Inflatable bladders only expand one way: out, just like a balloon. With thin walls and large surface areas, bladders work best for pipe plug applications. However unlike inflatable seals, bladders can not withstand great pressure differentials.

Fabric sleeves can be employed to contain bladders to direct their force. High tensile strength and high temperature resistant fabrics can be used for certain applications. Please contact Weiler about your application.

All bladders are custom made, so the required rate of expansion and required operational duty cycle should be known before hand.