How to inflate a container airbag?

Safe Freight Transportation

The most effective way to ensure cargo safety in logistics operations is to properly inflate dunnage bags, which both prevent damage to your products and increase work safety. Here are the steps you should follow for a professional application:

1. Preparation and Correct Selection

Before starting the inflation process, make sure you have selected an air bag of the appropriate size for the width of the space to be filled.
Critical Rule: The air bag should expand to a maximum of 30-40% of the space to be filled. Using a very small bag for very wide spaces will reduce the surface area of ​​the bag, decreasing efficiency.

2. Positioning

Place the bag in the gap between pallets or loads.
Height from Ground: The bottom edge of the airbag should be approximately 5-10 cm above the container floor. This prevents abrasion from friction and damage to the airbag from moisture in contact with the ground.
Alignment: Ensure the airbag makes equal contact with both sides of the load. If there are sharp corners or splintered pallets, you can place cardboard in between to protect the airbag.

3. Attaching the Inflation Device

Open the valve cap on the airbag. Quick Lock: Insert the tip of the inflation gun into the valve. If using a locking mechanism, press until you hear a "click" or are sure it is fully seated.
Air Line: Ensure the air line from the compressor is not kinked and provides sufficient pressure.

4. Inflation Process

Start the inflation process by pressing the trigger of the gun.
Observation: You will see the loads slowly pressing towards the side walls as the pillow inflates.
Pressure Control: The pillow should be firm when checked by hand but not overstretched. The ideal working pressure is usually between 0.1 - 0.3 Bar (1.5 - 4 PSI). If you are using guns with a digital pressure gauge, stop when you reach the indicated limit value.

5. Closing the Valve

Once the desired firmness is reached, quickly pull the gun and tightly close the valve cap. Modern quick-fill valves automatically keep the air inside as soon as the gun is pulled; however, closing the outer cap provides an additional layer of safety.

Safety Precautions

Avoid Over-inflation: A burst cushion can injure both the load and personnel.
Do Not Stack Cushions: Never use two cushions stacked on top of or side-by-side for a single space. This will cause the load to become unbalanced.
Sharp Objects: Ensure that nails or sharp edges on pallets do not come into contact with the cushion.