENTRATE” procedure.
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REMOVING AND REPLACING BLADDER (Refer to Figures 1 and 2 on Page 4)

1. Connect a hose to the Tank Shell Drain Valve to direct the water to the proper drain location. Open the Tank Shell Vent
Valve and the Tank Shell Drain Valve. Drain all the water located in the tank.

2. Connect a hose to the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve to direct the foam concentrate, using a transfer pump, to approved
pains/drums/tanks. Open the Bladder Tank Vent/Filling Valve and the Bladder Fill/Drain Valve. Drain all foam
concentrate out of bladder.

3. Loosen and remove the top and bottom flanges from the bladder tank.

4. Carefully remove the vertical center PVC tube.

5. On horizontal tanks, remove the end flanges on the sides of the tank and remove the horizontal center PVC tube.

6. Attach cords/ropes on the bladder flange bolt holes.

► NOTE: Do not attach cords/ropes to the bladder flange bolt holes on the tank end where the bladder will be removed.

This step will help guide the flange ends of the replacement bladder into place easier.

7. Slowly pull the bladder out the end which does not have cords/ropes attached.

8. Before installing the replacement bladder, mark all the bladder flanges so they are correctly aligned when installed.

9. Attach the cords/ropes on the replacement bladder flanges to help guide them into place.

10. Re-install the new bladder and check to see that the bladder is correctly aligned with the tank bolt holes.

11. With the replacement bladder correctly in place, close the Tank Shell Drain Valve.

12. Attach a shop vacuum hose to the Tank Shell Vent Valve. With this valve open, start the vacuum. This will pull the
bladder out toward the tank shell wall. Once the bladder has been pulled toward the tank shell wall, visually look
through the flange opening to determine that the bladder is not twisted. When the bottom flange opening can be seen,
close the Tank Shell Vent Valve and turn off the vacuum.

13. Re-install the center PVC tubes. Use care not to damage the new bladder.

14. Re-install all tank flanges following ASME bolt torque procedures.
BLADDER TANK PROPORTIONING SYSTEM | 18
F-2012020-2

REFRACTIVE INDEX TESTING

Refractive index is a means used to determine the percent concentration of a foam solution. This will determine how
accurate the systems proportioning equipment is functioning.

A sample of foam solution is collected from the proportioning system and the samples refractive index is compared to a
graph generated from refractive index data of known foam concentrates.

A hand-held refractometer is the device used to measure the refractive index of the foam solution samples.

A known-concentrate graph can be developed for the proportioning system using the following equipment:

• Four 100 ml or larger plastic bottles with leak-resistant screw caps.

• One 100 ml graduated cylinder
• One 10 ml (10 cc) syringe
• Four eye droppers
• Graph paper
• One refractometer
• Straight edge or ruler

Using the foam concentrate and the water from the system being sampled, mix three (3) 100 ml standard solutions.
The recommended concentrations are as follows:

• 1% Concentrate: Mix 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% solutions

• 3% Concentrate: Mix 2%, 3%, 4% solutions
• 6% Concentrate: Mix 4%, 6%, and 8% solutions

Example: For a 2% solution, measure 98ml of system water with the graduated cylinder. Pour this water into a plastic
bottle. Using a syringe, transfer 2ml of the 3% concentrate into the same bottle. Screw the cap on tight and vigorously
shake the bottle. Repeat this procedure for 3% and 4% solutions by using 97ml of water and 3ml of foam concentrate
and 96 ml of water and 4 ml of foam concentrate, respectively. Label all bottles correctly.

Determine the refractive index by placing one drop of the foam solution on the refractometer prism. Read the scale at the
light/dark field intersection. Clean the prism and repeat the process for each of the other foam solutions.

Using graph paper, plot the refractive index on the X-axis and plot the percent of foam concentrate on the Y-axis.
This curve will serve as the known concentration baseline for the proportioning test.

Collect a foam solution sample from the proportioning system. Take the sample at a distance downstream from the
proportioner being tested. Take the sample after 30 to 60 seconds after the foam solution reaches the test connection.
Take the refractive index readings of the sample. Compare them to the plotted curve to determine the percentage of
the sample.

Per NFPA 11, “Standard for Low, Medium, and High Expansion Foam”, acceptable ranges of proportioning systems are not
less than the rated concentration and not more than 30% above the rated concentration or one percentage point above the
rated concentration, whichever is less. For example, the acceptable range for a 3% foam concentrate is from 3% to 3.9%.
BLADDER TANK PROPORTIONING SYSTEM | 19
F-2012020-2
 FOAM ANALYSIS REQUEST FORM

SEND TO: AMERICAS  EME A ASIA-PACIFIC 

(Check One) THE SOLBERG COMPANY SOLBERG SCANDINAVIAN AS SOLBERG ASIA PACIFIC PTY LTD
1520 Brookfield Avenue Radøyvegen 721 - Olsvollstranda 3 Charles Street
Green Bay, WI 54313 N-5938 Sæbøvågen St Marys NSW 2760
USA Norway Austrailia
Tel: +1 920 593 9445 Tel: +47 56 34 97 00 Tel: +61 2 9673 5300

FROM: COMPANY NAME:______________________________________________ ATT:_____________________________________ DATE SHIPPED:___________________

ADDRESS:______________________________________ CITY:__________________________ STATE:__________________ COUNTRY:______________________

POSTAL CODE:___________________________________ TEL:__________________________ E-MAIL:________________________________________________

PAYMENT METHODS:  Purchase Order No.:______________________  Business Check:_____________________  Money Order:_______________________

(Check One) COST: $200.00 (USD) per sample

PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED - INCOMPLETE FORMS AND SAMPLES WILL NOT BE ANALYZED

(Check One)  Foam Quality Analysis  Proportioning Verification  United States Coast Guard (USCG)  MSDS
CONCENTRATE PERCENTAGE (1, 3, 6, 1x3, 3x3) SAMPLE SOURCE
SAMPLE LOT PRE-MIX SAMPLE
MANUFACTURER & DATE
NO. Fluorine- AR- Fluoro- NO: % DATE
AFFF Protein Location / Tank Top Bottom Circulated Mixture
Free AFFF Protein

Notes: Use additional analysis forms as required. Solberg’s labratories are capable of analyzing any manufacturer’s foam concentrates. Please provide a MSDS sheet where applicable
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS
 FOAM ANALYSIS REQUEST - SAMPLE PROCEDURE

SECTION #1: GENERAL SAMPLING

• Sample(s): to be taken from top, bottom or mixture from the suppression system container of storage (i.e. tank).
Package samples appropriately to avoid leakage or damage during shipment.
• Label(s): all samples to be clearly labeled (print please) with permanent marker or covered with clear plastic tape to avoid damage or removal of information if paper labels used.
• Analysis Request Form: Record all information in the appropriate sections of the Foam Analysis Request Form. Provide manufacturer’s data known and sample source.
Number all samples appropriately to identify source. Retain copy for your records.

SECTION #2: REQUIREMENTS – SAMPLE SIZE

• Foam Concentrates: 1000 ml (34 oz) minimum (per sample) in plastic bottle with leak resistant screw cap. Tape cap with plastic tape to avoid unnecessary spillage.
Product percentage dilution must be included. NO TESTS WILL BE CONDUCTED WITHOUT VALUE.
• Foam Pre-mixes: 1000 ml (34 oz) to 2000 ml (68 oz)
• Proportioning Verification: 1000 ml (34 oz) of three (3) samples [foam concentrate, water, and foam/water mixture] produced by the suppression systems hardware
using the noted water and foam concentrate fore mentioned.

SECTION #3: TYPE TESTING REQUIRED (check one)

Foam Quality Analysis: basic quality analysis for any foam concentrate performed as part of yearly system inspection/maintenance.

Includes: pH, refractive index, density, foam quality and fire performance.
Proportioning Verification: for proportioning when system performance must be verified.

Includes: pH, comparative refractive index curves for percentage verification.
 United States Coast Guard (USCG): includes “Foam Quality Analysis” values with addition of sedimentation analysis.
SECTION #4: PRODUCT VALIDATION
• Product viability results based upon analysis of sample(s) received.
Hence no statements of quality are intended to include product(s) other than sample(s) received by Solberg for analysis.
SOLBERG MAKES NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OF PRODUCT VIABILITY OR EXPRESSION THEREOF AND/OR IMPLIED WARRANTY FOR FITNESS OR PURPOSE.

SECTION #5: COST

• $200.00 (USD) per sample
• Unless otherwise specified results will be returned via regular mail / postal service.
• Normal processing of sample(s) requires 10 days from receipt of sample(s).
• Express sample service available upon request. Additional cost per sample is $100.00 (USD). Call for service details.

FORM NUMBER F-2012019

 FOAM PROPORTIONING RESULTS FORM

DATE:_______________________ FILE NO:___________________ TESTED BY:____________________________________________

CUSTOMER NAME:___________________________________________________ LOCATION:________________________________
FOAM CONCENTRATE TYPE:____________________________________________________ LOT NO:__________________________
REFRACTOMETER MAKE/MODEL:_______________________ METER TYPE:____________ CONDUCTIVITY:____________________

CALIBRATION STANDARDS METER READING

WATER:_________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
FOAM CONCENTRATE:______________________________________ ___________________________________________________
PRE-MIX SAMPLE NO. 1:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________
PRE-MIX SAMPLE NO. 2:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________
PRE-MIX SAMPLE NO. 3:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________

CALIBRATION CURVE
PERCENT FOAM SOLUTION

METER READING

SYSTEM DISCHARGE SAMPLE METER READING FOAM SOLUTION %

FORM NUMBER F-2012017

FILLING MEASUREMENT GUIDE TABLES
Contact Solberg Technical Services Department for details.
 SO L B E R G F O A M . C O M A MERICA S EME A A SI A - PA CIFIC

FORM NUMBER F-2012020-2

COPYRIGHT ©2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
SOLBERG® IS A TRADEMARK OF THE SOLBERG
COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES.