Playbook 2023

2023 Balloon Playbook

Balloon Inflation - Latex

How do you inflate LATEX balloons with helium?

LATEX BALLOON VALVE

• Use the plastic push tip valve (usually black) of a helium regulator to inflate LATEX balloons. • This will allow you to fill the balloon until it is

completely full without it automatically shutting off.

1. Place the balloon on the plastic push tip valve. 2. Press the valve forward or backward until you hear helium begin to fill the balloon (It helps to hold on to it with your other hand to keep the balloon upright). 3. Let up on the valve when the balloon has reached the ideal size. 4. You don’t want to overfill it, otherwise it may pop. Remove from the valve and pinch the opening.

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Balloon Inflation - Latex

How do you tie a LATEX balloon? LATEX BALLOONS can be sealed by hand-tying or by using balloon clips or sealing discs. • Hand-tying is the most popular and preferred method, since it has the tightest seal and gives a finished look to the balloon. • If you have a large # of latex balloons to inflate, using sealing discs or clips is a smart option.

HAND-TIE

1. Pinch the top of the tail of the balloon to keep helium from leaking & pull on the tail of the balloon. 2. Tie the end of the balloon in a simple knot. 3. Attach the curling ribbon below the knot.

BALLOON CLIP

1. Pinch the top of the tail of the balloon and twist it two times. 2. Insert your balloon clip directly over and behind the area where you twisted the balloon in step 1. 3. Snap the clip closed 4. Attach curling ribbon BELOW the clip.

SEALING DISC

4 1. Pinch the top of the balloon tail and pull it out so you have space to insert the disc. 2. Insert the disc onto the tail and pull and twist it around the disc so you are pulling the end of the tail back through the slot you initially inserted onto the balloon. 3. Attach curling ribbon BELOW the disc.

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Balloon Inflation - Latex

Using ULTRAHI-FLOAT® increases float time of LATEX balloons.

• ULTRA HI-FLOAT ® is a non-toxic sealant that can be used inside LATEX balloons to increase float time. • ULTRA HI-FLOAT ® multiplies the float time by 25 times the norm. • ULTRA HI-FLOAT ® dries crystal clear

and forms a barrier that

retains the helium inside the balloon.

• DO NOT use inside a FOIL balloon

Avg. Flying Time Helium and ULTRA HI-FLOAT®

# Strokes of ULTRA Hi-FLOAT®

Avg. Flying Time Helium Only

Size 11” 11” 16”

Type

STANDARD COLORS

1 STROKE - ORANGE CLIP 1 STROKE - ORANGE CLIP 2 STROKES - GREY CLIP

12-24 HRS 12-24 HRS

1-4 WEEKS 1-3 WEEKS 3-7 WEEKS

METALLIC

STANDARD

30+ HRS

3’

GIANT

3 STROKES - NO CLIP NEEDED

3-5 DAYS

6-20 WEEKS

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Balloon Inflation - Foil

How do you inflate FOIL balloons with helium?

1. Place the balloon on the automatic speed tip valve of the helium regulator. Using this will automatically stop filling with helium when the balloon is fully inflated. 2. Insert the speed tip valve into the inflation point on the balloon and push down. Helium will begin to flow into the balloon. When the balloon is full the automatic shutoff valve will cut off the helium. 3. Securely tie a length of curling ribbon to the balloon BELOW the inflation point. Don’t forget to attach a balloon weight.

FOIL BALLOON VALVE

• The majority of 17–18" and larger sized FOIL balloons manufactured today have self sealing valves. As soon as a balloon is filled with helium and removed from the regulator, the self-sealing valve automatically closes. • If you are attaching curling ribbon with a clip weight, remember to attach the curling ribbon BELOW the inflation point, so the balloon can be re-inflated, if necessary. • To apply a Reel Weight™, attach the tape to the side opposite of the balloon inflation point. No tying necessary.

Self-sealing valve

Attach curling ribbon here

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Balloon Inflation - Specialty

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Helium– Regulator Installation

Insert the threaded end of the regulator into the side opening of the tank and hand-tighten the connection. DO NOT use a wrench to tighten as it will cause damage to the O-ring seal.

Make sure your helium tank is secure and remove the cap from the helium tank.

Turn on the helium tank. If a leaking sound occurs, turn off the tank, release pressure from the regulator by depressing the push valve, and retighten the regulator again.

Check the gauge for pressure and tank levels. Re-order helium when the gauge registers in the yellow zone.

NOTE: It is not necessary to turn off your tank after each use, but be sure to turn off the tank at the end of each day.

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Helium– O-Ring

• The O-ring (Item #W6150) is a small rubber ring that fits tightly around the threaded end of the regulator (See illustration) . • It is necessary to have an intact O-ring because it serves as the seal between the regulator and the helium tank. • A damaged O-ring may cause helium to leak from your tank and also may effect the pressure of the helium when you inflate balloons. • You may be tempted to replace the entire regulator if you have a helium leak. However, it may be just the O-ring that needs to be replaced. It is a lot less expensive to replace the O-ring than the regulator itself!

O-Ring

Item#: W6150

• A good rule of thumb is to check your O-ring each time you replace your helium tank. You already have to remove the regulator, so just run your finger over the O-ring before you place it on the new helium tank. If you feel anything other than a smooth surface, it is time to replace it.

Examples of damaged O-rings

Replacing the O-Ring: 1. Turn off the helium tank and remove the regulator. 2. Dislodge the existing O-ring from the end of the regulator by rolling it off with your fingers. If you are unable to remove it this way, use scissors to cut it loose. 3. Roll on the new O-ring with your fingers. 4. Re-install the regulator with the new O-ring in place.

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Helium– Safety + Precautions

• Balloons filled with helium are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and will expand or contract in extreme temperatures. • As an example, a balloon inflated in a warm room and taken outside to very cold conditions will seem to lose helium. • When the balloon is returned to indoor temperatures the balloon should return to its original state. • The opposite is true in hot weather conditions.

CAUTION Just so you know

• Helium is stored in highly pressurized cylinders ranging from 1,800–2,400 pounds per square inch (PSI). • A ruptured helium cylinder can be compared to a missile or the equivalent of two pounds of TNT. • Never use metallic ribbon on helium-filled or latex balloons. If accidentally released into the air, the ribbon could cause electrical failure if caught in power lines. • Every helium-filled balloon should have a balloon weight attached.

PROPER STORAGE Safety First

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Helium– Safety + Precautions

Always: • Close the cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty. • Store cylinders of helium in an upright position. • Chain cylinder to a wall or place in a secured safety stand at all times. • Close the valve, remove the regulator, and replace the valve cap before moving. • Use a hand truck that secures the cylinder with a chain when moving an empty or full cylinder to the backroom.

Do Not: • Inhale Helium. Helium is a relatively safe gas, but direct inhalation can cause dizziness, fainting, suffocation, and possibly death. • Leave helium cylinders unattended in a public area. • Open the cylinder valve before attaching a regulator to it. • Use a damaged cylinder or regulator.

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BalloonWeights – Quick Guide

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