Polymer Film Tube

Abstract

A tube including a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube, the tube being comprised of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B. The polymeric films A and B each have a first surface (A1, B1) and a second heat-sealable surface (A2, B2), respectively. The polymeric films A and B are arranged such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 contact each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2. Methods of making the tube, kits including multiple polymeric films for forming the tube, and methods for using the tube to deliver infusion chemicals are also described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to a polymeric film tube and a method for making the same. The present invention further relates to a kit including a plurality of polymeric films for forming the polymeric film tube. The polymeric film tube is particularly useful for the delivery of injection chemicals, for example, in mining and construction applications. [Background technology]

[0002] Tubing made from polymeric films is used in many industrial applications. For example, polymeric film tubes can be injected with chemicals to strengthen the walls of boreholes, such as those in mining operations, or the walls of pipelines, shafts, or tunnels. The use of such polymeric tubes to deliver injection chemicals can be used to immobilize, strengthen, and control gas, water, and geological formations at underground locations, for example, to strengthen fractured formations and / or prevent flooding. In addition to ground stabilization, this technology can be used in maintenance and construction projects, for example, to repair or fill holes or cracks in structures. A variety of injection chemicals are used for this purpose, including polyurethane, silicate, and phenolic-based resin systems.

[0003] Polymeric films that are heat-sealable on both surfaces can be used to form annular structures by heat-sealing a first heat-sealable surface to a second heat-sealable surface in an overlap-seal arrangement along the seam of the tube. However, polymeric films with two heat-sealable surfaces are technically more difficult and costly to manufacture and can present process difficulties in tube manufacturing due to the possibility of jaw sticking. An alternative structure uses polymeric films with one heat-sealable surface and one non-heat-sealable surface, where the non-heat-sealable surface is modified via pre-swelling with a solvent and the overlap seal is formed by sealing or welding the film together at a relatively high temperature (typically referred to as high-temperature solvent welding). A further alternative structure uses polymeric films without heat-sealable surfaces, where the overlap seal is formed by pre-swelling with a solvent and welding the film together at a high temperature. However, disadvantages of these alternative structures include a lack of consistent seal integrity along the length of the seam, as well as deformation of the plastic film as a result of the higher sealing temperatures, and slower and more expensive tube production. It would be desirable to provide a polymeric film tube that addresses one or more of these problems, is effective and economical to manufacture and use, and exhibits excellent seal integrity along the length of the seal, and preferably also avoidance of deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tube including a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are arranged such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 (preferably, the at least one heat-sealable surface is at least heat-sealable surface B2); (vi) A tube is provided in which polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tube according to the first aspect comprising a first channel and a second channel, each of said first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of said tube; (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) a tube is provided, wherein polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel comprising first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube.

[0006] The tubing of the second aspect of the invention is particularly useful for the delivery of two-component injectable chemical systems, where the two components must remain separate until the point of application, at which point they come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to produce the desired compound at a predetermined location. Such injectable chemical systems include, for example, two-component polyurethane or silicate resin systems. Advantageously, the first surface A1 of polymeric film A and the first surface B1 of polymeric film B are not heat-sealable. Preferably, polymer film A and polymer B are selected from composite films comprising a polymeric base layer and a polymeric heat-sealable layer. The base layer preferably constitutes the non-heat-sealable surface of the polymeric film. Preferably, the heat-sealable layer is disposed directly on the base layer, i.e., without an intervening layer.

[0007] As used herein, the term "heat-sealable surface" refers to the ability to form a heat-seal bond by contacting two surfaces at a temperature of 200°C or less (preferably in the range of 100-200°C) and a pressure of 100 psi or less (preferably in the range of 10-60 psi) for a time of 1 minute or less (preferably in the range of 0.5-30 seconds), with the resulting heat-seal bond strength being at least 10 g / mm (preferably at least 20 g / mm, preferably at least 30 g / mm). As used herein, the term "non-heat-sealable surface" refers to a surface that does not have that capability.

[0008] Each of polymer films A and B is a free-standing film or sheet, which means that the film or sheet can exist independently without a supporting substrate. The base layer may be formed from any suitable film-forming polymeric material. Thermoplastic polymeric materials are preferred. Such materials include 1-olefins, such as homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene, propylene, and but-1-ene, polyamides, polycarbonates, PVC, PVA, polyacrylates, cellulose, and polyesters. Polyolefins, polyamides, and polyesters, especially polyesters, are preferred. The base layer should be a self-supporting film or sheet. The base layer is preferably uniaxially or biaxially oriented, preferably biaxially oriented. It will be recognized from this disclosure herein below that the base layer may be described as semi-crystalline. As used herein, the term "semi-crystalline" refers to a film that exhibits a crystallinity of at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, and typically no more than 50% or 45% or 40%.

[0009] Thus, the base layer is preferably formed from a film-forming thermoplastic polyester material. Synthetic linear polyesters are preferred. It will be appreciated that the base layer polyester is crystallizable. Suitable polyesters include those derived from one or more carboxylic acids, such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, 2,5-, 2,6-, or 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, hexahydroterephthalic acid, 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid, and particularly aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, including those of the general formula CH(COOH) (where n is 2 to 8), such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, or pimelic acid; and one or more glycols, particularly aliphatic or cycloaliphatic glycols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM).

[0010] The dicarboxylic acid component of the base layer polyester preferably comprises at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid (preferably selected from terephthalic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid), and may further comprise a second, different dicarboxylic acid, preferably selected from the above dicarboxylic acids, preferably from the above aromatic dicarboxylic acids (especially isophthalic acid) and aliphatic diacids. Thus, the polyester is preferably derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid. Preferably, the dicarboxylic acid component of the base layer polyester contains only one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, which is preferably terephthalic acid or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid. The glycol component of the base layer polyester preferably comprises at least one aliphatic diol, at least one of which is ethylene glycol. Preferably, the glycol component of the base layer polyester is an aliphatic diol, preferably ethylene glycol.

[0011] Preferred base layer polyesters are selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or PET-based or PEN-based copolyesters. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or its copolyesters are particularly preferred. Preferably, the base layer polyester is PET. The film-forming polymeric resin is the major component of the base layer and constitutes at least 70% by weight of the total weight of the base layer, preferably at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more typically at least 98% by weight, and more typically at least 99% by weight of the total weight of the base layer.

[0012] The intrinsic viscosity of the polyester from which the base layer is made is preferably at least about 0.60, preferably at least about 0.61, preferably at least 0.62, preferably at least 0.63, preferably at least 0.64, preferably at least 0.65, preferably at least about 0.70, preferably at least about 0.75. Preferably, the intrinsic viscosity of the base layer polyester is 0.85 or less, preferably 0.83 or less. Using a polyester with too high a viscosity can lead to difficulties in film production and / or the need for specialized, more robust film-forming equipment. For example, increasing the viscosity too much can mean that, to achieve stable film formation, it is appropriate to reduce the output (i.e., the amount of polyester extruded per unit time decreases, leading to a less economical process) or to increase the extrusion temperature to reduce the viscosity of the melt (which, in turn, can lead to thermal degradation of the polymer and loss of related properties).

[0013] Formation of the polyester is conveniently carried out in known manner by condensation or transesterification, generally at temperatures up to about 295° C. In a preferred embodiment, solid state polymerization may be used to increase the intrinsic viscosity of the polyester to the desired value using conventional techniques well known in the art, for example, using a fluidized bed, such as a nitrogen fluidized bed or a vacuum fluidized bed using a rotary vacuum dryer. The base layer may further contain any other additives conventionally used in the production of polymeric films, particularly polyester films. Thus, agents such as particulate fillers, hydrolysis stabilizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, crosslinkers, dyes, lubricants, radical scavengers, heat stabilizers, surfactants, gloss enhancers, prodegradants, viscosity modifiers, and dispersion stabilizers may be incorporated as appropriate. Particularly useful are particulate fillers, hydrolysis stabilizers (e.g., glycidyl esters of branched monocarboxylic acids), and antioxidants (e.g., hindered phenols, secondary aromatic amines, and hindered amines). Suitable additives in this regard are disclosed in WO 2012 / 120260, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. UV stabilizers are also particularly useful.

[0014] As is well known in the art, particulate fillers can improve handling and windability during manufacturing and / or adjust optical properties. Particulate fillers are typically particulate inorganic fillers (e.g., metal or semi-metal oxides such as alumina, titania, talc, and silica (especially precipitated or diatomaceous silica and silica gel), calcined clay, and alkali metal salts such as calcium and barium carbonates and sulfates). The particulate inorganic fillers are preferably finely divided, and the volume-distributed median particle diameter (the spherical equivalent diameter corresponding to 50% of the volume of all particles, often referred to as the "D(v,0.5)" value, as read on a cumulative frequency distribution curve for the volume percentage of particles relative to their diameter) is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 1.5 μm, and especially 0.15 to 1.2 μm. Preferably, at least 90% by volume, more preferably at least 95% by volume, of the inorganic filler particles have a volume-distributed median particle diameter within ±0.8 μm, especially ±0.5 μm. The particle size of the filler particles can be measured by electron microscopy, Coulter counter, sedimentation analysis, and static or dynamic light scattering. Techniques based on laser light diffraction are preferred. The conventional additives mentioned above may be introduced into the polymer by conventional methods. For example, by mixing with the monomer reactants from which the film-forming polymer is derived, or the components may be mixed with the polymer by tumbling or dry blending, or by compounding in an extruder, followed by cooling and typically grinding into granules or chips. Masterbatch systems may also be used.

[0015] The heat-sealable layer is capable of forming a heat-seal bond to the base layer. The polymeric material of the heat-sealable layer, when heated, is capable of softening sufficiently so that its viscosity is low enough to allow adequate wetting to adhere to the surface to which it is bonded. The heat-sealable layer may be formed from any suitable film-forming polymeric material. Thermoplastic polymeric materials are preferred, including polyolefins, polyamides, and polyesters. Polyesters are preferred, particularly copolyesters derived from one or more dicarboxylic acids or their lower alkyl diesters and one or more of the glycols mentioned hereinabove. Preferably, the heat-sealable layer is formed from a copolyester derived from at least three monomer repeat units, at least one of which is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and at least one of which is an aliphatic diol.

[0016] In a first preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as Embodiment B1, the heat-sealable layer is formed from a copolyester derived from an aliphatic glycol and at least two aromatic dicarboxylic acids, preferably terephthalic acid and a second aromatic dicarboxylic acid, preferably isophthalic acid. A preferred copolyester is derived from ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and isophthalic acid. The preferred molar ratio of the terephthalic acid component to the isophthalic acid component is in the range of 50:50 to 90:10, preferably in the range of 65:35 to 85:15. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the copolyester is a copolyester of ethylene glycol containing about 82 mol % terephthalate and about 18 mol % isophthalate. In a second preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as Embodiment B2, the heat-sealable layer is formed from a copolyester derived from an aliphatic diol and a cycloaliphatic diol and one or more, preferably one, dicarboxylic acids, preferably aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Examples include copolyesters of terephthalic acid with aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols, particularly ethylene glycol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Preferred molar ratios of cycloaliphatic diol to aliphatic diol range from 10:90 to 60:40, preferably from 20:80 to 40:60, and more preferably from 30:70 to 35:65. In a preferred embodiment, the copolyester is a copolyester of terephthalic acid containing about 33 mol% 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and about 67 mol% ethylene glycol. An example of such a polymer is PETG™ 6763 (Eastman), which comprises a copolyester of terephthalic acid, about 33% 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and about 67% ethylene glycol, and is generally amorphous.

[0017] In a third preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as embodiment B3, the heat-sealable layer comprises aromatic and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, in particular those of the general formula C n H 2nThe copolyester is formed from a copolyester derived from (COOH)2 (where n is 2 to 8). A preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acid is terephthalic acid. A preferred aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is selected from sebacic acid, adipic acid, and azelaic acid. The concentration of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid present in the copolyester is preferably in the range of 45 to 80, more preferably 50 to 70, and particularly 55 to 65 mol % based on the dicarboxylic acid components of the copolyester. The concentration of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid present in the copolyester is preferably in the range of 20 to 55, more preferably 30 to 50, and particularly 35 to 45 mol % based on the dicarboxylic acid components of the copolyester. Particularly preferred examples of such copolyesters are (i) copolyesters of azelaic acid and terephthalic acid with an aliphatic glycol, preferably ethylene glycol; (ii) copolyesters of adipic acid and terephthalic acid with an aliphatic glycol, preferably ethylene glycol; and (iii) copolyesters of sebacic acid and terephthalic acid with an aliphatic glycol, preferably butylene glycol. Preferred polymers include those with a glass transition temperature (T g ) and 117°C) melting points (T m sebacic acid / terephthalic acid / butylene glycol copolyester (preferably having the components in a relative molar ratio of 45 to 55 / 55 to 45 / 100, more preferably 50 / 50 / 100), and g and T of 150 °C m Examples include a copolyester of azelaic acid / terephthalic acid / ethylene glycol (preferably having components in a relative molar ratio of 40 to 50 / 60 to 50 / 100, more preferably 45 / 55 / 100).

[0018] In a fourth preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as Embodiment B4, the additional heat-sealable layer is formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Suitable EVA polymers can be obtained from DuPont as Elvax™ resins. Typically, these resins have a vinyl acetate content ranging from 9% to 40%, typically from 15% to 30%. Embodiment B1 is a particularly preferred embodiment for the heat-sealable layer.

[0019] The film-forming polymeric resin is the major component of the heat-sealable layer, constituting at least 70% by weight of the total weight of the base layer, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more typically at least 98%, and more typically at least 99% by weight of the total weight of the heat-sealable layer. The heat-sealable layer may further comprise any other additives conventionally used in the manufacture of polymeric films, particularly polyester films, as described hereinabove. In particular, the heat-sealable layer preferably comprises a slip aid or anti-blocking agent, such as a particulate filler, which improves film handling, as is customary in the art of sealant coatings. Such components are present in relatively small amounts, typically less than 5.0% by weight, typically less than 2.0% by weight, and typically less than 1.0% by weight. Formation of the composite film may be carried out by conventional techniques well known in the art. Conveniently, formation of the substrate is carried out by extrusion, according to the procedure described below.

[0020] Generally, the process involves extruding a layer of molten polymer at a temperature in the range of about 275 to about 300°C, preferably about 290 to 295°C; quenching the extrudate; and orienting the quenched extrudate in at least one direction. The film may be uniaxially oriented, but is preferably biaxially oriented by stretching in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the film to achieve a satisfactory combination of mechanical and physical properties. Orientation may be achieved by any process known in the art for producing oriented films, such as a tubular or flat film process. Biaxial orientation is achieved by stretching in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the film to achieve a satisfactory combination of mechanical and physical properties. In a tubular process, simultaneous biaxial orientation may be achieved by extruding a thermoplastic polymer tube, followed by quenching, reheating, and then expanding it with internal air pressure to induce transverse orientation and pulling it at a speed to induce longitudinal orientation. Suitable simultaneous biaxial orientation processes are disclosed in EP 2108673 and US 2009 / 0117362, the disclosures of which processes are incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] In a preferred flat film process, the film-forming polymer is extruded through a slot die and rapidly quenched in a chill-cast drum to ensure the polymer is quenched in an amorphous state. Orientation is then achieved by stretching the quenched extrudate in at least one direction at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polyester. Sequential orientation can be achieved by stretching the quenched flat extrudate first in one direction, usually the machine direction, i.e., the forward direction through a film stretcher, and then in the transverse direction. Forward stretching of the extrudate is conveniently achieved over a set of rotating rolls or between two pairs of nip rolls, followed by transverse stretching in a tenter apparatus.

[0022] Stretching is generally carried out so that the dimensions of the oriented film are 2 to 5 times, more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 times, their original dimensions in the direction or directions of stretching. More preferably, stretching is carried out so that the dimensions of the oriented film are 3.0 to 3.3 times their original dimensions in the forward stretching direction and 3.3 to 3.9 times their original dimensions in the transverse stretching direction. If orientation is required in only one direction, larger stretch ratios (e.g., up to about 8 times) may be used. Stretching is conventionally carried out at temperatures above the Tg of the polymer composition, preferably at least about 5°C above Tg, preferably at least about 15°C above Tg, preferably in the range of about Tg + 5°C to about Tg + 75°C, and preferably about Tg + 5°C to about Tg + 30°C. Thus, for polyester materials, stretching is typically carried out at temperatures in the range of about 5 to about 155°C, preferably about 5 to about 110°C. Equal stretching in the machine and transverse directions is not necessary, but is preferred when balanced properties are desired.

[0023] The stretched film may be, and preferably is, dimensionally stabilized by heat-setting under dimensional support at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer but below its melting point to induce the desired crystallization of the polymer. During heat-setting, a small amount of dimensional relaxation may be performed in the transverse direction (TD) by a procedure known as "toe-in." Toe-in may involve dimensional relaxation on the order of 2-4%. Alternatively, dimensional relaxation in the processing or machine direction (MD) is also possible, as is known in the art. The actual heat-setting temperature and time will depend on the film's composition and its desired final heat shrinkage, but should be selected so as not to substantially degrade the film's toughness properties, such as tear resistance. Within these limits, preferred films are heat-set at temperatures about 80°C below the film's melting point (i.e., T M -80℃~T M Approximately 10°C lower than the temperature (i.e., T M -10°C), preferably about T M -70℃~approx.T MIt is heat-set at a temperature of −20° C. Thus, for polyester films, the heat-set temperature is suitably in the range of about 130 to about 245° C., preferably about 150 to about 245° C., preferably at least 180° C., preferably in the range of 190 to 230° C. After heat-setting, the film is typically rapidly quenched to induce the desired crystallinity in the polymer.

[0024] Preferably, the film is further stabilized through the use of an in-line relaxation step. Alternatively, the relaxation process can be performed offline. In this additional step, the film is heated at a temperature lower than that of the heat-setting step and under much lower MD and TD tensions. The tension applied to the film is low, typically less than 5 kg / m of film width, preferably less than 3.5 kg / m, and preferably less than 2.5 kg / m, typically in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 kg / m. For film speed-controlled relaxation processes, the reduction in film speed (and thus strain relaxation) is typically in the range of 0 to 2.5%, preferably 0.5 to 2.0%. During the heat stabilization step, the film's transverse dimensions do not increase. The temperature used in the heat stabilization step can vary depending on the desired combination of properties from the final film; higher temperatures result in better, i.e., lower, residual shrinkage properties. Temperatures of 135 to 250°C, preferably 150 to 230°C, and more preferably 170 to 200°C are generally desirable. The duration of heating depends on the temperature used but typically ranges from 10 to 40 seconds, with a duration of 20 to 30 seconds being preferred. This heat stabilization process can be carried out by a variety of methods, including flat and vertical configurations, and either "offline" as a separate process step or "inline" continuously with the film manufacturing process. Films so treated exhibit less heat shrinkage than films produced without such post-heat-set relaxation.

[0025] Formation of a composite film including a heat-sealable layer may be carried out by conventional techniques. The method of forming the heat-sealable layer and its application to the base layer typically depends on the identity of the heat-sealable layer. Conventional techniques include casting the heat-sealable layer onto a preformed base layer. Conveniently, the heat-sealable layer and base layer are formed by coextrusion, which is considered particularly suitable for embodiments B1 and B2 hereinabove. Another method of forming the heat-sealable layer includes coating a heat-sealable polymer onto the base layer, which is considered particularly suitable for embodiments B3 and B4 hereinabove. Coating may be carried out using any suitable coating technique, including gravure roll coating, reverse roll coating, dip coating, bead coating, extrusion coating, melt coating, or electrostatic spray coating. Preferred coating methods are roll coating, including gravure roll coating and reverse roll coating. Coating may be carried out "offline," i.e., after stretching and subsequent heat setting used during the manufacture of the base layer, or "inline," where the coating step occurs before, during, or between stretching operations used. Preferably, the coating is carried out in-line, preferably between the forward and transverse stretches of a biaxial stretching operation ("interstretch" coating). Examples of heat-sealable layer coatings include GB 2024715 and GB 1077813, which disclose interstretch extrusion coating of polyolefins onto polyolefin and polyester substrates, respectively, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 4333968, which discloses interstretch extrusion coating of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers onto polypropylene substrates, and WO 02 / 59186, which discloses the coating of copolyesters, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, polymeric films A and B are selected from coextruded polymeric films. The polymeric films A and B preferably have a compressibility of at least about 15, preferably at least about 18, preferably at least about 19, preferably at least about 20, preferably at least about 21 kg / mm ​​in each of the machine and cross directions of the film. 2 The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the specimen is shown.

[0027] The polymeric films A and B preferably exhibit an elongation at break (ETB) in each of the machine and cross directions of the film of at least 110%, preferably at least 130%, preferably at least 150%, preferably at least 160%, preferably at least 170%, preferably at least 180%, preferably at least 190%, preferably at least 200%. The polymeric films A and B preferably exhibit low shrinkage, particularly in the machine (longitudinal) dimension of the film, of preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 3%, preferably less than 2%, preferably less than 1%, at 150° C. for 30 minutes. Preferably, such shrinkage values ​​are exhibited in both dimensions (i.e., longitudinal and transverse dimensions) of the film. It will be appreciated that the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" of a film refer to the direction in which the film was stretched during its manufacture. The term "machine direction" is also used herein to refer to the longitudinal direction.

[0028] In the polymeric film tube of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the film is preferably aligned or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube. The chemical composition and / or physical properties (including, for example, dimensions such as total thickness and layer thickness) of polymeric film A may be the same as or different from the chemical composition and / or physical properties of polymeric film B. However, in a preferred embodiment, polymeric films A and B have the same chemical composition as each other. In a preferred embodiment, polymeric films A and B have different dimensions from each other, as described herein below. Preferably, the polymer film A and the polymer film B are independently selected from films having a total thickness of about 10 to about 500 μm, preferably about 10 to 300 μm.

[0029] Preferably, the thickness of polymer film A is less than the thickness of polymer film B, and is preferably 75% or less, preferably 50% or less, preferably 30% or less of the thickness of polymer film B. Preferably, the thickness of polymer film A is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of the thickness of polymer film B. Preferably, the thickness of polymer film A is in the range of 10 to 75%, preferably 20 to 50%, preferably 20 to 30% of the thickness of polymer film B. Preferably, polymer film B has a thickness of 20 to 300, preferably 20 to 100 μm, and preferably, polymer film A has a thickness of 10 to about 20 μm.

[0030] The thickness of the heat-sealable layer is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 25% or less, more preferably 20% or less, preferably at least 2.5%, more preferably at least 5%, and preferably about 10% to about 20% of the total thickness of the polymeric film. Typically, the heat-sealable layer has a thickness of up to about 25 μm, more preferably up to about 15 μm, more preferably up to about 10 μm, preferably at least 2 μm, preferably from about 0.5 to about 10 μm, more preferably from about 2 to about 10 μm. The planar dimensions of each of polymer films A and B are described by length and width, where the length dimension of the polymer film corresponds to the length of the polymer tube. The lengths of polymer films A and B are the same or substantially the same. The width dimension of each of polymer films A and B is the transverse or cross-sectional dimension of the polymer tube. Preferably, the width of polymer film B is greater than the width of polymer film A. In the tube of the present invention, polymeric films A and B are preferably arranged such that the first surface B1 of polymeric film B constitutes at least a major portion of the outer surface of the tube. In this context, the term "at least a major portion" means that the first surface B1 of polymeric film B constitutes at least 50%, preferably at least 65%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99%, preferably substantially all of the outer surface of the tube.

[0031] In the tube of the present invention, particularly in the first embodiment of the present invention, the heat-sealable surface B2 of the polymer film B constitutes at least a major part of the inner surface of the first channel of the tube. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the polymeric film tube of the present invention is primarily formed by polymeric film B, which constitutes the outer periphery of the tube, and polymeric film A is disposed on the inner surface of the tube, with inner polymeric film A functioning as an auxiliary film bridging or connecting the ends (Ba and Bb) of polymeric film B to form the tube. Polymeric films A and B are positioned such that heat-sealable surface A2 contacts heat-sealable surface B2 to form a heat-seal bond at each end (Ba and Bb) of polymeric film B. Thus, polymeric film A is heat-sealed to polymeric film B such that a first width of polymeric film A extends beyond end Ba of polymeric film B and a second width of polymeric film A extends beyond end Bb of polymeric film B, forming a tube through two overlapping heat-seal bonds. It will be appreciated that each of the first and second widths of polymeric film A is joined by opposite ends at one end of polymeric film A. It will also be appreciated that, at least in the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second widths are at opposite ends of the width of polymeric film A. Thus, a first heat-seal bond is formed between the end Ba of film B adjacent the heat-sealable surface and the end Ab of film A, and a second heat-seal bond is formed between the end Bb adjacent the heat-sealable surface of film B and a part of the heat-sealable surface of film A. In the first aspect of the invention, said second heat-seal bond is suitably formed between the end Bb of film B adjacent the heat-sealable surface and the end Aa of film A.

[0032] Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention, two heat-sealed bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) are preferably formed, one at each end (Ba and Bb) of polymeric film B, such that each heat-sealed bond extends in the machine direction of the film and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube. The heat-sealed bond at end Ba is referred to herein as heat-sealed bond HSB1, and the heat-sealed bond at end Bb is referred to herein as heat-sealed bond HSB2. In the second embodiment of the present invention, a third heat-sealed bond (HSB3) is formed. The first two heat-sealed bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) correspond to the heat-sealed bonds of the first embodiment of the present invention, i.e., preferably those of each end (Ba and Bb) of polymeric film B, and each heat-sealed bond extends in the longitudinal direction of the film and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the overlap between polymeric films A and B is greater than in the first embodiment and is sufficient to enable the formation of the second channel by the formation of the third heat-sealed bond, which also extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0033] Thus, in the second embodiment, a portion of the second heat-sealable surface A2 of the polymeric film A and a portion of the second heat-sealable surface B2 of the polymeric film B preferably constitute the inner surface of the second channel. In a second embodiment, the boundary of the second channel is defined by the third heat seal bond (HSB3) between the end adjacent to the heat sealable surface of film A and a portion of the heat sealable surface B2 between ends Ba and Bb, and by the second heat seal bond (HSB2) between end Bb adjacent to the heat sealable surface of film B and a portion of the heat sealable surface A2 between ends Aa and Ab. The relative sizes of the polymeric films A and B and the spacing between the second and third heat seal bonds define the size (i.e., cross-sectional area) of the second channel. The relative sizes of the first and second channels are not limited in the present invention. The sizes of the first and second channels may be the same or different. The relative sizes of the first and second channels may be determined by the relative amounts and / or flow rates of the injection chemicals required for the desired chemical reaction of the two-component injection chemical system.

[0034] As described hereinabove, the thickness of Polymer Film A is preferably less than that of Polymer Film B. Polymer Film B primarily functions to provide the tube with sufficient rigidity to allow the tube to be positioned at its desired location, and therefore exhibits the relatively large thickness described herein. Polymer Film A primarily functions to join the ends of Polymer Film B to form the tube, and therefore may exhibit the relatively small thickness described herein, with the basic idea being that the heat-sealable layer should be thick enough to provide a strong heat-seal bond. Advantageously, as a further function of its relatively small thickness, Polymer Film A is more easily broken than Polymer Film B, such that Polymer Film A can be broken at a predetermined location within the structure to deliver or mix an infusion chemical at said predetermined location. This embodiment of the present invention is applicable to both the first and second embodiments, but is particularly useful for the second embodiment, thereby enabling a first infusion chemical in the first channel and a second infusion chemical in the second channel to be mixed at a predetermined distance along the tube. The disruption of the polymeric film may be accomplished by any suitable method, for example, by a drill bit.

[0035] The dimensions and cross-sectional area of ​​the polymeric film tubes disclosed herein are not particularly limited and depend on the end use to which the tube is intended. Preferably, however, the tubes have a cross-sectional width of about 1 cm to about 500 cm or a cross-sectional area of ​​0.5 cm. 2 ~20m 2It has dimensions such that: The width of the overlap heat seal bond, i.e., the degree to which polymeric film A overlaps polymeric film B during the creation of the heat seal bond to form the tube, depends primarily on the cross-sectional dimensions of the tube, as well as the thickness of each polymeric film and its heat seal layer. It will be recognized that the width of the overlap heat seal bond is a factor that controls the strength of the heat seal bond. Preferably, polymeric film A and polymeric film B overlap by at least 1 mm to form the overlap heat seal bond. For example, for a tube having a cross-sectional width of up to about 10 cm, the overlap heat seal bond preferably has a width in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The width of the overlap heat seal bond typically increases with increasing cross-sectional width of the tube.

[0036] The length of the tubing can be any suitable length necessary to deliver the injectable chemical to the desired location. Thus, the length of the tubing can be as little as 10 cm or up to several meters, e.g., 2 m. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to tubes having one or two channels, and that a third or further channel may also be provided, for example, by using additional heat seal bonds in a two-film system as described above, or by using three or more films. Thus, additional channels may be formed within a channel spaced between the second and third heat seal bonds by forming additional heat seal bonds between the second and third heat seal bonds. Typically, however, a tube contains no more than two channels and is formed from two polymeric films.

[0037] The formation of the heat seal bond between polymeric films A and B to form the tube is described herein below. The heat seal bond strength between the heat sealable surfaces of polymeric films A and B is preferably at least 50 g / mm (preferably at least 70 g / mm), measured as described herein. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, said kit being suitable for forming said tube comprising a first channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube, (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) A kit is provided in which polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, said kit being suitable for forming a tube comprising a first channel and a second channel, each of said first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of said tube; (i) the tube is composed of the first heat-sealable polymer film A and the second heat-sealable polymer film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel comprising first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tube of polymeric film, said tube including a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of said tube, said method comprising: (a) providing a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, wherein the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2, the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2, the polymeric film A has ends Aa and Ab, and the polymeric film B has ends Ba and Bb; (b) positioning the polymeric films A and B such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 contact one another and adhere the polymeric film A to the polymeric film B with a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, thereby forming first and second overlapping heat-seal bonds that define the tube and its first channel; wherein the polymeric films A and B are arranged such that the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tube of polymeric film, said tube comprising a first channel and a second channel, each of said first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of said tube, said method comprising: (a) providing a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, wherein the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2, the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2, the polymeric film A has ends Aa and Ab, and the polymeric film B has ends Ba and Bb; (b) positioning polymeric films A and B such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with one another and adhere polymeric film A to polymeric film B by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​each of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that (i) first and second overlapping heat seal bonds are formed to define the tube and the first channel thereof; (ii) forming a third heat seal bond between the heat sealable surfaces A2 and B2 such that the third heat seal bond defines a second channel including first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube. wherein the polymeric films A and B are arranged such that the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0041] In the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the heat seal bond is preferably formed by applying a temperature and pressure, preferably a temperature of 200°C or less (preferably in the range of 100-200°C) and a pressure of 100 psi or less (preferably in the range of 10-60 psi), for a time of 1 minute or less (preferably in the range of 0.5-30 seconds). It will be appreciated that the heat seal bond is only required at certain predetermined locations around the circumference of the tube. Suitable heat sealing equipment is readily available commercially, for example, from Sentinel. The assembly is placed in a heat sealing machine and heat and pressure are applied at multiple discrete locations to form the heat seal bond described above.

[0042] To avoid the formation of a heat-seal bond between the heat-sealable surface of polymer film B and the first surface of polymer film A within the first channel, a removable release sheet is preferably disposed within the channel between the heat-sealable surface of polymer film B and the first surface film of polymer film A prior to the application of heat and pressure. The release sheet is removed from the tube after the heat-sealing operation. The present invention can utilize any suitable release sheet that is not heat-sealable to the heat-sealable surface and first surface of the polymer film described herein under the conditions of heat and pressure used to form the heat-seal bond. For example, suitable wax or silicone release papers or films known in the art may be used.

[0043] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of delivering one or more injection chemicals to a predetermined location in a structure, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a tube having a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the tube being comprised of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, as described herein; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing the injection chemical along the first channel to the predetermined location; A method is provided, comprising:

[0044] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering a plurality of injection chemicals to predetermined locations in a structure, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a tube having first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the tube being comprised of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B as described herein; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing a first injection chemistry along the first channel to the predetermined location; (c) directing a second fluid stream containing a second injection chemistry along the second channel to the predetermined location; (d) mixing said first and second streams at said predetermined location. A method is provided, comprising:

[0045] The method of the eighth aspect preferably further comprises the step of rupturing the first heat-sealable polymeric film A at the predetermined location so that the second fluid stream in the second channel mixes with the first fluid stream in the first channel, thereby causing a chemical reaction between the first and second injection chemicals. It will be appreciated that the preferences set out in this disclosure and for the first and second aspects of the invention are of course also applicable to the third to eighth aspects of the invention, and that the second aspect of the invention corresponds in particular to the fourth, sixth and eighth aspects of the invention.

[0046] The present invention is particularly useful for delivering injection chemicals in mining and construction projects. The polymeric tubing of the present invention can be used to deliver injection chemicals to reinforce the walls of a borehole (e.g., a borehole in a mining operation), pipeline, shaft, or tunnel, or to immobilize, consolidate, and control gas, water, and formations at underground locations, for example, to reinforce fractured formations and / or prevent flooding. The polymeric tubing of the present invention can also be used to deliver injection chemicals in maintenance and construction projects, for example, to repair or fill holes or breaches in structures. As described hereinabove, a variety of injection chemicals can be used for this purpose, including polyurethane, silicate, and phenolic-based resin systems. The present invention is further illustrated as described herein below and with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing polymeric film A having a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2 and edges Aa and Ab, and polymeric film B having a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2 and edges Ba and Bb, where polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by overlap heat-seal bond HSB2. Heat sealing is performed by rolling the film assembly along dotted line X, resulting in an additional heat-seal bond (HSB1; not shown) between the heat-sealable surfaces of polymeric films A and B at the location of the arrowhead of dotted line X, thereby forming a tube with a first channel. Heat-seal bonds HSB1 and HSB2 are performed along the length of films A and B (i.e., perpendicular to the cross-section). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the film assembly of FIG. 1 after formation of heat seal bond HSB1 to form a tube (1) having a first channel (2). [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing polymeric film A having a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2 and ends Aa and Ab, and polymeric film B having a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2 and ends Ba and Bb, where polymeric film A is bonded to polymeric film B by overlapping heat-seal bond HSB2 and additional heat-seal bond HSB3. Heat-seal bonds HSB2 and HSB3 extend along the length of films A and B (i.e., perpendicular to the cross-section) and define a second channel (3) extending longitudinally of the tube. Heat sealing is performed by rolling the film assembly along dotted line X, resulting in an additional heat-seal bond (HSB1; not shown) between the heat-sealable surfaces of polymeric films A and B at the location of the arrowhead of dotted line X, thereby forming a tube having a first channel therein. Heat-seal bonds HSB1, HSB2, and HSB3 are formed along the length of films A and B (i.e., perpendicular to the cross-section). [Figure 4]FIG. 3 shows the film assembly of FIG. 2 after formation of a heat seal bond HSB1 to form a tube (1) containing a first channel (2) and a second channel (3). [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement for manufacturing a tube having a single channel as described herein. Polymeric film A has a base layer (10) providing the first surface A1 and a heat-sealable layer (11) providing the heat-sealable surface A2. Polymeric film B has a base layer (12) providing the first surface B1 and a heat-sealable layer (13) providing the heat-sealable surface B2. A removable release sheet (14) is placed in the channel (2) to prevent the formation of a heat-seal bond between the polymeric film B heat-sealable layer (13) and the base layer (10) of polymeric film A. The assembly is placed in a heat-sealing machine, where heat and pressure are applied at multiple discrete locations (15). The release sheet is removed from the tube after the heat-sealing operation. [Figure 6] 10 shows a corresponding arrangement for the manufacture of a tube with two channels. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Characteristic measurements The following test methods may be used to characterize the polymeric films. (i) The intrinsic viscosity (in dL / g) of polyesters and polyester substrates was measured by the solution viscosity method according to ASTM D5225-98 (2003) using a Viscotek™ Y-501C relative viscometer (see, e.g., Hitchcock, Hammons & Yau in American Laboratory (August 1994) “The dual-capillary method for modern-day viscometry”) using a 0.5% by weight solution of polyester in o-chlorophenol at 25° C. using the Billmeyer single-point method for calculating intrinsic viscosity: η=0.25ηred+0.75(ln ηrel) / c (In the formula, η=intrinsic viscosity (dL / g), ηrel = relative viscosity, c = concentration (g / dL), and η = reduced viscosity (dL / g), which is equivalent to (η) / c (also expressed as η / c, where η is the specific viscosity) Use to measure. (ii) Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation at break (ETB) and F5 value (stress at 5% elongation) are measured according to test method ASTM D882-18. Five strips (100 mm long) of film are cut along the machine direction using a straightedge and a calibrated sample cutter (10 mm + / - 0.5 mm). Each sample is tested using an Instron Model 3111 materials testing machine using pneumatic grips with rubber jaw faces. Temperature (23°C) and relative humidity (50%) are controlled. The crosshead speed (speed of separation) is 25 mm / min. The deformation rate is 50%. The elongation at break (εB (%)) is ε B (%) = (elongation at break / L0) x 100 where L is the original length of the sample between the grips. is defined as: (iii) Heat shrinkage is evaluated on film samples measuring 200 mm x 10 mm, cut in specific directions relative to the machine and transverse directions of the film and marked for visual measurement. The longer dimension of the sample (i.e., the 200 mm dimension) corresponds to the film direction in which shrinkage is tested; i.e., for evaluation of machine direction shrinkage, the 200 mm test sample is oriented along the machine direction of the film. The specimen is heated to a predetermined temperature of 150°C (by placing it in a heated oven at this temperature) and held for a 30-minute interval, after which the specimen is cooled to room temperature and its dimensions are manually remeasured. The heat shrinkage is calculated and expressed as a percentage of the original length. (iv) Glass transition temperature (T g ) and crystalline melting point (T m) was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a PerkinElmer HyperDSC 8500. Unless otherwise stated, measurements were performed according to the following standard test method and based on the method described in ASTM E1356-98. Samples were kept under a dry nitrogen atmosphere for the duration of the scan. 20 ml min -1 A flow rate of 1000 kJ / min and an Al pan were used. Samples (5 mg) were heated from 20 to 350 °C at 20 °C / min. T g The value of T was determined as the extrapolated onset temperature of the glass transition observed in a DSC scan (heat flow (W / g) versus temperature (°C)) as described in ASTM E1356-98. m The value of was determined from the DSC scan as the peak endotherm of the transition. (v) Crystallinity is calculated using the equation: X c =ΔH m / ΔH m ° (In the formula, ΔH m = experimental enthalpy of fusion calculated from the integration of the melting endotherm; ΔH m ° = theoretical enthalpy of fusion of the corresponding poly(alkylene-carboxylate) homopolymer at 100% crystallinity) The degree of crystallinity (X) was calculated according to c ) was measured from the DSC analysis described hereinabove. Thus, for PET (or PET-based) polyesters, ΔH m ° is the theoretical enthalpy of fusion of 100% crystalline PET polymer (140 J / g), and for PEN (or PEN-based) polyester, ΔH m ° is the theoretical enthalpy of fusion of 100% crystalline PEN polymer (103 J / g). (vi) The heat seal strength of polymeric film A to polymeric film B is measured at ambient temperature (23°C ± 2°C) by the following procedure: Samples of the two films are placed together with their heat-sealable surfaces in contact and subjected to a temperature of 150°C for 1 second under a pressure of 60 psi. The sealing film assembly is cooled to room temperature and the sealing composite is cut into 25 mm wide strips. The heat seal strength is determined using an Instron Model 4301 by measuring the force required to peel the layers of film under linear tension at a constant rate of 4.23 mm / sec per unit width of the seal. The procedure is repeated and the average of five results is calculated.

[0049] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples. It will be appreciated that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as described above. Changes in detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. [Example]

[0050] Example 1 (Single Internal Channel) A polymer composition (PET) was coextruded with a heat-sealable copolyester derived from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and ethylene glycol (the molar ratio of TA / IPA / EG was 82 / 18 / 100) and cast onto a water-cooled rotating quench drum to obtain an amorphous cast extrudate. The cast extrudate was heated to a temperature ranging from approximately 50 to 80°C and stretched in the extrusion direction to approximately three times its original dimensions. The film was passed through a tenter oven at a temperature of 100°C, and the film was stretched in the transverse direction to approximately three times its original dimensions. The biaxially stretched film was conventionally heat-set in a three-stage crystallizer at temperatures between 210 and 230°C. The final film had a total film thickness of 50 μm, with the heat-sealable layer being approximately 10 μm thick. This was designated Polymer Film B.

[0051] Coextruded biaxially oriented polymeric film A was prepared essentially according to the procedure above and using the same materials, except that the total film thickness was 30 μm and the heat-sealable layer was 5 μm thick. A sheet measuring 30 cm (length) by 3 cm (width) was cut from polymer film A with the length direction aligned with the longitudinal (mechanical) axis of the film. A sheet measuring 30 cm (length) by 25 cm (width) was cut from polymer film B with the length direction aligned with the longitudinal (mechanical) axis of the film.

[0052] Polymeric sheets A and B were aligned substantially parallel with an overlap of approximately 1 cm along the first long edge (Aa and Bb) of each sheet, and a heat-seal bond was formed by subjecting the overlap area to a temperature of 150°C for 1 second under a pressure of 60 psi, thereby forming a heat-seal bond designated herein as HSB2. The film assembly was wrapped around itself with an overlap of approximately 1 cm along the second long edge (Ab and Ba) of each sheet, thereby forming a heat-seal bond designated herein as HSB1. The tube had an internal diameter of approximately 8 cm and exhibited a single internal channel.

[0053] Example 2 (Two Internal Channels) Polymeric sheets A and B were prepared as described in Example 1, except that polymeric sheet A was 12 cm wide. Sheets A and B were aligned substantially parallel, overlapping each other by approximately 10 cm along the first long edge of each film, and a heat-seal bond was formed by subjecting the area adjacent the first long edge (Bb) of sheet B to the heat-sealing conditions described above, thereby forming a heat-seal bond designated herein as HSB2. A further heat-seal bond was formed by subjecting the area adjacent the first long edge (Aa) of sheet A to the same heat-sealing conditions, forming a heat-seal bond to heat-sealable surface B2 at a location between edges Bb and Ba, thereby forming a heat-seal bond designated herein as HSB3. The film assembly was then wrapped around itself, with each of the second long edges (Ab and Ba) of sheets A and B overlapping by approximately 1 cm, thereby forming a heat-seal bond designated herein as HSB1. The tube had an internal diameter of approximately 8 cm and exhibited two internal channels. The heat seal bond in the above example exhibited a heat seal bond strength of 71 g / mm, measured as described herein. In each of the examples, the heat sealing step was performed in a Sentinel heat sealing machine operating at 150°C, 60 psi and 1 second using wax release paper placed in the internal channel as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. (Addendum) The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. <Embodiment 1> a tube including a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube; (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) a tube, wherein polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel including first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube. <Embodiment 2> 2. The tube of claim 1, wherein the second channel is defined by the third heat seal bond (HSB3) between end Aa adjacent the heat sealable surface of film A and a portion of heat sealable surface B2 between ends Ba and Bb, and by the second heat seal bond (HSB2) between end Bb adjacent the heat sealable surface of film B and a portion of heat sealable surface A2 between ends Aa and Ab. <Embodiment 3> 3. The tube of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface A1 of polymeric film A and the first surface B1 of polymeric film B are not heat-sealable. <Embodiment 4> 4. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer B are independently selected from films comprising a base layer and a heat-sealable layer. <Embodiment 5> 5. The tube according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the base layer is a polyester comprising an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an aliphatic diol, and preferably the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. <Embodiment 6> 6. The tubing of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-sealable layer is a copolyester derived from at least three monomer repeat units, at least one of which is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and at least one of which is an aliphatic diol. <Embodiment 7> 7. The tubing of embodiment 6, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, a second aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and ethylene glycol, preferably wherein the second aromatic dicarboxylic acid is isophthalic acid. <Embodiment 8> 7. The tubing of embodiment 6, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and a second diol, preferably wherein the second diol is selected from a cycloaliphatic diol, preferably 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. <Embodiment 9> 7. The tubing of embodiment 6, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and a second dicarboxylic acid, preferably wherein the second dicarboxylic acid is selected from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, preferably azelaic acid. <Embodiment 10> 6. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat-sealable layer is formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) having a vinyl acetate content in the range of 9% to 40%, more preferably 15% to 30%. <Embodiment 11> 11. The tube of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer B are independently selected from biaxially oriented polymer films. <Embodiment 12> 12. The tube of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer B are independently selected from co-extruded polymer films. <Embodiment 13> 13. The tube of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of about 1 cm to about 500 cm. <Embodiment 14> 14. The tube of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymeric film A and the polymeric film B overlap by at least 1 mm to form the overlap heat seal bond. <Embodiment 15> 15. The tube according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer film B are independently selected from films having a thickness of 10 to 500 μm, preferably the polymer film B having a thickness of 20 to 300, preferably 20 to 100 μm, and preferably the polymer film A having a thickness of 10 to about 20 μm. <Embodiment 16> 16. The tube according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the width of the polymer film B is greater than the width of the polymer film A. <Embodiment 17> 17. The tube according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the first surface B1 of the polymer film B constitutes at least a major portion of the outer surface of the tube. <Embodiment 18> 18. The tube according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heat-sealable surface B2 of the polymeric film B constitutes at least a major portion of the inner surface of the first channel of the tube. <Embodiment 19> 19. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a portion of the second heat-sealable surface A2 of polymeric film A and a portion of the second heat-sealable surface B2 of polymeric film B constitute the inner surface of the second channel of the tube. <Embodiment 20> A kit comprising a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, the kit being suitable for forming a tube comprising a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, as described in embodiment 1 and any one of embodiments 2 to 19 dependent on embodiment 1; (i) the tube is composed of the first heat-sealable polymer film A and the second heat-sealable polymer film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel including first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube. <Embodiment 21> A method for forming a tube of polymeric film according to any one of the first embodiment and any one of the second to nineteenth embodiments dependent on the first embodiment, wherein the tube includes a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the method comprising: (a) providing a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, wherein the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2, the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2, the polymeric film A has ends Aa and Ab, and the polymeric film B has ends Ba and Bb; (b) positioning polymeric films A and B such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with one another and bond polymeric film A to polymeric film B by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​each of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that (i) first and second overlapping heat seal bonds are formed to define the tube and the first channel thereof; (ii) forming a third heat seal bond between the heat sealable surfaces A2 and B2 such that the third heat seal bond defines a second channel including first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube. wherein the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube. <Embodiment 22> 22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the heat seal bond is formed by the application of temperature and pressure. <Embodiment 23> 23. The method of any one of embodiments 21-22, wherein a removable release sheet is placed between the heat-sealable surface of polymeric film B and the first surface of polymeric film A prior to the application of heat and pressure to avoid the formation of a heat-seal bond between the heat-sealable surface of polymeric film B and the first surface of polymeric film A. <Embodiment 24> 1. A method for delivering one or more injection chemicals to a predetermined location within a structure, comprising: (a) providing a tube having a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube; (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymer film A includes ends Aa and Ab, the polymer film B includes ends Ba and Bb, and the ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define the tube and its first channel; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing the injection chemical along the first channel to the predetermined location; A method comprising: <Embodiment 25> 25. The method of embodiment 24, wherein the tube is as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 19. <Embodiment 26> 25. The method of embodiment 24 for delivering multiple injection chemicals to predetermined locations within a structure, comprising: a) providing a tube having first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the tube being composed of a first heat-sealable polymer film A and a second heat-sealable polymer film B, as described in any one of embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 to embodiment 19 dependent thereon; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing a first injection chemistry along the first channel to the predetermined location; (c) directing a second fluid stream containing a second injection chemistry along the second channel to the predetermined location; (d) mixing said first and second streams at said predetermined location. A method comprising: <Embodiment 27> 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of rupturing the first heat-sealable polymeric film A at the predetermined location so that the second fluid stream in the second channel mixes with the first fluid stream in the first channel, thereby causing a chemical reaction between the first and second injection chemicals. <Embodiment 28> 28. The method according to any one of embodiments 24-27 for the delivery of injection chemicals in mining and construction applications, particularly for applications selected from the delivery of injection chemicals to strengthen walls of boreholes, pipelines, shafts or tunnels, the delivery of injection chemicals to immobilize, consolidate or control gas, water and formations at underground locations, including strengthening fractured formations and / or preventing water seepage, and the delivery of injection chemicals in maintenance and construction works, including repairing or filling holes or breaches in structures. <Embodiment 29> 29. The method of any one of embodiments 24-28, wherein the injection chemical is delivered to a predetermined location in a borehole of a mining operation. <Embodiment 30> The method of any one of embodiments 24 to 29, or the tube of embodiment 1 or any one of embodiments 2 to 19 dependent from embodiment 1, or the kit of embodiment 20, wherein the tubing is suitable for the delivery of a two-component injectable chemical system, where the two components must remain separated until the time of their application, at which point the components come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to provide the desired compound at a predetermined location. <Embodiment 31> 31. The method, tube or kit of embodiment 30, wherein said infusion chemical system comprises or consists of a two-component polyurethane or silicate resin system.

Claims

1. a tube including a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube; (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymer film A and a second heat-sealable polymer film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymeric film A includes ends A-a and Ab, the polymeric film B includes ends Ba and B-b, and the ends A-a, Ab, Ba, and B-b extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) a tube, wherein polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel comprising first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube.

2. 2. The tube of claim 1, wherein the second channel is defined by the third heat seal bond (HSB3) between end A-a adjacent the heat sealable surface of film A and a portion of heat sealable surface B2 between ends Ba and B-b, and by the second overlap heat seal bond (HSB2) between end B-b adjacent the heat sealable surface of film B and a portion of heat sealable surface A2 between ends Aa and Ab.

3. 3. The tube of claim 1, wherein the first surface A1 of polymeric film A and the first surface B1 of polymeric film B are not heat-sealable.

4. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymeric film A and the polymeric film B are independently selected from films comprising a base layer and a heat-sealable layer.

5. 5. The tubing of claim 4, wherein the base layer is a polyester comprising an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an aliphatic diol.

6. 6. The tubing of claim 5, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

7. 5. The tubing of claim 4, wherein the heat-sealable layer is a copolyester derived from at least three monomer repeat units, at least one of which is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and at least one of which is an aliphatic diol.

8. 8. The tubing of claim 7, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, a second aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and ethylene glycol.

9. 9. The tubing of claim 8, wherein the second aromatic dicarboxylic acid is isophthalic acid.

10. 8. The tubing of claim 7, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and a second diol.

11. The tubing of claim 10, wherein the second diol is a cycloaliphatic diol that is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

12. 8. The tubing of claim 7, wherein the copolyester is derived from terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and a second dicarboxylic acid.

13. 13. The tubing of claim 12, wherein the second dicarboxylic acid is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid that is azelaic acid.

14. 5. The tubing of claim 4, wherein the heat-sealable layer is formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) having a vinyl acetate content ranging from 9% to 40%.

15. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer film B are independently selected from biaxially oriented polymer films.

16. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the polymeric film A and the polymeric film B are independently selected from coextruded polymeric films.

17. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of from about 1 cm to about 500 cm.

18. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the polymeric film A and the polymeric film B overlap by at least 1 mm to form the overlap heat seal bond.

19. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the polymer film A and the polymer film B are independently selected from films having a thickness of 10 to 500 µm.

20. The tube according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the width of the polymer film B is greater than the width of the polymer film A.

21. 21. The tube according to claim 1, wherein the first surface B1 of the polymer film B constitutes at least a major portion of the outer surface of the tube.

22. 22. The tube according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the heat-sealable surface B2 of the polymeric film B constitutes at least a major portion of the inner surface of the first channel of the tube.

23. 23. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a portion of the second heat-sealable surface A2 of polymeric film A and a portion of the second heat-sealable surface B2 of polymeric film B constitute the inner surface of the second channel of the tube.

24. A kit comprising a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, said kit being suitable for forming a tube comprising a first channel and a second channel, each of said first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of said tube, as claimed in claim 1 and any one of claims 2 to 23 dependent thereon, (i) the tube is composed of the first heat-sealable polymer film A and the second heat-sealable polymer film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymeric film A includes ends A-a and Ab, the polymeric film B includes ends Ba and B-b, and the ends A-a, Ab, Ba, and B-b extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (vii) polymeric film A is further adhered to polymeric film B by a third heat seal bond (HSB3) between said heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that said third heat seal bond defines a second channel comprising first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of said tube.

25. 24. A method of forming a tube of polymeric film according to claim 1 and any one of claims 2 to 23 depending thereon, wherein the tube comprises a first channel and a second channel, each of the first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the method comprising: (a) providing a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, wherein the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2, the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2, the polymeric film A has ends A-a and Ab, and the polymeric film B has ends Ba and Bb; (b) positioning polymeric films A and B such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with one another and bond polymeric film A to polymeric film B by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​each of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2, such that (i) first and second overlapping heat seal bonds are formed to define the tube and the first channel thereof; (ii) forming a third heat seal bond between the heat sealable surfaces A2 and B2 such that the third heat seal bond defines a second channel including first and second walls extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube. wherein said polymeric films A and B are positioned such that ends Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the heat seal bond is formed by the application of temperature and pressure.

27. 27. The method of any one of claims 25 to 26, wherein a removable release sheet is placed between the heat-sealable surface of polymeric film B and the first surface of polymeric film A prior to the application of heat and pressure to avoid the formation of a heat-seal bond between the heat-sealable surface of polymeric film B and the first surface of polymeric film A.

28. 1. A method for delivering one or more injection chemicals to a predetermined location within a structure, comprising: (a) providing a tube having a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, (i) the tube is composed of a first heat-sealable polymer film A and a second heat-sealable polymer film B; (ii) the polymeric film A has a first surface A1 and a second heat-sealable surface A2; (iii) the polymeric film B has a first surface B1 and a second heat-sealable surface B2; (iv) the polymeric film A includes ends A-a and Ab, the polymeric film B includes ends Ba and B-b, and the ends A-a, Ab, Ba, and B-b extend along the longitudinal axis of the tube; (v) the polymeric films A and B are positioned such that the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2 are in contact with each other and are adhered to each other by a heat-seal bond that does not extend over the entire surface area of ​​at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces A2 and B2; (vi) polymeric film A is adhered to polymeric film B by first and second overlap heat seal bonds (HSB1 and HSB2) to define said tube and said first channel thereof; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing the injection chemical along the first channel to the predetermined location. A method comprising:

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the tube is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23.

30. 30. A method according to claim 28 for delivering a plurality of chemical injections to predetermined locations within a structure, comprising: a) providing a tube having first and second channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the tube being constituted by a first heat-sealable polymeric film A and a second heat-sealable polymeric film B, as claimed in claim 1 and any one of claims 2 to 23 dependent thereon; (b) directing a first fluid stream containing a first injection chemistry along the first channel to the predetermined location; (c) directing a second fluid stream containing a second injection chemistry along the second channel to the predetermined location; (d) mixing said first and second streams at said predetermined location. A method comprising:

31. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of rupturing the first heat-sealable polymeric film A at the predetermined location so that the second fluid stream in the second channel mixes with the first fluid stream in the first channel, thereby causing a chemical reaction between the first and second injection chemicals.

32. 32. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 31 for the delivery of injection chemicals in mining and construction applications, in particular for applications selected from the delivery of injection chemicals to strengthen the walls of a borehole, pipeline, shaft or tunnel, the delivery of injection chemicals to immobilise, consolidate or control gas, water and formations at underground locations, including strengthening fractured formations and / or preventing water seepage, and the delivery of injection chemicals in maintenance and construction works, including repairing or filling holes or breaches in structures.

33. 33. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the injection chemical is delivered to a predetermined location in a borehole of a mining operation.

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the tubing is suitable for the delivery of a two-component injectable chemical system, the two components of which must remain separated until the point of their application, at which point the components come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to produce a desired compound at a predetermined location.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the two-component injection chemical system comprises or consists of a two-component polyurethane or silicate resin system.

36. A tube as described in claim 1 or any one of claims 2 to 23 dependent on claim 1, wherein the tube is suitable for delivering a two-component injectable chemical system, the two components being required to remain separate until the time of their application, at which point the components come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to yield a desired compound at a predetermined location.

37. The tube of claim 36, wherein the two-component injection chemical system comprises or consists of a two-component polyurethane or silicate resin system.

38. The kit of claim 24, wherein the tubing is suitable for delivery of a two-component injectable chemical system, the two components of which must remain separated until the time of their application, at which point the components come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to yield a desired compound at a predetermined location.

39. The kit of claim 38, wherein the two-component injection chemical system comprises or consists of a two-component polyurethane or silicate resin system.

Images