What is the Pressure of Pneumatic Fenders?

What is the Pressure of Pneumatic Fenders

Henger Shipping Supplies understands the critical role that pneumatic fenders play in the maritime industry. These fenders not only provide essential protection during vessel berthing but also depend heavily on their internal pressure for optimal energy absorption and overall performance. Maintaining the correct pressure is vital for ensuring that your fenders function at their best. In this article, we will explore the ideal pressure range for pneumatic fenders and provide detailed guidance on how to measure and maintain this pressure, ensuring the highest efficiency and safety in various operational environments.

Table of Contents

How Pneumatic Fenders Work?

Pneumatic fenders, also known as inflatable fenders, The interior is filled with high pressure air as a cushioning medium. This type of fender absorbs and disperses the energy generated by the collision of ships by compressing the air inside when it is in operation. This mechanism allows the fender to evenly disperse the impact force during berthing, reducing damage to the ship and dock while providing superior protection. These fenders perform exceptionally well in various marine conditions, especially in harsh weather or complex environments, effectively preventing damage between vessels and docks.It is currently used in a wide range of applications for ship-to-ship operations, harbour and dock protection.

Maintaining appropriate internal pressure is crucial for the fender’s performance, ensuring optimal protection during impacts. If the internal pressure is too low, the fender may not absorb energy efficiently, reducing its protective effectiveness. Conversely, excessive pressure could overstretch the fender material, increasing the risk of rupture. Regularly checking and maintaining the fender‘s internal pressure within the recommended range is essential for its efficient operation and long-term use.

Pneumatic fenders at a dock

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:

SizeWorking PressureCompressive Deformation Rate 60%Safe PressureTesting PressureBody Weight
D×L50 Type80 Type50 Type80 Type50 Type80 Type50 Type80 Type50 Type80 Type
mm×mmKPaCounter Force(KN)Energy Absorption (KJ)Counter Force(KN)Energy Absorption (KJ)KPaKPaKg
500×100050806468582002503640
600×1000508074898112002504247
700×1500508013717180242002507079
1000×150050801823223945200250114127
1000×200050802574533863200250158175
1200×200050802976339088200250198218
1350×25005080427102561142200250286314
1500×30005080579153761214200250366403
1700×30005080639191840267200250470512
2000×350050808753081150430200250612670
2500×400050801381663181592517523025030011901273
2500×5500508020199432653131717523025030014001514
3300×45005080188411752476164017523025030018441967
3300×65005080301518143961253217523025030023402518
3300×106005080525730676907428117523025030038004090
4500×90005080574747527551663317523025030049805316
4500×1200050807984647310490903717523025030060606508

How to Measure and Maintain Correct Pressure?

Measurement Tools: To ensure the internal pressure of pneumatic fenders is within the suitable range, we recommend using a precise pressure gauge. This tool provides accurate readings, helping you monitor the fender’s pressure in real-time and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance in all environments.

Measurement Steps: Maintaining the correct pressure in pneumatic fenders is key to their effective operation. First, connect the pressure gauge to the fender’s inflation valve, ensuring there is no air leakage at the connection point. Then, follow the pressure gauge’s operating instructions to read the current pressure and compare it with the recommended standard. If the pressure is too low or too high, immediate adjustments should be made.

Pressure Adjustment: If the measurement indicates that the fender’s internal pressure is outside the recommended 50kPa to 80kPa range, use an air compressor to increase the pressure to the required standard. If the pressure is too high, use a deflation device to gradually release some air until the pressure returns to the recommended range. Regular checks and adjustments can effectively extend the Fender’s lifespan and ensure optimal performance when it matters most.

Factors Affecting Pressure

Environmental Factors: The internal pressure of pneumatic fenders is significantly influenced by environmental conditions. Temperature changes, fluctuations in marine conditions, and tidal variations can all lead to pressure instability. For example, high temperatures can cause air to expand, increasing the fender’s internal pressure, while low temperatures can cause the pressure to drop. Additionally, marine conditions such as strong winds and high waves can affect the fender’s stability. In such cases, regularly monitoring and adjusting the fender’s pressure is crucial to ensure its proper function in all environments.

Usage Frequency: The frequency of use is another important factor affecting the internal pressure of fenders. High-frequency use can cause pressure fluctuations, especially during frequent berthing and unberthing. Prolonged high-frequency use may result in significant pressure changes, necessitating more frequent pressure checks and adjustments to maintain the fender in optimal condition.

Wear and Aging: Over time, the materials of fenders may experience aging and wear, directly impacting their ability to maintain stable pressure. Aging rubber may lose some elasticity, making it difficult to maintain consistent pressure. To extend the fender’s lifespan, we recommend regular maintenance, such as inspecting the rubber’s condition, making necessary repairs, and replacing aging components when necessary. These maintenance measures can effectively reduce pressure-related issues caused by material aging, ensuring the fender’s long-term stable operation.

Risks of Insufficient or Excessive Pressure

Consequences of Underinflation: When a fender’s internal pressure is insufficient, its ability to absorb impact forces during vessel berthing is significantly reduced. This means the fender may not provide adequate cushioning during critical moments, leading to direct collisions between the vessel and the dock or other vessels, increasing the risk of damage. Additionally, maintaining a low-pressure state over time may cause structural deformation of the fender, further weakening its protective capacity. Therefore, regularly checking and ensuring the fender’s pressure is within the recommended range is crucial for safeguarding vessels and port facilities.

Impacts of Overinflation: Excessive internal pressure may subject the fender material to excessive tensile stress. Although pneumatic fenders are designed to be somewhat elastic, if the pressure is too high, the rubber material may be overstretched, increasing the risk of rupture or bursting. This not only leads to fender failure but can also result in costly repairs and replacements. To avoid this, it is recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer’s pressure standards during inflation and regularly check the pressure to prevent exceeding the safe range.

Conclusion

Maintaining the correct internal pressure is crucial for the performance and durability of pneumatic fenders. At Henger Shipping Supplies, we understand that proper pressure ensures the fenders provide optimal protection during vessel berthing while also extending their lifespan. We strongly recommend that all customers regularly check and adjust the fender’s internal pressure to ensure it remains within the recommended range.If you have any questions or need further guidance, our technical team is always available to support you, helping to ensure the safety and performance of your equipment

FAQ

Our recommended standard pressure range for fenders is 50kPa to 80kPa, ensuring optimal protection in various environments.

To ensure the fender’s pressure is correct, use a pressure gauge to measure the internal pressure. Compare the measurement with our recommended standard of 50kPa to 80kPa to confirm it is within the suggested range.

Yes, temperature changes directly affect the internal pressure of fenders. Generally, higher temperatures will increase the pressure, while lower temperatures will decrease it. We recommend regularly checking and adjusting the fender pressure when significant temperature changes occur to maintain its stability and safety.

Maintaining the correct pressure in fenders requires regular checks and adjustments. We recommend using a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure regularly, based on usage frequency and environmental conditions, and making adjustments as needed to ensure the pressure remains within the recommended range.

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