Fluid conduit protection system

Abstract

Fluid conduit protection system The protection system (1) comprises: an inner layer (6) made of a flexible, compressible material permeable to a filling fluid (19) and a flexible protective sheet (10), wound around an area to be protected (2) of fluid conduits (3), to form a closed enclosure; a circumferential clamping device (20) of the protective sheet in the mounted state; means for limiting the degree of circumferential clamping of the protective sheet (10) by means of the clamping device (20), so that a predetermined minimum distance (e) is provided between the area to be protected (2) and the protective sheet (10). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: System for protecting a fluid conduit

[0001] The invention relates to a system for protecting an area to be protected from at least one fluid conduit.

[0002] The invention applies to fluid networks - in particular electricity, gas, water or information networks - comprising conduits - in particular cables or pipes - located below or above the ground surface.

[0003] In practice, certain 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 aforementioned examples it is a repair or a connection, the affected area of ​​the conduit(s) must again be protected, in terms of sealing and / or electrical insulation.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to place an envelope around the area to be protected and to introduce a filling fluid therein to fill the space between the envelope 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.

[0005] In practice, an operator first winds a packing tape around the area to be protected, making several turns and creating overlaps, to form an inner layer for the future envelope. Then he covers this assembly with a waterproof film, typically an adhesive tape, which is also wound in several turns with overlaps. The filling material is then introduced through a suitably placed nozzle.

[0006] These operations are particularly long and therefore costly. In addition, they require the expertise of the operator to guarantee the quality of the assembly and therefore the effectiveness of the protection by the envelope thus produced, including over time.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a system for protecting an area to be protected from at least one fluid conduit, comprising:

[0009] - an inner layer made of a flexible, compressible material, permeable to a fluid filling the protection system; - a flexible protective sheet;

[0010] the protection system being configured so that, in the mounted state, the protection sheet is wound around the inner layer itself wound around the area to be protected, so as to form a closed enclosure which encompasses the area to be protected and into which the filling fluid can be introduced, the protection system further comprising a device for circumferentially clamping the protection sheet in the assembled state.

[0011] According to a general definition of the invention, the protection system further comprises limitation means configured to limit the degree of circumferential clamping of the protection sheet by means of the clamping device, so that a predetermined minimum distance is provided between the area to be protected and the protection sheet.

[0012] The limitation means thus aim to limit the degree of compression of the inner layer. In other words, the space surrounding the area to be protected has a radial thickness greater than a predetermined thickness, for example of the order of 5 mm. This predetermined thickness may be imposed by certain regulations or by certain players in the industrial sector concerned. Indeed, it is the thickness of the filling fluid, in the final state, which guarantees the effectiveness of the protection, in particular the sealing (in particular in the event of perforation of the flexible sheet) and the mechanical resistance to impacts.

[0013] The limiting means of the invention make it possible to overcome variations in the amount of tightening from one operator to another, limiting the hazards of this manual operation. The invention makes it possible to guarantee a minimal, or even homogeneous, residual thickness throughout the area to be protected, i.e. a sufficient quantity of filling fluid in the final state. In particular, the invention makes it possible to ensure a non-zero thickness of filling fluid opposite the sharp angles, in the area to be protected.

[0014] It should be noted that this minimum thickness is present in the area to be protected, which does not include the axial ends of the sheet, which are generally located at a distance from the area to be protected and are tightly clamped around the fluid conduit(s), without any thickness of filling fluid.

[0015] Preferably, the limiting means are restrictive, that is to say they prevent an assembly operator from exerting excessive tightening. This is particularly advantageous because the minimum thickness is guaranteed reliably, without risk of error, without the operator having to take any particular precautions during tightening. Alternatively, it could be provided that the limiting means are simply indicative (such as for example visual markers), the assembly operator then having to follow the indications to avoid exerting excessive tightening.

[0016] The limiting means may be arranged on the clamping device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the clamping device comprises at least one strap which extends over at least part of the circumference of the protection system, in the mounted state, the strap comprising first attachment means which are arranged to cooperate with second attachment means arranged on the protection system, the first and second attachment means being positioned and / or sized to allow adjustment of the tightening between a predetermined minimum diameter and a predetermined maximum diameter.

[0018] The second attachment means may for example be arranged at another location on the strap, or on the outer face of the sheet. The first and second attachment means may be localized, i.e. present at defined locations but not elsewhere.

[0019] The cooperation between the first and second attachment means can be done in a predefined limited cooperation zone, thus providing an adjustment in a predetermined amplitude range, not below, not beyond.

[0020] For example, the first and second attachment means are provided on the strap and comprise one of the loops, the other of the hooks, to form a Velcro® type attachment. The adjustment of the tightening can thus be carried out continuously. Alternatively, the adjustment of the tightening could be carried out discreetly, for example via a belt buckle type system.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the tightening device comprises at least one strap which extends over at least part of the circumference of the protection system, in the mounted state, the strap having a fixed length and comprising first attachment means which are arranged to cooperate with second attachment means arranged on the protection system, in a single attachment position generating a predetermined degree of tightening.

[0022] In this case, no adjustment of the tightening is possible, either via the length of the strap or via the positioning of the attachment zone. The required amount of tightening must therefore be precalculated and calibrated. Such a tightening device is designed for one type of area to be protected, and is not adaptable to another type of area to be protected. Here again, the second attachment means can be arranged at another location on the strap or on the outer face of the sheet.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the limiting means may be arranged on the protective sheet. Limiting means may be provided both on the clamping device and on the protective sheet.

[0024] The limiting means may comprise at least one spacer mounted on the protection system on the side of the inner face of the sheet, the spacer having a predetermined height and being configured to come into abutment against the conduit or another element of the area to be protected, at least at right angles to the clamping means. Such an element may be a connector between cables, for example. The spacer may come compress the inner layer or press into it. The spacer may be mounted on the inner face of the protective sheet, or in the inner layer. The spacer preferably has sufficient mechanical rigidity to not be deformed by tightening, within the tightening range used.

[0025] The protective sheet may be made of a material which is electrically insulating and / or waterproof.

[0026] It may be provided that, before its implementation, the protective sheet is non-planar, for example preformed into an open cavity. For example, the sheet may form a dihedral (i.e. two substantially planar walls forming an angle between them) or a cut (i.e. have a curved shape).

[0027] According to a possible embodiment, the protective sheet comprises two panels configured to be placed on either side of the area to be protected and to be assembled to each other with zero overlap or which, seen in a transverse plane, is less than 50°, preferably less than 20°.

[0028] In other words, the protective sheet is not formed by winding a ribbon, or even a panel, over several turns. This makes it possible to considerably reduce the assembly time. In addition, such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee good positioning of the sheet, and therefore ultimately good quality of protection, even without extensive expertise on the part of the assembly operator, in particular with regard to the suitable overlap of two adjacent portions of wound ribbon. The invention makes it possible to limit the manual and random nature of the assembly.

[0029] The two panels may form a single piece; they are not necessarily flat, but may, for example, be curved, in the shape of two half-shells. The sheet may be closed at or near the longitudinal edge of each panel, by a zipper, a buttonhole, a Velcro® type system, or any other suitable means.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment, the inner layer is fixed to the inner face of the protective sheet. The fixing can be achieved by sewing or any other suitable means. Thus, the invention provides a one-piece, ready-to-assemble assembly, which is particularly practical. For further integration of the functionalities, such an assembly can also include at least one filling fluid introduction nozzle and at least one vent.

[0031] Alternatively, the inner layer could form a separate part which is put in place alone, during a first assembly phase, the sheet being put in place in a second phase.

[0032] The protection system may further comprise a means for distributing the clamping pressure of the protective sheet. The distribution means may be located on the inner face of the protective sheet and be configured to provide lo- while increasing rigidity, without preventing the protective sheet from rolling up.

[0033] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

[0034] [fig. 1] is a perspective view of a protection system according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a protective sheet and an inner layer;

[0035] [fig.2] illustrates the inner layer wrapped around an area to be protected of at least a fluid conduit;

[0036] [fig.3] schematically illustrates a first phase of assembly of the protection system on the area to be protected;

[0037] [fig.4] schematically illustrates a second phase of assembly of the system of protection on the area to be protected;

[0038] [fig.5] schematically illustrates a third phase of assembly of the protection system on the area to be protected;

[0039] [fig.6] illustrates the area to be protected rolled up and tightened in the protective sheet;

[0040] [fig.7a] is a plan view of a clamping device provided with limiting means, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [fig.7b] is a view of the clamping device of [fig.7a] in a first assembly configuration;

[0042] [fig.7c] is a view of the clamping device of [fig.7a] in a second assembly configuration;

[0043] [fig.8] is a schematic view of a clamping device provided with limiting means, according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0044] [fig.9a] is a sectional view of a protection system comprising a clamping device provided with limiting means, according to another embodiment of the invention, before clamping;

[0045] [fig.9b] is a sectional view of the protection system of [fig.9a] during tightening;

[0046] [fig.9c] is a sectional view of the protection system of [fig.9a] at the end of tightening, in the final state;

[0047] [fig. 10a] is a sectional view of a protection system mounted on an area to be protected, in the final state;

[0048] [fig. 10b] is a sectional view of a protection system mounted on an area to be protected, in the final state, the protection system comprising a means for distributing the clamping pressure.

[0049] [fig.l] represents a protection system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Such a protection system 1 is intended to be installed around an area to be protected 2 of at least one fluid conduit 3. The area to be protected 2 may comprise a single conduit 3, for example following a repair carried out on this conduit, or several conduits 3 linked by a connector 4, to protect the connection zone. In figures 3, 4 and 5, there are three conduits 3 linked by a connector 4 in the zone to be protected 2; in figures 10a and 10b, there are two conduits 3 linked by a connector 4 in the zone to be protected 2. These examples are not limiting.

[0051] The longitudinal direction X is defined as being the general direction in which the fluid conduit(s) extend(s), at least in the vicinity of the zone to be protected 2. The terms “longitudinal”, “length”, “axial” and the like are used with reference to the direction X. Furthermore, the term “radial” is used with reference to any direction orthogonal to the direction X.

[0052] The fluid conduits 3 may be electrical cables, gas or water pipes, information transmission cables.

[0053] The protection system 1 comprises an inner layer 6, which is made of a flexible, compressible material, permeable to a fluid filling the protection system 1, i.e. which can be crossed or penetrated by this fluid. For example, the inner layer 6 comprises an open-cell foam. As illustrated in [fig.l], the inner layer 6 may be in the form of a piece cut from a panel.

[0054] The inner layer 6 is designed to be wound around the area to be protected 2, as illustrated in [fig.2], during a first step of placing the protection system 1 around the area to be protected 2. The protection system 1 may comprise means 7 for holding the inner layer 6 in the wound position. This is to allow temporary immobilization of the inner layer 6, before carrying out the other steps of placing the protection system 1, without or with little tightening, so as not to compress or to compress little the inner layer 6. These holding means comprise, for example, several circumferential straps 7, spaced along the longitudinal direction X. Each strap 7 may comprise one end fixed to the inner layer 6, for example sewn, and a free end provided with means for attachment to itself or to the inner layer 6.However, other embodiments are possible, such as straps not fixed to the inner layer 6.

[0055] The protection system 1 further comprises a protective sheet 10. The protective sheet 10 is flexible, so that it can be wrapped around the area to be protected, around the inner layer 6.

[0056] Depending on the applications, the protective sheet 10 may 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 sheet 10 preferably has sufficient mechanical strength to resist to external aggressions, under normal conditions of use, and to contain the filling fluid. The protective sheet 10 may consist of a waterproof fabric, for example a plastic-coated fabric.

[0057] The protective sheet 10 has two axial edges 13, 14, and two longitudinal edges 15, 16, the edges not necessarily being rectilinear.

[0058] It may be provided that, before its implementation, the protective sheet 10 is not flat, for example preformed into an open cavity, as illustrated in [fig.l]. This is however not limiting.

[0059] Preferably, the protective sheet 10 comprises two panels 11, 12 which are configured to be placed on either side of the area to be protected 2 and to be assembled to each other with zero or low overlap. In other words, with this configuration, the protective 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 optionally assembled to itself at or near its longitudinal edges 15, 16. This winding or folding around the area to be protected 2 may be made possible by the flexibility of the protective sheet 10, and / or by the presence of an area forming a hinge between the panels 11, 12.

[0060] A sealing member 17 may be arranged in the vicinity of each axial edge 13, 14, and preferably in the vicinity of at least one longitudinal edge 16 of the protective sheet 10. A barrier may thus be formed, preventing in particular the entry of water into the zone to be protected 2 and leaks of filling fluid.

[0061] In practice, the inner layer 6 is wound around the area to be protected 2 and held in this position by the holding means 7, then the protective sheet 10 is wound around the inner layer 6. The two windings can be done successively.

[0062] In [fig.2], we see only the inner layer 6 wrapped around the area to be protected 2, the protective sheet 10 which is here a separate part, being put in place later, by wrapping around the inner layer 6.

[0063] Alternatively, in [fig.l], the inner layer 6 is fixed to the inner face of the protective sheet 10, that is to say the face which will be turned towards the area to be protected 2. For this purpose, the protective sheet 10 and the inner layer 6 can be sewn together, for example along a substantially median stitching line 18. With such a one-piece configuration, it may however remain preferable to roll up the inner layer 6 during a first phase, to hold it via the holding means 7, then to roll up the protective sheet 10 during a second phase.

[0064] The protection system 1 is then in the assembled state, as illustrated in [fig.3]: the protection system 1 is correctly put in place around the area to be protected 2, at the end of the assembly steps (with the exception of the introduction of the filling fluid pleating), and forms a closed enclosure which encompasses the area to be protected 2 and into which the filling fluid can be introduced.

[0065] The protection system 1 further comprises a device for circumferentially clamping the protection sheet 10 in the mounted state, to arrive at a clamped state illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0066] The clamping device may comprise at least one strap 20 which extends over at least part of the circumference of the protection system 1, in the mounted state. The or each strap 20 further comprises first attachment means 21 which are arranged to cooperate with second attachment means 22 which are arranged on the protection system 1. The second attachment means 22 are for example arranged on the strap 20 (preferably at a location other than the location where the first attachment means 21 are located), or on the protective sheet 10 (preferably on the outer face, i.e. the face facing outwards in the mounted position).

[0067] According to one possible embodiment, a strap 20 is made up of a single strip, one end of which can be fixed to the sheet, the strap being wound around the protective sheet 10 and being fixed to itself. According to another possible embodiment, a strap 20 is made up of two separate strips, each strip having one end fixed to the sheet and the other end free, the two free ends being attached to each other.

[0068] Preferably, a plurality of circumferential straps 20 are provided, spaced along the longitudinal direction X, each strap being provided with attachment means 21, 22. Advantageously, the straps 20 have a large width - for example greater than 5 cm, or even greater than 8 cm - to avoid the formation of bulges during tightening.

[0069] The protection system 1 further comprises limitation means configured to limit the degree of circumferential clamping of the sheet 10 by means of the clamping device, so that a predetermined minimum distance is provided between the area to be protected 2 and the protection sheet 10.

[0070] Thus, in the tightened state, as illustrated in [fig.4], the inner layer 6 forms a filling of sufficient thickness e at all points of the zone to be protected 2, including opposite the sharp angles, to guarantee the effectiveness of the protection system 1.

[0071] More precisely, in the area to be protected 2, the thickness e in the clamped state results in a thickness e' at least equal to e, in the final state, as illustrated in Figure 5, after introduction of the fluid or other filling material. The calibrated clamping therefore makes it possible to guarantee a sufficient thickness of filling fluid. Of course, each of the axial ends of the protection system 1 must be tightly clamped around the corresponding conduit 3, without minimum thickness, to prevent any leakage of the filling fluid from the area to be protected 2. The axial ends must therefore be located at a distance from the area to be protected 2.

[0072] With reference to [fig.5], once the calibrated tightening step has been carried out, the filling fluid 19 is introduced into the area to be protected 2 through a nozzle 8, while the air initially present in the area to be protected can be evacuated through at least one vent 9. The filling fluid can be a mastic, a gel, a curable resin, etc. It is preferably sealed. The introduction of the filling fluid through the nozzle 8 can be carried out by gravity casting, by pressure injection, etc.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the filling nozzle 8 and the vents 9 are inserted by the assembly operator into pre-existing orifices made in the protective sheet 10, before winding this sheet 10. As a variant, the filling nozzle 8 and the vents 9 are pre-mounted on the protective sheet 10, forming a protection system 1 ready for use by the operator.

[0074] An embodiment of the means for limiting the degree of circumferential tightening of the protective sheet 10 is described with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7c.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the first attachment means 21 and the second attachment means 22 of a strap 20 are positioned and dimensioned to allow adjustment of the tightening between a predetermined minimum diameter Dmin and a predetermined maximum diameter Dmax.

[0076] For example, as illustrated in [fig.7a], the strap 20 comprises, on one face, the first attachment means 21 and, on the opposite face, the second attachment means 22, in the form of loops and hooks of a Velcro® type attachment. Figures 7b and 7c represent the extreme positions of mutual attachment of the first and second attachment means 21, 22, namely:

[0077] - an extreme position leading to a maximum diameter Dmax, therefore to a minimum tightening (figure 7b); - an extreme position leading to a minimum diameter Dmin, therefore to maximum tightening (figure 7c).

[0078] As seen in [fig.7c], further narrowing of the diameter of the strap 20 would not allow the first and second attachment means 21, 22 to cooperate. Thus, a greater circumferential tightening than that shown in [fig.7c] is not possible.

[0079] Another embodiment of the limiting means is illustrated in [fig.8]. According to this embodiment, the strap 20 has a fixed length and comprises first attachment means 21 which are arranged to cooperate with second attachment means 22 arranged on the protection system, in a single attachment position generating a predetermined degree of tightening.

[0080] For this purpose, it can be provided that the strap 20 comprises:

[0081] - a strip 23 having one end fixed to the protective sheet 10, by example sewn, and a free end provided with the first attachment means 21; - and a strip 21 having one end fixed to the protective sheet 10, for example sewn, and a free end provided with the second attachment means 22;

[0082] the attachment means 21, 22 forming one a female part and the other a male part of a snap-fastening system.

[0083] The mutual snap-fastening of the first and second attachment means 21, 22 is done according to a predetermined, non-adjustable diameter, thereby limiting the circumferential tightening imposed on the protection system 1.

[0084] Figures 9a to 9c illustrate yet another embodiment of the limiting means, which are not arranged on the clamping device but on the protective sheet 10.

[0085] The limiting means comprise at least one spacer 25 which can be mounted on the inner face of the sheet 10 and which has a predetermined height h - in a radial direction - calibrated to prevent excessive tightening. For example, the spacer(s) 25 are at least partly housed in the inner layer 6.

[0086] Thus, as the operator tightens the tightening means (from [fig.9a] to [fig.9c]), the spacers 25 move closer to the conduit 3, the connector 4, or possibly another element of the zone to be protected 2, until they come into abutment against this element, at least at the right angle of the tightening means, that is to say where the tightening is greatest.

[0087] Beyond the position illustrated in [fig.9c], further tightening is prevented by the fact that at least one spacer 25 is in abutment against the connector 4 - or another element. The height h of a spacer 25 determines the thickness e obtained in the vicinity of the spacer 25.

[0088] Figures 10a and 10b show an area to be protected 2 surrounded by a protection system 1 in the final state.

[0089] As can be seen in [fig.10a], the localized tightening at the level of the straps 20 along the longitudinal direction X can result, under the pressure of the filling fluid 19, in the appearance of beads between two adjacent straps 20.

[0090] To overcome this problem, the protection system 1 may comprise a means 30 for distributing the clamping pressure of the protection sheet 10. The distribution means 30 may be located on the inner face of the protection sheet 10. It is configured to locally provide increased rigidity, without preventing the protection sheet 10 from being wound. The distribution means 30 is preferably integral with the protection sheet 10. It may consist of a separate plate integral with the protective sheet 10 (for example by gluing, sewing or welding), or a localized excess thickness of the protective sheet 10, made in a single piece with the sheet.

[0091] As can be seen by comparing figures 10a and 10b, the distribution means 30, located at least partly in line with two adjacent straps 20, makes it possible to locally reduce the formation of beads. This makes it possible in particular to reduce the space to be filled with the filling fluid, the cost of which is relatively high.

[0092] Thus, the invention provides a decisive improvement to the prior art.

[0093] By providing a tight flexible sheet, the invention allows excellent adaptation to the contours of the area to be protected, allows a certain flexibility in positioning the conduit(s) (in particular the entry / exit zones of these in the protection system), reduces the types of protection systems required and therefore stocks, reduces the volume of filling fluid, considerably limits the size before installation but also in the final state.

[0094] In addition, the tightening limitation means make it possible to prevent excessive tightening, which is detrimental to the quality of the protection provided.

[0095] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Protection system (1) for an area to be protected (2) of at least one fluid conduit (3), comprising: - an inner layer (6) made of a flexible, compressible material, and permeable to a filling fluid (19) of the protection system (1); - a flexible protective sheet (10); the protection system (1) being configured so that, in the assembled state, the protective sheet (10) is wound around the inner layer (6) itself wound around the area to be protected (2), so as to form a closed enclosure which encompasses the area to be protected (2) and into which the filling fluid (19) can be introduced, the protection system (1) further comprising a circumferential clamping device (20) for the protective sheet (10) in the assembled state;characterized in that the protection system (1) further comprises limiting means (21, 22, 25) configured to limit the degree of circumferential clamping of the protective sheet (10) by means of the clamping device (20), and thus to limit the degree of compression of the inner layer (6) in the area to be protected (2), at a distance from the axial ends of the protective sheet (10), so that a predetermined minimum distance is provided between the area to be protected (2) and the protective sheet (10).;

2. Protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting means (21, 22) are arranged on the clamping device (20).

3. A protection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tightening device comprises at least one strap (20) which extends over at least part of the circumference of the protection system (1), in the mounted state, the strap (20) comprising first attachment means (21) which are arranged to cooperate with second attachment means (22) arranged on the protection system (1), the first and second attachment means (21, 22) being positioned and / or dimensioned to allow adjustment of the tightening between a predetermined minimum diameter (Dmin) and maximum diameter (Dmax).

4. Protection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second attachment means (21, 22) are provided on the strap (20) and one has loops, the other hooks, to form a Velcro® type attachment.

5. Protection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tightening device comprises at least one strap (20) which extends over at least part of the circumference of the protection system (1), in the mounted state, the strap (20) having a fixed length and comprising first hooking means (21) which are arranged to cooperate with second hooking means (22) arranged on the protection system (1), in a single hooking position generating a predetermined degree of tightening.

6. Protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting means (25) are arranged on the protective sheet (10).

7. Protection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the limiting means comprise at least one spacer (25) mounted on the protection system (1) on the side of the inner face of the sheet (10), the spacer (25) having a predetermined height (h) and being configured to come into abutment against the conduit (3) or another element of the area to be protected (2), at least at right angles to the clamping means (20).

8. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the protective sheet (10) is made of a material which is electrically insulating and / or waterproof.

9. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, before its implementation, the protective sheet (10) is non-planar, for example preformed into an open cavity.

10. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the protective sheet (10) comprises two panels (11, 12) configured to be placed on either side of the area to be protected (2) and to be assembled to each other with zero overlap or which, seen in a transverse plane, is less than 50°, preferably less than 20°.

11. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a sealing member (17) arranged in the vicinity of each axial edge (13, 14) of the protective sheet (10) and preferably in the vicinity of at least one longitudinal edge (15, 16) of the protective sheet (10).

12. 12. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner layer (6) comprises an open-cell foam.

13. 13. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 12, ca- characterized in that the inner layer (6) is fixed on the inner face of the protective sheet (10).

14. 14. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises means (7) for holding the inner layer (6) in the rolled-up position.

15. Protection system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a means (30) for distributing the clamping pressure of the protective sheet (10), said distribution means (30) being located on the inner face of the protective sheet (10) and being configured to locally provide increased rigidity, without preventing the protective sheet (10) from rolling up.

Images