The load an air bag can withstand
depends on the strength of material used, quality of construction
and the size of gap between the goods which it is used in. The narrower
the gap, the less stress on the airbag, so the higher the pressure
it will withstand and thus the greater the load. Also, the greater
the contact area of the bag with the goods the better because this
allows the pressure in the bag to
be exerted on the goods rather than “wasted” stressing
its own material. It follows that in a narrow gap the contact area
will be greater than in a wide one, so the airbag will be more effective.
This is illustrated in the
performance table for a 90 cm x 180 cm Checkstow:

The force available depends on the gap –
the smaller the gap the better the level of protection against movement
in tough conditions.
Standard sizes are 90 cm x 180 cm, weighing 1.04 kg and 90 cm x 120
cm weighing 0.69 kg. Special sizes are available for large orders.
Strong materials allow a safe working pressure of 0.3 bar (3 psi).
This ensures there is enough safety margin to allow for changes in
ambient temperature. Increases will make the airbag pressure go up
and decreases will make it go down. Checkstow’s heavy duty construction
allows a margin of safety not possible with other bags which risk
bursting as temperatures increase or getting too soft as
they decrease.
The forces available can be very
high. Consideration must be given to whether the cargo and
packaging can withstand the inflation pressure chosen.
Checkstow’s re-usable valve is designed to be simple and effective.
It can be used with a variety of filling guns. Our own gun is available
if required. Letting air out could not be easier, just unscrew the
valve core. This encourages re-use.
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