Ship Launching Airbag
What is Ship Launching Airbag
Ship launching airbags are specialized air bags that are used for launching marine vessels. These air bags are made of synthetic-tire-cord reinforcement layers and rubber layers, and are also known as marine airbags. They were invented in 1980.
production process
We are a professional manufacturer of airbags and fenders with a history of over 30 years in this industry. We have professional equipment (closed rubber mixing machine, open rubber mixing machine, rubber rolling machine, vulcanization canes and machines， large press machine, etc.). The whole manufacturing process could be controlled by ourselves to ensure the quality.
Transaction Cases
Qingdao LuHang Marine Airbag and Fender Co., Ltd has been devoted to the marine airbags and fenders industry for more than 30 years, Acting as a supplier of many world-class maritime enterprises, such as COSCO, CSIC, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, etc. Now, LUHANG has occupied the largest market in China and owns Many global customers who depend on professional manufacturers, Strict quality control, and guaranteed after-sale service.
Qingdao Luhang Marine Airbag and Fender Co.,Ltd is located in Jidong industrial Park, Jimo City, Qingdao. Our factory takes up the area of 4,0000㎡ with building area of 30000㎡ and has registered asset of 16million US dollars. We have devoted on marine airbags and fenders about more than 30 years.Luhang relies on its excellent product quality and many years of rich production experience. the products have been exported abroad, reaching the international advanced level, acting as a supplier of many world-class enterprise, such as COSCO, CSIC, Hyundai, Heavy Industries Co.,Ltd, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co.,Ltd, and have received support and recognition from customers around the world. Main market: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania, Mid East, Eastern Asia, Western Europe.
Our certificate
Benefits of Ship Launching Airbag
Launching ramp
Airbag ship launching ramp has simple requirements: flatness, proper angle, and sufficient ground bearing capacity. Usually it is easy to meet these requirements by modifying natural ground or beach. Compared with the slide launch ramp, marine airbag has a larger contact area with ship bottom and ground, so the requirement for ground bearing capacity is much less.So the construction cost and period of airbag ship launching ramp will be much saved. In addition, airbag launching ramp has almost no need for post-maintenance work.
Airbag
People can stagger airbags for different width ships’ launching. Ship launching airbag can be used repeatedly, with an average life span of 8-10 years. Even if the airbag is punctured or cut during use, the airbag performance and safety are almost unchanged after good repair. The cost of airbags can be almost negligible when it is averaged to the cost of dozens of launches.
Control System
The airbag launching control system generally refers to the system that controls the movement of ship consisting of winches, pulleys, wire ropes. On a properly designed ramp, the airbag ship launching system requires relatively low pulling force provided by winch system.
Water level
Being able to adapt to big scope of water level is a great advantage of airbag ship launching. For traditional slide launching, if the water level is insufficient, accidents such as stern fall are prone to cause damage to the hull structure. However, ship launching with airbags can realize the safe launching of the ship under a wide range of water level changes.
What are the Applications of Ship Launching Airbag
Use ship launching airbags for buoyancy-assisted salvage
Ship launching airbags can generate large buoyancy and strong load-bearing capacity, and have been widely used in the rescue of stranded ships and other fields of floatation and salvage. It is a good protection device, and the ship launching airbag will play a great role as an important tool in an emergency.
The ship uses the marine launching airbag to discharge and launch
The ship uses the marine launching airbag as the main tool, supports the ship on the marine launching airbag, and moves it from the repair site into the water area or from the water area to the shore, using the low inflation pressure of the ship launching airbag, The large bearing area and the characteristics of easy rolling after large deformation, the ship is first lifted from the pier and placed on the ship launching airbag, and then pulled by the steel cable and the rolling of the ship launching airbag, so that the ship slowly slides into the water.
Types of Ship Launching Airbag
Marine Rubber Air Bags
Marine rubber airbag are the currently ship launching program with the least cost and risk. It overcomes the shortcomings of fixed tracking launching and provides convenience for ship repair. At present,it is mostly used for the launch of small and medium-size ships, and the productivity of shipbuilding and ship repairing in small and medium-sized shipyard is limited. Help companies in the shipbuilding and maritime industries save energy,time,workload and investment.
Boat Lifting Airbag
Marine launching bag is a practical launching method with high efficiency and low cost, which has been widely used all over the world. We are the inventor of the first marine airbag launched into the water. As the founder of this field, we have played a leading role in formulating national and industry standards for marine airbags and fender products.Marine Ship airbags/Ship Launching Airbags are also known as air balloon, inflatable bags, roller bags, boat lifting airbag, salvage bags. Standard air bag size range is 0.8m to 2.0m diameter, with length up to 18.0m 'effective length'. We Company can do any size by customers' requirements, for example from 0.5m to 5.0m diameter with length even 30m.
How Ship Launching Airbag are Using Airbags to Launch
Before launching, the vessel needs to be held in position by a holding system. For the large ship, it is better to use ground anchors, winches, wire ropes, and pulleys. For the small ship, the shipyard can use a crawler crane to control for easier operation."
Insert the ship launching airbags between keel blocks. Then, inflating launching airbags to the jack-up vessel. With the continuous expansion of the launching airbag, the entire hull is slowly supported by the airbag. Generally, the vessel will be lifted up from one end to another, step by step. Once the vessel bottom leaves from support blocks, those blocks will be removed. At this time, the entire weight of the hull is distributed on multiple airbags. So created the conditions for dismantling the shipbuilding and laying aside the pier.
Treatment of site flatness, the flatness of the ground should be ensured as far as possible on the launching slope. If there are pits, they must be filled with bagged sand. If there are obvious protrusions, they should be flattened, and the bottom of the ship should be cleared the ship passing by All the debris and obstacles that hinder the rolling of the ship launching airbags on all the fields.
That adjustment includes adjusting airbag pressure and vessel position. Sometimes vessel is built far away from the water. So have to move down on the slipway before launching. Pressures of ship launching airbags need to be adjusted before the final launching according to practical conditions and the launching calculation.
How to Choose Ship Launching Airbag
Effective length
The effective length should be same as the ship breadth, or 1 meter shorter than the breath.We can make airbags in length from 5m to 30m.
Diameter
Select diameter based on the ship size and work requirement. Select bigger airbags for large ships, but smaller airbags for small boats. In case the ships need cleaning or repairing bottom, choose bigger airbags so that workers can work in a more comfortable posture under the ship. Diameter of 1.5m, 1.8m, 2m or 2.5m are all suitable and available for large ships.
The number of layers
The more layers the airbag has, the bigger bearing capacity it has. To lift a ship to a certain height, enough airbags with enough layers are needed. Generally speaking, airbags with 6 layers are enough for most engineering works. Only in some rigorous situation, airbags will need 7-8 layers to enhance its performance. For example, if people use airbags to lift heavy caisson but their contact area is limited, and then airbags will need higher pressure and more plies to ensure the safety.
Ship Launching Airbag Features
Flexible in various launching projects
Airbags can be made to be specified sizes and layers as per the requirement of different launching projects.
Easy Operation
The operation of launching vessels with rubber airbags is releatively easy, just laying out and inflating the airbags to lift the vessels and roll them to the water.It has not strict requirement on slipway conditions. Ship launching can be executed even in tough conditions.
Durable and recycled
Marine Airbags can be used many times repeated.
High economy
As marine airbags can be used repeatedly and its cost is not high, launching or docking ships with marine airbags can save much cost for shipyards or ship owners.
Arrangement of Ship Launching Airbags
Longitudinal launch:When the ship is launched longitudinally, the marine airbags can be arranged in three ways: single row arrangement, staggered arrangement and double row arrangement. It is necessary to decide which arrangement to use according to the width of the ship and the length of the ship launching airbag.
Single row layout:When the width of the ship is less than or equal to the effective length of the marine airbag, a single row arrangement is adopted. This is the most common arrangement of marine rubber airbags for the upgrading and launching of ships.
Staggered arrangement:When the width of the ship is greater than the length of one ship airbag and less than or equal to the length of two ship airbags, the staggered arrangement is adopted. This arrangement is suitable for ship types with a relatively wide ship width. When the safe working length of the ship airbag may not reach the same length as the ship width, it is necessary to arrange two rows of ship airbags to be longitudinally launched in a staggered manner.
Double row arrangement:When the width of the ship is greater than the length of two airbags, or when ships such as catamarans and open mud barges are launched with airbags, the double-row arrangement is the best choice to ensure safe launching. There should be a gap of more than 0.2m between the ends of the two airbags.
Horizontal launch:Small ships with flat bottoms with wide ships and sufficient length at the bottom can be launched laterally. When the ship is launched laterally, airbags of the same model, the same diameter and the same length need to be chosen.The ship launching airbags are divided into two groups, placed under the bottom of the bow and stern, with the same spacing between the airbags and there should be a gap of more than 1m at the ends of the airbags.
Ship Launching Airbags Safety Inspection
Overpressure Control
The length and diameter of each vessel’s launching bladder are measured at rated working pressure to within ±3%.
Appearance Inspection
The appearance of each of our marine launch bladders is smooth and shiny, free from imperfections such as cracks, blistering, delamination, pits or impurities.
Airtightness Inspection
Airtightness is tested according to ISO 14409 without carrying any load. The pressure loss within 1 hour is less than 5% of the rated working pressure.
Avoid Sharp Objects
When using it, make sure there are no sharp objects and make sure the ground is level and clean to prevent the airbag from bursting.
Precautions When Inflating Ship Launching Airbags
Reasonably adjust the working pressure according to the height that needs to be improved
This indicates that the airbag must be inflated to the lowest working pressure when using the ship rubber airbag, otherwise the ship will be at risk of damage. In the process of launching the ship, the ship will receive the support force of the ship launching airbag, the friction force of the airbag on the bottom of the ship, and the force of three different directions of the ship's gravity. The shipyard can adjust the ship launching airbag inflation pressure, and then adjust the tilt angle of the ship, so that the component force of the ship's gravity is slightly greater than the friction force, which constitutes a force suitable for sliding down. So not every ship launching airbag has the same working air pressure.
Don't be too anxious when inflating the ship rubber airbag
Otherwise one side of the airbag may bulge up due to over-inflation without any response on the other side, which will also cause the bulging side to burst due to excessive pressure.
The inflating equipment should be selected according to the size of the airbag
It is best to choose an air compressor of 0.036 cubic meters per minute. The air displacement per minute is small, and the inflation time is about 5-10 minutes. In this way, the pressure can be frequently observed. The values in the table will not cause the airbag to burst due to a momentary overpressure.
FAQ
Q: What are the airbags for ship launching?
Q: What's the advantages of using marine airbags for launching?
Q: How to transport heavy items with rubber inflatable airbags?
1. Choose the right size and quantity of airbags for the load you are carrying.
2. Place the airbags around the load, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Inflate the airbags with an air compressor or pump. Be sure to check the pressure regularly to ensure they remain properly inflated.
4. Secure the load with straps or rope to prevent it from shifting during transportation.
5. Deliver the load to its destination, and then deflate and remove the airbags.
Q: How can we tell whether a rubber material is good or bad?
In addition, we can also check the smell of the rubber material. A high-quality rubber should have a slight odor, while a bad one could have a strong and unpleasant smell.
Q: Why Better Quality Rubber Is Lighter？
Firstly, higher quality rubber is typically made from more pure materials. This means there is less filler or other materials that add weight to the rubber. Additionally, better quality rubber is usually processed more carefully, which can further reduce its weight.
Q: How do marine salvage airbags work?
Q: How much do marine airbags weight?
Q: How to choose inflatable marine safety airbags?
Next, consider the size and weight of your vessel. You will need to choose airbags that can support the weight of your vessel without collapsing or losing air pressure. Make sure to measure your vessel's dimensions and weight accurately to ensure that you select the appropriate size airbags.
Another important consideration is the inflation method. Choose airbags that can be inflated easily and quickly using a range of methods, such as hand pumps or compressed air. Easy inflation means that you can quickly deploy the airbags in an emergency situation, ensuring the safety of your vessel and crew.
Finally, look for airbags that are tested and certified by regulatory bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) or Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This ensures that the airbags meet strict safety standards and can be relied upon in an emergency situation.
Choosing the right marine safety airbags is crucial for protecting your vessel and crew. By considering the factors outlined above, you can confidently select the best inflatable marine safety airbags for your needs.
Q: Can we customize the size of marine rubber airbags?
Q: Can inflatable rubber air bags be reused？
Q: Does the inflatable rubber airbags used to salvage?
Q: What is the pressure of a marine airbag?
Marine Airbags Specification
Product Type Marine airbags
Working Pressure (Mpa) Ranges from 0.20 to 0.10
Working Height 0.6m to 1.2m, customized
Bearing Capacity (Unit Length) KN/m: 125.76 to 188.64 Ton/m: 12.82 to 19.23
Acceptance Test Gas-Tightness Test, Bursting Test, Bearing Test, Compression-Recovery Test, and more
Q: What are the three types of commonly used pneumatic rescue lift airbags?
Q: What were the first uses of airbags in the launching of ships?
Q: An infaltable rubber airbag and a pneumatic rubber fender look a little bit alike. How do you tell the difference?
We're well-known as one of the leading ship launching airbag manufacturers and suppliers in China. If you're going to buy customized ship launching airbag, welcome to get pricelist and quotation from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
Ship Launching and Docking Airbag, Heavy Duty Lifting Air Bags, Hydro Pneumatic Fender