The Marine Airbags

Commonly known as 'rubber airbags', 'MAX airbags','marine air bags', or 'balloons/belons', these inflatable objects are constructed from multiple layers of reinforced rubber. The MAX Marine Airbags are fabricated in accordance with the ISO14409 Ship Launching Air Bags standard. They possess a cylindrical form with hemispherical ends on both sides.

"Ship launching via air bags represents an inventive technique that is purportedly a Chinese invention and has been in application for several decades. The airbags are inflated to hoist the vessel or structure, and then, with the assistance of gravity, it is enabled to glide into the water in a regulated setting. This approach can be readily employed for vessels of all varieties and sizes, and is especially favored for flat bottom barges and small-to-medium-sized vessels."

Advantages

This technology is reputed to be a highly economical solution. With proper maintenance and care, airbags can remain in service for over 8 years. The prices of airbags vary depending on their types and sizes. However, even the larger-sized airbags generally cost less than alternative launching methods.

The airbags offer support to the hull of the vessel and facilitate its movement during launching into the water, additionally safeguarding the hull from damage. According to Kevin, "it is a secure option for launching structures weighing up to 10,000 tonnes". In reality, through meticulous calculation and professional supervision, heavy vessels in China exceeding 50,000 tonnes have also been successfully launched using this technique.

Moreover, in comparison to the oiled slipway launching, which is another prevalent choice for most small to medium vessels, this method is considerably more environmentally friendly. Its adaptability has been a significant factor contributing to its extensive adoption. Over the years, numerous issues such as slipway restrictions and working height difficulties can be resolved without imposing additional costs on shipyards.

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Air bag Structure

Ship Launching Air bag size and model

Size

Diameter of air bag (D) varies such as 0,8 m, 1,0 m, 1,2 m, 1,5 m, 1,8 m, etc.

Length of air bag (L) is to be specified by the user.

Model

According to the synthetic-tyre-cord reinforcement layers number of air bags, air bags can be divided into 3 layers air bags,4 layers air bags,5 layers air bags,

6 layers air bags...normally air bags layers less than 10

Air bag bearing capacity

maximum load carrying capacity of the air bag while it suffers no permanent deformation or damage

D is the original diameter of the air bag

H is the height of the compressed air bag

W₁ is the width air bag contacting with ship bottom

P₁ is the internal pressure of the air bag

L is air bag effective length

Bearing capacity =P₁ × W₁ × L

Company Information

Luhang is a professional manufacture of ship launching airbags and ship berthing buoy/fenders.Through many years' development , we have developed to a high-tech enterprise with an integration of scientific research and design, product R&D,sales and technical service. By advanced manufacturing equipments, strictly QC,we supplying high quality products and excellent after sale service and got widely appraised by domestic and overseas customers.