JP6009573B2 - Pipe construction - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an elongated hollow structure having a composite structure, in particular, a tubular structure.

  The present invention has been specifically devised for the construction of tubular structures in the form of pipes, but tubular elements such as ducts and tubes, tubular structural elements such as shafts, beams and columns, and composite structures. It is also applicable to the construction of other elongated hollow elements including other tubular elements having.

  The following description of the background art is only intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. This explanation is not an admission or admission that any of the referenced material was part of or was part of common general knowledge on the priority date of this application. Absent.

  It is known to build pipes using fiber reinforced plastic composites. Typically, such pipes are made by impregnating a roving of filaments (such as glass fiber) with a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic composition and winding the roving on a mandrel in the front-rear direction. It is built by the process of forming a composite pipe wall structure.

  Furthermore, attempts have been made to produce continuous pipes by pultrusion. In this method, the wet reinforcing fiber body is drawn through a heated mold, the pipe is cured, and then the pipe is wound on a spool. Pipes constructed in this manner are typically limited to a length of about 1 km and a diameter of about 100 mm.

  Typically, such pipes are required to have resistance to both hoop stress and axial stress, and construction is between resistance to hoop stress required for the pipe and resistance to axial stress. A compromise has been made. The hoop strength will be optimized by winding the reinforcing filament at an angle close to 90 ° with respect to the pipe axis. The axial strength will be optimized by winding the reinforcing filament at an angle close to the pipe axis.

  The length of the pipe constructed in this way is determined by the length of the transportable pipe mandrel or roll. As a result, this construction process requires long pipes that form a transport network for liquids and gases, i.e. pipes that are significantly longer than the mandrels that can be used, and two different locations (which can be hundreds or thousands of kilometers away). It is not suitable for building a pipe having a length that constitutes a pipeline extending continuously between.

  A method of constructing a pipeline with continuously constructed pipes, i.e. consisting of a series of pipe sections that are joined together at a junction, which is a weakness of the structural integrity of the pipeline It would be advantageous to have a method of building pipelines using continuously constructed pipes without any.

  The present invention was developed to overcome this background art and related problems and difficulties.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, an elongate hollow structure comprising a radially inner part and a radially outer part, the two parts being brought together to provide an integrated tubular wall structure. A method of constructing an elongated hollow structure configured to provide a radially inner portion, assemble a radially outer portion around the radially inner portion, and expand the inner portion Wherein the outer portion comprises an outer tube having a fiber reinforced composite structure surrounded by a flexible outer casing.

  Preferably, the outer tube having a fiber reinforced composite structure includes a reinforcement and a binder.

  The reinforcing material may comprise one or more layers of reinforcing fabric. Preferably, each layer is configured as a tubular layer disposed around the radially inner portion. Typically, a plurality of tubular layers are arranged on top of each other around the inner tube.

  The reinforcing fabric may include a reinforcing fabric that includes reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation. The reinforcing fiber may contain glass fiber. Tetraaxial fiber orientation will provide resistance to hoop stress and axial stress required for tubular structures.

  Preferably, the binder comprises a curable plastic such as a resin binder, commonly referred to as a resin. The binder is a resin matrix to bond the layers of reinforcing fabric together and to bond the reinforcement to the inner portion, resulting in an integrated tubular wall structure. The resin matrix may be configured to couple the reinforcing material to the outer casing.

  Preferably, the inner part comprises an inner tube with an inner liner, a fiber layer is bonded to one side of the inner liner, a binder impregnating the reinforcing fabric also impregnates the fiber layer, and the outer part is on the inner side. It is designed to be integrated with the part.

  Preferably, the outer casing includes an outer layer and a fiber layer bonded to one surface thereof, and the fiber layer is disposed so as to face the reinforcing material. In this configuration, the fiber layer of the outer casing may provide a vent layer that can remove air.

  Preferably, the flexible outer casing functions to counter the radial expansion of the reinforcement so that the reinforcement is subjected to radial compression. In this configuration, the stiffener is confined in the space between the expanding inner portion and the flexible outer casing. The radially expanding inner portion acts in conjunction with the flexible outer casing to confine the reinforcement and gradually reduce the volume of the space in which the reinforcement is confined. As a result, the binder in the reinforcing material is sufficiently impregnated into the reinforcing material. That is, the layer of reinforcing fabric will be sufficiently “wet”. In particular, this causes a compressive force to be applied to the reinforcement, effectively delivering the binder into the layer of reinforcing fabric and distributing the binder into the space while forcing it to be controlled.

  Furthermore, by gradually reducing the volume of the space in which the reinforcing material is confined, air is surely excluded from the space, which has the effect of enhancing the impregnation of the binder into the reinforcing material. is there.

  The outer casing and various reinforcing fabric tubes may be configured to facilitate the exclusion of air. The outer casing and the various reinforcing fabric tubular layers may be configured to facilitate air evacuation, e.g., spaced along their lengths to facilitate air evacuation. It may include a vent hole disposed. Additionally or alternatively, the outer casing fiber layer that provides the vent layer is typically adapted to facilitate the removal of upward air along the assembly relative to the discharge or vent point. May be.

  The flexible outer casing may have some resiliency to at least partially obey the radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer. Typically, however, the flexible outer casing has less elasticity than the inner tube. This allows the flexible outer casing to ease the initial stage of radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer. Specifically, it is desirable that the flexible outer casing has some stretch elasticity. The flexible outer casing may have stretch elasticity for the purpose of increasing control of the rate at which the binder gradually wets the reinforcement.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, an elongate hollow structure comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, the two portions being joined together to provide an integrated tubular wall structure. A method for constructing an elongated hollow structure, comprising: preparing a radially inner portion with an inner tube having an inner liner with a fibrous layer bonded to one side; and Assembling a radially outer portion around and expanding the inner portion, the outer portion comprising an outer tube having a fiber reinforced composite structure surrounded by a flexible outer casing, the inner portion being The resin layer, which has an inner tube with an inner liner bonded to one side of the fiber layer, and impregnated the outer tube, also impregnates the fiber layer And adapted to be integrated with the inner part, a method is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an elongated hollow structure, wherein a flexible tubular wall structure is formed around a central portion, and the tubular wall structure has a predetermined cross-sectional profile. There is provided a method comprising expanding the central portion and solidifying, curing, or solidifying the tubular wall structure.

  The central portion may comprise a part of the wall structure.

  The flexible wall structure may comprise a fiber reinforced plastic composite.

  The flexible wall structure may further include a curable plastic such as a resin binder. Typically, the curable plastic may include a curable resin.

  The fiber-reinforced plastic composite material may include a reinforcing material configured as a cloth containing reinforcing fibers.

  Preferably, the reinforcing fabric has a four-axis fiber orientation. Tetraaxial fiber orientation will provide resistance to hoop stress and resistance to axial stress.

  The flexible tubular wall structure may further comprise a flexible outer casing surrounding the fiber reinforced plastic composite.

  The expandable central portion includes an inner tube that provides an inflatable bag that expands the flexible tubular wall structure prior to solidification, curing, or solidification of the flexible tubular wall structure. It may be.

  Preferably, the inner tube is integral with the tubular wall structure and forms part of the tubular wall structure.

  Continuous movement and subsequent expansion of the flexible tubular wall structure compresses and orients the fibers in the reinforcing fabric during construction to increase resistance to hoop stress over the entire length of the elongated hollow structure Function.

  Preferably, the reinforcing fabric is also compressed (linearly) in the axial direction in order to increase resistance to tensile loads.

  The central portion may be configured as a bag.

  The bag may be adapted to be inflated using a fluid medium such as air or water.

  Preferably, the bag is elastically inflatable.

  In one configuration, the tubular structure may have a specific length. The tubular structure may be composed of, for example, a tubular element such as a pipe made to a specific length.

  In other configurations, the tubular structure may be gradually formed to a desired length. The tubular structure may be composed of a tubular element such as a pipe that is continuously formed until the desired length is obtained. In this regard, the pipe may have a length that constitutes a continuous pipe resulting in a pipeline extending between two different locations.

  In contrast to the prior art arrangement, in which the pipeline extending between the two locations typically consists of a plurality of pipe sections joined together, the pipe according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a pipeline with one pipeline. It can be formed as a continuous pipe.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an elongated hollow structure, comprising forming a flexible tubular wall structure having an interior, and expanding the interior of the flexible tubular wall structure. Providing a form and shape to the flexible tubular wall structure and solidifying, curing, or solidifying the flexible wall structure to provide a tubular element is provided.

  The flexible wall structure may comprise a fiber reinforced plastic composite that is curable to provide a tubular element.

  The flexible wall structure may further comprise a flexible outer casing surrounding the fiber reinforced plastic composite.

  In some applications, fiber reinforced plastic composites are designed to cure to a rigid state. In some other applications, fiber reinforced plastic composites are adapted to cure in a flexible state.

  The tubular wall structure may comprise a liner having a fluid impermeable inner surface. The inner surface may be composed of a high gloss material such as a polyurethane liner.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing a pipe, comprising forming a flexible tubular wall structure comprising a fiber reinforced plastic composite, and expanding the interior of the flexible tubular wall structure. A method is provided that includes providing a shape and shape to a flexible tubular wall structure and solidifying, curing, or solidifying the flexible wall structure to provide a pipe.

  The pipe may be built continuously and gradually be installed in place before the flexible wall structure is cured, once the flexible wall structure has reached the installation position of the pipe If so, it may be cured.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for continuously constructing a pipe, comprising forming a flexible tubular wall structure comprising a fiber reinforced plastic composite, and the interior of the flexible tubular wall structure. A method is provided that includes inflating and providing a shape and shape to the flexible tubular wall structure and curing the flexible wall structure to provide a pipe.

  In the method according to the sixth embodiment, the flexible wall structure may comprise an inner portion and an outer portion, in which case the method comprises forming the inner portion to define an inner tube; Forming an outer tube of a fiber reinforced composite structure around the inner tube and defining an outer portion.

  The outer tube may be formed using one or more layers of reinforcing fabric, in which case the method comprises configuring each layer as a tubular layer disposed around the inner tube. And impregnating the tubular layer with a resin binder, expanding the inner tube to bring the tubular wall structure into shape and shape, and curing the resin binder to solidify the tubular wall structure. You may go out.

  The flexible outer casing is adapted to be placed around the tubular layer of reinforcing fabric so as to contain a resin binder.

  The flexible outer casing may be formed from any suitable material, such as polyethylene.

  More specifically, the outer casing includes an outer layer of polyethylene and a fiber layer bonded to the outer layer, and is arranged so that the fiber layer faces the reinforcing material as described above.

  The outer casing, after serving its purpose, may be left in place to eventually form an integral part of the tubular structure, or it may be removed later.

  The outer surface of the outer layer of the outer casing may be configured to adhere to a surrounding protective sheath, such as a concrete casing. Examples of such attachment means include surface roughness or tufted features on the outer surface of the outer layer of the outer casing.

  The inner tube may be provided with an inner liner in which a fiber layer is bonded to one side, and a resin binder impregnated into a reinforcing cloth is also impregnated into the fiber cloth so that the outer part is integrated with the inner part. Also good.

  The pipe may be adapted to be assembled in a mobile installation plant. The mobile installation plant may be configured as a vehicle that can move relative to the installation location so that the continuously formed pipes can be gradually delivered to the installation location.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing a pipe in a flexible state, wherein the pipe can be installed at an installation location and the flexible pipe can be converted into a rigid state at the installation location. And a method is provided.

  An example of the installation location is a groove where a pipe in a flexible state is gradually laid. The pipe may be placed directly along its length in the groove and then placed in the groove. The groove may have a foundation with sand or other material shaped to provide a curved recess in which the pipe is placed to be supported.

  The pipe may be assembled in a mobile installation plant, and the mobile installation plant may be movable relative to the installation location and may be installed with a flexible pipe.

  According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention there is provided an elongated hollow structure constructed by a method according to the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe constructed by the method according to the third, sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an elongated hollow structure having a composite structure, comprising a radially inner part and a radially outer part, the two parts being joined together and integrated. An elongated hollow structure is provided that is adapted to provide an open tubular wall structure.

  The outer portion may be configured as an outer tube having a fiber reinforced composite structure. More specifically, the outer portion may include a reinforcing material impregnated with a resin binder.

 The outer portion may further comprise a flexible outer casing surrounding the outer tube.

  The reinforcement may comprise one or more layers of reinforcement fabric, each of which may be configured as a tube disposed around the inner portion. The reinforcing material may include a plurality of layers, and each of the layers may be configured as a tube that is arranged to overlap each other.

  The reinforcing fabric may include a reinforcing fabric that includes reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation. The reinforcing fiber may contain glass fiber. The tetraaxial fiber array will provide resistance to the hoop stress and axial stress required for the tubular structure.

  The inner portion may include an inner liner having a fiber layer bonded to one side. The other surface of the liner may define the inner surface of the tubular structure.

  The resin binder impregnating the reinforcing cloth may also be impregnated into the fiber layer bonded to the inner liner so that the outer portion is integrated with the inner portion.

  The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of some specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic view of a pipe according to a first embodiment under construction. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the pipe shown by FIG. It is a partial fragmentary side view of a part of pipe. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the inner part of a pipe. 1 is a schematic view of a reinforcing fabric including reinforcing fibers featuring a four-axis fiber orientation used in the construction of the outer portion of a pipe. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reinforcing fabric tubular layer formed from the reinforcing fabric shown in FIG. 5 and used to build the outer portion of the pipe, the tubular layer being shown partially assembled; FIG. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 except that the tubular layer is shown assembled. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembled tubular structure for building a pipe according to the first embodiment, the tubular structure being shown in a radially expanded (expanded) state. . FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 except that means for venting air from the space within the assembled tubular structure is shown. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 except that the tubular structure is shown in a contracted (non-expanded) state. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inner tube that forms part of an assembled tubular structure, the inner tube being shown contracted to a flat state. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembled tubular structure for building a pipe according to a first embodiment, wherein the tubular structure is shown folded using different folding patterns; FIG. It is. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inner tube that forms part of the assembled tubular structure shown in FIG. 12, wherein the inner tube is shown in a folded state. FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 except that the inner tube is shown partially flat. FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 except that the inner tube is shown in a completely flat state. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly system for assembling the tubular layer shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a guide system for gradually moving a strip of reinforcing fabric as shown in FIG. 5 to transition from a first (flat) state to a second (tubular) state. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a joining system for securing together overlapping edges of a strip of reinforcing fabric together and providing a joint for holding the strip in a second (tubular) state. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembly line for a pipe in two parts of FIGS. 19A and 19B. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the one end part of the pipe under manufacture, Comprising: It is a schematic sectional drawing with which the end metal fitting is attached to the edge part. It is a schematic side view of the other end portion of the pipe being manufactured, and is a schematic cross-sectional view in which an end fitting is attached to the end portion. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the end portion shown in FIG. 21 with an associated contouring system. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an assembly line for a pipe according to a second embodiment in two parts of FIGS. 23A and 23B. FIG. It is a partial fragmentary view of the assembly line of FIG. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 23B. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an assembly line for a pipe according to a third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a portion of the assembly line of FIG. 32 showing multiple sets of elements for compressing the assembled tube structure and the outer casing around it. FIG. 33 is a partial view of a part of the assembly line of FIG. 32. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 of FIG. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of FIG. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 34. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39-39 of FIG. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled tube structure and the outer casing around it, showing the state substantially fully immersed in the resin binder. It is a figure similar to FIG. 41 which shows the state fully immersed in the resin binder. FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the configuration shown in FIG. 39. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a part of an assembly line for a pipe according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a part of an assembly line for a pipe according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 46 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus used in the assembly line shown in FIG. 45, the apparatus being provided to facilitate relatively rapid wetting of a reinforcement used in the manufacture of pipes. It is a perspective view. FIG. 47 is an elevation view of a roller array used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 46. FIG. 47 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating an assembled tubular structure during manufacture of a pipe that is undergoing an action similar to the peristaltic pressurization action of the apparatus shown in FIG. 46; It is a partial side view which shows a part of pipe by 6th Embodiment, Comprising: This part is a partial side view comprised as a linear part. FIG. 9 is a partial side view showing a further part of a pipe according to a sixth embodiment, wherein the part is configured as a bent part. It is a fragmentary side view which shows the further another part of the pipe by 6th Embodiment, Comprising: This part is a partial side view comprised as a part further bent. FIG. 52 is a partial side view showing a state before another portion of the pipe shown in FIG. 51 is bent to form a further bent portion. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a part of an assembly line for a pipe according to a seventh embodiment.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-22, a first embodiment of the present invention is directed to an elongated hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe 10 and a method for continuously building the pipe. .

  The pipe 10 has a composite structure comprising a radially inner part 11 and a radially outer part 13. The two portions 11, 13 are brought together to provide an integrated tubular wall structure. In the configuration shown, the outer portion 13 is encased within a protective sheath 14. The protective sheath 14 comprises a curable composition 16 such as cement or concrete encapsulated by an outermost skin 18 of any suitable material such as a geotextile fabric. The protective sheath 14 is intended to protect the pipe 10 against the compressive load it receives once placed in the installed condition.

  The inner portion 11 includes an inner liner 15. A layer 17 of resin absorbent material is bonded to one side of the inner liner 15. The other surface of the liner 15 defines an inner surface 19 of the pipe 10. Typically, the inner surface 19 of the liner 15 is a high gloss surface. The inner liner 15 may be composed of, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, or any elastically flexible material that is preferably impermeable to air and compatible with the fluid carried in the pipe 10. . The resin absorptive layer 17 is preferably made of felt or flock, for example.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the inner portion 11 is configured as an inner tube 21 formed from a longitudinal strip 23 having longitudinal side edges 25. The strips 23 are wound into a tubular shape in the longitudinal direction to provide the inner tube 21, and the longitudinal edges 25 abut each other to provide a butt joint 26. An inner joining strip 27 is attached to the inside of the inner tube 21, and an outer joining strip 28 is attached to the outside of the inner tube 21, and these joining strips 27, 28 bridge the butt joint 26 and contact each other. A continuous fluid-tight connection is provided between the adjacent longitudinal side edges 25. In FIG. 4, the joining strips 27, 28 are shown spaced apart from the butt joint 26 for clarity, but are actually in contact with the butt joint.

  The inner tube 21 defines an inflatable bag 24 having an inflatable cavity 29. This purpose will be described later.

  The outer part 13 is configured as an outer tube 30 of a fiber reinforced composite structure surrounded by a flexible outer casing 31. More specifically, the outer tube 30 is composed of a reinforcing material 32 impregnated with a resin binder. A flexible outer casing 31 is placed around the tube 30 to contain a resin binder, as will be described in more detail shortly thereafter. The flexible outer casing 31 may be formed from any suitable material, such as polyethylene. After serving its purpose, the outer casing 31 may be left in place to eventually form an integral part of the pipe 10, or it may be removed later.

  The outer casing 31 includes an outer layer of polyethylene and a fiber layer bonded to one surface thereof, and the fiber layer is disposed so as to face the reinforcing material 32. The fiber layer provides a breathable layer and is ultimately impregnated with a resin binder to integrate the assembly.

  The resin material that provides the resin binder may be of any suitable type, particularly as examples of suitable resin materials, thermosetting resins such as epoxy vinyl esters or other suitable resins, and heat Examples include plastic resin systems.

  The reinforcement 32 includes one or more layers 33 of reinforcement fabric 34 (as shown in FIG. 5). Each layer 33 is configured as a tubular layer 35 (as shown in FIG. 7) disposed around the inner tube 21. In this embodiment, there are provided a plurality of layers 33 configured as respective tubular layers 35 arranged one above the other (and around the inner tube 21 as described above). The fabric layers 33 adjacent to each other may be joined together by any suitable method, for example, hot melt welding, chemical joining, and / or mechanical fixation such as stitching or stapling.

  The reinforcing cloth 34 is made of a reinforcing cloth including reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation as shown in FIG. The reinforcing fibers are axial fibers 36a (at an angle close to the pipe axis indicated by line 37 in FIG. 3), transverse fibers 36b (at an angle close to 90 ° with respect to the pipe axis), and (with respect to the pipe axis). Tilted fiber 36c (with an angle close to 45 °). The reinforcing fiber may be made of glass fiber. Tetraaxial fiber orientation will provide resistance to the necessary hoop and axial stresses on the pipe.

  Each reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 is assembled from a strip 41 of reinforcing fabric material having a longitudinal edge 43. The longitudinal edges 43 are overlapped with each other by a joint 44 to form a tubular layer 35. The overlapping edges 43 may be secured together by any suitable method to maintain the tube shape. In this embodiment, the overlapping edges 43 are secured together by hot melt welding using a hot melt adhesive. In FIG. 6, the overlapping edges 43 are shown spaced apart from each other for the sake of clarity, but in practice, as shown in FIG. Yes. The structural integrity of the joint 44 is later achieved by impregnation of the resin binder into the reinforcing fabric 34, thereby forming the respective tubular layer 35. Specifically, the resin binder will impregnate the overlapping edges 43 and join them together to supplement the initial bond obtained with the hot melt adhesive.

  The various tubular layers 35 are oriented such that the respective joints 44 are offset relative to each other as shown in FIG. In the illustrated configuration, the tubular layers 35 are oriented such that each joint 44 is positioned toward the bottom surface 46 of the pipe 10 when constructed. This is advantageous because the bottom surface 46 becomes a region where the amount of the resin binder is large at the time of construction, so that the bonding between the edges 43 overlapping each joint 44 is strengthened.

  The resin binder impregnated into the reinforcing cloth 34 also impregnates the felt layer 17 on the inner liner 15 and integrates the outer portion 13 with the inner portion 11.

  The reinforcing cloth tubular layer 35 is impregnated with a resin binder after these tubular layers are arranged around the inner layer 21 as described above. In an alternative configuration, the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 may be impregnated with a resin binder after each tubular layer is assembled. Each of the incorporated reinforcing cloth tubular layers may be attached to the previously incorporated inner reinforcing cloth tubular layer, for example, by hot melt welding. However, it is preferable that each reinforcing cloth tubular tube does not adhere to an adjacent reinforcing cloth tubular layer. This allows each reinforcing fabric tubular layer to move freely to transmit loads and stresses relative to other reinforcing fabric tubular layers, so that each layer can share the load.

  Typically, air is removed from the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 prior to impregnation with the resin binder.

  After the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 is impregnated with the resin binder and before the resin binder is cured, the inflatable bag 24 defined by the inner tube 21 guides an inflation fluid, such as air, into the inflation cavity 29. As a result, it is inflated. This causes the inflatable pouch 24 to expand radially toward the flexible outer casing 31 and provide form and shape to the surrounding outer portion 13. Specifically, the outer portion 13 will have a circular cross-sectional profile.

  As the inflatable bag 24 continuously expands as it moves through the compression device 125, the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 expands in all directions, thereby enhancing the pipe 10's resistance to hoop and axial stresses. Specifically, the expansion compresses the fibers in the reinforcing cloth tubular layer 35, thereby enhancing the resistance to the hoop stress, and pulling the reinforcing cloth tubular layer in the axial direction causes the fibers in the tubular layer to be compressed. It is compressed in the axial direction, which increases the resistance of the pipe 10 to tensile loads.

  The flexible outer casing 31 is adapted to resist radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35, whereby the reinforcement 32 is subjected to radial compression. In this configuration, the reinforcing member 32 is confined in a space 45 between the expanding inner tube 21 and the flexible outer casing 31. The radially expanding inner tube 21 cooperates with the flexible outer casing 31 to confine the reinforcing member 32 and gradually reduce the volume of the space 45 in which the reinforcing member 32 is confined. This force sufficiently impregnates the reinforcing material 32 with the resin binder in the reinforcing material 32. That is, the layer 33 of the reinforcing fabric 34 configured as a tubular layer 35 will be sufficiently “wetted-out”. Specifically, this force gives a compressive force to the reinforcing member 32 and effectively feeds the resin layer into the layer 33 of the reinforcing cloth 34, thereby forcibly controlling the resin binder in the space 45. Can be distributed. A significant feature of this embodiment is that the step of delivering the resin binder to the reinforcing material 32 and the step of sufficiently wetting the reinforcing material 32 with the resin binder are independent actions independent of each other.

  Further, by gradually reducing the volume of the space 45 in which the reinforcing material 32 is confined, air is surely excluded from the space 45. This is because the resin binder into the reinforcing material 32 is removed. It has the effect of promoting impregnation. The outer casing 31 and the various reinforcing fabric tubular layers 35 may be configured to facilitate the exclusion of air. The ventilation layer defined by the fibrous inner layer of the outer casing 31 facilitates the exclusion of air. Further, the outer casing 31 and the various reinforcing fabric tubular layers 35 are spaced apart along their lengths to facilitate the exclusion of air, for example as shown in FIG. It is good to have. In one embodiment, the vent holes 48 may comprise perforations such as puncture holes formed in the outer casing 31 and various reinforcing fabric tubular layers 35. In such a configuration, the perforations are ultimately sealed by the resin binder, thereby ensuring a sealed and complete body of the pipe 10. In other configurations, the vents may consist of ports inserted into the outer casing 31 and various reinforcing fabric tubular layers 35. These ports may comprise, for example, tubular inserts formed from a material that dissolves or degrades when exposed to a resin binder. In such a configuration, the opening in which the port is accommodated is finally sealed with a resin binder, which ensures a sealed and complete body of the pipe 10.

  The flexible outer casing 31 may have some elasticity in order to counteract at least to some extent the radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35. Thereby, the flexible outer casing 31 can relieve the initial stage of radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35. In particular, it is desirable that the flexible outer casing 31 has some stretch elasticity. The flexible outer casing 31 may have some stretch elasticity to enhance control of the rate at which the gradually rising pool of resin binder wets the reinforcement 32 gradually. On the other hand, if the resin binder rises too rapidly in the space 45, sufficient wetting of the fibers in the reinforcement 32 may not be achieved. On the other hand, if the resin binder rises too slowly in the space 45, the resin binder may begin to cure before sufficient wetting of the fibers in the reinforcement 32 is achieved.

  The elastic properties of the flexible outer casing 311 installed around the stiffener 32 function somewhat as a girdle for controlling the external force applied to the rising pool of resin binder. The elastic properties of the flexible outer casing 31 are selected to achieve the desired rate of wetting. The external force applied to the outer casing 31 will result in a force that counteracts the tension applied by the inflation bag 24 defined by the inner tube 21.

  The inflatable bag 24 is held in an inflated state until the resin binder is cured to a degree sufficient to maintain the shape and shape of the pipe, after which the inflating fluid is removed from the inflating cavity 29. Yes. Thus, when the pipe 10 is formed, the inner liner 15 will define a central flow path within the pipe.

  The inner tube 21 may be preformed or may be assembled on site as part of the pipe 10 construction process.

  If the inner tube 21 is preformed, the inner tube 21 may be delivered to the scene in a contracted state. The inner tube 21 may be deflated by any suitable method. Typically, the inner tube 21 can be contracted by being folded into a folding pattern that provides a compact cross-sectional profile. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inner tube 21 is contracted to a flat cross-sectional profile using a folding pattern that defines two longitudinal portions 51 and two folded portions 52 therebetween. ing. In this configuration, the longitudinal side portions 51 are adapted to abut one another to provide a compact shape. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 12-15, the inner tube 21 is contracted to a flat cross-sectional profile using a folding pattern that defines two longitudinal side portions 53 and a reentrant folded portion 54 therebetween. ing. In this configuration, the reentry folds 54 each extend inwardly from one longitudinal side of the contracted inner tube 21. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner tube 21 shown in a folded state. In FIG. 14, the inner tube 21 is shown in a partially flat state. In FIG. 15, the inner tube is shown in a completely flat state. The inner tube 21 can take various states at various stages during the manufacture of the pipe 10.

  The reinforcing member 32 is assembled around the inner tube 21. In practice, the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 will be continuously assembled around the inner tube 21. As described above, each reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 is assembled from each strip 41 of reinforcing fabric material having longitudinal edges 43 (which will be stacked on each other at a joint 44 to form a tube structure). become.

  The various tubular layers 35 include an innermost tubular layer 35a, an outermost tubular layer 35b, and a set 36 of one or more intervening tubular layers 35c disposed between the innermost tubular layer 35a and the outermost tubular layer 35b. It will be arranged to make. Tubular layers 35 arranged in pairs 36 have a gradually increasing diameter to provide a good fit and alignment with each other, thereby providing accuracy in the construction of pipe 10. . In order to accommodate the gradually increasing diameter of these tubular layers 35, the respective strips 41 made of reinforcing fabric material have different widths. Specifically, these widths need to gradually increase from the innermost tubular layer 35a toward the outermost tubular layer 35b. Each tubular layer 35 expands, expands or expands to its maximum diameter by an expansion force that provides fluid pressure to the inner tube 21 to fully expand the assembly and the fibers within the assembly, and the pipe in operation. Designed to hold 10 loads.

  As described above, the various tubular layers 35 arranged in pairs 36 are oriented so that the respective joints 44 are offset relative to each other as best shown in FIG. .

  Each tubular layer 35 is assembled from each strip 41 by gradually moving the strip from a flat first state to a tubular second state (edges 43 overlap each other). It is like that. In FIG. 16, a strip 41 is shown having a section 41a in a first (flat) state and a further section 41b in a second (tubular) state. In the first state, the strip 41 is stored in the roll shape 55 on the reel 56 as shown in FIG.

  Each strip 41 is gradually moved to transition from the first (flat) state to the second (tubular) state, fixing the overlapping edges 43 together, resulting in a joint 44, thereby An assembly system 60 for forming the tubular layer 35 is provided. As the strip 41 moves so as to shift from the first (flat) state to the second (tubular) state, the inner tube 21 is gradually wrapped.

  The assembly system 60 includes a guide system 61 for gradually moving the strips 41 so as to shift from the first (flat) state to the second (tubular) state. The guide system 61 best shown in FIG. The guide 62 includes a body 63 defining an inlet end 64 and an outlet end 65 and a guide path 66 extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The main body 63 is configured as a tubular structure 67 having a longitudinal margin 68. The longitudinal margin edges 68 are arranged to be spaced apart from one another and define a longitudinal gap 69 therebetween. The tubular structure 67 is configured such that the guide path 66 gradually narrows inward from the inlet end 64 toward the outlet end 65. With this configuration, the tubular structure 67 provides the strip 41 with a tapered guide surface 67a as each strip 41 advances from the inlet end 64 to the outlet end 65 along the guide path 65, thereby causing the strip 41 to move. It is gradually moved so as to shift from the first (flat) state at the inlet end 64 to the second (tubular) state at the outlet end. As the strip 41 advances along the guide surface 67a, the longitudinal margin 43 of the strip gradually rotates inward due to the taper profile, and one of the longitudinal margins 43 of the strip 41 is the tubular structure 67. The other part of the longitudinal margin edge 43 protrudes from the inner margin edge 68a. With this configuration, the longitudinal edges 43 will gradually overlap one another and then be secured together, thereby providing the joint 44 and forming the tubular layer 35.

  As the strip 41 is assembled into a tubular shape to form the tubular layer 35, the inner tube 21 also moves along the guide path 66 from the inlet end 64 to the outlet end 65. Thereby, the tubular layer 35 is assembled around the inner tube 21 so as to wrap the inner tube.

  Similarly, the innermost intervening tubular layer 35c can be assembled around the tubular layer 35a and the inner tube 21 (with the tubular layer 35a formed around), and then any other intervening tubular layer 35c and finally The outermost tubular layers 35b can each be assembled around the previous tubular layer 35.

  The tubular structure 67 may include means for sucking and holding the strip 41 with respect to the guide surface 67a. An example of such means is a suction system having a plurality of holes in the guide surface 67a. Accordingly, when the strip moves along the guide path 66, a suction force is applied to the guide surface 67a, and the strip 41 can be attracted so as to contact the guide surface.

  The assembly system 60 further includes a guide roller 71. Each strip 41 rotates about this guide roller 71 in the path from the reel 56 to the inlet end 64 of the tubular structure 67 in order to accurately align and insert the strip 41 into the tubular structure 67. It is supposed to be.

  The assembly system 60 further includes a joining system 71. The joining system 71 is for securing the overlapping edges 43 together and providing a joint 44, thereby forming the tubular layer 35. The joining system 71 shown in FIG. 18 comprises means 72 for applying hot melt adhesive between overlapping edges 43 and bringing these edges together to provide a joint 44. In the configuration shown, such means 72 comprises a delivery head 73 for delivering one or more bands 74 of hot melt adhesive between the overlapping edges 43. The delivery head 73 is configured to receive a supply of hot melt adhesive from the adhesive source 75 via a delivery line.

  The joining system 71 further comprises means 76 for bringing the overlapping edges 43 together with the hot melt adhesive therebetween to provide a joint 44. In the arrangement shown, such means 76 comprises a press 77 for pressing the overlapping edges 43 together. The press 77 includes two cooperating press rollers 78 so that the overlapping edge 43 passes between these rolls and is pressed together to provide a joint 44 by hot melt adhesive. ing. Although not shown, the assembly system 60 may further comprise means for promoting rapid curing of the hot melt adhesive. Such means may comprise a device that delivers a coolant, eg, cooling air, to the region of the joint 44 and in the vicinity thereof.

  Hereinafter, the construction process of the pipe 10 according to the above-described embodiment will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the pipe 10 is constructed continuously and gradually laid in a groove 79 dug to accommodate the pipe. The pipe 10 is laid in the groove 79 before the resin binder impregnated in the reinforcing cloth 34 and the felt layer 17 of the inner liner 15 is cured. Curing takes place after the pipe 10 has been laid in the groove 79. As a result, the pipe 10 is in a flexible state, is easily guided into the groove and placed in place, and is once cured in place.

  With particular reference to FIG. 1, the pipe 10 is adapted to be assembled in a mobile installation plant 80. The mobile installation plant 80 is configured as a vehicle that can move along the groove 79, whereby the continuously formed pipe 10 is “meandered” into the groove 79 from the mobile installation plant 80. "You can move on. The pipe 10 may be cured in the groove 79 by any suitable method. In the illustrated configuration, a curing unit 71 is provided. The curing unit 71 gradually moves along the groove 79 so that the newly laid portion of the pipe is exposed to the curing action. The curing unit 81 may, for example, be adapted to apply heat or other radiation (eg, ultraviolet light or light) to the pipe 10 (according to the nature of the resin binder) to facilitate the curing process. In an alternative configuration, the resin binder may include a suitable catalyst that cures the pipe under ambient conditions.

  The mobile installation plant 80 includes a pipe assembly line 82 as shown in FIG. 19 (represented by the two parts of FIGS. 19A and 19B).

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the assembly line 82 is supplied with a material 83 in the form of a strip stored in a roll 85. Material 83 provides the inner liner 15 to which the layer 17 of resin absorbent material is bonded. The material 83 is gradually unwound from the roll 85, transferred to the first assembly station 87 as the strip 23, and is formed on the inner tube 21 at the first assembly station 87. As described above, the strip 23 is wound into a tube shape in the longitudinal direction to provide the inner tube 21. The longitudinal edges 25 of the strips 23 abut each other to provide a butt joint 26, and a joining strip 27 is attached to the inside of the inner tube 21 across the butt joint 26, thereby providing a continuous This leads to a liquid-tight connection.

  In the assembly line 82, one or more materials 91 are further supplied. Each material 91 is in the form of a strip, and is wound around and stored in a roll shape 55 on each reel 56. In the configuration shown in FIG. 19A, two reels 56 are provided, but other numbers of reels may be provided. Material 91 provides a reinforcing fabric 34 that includes reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation. The material 91 is gradually rewound from each reel 56 and transferred as a strip 41 to a second assembly station 95 where it is formed in each reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 surrounding the inner tube 21. Will be. As described above, each reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 is assembled from a strip 41 of reinforcing fabric material having longitudinal edges 43 (overlapping each other to form a tubular layer). The overlapping edges 43 are secured together to maintain the tube shape. In this embodiment, the overlapping edges 43 are secured to each other by hot melt welding. The respective tubular layers 35 are arranged around the inner tube 21 so as to overlap each other as described above. Adjacent fabric layers 33 may be joined together by hot melt welding or chemical bonding processes. These layers may include bonding materials or shaping materials to more effectively hold the layers together. This layer is composed of, for example, chop strand mats, felts, or veils, for example, to increase the layer shear force between the layers of the high-strength four-axis fabric and to facilitate the removal of air from the laminate. Also good.

  The reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 and the inner tube 21 will provide the tube structure 100. The tube structure 100 is transferred to the third station 103 where the air is discharged from the tube structure 100 and the resin binder is forced into the reinforcement 32 and the adjacent layer 17 of resin absorbent material. The tube structure 100 is compressed between the compression rollers 105 so as to be in direct contact with each other.

  Next, the tube structure 100 is transferred to the fourth station 105, and is impregnated with the resin binder in the fourth station 105. In the illustrated configuration, the tube structure 100 passes through the resin bath 107 and circulates between the rollers 109, thereby allowing the resin binder to penetrate into the felt 17 and the reinforcing cloth 34. At least some of the rollers 109 are driven to facilitate movement of the tube structure 100.

  The tube structure 100 is then transferred to a fifth station 111 where it engages a doctor roller 113 to remove excess resin binder and this excess bander collects in the storage area 115. Will be.

  The tube structure 100 impregnated with the resin binder is then transferred to the sixth station 117 where the flexible outer casing 31 is installed, thereby completing the assembly of the tube structure 100. To do. Referring to FIG. 19B, the assembled tube structure 100 is then transferred to the seventh station 121. The seventh station 121 is provided with a compression device 125 comprising two endless drivers 127 defining a passage 129 through which the tube structure 100 passes. The assembled tube structure 100 is adapted to be compressed so as to define a closed area 123 in the passage 129 that blocks the passage of air along the interior of the tube structure. The two endless drivers 127 include opposing elements 131, such as anti-skid devices, which cooperate to compress the tube structure 100 at a distance to provide tube structure. The tube structure 100 will be closed to the air passage while allowing the impregnated resin binder in the body to pass through the occlusion passage 129.

  Further, the compression device 125 functions to apply a traction force to the assembled tube structure 100 and move the tube structure 100 along the path.

  The area 100 a beyond the device 125 of the assembled tube structure 100 is expanded by introducing an inflation fluid, such as air, into the interior of the tube structure that defines the inflation cavity 29. This causes the assembled tube structure 100 to expand both radially and axially, resulting in a shape and shape to the tube structure. Expansion of the assembled tube structure 100 causes the reinforcing fabric tube 35 to stretch in all directions, resulting in enhanced resistance of the pipe 10 to hoop and axial stresses. Specifically, the expansion compresses the fibers in the reinforcing cloth tubular layer 35, thereby enhancing the resistance to the hoop stress, and pulling the reinforcing cloth tubular layer in the axial direction causes the fibers in the tubular layer to be compressed. It is compressed in the axial direction, which increases the resistance of the pipe 10 to tensile loads.

  The inflation fluid cannot leak from the inflation cavity 29. This is because the end is closed by the closed area 123 of the assembled tube structure 100 as described above. In other words, the compression device 125 functions as a valve that closes the inside of the tube structure 100 and prevents leakage of the expansion fluid from the expansion cavity 29. Furthermore, the compression device 125 acts as a brake that holds the expansion load applied by the expansion of the inner tube 21 by the expansion fluid. Furthermore, the compression device 125 acts as a driver that starts the process before expansion begins.

  As described above, the flexible outer casing 31 functions to counter the radial expansion of the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35, thereby causing the reinforcement 32 to undergo radial compression. The reinforcement 32 is confined in a space 45 between the expanding inner tube 21 and the flexible outer casing 31. The radially expanding inner tube 21 cooperates with the flexible outer casing 31 and gradually reduces the volume of the space 45 in which the reinforcement 32 is confined. As a result, the resin binder in the reinforcing material 32 gradually rises by being replaced with air in the space 45 and finally sufficiently impregnates the reinforcing material 32. That is, the layer 33 of the reinforcing fabric 34 configured as a tubular layer 35 is completely “wet”. In this way, the resin binder is pushed into the layer 33 of the reinforcing cloth 34 and distributed while forcibly controlling the resin binder in the space 45.

  A significant feature of this embodiment is that the step of delivering the resin binder to the reinforcing material 32 and the step of sufficiently wetting the reinforcing material 32 with the resin binder are independent actions independent of each other. Specifically, the resin binder is introduced into the tube structure 100 before the tube structure 100 passes through the compression device 125, and the resin binder expands after the tube structure 100 passes through the compression device 125. As a result of the introduction of the expansion fluid into the cavity 29, the reinforcing member 32 is sufficiently wetted.

  Further, the volume of the space 45 in which the reinforcing material 32 is confined gradually decreases, so that air is surely excluded from the space 45. This is, as described above, into the reinforcing material 32. This has the effect of promoting the impregnation of the resin binder.

  At this stage, the resin binder is not cured and the area 10a of the pipe 10 assembled in the mobile installation plant 80 is in a flexible state. The uncured area 10a of the pipe 10 will be guided out of the mobile installation plant 80 and into the groove 79 as described above. The pipe 10 may be cured in the groove 79 by any suitable method. In the configuration shown, the curing unit 71 is gradually moved along the groove 79 to expose the newly laid area of the pipe to the curing action.

  The assembled tube structure 100 is held in an expanded state until the resin binder is cured to a degree sufficient to maintain the shape and shape of the pipe 10, after which the expansion fluid is removed from the expansion cavity 29. It will be. This forms the pipe 10 and the inner liner 15 defines a central flow path within the pipe.

  Since the tubular structure 100 is gradually assembled as described above, the tubular structure 100 has an open end 133 and a distal end 135. Typically, an inflation fluid such as air to the inner tube 21 will be introduced through the open end 133 of the tubular structure 100.

  The open end 133 is shown in FIG. In the illustrated configuration, the open end 133 includes an end fitting 136. The end fitting 136 includes an end flange portion 137 and an insertion portion 138. The end fitting 136 is installed at the open end 133 immediately after the open end 133 comes out of the compression device 125. The installation procedure involves inserting the insert 138 into the end of the tubular structure 100 and then clamping the open end 133 to the insert, typically by clamping means 139, such as a strap or clamp ring. Contains. A collar (not shown) may be installed at the open end 133 to provide the open end 133 with a form and shape for receiving the plug 138 of the end fitting 136.

  The flange portion 137 has means 141 for communicating with a fluid line 142 for delivering inflation fluid to the inner tube 21. In the illustrated configuration, the means 152 comprises a port 143 through which the delivery end area of the fluid line 142 passes.

  The distal end 135 is shown in FIGS. In the illustrated configuration, the distal end 135 includes an end fitting 144 that closes the distal end. The end fixture 144 includes a clamp 145. The clamp 145 is configured to engage the tubular structure by clamping to seal and close the terminal 135. The clamp 145 is configured to be attached to the tubular structure 100 after the tubular structure 100 is assembled and before it passes through the compression device 125. The clamp 145 includes two endless drivers 127 along the passage 129 (without interfering with the actuation of opposing elements 131 that cooperate to compress the tube structure 100 at intervals along the passage 129). It is configured to pass between. Specifically, the clamp 145 has two endless drivers 127 with respect to the two endless drivers 127 at the following timing, that is, at any stage of the position of the clamp 145 along the passage. 127 is moved at a timing that does not coincide with the position pressed by the cooperative action of the elements 131 facing each other. This allows the clamp 145 to pass through the passage 129 while attached to the tubular structure 100 without interfering with the operation of the elements 131 facing each other.

  In some cases, the end area of the tubular structure 100 adjacent the terminal 135 may be required to have a specific cross-sectional profile. In such a case, a contouring system 146 may be used as shown in FIG. The contour forming system 146 includes an external mold 147 corresponding to a desired contour. The end area of the tubular structure 100 adjacent to the terminal 135 is adapted to pass through the mold 147 after exiting the compression device 125. Internal pressure may be applied to the end area to bias the end area of the tubular structure 100 adjacent the terminal 135 outwardly into contact with the mold 147 and to apply the desired contour to the end area. In the illustrated configuration, the internal pressure is applied by an expansion assembly. The inflating assembly includes an inflatable bag 148 and an associated flexible fluid delivery line 149 for delivering inflating fluid and inflating the bag 148. The inflatable bag 148 is configured to be inserted into the end region of the tubular structure 100 adjacent the terminal 135 prior to attaching the clamp 145 to the terminal 135. The fluid delivery line 149 extends outside the tubular structure 100 through a hole formed in the tubular structure 100 for this purpose. The inflatable bag 148 is inserted into the end region of the tubular structure 100 in the deflated state and passes through the compression device 125 with the flexible fluid delivery line 149 in the deflated state. The bag 148 is adapted to expand once the end 135 exits the compression device 125 before the end area of the tubular structure 100 adjacent the end 135 engages the mold 147. The expansion of the bag 148 applies internal pressure to the end region of the tubular structure 100 adjacent to the end 135, thereby urging the end region outwardly into contact with the mold 147, resulting in the desired profile. Will be given to the end area.

  A significant feature of this embodiment is that the step of delivering the resin binder to the reinforcing material 32 and the step of sufficiently wetting the reinforcing material 32 with the resin binder are independent actions independent of each other. Specifically, the resin binder is delivered to the reinforcement before the tubular structure 100 passes through the compression device 125. After the tubular structure 100 passes through the compression device 125, the inner tube 21 is inflated.

  Referring to FIG. 23 (represented by the two parts of FIGS. 23A and 23B), a pipe assembly line 150 for a pipe according to a second embodiment is shown. The pipe assembly line 150 is similar in some respects to the pipe assembly line 81 used in the first embodiment, and corresponding reference numerals are used to represent corresponding parts.

  The second embodiment does not use a resin bath (as in the first embodiment) to impregnate the tube structure 100 with a resin binder. Rather, the resin binder is delivered to the assembled tube structure 100.

  Referring to FIG. 23A, a flexible outer casing 31 is placed around the assembled portion of the outer tube structure 100 to contain a resin binder, as will be described in further detail shortly thereafter. It has become. The outer casing 31 may be formed from any suitable material, such as polyethylene. The outer casing 151, after serving its purpose, may be left in place to eventually form an integral part of the pipe, or it may be removed later. The material 153 for assembling the outer casing 31 is in the form of a strip and is wound and stored on a roll 155. The material 153 is gradually unwound from the roll 155 and transferred as a strip 156 to the station 157 where it is assembled into a tube 159 that provides the outer casing 31. The tube 159 is assembled from the strip 156 by overlapping the longitudinal edges of the strip to form a tube. The overlapping edges will be secured together to maintain the tubular form by any suitable means, such as stitching, welding, or stapling.

  The resin binder is delivered through the open end 161 into the flexible outer casing 31. The resin binder will be delivered along the delivery line 163. The delivery line 163 extends through the open end 161 into the flexible outer casing 31 and has an outlet end 162 disposed inward of the open end 161. Delivery line 163 is adapted to receive resin from a reservoir 165, such as a supply tank. A pump 167 is provided that pumps the resin along the delivery line 163 from the reservoir 165 toward the outlet end 162. Resin binder delivered into the flexible outer casing 31 tends to provide a pool 171 at the bottom of the tube 159 that provides the outer casing 31.

  The assembled tube structure 100 is compressed and defines a closed area 123 by a compression device 125 comprising two endless drivers 127. Opposing elements 131 (such as anti-skid) on the two endless drivers 127 cooperate to impregnate the tube structure 100 and are confined in the flexible outer casing 31. It will close the tube structure against the passage of air while allowing the resin binder to pass through the closed passage 129. The action of the cooperating element 131 functions together with the outer casing 31 to compress the assembled tube structure 100 at intervals. This allows the resin binder contained in the outer casing 31 and collected at the bottom thereof to “puddle” the area of the outer casing 31 between each set of cooperating elements 131 as shown in FIG. Will be gathered together.

  As the assembled tube structure 100 gradually moves past the compression passageway 129 defined by the device 125, the pool of resin binder 171 is between the inner liner 21 and the surrounding flexible outer casing 31. It gradually rises in the annular space 45. This occurs because the expanding inner tube 21 gradually reduces the cross-sectional dimension of the annular space 45, thereby gradually increasing the height of the pool 171 of resin binder. This is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 10-16, where the surface of the pool 171 is indicated by reference numeral 177. The pool 171 in which the resin binder rises in the annular space 45 gradually discharges the air in the annular space. The outer casing 31 is configured to facilitate the discharge of air. In order to facilitate the removal of air from the pipe along the length of the pipe, an air release valve is provided in the outer casing 31 at intervals along the length, and the non-woven breathing material is provided. This is achieved by providing it as part of the outer casing. Additionally or alternatively, a vacuum may be provided along the length of the tubular structure 100.

  The gradually rising surface 177 of the pool 171 has a wavy contour, as indicated by the line 179 in FIG. 23B.

  The pool 171 in which the resin binder gradually rises wets the reinforcing material 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21 gradually.

  Eventually, the assembled tube structure 100 is sufficiently impregnated with the resin binder.

  Referring now to FIGS. 32-43, a portion of a pipe assembly line 200 for a pipe according to a third embodiment is shown. The pipe assembly line 200 is similar in some respects to the pipe assembly line 150 used in the second embodiment, and corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

  The pipe assembly line 150 used in the second embodiment uses a flexible outer casing 31 installed around the assembled outer pipe structure 100 to contain the resin binder therein, and then the resin binder A pool 171 that gradually rises is generated, whereby the assembled pipe structure 100 is gradually wetted by the resin binder.

  The pipe assembly line 200 used in the third embodiment also includes a flexible outer casing 31 to include a resin binder in the assembled outer tube structure 100 and provide a gradually rising pool 171 of resin binder. Used.

  In the third embodiment, the flexible outer casing 31 has elasticity for the purpose of increasing the control of the speed at which the pipe structure 100 assembled with the pool 171 in which the resin binder gradually rises is assembled. doing. On the other hand, if the resin binder pool 171 rises too rapidly in the annular space 45, sufficient wetting of the fibers in the assembled tube structure 100 may not be achieved. On the other hand, if the resin binder pool 171 rises too slowly in the annular space 45, the resin binder will cure before sufficient wetting of the fibers in the assembled tube structure 100 is achieved. There is a beginning.

  The elastic characteristic of the flexible outer casing 31 functions somewhat as a girdle for controlling the external pressure applied to the pool 171 where the resin binder rises. The elastic properties of the flexible outer casing 31 are selected to achieve the desired wet rate. The elastic force applied by the outer casing 31 provides a force that cancels the tension applied to the expanding inner tube 21.

  In this embodiment, the tube structure 100 is compressed before the flexible outer casing 31 is installed to complete the assembly of the tube structure.

  In the illustrated configuration, the compression of the tube structure 100 is achieved by passing the tube structure 100 through a constriction 180 configured as a funnel.

  44, a part of a pipe assembly line 300 for pipes according to the fourth embodiment is shown. The pipe assembly line 300 is similar in some respects to the pipe assembly line 81 used in the first embodiment, and corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

  In the fourth embodiment, the resin binder is delivered to the various tubular layers 35 forming the reinforcement 32 during assembly of the tube structure 100 without using a resin bath as in the first embodiment. It is like that. The tube structure 100 is gradually assembled by forming the reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 around the inner tube 21. As shown in FIG. 44, each tubular layer 35 is formed from a corresponding strip 41 in the corresponding assembly system 60. As each reinforcing fabric tubular layer 35 is assembled, an amount of resin binder is supplied into the tubular layer. Further, the resin binder may be supplied to the outer surface of each tubular layer 35 by spraying, roll coating, or other methods after assembly. In the configuration shown in FIG. 44, a delivery system 301 is provided. The delivery system 301 includes a resin binder within each tubular layer 35 as each strip 41 for forming the tubular layer moves to transition from a first (flat) state to a second (tubular) state. For supplying small lumps. In the configuration shown in FIG. 44, after assembly of each tubular layer 35 and prior to installation of the next tubular layer 35, a spray roller or other device for spraying a resin binder onto the outer surface of the tubular layer 35. A device 303 is provided. In this configuration, the resin binder moves through the various tubular layers 35 to allow the space for subsequent ventilation from the lower region of the space 45 between the expanding inner tube 21 and the flexible outer casing 31. The resin binder will be added to the reinforcement 32 to fill most of its available space while excluding air to the upper region.

  In some applications, the relatively rapid increase of the reinforcement 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21 is not dependent solely on the gradually rising pool of resin binder as described in the previous embodiments. It may be necessary to promote wetting. As such an application, for example, pipeline installation in which the tubular structure 100 has an inclined section can be cited. In such a pipeline installation, the resin binder may move downward due to the influence of gravity, and the reinforcing material 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21 may not be sufficiently wetted.

  Referring to FIGS. 45, 46 and 47, a portion of a pipe assembly line 400 for a pipe according to a fifth embodiment is shown. The pipe assembly line 400 is similar in some respects to the pipe assembly line 81 used in the first embodiment, and corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

  In the illustrated configuration, the tubular structure 100 has a steeply sloped area 401. This area 401 is steeply inclined to such an extent that the resin binder moves downward due to the influence of gravity and the reinforcing material 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21 cannot be sufficiently wetted.

  The pipe assembly line 400 includes a device 403 that promotes relatively rapid wetting of the reinforcement 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21.

  The apparatus 403 includes a plurality of roller arrays 405 that are spaced apart from each other. Each roller array 405 includes a plurality of rollers 407. These rollers 407 are arranged to provide a tubular shape 409 that defines a central circular space 411 through which the assembled tubular structure 100 can pass in a contracted state.

  Each roller array 405 includes a central shaft 413 configured as a ring to which each roller 407 is rotatably attached. The rollers 407 are arranged at an angle to each other because the central shaft 413 has a ring shape. The rollers 407 are arranged close to each other. Due to the angular and close proximity arrangement of the rollers 407, the cylindrical rotational surface 415 of the roller 407 cooperates to provide a rotational contact surface 417 on the inner side 416 of the annular array 405. Additionally, a gap 419 is formed between adjacent rollers 407 on the outer side 420 of the annular array 405.

  The roller arrays 405 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and an interval 421 is defined between two adjacent roller arrays.

  The rings 415 are connected to each other to hold the roller array 405 in place. In the illustrated configuration, the shafts 413 are connected to each other by a connecting rod 423. By providing a gap 419 between adjacent rollers 407 on the outer side 420 of the annular array 405, the connecting rod 423 can be accessed for attachment to the shaft 413.

  The device 403 is configured to move gradually along the assembled tubular structure 100 once the inner tube 21 has expanded. In the configuration shown in FIG. 45, the device 403 is located immediately behind the device 125.

  Typically, the device 403 is adapted to be pulled along the assembled tubular threat structure 100 at a location immediately behind the compression device 125.

  The device 403 may also be configured to vibrate the tubular structure 100 to stir the resin binder and promote the wetting process.

  According to this configuration, the tubular structure 100 will undergo an operation similar to a peristaltic pressurizing action as it passes through the device 403, as schematically shown in FIG. Specifically, the tubular structure 100 is compressed as it passes through each central circular space 411 and then expands into the intervening space 419 due to the influence of the expansion pressure in the inner tube 21. This continuous compression and expansion acts on the assembled tubular structure 100 to distribute the resin binder and promote comparative rapid wetting of the reinforcement 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21. Will do.

  The foregoing embodiment describes the construction of a pipe 10 that is gradually laid in a groove that receives the pipe.

  The present invention includes pipes according to various embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, but is not limited to pipes that are gradually laid in grooves that receive the pipes.

  The pipe may be configured to be laid directly or indirectly on the ground by a support device such as a suspended cradle located along the length of the pipe. The pipe may also be supported in a vertical state, for example in installation in an industrial or chemical plant.

  Building a pipe and then placing it in place prior to curing of the resin binder is a major feature of pipes constructed according to the present invention. Therefore, the pipe should be in a flexible state in order to facilitate guiding to the installation position, and then, if placed in place, it should be made rigid by hardening of the resin binder. This configuration allows the pipe in a flexible state to be transported or transferred to the intended position and installed before the resin binder is cured.

  Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to follow a path that the pipe travels or winds around one or more obstacles. This is the situation commonly found in industrial or chemical plant pipelines.

  49-52, an area of the pipe 10 according to the sixth embodiment is shown. The pipe 10 according to the sixth embodiment has one or more straight sections, one of which is shown in FIG. 49 and designated with reference numeral 501. The pipe 10 also has one or more bending areas, one possible form of which is shown in FIG. 50, which is labeled with reference numeral 503 and another possible form is shown in FIG. The reference number 505 is designated.

  The bending area 503 is configured as a gentle curve having an outer side 507 and an inner side 509. The flexible outer casing 31 can expand on the outer side 507 and contract on the inner side 509, thereby adapting to the curvature. The fibers in the reinforcing member 32 can adapt to bending and propagate the load by sliding.

  The bending area 505 is configured as a steep curve having an outer side 511 and an inner side 513. Bending section 505 is an assembled tubular structure adjacent to inner side 513 as shown in FIG. 52 to facilitate folding of the tubular structure to form assembled tube structure 100. It is formed by removing a portion of 100 and providing a recess 515 along the inside. In the configuration shown, the removed portion has a v shape. Accordingly, each recess 515 has two opposite inclined side edges 517 that are overlapped with each other when forming the bent section 505, as shown in FIG. Will be in touch. The abutting edges 517 are sealed and joined together.

  In some applications, pipe 10 or at least a portion of its length may be required to be flexible after pipe construction and resin binder curing. Such applications include pipe 10 that provides a flexible pipeline that extends between an underwater location and a surface facility.

  The pipe 10 according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 53 is constructed for use in such an application. The pipe 10 provides, for example, a flexible riser between the underwater location and the offshore production rig. In this embodiment, the pipe 10 is assembled in an installation plant 600 on a ship such as a ship or a dredger and laid in the sea area 601. The sea surface is provided with reference numeral 603.

  The installation plant 600 is configured to assemble the tubular structure 100 by the same method as in the above-described embodiment. In this embodiment, the installation plant 600 uses an apparatus 403 that promotes relatively rapid wetting of the reinforcement 32 and the resin absorbent layer 17 of the adjacent inner liner 21 as described above with respect to the fifth embodiment. Yes. In addition, the installation plant 600 includes a support structure 605 that supports the assembled tube structure 100 when the assembled tube structure 100 is laid in the water 601.

  In this embodiment, the resin binder used to build the pipe 10 is one that cures to a more flexible state (typically as opposed to the rigid state as in the previous embodiment). It is. Specifically, this resin binder maintains flexibility after curing in order to provide the flexibility required for the pipe 10. Resin binders and other binders suitable for such purposes are well known in the composite construction art, examples of which include rubber-modified polyesters, rubber-modified vinyl esters, rubber-modified epoxies, and polyurethanes. In this embodiment, rubber-modified vinyl ester is preferred as the resin binder. This is because rubber-modified vinyl esters not only have high shear strength and good interlaminar bonding, but also provide the structure with the ability to bend in response to motion.

  Since the assembled tubular structure needs to descend into the sea when the pipe 10 is laid, it is not appropriate to use air as the inflation fluid for the inner liner 21. This is because air provides undesirable buoyancy to the assembled tubular structure. In this embodiment, water is used as the expansion fluid. The water acting as the expansion fluid is supplied from the surrounding sea area 601. In the illustrated configuration, the bottom of the descending tubular structure (open end 133 of the tubular structure) has a fitting 607 through which water is pumped into the tubular structure 100. The inner liner 21 is inflated. In order to obtain a pressure head that pressurizes the water sufficiently to expand the liner 21 as needed, the inflation fluid will be introduced to be maintained at a height above the water surface 603. . The height of water from the water surface 603 in the tubular structure 100 is indicated by reference numeral 611.

  In this embodiment, the compression device 125 does not provide traction to the assembled tubular structure 100 as in the previous embodiment, but as a brake system that controls the descent of the assembled tube structure 100. Function.

  The previous embodiment relates to the construction of a pipe having a length that constitutes a pipeline that extends continuously between two different locations. However, the present invention need not be limited to the construction of such long pipes. Indeed, the present invention has other pipes, e.g. pipes configured to be connected together to form a pipeline, e.g. typically having a short length suitable for handling and installation as individual units. You may apply to manufacture of a pipe. The production of such pipes is suitable for being carried out in a production facility such as a factory.

  The next embodiment, not shown, is directed to such a pipe. This embodiment is similar in some respects to the previous embodiment, and corresponding terminology is used in the description of this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the inner portion is disposed on a core (such as a mandrel) configured to perform axial and radial expansion, and the outer portion is disposed around the inner portion, thereby It is intended to provide an assembled tube structure. The outer portion may be placed around the inner portion before, during or after placement of the inner portion on the core. The resin binder that impregnates the reinforcing fabric of the outer part also impregnates the felt layer on the inner liner, as in the previous embodiment, and integrates the outer part into the inner part. Prior to curing of the resin binder, the core is expanded, thereby expanding the assembled tube structure radially and axially, resulting in an outer diameter and shape for the tube structure. The expansion of the assembled tube structure will extend the reinforcement of the outer portion in all directions, as in the previous embodiment, enhancing the pipe 10's resistance to hoop and axial stresses. The assembled tube structure 100 is removed from the core once the resin binder is sufficiently cured, thereby obtaining a pipe.

  In this embodiment, a core is used to expand the assembled tube structure in the radial and axial directions without using an inflation fluid as in the previous embodiment.

  In other configurations, a relatively short pipe is manufactured according to any one of the first, second, or third embodiments, the pipe is cut into multiple zones, and one of the zones is short. You may manufacture by making it a pipe.

  A pipe according to any of the previous embodiments may require a connector at one or both ends thereof. The coupling may be required to connect the pipe to other pipes in the pipeline or to connect the pipe to other components (eg, filters, pumps, and valves). In addition, it may be necessary to attach a connector to the pipe at the start and end points of the construction run where the pipe is manufactured.

  The connector may be attached to the pipe end by any suitable method. One method includes a method using a connecting device having a mooring portion and a connecting portion. In this case, the mooring part is configured to be attached to a pipe and the connecting part is attached to a corresponding connecting part of another pipe or component to which the pipe is connected (such as a connecting flange). Configured to form

  The mooring portion may be configured to be embedded in the adjacent end of the pipe 10. The mooring portion may be configured to be key-coupled with the pipe. The key connection may be achieved by any suitable method, for example, by providing a shaping that is keyed with the outer portion 13 of the pipe 10. The shaped portion may be composed of a lateral protrusion such as a pin that is key-coupled to the reinforcing member 32 and the resin binder impregnated therein. Alternatively or additionally, the shaped part may comprise a hole. In this hole, the reinforcing member 32 and the resin binder impregnated therein are arranged, and a key action is brought about. Furthermore, the fibers in the reinforcing member 32 may be wound around the shaping portion, inserted, or attached by other methods to facilitate fixing the mooring portion in place.

  The foregoing embodiment relates to the construction of a composite tubular structure configured as a pipe.

  The present invention may be applied to the construction of any suitable tubular structure, such as various tubular objects, elements, parts, or other shapes. Tubular structures include structural elements such as shafts, beams, and pillars. The tubular structure also includes a hollow structure portion or piping of a composite structure.

  Such a tubular structure may be constructed by any suitable method. A particularly convenient way of constructing such a tubular structure is a core (such as a mandrel) and an inner suitable for axial and radial expansion to provide an assembled tube structure that constitutes the tubular structure. It may be similar to the process described with respect to the previous embodiment, including an outer portion disposed around the portion.

  Features that impart vibration to the assembled tubular structure 100 to stir the resin binder and facilitate the wetting process may be used in connection with any construction of an elongated hollow structure according to the present invention.

  From the above description, it is a significant feature of the above-described embodiment that the step of delivering the resin binder to the reinforcing material 32 and the step of sufficiently wetting the reinforcing material 32 with the resin binder are independent actions. That is clear. Specifically, the resin binder is introduced into the tubular structure 100 before the tubular structure 100 passes through the compression device 125, and the resin binder expands after the tubular structure 100 passes through the compression device 125. As a result of the introduction of the expansion fluid into the cavity 29, the reinforcing member 32 is sufficiently wetted.

  Further, as described above, by gradually reducing the volume of the space 45 in which the reinforcing material 32 is confined, air is surely excluded from the space 45. This has the effect of promoting the impregnation of the resin binder.

  It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described above.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise specified in context, the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in their entirety or in their entirety. It should be understood that any other complete or complete group is not excluded.

Claims (32)

An elongate hollow structure comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, wherein the two portions are joined together to provide an integrated tubular wall structure In the method of building
Providing the radially inner portion; assembling the radially outer portion around the radially inner portion; and radially expanding the inner portion;
The outer portion comprises an outer layer having a fiber reinforced composite structure surrounded by a flexible outer casing;
A space is formed between the radially inner portion and the flexible outer casing;
The outer layer having the fiber-reinforced composite structure includes a reinforcing material and a binder,
The flexible outer casing functions to counter radial expansion of the reinforcement, whereby the reinforcement is subjected to radial compression;
The radially expanding inner portion, in conjunction with the flexible outer casing, gradually reduces the volume of the space between the radially inner portion and the flexible outer casing, thereby providing the reinforcement. The method wherein the binder in the material extends through the space between the radially inner portion and the flexible outer casing.   The method of claim 1, wherein the outer layer having the fiber reinforced composite structure increases resistance to loading of the elongated hollow structure.   As the volume of the space between the radially inner portion and the flexible outer casing gradually decreases, the binder extends throughout the space between the radially inner portion and the flexible outer casing. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it extends.   4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement comprises one or more layers of reinforcement cloth.   The method of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more layers is configured as a tubular layer disposed around the radially inner portion.   The method of claim 5, wherein a plurality of tubular layers are disposed over each other around the inner portion.   The radially inner portion includes an inner portion including an inner liner, a fiber layer is bonded to one side of the inner liner, and the binder impregnating the reinforcing fabric also impregnates the fiber layer, 7. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the outer part is integrated with the inner part.   The binder is confined in the space between the expanding inner portion and the flexible outer casing, and the radially expanding inner portion is interlocked with the flexible outer casing and moves into the space. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the volume of is gradually reduced, thereby removing air from within the space.   The method of claim 8, wherein the outer casing and the various reinforcing fabric tubular layers are configured to exclude the air.   10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer casing is provided with venting means for excluding air.   11. The flexible outer casing is elastic to suppress radial expansion of the inner member during radial compression. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible outer casing is less elastic than the inner portion to prevent radial expansion of the inner portion.   13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part is expanded by injecting inflation fluid into the inner part.   14. The method of claim 13, wherein the inner portion is expanded by an inflation fluid introduced from an end of the elongated hollow structure.   The elongate hollow structure is compressed at a location distal to the end where the inflation fluid is introduced, so that inflation fluid cannot pass through the location distal to the end. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The elongated hollow structure passes through a compression device;
The compression device is configured to compress the elongated hollow structure within the compression device so that the inflation fluid cannot pass through the position distal to the end. The method according to claim 15. The elongated hollow structure passes through a compression device;
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the compression device is operative to control the rate at which the elongated hollow structure is built. The elongated hollow structure passes through a compression device;
The method of claim 15, wherein the compression device applies a traction force to the elongated hollow structure to continuously build the elongated hollow structure. The elongate hollow structure is continuously constructed and gradually put in place before the flexible wall structure is cured,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the flexible wall structure is cured when the pipe installation position is reached. A method of continuously constructing a pipe, comprising forming a flexible tubular wall structure comprising a radially inner tube, a fiber reinforced plastic composite, and a radially outer tube, inflating the inner tube, Providing a shape and shape to a flexible tubular wall structure; curing the flexible wall structure to provide the pipe;
A space is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube,
The fiber reinforced composite structure includes a reinforcing material and a binder, and is disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube;
The outer tube functions to counter radial expansion of the inner tube, the inner tube undergoes radial compression;
The radially expanding inner tube gradually decreases the volume of the space between the inner tube and the outer tube while interlocking with the outer tube, whereby the binder is connected to the inner tube and the outer tube. A method characterized in that it extends over the entire space between the outer tube.   The pipe is in a flexible state and the method includes installing the pipe at an installation location and allowing the flexible pipe to convert to a rigid state at the installation location. 21. A method of constructing a pipe as claimed in claim 20. The pipe is adapted to be assembled in a mobile installation plant,
The method of claim 21, wherein the mobile installation plant is movable relative to the installation location and is adapted to install the pipe in the flexible state.   21. A mobile installation plant for building pipes by the method of claim 20.   An assembly line for constructing an elongated hollow structure by the method according to claim 1. An elongated hollow structure having a composite structure, comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, said two portions being joined together to provide an integrated tubular wall structure And
  The radially outer portion is configured as an outer tube having a fiber reinforced composite structure with a reinforcement,
  The radially outer part is configured as a flexible outer casing, at least during construction, the flexible outer casing functions to resist radial expansion of the reinforcement, whereby the reinforcement is Subject to radial compression, the inner portion and the outer portion being spaced apart from each other;
  The fiber reinforced composite structure includes a reinforcing material and a binder, and is disposed between the inner portion and the outer tube;
  The outer tube functions to counter the expansion of the inner part, whereby the inner part is subjected to compression;
  The binder is adapted to expand between the inner portion and the outer tube by expansion of the inner portion, and during the formation of the elongated hollow structure, the inner portion is associated with the outer tube. Acting to gradually reduce the volume of the space between the inner portion and the outer tube, so that the binder spreads through the space between the inner portion and the outer tube. A hollow structure characterized in that The stiffener comprises one or more layers of reinforcing fabric, each of the layers being configured to form a tubular layer disposed about the inner portion. The elongated hollow structure according to claim 25 . The elongated hollow structure according to claim 25 , wherein the reinforcing cloth includes a reinforcing cloth containing reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation . The elongate hollow structure according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the inner portion includes an inner liner in which a fiber layer is bonded to one side . 29. The elongate hollow structure of claim 28, wherein the other surface of the liner defines an inner surface of the tubular structure . 29. The resin binder impregnated in the reinforcing cloth is also impregnated in the fiber layer bonded to the inner liner so that the outer portion is integrated with the inner portion. The elongated hollow structure according to 29 . A bend is adapted to be incorporated into the elongated medium void structure during construction so that it comprises at least one integral bend when the elongate hollow structure is cured. 20. A method according to any one of claims 1-19. The end of the elongate hollow structure is configured to securely receive a mooring portion, the mooring portion so as to allow the elongate hollow structure to be coupled with a second structure. the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it it.

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