Repairing Ship Launching Airbags

Henger's Ship Launching Airbags, compliant with ISO 14409 international standards

Ship launching airbag is a key auxiliary equipment. It is mainly used to ensure smooth and safe launching, lifting and transportation of ships. The shape of this airbag is usually cylindrical. It consists of an abrasion-resistant rubber outer layer, multiple layers of high-strength synthetic fiber reinforcement and an airtight inner layer, which provides excellent abrasion and impact resistance.Generally speaking, the airbag life of Henger can reach 15 years with reasonable maintenance.

However, in the course of use, if the airbag inflation pressure exceeds the rated value or comes into contact with sharp objects, it will lead to surface abrasion. This requires reasonable means of repair to make the airbag work properly. Below we will explain in detail the 5 steps to repair the airbag.

Table of Contents

Tools needed before repair

Before the repair work begins, we need to prepare some tools to repair marine launching airbag. Specifically there are:

  • Electric sander: for smoothing the damaged part of the airbag and making a good surface treatment for the repair.
  • Rubber applicator brush: used to evenly apply the repair adhesive as well as trimming the excess adhesive.
  • Hydraulic Supporter: to apply pressure to the rubber patch to match the vulcanization process of the heating unit.
  • Metal plate and rubber pads: placed under the heating plate to ensure that the hydraulic support is stable when pressure is applied.
  • Fixing bracket: Used to support the hydraulic unit so that the patch and the heating plate fit tightly together.
  • Large Threading Needle: Used with string to sew up the cracked part of the airbag to ensure the firmness of the repair.
  • Weights (e.g. sandbags): placed between the airbag and the support to keep the repair area stable.
  • Heating equipment: Used to heat the patch to ensure the vulcanization of the cracked part of the airbag.

Repair material

  • Surface rubber: covers the damaged area and provides protection.
  • Cord rubber sheet: reinforces the airbag structure and enhances the pressure-bearing capacity.
  • Adhesive rubber: used to bond the repair material to ensure firmness.
  • Separation cloth: to prevent adhesion and keep the repair area flat.

5 Steps to Repair Marine Airbag

Clean the surface of the airbag

Use cleaners and rags to thoroughly remove dust, oil and impurities from the surface of the airbag to ensure a clean surface. Be careful not to submerge the airbag in water for more than 10 minutes before repairing to prevent damage to the material. After cleaning, dry the airbag and place it in a clean area to ensure it is not contaminated.

Inspect and mark the damaged area

Locate exactly where the repair needs to be made. This requires careful inspection of every part of the airbag. When a crack or worn area is located, use a tool to mark it. Note: Repair with a 36CM radius centered on the rest of the crack or wear.

Repair

For longer cracks, it is necessary to use a needle and string to close them. The position of the needle should be kept approximately 2-3 centimeters from the edge of the crack, with each stitch spaced approximately 10 centimeters apart.

Once the stitching is complete, clean the surface of the repaired area with gasoline and ensure that it is completely dry.

After completing the cleaning, a special glue is applied to the repair area. The glue is made by mixing raw glue and gasoline in the ratio of 1:8. After application, it needs to be allowed to dry naturally.

Prepare a repair rubber that is made of the same material as the airbag. Depending on the size of the broken area, choose a repair structure with 2 to 6 layers. Use 1 mm thick pure rubber tape to cover the crack, making sure that the width and length of the tape is 1 cm larger than the crack.

Lay the repair material in layers, with the first layer being laid at a right angle; the second layer being laid at a diagonal angle and 20 mm larger than the first layer; and the third layer at the opposite angle to the second layer and 20 mm larger than the second layer. From the fourth to the sixth layer, the layers are laid in the same manner and ensure that the radius of the fillet of each layer is between 40 and 50 mm.

Hot vulcanization process

The repair area is heated using heating equipment at a controlled temperature of 150 ± 5 degrees. Hydraulic tools are used to firmly bond the repair material to the airbag at high temperatures. The heating equipment is then turned off and the temperature is slowly reduced to 60 degrees Celsius. This completes the repair.

Inspection

After completing the repair, inflate the airbag and observe any air leakage in the repaired area. If any problems are found, make adjustments promptly to ensure that the repaired airbag can be used normally. If you have any questions, you can also contact a Henger engineer for professional repair advice.

Conclusion

Repairing a marine airbag can be a challenging job, and Henger recommends that it should be done by a professional. Of course, if you are very handy, you can do it yourself. However, you need to follow the instructions above. Repairing the underwater airbag will not only restore the original performance of the airbag, but also bring sustainable benefits to your harbor.

As a professional airbag manufacturer in China, Henger has a comprehensive design and manufacturing center. In addition to launching requirements, we also offer a full range of customized airbags such as marine salvage airbags and heavy lift airbags.

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