# US 12,005,630 B2 · Method for manufacturing a reinforced composite pipe using compression techniques

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- Number: US 12,005,630 B2
- Document ID: US12005630B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/490,730
- Filed: 2021-09-30
- Published: 2023-03-30
- Granted: 2024-06-11
- Earliest claimed: 2021-09-30
- Assignees: Composite Fluid Transfer LLC
- Applicants: Composite Fluid Transfer LLC
- Inventors: Christopher L. Taylor; Harvey E. Svetlik
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12005630B2

## CPC

- B29C 63/06: around tubular articles
- C09J 5/06: involving heating of the applied adhesive
- B29C 55/005: {characterised by the choice of materials}
- B29C 55/30: Drawing through a die {(pultrusion B29C70/52)}
- C09J 7/243: {Ethylene or propylene polymers}
- C09J 9/00: Adhesives characterised by their physical nature or the effects produced, e.g. glue sticks (C09J7/00 takes precedence)
- C09J 11/04: inorganic
- B29K 2101/12: Thermoplastic materials
- B29L 2023/22: {Tubes or pipes, i.e. rigid (bent tubes not for use as pipe couplings B29L2023/004)}
- C09J 2203/346: for building applications e.g. wrap foil
- C09J 2423/006: in the substrate
- C09J 2423/04: Presence of homo or copolymers of ethene
- B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00)
- C09J: ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES (preparation of glue or gelatine C09H)
- B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for manufacturing a reinforced pipe system for transporting a fluid, comprising:
contracting a thermoplastic pipe using a mechanical compression device;
wrapping or extruding a first fiber tape on a surface of the pipe while it remains at least partially contracted, said first fiber tape having continuous taut fibers;
securing ends of the first fiber tape to the ends of the pipe using a first heat source;
warming the first fiber tape and pipe using a second heat source;
embedding taut fibers into the pipe as the pipe is warmed; and
bonding the first fiber tape to the pipe as the first fiber tape and pipe reach a thermal equilibrium.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the pipe is made of one of: high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the first fiber tape includes continuous uni-directional fiberglass fibers.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the first fiber tape is a polyethylene tape.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 where the first heat source is an iron.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of wrapping or extruding a second fiber tape over a surface of the first fiber tape.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6 where in the first fiber tape and second fiber tape are comprised of polyethylene material.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of wrapping or extruding a film over the surface of the second fiber tape.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 wherein the film is a UV protective film.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 wherein the film is an abrasion resistant film.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical compression is produced by drawing the thermoplastic pipe through a die.