The French SME, specialised in the manufacturing of composite pipes, is developping a breakthrough technology to continuously manufacture large pipes by filament winding, directly at installation site: for example, for bentonite pipe in "tunnel boring" technology or for penstock for hydroelectric power stations.
The technology is based on the realization of a machine, continuoulsy manufacturing pipes by filament winding. The pipes are made on the basis of an abrasion resistant thermoplastic and a fiberglass type composite reinforcement, giving it its characteristics of resistance to hydrostatic pressure. All is manufactured continuously without fitting.
Hence, to finalize the development of this technology, the French SME is looking for a company that can manufacture the custom tapes based on thermoplastic composite type matrix HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) and fiberglass, that will form the pipes by the process of filament winding. The type of cooperation sought is under a supplier agreement.
The French SMEs is already supported by big companies, specialised in the installation of pipes.
There are no specific countries targeted.
Advantages & innovations
FRANCE
Stage of development
Prototype available for demonstration
Partner sought
The French SME is looking for a company that can manufacture custom tapes based on thermoplastic composite type matrix HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) and fiberglass. Thus, its role will be to supply the custom tapes to form the pipes by the filament winding, to finalise the design of the new technology.
All the R&D activity is carried out by a French Technological Research Institute. At the beginning of the cooperation, the supplier sought will have to get involved and regularly discuss with the Institute, specialist in thermoplastic composite, to optimize the custom tapes to be produced in order to meet the needs of the French SME.
The company must be able to deliver custom tapes by modest quantities during the R&D phase and then large quantities from January 1, 2023 date of the first order to be delivered
The estimated need for the next 5 years is quantifed as follows:
Years of R&D 2021 and 2022: around 10 tonnes
Year of marketing 1: 400 tonnes
Year of marketing 2: 1200 tonnes
Year of marketing 3: 2400 tonnes