Cargo Protection

The Problem

When using airbags to secure cargo they may lose air due to minor damage or seepage as they get older, but they also experience large variations in pressure due to changes in atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature during a passage. Additionally, whenever the vessel suffers heavy weather conditions, certain cargoes, e.g. bales of pulp, can compress due to accelerations in pitch, roll and yaw. Compression opens gaps between bales and further exacerbates the movement of the block stow within the hold. This type of movement causes chafing damage to the cargo, and in extreme cases it can adversely affect the stability of the ship.

Often it may be difficult to gain access to a hatch or to re-inflate airbags, but our patented manifold system keeps them inflated at all times without crew intervention.

How it works

The system can rapidly inflate a number of airbags simultaneously, and then has the capability to maintain the pressure to a preset value for the duration of the voyage. No crew intervention is required once the stow is locked by the inflated bags.
The manifold (which incorporates an integral dryer/particle filter) has rapid-fill and pressure maintenance facilities and is connected to the ship’s air supply. A safety shut off valve prevents over-inflation.

Once rapid initial fill is completed, the manifold is switched to automatic top-up. In this mode, the system constantly monitors the air pressure in the bags, automatically topping them up to the pre-set level. In this way the security of the stow is maintained throughout the voyage. Moreover, the system is designed to cope with critical events, including air leaks of up to 5 litres/minute. Should any bags burst or leak excessively, in-line safety valves ensure pressure is accurately maintained in those remaining intact.

The manifold is easily portable and can be placed either on top of the stow, or outside the hold with individual air lines passed through a watertight gland in the hatch coaming to the airbags.

Inflation-and-Top-Up-System-1-May-09.pdf

Result

With this system, the top tier of cargo will remain solidly locked despite leakage and variations in atmospheric conditions. This ensures less movement in the whole stow. And, as tests have proved, it has the additional benefit of reducing the overall number of airbags needed. Companies that believe in continuous improvement in standards of cargo security, damage claims reduction and excellent customer service have demonstrated the value of the system.