Traditional hydropneumatic tanks without bladder require a lot of maintenance. Because under pressure, air dissolves in the water, air-over-water type hydropneumatic tanks without bladders require an air compressor to periodically replenish the lost air. This is achieved by an automated system comprised of a control panel, level and pressure transmitters, solenoids to inject/remove air from the tank, an air compressor and air filtration system to ensure clean air is being injected in the tank.

Bladder tanks greatly reduce the complexity, maintenance and electrical requirements associated with traditional air-over-water type hydropneumatic tanks. The bladder creates a barrier between the compressed air and the water, which stops the slow dissolution of the air in the water over time. Because of the addition of the bladder, there is no need for an air compressor, control panel, and automated level control system. The air charge is trapped in the tank and doesn’t need to be periodically refilled. Bladder tanks greatly reduces the initial cost as well as maintenance costs of the system.