3 minute read

A custom soluton for the ofshore

A custom solution for the offshore industry

TUBUS SHOCK ABSORBER BY ACE

A SHOCK ABSORBER CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING THE TOUGH CONDITIONS IN OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS – DOES IT EVEN EXIST? IT MOST CERTAINLY DOES. A FEW YEARS AGO, DAMPING SPECIALIST ACE STOSSDÄMPFER INTRODUCED A NEW TYPE OF SHOCK ABSORBER THAT CAN COPE WITH ALMOST ALL OFFSHORE INDUSTRY CHALLENGES – THE TUBUS SHOCK ABSORBER. A REVOLUTION IN DAMPING TECHNOLOGY, MAKING PROBLEMS SUCH AS CORROSION AND OIL LEAKS A THING OF THE PAST. A LONG SERVICE LIFE CHARACTERISES THE SHOCK ABSORBERS.

TUBUS is a product with unique specifcatons. It is produced from a highperformance TPEE material with special characteristcs. The parts are produced in a two-step operaton. Afer the injecton moulding process, the molecules are stretched, resultng in the product’s shape and performance. “There are no fuids involved, and therefore it is perfect for ofshore applicaton. Water polluton is impossible”, says Han Titulaer, Project Manager at ACE Stoßdämpfer. The material has a good resistance against chemicals, oils, polluton, temperature, and UV; it will not rust and is extremely ageing resistant. The TUBUS shock absorber is also more cost-efectve compared to hydraulic alternatves.

The TUBUS portfolio includes a wide range of standard types, but ACE also designs and produces custom-made dampers, even in small quantities.

Properties

TUBUS dampers can be used to absorb shocks, control vibratons, and protect systems. More specifcally, they excel in high energy absorpton, are lightweight, and maintenance-free. The systems can be used in both light and extremely heavy applicatons. Another beneft is their long

service life. “They have a signifcantly longer service life compared to similar products such as polyurethane, plastc, rubber, and steel”, Mr Titulaer explains. “The material has high elongaton and is hence unbreakable. If the damper is overloaded, it will not break; only the setng behaviour will increase.” TUBUS dampers can be used in safety-stop applicatons, as well as in applicatons with contnuous operaton. The low weight dampers can absorb high forces on a small installaton space.

The shock absorber is a revolution in damping technology, making problems such as corrosion and oil leaks a thing of the past.

Application

TUBUS dampers can be found, for example, on workboats moored at ofshore wind farms and in ports. The forces during docking are ofen too high for the working vessel’s polyester structure. A movable constructon and TUBUS dampers are

Photo courtesy of ACE Stoßdämpfer.

Safe deceleration of maintenance boats at offshore wind farms.

Mogamki diwo kjdalk d akk a Down akdoi skdow.

Photo courtesy of ACE Stoßdämpfer and Fassmer Schiffsservice.

Emergency stoppers on one of the world’s largest passenger ships.

Photo courtesy of ACE Stoßdämpfer and Fassmer Schiffsservice.

implemented to limit the forces and absorb energy to prevent further damage. They are also used on one of the largest passenger ships built at Meyer Werf. The lifeboats are protected by a TUBUS bumper, which is used when lowering lifeboats into the water. The hard contact to the water in rough weather requires a high-performing damper with excellent resistance against saltwater and UV radiaton.

From standard to custom

The TUBUS portolio includes a wide range of standard types, but ACE also designs and produces custom-made dampers, even in small quanttes. In additon to supplying individual components, ACE designs entre damping systems for their customer. It is also possible to preload a damper or damping system.

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