Device and method for the implementation of a reformable tubular structure made of composite material
AssigneeENI S.p.A.
InventorsStefano Carminati, Domenico Antonio Di Renzo, Mauro Favaretto, Massimo Zampato
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a device and a method for the implementation of a flexible tubular structure made of reformable composite material, designed for passing from a first folded configuration to a second longitudinally developed operating configuration using a tapered profile slidingly engageable inside the tubular structure.
Claims17
A device for the implementation of a flexible tubular structure made of reformable composite material, said flexible tubular structure for passing from a first folded configuration to a second longitudinally developed operating configuration, obtaining a reformed tubular structure, the device comprising:
- a reforming system,
- wherein the device comprises a profile tapered according to a longitudinal direction, said tapered profile is slidingly engageable inside the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material, so that the longitudinal direction of the tapered profile substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the reformed tubular structure and so that the surface of any transversal section of the reformed tubular structure, in the second operating configuration, is larger with respect to the surface of the same transversal section of the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material in the first folded configuration,
- wherein the reforming system comprises a fixed frame, and
- wherein the tapered profile is fixed relative to said fixed frame that is stationary.
A method for implementing a flexible tubular structure made of reformable composite material, the method comprising:
- preparing a flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material in a first folded configuration;
- extending the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material for a second longitudinally developed operating configuration, exerting a pulling action along the substantially longitudinal direction of said flexible tubular structure;
- reforming the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material in the second operating configuration, obtaining a reformed tubular structure so that the surface of any transversal section of the reformed tubular structure, in the second operating configuration, is larger with respect to the surface of the same transversal section of the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material in the first folded configuration, wherein the reforming the flexible tubular structure is effected with use of a profile being tapered according to a longitudinal direction slidingly engageable inside the flexible tubular structure made of the reformable composite material, so the longitudinal direction of the tapered profile substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the reformed tubular structure;
- and
- providing a reforming system comprising a fixed frame,
- wherein the tapered profile is fixed relative to said fixed frame that is stationary.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.