Yokohama Type STS Pneumatic Fenders Marine Rubber Fender

Yokohama Type STS Fender Pneumatic Fenders Marine Rubber Fender

Pneumatic rubber fender is the advanced anti-collision device for marine application in the world today. It uses compressed airbag as medium to absorb the impact energy when ship-to-ship contact(STS). It uses compressed air as medium to absorb the impact energy when ship-to-berthing(STB).

Pneumatic rubber fender types

1. Chain and tyre net type
Chain and tyre net type pneumatic fender systems are covered with a chain net, wire net or fiber net for small size fenders.
Usually these nets have used-tires together with rubber sleeves for additional protection, except fiber net which has only rubber sleeves. Chain nets last longer against corrosion, while wire nets are light and more easily repaired.
2. Sling type
Sling-type Pneumatic Fender Systems have an attachment eye on each end for lifting and installation. Handling of sling type fenders is easy due to their lightweight.

Structure of pneumatic rubber fender

1. Outer Rubber
Cover outside on the ball of rubber layer, which is used to protect skeleton material and inner rubber ball from damage of external force.
2. Synthetic cord reinforced rubber layer
Reinforced cord rubber layer is composed of winding synthetic cord layer, it is mainly used for maintain the internal air pressure.
3. Inner Rubber
On the ball inside the rubber layer, which is used to prevent air leakage and control the ball pressure.
4. End Flange
The metal parts at both ends of fender, which can be fitted with charging valve and safety valve

Factors on design and selection of pneumatic rubber fender

1.Maximum energy absorption
2.Reaction force
3.The distance requirements when two ships berth or one ship goes alongside wharf, including the maximum distance and the minimum distance
4. The size of vessels
5.The factors on storm from real environments and temperature changes.

Features of pneumatic rubber fender

* Absorb more energy, less reverse impact on the ships
* More flexible ,easy installation
* Long term service life
* Not being bent out of shape under pressure
* Good air tightness, safety and reliability
* High shock absorption,low counter force and enhance port ability
* Produce according to ISO17357:2002 completely
* Many different sizes and shapes available
* Approve CCS, BV, RS, etc inspection
* Durable, practical and economical
* Good quality have been checked by many buyers
* Optional tire and chain ,can provide chain with hot galvanizing or stainless steel
* Optional end fittings for the better suitable of applications.

Test of ship pneumatic fender

1. Material test for rubber
The material test of the outer rubber and the inner rubber shall be conducted in accordance with the physical properties of inner and outer rubber required by ISO 17357:2002
2.Dimensional inspection
The dimension of all the fenders shall be inspected at the initial internal pressure and the results shall be within the following tolerances:
- length: +10%, -5%;
-diameter: +10%,-5%
3.Air-leakage test
The air-leakage test shall be conducted on all the fenders at initial pressure for more than 30 min, and the test results shall
confirm that there is no air leakage.
4.Hydrostatic-pressure test
The hydrostatic-pressure test shall be performed for 10 min at the hydrostatic-pressure shown in "test pressure at 0% deflection". Maximum temporary elongation: 10%

Application of pneumatic rubber fender

--Oil and gas tankers
--Fast ferries and aluminium vessels
--Temporary and permanent installations
-- Rapid response and emergencies

Maintenance of pneumatic rubber fender

1. Pneumatic pressure control in±5% of the rated pressure

2. Test pressure normally, add pressure in a timely manner
3. Avoid contact with sharp objects
4.When Long time not need, should wash to dry, filled with right amount of compressed air, placed in a cool dry ventilated place.
5.Storage place away from heat, acid and alkali, oil and grease
6.When store floating fender, shall not be folded and piled up

Use attention of pneumatic rubber fender

*Frequently check whether the fender body is damaged and whether the pressure is normal,and the valve core must be replaced every six moths
*The steel wire should wrap the rubber pipe,when trying steel wire to pneumatic rubber fender in case the fender is stabbed
*The surface or subject next to the pneumatic rubber fender can’t be hard and sharp-pointed in case the pneumatic rubber fender is stabbed
*The accessories and jigs nuts can’t be loose when testing the internal pressure
*The rope net should be reliable,the steel wire used for hanging metal parts and the hook link can’t be tied in disorder.

Pneumatic rubber fender installation

1.Ship to Ship
After selection of the correct size fender suitable for the combined energy of the two vessels, the fenders should be equally spaced along the length of the smallest vessel. At each end it is recommended that a smaller secondary fender is installed to protect against rolling due to swell and wind during transfer operations. The fenders can be slung individually from mooring points along the deck or all linked together in a line fastened only at each end of the vessel.

2.Ship to Shore
For installation in tidal locations it is recommended that the fender is mounted to the quay at the midpoint of high and low tide, this allows the fender to rise and fall on tides with the least amount of slack in the moorings. Alternatively the fenders can be slung from mooring points along the top of the quay including mooring rings, mooring bollards or specially installed brackets. If the fenders are installed on a dolphin then the mooring lines can be installed along the side walls of the dolphin moving them well clear of the berthing surface. It is important to note that the fender will significantly change shape under full compression so a sufficient flat surface clear of protrusions is required for installation. It is not recommended to install pneumatic fenders onto mono-pile structures.

Packing and delivery