Cylindrical fenders are essential components in marine applications, providing protection for vessels and structures from the impact forces during berthing and mooring operations. As a leading supplier of cylindrical fenders, I am often asked about the common sizes available in the market. In this blog post, I will discuss the typical dimensions of cylindrical fenders and their applications.
Understanding Cylindrical Fenders
Cylindrical fenders, also known as Cylindrical Rubber Fender, are made of high-quality rubber materials and are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy generated during vessel berthing. They are widely used in ports, docks, marinas, and other marine facilities due to their simple structure, easy installation, and excellent performance.
Common Sizes of Cylindrical Fenders
The size of a cylindrical fender is typically defined by its outer diameter (OD), length (L), and wall thickness (WT). The following are some of the most common sizes of cylindrical fenders:
Outer Diameter (OD)
- Small Diameters (200 - 500 mm): Cylindrical fenders with outer diameters ranging from 200 mm to 500 mm are commonly used in small marinas, boatyards, and private docks. These fenders are suitable for small vessels such as yachts, fishing boats, and pleasure crafts.
- Medium Diameters (600 - 1000 mm): Fenders with outer diameters between 600 mm and 1000 mm are widely used in medium-sized ports and industrial docks. They can withstand the impact forces of medium-sized vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
- Large Diameters (1200 - 2000 mm): Cylindrical fenders with outer diameters greater than 1200 mm are typically used in large ports and terminals. These fenders are designed to absorb the high-energy impact forces generated by large vessels, such as container ships, bulk carriers, and cruise ships.
Length (L)
- Short Lengths (1 - 3 meters): Short cylindrical fenders are often used in applications where space is limited or where multiple fenders need to be installed in a row. They are commonly used in small marinas and boatyards.
- Medium Lengths (3 - 6 meters): Fenders with lengths between 3 meters and 6 meters are the most commonly used size in marine applications. They provide a good balance between energy absorption and installation flexibility.
- Long Lengths (6 - 10 meters): Long cylindrical fenders are used in large ports and terminals where continuous protection is required along the berthing face. They are typically installed in a single row or in multiple rows to provide enhanced protection.
Wall Thickness (WT)
- Thin Wall Thickness (10 - 20 mm): Cylindrical fenders with thin wall thickness are suitable for applications where the impact forces are relatively low. They are commonly used in small marinas and pleasure boat docks.
- Medium Wall Thickness (20 - 30 mm): Fenders with medium wall thickness are the most commonly used in marine applications. They provide a good balance between energy absorption and durability.
- Thick Wall Thickness (30 - 50 mm): Cylindrical fenders with thick wall thickness are used in applications where high-energy impact forces are expected. They are commonly used in large ports and industrial docks.
Factors Affecting the Choice of Cylindrical Fender Size
The choice of cylindrical fender size depends on several factors, including:
Vessel Size and Type
The size and type of the vessel berthing at the dock are the primary factors influencing the choice of fender size. Larger vessels require larger fenders to absorb the higher impact forces generated during berthing.
Berthing Velocity
The velocity at which the vessel approaches the dock also affects the choice of fender size. Higher berthing velocities require larger fenders to absorb the increased energy.
Berthing Angle
The angle at which the vessel approaches the dock can also impact the fender's performance. Fenders should be selected to accommodate the expected berthing angles to ensure effective energy absorption.
Dock Configuration
The configuration of the dock, including its length, width, and shape, can also influence the choice of fender size. In some cases, multiple fenders may need to be installed in a specific arrangement to provide adequate protection.
Applications of Cylindrical Fenders
Cylindrical fenders are used in a wide range of marine applications, including:
Ports and Terminals
In ports and terminals, cylindrical fenders are installed along the berthing face to protect the dock structure and the vessels from damage during berthing and mooring operations. They are used in container ports, bulk cargo terminals, oil terminals, and ferry terminals.
Marinas and Boatyards
In marinas and boatyards, cylindrical fenders are used to protect small vessels such as yachts, fishing boats, and pleasure crafts. They are installed on docks, piers, and floating pontoons to provide a cushioning effect during berthing.
Industrial Docks
In industrial docks, cylindrical fenders are used to protect industrial facilities such as power plants, refineries, and chemical plants. They are designed to withstand the high-energy impact forces generated by large vessels carrying heavy cargo.
Offshore Structures
Cylindrical fenders are also used in offshore structures such as oil rigs, platforms, and floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels. They provide protection against the impact of supply vessels and other marine traffic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the common sizes of cylindrical fenders vary depending on the application and the specific requirements of the project. As a supplier of cylindrical fenders, I can provide a wide range of sizes and configurations to meet the diverse needs of our customers. When selecting a cylindrical fender, it is important to consider factors such as vessel size, berthing velocity, berthing angle, and dock configuration to ensure optimal performance and protection.
If you are in the market for cylindrical fenders or have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in choosing the right fenders for your project and to provide you with the best possible service.
References
- Marine Fender Association. (Year). Marine Fender Design and Selection Guidelines.
- International Maritime Organization. (Year). Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Marine Fenders.