Most customers who have purchased pneumatic fenders do not know how to keep it properly. After all, the using rate of pneumatic fenders is relatively high under normal circumstances and may not need to be deflated for storage. Once you need to deflate it for storage, many of those may make some mistakes or use it incorrect. Many STS operating companies and ports simply stack them together when they don’t use pneumatic fenders or put them in places where the environment is very harsh. The wrong storage method will result in the rubber material of the fender accelerate the aging, it is very likely that it has been damaged during the storage process before it is used. Large-sized pneumatic fenders are quite expensive. I think you don’t want to see the good quality fenders that you have paid for because of improper storage so you can’t use them anymore. Today, I will share with you how to save the pneumatic fender in right way.
1.First of all, what is pneumatic rubber fender?
Pneumatic rubber fenders are an indispensable and important ship product for STS operations. It is a marine safety protection system. In the sea with constant waves, it protects the two ships from colliding when docking. It usually consists of a cylindrical rubber sphere, galvanized steel flange cages at both ends and inflatable nozzles. The commonly used pneumatic fender is a type with a chain tire net, also known as a Yokohama fender. It has different sizes to suit different tonnage ships. When in use, it is inflated to the working pressure and installed around the hull. When not in use, it can be deflated and stored in the warehouse, which is very convenient.
2.How to keep it properly if it is not used for a long time?
2-1. Keep away from fire and heat
The material of the pneumatic fender is natural rubber. This material will cause the rubber to melt and accelerate the aging of the rubber in a high temperature environment for a long time. Therefore, if you are located in a tropical area, keep it in a cool place and keep it away from fire sources during long-term storage.
2-2. Keep a small amount of air inside the fender.
In order to avoid adhesion of the rubber inside the pneumatic fender during long-term contact, it is recommended to inflate the fender to a low pressure state of about 20kpa~30kpa. In this way, the internal rubber compound can be well protected in high temperature environments. Of course, we also recommend this for non-high temperature storage. Rubber itself has the characteristics of easy adhesion.
2-3. Keep away from corrosive chemicals
All rubber products cannot be completely corrosion-resistant and resistant to strong acid and alkali chemical liquids. Therefore, if there are corrosive liquids, strong acids and strong alkali chemicals in the warehouse during storage, be sure to keep away from these things during storage. For example, we usually use some disinfectant, rust remover, bleach and so on. In fact, the sea will also have a certain degree of acidity and alkalinity, so the pneumatic fenders that are often soaked on the shore of the port are more prone to aging and cracking. These are completely correct ways.
2-4. Do not stack storage
Many companies that need to use a large number of pneumatic fenders will stack the fenders one by one in order to save storage space. This is pretty wrong storage method! Especially in areas with hot weather, stacking storage will easily cause the external rubber material to melt and deform and the pneumatic fenders will stick together. The correct storage method is to store it in a single tile.
Summarize
pneumatic fenders require more frequent maintenance and attentions than foam fenders and solid fenders. The correct storage method can avoid the unnecessary loss of the pneumatic fender. During long-term storage, check the pneumatic fender every 3 to 6 months to check whether the fender body is damaged, whether it needs to be re-inflated, whether the sheathed tire is worn, or whether the metal parts are rusted, etc. The safety of marine navigation and berthing is not a trivial matter. It is very likely that a small damage on the fender will cause a tragic ship accident.
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