Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A tube and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer, an intermediate layer and outer layer. The intermediate layer is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer provides a bridge between the two layers to provide the tube as an integrated structure. The exterior surface of the tube is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tube (10) and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube (10) being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer (11), an intermediate layer (12) and outer layer (13). The intermediate layer (12) is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers (11, 13) between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer (12) provides a bridge between the two layers (11, 13) to provide the tube (10) as an integrated structure. The exterior surface (15) of the tube (10) is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A compression apparatus (10) for compressing a tubular structure (12) to be formed into a hollow structure (20) such as a pipe comprises contact elements (60) arranged in two sets, (61, 62). The contact elements (60) are adapted to move along a compression section (41) in a coordinated sequence, whereby a portion (12a) of the tubular structure (12) within the compression section (41) is compressed between pairs (63) of opposed contact elements. The apparatus (10) includes registration means (110) for causing respective pairs (63) of opposed contact elements (60) to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the compression section (41).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: A tube (10) and a method of constructing such a tube, the tube (10) being in the form of a composite film structure comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide an integrated structure. The layers comprise an inner layer (11), an intermediate layer (12) and outer layer (13). The intermediate layer (12) is of a material compatible with two adjacent layers (11, 13) between which it is interposed, wherein the intermediate layer (12) provides a bridge between the two layers (11, 13) to provide the tube (10) as an integrated structure. The exterior surface (15) of the tube (10) is optionally treated or modified or is provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resinous binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a pipe and constructed using the tube (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endless elongate structure adapted to circulate around a path. The endless elongate structure comprises a central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions on opposed sides of the central longitudinal portion for supporting the central longitudinal portion therebetween. The central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions are connected together by joiners. The central longitudinal portion is adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular formation which is adapted to be continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the elongate structure along the path. The central longitudinal portion has two longitudinal edge sections adapted to be releasably connected together for assembling the tubular formation by a slidably interlocking connector. The slidably interlocking connector is integrated with the two longitudinal edge sections by joiners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly (24) comprising an inner portion (21) and a further portion (22) surrounding the inner portion, the further portion being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus (100) comprises an assembly station (106) having a wall (122). The apparatus (100) comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (111) extending past the wall, and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (112) and causing the strip to encircle the wall and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The two marginal side portions (53) are disposed in overlapping relation on the side of the wall opposed to the first path (111).

Abstract: An elongate hollow structure and method of constructing the hollow structure is described, whereby the hollow structure includes a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion adapted to be merged together to form a tubular wall structure. The method includes providing the radially inner portion, providing the radially outer portion about the radially inner portion, wherein a space exists between the radially inner and outer portions, the space containing a gas therein, and expanding the inner portion. The gas within the space between the inner and outer portions is arranged to be expelled as the inner portion is expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation on a fluid material to separate liquid from solid matter within the fluid material The apparatus comprises a belt structure movable along a path. The belt structure comprises a belt portion adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular structure within which at least part of the operation is to be performed. The tubular structure is permeable to liquid for separation of liquid from solid matter within the fluid material. The tubular structure is continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the belt structure. The path includes a descending portion along which the assembled tubular structure passes, the descending portion being inclined whereby at least some of the solid matter within fluid material in the tubular structure is caused to move downwardly along the descending portion under the influence of gravity to facilitate cleaning of the permeable tubular structure.

Abstract: An endless elongate structure adapted to circulate around a path. The endless elongate structure comprises a central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions on opposed sides of the central longitudinal portion for supporting the central longitudinal portion therebetween. The central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions are connected together by joiners. The central longitudinal portion is adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular formation which is adapted to be continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the elongate structure along the path. The central longitudinal portion has two longitudinal edge sections adapted to be releasably connected together for assembling the tubular formation by a slidably interlocking connector. The slidably interlocking connector is integrated with the two longitudinal edge sections by joiners.

Abstract: A compression apparatus (10) for compressing a tubular structure (12) to be formed into a hollow structure (20) such as a pipe comprises contact elements (60) arranged in two sets, (61, 62). The contact elements (60) are adapted to move along a compression section (41) in a coordinated sequence, whereby a portion (12a) of the tubular structure (12) within the compression section (41) is compressed between pairs (63) of opposed contact elements. The apparatus (10) includes registration means (110) for causing respective pairs (63) of opposed contact elements (60) to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the compression section (41).

Abstract: An elongate hollow structure and method of constructing the hollow structure is described, whereby the hollow structure includes a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion adapted to be merged together to form a tubular wall structure. The method includes providing the radially inner portion, providing the radially outer portion about the radially inner portion, wherein a space exists between the radially inner and outer portions, the space containing a gas therein, and expanding the inner portion.

Abstract: An elongate hollow structure and method of constructing the hollow structure is described, the hollow structure including a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion merging together to form a tubular wall structure. The method includes providing the radially inner portion, assembling the radially outer portion about the radially inner portion, and radially expanding the inner portion. The outer portion comprises an outer layer of fiber reinforced composite construction surrounded by a flexible outer casing. A space is provided between the radially inner portion and flexible outer casing. The outer layer includes reinforcement and a binder. The flexible outer casing resists radial expansion of the reinforcement, subjecting it to radial compression. The radially expanding inner portion cooperates with the flexible outer casing to cause the volume of the space to progressively decrease, causing the binder to spread through the space between the radially inner portion and flexible outer casing.

Abstract: A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion.

Abstract: A separation system and method of separating solid particles of various sizes into oversize and undersize solids is described herein. The system includes a chamber for receiving feed material that includes a fluid containing solid particles of various sizes, and a flexible medium bounding the chamber and adapted to provide a selective barrier through which some solid particles can pass but not others. The system further includes a vibrator adapted to impart vibration to the flexible medium to facilitate passage of fluid and certain solid particles therethrough. The vibrator is further adapted to apply vibration to one or more discrete locations on an exterior face of the flexible medium with respect to the chamber, with the vibration causing the flexible medium to oscillate towards and away from fluid within the chamber.