FR3127545A1 - Fluid line protection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for protecting (1) an area to be protected (2) of at least one fluid conduit (3), which comprises: a flexible sheet (10) sealed which, when assembled, forms a closed enclosure which encompasses the area to be protected and into which a filling fluid can be introduced;a circumferential sheet clamping device (10), when assembled, which comprises at least one tightening unit (31) comprising at least one link (32) and a set of return members (33) through which the link or links pass successively. The length of each clamping unit (31) along the longitudinal direction (X) is greater than 15% of the length of the ply, and each area of the ply without a clamping unit has a length less than 15% the length of the sheet. Figure 6

Description

Fluid line protection system

The invention relates to a system for protecting an area to be protected from at least one fluid conduit.

The invention applies to fluid networks - in particular electricity, gas, water or information - comprising conduits - in particular cables or pipes - located under or above the surface of the floor.

In practice, some areas of these networks are more vulnerable to external attacks and must therefore be protected. This concerns, for example, a damaged area of a conduit, or a connection area between two or more conduits, typically forming a connection or a branch. After the intervention, whether in the above examples it is a repair or a connection, the area concerned of the duct(s) must again be protected, in terms of sealing and/or electrical insulation. .

To this end, it is known to place a flexible sheet around the area to be protected and to introduce a filling fluid therein to fill the space between the sheet and the area to be protected. Such a filling fluid generally has the function of ensuring mechanical rigidity and providing sealing, in particular to prevent short circuits, leaks or corrosion.

In practice, in the mounted state, the sheet forms a closed enclosure which encompasses the area to be protected. The sheet has an orifice through which an operator introduces the filling fluid, as well as air evacuation orifices.

To guarantee the quality of the assembly and therefore the effectiveness of the protection, it is important to carry out an appropriate circumferential tightening of the protective sheet around the area to be protected.

Such tightening is most often achieved by means of straps with which an operator surrounds and locally tightens the sheet. These tightening operations have a number of drawbacks, in terms of the time required, the effort required, but also the result. In particular, under the pressure of the filling fluid, beads generally appear between two adjacent tightening straps. This results in the use of an unnecessarily high volume of filling fluid, with the cost that this implies. Moreover, such beads, in addition to the degraded appearance they give to the protection system and which is detrimental to the impression of the overall quality, can generate localized stresses in the ply, liable to weaken the protection system. long-term protection.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above, by improving the circumferential clamping system of the sheet.

To this end, the invention relates to a system for protecting an area to be protected from at least one fluid conduit, the protection system defining a longitudinal direction and comprising:

• a flexible protective ply made of a material impermeable to a filling fluid of the protection system, the ply being configured to form, in the assembled state, a closed enclosure which encompasses the zone to be protected and into which the fluid can be introduced filling ;
• a circumferential clamping device for the sheet, in the mounted state.

According to a general definition of the invention, the circumferential clamping device comprises at least one clamping unit, the or each clamping unit comprising at least one link and a set of return members through which the link or links pass successively. Moreover :

• the length of the or each clamping unit along the longitudinal direction is greater than 10% of the length of the web, and
• each zone of the ply without a clamping unit, called the free zone of the ply, has a length less than 20% of the length of the ply.

The return devices are link guiding devices allowing a change of direction of the tensile force. Thanks to these deflection members, the clamping clamping device according to the invention makes it possible to considerably increase the clamping efficiency since, with a moderate effort from the operator, a significant clamping force can be obtained by the gearing-down effect.

In addition, by providing a tightening unit which comprises a link passing through such deflection members, and which has a relatively long length, in particular in comparison with a strap, the invention makes it possible to create a zone on which the tightening which occupies a significant surface on the tablecloth. A single clamping unit of the invention can ultimately provide clamping on a surface much greater than the surface of the element that the operator grasps to exert traction. In addition, according to the invention, the areas of the ply without a clamping unit extend over a relatively short length. Thus, overall, the invention provides a clamping device which makes it possible to compress a large surface of the sheet.

The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain a tightening of the web that is more homogeneous and more uniform than in the prior art, and this with a reduced number of actions and a reduced effort on the part of the operator.

Concretely, a free zone can be located between two adjacent clamping units or between a clamping unit and an adjacent end of the zone to be protected. A free zone may be devoid of a link or even of any tightening. According to an exemplary embodiment, the protection system may comprise a single clamping unit extending over at least 70% of the length of the sheet, for example leaving on either side of the clamping unit a zone free having a length less than 20% of the length of the sheet. According to another exemplary embodiment, the protection system may comprise several clamping units spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 20% of the length of the web.

The length of at least one clamping unit may be greater than 15% or 20% or 30% of the length of the web; at least one free zone of the ply may have a length less than 15% or 10% or 5% of the length of the ply.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one clamping unit extends, along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, over a distance comprised between 5% and 80%, preferably between 10% and 50%, of the dimension of the web along said direction. For example, in the case of a substantially flat sheet before its implementation, the dimension along the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction can typically be the width.

It is possible to provide that, in the mounted position and in view in a cross section, where the protection system has a roughly circular irregular contour, at least one clamping unit extends over an angular sector having a minimum angle of 20°, preferably 30° or even 40°, and a maximum angle of 300°, preferably 180°, or even 150°. For example, the angle of the angular sector can be large in areas where the diameter of the protection system is large, to provide a larger clamping surface.

In a clamping unit, the return members may be spaced apart by less than 5 cm, or less than 3 cm, or less than 2 cm, along the longitudinal direction. The spacing between the return devices may or may not be regular.

The number of clamping units can be greater than or equal to three, or four, or five.

According to one possible embodiment, in a clamping unit, the return members are arranged along two lines spaced apart from each other along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the two lines being for example opposite the one from the other, the link or links connecting the return members of the two lines so as to make it possible to bring the lines closer to each other.

These lines are not necessarily straight, nor necessarily parallel. Preferably, each line extends globally in the longitudinal direction, that is to say extends longitudinally or by forming with the longitudinal direction an average angle which is less than 20°.

By defining a strand as being a portion of a given link between two successive deflection members (i.e. two deflection members which immediately follow each other along the path of the link), there can typically be a or several crossings of strands in the area of the ply located between the lines of return members. For example, the link(s) can form zigzags.

The lines can be configured so as to be substantially diametrically opposed on the web, in the assembled and tightened state of the protection system. However, this arrangement is not limiting. As a variant, the rows of return members can be spaced little apart from each other circumferentially, for example from an arc of a circle representing an angle of less than 40° seen in a transverse plane, with links passing at the less partly opposite the arc of the opposite circle.

According to one embodiment, all the portions of a link which extend between two return members are located on the same side of the protection system, in the assembled state. In other words, when viewed in a cross-section, where the protection system has a roughly circular irregular outline, all portions of the link are located in an angular sector. This angular sector can have an angle of less than 300° or 180° for example, or even less than 150° or 100°, or even less than 50°. Thus, overall, there are link portions over only part of the circumference of the ply.

According to another embodiment, certain portions of a link which extend between two deflection members are located on one side of the protection system, in the mounted state, and other portions of a link are located on the opposite side of the protection system. In other words, when viewed in a cross-section, some portions of a link are located in an angular sector, other portions of a link are located in the complementary angular sector. One of the sectors can present an angle comprised between 20 and 300° for example. Thus, overall, there are link portions over the entire circumference of the ply.

At least one tie may include in the vicinity of at least one of its ends a gripping member which can be gripped by an operator to facilitate pulling the tie.

The gripping member may include means for hooking to another gripping member or to the sheet. This makes it possible to maintain the traction exerted on the link, and therefore the tightening of the web. In the absence of a gripping device, the tie (typically its end) can be directly attached to another tie or to the web.

According to one possible embodiment, each clamping unit comprises a plurality of guide parts, each guide part comprising:

• a plate mounted on the outer face of the web, in the mounted position of the web, comprising at least one lug which projects outwards and which forms a return member;
• a cover assembled to the wafer to allow the maintenance of the link in the guide piece.

The guide piece may further comprise a base mounted on the inner face of the ply, in the mounted position of the ply, the base comprising means for fixing to the wafer, through the ply. Preferably, the lid is also assembled to the base.

Other means of fixing the guide piece to the web can be considered, such as welding, gluing, sewing, etc.

The guide piece may also comprise a means for locking the link configured to prevent loosening due to movement of the link relative to the guide piece. The blocking means preferably comprises a groove in which the link can be engaged, for example by wedging.

We now describe, by way of non-limiting examples, several possible embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures:

is a plan view of a sheet of a protection system according to the invention, provided with clamping units, before the implementation on a zone to be protected of at least one fluid conduit;

illustrates an inner layer of the protection system wrapped around the area to be protected;

schematically illustrates an assembly phase of the protection system on the area to be protected;

schematically illustrates an assembly phase after the phase of the ;

schematically illustrates an assembly phase after the phase of the ;

illustrates the area to be protected rolled up and tightened in the protection system, in the final state;

is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating one embodiment of the tightening of the web;

is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an alternative embodiment of the tightening of the web;

is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another alternative embodiment of the tightening of the sheet;

is a partially cut perspective view of a guide piece belonging to a protection system according to the invention;

is a perspective view of a base of the guide piece;

is a perspective view of a wafer of the guide piece, assembled to the base;

is a perspective and top view of the guide piece.

The invention relates to a protection system 1, one embodiment of which is shown in Figures 3 to 6;

illustrates the area to be protected rolled up and tightened in the protection system, according to a variant embodiment.

Such a protection system 1 is intended to be put in place around an area 2 to be protected from at least one conduit 3 of fluid. The zone 2 to be protected can comprise a single pipe 3, for example following a repair carried out on this pipe, or several pipes 3 linked by one or more connectors 4, to protect the link zone. In the figures, there are two conduits 3 linked by a connector 4 in the zone 2 to be protected. This embodiment is not, however, limiting; thus, one could in particular have three conduits 3 linked by a connector 4 in the zone 2 to be protected.

The longitudinal direction X is defined as being the general direction in which the fluid conduit(s) 3 extend(s), at least in the vicinity of the zone to be protected 2. The terms “longitudinal”, “length and the like are used with reference to the X direction. Further, the terms "radial" and "transverse" are used with reference to any direction orthogonal to the X direction.

The fluid conduits 3 can be electrical cables, gas or water pipes, information transmission cables.

The protection system 1 can comprise an inner layer 6, which is made of a flexible, compressible material, and permeable to a filling fluid of the protection system 1, that is to say which can be crossed or penetrated by this fluid. For example, the inner layer 6 comprises an open cell foam. The inner layer 6 can be in the form of a piece cut from a panel.

The inner layer 6, when present, is designed to be wrapped around the area to be protected 2, as illustrated in the , during a first step of positioning the protection system 1 around the zone 2 to be protected. The protection system 1 may comprise means 7 for holding the inner layer 6 in the rolled-up position. This is to allow temporary immobilization of the inner layer 6, before carrying out the other steps of setting up the protection system 1, with little or no tightening, so as not to compress the inner layer 6. These holding means comprise for example several circumferential straps 7, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction X.

The protection system 1 comprises a flexible protection ply 10 which is made of a material impermeable to the filling fluid of the protection system 1. The ply 10 is configured to form, in the mounted state, a closed enclosure which encompasses the zone to be protected 2 and into which the filling fluid can be introduced. The sheet 10 can be wrapped around the zone to be protected 2, around the inner layer 6 when it is present, as can be seen in the .

Depending on the applications, the protective sheet 10 can be made of a material which is waterproof – so as to provide protection against short circuits and/or against corrosion – and/or which is electrically insulating. In addition, the protective ply 10 preferably has sufficient mechanical strength to resist external attacks, under normal conditions of use, and to contain the filling fluid. The protective ply 10 can be made of a waterproof canvas, for example a plasticized canvas, or a technical fabric, and can incorporate reinforcement elements.

The sheet 10 has an inner face 11 which, in the mounted position, will face the area 2 to be protected, and an outer face 12 opposite the inner face 11.

Provision can be made for the sheet 10 to be substantially planar before its implementation. As a variant, the sheet 10 can be non-planar, or at least locally non-planar. Thus, the ply 10 may include a preformed area in an open cavity; for example, the web can form a dihedral (ie two substantially planar walls forming an angle between them) or a cut (ie have a curved shape). According to a variant, as illustrated in the , the sheet 10 may include a zone provided with bellows 18 or other means making it possible to adapt its shape to the shape of the zone 2 to be protected around which it will be placed.

The protective ply 10 has two transverse edges 13, 14, and two longitudinal edges 15, 16. The edges are not necessarily rectilinear, and can for example form a central part – along the X direction – that is wider.

Preferably, the sheet 10 is not wound around the area to be protected over several turns, but simply closed around the area to be protected and then assembled to itself at or near its longitudinal edges 15, 16, with zero or low recovery (for example less than 20%). The longitudinal edges 15, 16 can be assembled by any suitable means of assembly, such as: zipper, Velcro® system, buttonhole, adhesive, etc. These means allow rapid assembly and maintenance of the sheet in the mounted position, but do not provide any significant radial compression force.

A sealing member 17 can be arranged near each transverse edge 13, 14, and possibly near at least one longitudinal edge 16 of the protective ply 10. The sealing member 17 can be fixed on the inner face 11 of the sheet 10. A barrier may thus be formed preventing in particular the entry of water into the zone to be protected 2 and the leakage of filling fluid.

The sheet 10 further comprises a hole 5 in which is inserted a tip 8 allowing the introduction of the filling fluid, and several orifices 19 allowing the air to escape during the filling of the enclosure formed by the sheet 10. The orifices 19 can be reduced in number (for example between 2 and 6) and each be equipped with a vent 9 in the form of an attached nozzle. As a variant, the orifices 19 can be more numerous, namely at least 10 or even at least 20, 50 or 100, of small dimensions (for example between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm in diameter) and closely spaced, for example less than 1 cm. This variant is schematically illustrated in the . When the protection system 1 is fitted, the orifices 19 and the hole 5 must be in the upper part.

In practice, once the inner layer 6 is wrapped around the area 2 to be protected and held in this position by the holding means 7 ( ), the protective ply 10 is wound around the inner layer 6. As a variant, the inner layer 6 can be pre-attached to the internal face 11 of the ply 10 in the factory, the operator thus carrying out the winding of these two items in a single operation. As already specified, the inner layer 6 is optional, the sheet 10 therefore being able to be wound alone around the zone 2 to be protected.

The protection system 1 is then in the assembled state, as illustrated in the : it is in place around the zone to be protected 2, at the end of the assembly steps (with the exception of the tightening and the introduction of filling fluid), and the sheet 10 forms a closed enclosure which encompasses the zone to be protect 2 and in which the filling fluid can be introduced. To this end, a strap 20 can typically surround the end parts of the ply 10, in the vicinity of the transverse edges 13, 14, to clamp them tightly against the ducts 3. Other means can be used instead of the strap 20, such as adhesive tape or a cable tie.

The protection system 1 further comprises a device 30 for circumferential tightening of the web 10 in the mounted state, to arrive at a tight state illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. The tightening takes place on the exterior side of the web 10 .

The circumferential tightening device 30 comprises at least one tightening unit 31. A tightening unit 31 comprises at least one link 32, which can be a cable, a cord, a wire, or any other flexible and elongated element. The tightening unit 31 also comprises a set of return members 33 through which the link(s) 32 pass successively. An effect of multiplication of the tensile force exerted by the operator to tighten the sheet 10 around the zone 2 to be protected is thus obtained.

Each tie 32 may include near at least one of its ends a gripping member 34 which can be gripped by an operator to facilitate pulling the tie 32. The gripping member 34 may be in the form of a part provided with a hole 35 in which the operator can insert a finger.

In order to avoid the formation of beads on the surface of the web 10, the invention provides for tightening over a fairly large surface of the web 10.

To this end, concretely, on the one hand the length of the or each clamping unit 31 along the longitudinal direction X is greater than 10% of the length L of the web 10, or even 20% or 30 %. On the other hand, each zone of the ply 10 devoid of a clamping unit, called the free zone of the ply, has a length less than 20% of the length L of the ply 10, or even 15% or 10% .

Furthermore, provision can be made for the width of at least one clamping unit 31, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, to be between 5% and 80%, preferably between 10% and 50%, of the width of the web 10.

There shows an embodiment of circumferential clamping device 30 of protection system 1.

The clamping device 30 comprises three clamping units 31, denoted 31a, 31b, 31c, arranged successively along the longitudinal direction X. For reasons of clarity, no link has been shown in the clamping unit 31b of the environment.

In each clamping unit 31, the return members 33 are arranged along two lines facing each other. Each of these lines extends globally in the longitudinal direction X, possibly with a certain inclination and/or curvature, in particular to adapt to the curved shape that the web 10 will have in the mounted position and then extend substantially longitudinally.

In each clamping unit 31, and typically in each line, the return members 33 are preferably quite close to each other along the longitudinal direction X. By way of example, the spacing between two return members 33 adjacent can be between 1 and 4 cm.

In each clamping unit 31, the link or links 32 connect the return members 33 of the two lines, so as to make it possible to bring the lines closer together. The paths of the link(s) 32 between the return members 33 can take multiple forms, two of which have been represented on the .

In the clamping unit 31a shown on the left in the , there are two distinct links 32 . Each link 32 follows a zigzag path between one line of deflection members 33 and the other line, and the two ends of the link 32 are attached to the same gripping member 34.

In the clamping unit 31c shown on the right in the , there is a single link 32 which follows a zigzag path between a line of return members 33 and the other line. In addition, each end of the link 32 is provided with a gripping member 34 dedicated.

The elements described above in connection with the can be modified while remaining within the scope of the invention. Thus, in particular, the differences could relate to: the number of clamping units 31; the arrangement within a clamping unit 31 of the link(s) 32 – in particular their path, which does not necessarily form zigzags – and of the return members 33 – in particular the spacing between two adjacent return members; the dimensions of the clamping units 31 (length, transverse dimension); the arrangement of the clamping units 31 on the web 10 and relative to each other, and in particular the spacing between clamping units 31.

Starting from the protection system in the state of the , the operator performs a tightening at each of the tightening units 31, typically successively. To do this, the operator pulls on the ends of the ties 32, possibly by means of the gripper member(s) 34, until the appropriate tightening is obtained.

As seen on the , a gripping member 34 may comprise hooking means making it possible to maintain the level of traction. These may be means for attaching to another gripping member 34, such as a collar 36 which is inserted into the holes 35 (on the right on the ), or an interlocking of the gripping members 34 between them. As a variant, it may be means for attaching to the sheet 10, such as a Velcro® system (on the left on the ).

The protection system 1 may comprise limiting means configured to limit the degree of circumferential tightening of the web 10 by means of the tightening device 30, so that a predetermined minimum distance is left between the zone to be protected 2 and the web of protection 10. These means may comprise spacers (not shown) of predetermined height forming an abutment between the zone to be protected 2 and the sheet 10.

As seen on the , and especially by comparing it to the , the circumferential tightening device 30 according to the invention provides uniform tightening which makes it possible to considerably limit the appearance of beads on the protection system 1. It should be noted that, on the , the straps 7 have not been shown, for the sake of simplification.

With reference to the , once the tightening step has been completed, the filling fluid 25 is introduced into the zone 2 to be protected by a nozzle 8, while the air initially present in the zone to be protected can be evacuated through the orifices 19. The fluid filler can be putty, gel, curable resin, etc. It is preferably waterproof. The introduction of the filling fluid 25 through the end piece 8 can be carried out by gravity casting, by injection under pressure, etc.

Despite the pressure exerted by the filling fluid 25, the circumferential tightening device 30 according to the invention avoids or considerably limits the appearance of beads. This is particularly visible on the which shows the protection system 1, in the final state, once the filling fluid 25 has hardened.

It should be noted that the illustrates alternative embodiments of the clamping units 31, not necessarily identical to those of the .

The link 32 and the gripping member 34 can be made of a biodegradable material, insofar as they serve only the time of tightening and hardening of the filling fluid 25. Moreover, in order to facilitate the sliding of the link in the return members 33 and/or on the sheet 10, the link 32 can be made of a plastic material with a low coefficient of friction (such as Teflon®) or of a standard material with lubrication carried out in the factory (by oil, paraffin, etc.). In another variant, the tightening device 30 can include a reserve of lubricant (liquid or solid) in which the link 32 moves during tightening.

In FIGS. 7 to 9 are illustrated different variants of paths of the link(s) 32 around the sheet 10, in the mounted state. Figures 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views, where the web 10 has a roughly circular irregular contour.

All the portions of a link 32 which extend between two return members 33 can be located on the same side of the protection system 1, for example above a horizontal median plane P ( ), or below this horizontal median plane P ( ). As a variant, certain portions of a link 32 which extend between two deflection members 33 are located on one side of the protection system 1, and other portions of a link 32 are located on the opposite side of the protection system. protection 1 ( ).

It should be noted that the return members 33 are not necessarily arranged in a diametrically opposite manner on the sheet 10. For example, as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 7 and 9, a clamping unit 31 extends over an angular sector forming an angle α which can be between 20° and 300°, or even between 20° and 200°.

We now refer to Figures 10 to 13 which illustrate a guide piece 40 belonging to a protection system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

Each clamping unit 31 can comprise a plurality of guide pieces 40, which can for example be arranged in two rows opposite one another.

Each guide piece 40 may comprise a base 41, illustrated in the , intended to be mounted on the inner face 11 of the sheet 10. The base 41 may be a substantially planar part, comprising one or more sets of studs 42 facing each other. The studs 42 pass through the sheet 10 and make it possible to fix to the base 41 a plate 43, itself located on the outer face 12 of the sheet 10. For example, the plate 43 comprises an oblong slot 44 in which the studs 42 are fixed by clipping. Other assembly means between the base 41 and the plate 43 are possible (gluing, welding, etc.).

The plate 43 comprises at least one lug which projects outwards from the ply 10 and which forms a return member 33. The lug may have a curved face facilitating the movement of the link 32 during tightening and preventing its damage. In addition, the free end of the lug may include a return 45 forming a hook which defines with the plate 43 a housing 46 in which the link 32 is engaged. The wafer 43 can comprise several lugs, for example three lugs in the realization of the .

The guide piece 40 also comprises a cover 48 assembled with the plate 43, to allow the maintenance of the link 32 in the guide piece 40, and in particular to prevent the link 32 from leaving the corresponding housing 46.

The base 41, the plate 43 and the cover 48 are assembled, for example by means of a rivet 49 or the like passing through these three components. The rivet 49 can pass between the studs 42, in the slot 44. In addition, the plate 43 can be provided with pins 50 for positioning the cover 48.

The guide piece 40 may include a link 32 locking means, configured to prevent loosening due to a movement of the link 32 relative to the guide piece 40. As seen in the , the locking means can be in the form of a groove 51 in which the link 32 can be engaged, and for example maintained by wedging. The groove 51 can be located close to an edge of the guide piece 40; it can be part of the cover 48; it can be formed as a slot made in the cover 48 itself, or be provided between a main part of the cover 48 and an appendix 52. Such a means of blocking the link 32 can be used in addition to or instead of the hooking means of the gripping member 34.

There illustrates the area to be protected 2 rolled up and tightened in the protection system 1, according to a variant embodiment implementing guide pieces 40. The handles 34 are not yet attached to each other or to the sheet 10.

The sheet 10 comprises three clamping units 31a, 31b, 31c, this number being only one possible embodiment.

To facilitate the winding of the sheet 10 when the link 32 is already engaged in the return members 33, it is possible to provide that a clamping unit 31, namely the return members 33 and the links 32, is not located partly near a longitudinal edge 15 of the sheet 10 and partly near the opposite longitudinal edge 16, with the link 32 straddling the junction between these edges 15,16.

The clamping unit 31a on the left on the comprises two guide pieces 40 facing each other, the link 32 having strands orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and strands obliquely.

The clamping unit 31b in the middle on the comprises two guide pieces 40 facing each other, the link 32 forming zigzags with strands obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction X.

The clamping unit 31c on the right on the comprises two lines of two guide pieces 40 each, the lines facing each other. The links 32 do not necessarily link the guide pieces 40 which are facing each other; they can thus, at least in part, be arranged obliquely between two guide pieces 40 which are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X.

Other realizations are of course possible. The following may differ in particular: the number of clamping units 31 and their relative arrangement on the web 10, the number of guide parts 40 and their arrangement within a clamping unit 31; the number of return members 33 per guide piece 40; the path of the link(s) 32 between the return members 33.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the tightening operations are shorter and therefore less costly, require less effort and are less dependent on the expertise of the operator and the variability between operators. The invention therefore makes it possible to guarantee excellent quality of assembly and therefore very high protection efficiency.

In addition, a more uniform tightening, by limiting the beads, makes it possible to reduce the volume of filling fluid necessary and considerably limits the overall dimensions in the final state.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples but that it includes all the technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims (13)

Protection system (1) of an area to be protected (2) of at least one fluid conduit (3), the protection system (1) defining a longitudinal direction (X) and comprising:

• a flexible protection ply (10) made of a material impermeable to a filling fluid (25) of the protection system (1), the ply (10) being configured to form, in the mounted state, a closed enclosure which includes the zone to be protected (2) and into which the filling fluid (25) can be introduced;
• a circumferential tightening device (30) of the sheet (10), in the assembled state;

characterized in that the circumferential clamping device (30) comprises at least one clamping unit (31), the or each clamping unit (31) comprising at least one link (32) and a set of deflection members (33 ) in which the link or links (32) pass successively, and in that:

• the length of the or each clamping unit (31) along the longitudinal direction (X) is greater than 10% of the length (L) of the web (10), and
• each zone of the ply (10) without a clamping unit (31), called the free zone of the ply (10), has a length less than 20% of the length (L) of the ply (10).

Protection system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the length of at least one clamping unit (31) is greater than 15% or 20% or 30% of the length (L) of the sheet (10), and /or in that at least one free zone of the web (10) has a length less than 15% or 10% or 5% of the length (L) of the web (10). Protection system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one clamping unit (31) extends, along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), over a distance of between 5% and 80%, preferably between 10% and 50%, of the dimension of the web (10) along said direction. Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in a clamping unit (31), the deflection members (33) are spaced apart from each other by less than 5 cm, or less than 3 cm, or less than 2 cm, along the longitudinal (X) direction. Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of clamping units (31) is greater than or equal to three. Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in a clamping unit (31), the deflection members (33) are arranged in two lines spaced apart from each other along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), the two lines being for example facing each other, the link(s) (32) connecting return members (33) of the two lines so as to allow to bring the lines together. Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all the portions of a link (32) which extend between two return members (33) are located on the same side of the protection system (1), in the mounted state. Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that certain portions of a link (32) which extend between two return members (33) are located on one side of the protection system (1 ), in the assembled state, and other portions of a link (32) are located on the opposite side of the protection system (1). Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one link (32) comprises in the vicinity of at least one of its ends a gripping member (34) which can be grasped by an operator to facilitate pulling the link (32). Protection system according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripping member (34) includes means for hooking to another gripping member or to the sheet (10). Protection system according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each clamping unit (31) comprises a plurality of guide pieces (40), each guide piece (40) comprising:

• a plate (43) mounted on the outer face (12) of the sheet (10), in the mounted position, comprising at least one lug which projects outwards and which forms a return member (33);
• a cover (48) assembled to the plate (43) to allow the maintenance of the link (32) in the guide piece (40).

Protection system according to Claim 11, characterized in that the guide piece (40) further comprises a base (41) mounted on the inner face (11) of the sheet (10), in the mounted position, the base (41 ) comprising fixing means (42) to the plate (43), through the web (10) and where, preferably, the cover (48) is also assembled to the base (41). Protection system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the guide piece (40) comprises a link locking means (32) configured to prevent loosening due to a movement of the link (32) relative to the part guide (40), the locking means preferably comprising a groove (51) in which the link (32) can be engaged.