Hydrostatic Pressure Test for Floating Pneumatic Rubber Fenders ISO 17357-1:2014

We conducted the hydrostatic pressure test for the commercial floating pneumatic fenders 80kPa Diameter 2.0 x Length 3.5m, based on ISO 17357-1:2014. The entire test was conducted in the presence of the client’s representative and a BV inspector.

1. ‌Test Frequency and Sampling‌

• ‌General Requirement‌: 1 test fender shall be selected per every 20 fenders of the same size and pressure rating.
• ‌Small Order Exception‌: If the order quantity is less than 20 fenders, 1 test fender shall be selected per order.

The customer representative randomly selected a fender for inspection. The fender is evacuated to a vacuum state.

2. ‌Pre-Test Preparation‌

• ‌Measurement Point Marking‌: Two points shall be marked circumferentially and longitudinally on the middle section of the fender body. The distance between the two points shall exceed one-fifth of the fender’s diameter.
• ‌Initial Measurement‌: Measure the circumferential length ($L_{circ}$Lcirc​) and longitudinal length ($L_{long}$Llong​) at 10 kPa pressure, recording these as baseline values.
• ‌Equipment Verification‌: Ensure the hydraulic pump, pressure gauge (±1 kPa accuracy), and timer are functioning properly.

The fender’s diameter is 2.0m. The distances marked are 502mm.

3. ‌Static Hydrostatic Pressure Test‌

• ‌Pressurization to Test Pressure‌: Gradually increase the pressure to the value indicated as “Test pressure at 0% deflection” in Table 4 or Table 5, at a rate not exceeding 0.1 MPa/min.
• ‌Pressure Holding Phase‌: Maintain the test pressure for 10 minutes. During this period:
  • Observe the fender surface for water leakage or structural defects (e.g., bulging, cracking).
  • Avoid striking or vibrating the fender.
• ‌Leakage Assessment‌: If no water leakage or visible defects occur during the 10-minute period, the fender passes the airtightness test.

According to Table 5, we fill the fender to the pressure of 250 kPa.

4. ‌Deformation Measurement‌

• ‌Measurement at Test Pressure‌: Immediately after the pressure holding phase, measure the circumferential length ($L_{t,circ}$) and longitudinal length ($L_{t,long}$) at the test pressure.
• ‌Temporary Elongation Calculation‌:
  • Circumferential temporary elongation: $e_{circ}=\frac{L_{t,circ}-L_{circ}}{L_{circ}}\times 100\mathrm{\%}$
  • Longitudinal temporary elongation: $e_{long}=\frac{L_{t,long}-L_{long}}{L_{long}}\times 100\mathrm{\%}$
• ‌Acceptance Criteria‌: $e_{circ}\le 10\mathrm{\%}$ and $e_{long}\le 10\mathrm{\%}$.

During the filling water process, we also measured the length under different pressure conditions. Refer to the table below.

5. ‌Post-Test Procedures‌

• ‌Depressurization‌: Slowly release the pressure to 0 kPa to avoid sudden contraction of the fender.
• ‌Data Recording‌: Document the test pressure, holding time, leakage status, deformation measurements, and elongation rates.-
• When the water pressure was reduced to 10 KPA, we measured the length between the two points again. It had completely returned to the initial 502 mm.

Result determination: all criteria are met, the fenders passed the test.