Method for manufacturing a reinforced composite pipe using compression techniques

Abstract

A process for manufacturing pipes using thermoplastic pipe and “tape” (continuous fiber, fully wetted in a similar thermoplastic as the pipe) that embeds its fibers into pipe surface. The thermoplastic pipe is mechanically compressed prior fiber tape being applied. Outer diameter reduction of the pipe is at least partly maintained by the fiber tape being tightly wrapped around the pipe immediately after compression causes the pipe to contract. Then, an external heat source is applied to the pipe causing the thermoplastic to melt and the pipe to undergo thermal expansion. Fibers stretch less and are embedded into the molten layer of the pipe, creating a permanent bond between the fibers and the pipe. Individual pipes may be joined using couplers or butt welds.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.