BLAST PROTECTION ON TAP

Cintec International is a South Wales based company that has for a many years lead the field in specialised structural reinforcement, including numerous blast mitigation applications. The portfolio includes structural anchors for anchoring blast-proof windows in masonry walls subject to the effects of a bomb blast or other non-deliberate events such as a gas explosion. In recent years the threat from improvised explosive devises has increased and the location no longer so predictable. Cintec has responded with the launch of a full range of counter terrorism products providing a rapid response for mitigating the effects of an explosion. The range is based on the new and innovative technology known as Waterwall. With the key advantage of being quick and easy to deploy, this innovative system uses a range of water-inflated barriers made of an engineered fabric and has proved highly effective in mitigating the blast effects of an explosive device.

Waterwall is designed to isolate or shield suspicious objects in order to protect both people and infrastructure. Its rapid deployment can also lessen the inevitable disruption caused in dealing with such an incident whether it proves to be a genuine threat or a false alarm. Extensive research and development has demonstrated the exceptional qualities of Waterwall in mitigating the effects of blast. Pressures behind the blast wave are substantially reduced, heat is absorbed and fragmentation is either eliminated or is significantly decreased. It packs away small for easy storage and with water is readily available, it is easily inflated where and when necessary.

This new Waterwall technology is generating interest from those involved with the security management of airports; the police, private security guards, customs control and regional bomb squads. The Waterwall range comes in various designs to suite to suit different scenarios; The Suspicious Object Isolator (SOI) is designed to isolate potentially explosive devises as may be found at baggage control, or unattended cases within an airport terminal. When required, it is first inflated with air to provide stability, and then filled with water through a fire-hose; the water displaces the air through a series of pressure relief valves. Each unit is open at the top and bottom to facilitate deployment and for access to and inspection of the suspect object. In the event of a hoax device or redeployment elsewhere, the water can be pumped out and the Bomb Bin deflated.

The SOI is designed to be used by first responders to an emergency situation or to be pre-deployed in anticipation of suspect objects being found such as next to baggage x-ray machines. It packs small for easy storage and yet deploys rapidly when necessary. Its specific dimensions are tailored to suit customer requirements, as is the selection of internally reinforced fabric used in its construction.

Externally, the airport terminal can be protected by the 3 metre high Waterwall, provides a formidable barrier protecting people and buildings from the effects of a car bomb or similar device.

The Cargo Isolation System (soon to be tested by Quantas Airlines in Australia) is designed to isolate suspicious cargo when necessary.

All of the products in the Waterwall range can be supplemented with the addition of appropriate chemicals necessary to treat CBR devices.
 

For further information
contact: Stephen Ward.
Cintec International Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1633 246614
Fax: +44 (0)1633 246110
Email: hqcintec@cintec.co.uk
Web site: www.cintec.net

 

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