Flexible tube for conveying abrasive materials and related manufacturing method

A method for making a flexible tube, the method comprising:

• preparing and constraining, on a plastic film, a plurality of circular disks at least partially embedded in an elastomeric matrix of a tubular body of the flexible tube, the tubular body extending along a main extension axis and having a thickness extending from an inner side wall, which delimits an inner cavity used for transporting an abrasive material, to an outer side wall, opposite said inner side wall along a radial direction, perpendicular and incident with said main extension axis, the tubular body comprising a covering layer at the outer side wall, and the circular disks having a diameter and flat faces, in ceramic material, namely a first flat face directly facing said inner cavity, so as to at least partially constitute the inner side wall and a second flat face embedded in the elastomeric matrix,
• carrying out a solution step on the second flat faces of the circular disks intended to be embedded in the elastomeric matrix,
• rolling said plastic film onto a cylindrical core intended to positively reproduce the inner cavity delimited by the flexible tube,
• spreading a first layer of the elastomeric matrix on the previously rolled plastic film, so as to embed the circular disks on a side of the second flat faces of the circular disks,
• spreading a second layer of the elastomeric matrix,
• applying reinforcement layers comprising synthetic fabrics in SBR, NR/BR and/or EPDM mixture, and/or a steel spiral and/or a copper braid for dissipation of electrostatic charges, and
• applying a covering layer made of synthetic rubber.