What is the Pressure of Pneumatic Fenders?

Ensuring the safety of ships during docking and ship-to-ship transfer operations is a top priority for the shipping industry. An important aspect of safety and security is the proper use of marine equipment such as Yokohama fenders. It is therefore important to maintain the correct air pressure in pneumatic fenders. This is because it affects its performance and longevity, as well as having a direct impact on the protection of the ship and the marina.

So, what is the ideal air pressure for pneumatic fenders? How do you maintain the ideal air pressure? In this article, we will explore the critical role of proper air pressure in pneumatic fenders.

Understanding Pneumatic Fenders and Their Importance

First, let’s take a look at what pneumatic fenders are. These are inflatable ship protection devices. They play a key role in absorbing impact energy when ships come into contact with docks or other ships.

These pneumatic fenders utilize compressed air to create a cushioning effect, dispersing the impact force across their surface. Ultimately, they serve to protect both the vessel and port facilities. Therefore, high-quality pneumatic fenders are of great importance to the maritime industry.

The Critical Role of Proper Pressure in Pneumatic Fender Performance

The performance of inflatable fenders is directly related to their internal pressure. The initial pressure ensures that the pneumatic fenders can effectively absorb impact energy. Additionally, it provides a consistent reaction force when the vessel is docked. Therefore, appropriate pressure ensures optimal energy absorption. At the same time, it maintains the structural integrity of the fenders during compression and recovery.

Henger recommends inflating the Yokohama fenders until they are firm but still allow for some degree of compression. Over-inflation can make the fenders too rigid and reduce their ability to absorb impact. Under-inflation, on the other hand, weakens the pneumatic fender’s reaction force.

The Ideal Pneumatic Fenders Pressure

The effectiveness of pneumatic fenders largely depends on their internal pressure. Proper pressure management is crucial for ensuring the fenders perform optimally and provide the necessary protection for vessels.

Standard Pressure Range

The common internal pressure range for pneumatic fenders is typically set between 50kPa and 80kPa. This range ensures consistent performance across different environmental conditions, enabling the fender to effectively absorb impact forces during vessel berthing while minimizing damage to the ship and dock.

Different sizes and types of pneumatic fenders may require adjustments to their internal pressure during use. For instance, larger fenders generally need higher pressure to maintain structural strength and energy absorption capacity, while smaller fenders may perform well at lower pressures. Additionally, the specific application of the fender, such as port berthing or ship-to-ship transfers, may influence its pressure requirements.

International standards, such as ISO 17357, set clear guidelines for the pressure range and performance of pneumatic fenders during manufacturing and use. Adhering to these standards ensures consistent high quality and reliability in Fender applications worldwide, reducing potential risks caused by improper pressure settings.

For this reason, we have put together a pneumatic fender specification sheet to help you better understand the inflatable fender pressure range:

Size	Working Pressure		Compressive Deformation Rate 60%				Safe Pressure		Testing Pressure		Body Weight
D×L	50 Type	80 Type	50 Type		80 Type		50 Type	80 Type	50 Type	80 Type	50 Type	80 Type
mm×mm	KPa		Counter Force（KN）	Energy Absorption （KJ）	Counter Force（KN）	Energy Absorption （KJ）	KPa		KPa		Kg
500×1000	50	80	64	6	85	8	—	—	200	250	36	40
600×1000	50	80	74	8	98	11	—	—	200	250	42	47
700×1500	50	80	137	17	180	24	—	—	200	250	70	79
1000×1500	50	80	182	32	239	45	—	—	200	250	114	127
1000×2000	50	80	257	45	338	63	—	—	200	250	158	175
1200×2000	50	80	297	63	390	88	—	—	200	250	198	218
1350×2500	50	80	427	102	561	142	—	—	200	250	286	314
1500×3000	50	80	579	153	761	214	—	—	200	250	366	403
1700×3000	50	80	639	191	840	267	—	—	200	250	470	512
2000×3500	50	80	875	308	1150	430	—	—	200	250	612	670
2500×4000	50	80	1381	663	1815	925	175	230	250	300	1190	1273
2500×5500	50	80	2019	943	2653	1317	175	230	250	300	1400	1514
3300×4500	50	80	1884	1175	2476	1640	175	230	250	300	1844	1967
3300×6500	50	80	3015	1814	3961	2532	175	230	250	300	2340	2518
3300×10600	50	80	5257	3067	6907	4281	175	230	250	300	3800	4090
4500×9000	50	80	5747	4752	7551	6633	175	230	250	300	4980	5316
4500×12000	50	80	7984	6473	10490	9037	175	230	250	300	6060	6508

Factors Affecting Optimal Pressure Requirements

Several factors influence the optimal pressure for pneumatic fenders. These include fender size, vessel size and weight, environmental conditions, operational factors, and temperature variations. Larger fenders, for example, require more precise pressure management due to their greater volume and surface area. Heavier vessels exert greater forces on the fenders, necessitating adjusted pressure levels. Environmental conditions like wave height and wind force also impact the required pressure.

• Fender size directly impacts pressure requirements due to variations in volume and surface area.
• Vessel size and weight are critical, as they determine the force exerted on the fenders.
• Environmental and operational factors, including temperature variations, must be considered for optimal pressure settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Inflating Pneumatic Fenders

The effectiveness of pneumatic fenders largely depends on the correctness of their inflation. Proper inflation ensures that fenders perform at their best. This allows fenders to provide the necessary protection during ship entry and mooring operations.

Necessary Equipment for Inflation: To inflate pneumatic fenders correctly, you will need specific equipment. This includes an appropriate air pump, which can be manual, foot-operated, or electric, depending on the size of the fender. A pressure gauge is also essential to measure the air pressure accurately. In addition, valve adapters and nozzle attachments that match the fender valves are also required. This ensures a good seal and prevents air leakage.

Preparation Before Inflation: Before starting the inflation process, inspect the fender for any signs of damage. Ensure the valve is clean and functional. Position the fender in a stable location where it can be easily accessed from all sides. This preparation is crucial for safe and efficient inflation.

The Inflation Process: Begin by unscrewing the valve cover, which contains a check valve that prevents air from escaping once the fender is inflated. Connect the pump to the valve, ensuring the nozzle creates a tight seal. Inflate the fender gradually, checking the pressure periodically with a gauge or using the finger test method. Avoid over-inflation, as it can damage the fender’s internal structure. Once the desired pressure is achieved, quickly disconnect the pump and secure the valve.

Risks Of Insufficient Or Excessive Pressure

Consequences of Underinflation

When the internal pressure of pneumatic fenders is insufficient, their ability to absorb impact forces during ship berthing is significantly reduced. This means that fenders may fail to provide adequate cushioning at critical moments. This could result in direct collisions between ships and docks or other vessels, thereby increasing the risk of damage.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to low pressure may cause structural deformation of the fender. This further weakens its protective capabilities. Therefore, regular inspections to ensure the fender pressure remains within the recommended range are critical for protecting both the vessel and port facilities.

Impacts of Overinflation

Excessive internal pressure may subject the fender material to excessive tensile stress. Although pneumatic fender designs have a certain degree of elasticity, excessive pressure can cause the rubber material to stretch excessively. This increases the risk of the fender rupturing or bursting.

This not only leads to fender failure but can also result in costly repairs and replacements. To avoid this situation, it is recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer’s pressure standards when inflating. In addition, we should regularly check the pressure to prevent it from exceeding the safe range.

How to Check and Maintain Correct Pneumatic Fender Pressure

To guarantee the effectiveness of your pneumatic fenders, it’s essential to understand how to check and maintain their pressure. Properly inflated fenders are critical for the safety and protection of your vessel.

Visual and Manual Pressure Testing Methods

Checking pneumatic fender pressure involves both visual inspections and manual tests. A visual inspection is the first step, looking for signs of under-inflation such as sagging or asymmetrical shape. In addition, the finger test is a practical manual method. A properly inflated fender should allow the finger to be pressed in about 2 cm while still providing firm resistance.

• Look for visible signs of under-inflation.
• Use the finger test to gauge firmness.
• Consider professional pressure testing for critical applications.

Pressure Maintenance Schedule and Best Practices

Establishing a regular pressure maintenance schedule is vital. The frequency of checks depends on the usage of the fenders. Heavily used fenders require more frequent checks. Environmental factors like temperature fluctuations also affect air pressure, necessitating adjustments.

Usage Frequency	Recommended Check Interval
Heavy	Weekly
Moderate	Monthly
Occasional	Before Use

Best practices include documenting all pressure checks and adjustments, storing spare inflation equipment, and protecting valves from corrosion.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper pressure is critical to the safety and service life of fenders. At Henger Shipping Supplies, we emphasize proper pressure management. This ensures the effective performance of pneumatic fenders while extending their service life.

Regularly checking and maintaining the pressure of pneumatic fenders ensures the safety of your vessel while docked or at sea. Proper inflation protects your vessel and the dock, minimizing potential damage.

If you have any questions or require further guidance, please contact us. Our technical team is always available to provide support, ensuring the safety and performance of your equipment.

FAQ

What is the recommended air pressure for pneumatic fenders?

The recommended air pressure varies depending on the size and type of fender. We suggest following the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically between 50-100 kPa, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

How often should I check the air pressure of my pneumatic fenders?

Regular checks are crucial. We advise inspecting the pressure at least once a week, and before and after use, to maintain the recommended level and prevent damage.

What factors affect the optimal pressure requirements for pneumatic fenders?

Factors such as fender size, material, and operating conditions (e.g., temperature, berthing velocity) influence the ideal pressure. We consider these factors when determining the optimal pressure for your fenders.

Can I use a standard air pump to inflate my pneumatic fenders?

While a standard air pump can be used, we recommend using a high-quality, precision pump or a compressor with a pressure gauge to ensure accurate inflation and avoid over- or under-pressurization.

How do I know if my pneumatic fender is properly inflated?

A properly inflated fender should have a firm, yet yielding, surface. You can also use a pressure gauge to verify the pressure. We suggest combining visual inspections with regular pressure checks.

What are the consequences of under- or over-inflating my pneumatic fenders?

Under-inflation can lead to reduced fender performance, increased risk of damage, and compromised safety. Over-inflation can cause excessive stress on the fender material, potentially resulting in failure. We emphasize the importance of maintaining the recommended pressure.

Can I use pneumatic fenders in extreme weather conditions?

Pneumatic fenders can handle various harsh weather conditions. However, extreme temperatures or weather conditions may affect their performance. We recommend consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines and taking necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective use.