Submersible structure equipped with a textile band designed to form a sheath to protect a connection system

A textile strip forms a protective sheath around connection systems in submersible structures, addressing damage from sea currents and facilitating installation and maintenance, with enhanced mechanical protection and electrical insulation.

FR3149623A1Active Publication Date: 2024-12-13GEOCORAIL
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023005728
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-07
Publication Date
2024-12-13
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connection systems in submersible structures are prone to damage due to mechanical forces from sea currents and swell, leading to premature degradation.

Method used

A textile strip is sewn to form a sheath around the connection system, providing mechanical protection and insulation, and is equipped with a closing device for easy installation and maintenance.

Benefits of technology

The textile strip protects the connection system from mechanical forces, facilitates handling, and ensures easy installation and maintenance, while maintaining electrical insulation and guiding underwater cables.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an immersible structure comprising a textile width and a textile band intended to form a protective sheath for a connection system. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1
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Description

Title of the invention: Immersible structure equipped with a textile strip intended to form a sheath to protect a connection system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of immersible structures comprising textiles intended to retain filling materials or to be in contact with one or more mineral materials. Without being limited thereto, it finds a particular application for the production of systems for the formation of calco-magnesian concretions in an aqueous medium by electrolysis, via, for example, the production of filled or unfilled textile structures.

[0002] Such submersible structures are intended to be submerged along coasts or banks, for example in order to form an erosion control device, such as a submerged dike or a submerged breakwater. Technological background

[0003] It is known to use textile strips in the construction of submersible structures of the aforementioned type. When submerged, the textile strips define an envelope which contains sand, sediments or any other mineral aggregate in order to ballast the submersible structure and shape it, particularly at the level of a seabed.

[0004] During the construction of such works, it is known to equip the textile strips and / or to incorporate electrically, optically or thermally conductive elements. These elements are then connected to one or more connection systems which make it possible to electrically, optically or thermally power the elements integrated in the textiles. Thus, document WO2021255131 discloses a textile incorporating metallic conductive threads and thus forming a cathodic structure for the formation of calco-magnesian concretions. The cathodic structure is connected to an electrical generator via connection systems. The electrical generator is also connected to an anode.

[0005] However, these connection systems do not have the same mechanical properties as the textiles used and are often damaged during their transport, their installation or the life cycle of the textiles.

[0006] This is particularly true when the submersible structure is intended for underwater use. Indeed, the connection systems as well as the cables to which they are connected are then agitated by the effect of sea currents and swell, which is likely to degrade them prematurely. Summary

[0007] An idea at the basis of the invention aims to propose an immersible structure intended to be equipped with a connection system and making it possible to solve the aforementioned problems, in particular by conferring greater robustness to the connection system.

[0008] An idea underlying the invention is also to improve the transport, installation and packaging of a connection system installed on a textile strip, in particular an immersible structure.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the invention thus provides an immersible structure comprising: - a textile strip intended to retain a filling material or to be in contact with one or more mineral materials, comprising fibers and having a strip surface delimited by a first closed line formed by a first plurality of edges, and - a textile strip comprising fibers and having a textile strip surface delimited by a second closed line formed by a second plurality of edges, the textile width and the textile strip being sewn together by means of a sewing line; the textile strip being adapted to be arranged in a closed configuration in which the textile strip is closed on itself and forms a sheath intended to protect an electrical or optical connection system.

[0010] Thanks to these characteristics, the electrical or optical connection system is protected by the sheath formed by the textile strip closed on itself and optionally wound around the connection system. In other words, such a textile strip wound around the connection system is also considered to be closed on itself.

[0011] By construction, the sheath is held against the textile width and therefore allows the connection system to also be held against it. This makes it possible to limit or even eliminate the mechanical forces exerted on the connection system since it no longer protrudes more or less from the textile width.

[0012] In addition, the mechanical properties of the textile strip allow the sheath to operate as a shell to protect the connection system.

[0013] According to embodiments, such an immersible structure may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the immersible structure comprises a plurality of textile strips intended to retain a filling material, comprising fibers and each having a strip surface delimited by a first closed line formed by a first plurality of edges; each textile strip being fixed to at least one of the textile strips by means of a sewing line extending along a lateral edge of the first plurality of edges of each of the two textile strips fixed to one another. to the other, the textile strip being fixed to the textile widths by said sewing line.

[0015] Thus, the connection system can be used for both textile widths. For example, it can allow the electrical supply of both textile widths.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the plurality of edges of each of the textile strips comprises two longitudinal edges joining two opposite lateral edges of each textile strip of the plurality of textile strips, said two longitudinal edges being sewn to each other so as to form a tubular structure intended to be filled with the filling material.

[0017] Thus, the submersible structure can be used as a container and for example can be a geocontainer intended to create submerged dikes.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the tubular structure contains the filling material in order to ballast it. The filling material is notably chosen from gravel, sand, silt, clay and / or any other mineral aggregate.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the stitching line is also located along a longitudinal edge of the textile strip surface.

[0020] Thus, it is easier to assemble together the textile strip with the textile width but also a textile strip located between two textile widths.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the textile strip comprises a portion sandwiched between two textile strips fixed to each other by the first stitching line and which extends over the entire length of the longitudinal edge of the strip surface of the two adjacent textile strips.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, the immersible structure comprises a plurality of textile strips which are each integrated, in a thickness direction, between two adjacent textile widths.

[0023] Thus, the textile strip separates the two adjacent textile widths. There is then a textile discontinuity since the textile strip acts as a boundary between the two widths.

[0024] According to one embodiment, at least one textile width comprises electrically conductive threads.

[0025] Thus, it can transmit a current or even be used as a cathode structure.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the textile strip is electrically insulating.

[0027] Thus, it electrically insulates the connection system positioned in the sheath or even two textile strips from each other.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the textile strip is equipped with at least one element of a closing device adapted to close the textile strip on itself so that it is in the closed configuration.

[0029] Thus, handling of the textile strip is facilitated during installation operations. or maintenance.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the at least one element of the closing device is chosen from: - a self-gripping strip of a self-gripping closure system, - an orifice, drilled or pre-drilled, or - a lace, tie, clamp and / or any other means of suture suitable for passing through an orifice or into the natural mesh of the textile strip - a male or female element of a male-female closure system, - a stapling and / or sewing system, - welding and / or heat sealing; and / or - a glue.

[0031] Such elements are easy to use in an aquatic environment.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the immersible structure further comprises an electrical or optical connection system which is mechanically secured to the width surface of the textile width and is positioned so as to be housed inside the sheath formed by the textile strip.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the or each textile strip comprises electrically conductive threads; the connection system is an electrical connection system; and the connection system is electrically connected to the electrically conductive threads of the textile.

[0034] Thus, the electrically conductive wires of the immersible structure can be used as a cathode structure of an electrolysis device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a system for forming concretions in an electrolytic medium by electrolysis; the system comprising an immersible structure of the aforementioned type, an anodic structure and a cathodic structure connected to each other, the cathodic structure being formed by the electrically conductive wires of the immersible structure. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0037] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents an immersible structure comprising a textile width and an extended textile strip according to a first embodiment.

[0038] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows several embodiments of the closing device of the textile band.

[0039] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents an immersible structure comprising a textile strip and a textile strip closed on itself.

[0040] [Fig.4a] and [Fig.4b] Figures 4a and 4b show embodiments al alternatives to the immersible structure.

[0041] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents an immersible structure comprising two strips textiles and a textile strip.

[0042] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a plurality of textile strips forming a structure tubular.

[0043] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a schematic view of a textile strip taken in sandwich between two adjacent widths in an open configuration where the textile strip is extended.

[0044] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a plurality of textile strips forming a structure tubular and equipped with electrically conductive wires.

[0045] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a possible use of the immersible structure in as a cathodic structure of a system for forming concretions by electrolysis.

[0046] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic view of a textile strip sandwiched between two adjacent widths in a closed configuration where the textile strip is closed on itself around a connection system.

[0047] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a sectional view along a seam line connecting two textile widths and a textile strip.

[0048] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] represents a textile width comprising electrically conductive threads in one possible arrangement.

[0049] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents several immersible structures connected to each other by an electrical connection system passing through a sheath per immersible structure. Description of the embodiments

[0050] Device

[0051] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the immersible structure 1000 comprises a textile width 1 and a textile strip 2 secured to each other by a sewing line 4.

[0052] The textile width 1 comprises textile fibers 10 (not shown), distributed within a width surface ST. The width surface ST is defined and delimited by a closed line formed by a plurality of edges 18. This closed line defines the general shape of the textile width 1. This general shape may be a parallelepiped for example but any other shape may be provided. For example, a textile width 1 of triangular shape is shown in [Fig.4a].

[0053] In the embodiment where the general shape of the textile width 1 is parallelepipedal, the length and width of the textile width 1 are defined according to an application possible of the immersible structure 1000: the realization of a tubular structure as illustrated in [Fig.6] or 8.

[0054] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the longitudinal direction L of a textile width 1 is defined according to the longitudinal direction L of the tubular structure, i.e. in the length direction of the tubular structure; and the lateral direction 1 of a textile width 1 is defined according to the lateral direction 1, i.e. in the width direction, of the tubular structure.

[0055] According to the preceding definitions, the length of the textile width 1 extends in the lateral direction 1 thereof, corresponding to the lateral direction 1 of a tubular structure as illustrated in [Fig.6] or 8.

[0056] Furthermore, a textile width 1 may have a width of between 2 and 8 meters, preferably between 3 and 6 meters, even more preferably between 4.5 and 5.5 meters, for example a width of the order of 5.20 m.

[0057] The fibers 10 give the textile width 1 its general mechanical properties. In particular, the textile fibers 10 allow the textile width 1 to retain or support a filling material whether it is placed in a gaseous or liquid medium.

[0058] The filling material may be a loose material. The loose material may in particular result mainly from the degradation and transport of a rock by gravity, water or air. It may be gravel, sand, silt, clay, any other mineral aggregate or a combination of one or more of these elements.

[0059] In particular, the textile width 1 is therefore capable of retaining in an aquatic environment, a loose material of the aforementioned type.

[0060] The fibers 10 may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The textile fibers 10 may be woven or non-woven, i.e. agglomerated with a binder within the textile surface ST. For example, the textile width 1 may be a geotextile and thus comprise polymer fibers 10 forming a permeable, flexible, strong and filtering sheet.

[0061] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 12], the textile width 1 comprises electrically conductive threads.

[0062] These electrically conductive threads can be integrated into the fibers 10 according to a specific arrangement obtained by weaving, knitting, sewing, gluing or superposition.

[0063] The textile strip 2 comprises fibers 20 (not shown), for example textile fibers 20, distributed within a textile strip surface SB. If the fibers 20 are textile fibers, they may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The fibers 20 may then be woven or non-woven, i.e. agglomerated with a binder within the textile surface SB.

[0064] Similarly, the textile strip surface SB is defined and delimited by a closed line formed by a plurality of edges 22. This closed line defines the general shape of the textile strip 2. For example, the general shape of the textile strip 2 can also be parallelepipedal as illustrated in the figures. However, any type of shape is possible (not shown).

[0065] The longitudinal direction of the textile strip 2 is defined, in a conventional manner, according to the length direction of the textile strip 2, i.e. its largest dimension; and the lateral direction is defined, in a conventional manner, according to the width direction of the textile strip 2, i.e. its smallest dimension.

[0066] The fibers 20 define the general mechanical properties of the textile strip 2. For example, the fibers 20 may be electrically insulating. Thus, in this case, the textile strip 2 is electrically insulating.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the textile strip 2 may also comprise a closing device 8. This closing device 8 makes it possible to close the textile strip 2 on itself. In other words, the closing device 8 makes it possible to move the textile strip 2 from an open configuration - in which it is extended - to a closed configuration in which it defines an internal volume. This internal volume may receive a device to be protected or insulated. For example, the internal volume of the textile strip 2 in the closed configuration may protect an electrical or optical connection system 16.

[0068] The closing device 8 can be: - a self-gripping strip 12 of a self-gripping closure system, - an orifice 14, pierced or pre-pierced, as illustrated in figures 7 and 10, - a lace, tie, clamp and / or any other suture means suitable for passing through an orifice or in the natural meshes of the textile strip 2, - a male or female element of a male-female closure system, - a stapling and / or sewing system, - welding and / or heat sealing; and / or - glue.

[0069] It is also possible to combine within the closing device 8 the closing elements presented above.

[0070] The self-gripping textile strip 12 can be sewn or welded onto the textile strip 2.

[0071] The closing device 8 makes it possible to easily close the textile strip 2 on itself. The closing of the textile strip 2 can take place while all or part of the textile strip is wound on itself or on the connection system to be protected. In particular, such a closing device 8 allows rapid and efficient use in an aquatic environment. This application example will be described in more detail later.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the textile strip 2 is sewn with the textile width 1 along a sewing line 4 using a sewing thread. The textile strip 2 is shown in an open configuration in [Fig.l]: it is extended and still has an edge, opposite the sewn edge, free. Conversely, in [Fig.3], it is shown in a closed configuration and the edge opposite the sewn edge is no longer free but attached to another portion of the textile strip 2 so that the textile strip 2 is closed on itself.

[0073] This sewing can be done either manually with a needle, or using a sewing machine, an overlocker or any suitable device.

[0074] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the sewing line 4 is located both on an edge 18 of the textile width 1 and on an edge 22 of the textile strip 2. In addition, the sewing line 4 extends over the entirety of a lateral edge of the textile width. Thus, according to this embodiment, the textile strip 2 and the textile width 1 have a dimension of the same value. Here, a length of the textile strip 2 is of the same value as a length of the textile width 1 extending in the lateral direction 1.

[0075] Nevertheless, alternative embodiments are possible. They are illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b. According to these embodiments, the stitching line 4 may be located only on one edge 18 of the textile width 1 (in other words, the stitching line 4 is not on an edge 22 of the textile strip 2). The stitching line 4 may also not be located along the entire length of an edge 22 of the textile strip 2 or of an edge 18 of the textile width 1, i.e. be located only on a portion of an edge 18 or 22.

[0076] Finally, these embodiments can be combined with each other or with the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0077] It is possible to fix a plurality of textile strips 1 together in order to create an assembly of textile strips 1 intended to hold together a filling material as previously described. Ideally, the textile strips 1 assembled together have an identical general shape.

[0078] In [Fig.5], two adjacent textile widths 1a and 1b are fixed together by means of the sewing line 4a. A cross-sectional view across the sewing line 4a is illustrated in [Fig.11] as an example.

[0079] The sewing line 4a joining the two adjacent textile widths 1a and 1b may be located on a lateral edge of the textile widths 1a and 1b. In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], the sewing line 4a is further located along the entire common lateral edge of the textile widths 1a and 1b.

[0080] This assembly of two textile widths 1a and 1b can be generalized to any number of textile widths. For example, between 5 and 10 textile widths 1 can be assembled together two by two. Each pair is then sewn together along a sewing line 4.

[0081] A particular assembly example may provide that the plurality of textile widths 1 comprise two longitudinal edges joining two opposite lateral edges of said textile strip 1 of the plurality of textile strips 1. The two longitudinal edges of each textile strip 1 are then sewn together, one to the other, so as to form a tubular structure intended to be filled with the filling material.

[0082] For example, such an assembly may comprise 7 textile strips 1 and be used in the design of a geotube, or even a geotube intended to form concretions by electrolysis. In other words, the immersible structure 1000 may be a geotube or even a geotube intended to form concretions by electrolysis.

[0083] Furthermore, it is possible that the stitching line 4 between two adjacent textile widths 1 is located along an edge 22 of the textile strip 2 of one of the textile widths 1. The textile strip 2 then extends entirely or mainly on one side of the stitching line 4.

[0084] The assembly of the plurality of textile strips 1 may provide that the textile strip 2 comprises a portion sandwiched between the two adjacent textile strips 1 as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. In this case, the textile strip 2 is preferably sewn along a sewing line 4 extending over the entire length of the common lateral edges of the two adjacent textile strips 1.

[0085] For example, the two textile widths 1a and 1b and the textile strip 2 can be sewn together along the sewing line 4a. Ideally, the textile strip 2 is integrated between the two textile widths 1a and 1b. In other words, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 10, in a thickness direction of the sewing line 4a, the two textile widths 1a and 1b and the textile strip 2 are arranged in the following order: textile width 1a, textile strip 2, textile width 1b.

[0086] If the sewing line 4 extends over the entire length of the common lateral edges of the two adjacent textile widths 1, the textile strip 2 then forms a barrier between the two textile widths 1a and 1b, i.e. prevents direct contact between the two surfaces of the textile widths 1a and 1b.

[0087] The assembly of the plurality of textile strips 1 may provide that a plurality of textile strips 2 are integrated into the plurality of textile strips 1.

[0088] For example, it is possible to provide that a textile strip 2 is integrated between each pair of adjacent textile widths 1a and 1b as described previously.

[0089] If the textile strips comprise electrically conductive threads and the textile strips 2 are electrically insulating then the textile strips 2 sandwiched between two textile strips 1 electrically insulate the textile strips 1 from each other. In other words, the textile strips 2 then form an electrically insulating barrier.

[0090] If the arrangement of textile strips 1 is intended to form a tubular structure, an extreme textile strip 2 may be provided at one of the extreme edges of the tubular structure.

[0091] The immersible structure 1000 may also comprise an electrical, thermal or optical connection system 16 (or a combination thereof) secured to one or more textile strips 1.

[0092] For example, it may be an electrical power supply system. In particular, if one or the technical strip 1 comprises electrically conductive wires, the connection system 16 may be an electrical power supply system for these wires. For example, it may be an electrical current collector and / or an electrical power supply cable, for example underwater. For example, in Figures 7 and 10, a connection system 16 is connected to the electrically conductive wires of the strip 1a as an electrical current collector.

[0093] The connection system 16 may also be an instrumentation system suitable for collecting measurements, for example. The measurements may be transmitted in the form of an electrical or optical pulse.

[0094] The connection system 16 is positioned at the internal surface of one or more textile strips 2 of the immersible structure 1000. Thus, when the textile strip 2 is in the closed configuration, it forms a sheath 6 around the connection system 16.

[0095] The sheath 6 thus protects the connection system 16. If the textile strip 2 is electrically insulating, the sheath 6 also insulates the connection system 16.

[0096] Applications

[0097] We will now describe several particular applications of the immersible structure 1000 described above. General advantages thereof will then appear.

[0098] The immersible structure 1000 can be advantageously used to form concretions in an electrolytic medium by electrolysis of sea water.

[0099] The cathode structure is then formed by the conductive wires included in one or more textile strips 1 of the immersible structure 1000.

[0100] An anode structure (not shown) is then positioned at a determined distance from the immersible structure 1000 and a generator (not shown) applies an electrical potential difference between the anode and cathode structures immersed in an aqueous medium, for example sea water.

[0101] The immersible structure 1000 then comprises one or more connection systems 16, here electrical power supply systems, used to supply electricity to the cathode structure formed by the electrically conductive threads of the textile strip(s) 1.

[0102] The immersible structure 1000 forming the cathode structure may form a tubular structure as described above and illustrated in [Fig.8]. The immersible structure 1000 forming the cathode structure then forms a container which may be filled with a filler material.

[0103] The immersible structure 1000 may also not be filled and form the cathode structure.

[0104] For example, in the case of a ground, partially or totally sandy or stony, loose or firm, the immersible structure 1000 can then be, in whole or in part, buried in the part or parts of a ground, dry or wet, to be consolidated, stabilized, reinforced or reconstituted.

[0105] For example, in the case of natural or artificial rockfill, or a construction made of stone, cement or concrete, reinforced or not, the immersible structure 1000 can also be applied to the wall and in the interstices of the works to be protected, and maintained by direct mechanical stapling in contact with this wall using staples, pitons, hooks, metallic or not.

[0106] It is also provided that the immersible structure 1000 forming the cathodic structure is, in certain cases, partly buried in the sandy or stony part of the ground, and for the rest, applied or fixed to the wall of the natural or artificial structure to be protected.

[0107] In all these application examples, the submersible structure 1000 forming the cathode structure of an electrolysis device and, where appropriate, its casing containing a ballast can be either buried at the bottom, or deposited and possibly fixed, for example by means of pitons and metal lag screws, on a sandy or rocky bottom, horizontal, oblique or vertical, or suspended in open water and held by buoys and ropes or cables, or placed, hung or inserted in aerial parts of structures to be protected which are never, or only episodically, in contact with sea water or an electrolyte.

[0108] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a possible use of an immersible structure 1000. The electrically conductive wires of three immersible structures 1000 together form a cathode structure of a device for forming calco-magnesian concretions by electrolysis. The anode structure is positioned around and at a distance from the three immersible structures 1000. Each immersible structure 1000 is electrically powered via an electrical power cable 30 connected to a generator.

[0109] According to an alternative embodiment, the electrolysis device described above comprises only a single immersible structure 1000. The electrically conductive wires of this single immersible structure 1000 then form the cathode structure of the electrolysis device.

[0110] Difficulties are often encountered during the step of connecting the strip(s) of the electrical connection system(s) 16 with the electrical power supply cable(s) 30 but also during the maintenance of the electrical connection system(s). 16.

[0111] The use of a textile strip 2 of the immersible structure 1000 makes it possible to overcome these difficulties.

[0112] Indeed, the electrical connection system(s) 16 are positioned inside the sheath(s) 6 formed by the textile strip(s) 2 as illustrated in [Fig.10].

[0113] Thus, the electrical connection system(s) 16 are protected and held against the textile strip(s) 1. Thus, they are protected from sea currents likely to damage the connection between the electrical connection system(s) 16 and the electrically conductive wires of the textile strip(s) 1.

[0114] In addition, the closing device 8 also facilitates the connection step since operators can then more easily connect the electrically conductive wires connected to the connection system 16, secured to a textile strip 1 of the submersible structure, with the underwater power cable(s) 30 and then close the textile strip 2 dedicated to the connection system 16 on itself and around the connection system 16 in order to form a protective sheath 6 around it.

[0115] In addition, if the submersible structure 1000 forms a tubular structure held on the ground by its own weight or fixing devices such as described above, the sheath(s) 6 can advantageously be placed in the upper part of the tubular structure. Thus, the connection system(s) 16 positioned inside the sheath(s) 6 are more easily accessible for maintenance operations.

[0116] When the immersible structure 1000 comprises several textile strips 1, another advantage of using a textile strip 2 to protect an electrical connection system 2 is that each textile strip 2 forming the sheath 6 makes it possible to electrically insulate two adjacent textile strips 1 and also to separately electrify the different textile strips.

[0117] This makes it possible to electrically power each textile strip 1 separately, which represents an advantage for balancing the polarization of the immersible structure 1000 over its entire length and / or its surface.

[0118] Another advantage provided by the use of the textile strip 2 is that it can also be used to protect and guide a connection system 16, for example an underwater power cable 30.

[0119] For example, the textile strip 2, once in the closed configuration, i.e. in the form of a sheath 6, makes it possible to guide an underwater power cable 30 along the stitching line 4. The flexibility of the textile strip 2 used to produce the sheath 6 is advantageous in comparison with guidance produced using a rigid guide element.

[0120] For example, the same submarine power cable 30 can supply electricity trically several submersible structures 1000, for example side by side as illustrated in [Fig. 13] (only tubular structures have been illustrated here). To do this, it is made possible to position the underwater power cable 30 inside the textile strips 2 in an open configuration (in which they are extended) and then to form the sheaths 6 around the underwater power cable 30 (the textile strips 2 are then in a closed configuration).

[0121] The underwater power cable 30 is then guided along the stitching line 4 of each sheath 6. The guidance of the underwater cable 30 is thus obtained in a much more practical manner compared to conventional guidance according to which it would have been necessary to insert the underwater power cable 30 inside one or more guide elements. This makes it possible to dispense with the use of a cable puller.

[0122] Furthermore, the flexibility of the textile sheaths 6 is still advantageous since the relative positions of the immersible structures 1000 with each other are often mobile over time due, for example, to sea currents.

[0123] The sheaths 6 also make it possible to connect together, via the underwater power cable 30, these independent submersible structures 1000. Here too, the flexibility of the textile sheaths 6 is advantageous since the relative positions of the submersible structures 1000 with each other are often mobile over time.

[0124] In addition, the underwater power cable 30 is then held against the textile strip(s) 1 in the sheath(s) 6 and thus protected from sea currents. Finally, the fibers 20 of the textile strip make it possible to protect the underwater power cable 30 thanks to their mechanical properties.

[0125] Such immersible structures - whatever the use - can thus be used to protect a cliff or the foundations of a port by allowing concretions to be formed in an electrolytic medium by electrolysis. Indeed, the electrically conductive wires of the immersible structure 1000 form the cathode part of an electrolysis system, in contact with a marine or brackish environment, are covered with a deposit of salts, called by specialists "calcium-magnesium", caused by the precipitation on this structure of saline ions, in particular CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide), dissolved in sea water or in the brackish water of lagoons.

[0126] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0127] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0128] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Immersible structure (1000) comprising: - a textile strip (1) intended to retain a filling material or to be in contact with one or more mineral materials, comprising fibers (10) and having a strip surface (ST) delimited by a first closed line formed by a first plurality of edges (18), and - a textile strip (2) comprising fibers (20) and having a textile strip surface (SB) delimited by a second closed line formed by a second plurality of edges (22), the textile strip (1) and the textile strip (2) being sewn together by means of a sewing line (4); the textile strip (2) being adapted to be arranged in a closed configuration in which the textile strip (2) is closed on itself and forms a sheath (6) intended to protect an electrical or optical connection system (16).

2. Immersible structure (1000) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of textile strips (1) intended to retain a filling material, comprising fibers (10) and each having a strip surface (ST) delimited by a first closed line formed by a first plurality of edges (18); each textile strip (1) being fixed to at least one of the textile strips (1) by means of a sewing line (4) extending along a lateral edge of the first plurality of edges of each of the two textile strips fixed to each other, the textile strip (2) being fixed to the textile strips by said sewing line (4).

3. An immersible structure (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of edges of each of the textile strips (1) comprises two longitudinal edges joining two opposite lateral edges of each textile strip (1) of the plurality of textile strips (1), said two longitudinal edges being sewn to each other so as to form a tubular structure intended to be filled with the filling material.

4. An immersible structure (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the stitching line is also located along a longitudinal edge of the textile strip surface (SB).

5. Immersible structure (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the textile strip (2) comprises a portion sandwiched between two textile strips fixed to each other by the first sewing line (4) and which extends over the entire length of the lateral edge of the width surface (ST) of the two adjacent textile widths (1).

6. Immersible structure (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 comprising a plurality of textile strips (2) integrated, in a thickness direction, between two adjacent textile strips (1).

7. Immersible structure (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one textile strip (1) comprises electrically conductive threads.

8. An immersible structure (1000) according to any one of claims 5 or 6 and claim 7 taken in combination, wherein the textile strip (2) is electrically insulating.

9. Immersible structure (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the textile strip (2) is equipped with at least one element of a closing device (8) adapted to close the textile strip (2) on itself so that it is in the closed configuration.

10. Immersible structure (1000) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one element of the closure device is chosen from: - a self-gripping strip (12) of a self-gripping closure system, - an orifice (14), pierced or pre-pierced, - a lace, tie, clamp and / or any other suture means adapted to pass through an orifice or into the natural meshes of the textile strip (2) - a male or female element of a male-female closure system, - a stapling and / or sewing system, - welding and / or heat-sealing; and / or - an adhesive.

11. Immersible structure (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an electrical or optical connection system (16) which is mechanically secured to the width surface (ST) of the textile width (1) and is positioned so as to be housed inside the sheath (6) formed by the textile strip (2).

12. Immersible structure (1000) according to the preceding claim, in which : - the or each textile strip (1) comprises electrically conductive threads; - the connection system (16) is an electrical connection system; and - the connection system (16) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive wires of the textile (1).

13. System for forming concretions in an electrolytic medium (9) by electrolysis; the system comprising an immersible structure according to claim 12, an anode structure (7) and a cathode structure (8) connected to each other, the cathode structure (8) being formed by the electrically conductive wires of the immersible structure (1000).

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