You probably know what fenders are, but do you know what polyurethane foam fenders are? In modern ports and shipping, accidents and collisions often occur when ships are moored. To avoid collisions between ships and ports, we can use polyurethane foam fenders. These polyurethane foam fenders are better than ordinary fenders and can successfully avoid these problems.
So, what is a polyurethane fender? What is its structure? What is its function? If you want to know more about polyurethane fenders, please continue reading. Zhonghaihang will answer these questions for you.
What is a Polyurethane Fender?
A polyurethane floating fender, also known as a foam filled fenders, is another type of compressed fender. It usually has a polyurethane outer layer. A polyurethane foam or plastic foam is then used as a cushioning medium. When a dock or ship strikes a polyurethane foam fender, the impact energy is absorbed, thereby reducing damage.
The advantages of polyurethane foam fenders are that they float and are resistant to tidal changes. They are also available in bright colors. You can therefore find fenders in a wide range of colors. In addition, they do not need to be inflated and are easy to install, move, and use.
When a polyurethane fender reacts, its reaction force increases from small to large. It also has a high energy absorption capacity. Therefore, it is very suitable for use on open piers, gravity piers on the high seas, piers with large tidal ranges, and double-channel ships on the high seas. Therefore, fenders of this type have been used on piers, docks, and ship decks all over the world.
Continue reading What is a Foam Fender? for more professional information
Structure of a Polyurethane Fender
Due to its simple structure, the polyurethane fender is also easy to maintain. It is usually designed with three main parts, each of which is very important:
- Foam Core: The core is made of closed-cell polyurethane foam or standard fender foam. This foam is very good at absorbing impacts. Therefore, the high-density structure of the polyurethane fender makes it stable after repeated use.
- Coating: The outer layer of this fender is a very robust covering. It is usually made of polyurethane or rubber skin material. As these materials are very resistant to sea water and weathering, the polyurethane foam fender will therefore have a longer service life.
- Anchoring system: This system provides the fender with strong support and makes it easy to install. Depending on the installation environment, different anchoring systems can be used. This ensures that the polyurethane foam fender will work properly in different environments.
Advantages of Polyurethane Foam Fenders
High Energy Absorption and Low Reaction Forces
Compared to rubber fenders, polyurethane foam fenders are highly elastic. They therefore absorb a lot of energy and have low reaction forces. This is important to ensure that the hull surface remains undamaged.
Won’t Sink
These polyurethane fenders are made entirely of closed-cell foam. This means that they won’t sink, even if they break, fracture, or shear when they impact a rough hull. Since each layer of foam in a polyurethane fender is independent of the others, water cannot penetrate this type of marine fender.
Strong Base Support
The skin of the polyurethane fender is made of tough, thick material, giving it exceptional strength. In addition, the skin is designed in a spiral pattern, which is integrated into the skin itself. Thanks to this high-tech method, the skin of the polyurethane fender is resistant to all kinds of weather, impacts, and sea conditions.
Wear-resistant
Polyurethane spray is used on the polyurethane foam fenders. This creates a high-quality, even mesh skin. This skin is extremely hard-wearing, leaves no marks, and is available in eye-catching colors.
Increased Port Capacity
Using extra-large polyurethane foam fenders increases the space between the ship and the quay wall. This also increases the depth of the berth, making loading and unloading easier. This therefore offers new ways to improve the quay and increase loading and unloading efficiency.
Easy to Install and Move
The polyurethane foam fender is very light in weight, so it is easy to move and install. In addition, it does not require regular maintenance and replacement of parts. Therefore, it can save costs in the long run.
Uses and Fields
Polyurethane foam fenders are used as safety devices in marine engineering and offshore operations. Their main function is to protect ships, docks, floating bodies, and other structures from collisions and external impacts. This reduces damage and injuries caused by collisions.
They are usually made of high-density polyethylene foam, which is lightweight, does not rust, will not break under pressure, and can absorb energy. Polyurethane foam fenders can therefore be used for a variety of purposes in marine engineering, for example:
- Pier and Ship Protection: These are placed at the edge of piers or where ships dock. They prevent ships from colliding with piers and damaging the ship’s hull and pier structure.
- Protection of Offshore Installations: Used to protect offshore structures from external damage. Examples include floating docks, floating wind turbines, floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, etc.
- Water Sports Facilities: Foam fenders are installed at water sports facilities to protect boats from damage when docking, anchoring, and berthing. Examples include yacht clubs and sailing camps.
- Marine Construction: Polyurethane foam fenders can be used as temporary safety devices. They can protect construction workers and equipment during marine construction and maintenance.
- Yachts and Other Small Boats: They are lightweight and easy to install. Therefore, they can meet the needs of private docks and small berths. This is a necessary condition for ensuring the safety of ships and small boats.
In general, foam fenders are an important part of marine engineering. They protect ships and buildings in the water from damage, making marine engineering safer and more reliable.
Summary
Compared to standard pneumatic fenders, polyurethane foam fenders are a better and safer method of protection. Therefore, polyurethane foam fenders are perfect for modern ports and other maritime services.
Zhonghaihang Ship Company can provide you with customized services to ensure the safety of your ship. We sell marine airbags, rubber fenders, inflatable fenders, and foam fenders. If you need help or have any questions, please feel free to contact our team.
