Inflatable tent
Inflatable tents and air-supported tents belong to the category of pneumatic structures and are used wherever a small pack size, simple structure and low transport weight play a role. As a rule, inflatable tents are used for short-term deployments, for example as a medical tent , deployment tent for military operations or as an equipment tent on large construction sites . Inflatable tents and pavilions are also becoming increasingly important in advertising .
In Germany, the Bundeswehr , THW and task forces of the fire brigades and aid organizations use inflatable tents as emergency accommodation , for medical purposes and as decontamination tents .
Construction methods
Basically, three basic construction methods for the construction of inflatable tents have prevailed in the last few years:
- Frame construction with inflatable frame and additional tarpaulin as outer skin
- double-walled construction in which the tent skin is double-walled and divided into chambers and inflated
- Air domes that are supported by an overpressure generated by a fan and have a pressure lock for access
Another differentiator is the method chosen to achieve the internal air pressure in the tent tubes or chambers. So-called pneumatic tents are made airtight and filled once. The internal pressure lasts for a few days and the tent can be operated without further refilling. However, this design is quite susceptible to damage that results in an immediate loss of pressure. The majority of the inflatable tents produced therefore have a permanent fan, which delivers sufficient air into the pipe or chamber system even with slight damage.
The internal pressure in fan tents is between 400 and 900 Pascal , with pneumatic tents pressures of up to 1300 Pascal are achieved.
materials
In the production of inflatable tents, in addition to conventional, sewn tarpaulin and tent fabrics, coated special fabrics are used that are welded. Fan tents are usually made of light nylon tarpaulin or medium-weight PVC fabric tarpaulin.
Sizes / dimensions
The range of inflatable tents ranges from small inflatable one-man camping and protective tents to permanently erected exhibition halls (→ air dome ). The advantages of inflatable tent systems are particularly evident in the medium sizes from 20 to 150 m². For very small tent systems, the manufacturing effort is comparatively high or the inflation technology is too complicated. In the case of very large tent systems from a size of> 150 m², ventilation is usually energy-consuming, as large and heavy fan systems are necessary.