Ship launching airbag is the key equipment to assist ship launching. Inflated to provide strong and stable support to ensure a smooth and safe slide into the water, Henger’s airbags are constructed from high-strength rubber and multi-layered synthetic fibers, which are extremely resistant and flexible to cope with a wide range of weights and types of vessels.
In the next section, we’ll take you on an in-depth look at what a ship launching airbag is. The concept is to help you make a better choice.
Table of Contents
What is a Ship Launching Airbag?
Henger’s ship launching airbags are a specialized device designed to help boats slide smoothly into the water from land. These airbags are made primarily of high-strength rubber and multiple layers of reinforcing fibers. When inflated, the airbags provide strong support and cushioning properties to the hull. Through the carrying capacity of the airbags, the boat can slide into the water smoothly and safely, avoiding damage to the hull.
These airbags were previously used mainly for launching small and medium-sized boats. But nowadays they are also increasingly being used for larger vessels. Compared with the traditional fixed slipway launching method. This airbag has the advantages of low cost, reusable and flexible operation. It is particularly suitable for shipyards without fixed launching facilities. This method not only solves the problem of space and capital constraints, but also improves the safety and efficiency of ship launching.
What is the Key Material of Ship Launching Airbag?
Henger’s ship launching airbags are made up of three main components. These are the outer rubber layer, a multi-layer synthetic cord layer, and a vulcanized inner rubber layer. Each layer of material plays an important role in ensuring the durability and safety of the airbag.
- Outer rubber: The outer layer is made of highly abrasion-resistant rubber. Its main function is to protect the airbag from external physical damage, such as friction and impact. And it also has excellent tear resistance and elasticity. This can effectively withstand the pressure caused by the weight of the boat and ground friction during launching.
- Multi-Ply Synthetic Tire Cord: This part is the core of the airbag’s strength. Multiple layers of synthetic cords, such as nylon or polyester fibers, are interwoven into multiple strong layers that are able to withstand tremendous pressure.
- Vulcanized inner rubber: The inner layer is vulcanized to provide excellent airtightness. This treatment prevents gas leakage while improving the overall durability of the airbag.
In addition, Henger’s airbags are designed with multi-layer rubber reinforcement at the end shoulders. This further enhances the ability of the airbag to withstand pressure and abrasion during submersion. This special structural design ensures that the airbag will remain reliable even after repeated use.
Manufacturing process of marine airbags
The manufacturing process of marine airbags is complex and precise. It involves the selection of raw materials for the final product, leaving the factory, and each step is critical. The following is the detailed manufacturing process:
Raw Material Selection and Proportioning
Henger will utilize several key materials in the manufacture of marine airbags. These include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and reinforcing fibers such as nylon or polyester cord. During the manufacturing process, the ratio of rubber to reinforcing fibers needs to be determined based on the specific needs of the ship being launched. For airbags carrying higher weights, we usually increase the number of layers of cord and the thickness of the rubber. This increases the strength and pressure resistance of the airbag.
- The outer layer of rubber must be highly elastic and abrasion-resistant to resist friction and external impacts.
- The number of reinforcing fiber layers depends on the size and load-carrying capacity of the airbag. It is usually made of multiple layers of interwoven synthetic fibers to ensure the strength of the airbag.
- The formulation of the inner rubber layer emphasizes air tightness to ensure that the airbag can remain inflated for a long time during use.
Design of material layers
Depending on the weight of the ship and the launching environment, different airbags will use different layers of reinforcing fibers. Usually, conventional airbags are designed with 3 to 12 layers of fibers, with rubber layers bonded between each layer. The greater the number of layers, the greater the pressure resistance of the airbag, but its flexibility will be relatively reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the load-carrying capacity and flexibility in the design to meet the requirements of different launching scenarios.
High-temperature vulcanization process
The vulcanization process is one of the key steps to enhance the performance of airbags. Vulcanization is the treatment of rubber by high temperature and chemicals to make its molecular structure more compact and form a stable cross-link structure. This process greatly improves the rubber’s elasticity, abrasion resistance, and aging resistance. Unvulcanized rubber becomes weak and easily broken, while vulcanized rubber is able to withstand high pressure and extreme environments.
Sealing and Testing
The sealing of the airbag directly affects its safety and life. Therefore, after the airbag is molded, Henger’s engineers will strictly check and treat the sealing part of the airbag. We usually use hot pressing and high-pressure sealing technology to ensure that the airbag will not leak when it is subjected to tremendous pressure.
To ensure the quality of each airbag, Henger’s common testing programs are:
- Airtightness test: Inflate the airbag under high-pressure conditions to detect any air leakage.
- Pressure resistance test: By simulating the pressure environment when the ship is launched, the bearing capacity and pressure resistance of the airbag are tested.
- Anti-fatigue test: simulate the conditions of repeated use, and test the performance changes of the airbag in long-term use.
Types and Classifications of Ship Launching Airbags
We classify airbags based on their load-bearing capacity. This is a key factor in determining their suitability for various maritime applications. The load-bearing capacity of these airbags is directly related to their structure. In particular, the number of synthetic tire cord layers they contain.
Bearing Capacity Classification
Ship launching airbags are primarily classified into three types based on their bearing capacity per meter in length: Ordinary (QP), High-bearing capacity (QG), and Super-high-bearing capacity (QS). The number of synthetic-tire-cord layers is crucial in defining the Safety Working Pressure of these airbags.
QP airbags feature 3 to 5 cord fabric layers. QG airbags have 6 to 8 layers. And QS airbags are reinforced with 9 or more layers. For instance, a QG6/1.5×15 airbag designation indicates it has 6 layers of cord fabric, a diameter of 1.5m, and an effective length of 15m.
Standard Sizes and Specifications
The standard diameter (D) of ship launching airbags ranges from 0.8m to 2.0m, and the effective length (EL or L) varies from 6m to 18m. These dimensions are critical in determining the performance characteristics of the airbag, including its load-bearing capacity. The load-bearing capacity is calculated based on the working pressure and contact area.
Understanding the technical specifications, such as diameter, length, and layer count, is essential for selecting the appropriate airbags for specific projects. Our classification system and sizing conventions ensure that clients can accurately identify their needs and choose the right airbags.
Contact Henger for professional marine airbags
Henger is a professional manufacturer of high-quality marine airbags. Our airbags undergo a rigorous manufacturing process that includes a high-strength outer rubber layer, a multi-layer synthetic cord layer, and a vulcanized inner rubber layer. These materials work together to ensure that the airbags have superior load-carrying capacity, pressure resistance and durability.
And, we customize the number of airbag layers to provide the optimal strength and flexibility for each customer’s needs. Combined with our advanced high-temperature vulcanization process, our airbags maintain excellent elasticity and aging resistance in extreme environments. In addition, Henger employs rigorous sealing and testing standards to ensure that each product demonstrates outstanding performance in real-world use.
Whether you need to launch a large-scale vessel or reuse it, our airbags provide a reliable solution.
FAQs
How much pressure can a ship launching airbag withstand?
The load-carrying capacity of each airbag depends on its size, material, and structural design. It is usually capable of withstanding several hundred tons of pressure.
What is the service life of a ship launching airbag?
Typically, Henger’s airbags can last up to 8-10 years if properly maintained.
Why use multi-layer reinforcing fibers?
Multi-layer reinforcing fiber can enhance the tear resistance and pressure resistance of the airbag to ensure that it can stably carry the weight of the ship during the launching process.
What are the advantages of ship launching airbags?
Their flexibility, low cost, and environmental friendliness make them an ideal alternative to traditional slipway launching techniques.
How do I determine the correct size of the airbag for my vessel?
To choose the right size, consider the vessel’s weight, dimensions, and the water depth. We can help you calculate the required bearing capacity and recommend a suitable size!
Can these airbags be used for salvage operations?
Yes, our marine airbags are designed to be versatile and can be used for various marine salvage operations, providing a safe and efficient solution!
How do I inspect and maintain my marine airbags?
Regular inspections should include checking for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Maintenance involves cleaning, storing in a dry, cool place, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or chemicals!
Can the airbags be reused?
Yes, our airbags are designed to be reusable, provided they are properly maintained and inspected after each use. This can help reduce costs and minimize environmental impact!
