Cylindrical rubber fenders perform better during longitudinal and crosswise motion when ship berthing. Cylindrical marine rubber fenders are one rubber marine fenders in hollow cylindrical shape, they can be used together with arch rubber fenders, or d type rubber fenders. Cylindrical rubber fender are easier to be installed, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally by anchoring chain or steel bar to connect mooring chains, then hung on wharfs or ports. Marine rubber cylindrical fender are suitable for both large and small vessels, available in any diameter and length to combine a wide range of sizes for different applications.
“General surface support buoys mainly have three types which are pick-up buoys, chain-through buoys and cylindrical buoys”
Construction of General Surface Support Buoys
Ronsen general surface support buoys are manufactured with high quality closed-cell PE/EVA resilient foam core, encapsulated with self-coloured polyurethane elastomer skin.
A. Laminated closed cell resilient foam core, unsinkable design
Cylindrical support buoys are made with highest quality closed-cell PE/EVA foam. This resilient foam make the buoys self fendering with high impact absorption capacity. Even the skin was punctured, it also is unsinkable without absorbing water. With our unique laminating process, each foam core is integrity. The foam core cannot be ruptured after long time service.
B. Tough nylon filament reinforced polyurethane skin
Cylindrical Buoy’s skin is constructed of polyurethane elastomer which is reinforced with nylon filament. The polyurethane skin is unique elastomer specifically for offshore applications. It is high resistance to abrasion, fatigue and ultra violet degradation and is significantly more durable.
C. Steel work and end assembly
Through central tube with longitudinal gussets and extend load distribution flanges at each end, epoxy coated or hot-dpped galvanized, are encased in a closed-cell urethane foam central body. Optional bail eye, clevis eye, swivel, chain locking plate, single locking pin end fitting are available.
A support chain through cylindrical mooring buoy is a device that floats on the surface of the water, typically used to mark marine areas or indicate certain maritime activities. The following is a detailed introduction about surface support buoys:
1、 Definition and purpose
A support cylindrical chain through buoy is a platform that floats on the sea surface and is equipped with various sensors and instruments for monitoring and studying the marine environment. They are important tools for marine scientific research and marine resource management, widely used in various fields such as marine scientific research, marine resource development, and marine environmental protection.
2、 Type and Function
According to their different purposes and shapes, surface support buoys can be divided into various types, including navigation buoys, fishery buoys, marine science buoys, meteorological buoys, etc.
Navigation buoy: used to mark navigation channels and dangerous areas, helping ships avoid obstacles and dangerous areas. Common navigation buoys include lighthouses, lightboats, floating lighthouses, and floating beacons.
Fishery buoy: a device used to mark fishing activities, indicate the location of fishing nets and gear, help fishermen find their fishing equipment more easily, and protect other vessels from entering the fishing area.
Marine science buoy: used to monitor the marine environment and climate change, measure ocean parameters such as water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, provide important information about the marine environment, and help scientists better understand the ocean and climate change.
Support Surface Buoys
Meteorological buoy: used to monitor meteorological conditions, measure wind speed, direction, and wave height at sea, providing important data for meteorological prediction and monitoring.
Classified by main body shape: The main body shapes of offshore buoys include disc-shaped, cylindrical, spherical, ship shaped, etc. The disc-shaped buoy is suitable for various sea areas due to its unique shape and is widely used; support mooring buoys have a deep draft and are used for submerged ocean profiling observations; Spherical buoys have good wave following properties and are used for observing surface wave parameters; The boat shaped buoy has a shallow draft and is suitable for observing the wind field profile of inland rivers or nearshore waters.
Classified by anchor system: divided into anchor system and drifting buoy. Anchored buoys can limit displacement range, improve survival performance, and serve as fixed and recovery monitoring tasks; Drifting buoys are used for mobile or abandoned monitoring tasks with variable monitoring range or low recovery value.
Classified by observation function: there are universal and specialized types. Universal buoy electronic equipment has high integration, comprehensive observation parameters, and can observe multi surface data such as wave height and wave period; Specialized buoys have strong targeting for sea conditions, single observation parameters, and can detect data in extreme environments.
Classified by diameter size: usually divided into large, medium, and small buoys, with specific ranges of over 10m, 3-10m, and less than 3m. Generally, the larger the size of the buoy, the stronger its survivability.
In addition, there are some special types of buoys, such as nuclear radiation buoys, specifically used to monitor the radioactive levels in the waters near nuclear facilities.
3、 Working principle
Surface support mooring cylindrical chain through buoys collect real-time marine environmental data by carrying various sensors and instruments, and transmit the data back to ground measurement and control terminals or data centers through wireless communication. These data can be used in various fields such as marine science research, meteorological forecasting, and resource management.
4、 Application examples
Marine science research: Scientists can use data collected by marine science buoys to study changes in marine ecosystems, ocean circulation, marine pollution, and other issues.
Meteorological prediction: The data provided by meteorological buoys can help meteorological departments more accurately predict weather phenomena such as weather and storms, improving the accuracy and reliability of meteorological forecasts.
Resource management: Ocean buoys can also be used to monitor the distribution and quantity of marine resources, providing a basis for the rational development and utilization of marine resources.
In summary, support buoys play an important role in various fields such as marine scientific research, meteorological forecasting, and resource management. With the continuous advancement of technology and the expansion of application fields, sea surface buoys will play a more important role in the future.
EVA polyurethane fenders are made of a new type of polymer material with high elastic modulus, which has high strength, elasticity, adhesion, and maximum impermeability, and can achieve high economic value EVA fender is a kind of foam fender that uses light and highly elastic foam as the buffer medium. It has a better floating fender system than pneumatic fender, and is currently widely used in ports, offshore and ship berthing operations
EVA foam fenders, as an alternative to inflatable fenders for ships, use a new spray coating formula to produce fenders that are not only colorful but also sturdy and durable, with a service life 7-10 times longer than pneumatic rubber fenders This compression type fender uses polyurea material as the outer protective layer and EVA foam material or plastic foam as the cushioning medium inside; During use, it absorbs the impact energy of ships through its compression deformation, thereby reducing the damage to the dock and ships
Foam Fenders
The main application characteristics of EVA polyurethane fenders are:
Since it uses highly elastic foam as the medium, it has good floating performance and will not be affected by the tide Flexible to use and made of foam material, it is lightweight and easy to install and disassemble It has the characteristics of high energy absorption and low reaction force. Due to its solid nature, compared with inflatable rubber fenders, it has the advantages of not being afraid of friction, not afraid of puncture, not requiring inflation, and long service life By using spray coating formula, we can provide multiple colors according to customer selection, which are beautiful and practical Our company produces EVA polyurethane foam fenders, which come in different sizes and can be provided according to customer needs. Currently, EVA solid fenders are widely used in practical operations on docks, ships, and yachts.
Inflatable floating pneumatic yokohama marine rubber fender – Popular updated fender products in the international shipping industry today The inflatable ship rubber fender, also known as the inflatable rubber bumper, is a hollow bladder-type anti-collision device made from high-strength synthetic rubber and special skeleton materials. It uses compressed air as the cushioning medium to absorb ship impact energy, achieving collision prevention. Inflated floating yokohama ship rubber fenders possess comprehensive performance characteristics such as low reaction force, high energy absorption efficiency, and fatigue resistance durability. Their features include significant impact energy absorption, minimal reverse force on vessels, simple installation, excellent elasticity, and lightweight. The products are primarily categorized into types like 50kPa and 80kPa based on inflation pressure, and are widely used in various scenarios such as ships, offshore platforms, port terminals, and bridge piers.
Definition and Working Principle
Pneumatic Rubber Fenders
Inflatable rubber fender is a hollow bag type anti-collision device made of high-strength synthetic rubber and special skeleton materials, which forms a buffering system with specific pressure and elastic modulus by filling compressed air. Its working principle is based on the synergistic effect of gas compressibility and rubber deformation characteristics, which can effectively absorb the kinetic energy of ship collisions through its own deformation, and evenly distribute the impact load. At the same time, it has comprehensive performance such as low reaction force, high energy absorption efficiency, and anti fatigue durability. According to the type, fenders can be divided into two types: 50kPa (0.05MPa) and 80kPa (0.08MPa)
Structure and Material
Inflatable rubber fenders are mainly composed of hollow rubber airbags made of high-strength synthetic rubber and special skeleton materials. Its basic structure includes outer layer adhesive, inner layer adhesive, curtain fabric layer (skeleton material), winding ring, end flange, as well as components such as inflation pipe, deflation valve, one-way valve, etc. The outer layer of adhesive protects the skeleton material and the inner layer of adhesive from external damage; The inner layer of adhesive prevents gas leakage and maintains air pressure; The curtain fabric layer serves as the skeleton material to provide structural strength. Referring to the patent “An Inflatable Rubber Fender Structure” (CN202320874102.0), its structure also includes a buffering anti-collision mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The buffer anti-collision mechanism (such as fixed blocks, connecting ropes, and anti-collision tires) cooperates with the inner sealing plate to enhance the buffering and shock absorption effect; Sealing mechanisms, such as flanges and hemispherical sealing shells, can prevent components such as inflation pipes, deflation valves, and check valves from being corroded by water mist, thereby improving their service life. According to the form of external protection, fenders can be divided into unsheathed and sheathed types. Sheath type (such as tire chain mesh, rope tire, wire rope tire mesh, etc.) extends the service life of the fender by wrapping the sheath (such as tire rope mesh) outside the bag
Generally speaking, the standard pressure range for marine airbags is roughly between 0.1MPa and 0.5MPa, but the specific value needs to be determined based on the actual application scenario and the manufacturer’s technical specifications. Marine airbag is an auxiliary equipment that uses high-pressure gas to generate elastic deformation to carry and move ships, and is widely used in ship launching, shifting, maintenance and other operations.
Ship Launching Airbags
The technical principle is mainly based on the compressibility and elasticity of gases. By injecting a certain pressure of gas, the airbag expands, providing sufficient buoyancy or support force. In terms of application scenarios, the selection of standard pressure for marine airbags needs to consider factors such as the tonnage of the vessel, the size and quantity of airbags, and the operating environment. For example, for small vessels or light operations, the standard pressure of airbags may be relatively low to meet the requirements of economy and safety; For large vessels or heavy operations, it is necessary to choose airbags with higher standard pressure to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability. In terms of industry standards, the production and use of marine airbags must comply with relevant international and domestic standards, such as ISO, GB, etc. These standards provide clear regulations on the materials, manufacturing processes, performance parameters, and testing methods of airbags to ensure their quality and safety. For example, the standard may specify key indicators such as deformation, compressive strength, and service life of airbags under specific pressures, providing important basis for the design and selection of airbags.
Marine Airbags
In addition, the standard pressure of marine airbags is also affected by manufacturing processes and material properties. Advanced manufacturing processes and high-quality materials can improve the pressure resistance and sealing performance of airbags, allowing for the use of higher standard pressures. Therefore, when choosing marine airbags, in addition to considering their standard pressure, attention should also be paid to their manufacturing process and material quality. When using marine airbags, it is necessary to strictly follow the technical specifications and operating instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the airbags. Especially during the inflation and deflation process, it is necessary to control the rate of pressure change to avoid damage to the airbag due to sudden pressure changes. At the same time, regular inspection and maintenance of airbags are also important measures to ensure their long-term stable operation.
Sea surface buoy is a landmark device floating on the sea surface, mainly used to mark waterways, divide water areas, or mark specific locations, providing spatial reference for ship navigation, marine scientific research, and resource development. Its core function is to continuously transmit position information and reduce navigation risks in complex sea conditions through its striking appearance and stable floating performance. According to different application scenarios, offshore buoys can be divided into waterway buoys, meteorological buoys, scientific research buoys, and other types. Among them, rolling plastic buoys have become a common choice for offshore operations due to their strong weather resistance and low maintenance costs. 1、 Structural Design and Technical Principles: Sea surface buoys usually consist of three parts: the float, the identification system, and the anchoring device. The floating body is formed by rotational molding process, using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as raw material. The plastic particles are melted and uniformly attached to the inner wall of the mold through high temperature heating, and after cooling, a hollow structure is formed. This process endows the floating body with seamless, impact resistant, and corrosion-resistant characteristics, making it suitable for long-term seawater erosion and ultraviolet radiation. The identification system often uses orange or red high reflective coatings, and some models are equipped with solar LED lights to ensure night visibility; The anchoring device is connected to the sinking block through steel cables or chains to keep the buoy vertically stable and avoid being overturned by wind and waves. 2、 Anti aging and adaptability optimization: In view of the characteristics of high salinity, high humidity and strong ultraviolet ray in the marine environment, the anti oxidant and ultraviolet absorber are added to the materials of the rotomolding buoy to form an anti-aging coating. Experimental data shows that the service life of such buoys in coastal areas can reach more than 10 years, far exceeding traditional metal or wooden buoys. In addition, polyurethane foam can be filled inside the floating body, which can not only increase buoyancy but also prevent water seepage. Even if the outer layer is damaged, it can still remain floating. In terms of color selection, orange and red have the highest contrast in the seawater background, which meets the visual identification standards of the International Association of Navigational Aids (IALA). 3、 Customized applications and operating standards: The cylindrical buoy supports customized design of size, color, and identification system. For example, research buoys can be equipped with sensor modules to monitor real-time data such as water temperature, salinity, and wave height; Channel buoys can adapt to different water depths and flow velocities by adjusting the volume of the float and the weight of the anchor system. Attention should be paid during operation: Before installation, check the sealing of the floating body to avoid transportation damage; The anchor length should be greater than 1.5 times the water depth to prevent the buoy from being dragged and displaced; Regularly clean the surface of the floating object of biological attachment to ensure clear labeling. The customization process usually includes requirement communication, scheme design, mold making, and sample testing, with a cycle of about 15-30 working days. 4、 Spot supply and scene coverage: The standardized buoy inventory specifications are complete, covering the needs of coastal and inland waterways across the country, and can be adapted from shallow water aquaculture areas to deep-sea operation platforms. The spot models mainly have a diameter of 1.2 meters to 3 meters, a buoyancy range of 500kg to 3 tons, and support 24-hour technical consultation. For special scenarios such as polar expeditions or areas with frequent typhoons, reinforced buoys can be customized to enhance their resistance to wind and waves by increasing the thickness of the float wall and anchor strength. Its self operated model ensures full process quality control from design to after-sales, reducing communication costs caused by intermediate links.
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be performed under the following conditions:
a) ambient temperature: 10 degree ~35 degree
b) media: (1) dry clean compressed air, and (2) clean fresh water for bursting test.
Testing instruments, including pressure gauages and testing machine, shall be calibrated.
The test shall be performed using a full-sized air bag. If the air bag is too large to be mounted on the test machine, the test may be performed on a scaled-down air bag. In order to maintain a proper representation of the full-sized sample airbag, the diameter of the scaled-down air bag shall be no less than 1/2 of the full-sized sample air bag diameter while the length (L) shall be no less than 3 times the diameter of the scaled-down air bag.
Compression Test
Compression test under the initial internal pressure specified in Table 3 should be carried out after the tests of 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 6.3
The air bag is to be put on a press with large enough width and length to ensure that all parts of the compressed air bag is within the press. The test should be conducted as follows:
a) fill the air bag to the initial pressure in Table 3, start the test machine and press the air bag perpendicularly till the percentage deformation reaches 70%. Observe to see if the air bag is functioning properly;
b) gradually reduce the compressive force on the air bag until the air bag, by its own flexibility, returns to the height of its original state. Record the internal pressure;
c) apply a compressive force perpendicularly to the air bag again, till the percentage deformation reaches 70%
During the course of compressing and releasing, the reaction forces, internal pressures and deformation rate should be recorded at every 10% deformation interval.
The compression performance curve of a QG6 air bag is shown in Figure A.1. The rated working pressure of the air bag is as specified in Table 3.
Ship Launching Airbags are also referred to Marine Airbags, which is a ship operation equipment made of high-strength rubber and synthetic fiber, featuring a reinforced layer of fabric and wear-resistant rubber structure. It includes an inflation valve and a tow-end assembly, generating buoyancy to support the ship’s weight through inflation. Its production complies with the JT/T 302-1996 “Technical Specification for Marine Airbags,” and has obtained international certifications such as from China Classification Society and French Bureau Veritas. It is primarily used in scenarios like ship launching, caisson transportation, and heavy cargo handling, capable of withstanding the launching pressure of vessels with a deadweight tonnage of 100,000 tons. The burst pressure exceeds industry standards, and the air tightness pressure loss is less than 3% within 24 hours.
What is bearing capacity of air bag?
It is maximum load carrying capacity of the air bag, while it suffers no permanent deformation or damage
What is body of air bag?
It is cylindrical part of the air bag after being fully inflated with compressed air
What is burst pressure?
It is internal pressure at which the air bag bursts
What is diameters of air bag?
It is diameter of the air bag body
What is head of air bag?
It is conical parts connecting the body and the mouth of the air bag
What is initial internal pressure?
It is air pressure that fully inflates the air bag, before compression
What is length of air bag?
It is lenght of the air bag body
What is mouth of air bag?
It is metal valves mounted on both ends of the air bag for charging air
What is percentage of deformation?
It is ratio of the deformed height to the original diameter of the air bag while the air bag is being compresssed
P= (D-H)/D
Where
P is the percentage deformation(%)
is the original diameter of the air bag (%)
H is the height of the compressed air bag (m)
What is rated working pressure?
It is maximum allowable internal pressure of the air bag while supporting a weight or load equal to the rated bearing capacity of the air bag
What is Synthetic-tire-cord layers?
It is reinforced layer of the air bag which is made of rubber coated synthetic-tire-cord fabrics
What is total length of air bag?
It is overall length of the air bag
What is the type and model of air bags?
Marine air bags are categorized by the following two types according to the bearing capacity, per meter in lenght:
a) QP – ordinary air bag’
b) QG – high-bearing capacity air bag
What is the size of ship launching airbags?
Diameters of air bag (d) varies such as 0.8m, 1.0m, 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m, etc.
Length of air bag (L) is to be specified by the user.
Foam filled fender, also known as solid polyurethane fender, is a floating fender system made of foamed polyurethane, foamed EVA, or foamed rubber, primarily used for ship-to-berth protection in scenarios such as ports, docks, offshore oil platforms, and ship-to-ship operations. This product employs lightweight, high-elasticity foam as the cushioning medium, with closed-cell foamed material internally and polyurethane elastomer externally sprayed to enhance corrosion resistance. The fender has floating properties, allowing installation positions unrestricted by tidal fluctuations, and is secured via chain suspension. It exhibits significant reaction force variation at 60% compression with high energy absorption efficiency, a service life of 10-15 years, and features high strength, strong adhesion, maintenance-free operation, acid and alkali resistance, and anti-permeability. Product specifications range from 0.5 to 3.3 meters in diameter, with non-standard sizes available for customization, and exterior colors adjustable to meet identification requirements. Some models have received international certifications such as those from the China Classification Society and the French Classification Society.Foam Filled Fenders are versatile, robust and suitable for almost all applications. The performance of foam filled fenders can be modified to meet the specific specification requirements, its manufacturing process allows for virtually any size of fender to be constructed selecting the appropriate grade of foam core and elastomeric skin.
Foam Filled Fenders share a construction technology centered on a closed-cell polyurethane foam core and an outer skin of reinforced polyurethane elastomer. The closed-cell foam structure retains performance even if a fender’s skin is punctured. The closed-cell internal structure prevents water from ingressing into the foam.
The polyurethane floating fender is a compression-type fender, with a polyurea material serving as the outer protective layer and closed-cell rubber-plastic foam as the cushioning medium. Its interior features a closed-cell polyethylene foam core, and the fender surface is coated with polyurethane elastomer. The foam fender incorporates a spiral reinforcement layer (ZL201120207212.9), with the exterior made of polyurethane elastomer. Based on external assembly, it is categorized into sleeve-type, sleeveless-type, and rotating ear-type. R1: “Foam” must be translated as foam. Foam fenders can absorb impact energy through compressive deformation like a sponge [8]. By compressive deformation, they absorb the impact energy of vessels, thereby reducing damage to docks and ships [12]. When compressed by 60%, the reaction force increases significantly from small to large, and the energy absorption capacity is substantial.
The core of the solid polyurethane fender is made of EPU and a new type of polymer material with adjustable high elastic modulus. The internal buffer medium is high-density closed cell rubber plastic foaming material, such as polyethylene or EVA foam. Some products use 100% closed cell EVA foam hot lamination technology, which does not use adhesives. To enhance toughness and puncture resistance, some fenders use spiral wound embedded nylon tire cords or spiral reinforcement layers inside. The external protective layer is formed by spraying polyurethane or polyurea elastomer onto the surface using high-pressure airless spraying equipment. After manufacturing, the fender needs to undergo inspection and pressure testing to ensure compliance with relevant standards.
What is Foam Filled Fenders Classification?
The classification of foam fenders includes polyurethane foam fenders, floating fenders, etc. The interior of polyurethane foam fender is EVA elastic foam body. After adding cord layer in the middle, polyurethane polyurea is sprayed on the exterior to protect the middle core body. The outer protective layer of the floating rubber foam fender is a rubber layer, which is wrapped in the foam core to form a protective sleeve through high-temperature vulcanization.
What is Foam Filled Marine Fenders Performance?
The foam filled fender is made of closed-cell foam material, capable of absorbing 1.2-1.5 times the energy of an inflatable fender, effectively dissipating impact energy during compression. Its reaction force coefficient can be as low as 40-60 kN/m, approximately 30% lower than the traditional DA-type rubber fender’s 60-80 kN/m, helping to reduce hull stress and dock damage risks. The closed-cell foam structure evenly distributes stress under compression, preventing localized stress concentration. The outer surface of the fender is protected with a polyurethane elastomer layer, offering strong resistance to seawater corrosion and a service life of up to 15 years. The standard design lifespan is typically 10-15 years, while some products can last 15-30 years under suitable conditions. These products require no regular inflation checks, pose no risk of leakage, and demand minimal maintenance. The weight of the fender is reduced by 60%-70% compared to steel fenders of the same specifications, making it lighter and facilitating handling and installation. It possesses self-floating capability, allowing automatic position adjustment with tidal water levels, and installation is not restricted by tidal variations. As a solid structure, it eliminates the risk of explosion, and its external protective layer offers scratch and abrasion resistance. R1: “Foam” must be translated as foam. The polyurethane elastomer combines the high strength of plastics and the high elasticity of rubber, exhibiting properties such as wear resistance, oil resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and low-temperature resistance. The internal foam material can be recycled and reused, reducing waste generation.
What is Foam Filled Fenders Advantages?
1. It has floating performance and its installation position is not affected by tidal range 2. No need for inspection during use, no need for inflation, not afraid of scratching, not afraid of friction, resistant to seawater, acid and alkali, with a service life of up to 10-15 years Year, maintenance free 3. There is no danger of explosion and it is safe 4. It has better energy absorption performance and lower reaction force performance. When compressed by 60%, the reaction force decreases from small to large and the energy absorption is extremely high. 5. The product specifications are manufactured according to the needs, with the largest specification in ship fenders 6. The exterior of the fender can be coated with various colors, making the product smooth and beautiful, with clear markings 7. Adopting chain suspension, easy installation and mobility, the chain tire mesh can be freely selected to increase the service life of the fender
What is Foam Fenders Specification and Certification?
The conventional standard size range for solid polyurethane fenders is diameter (D) 0.5 meters to 3.3 meters and length (L) 1.0 meters to 6.5 meters In addition, manufacturers can produce products of unconventional sizes according to customer needs. According to the external assembly method, solid polyurethane fenders are mainly divided into three types: sheathed, unsheathed, and rotating lifting ear. The products of mainstream manufacturers have passed quality certifications from multiple international classification societies, including China Classification Society (CCS), French Classification Society (BV), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), etc. The product performance parameters include specifications (diameter and length), reaction force (tons) and energy absorption (tons · meters) at 60% compression deformation, and body weight (kilograms). The specific values cover a wide range, such as specifications ranging from a diameter of 300 millimeters and a length of 500 millimeters to a diameter of 3000 millimeters and a length of 6000 millimeters, corresponding to a reaction force of 1.5 tons to 160 tons when compressed by 60%, energy absorption ranging from 0.18 tons · m to 114 tons · m, and body weight ranging from 4 kilograms to 1988 kilograms. These parameters are measured based on a static state with a tolerance of ± 10%.
What is Foam Filled Marine Fenders Features?
Wide range of standard and custom sizes
Low reaction and high energy options
Operate floating or suspended
No chain/tyre required
No-marking even against while hulls
Unsinkable design
Widely used in naval application
Since it is not air filled it is virtually maintenance free
What are Foam Filled Fenders Application?
Cruise Ships
Container Vessels
Bulk Cargo
RoRo and Ferries
Oil and Gas Tankers
General Cargo
Navy Berths
Ship-to-ship transfers
What is Foam Fender Effect of Temperature?
Polyolefin foams are used in foam filled fenders. When subjected to high temperatures, these foams can lose some of their compression resistance, and therefore lose some energy absorption capacity. Likwise, when these foams are subjected to low temperatures, they become stiffer and gain energy capacity. This effect is temporary in both cases, if not carried to the extreme.
The graph above shows the effect of temperature on the various types of foam used in foam fenders. The energy absorption is shown relative to the foam in a standard fender compressed at a rate of 2 in/min(51 mm/min) at 75 (24 degree), which is assigned a rating of 100. This does not reflect the performance of the fender as a whole, because other factors come into play in determining the energy absorption capacity, such as skin thickness and the confining effect of the skin on the foam.
However, the general trend will be evident. In general, if a fender will be constantly exposed to elevated temperatures, such as in installations in hot climates, a slightly larger fender size than normal may be recommended.
What is Foam Filled Marine Fenders Effect of Compression Speed?
At a given percent compression, foam compressed at a high strain rate will absorb more energy than foam compressed at a low strain rate. Polyolefin foams compressed at high strain rates are stiffer than when compressed at low strain rates, where strain rate is defined as the fraction of the foam thickness compressed in a given time interval. This trend shows up in fender performance, although other factors come into play in determining fender energy absorption, such as skin thickness, temperature, and the confining effect of the skin on the foam.