The ship launching airbag is an important piece of auxiliary equipment. It is primarily utilized to ensure the smooth and safe launch, lifting, and transfer of ships. The shape of this airbag is typically cylindrical. It is made up of an abrasion-resistant rubber exterior layer, multiple layers of high-strength synthetic fiber reinforcement, and an airtight interior layer that offers outstanding abrasion and impact resistance. In general, with proper maintenance, Zhonghaihang’s airbag can last up to 15 years.
However, if the airbag inflation pressure exceeds the authorized amount during usage or comes into contact with sharp surfaces, it will cause surface abrasion. To ensure that the airbag functions effectively, acceptable repair methods are required. The five steps to repairing the airbag will be explained in full below.
Tools Required Before Repair
Before we begin the repair process, we must gather the necessary tools to fix the ship launching airbag. Specifically, there are:
- Electric Sander: Used to smooth out the damaged section of the airbag and prepare the surface for repair.
- Rubber Applicator Brush: Used to evenly apply the repair adhesive and trim any surplus adhesive.
- Hydraulic Supporter: The hydraulic supporter applies pressure to the rubber patch to match the heating unit’s vulcanization process.
- Metal Plate and Rubber Pads: They are put beneath the heating plate to guarantee that the hydraulic support remains steady when pressure is applied.
- Fixing Bracket: Used to support the hydraulic unit and ensure that the patch and heating plate fit tightly together.
- Large Threading Needle: Used with string to sew up the cracked section of the airbag to provide a solid repair.
- Weights (e.g., sandbags): These are inserted between the airbag and the support to stabilize the repair region.
- Heating Equipment: Used to heat the patch and ensure vulcanization of the airbag’s fractured portion.
Repair Material
- Surface Rubber: Rubber covers and protects the damaged area.
- Cord Rubber Sheet: Reinforces the airbag structure and increases its pressure-bearing capability.
- Adhesive Rubber: It is used to adhere the repair material and ensure stiffness.
- Separation Cloth: It can prevent adhesion and keep the repair area flat.
5 Steps to Repair Marine Airbags
Clean the Surface of the Airbag
To ensure a clean airbag surface, completely remove dust, oil, and contaminants with cleaners and rags. To avoid material damage, do not submerge the airbag in water for more than 10 minutes prior to fixing it. After cleaning, dry the airbag and store it in a clean area to prevent contamination.
Inspect And Mark The Damaged Area
Determine exactly where the repair needs to be made. This necessitates a thorough check of every component of the airbag. When you find a crack or worn area, mark it using a tool. Repair using a 36CM radius, centered on the remaining crack or wear.
Repair
To close longer cracks, use a needle and string. The needle should be kept 2-3 centimeters from the edge of the crack, with each stitch spaced around 10 centimeters apart. When the stitching is finished, clean the surface of the repaired area with gasoline and allow it to dry completely.
Following the washing, a specific glue is put to the repair area. The glue is manufactured by mixing raw glue with gasoline in a 1:8 ratio. After application, allow it to dry naturally.
Prepare a repair rubber manufactured from the same substance as the airbag. Depending on the size of the fractured area, select a repair structure with two to six layers. Cover the crack with 1 mm thick pure rubber tape, ensuring that the breadth and length are 1 cm bigger than the crack itself.
Lay the repair material in stages, with the first layer at a right angle, the second layer at a diagonal angle and 20 mm larger than the first layer, and the third layer at the opposite angle and 20 mm larger than the second layer. From the fourth to the sixth layer, the layers are deposited in the same order, with each layer’s fillet radius ranging from 40 to 50 mm.
Hot Vulcanisation Process
The repair area is heated to a controlled temperature of 150 ± 5 degrees. Under high temperatures, hydraulic tools are utilized to firmly glue the repair material to the airbag. The heating equipment is subsequently shut off, and the temperature gradually drops to 60 degrees Celsius. This concludes the repair.
Inspection
After completing the repair, inflate the airbag and check for any air leaks in the repaired region. If any issues are discovered, make the necessary changes right away to guarantee that the repaired airbag can be utilized properly. If you have any questions, you can ask a Zhonghaihang engineer for professional repair help.
Conclusion
Repairing a ship launching airbag can be a difficult task, and we suggest that it be done by a specialist. Of course, if you’re particularly handy, you can do it yourself. However, you must follow the directions above. Repairing the ship launching airbag not only restores the airbag’s original performance but also provides long-term benefits to your harbor.
Zhonghaihang Shipping Supply is a professional airbag producer in China, operating a comprehensive design and manufacturing facility. In addition to launching requirements, we provide a comprehensive range of customized airbags, including marine salvage airbags and heavy lifting airbags.
