Serpent™ Inflatable Flood Control Tube

Product type: Reusable, air-filled temporary flood barrier

Models:

ST1:

• Tube length: 15 feet
• Inflated diameter: Approximately 40 inches
• Recommended protection height: Approximately 3 feet
• Extended skirt: Approximately 6.5 feet on the water-facing side
• Unfilled weight: Approximately 60 pounds, plus or minus 5%
• Typical inflation time: Approximately 8–10 minutes

ST2:

• Tube length: 30 feet
• Inflated diameter: Approximately 40 inches
• Recommended protection height: Approximately 3 feet
• Extended skirt: Approximately 6.5 feet on the water-facing side
• Unfilled weight: Approximately 115 pounds, plus or minus 5%
• Typical inflation time: Approximately 12–18 minutes

Material: Composite PVC mesh

Material thickness: 0.9 mm, plus or minus 0.02%

Construction: Thermal-bonded construction

Material properties:

• UV treated
• Waterproof
• Antistatic
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Tear and tension resistant

Fire resistance: EN 13501-B1

Operating temperature range: Approximately −22°F to 158°F

Inflation method: Electric air pump with compatible military-style valve adapter

Power requirement: Suitable electrical power must be available for the supplied pump

Connection method: Rope connections and reusable hook-and-loop connector sheet

Included with each tube:

• One electric air pump
• One inflation hose
• Two pieces of rope
• Five staking nails
• One connector sheet
• Two puncture-repair patches
• One transport bag

Actual inflation and installation time varies according to tube size, pump output, crew size, layout and site conditions.

The entire Serpent barrier layout should be planned and positioned before inflation and before floodwater reaches the area.

Deployment steps:

1. Inspect the proposed barrier route and remove rocks, branches, glass, metal and other sharp or oversized objects.
2. Transport the rolled Serpent to the deployment location.
3. Completely unroll the tube in the required direction.
4. Unfold the extended skirt and position it toward the expected floodwater.
5. Make sure the tube and skirt lie flat without twists or folds.
6. Remove the valve cap and connect the supplied hose and electric air pump.
7. Inflate the tube according to the manufacturer’s pressure instructions.
8. Close and secure the valve cap after inflation.
9. Where surface conditions permit, run the supplied ropes through the attachment buckles and secure them with ground stakes.
10. Use the reinforced holes in the skirt for additional staking where appropriate.
11. When joining sections, draw the adjoining tubes together with rope through their metal connection loops.
12. Position the supplied hook-and-loop connector sheet over the junction to help keep the tubes aligned and reduce the opening between sections.
13. Inspect the entire barrier route, connections, inflation pressure and anchoring before floodwater arrives.

After deployment:

• Inspect the tube periodically for movement, pressure loss or damage.
• After the water recedes, clean the tube while it remains inflated.
• Allow the exterior to dry.
• Completely deflate the tube.
• Dry the tube, skirt, ropes and stakes before packing.
• Roll and place the system in its transport bag for storage.

Serpent should not be deployed over sharp debris or without evaluating expected water depth, current, wind, surface conditions and anchoring requirements. Practice deployment before an anticipated emergency.

Is Serpent filled with air or water?

Serpent is completely air filled. It uses an extended water-side skirt, optional staking and incoming water pressure to help keep the barrier positioned.

How much flood protection does it provide?

The tube is approximately 40 inches in diameter. A safety margin should be maintained below the top, so it should be described as providing approximately three feet of flood-protection height.

What lengths are available?

Serpent is available in 15-foot ST1 and 30-foot ST2 sections.

Can multiple sections be connected?

Yes. Adjacent tubes are pulled together using their connection loops and rope. A reusable hook-and-loop connector sheet covers the junction to help align the sections and reduce gaps.

How long does inflation take?

A 15-foot section typically inflates in approximately 8–10 minutes. A 30-foot section generally requires approximately 12–18 minutes. Actual times depend on the pump, power source and site conditions.

Is an air pump included?

Yes. Each Serpent tube includes an electric pump and inflation hose. Confirm that an appropriate power source will be available at the deployment site.

Does Serpent need to be staked?

Staking is recommended where the surface and site conditions permit. The system includes ropes, stakes and reinforced skirt openings. The required anchoring method depends on the surface, wind and anticipated water conditions.

Can Serpent be used on concrete?

Yes. Garrison identifies grass, concrete, asphalt, gravel, dirt and muddy ground as possible deployment surfaces. Sharp objects and large debris should always be removed first. Alternative anchoring may be required where stakes cannot be used.

Can Serpent be used during high winds?

Serpent is air filled and requires careful anchoring and site evaluation. Garrison generally notes that water-filled barriers may be preferable where hurricane-force winds are expected. Wind exposure should be considered before selecting Serpent.

Can Serpent be reused?

Yes. Clean it after use, dry it completely, deflate it and roll it into its transport bag. It can then be stored for future deployment.

What happens if the tube is punctured?

Two repair patches are included. Follow the manufacturer’s repair instructions and inspect the repair before returning the tube to service.

Will the barrier stop all water?

Some seepage may occur at section connections, wall terminations, uneven surfaces or low spots. Proper positioning, anchoring and connection of sections help reduce gaps. A dewatering plan is recommended for water that collects behind the barrier.