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

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

Description

Title of the invention: Submersible structure equipped with a textile band intended to form a sheath to protect a connection system technical field

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

[0002] Such submersible structures are intended to be submerged along coasts or banks, for example 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 that 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 structures, it is known to equip the textile widths and / or incorporate electrically, optically, or thermally conductive elements. These elements are then connected to one or more connection systems that provide electrically, optically, or thermally power to the elements integrated into the textiles. Thus, document WO2021255131 discloses a textile incorporating metallic conductive threads, thereby forming a cathodic structure for the formation of calc-magnesium 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 transport, 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 and the cables to which they are connected are then agitated by ocean currents and swells, which is likely to cause them to degrade prematurely. Summary

[0007] An idea underlying the invention aims to provide an immersible structure intended to be equipped with a connection system and enabling the aforementioned problems to be solved, in particular by giving better 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 width, in particular of an immersible structure.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the invention thus provides an immersible structure comprising: - a textile width intended to retain a filling material or to be in contact with one or more mineral materials, comprising fibers and having a width 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 stitching line; the textile strip being adapted to be arranged in a closed configuration in which the textile strip is closed upon 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 upon itself and optionally wrapped around the connection system. In other words, such a textile strip wrapped around the connection system is also considered to be closed upon itself.

[0011] By design, the sleeve is held against the fabric width, thus allowing the connection system to also be held against it. This limits or even eliminates the mechanical stresses exerted on the connection system since it no longer protrudes significantly from the fabric width.

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

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

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

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

[0016] According to one embodiment, the plurality of edges of each of the textile widths comprises two longitudinal edges joining two opposite lateral edges of each textile width of the plurality of textile widths, 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 widths fixed to each other by the first line of stitching and which extends over the entire length of the lateral edge of the width surface of the two adjacent textile widths.

[0022] According to one 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 yarns.

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] According to one embodiment, at least one element of the closing device is chosen from: - a self-gripping strip of a self-gripping closure system, - an opening, drilled or pre-drilled, or - a lace, tie, cable tie and / or any other suitable means of suturing to pass through an opening or through the natural weave of the textile band - 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 aquatic environments.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the immersible structure further includes an electrical or optical connection system which is mechanically attached to the surface of the width 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 textile width or widths comprise electrically conductive yarns; the connection system is an electrical connection system; and the connection system is electrically connected to the electrically conductive yarns 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 objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] [Fig.1] Fig.1 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 width and a strip of fabric folded back on itself.

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

[0041] [Fig.5] Figure [Fig.5] represents a submersible structure comprising two widths textiles and a textile strip.

[0042] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] represents a plurality of textile widths 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 widths forming a structure tubular and equipped with electrically conductive wires.

[0045] [Fig.9] Fig.9 represents a possible use of the submersible structure in as a cathodic structure of a system for the formation of 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 around itself around a connection system.

[0047] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] represents a cross-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 yarns in one possible arrangement.

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

[0050] Device

[0051] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the submersible structure 1000 comprises a textile width 1 and a textile band 2 joined together by means of a seam 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 can be a parallelepiped, for example, but any other shape is possible. For example, a triangular textile width 1 is shown in [Fig. 4a].

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

[0054] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.1], 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 direction of the length 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 direction of the width, of the tubular structure.

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

[0056] In addition, a textile width 1 can have a width 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 around 5.20 m.

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

[0058] The filling material may be a loose material. The loose material may, in particular, result primarily from the degradation and transport of rock by gravity, water, or air. It may consist of 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 suitable for retaining, in an aquatic environment, a loose material of the aforementioned type.

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

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

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

[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, synthetic fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The fibers 20 may then be woven or non-woven, i.e., bonded together with a binder within the textile surface SB.

[0064] Similarly, the surface of the textile strip 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 parallelepiped 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 direction of the length of the textile strip 2, i.e. its largest dimension; and the lateral direction is defined, in a conventional manner, according to the direction of the width 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 include a closure device 8. This closure device 8 allows the textile strip 2 to be closed upon itself. In other words, the closure device 8 allows the textile strip 2 to be changed from an open configuration—in which it is extended—to a closed configuration in which it defines an internal volume. This internal volume can house a device to be protected or insulated. For example, the internal volume of the textile strip 2 in the closed configuration can protect an electrical or optical connection system 16.

[0068] The closing device 8 can be: - a hook and loop fastener 12 of a hook and loop fastening system, - an opening 14, drilled or pre-drilled, as illustrated in figures 7 and 10, - a lace, tie, cable tie and / or any other suitable means of suturing to pass through an opening or through the natural weave of the textile band 2, - a male or female element of a male-female closure system, - a stapling and / or sewing system, - a welding and / or heat sealing; and / or - an adhesive.

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

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

[0071] The fastening device 8 allows the textile strip 2 to be easily closed upon itself. The textile strip 2 can be closed while all or part of the textile strip is wound upon itself or upon the connection system to be protected. In particular, such a fastening device 8 allows for quick and efficient use in aquatic environments. This application example will be described in more detail later.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the textile strip 2 is sewn to the textile width 1 along a seam line 4 using a sewing thread. The textile strip 2 is shown In an open configuration as shown in [Fig. 1]: it is extended and still has one free edge, opposite the sewn edge. 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 upon itself.

[0073] This stitching 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. 1], the seam line 4 is located both on an edge 18 of the fabric width 1 and on an edge 22 of the fabric strip 2. Furthermore, the seam line 4 extends along the entire length of a lateral edge of the fabric width. Thus, according to this embodiment, the fabric strip 2 and the fabric width 1 have the same dimension. Here, a length of the fabric strip 2 is equal to a length of the fabric width 1 extending in the lateral direction 1.

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

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

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

[0079] The seam line 4a joining the two adjacent textile widths la and 1b can be located on a lateral edge of the textile widths la and 1b. In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the seam line 4a is further located all along the common lateral edge of the textile widths la 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 in pairs. Each pair is then sewn together along a seam 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 width 1 of the plurality of textile width 1. The two longitudinal edges of each textile width 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 widths 1 and be used in the design of a geotube, or even a geotube intended to form concretions by electrolysis. In other words, the submersible structure 1000 may be a geotube or even a geotube intended to form concretions by electrolysis.

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

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

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

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

[0087] The assembly of the plurality of textile widths 1 may provide that a plurality of textile strip 2 is integrated into the plurality of textile widths 1.

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

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

[0090] If the arrangement of textile widths 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 submersible structure 1000 may also include an electrical, thermal or optical connection system 16 (or a combination thereof) attached to one or more of the textile width 1.

[0092] For example, it could be a power supply system. In particular, if the technical width 1 includes electrically conductive wires, the connection system 16 could be a power supply system for those wires. For example, it could be an electrical current collector and / or an electrical power supply cable, for example, a submarine cable. For example, in Figures 7 and 10, a connection system 16 is connected to the electrically conductive wires of width 1 as an electrical current collector.

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

[0094] The connection system 16 is positioned at the level of the internal surface of one or the textile band 2 of the submersible structure 1000. Thus, when the textile band 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 specific applications of the previously described submersible structure 1000. Its general advantages will then become apparent.

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

[0099] The cathodic structure is then formed by the conducting wires included in one or more textile widths 1 of the immersible structure 1000.

[0100] An anodic 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 anodic and cathodic structures immersed in an aqueous medium, for example seawater.

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

[0102] The immersible structure 1000 forming the cathode structure can form a tubular structure as described above and illustrated in [Fig. 8]. The immersible structure 1000 forming the cathode structure then forms a container that can 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 soil, partially or totally sandy or stony, loose or firm, the submersible structure 1000 can then be, in whole or in part, buried in the part or parts of a soil, dry or wet, to be consolidated, stabilized, reinforced or reconstituted.

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

[0106] It is also envisaged that the submersible structure 1000 forming the cathodic structure is, in some cases, partly buried in the sandy or stony part of the soil, 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 cathodic structure of an electrolysis device and, where appropriate, its envelope containing a ballast can either be buried on the bottom, or placed and possibly fixed, for example by means of metal pins and bolts, 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 into aerial parts of structures to be protected which are never, or only episodically, in contact with seawater or an electrolyte.

[0108] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a possible use of a 1000 immersible structure. The electrically conductive wires of three 1000 immersible structures together form a cathodic structure of a device for forming calc-magnesium concretions by electrolysis. The anodic structure is positioned around and at a distance from the three 1000 immersible structures. Each 1000 immersible structure is electrically powered via a power cable 30 connected to a generator.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the electrolysis device described above comprises only one 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 connection step 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 submersible 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 width(s) 1. Thus, they are protected from marine currents likely to damage the connection between the electrical connection system(s) 16 and the electrically conductive wires of the textile width(s) 1.

[0114] In addition, the closure device 8 also facilitates the connection step since operators can then more easily connect the electrically conductive wires connected to the connection system 16, attached to a textile width 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] Furthermore, if the submersible structure 1000 forms a tubular structure held to the ground by its own weight or by fastening devices as described above, the sleeve(s) 6 can advantageously be placed in the upper part of the tubular structure. Thus, the connection system(s) 16 positioned inside the sleeve(s) 6 are more easily accessible for maintenance operations.

[0116] When the submersible structure 1000 comprises several textile widths 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 isolate two adjacent textile widths 1 and also to electrify the different textile widths separately.

[0117] This allows each textile width 1 to be electrically powered separately, which is an advantage for balancing the polarization of the submersible structure 1000 over its entire length and / or surface.

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

[0119] For example, the textile strip 2, once in closed configuration, i.e. in the form of a sleeve 6, allows a submarine power cable 30 to be guided along the stitching line 4. The flexibility of the textile strip 2 used to make the sleeve 6 is advantageous compared to guidance made using a rigid guiding element.

[0120] For example, the same submarine power cable 30 can supply electricity 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 possible to position the underwater power cable 30 inside the textile bands 2 in open configuration (in which they are extended) and then to form the sleeves 6 around the underwater power cable 30 (the textile bands 2 are then in closed configuration).

[0121] The underwater power cable 30 is then guided along the stitching line 4 of each sleeve 6. This method of guiding the underwater cable 30 is much more practical than conventional methods whereby the underwater power cable 30 would have to be inserted into one or more guide elements. This eliminates the need for a cable puller.

[0122] Moreover, the flexibility of the textile sleeves 6 is further advantageous since the relative positions of the submersible structures 1000 with each other are often mobile over time due to, for example, ocean currents.

[0123] The sleeves 6 also allow these independent submersible structures 1000 to be connected together via the submersible power cable 30. Here too, the flexibility of the textile sleeves 6 is advantageous since the relative positions of the submersible structures 1000 are often mobile over time.

[0124] Furthermore, the submarine power cable 30 is then held against the textile strip(s) 1 in the sheath(s) 6 and thus protected from ocean currents. Finally, the fibers 20 of the textile strip protect the submarine power cable 30 thanks to their mechanical properties.

[0125] Such submersible structures – whatever their use – can thus serve to protect a cliff or the foundations of a port by enabling the formation of concretions in an electrolytic environment through electrolysis. Indeed, the electrically conductive wires of the submersible structure 1000 form the cathodic part of an electrolysis system; in contact with a marine or brackish environment, they become covered with a deposit of salts, called by specialists "calcium-magnesium," caused by the precipitation on this structure of saline ions, notably CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide), dissolved in seawater or in the brackish water of lagoons.

[0126] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all 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", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

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

Claims

Demands

1. A system for forming concretions in an electrolytic medium (9) by electrolysis, the system comprising an immersible structure (1000), an anodic structure (7) and a cathodic structure (8) connected to each other, the cathodic structure (8) being formed by the electrically conductive wires of the immersible structure (1000), the immersible structure (1000) comprising: - a textile width (1) intended to retain a filling material or to be in contact with one or more mineral materials, comprising fibers (10) and having a width 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 width (1) and the textile strip (2) being sewn together by means of a stitching line (4); the textile strip (2) being adapted to be arranged in a closed configuration in which the textile strip (2) is folded back on itself and forms a sheath (6) intended to protect an electrical or optical connection system (16), the submersible structure (1000) further comprising an electrical or optical connection system (16) which is mechanically attached to the surface of the width (ST) of the textile width (1) and is positioned so as to be housed inside the sheath (6) formed by the textile band (2), - the or each textile width (1) comprising electrically conductive threads; - the connection system (16) being an electrical connection system; and - the connection system (16) being electrically connected to the electrically conductive wires of the textile (1).

2. The system according to claim 1, the submersible structure (1000) comprising a plurality of textile widths (1) for retaining a filling material, comprising fibers (10) and each having a width surface (ST) delimited by a first closed line formed by a first plurality of edges (18); each textile width (1) being attached to at least one of the textile widths (1) by means of of a seam line (4) extending along a lateral edge of the first plurality of edges of each of the two textile widths fixed to each other, the textile strip (2) being fixed to the textile widths by said seam line (4).

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of edges of each of the textile widths (1) comprises two longitudinal edges joining two opposite lateral edges of each textile width (1) of the plurality of textile widths (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. System according to claim 2, wherein the stitching line is also located along a longitudinal edge of the textile band surface (SB).

5. System according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the textile band (2) comprises a portion sandwiched between two textile widths fixed to each other by the first line of stitching (4) and which extends along the entire length of the lateral edge of the width surface (ST) of the two adjacent textile widths (1).

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

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one textile width (1) comprises electrically conductive yarns.

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

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the textile band (2) is equipped with at least one element of a closure device (8) adapted to close the textile band (2) on itself so that it is in the closed configuration.

10. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one element of the closure device is selected from: - a hook and loop fastener strip (12) of a hook and loop closure system, - an opening (14), drilled or pre-drilled, a lace, tie, cable tie and / or any other suitable means of suturing to pass through an opening or through the natural mesh of the textile band (2) a male or female element of a male-female closure system, a stapling and / or sewing system, a weld and / or a heat seal; and / or an adhesive.

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