Minnow™ - Water Activated Gel Filled Flood Control Bags
The Minnow sandbag alternative offers compact storage, incredible water absorption, and a no-mess clean up after a flood. Unlike sand bags, which must be filled and deployed using a large crew, the Minnow sandless sandbag contains a super absorbent gel, which absorbs water and inflates, creating a solid barrier against flooding. Minnow bags can be stored flat, transported quickly to the flood site, and installed quickly, using minimal labor. As flood water rises, the Minnow flood bag will inflate and absorb water, creating a barrier. Water absorption typically occurs in under 3 minutes, as water levels rise and water is absorbed.
The secret to the sandless Minnow flood bag is its non-woven polypropylene outer construction, filled with a hydrophilic SAP (Super Absorbant Polymer) Material, capable of absorbing 39-44 lbs of water. Once inflated, the bags provide a good resistance to rising and flowing water, similar to traditional sand bags.
The permeability of the swelled material is considered semi pervious, so once activated, it is ideal for retaining and redirecting flood water as well as for managing low to moderate floods.
Minnow gel filled flood bags may also be used for small flood clean up, as Minnow bags will absorb and lock-in water.
Once used, water activated flood bags can be disposed of as solid waste post flood, or left in place for further flood mitigation or erosion control needs. Activated interior gel can also be distributed on fields, since it is non-toxic and offers a gradual release of absorbed water (1-3 months), beneficial for agricultural use in arid areas.
Some uses for Minnow Bags:
Levee and berm construction
Equipment protection
Property perimeter protection
Sewer grate seal off
Doorway and loading dock protection
Driveway and garage protection
Liquid spill clean up, due to absorption feature
White
Black
The Minnow sandless sandbag is manufactured using high quality non-woven polypropylene material that contains an SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) gel, which is activated and becomes absorbent upon contact with water.
All Minnow Bags are UV protected to protect against material degradation and color fading.
Exterior Material: Non-woven Polypropylene with UV Protection
Interior Material: 100% Sodium Polyacrylate
Minnow gel filled flood bags are shipped flat in vacuum wrapped bags to prevent water absorption. We recommend storing Minnow bags in a cool, dry room. Shelf life is roughly 3 years when kept in vacuum bags.
Standard Minnow bags are packed 5 pieces per bag and 50 pieces per carton.
Minnow Bags With Handles are packed 4 pieces per bag and 40 pieces per carton.
Minnow sandless sandbags will fill in roughly 3 minutes, forming a solid weighted bag. Bags should be activated using fresh water, though once activated, they can withstand and hold back salt water as well.
You may want to pre-activate your Minnow flood bags using a small activation or staging pool (this can be a kiddie pool or small basin filled with fresh water), so that you can fill and then build your complete Minnow bag flood barrier in advance of rising waters.
Minnow SAP gel filled bags will remain filled for roughly 1-3 months, depending on temperature, humidity, and environment. Over time, water will slowly leave the bag and evaporate.
Damming Ability.The Minnow flood bag can be deployed in rows, and several bags deep, to create a barrier up to 3ft high (1.2m) for flood control and erosion control.
We recommend placing Minnow bags lengthwise, parallel to the direction of water flow and to construct walls with a base roughly 2-3x the height required.
Speed of Deployment.Minnow sandless sandbags are lightweight when not activated with water, such that hundreds of bags can be deployed quickly, with limited personnel. Unlike sandbags, the minnow bags don’t need to be filled by sand, allowing quick deployment by a limited crew and savings on transport.
Dimensions & Weights
MW1 (Standard Minnow Bag):
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Sandbag Shape
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23.62”L x 15.75.”D x 4.72”H (when filled)
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9.6 oz Unactivated / 39-44 lbs Activated
MW2 (Minnow Bag w/Handle):
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Square/Box Shape
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15.75”L x 14.17”D x 4.72”H (when filled)
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11.6 oz Unactivated / 39-44 lbs Activated