EP3947820A1

EP3947820A1 - Device for absorbing a liquid present on a floor in the event of water-related damage or a flood

Info

Publication number: EP3947820A1
Application number: EP20714210.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Combe; Stéphane DELHEUR
Original assignee: Cera Engineering; Aprotek SARL
Current assignee: Cera Engineering; Aprotek SARL
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-26
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: WO2020193687A1; US20220195682A1; FR3094382A1; FR3094382B1

Abstract

The absorption device (2A) comprises a hydrophilic powder (4) and a casing (4) which is permeable to a liquid, the casing (4) being composed of an upper layer (8) which is superimposed on a lower layer (10), the lower and upper layers being connected to each other by strong connections (12) which delimit a confinement zone (14) for the hydrophilic powder (4) in the casing (4). Advantageously, the lower and upper layers are connected to each other by means of first weak connections (16). The first weak connections (16) delimit a plurality of adjacent cells (18) in the confinement zone (14), each cell (18) enclosing a quantity of hydrophilic powder (4) sufficient to bring about the breakage of the first weak connections (16) which delimit the cell (18) when the hydrophilic powder (4) absorbs a liquid.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the invention: Device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or flooding

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or a flood, for example. The invention also relates to a water retention barrier in the event of water damage or flooding, comprising several absorption devices.

State of the art

[0002] When a flood occurs, it is known to use sandbags to contain flood water and sludge. To do this, the bags and sand are transported separately to the site, after which the bags are filled and put in place manually. Filling and stacking bags is tedious and time consuming. This solution is therefore not suitable for combating sudden floods, nor suitable for people who are not used to physical exertion. [0003] An alternative solution consists in replacing the bags with envelopes permeable to water and the sand by a hydrophilic powder. In contact with water, the powder absorbs a certain quantity of water until it becomes impermeable. Once filled with water, the envelope is then able to contain or deflect a flood. [0004] By replacing the sand with a hydrophilic powder, it is advantageously possible to reduce the volume of the envelope. It is then easier to store the envelopes in flood zones, so as to allow rapid use in the event of a sudden flood. According to another advantage, for similar efficiency, the amount of hydrophilic powder contained in an envelope is significantly less than the amount of sand contained in a bag. As a result, a greater number of people are able to move an envelope containing a hydrophilic powder than a bag containing sand. Mention will in particular be made of patent US4650368, which proposes to use a bag containing a superabsorbent polymer.

[0005] However, when handling the casing, it appears that the hydrophilic powder tends to accumulate in the corners and form agglomerates. In the presence of liquid, a tight layer forms around the center of each agglomerate. The hydrophilic powder present within these agglomerates is therefore unused. This translates into a variable and uncontrollable absorption capacity for each envelope. According to another drawback, by absorbing a liquid, the envelopes swell non-uniformly. The water retention barriers formed by stacking this type of casing thus comprise numerous infiltration paths between the casings, which adversely affects the effectiveness of said barrier.

The invention aims to solve the problems mentioned above, by providing a device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during a water damage or a flood, comprising an envelope containing a hydrophilic powder allowing greater absorption and a more homogeneous shape when soaked.

Presentation of the invention

[0007] The invention provides a device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or a flood, comprising a hydrophilic powder contained in a casing permeable to a liquid, the casing consists of an upper layer superimposed on a lower layer, the lower and upper layers are linked together by strong bonds, the strong bonds delimit a zone of confinement of the hydrophilic powder in the envelope. The invention is characterized in that the lower and upper layers are linked together by means of first weak bonds, the first weak bonds delimit several adjacent cells in the confinement zone, each cell thus contains a quantity of powder sufficient to cause the breaking of the first weak bonds delimiting the cell, when the powder absorbs a liquid.

[0009] The first weak bonds are arranged to prevent the passage of the hydrophilic powder from one cell to another. Thus, the amount of powder likely to agglomerate in part of the containment zone is severely limited. In other words, the presence of cells makes it possible to limit the maximum size of the powder agglomerates in the containment zone, and therefore to significantly increase the capacity as well as the speed of absorption of a liquid by the powder. hydrophilic.

[0010] According to another characteristic of the invention, each cell contains a quantity of hydrophilic powder capable of absorbing a sufficient volume of liquid, to exert pressure on the walls of the cell until the first weak bonds are broken. It should be noted that the first weak bonds are configured to give way, before the lower layer or the upper layer is pierced or torn during the swelling of the hydrophilic powder. This feature advantageously makes it possible to locally control the shape of the envelope when it is in contact with a liquid element. As the name suggests, strong bonds are more resistant to tensile forces than weak bonds. In other words, weak links are configured to give way before strong links.

[0011] According to another advantage, the strong bonds are configured to give way after the weak bonds, in order to prevent dissemination of the hydrophilic powder in the environment, when the weak bonds are broken. In other words, the strong bonds delimit a confinement zone in which the hydrophilic powder is present, between the upper layer and the lower layer of the envelope, when the weak bonds are broken. [0012] According to another characteristic of the invention, in the confinement zone, the smallest area delimited by a cell is equal to or greater than 5 cm2, preferably equal to or greater than 10 cm2.

[0013] According to another characteristic of the invention, the surface area of the containment zone is equal to or greater than 80 cm2, preferably equal to or greater than 1000 cm2, preferably equal to or greater than 2000 cm2.

According to another characteristic of the invention, once soaked with a liquid, the confinement zone is characterized by a height equal to or greater than 4 cm, preferably equal to or greater than 5 cm, advantageously greater than 6 cm . By the term "height" is meant a dimension of the absorption device in a direction normal or substantially normal to the lower layer. The height of the absorption device is measured when said device is not covered by any other element. The height of the containment zone is preferably measured at its center.

[0015] According to another characteristic of the invention, the volume density of hydrophilic powder is identical or substantially identical in each cell present in the confinement zone. This embodiment advantageously allows the envelope, after absorption of a liquid, to have a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous shape at the level of the center of the containment zone. Therefore, a stack of several protection devices according to the invention, after absorption of a liquid, is more stable compared to the state of the art. This allows for a stronger waterproof barrier with a smaller number of envelopes.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the amount of hydrophilic powder contained in the confinement zone is adapted so that once soaked in water, the weight of the envelope is between 0.1 kg and 30 kg, preferably between 0.5 kg and 25 kg.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the invention, the hydrophilic powder comprises a water-retaining polymer, of natural or synthetic origin, having a water retention capacity greater than or equal to 30 times its weight in demineralized water, preferably greater than or equal to 50 times, advantageously greater than or equal to 100 times.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the invention, the upper layer comprises at least one pleat of ease, at the level of the containment zone, the base of the pleat is maintained by means of weak second links. By the terms “base of the ply” is meant the area where the upper layer is superimposed so as to locally form a double thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the pleat has an insufficient amount of hydrophilic powder, after absorption of a liquid, to cause the breaking of the second weak bonds. Preferably, the inside of the pleat does not contain hydrophilic powder. The second weak bonds are arranged so as to prevent the passage of the hydrophilic powder. According to a preferred embodiment, the upper layer comprises at least two pleats of ease, at the level of the confinement zone. The pleats run along opposite edges of the containment zone. This embodiment allows a more homogeneous deployment of the upper layer between said edges, when the second weak bonds give way due to the swelling of the powder during the absorption of a liquid. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the confinement zone is rectangular in shape and when it is desired to stack identical absorption devices according to the invention, to form barriers to retain a liquid in the event of flooding or damage. waters.

[0019] According to another characteristic of the invention, the ease of use is configured to deploy so as to avoid tearing of the lower layer and / or the upper layer, when the powder contained in the confinement zone absorbs liquid. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to increase the quantity of hydrophilic powder in one or more cells comprising the pleat, while avoiding tearing of the lower and / or upper layer when the envelope absorbs a liquid. In other words, for a confinement zone of the same dimensions, the pleat of ease advantageously makes it possible to increase the quantity of hydrophilic powder contained in the confinement zone, and therefore the retention capacity of a liquid by the envelope.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the invention, the pleat of ease is configured to preserve the flatness of the lower layer, when the hydrophilic powder contained in the confinement zone has absorbed a maximum amount of liquid. In other words, the pleat is configured to preferentially promote the deployment of the top layer towards the height of the absorption device, when the dehydrated powder absorbs a liquid. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to maintain a greater contact surface between the lower layer of the casing and a flat or substantially flat ground, in order to more effectively retain or deflect a liquid spreading on the ground.

[0021] According to another characteristic of the invention, the top of the pleat is parallel or substantially parallel to an edge of the confinement zone. Preferably, at least one pleat extends along an edge of the containment zone.

[0022] According to another characteristic of the invention, the pleat of ease is held against the upper layer, by means of weak third links located in the containment zone.

[0023] According to another characteristic of the invention, the weak bonds are produced by an ultrasonic welding technique.

[0024] Weak bonds are characterized by a markedly lower resistance to tearing compared to strong bonds. According to the invention, weak bonds are configured to give way so as not to break or tear the top layer and / or the bottom layer.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or flooding, implementing the following steps: - deposition of a hydrophilic powder on a lower layer permeable to a liquid;

- Covering the hydrophilic powder with an upper layer permeable to a liquid;

- creation of strong bonds between the lower layer and the layer

upper, so as to delimit a containment zone for the hydrophilic powder between said layers;

- Making weak bonds between the lower layer and the upper layer, so as to confine the hydrophilic powder in separate and adjacent cells.

It should be noted that the last two steps can be reversed or carried out simultaneously.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for absorbing a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or flooding, implementing the following steps:

a) forming a pleat on an upper liquid permeable layer; then

b) making weak connections to maintain the fold of ease; then

c) positioning the upper layer against a lower liquid permeable layer; then

d) making strong bonds between the top layer and the bottom layer, the strong bonds being arranged so as to delimit a central edge and two side edges adjacent to the central edge, the pleat being present between the side edges;

e) making weak bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to delimit adjacent pockets in the confinement zone; then

f) inserting a quantity of hydrophilic powder into each pocket; then g) making weak bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to close each pocket in order to obtain adjacent cells each containing a quantity of hydrophilic powder; h) creation of strong bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to close the confinement zone.

According to an alternative embodiment, steps g) and h) can be replaced by a step consisting of only making strong bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to simultaneously close each pocket as well as the zone of confinement. In other words, the strong bonds are arranged to substitute for the weak bonds delimiting the peripheral edges of the set of adjacent cells comprising hydrophilic powder.

According to an alternative embodiment, between steps f) and g), steps

The following can be implemented in order to increase the number of adjacent cells present in the containment zone:

1) making weak bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to close each pocket in order to obtain cells

adjacent each containing an amount of hydrophilic powder;

2) creation of strong bonds between the upper layer and the lower layer, so as to extend the lateral edges of the confinement zone;

3) creation of weak links so as to delimit in the zone of

containment of new adjacent pockets, the bottom of each new pocket being delimited by at least one edge of a cell;

4) inserting a quantity of hydrophilic powder into each new pocket.

It should be noted that steps 1) to 4) can be repeated several times in a row, before the implementation of step h), in order to form an envelope containing several rows of adjacent cells.

[0031] The weak and strong bonds can be made using at least one of the following techniques: by gluing, by stitching, by welding or the like.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment of a manufacturing method described above, the weak bonds are produced by an ultrasonic welding technique. Strong bonds can also be achieved by an ultrasonic welding technique.

[0033] The invention also relates to a water retention barrier in the event of water damage or flooding, comprising several absorption devices as described above.

Description of figures

The description which will follow with reference to the following accompanying drawings,

given by way of nonlimiting examples, will allow a better understanding of what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out:

[0035] [Fig 1] illustrates a top view of a first example of a device

absorption against flooding according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig 2] illustrates a cross section along the axis AA ’of the device

absorption shown in Figure 1;

[0037] [Fig 3] illustrates a cross section along the axis AA ’of the device

absorption shown in Figure 1, after absorption of a liquid by said device;

[0038] [Fig 4] illustrates a cross section of a second example of a

absorption device according to the invention, showing two hydrated protective devices stacked one on top of the other to form a barrier

raincoat ;

[0039] [Fig 5] illustrates a cross section of a third example of an absorption device according to the invention, comprising a pleat;

[0040] [Fig 6] illustrates a cross section of the third embodiment of the invention, after absorption of a liquid;

[0041] [Fig 7] illustrates a cross section of a fourth example of a

absorption device according to the invention, comprising a pleat of ease pressed against said device; [0042] [Fig 8] illustrates a top view of the absorption device shown in Figure 7;

[0043] [Fig 9] to [Fig 17] illustrate the different stages of making an absorption device according to the invention; [0044] [Fig 18] to [Fig 21] illustrate the various steps of another embodiment of an absorption device according to the invention;

[0045] [Fig 22] illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of a

absorption device according to the invention.

Description of embodiments

As a reminder, the invention provides a device for absorbing a liquid, present on a ground during water damage or a flood, comprising an envelope containing a hydrophilic powder allowing greater absorption of water. 'a liquid and more homogeneous in shape when soaked. [0047] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first embodiment of an absorption device 2A according to the invention. The absorption device comprises a hydrophilic powder 4 confined in an envelope 6 permeable to a liquid, preferably water.

The hydrophilic powder 4 is composed of an absorbent material, made from a water-retaining polymer, of natural or synthetic origin. This type of polymer is generally known under the name of superabsorbent or under the English abbreviation SAP ("superabsorbent polymer"). It is generally in the form of a powder, whether agglomerated or not. Their structure based on a three-dimensional network similar to a multitude of small cavities each having the capacity to deform and absorb water, gives them the property of absorbing very large quantities of water and therefore of inflate. By way of nonlimiting examples, the hydrophilic powder is made from guar gum, alginates, carboxymethyl celluloses, dextrans, xanthan gums, etc. SAPs of synthetic origin which can be used in the context of the present invention, are, for example, water-soluble polymers which are crosslinked, or which may be crosslinked. There are many types. Such polymers are for example described in patent FR 2559158 in which crosslinked polymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid, crosslinked graft copolymers of the polysaccharide / acrylic or methacrylic acid type, crosslinked terpolymers of the acrylic or methacrylic acid type are described. / acrylamide / sulfonated acrylamide and their alkaline earth or alkali metal salts. In a preferred embodiment, the monomers used for the preparation of the superabsorbent polymers are chosen from acrylamide and / or acrylic acid partially or totally salified and / or ATBS (acrylamido tertio butylsufonate) partially or totally salified and / or or NVP (N vinylpyrrolidone) and / or acryloylmorpholine and / or itaconic acid partially or totally salified. In a preferred embodiment, the superabsorbing polymers are homopolymers or crosslinked copolymers based on partially or totally salified acrylic acid. Other hydrophilic monomers, for example cationic monomers, but also monomers with hydrophobic characteristics, could be used to produce the superabsorbent polymers. Among the cationic monomers, mention will be made, by way of example, of diallyldialkyl ammonium salts and monomers of dialkylaminoalkyl (meth) acrylate, dialkylaminoalkyl (meth) acrylamide type as well as their quaternary ammonium or acid salts. Mention will in particular be made of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (ADAME) and / or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (MADAME) quaternized or salified, acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) and / or methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC). Synthetic superabsorbent polymers are generally crosslinked with 100 to 6000 ppm (parts per million) of at least one crosslinking agent chosen from the group comprising acrylic compounds, for example methylene bis acrylamide, allylic, for example tertra allylammonium chloride, vinyl by example divinyl benzene, diepoxy, metal salts, etc. Some can also have a double crosslinking, for example by an acrylic crosslinking agent. Superabsorbent polymers can also be post-treated by post-crosslinking of the surface of the polymer particles, in order to increase their absorption capacity under the effect of pressure.

Preference will be given, for reasons of cost, to superabsorbent polymers of synthetic origin of sodium polyacrylate type crosslinked with or without postcrosslinking. SAP can be obtained by all the polymerization techniques well known to those skilled in the art: gel polymerization, polymerization by precipitation, emulsion polymerization (aqueous or reverse) followed or not by a distillation step, suspension polymerization, polymerization. in solution, these polymerizations being followed or not by a step making it possible to isolate a dry form of the (co) polymer by all types of means well known to those skilled in the art. The absorbent materials mentioned above can also be combined with one another to form hydrophilic powders of different compositions.

It was surprisingly found that when the amount of superabsorbent polymer used is overdosed with respect to what is necessary (due to its absorption power), the absorbent article has a dry feel and no release of water despite an increased risk of the phenomenon of "gel blocking" due to the presence of cells,

The particle size of the hydrophilic powder 4 confined in the casing 6 is between 0.01 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The hydrophilic powder 4 is characterized by a water retention capacity greater than or equal to 30 times its weight in demineralized water, preferably greater than or equal to 50 times, advantageously greater than or equal to 100 times.

According to a first embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 to 3, the hydrophilic powder 4 is present in a casing 6 of the absorption device 2A. The envelope 6 consists of an upper layer 8 superimposed on a lower layer 10. At least one of said layers is permeable to a liquid, preferably water, to allow the hydrophilic powder 4 to absorb said liquid. Preferably the top and bottom layers both are liquid permeable. The top layer 8 is non-woven. By the term “non-woven” is meant any manufactured product, consisting of a veil, a sheet or a mat of directionally or randomly distributed fibers, having internal cohesion, to the exclusion of weaving and knitting. The fibers of the upper layer 8 can be of synthetic and / or natural nature. According to the present example, the top layer 8 is made from a thermofusible material based on polypropylene. The fibers of the upper layer 8 are arranged to prevent the passage of the hydrophilic powder. The fibers form a mat the thickness of which is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

According to the present example, the lower layer 10 is identical or similar to the upper layer 8. It should be noted that the lower and upper layers can be of different nature, optionally one of said layers can be partially or completely impermeable to a liquid.

The casing 6 is produced by maintaining the upper layer 8 against the lower layer 10, by means of strong bonds 12. The strong bonds 12 are arranged so as to define, between said layers, a confinement zone 14 hydrophilic powder 4. The strong bonds 12 are capable of retaining in the confinement zone 14, the hydrophilic powder 4 after absorption of a liquid. The confinement zone can be of various shapes such as, for example, oval, polygonal or other. At the level of the upper layer 8, the strong bonds 12 delimit an area equal to or greater than 80 cm2, preferably equal to or greater than 1000 cm2.

According to the present example, the strong bonds 12 delimit an area of rectangular shape at the level of the upper layer 8, the width I and the length L of which are respectively between 200 mm and 600 mm, and between 400 mm and 1 000 mm.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the upper and lower layers are also maintained by means of first weak bonds 16. As their name suggests, the first weak bonds are distinguish strong bonds 12 in that they are more fragile. Indeed, the first weak bonds 16 are configured to give way when the hydrophilic powder absorbs a liquid, in order to preserve the integrity of the upper layer and / or of the lower layer. This is not the case with strong bonds 12.

According to the present example, the strong and weak bonds are formed by welding the upper and lower layers together by an ultrasonic welding technique, so as to intertwine the fibers making up said layers. Adhesives can also be used to form the bonds between the top and bottom layers. Alternatively, the connections can be made using a heat source allowing the fibers of the upper layer to be locally fused to the fibers of the lower layer. According to another embodiment, the upper layer can be pressed against the lower layer, so as to locally interleave their fibers. The weak and strong bonds can therefore be made from one or more techniques mentioned above, so that the fibers belonging to the upper and lower layer are bound at the level of the link, the identity of the individual fibers not being not noticeable in the binding.

The first weak bonds 16 are arranged so as to delimit adjacent cells 18 which are present in the confinement zone 14. The shape of the adjacent cells can be varied, for example oval, polygonal or the like. The first weak bonds 16 are made in particular to prevent the passage of the hydrophilic powder from one cell to another when the hydrophilic powder is dehydrated. At the level of the upper layer 8, the area of a cell 18 is between 5 cm2 and 600 cm2, preferably between 14 cm2 and 18 cm2. By way of non-limiting example, the first weak bonds 16 can delimit rectangular cells whose sides are between 2 cm and 30 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. The first weak links 16 can be arranged so as to form a mesh of 12 cells, distributed over 3 columns and 4 rows as illustrated in FIG. 1. Of course, the number of cells, their shape as well. that their arrangement can be modified according to the ranges of values mentioned above.

As illustrated by Figure 2, each cell 18 contains an amount of hydrophilic powder 4 dehydrated, between 0.04 g / cm2 and 0.3 g / cm2, preferably between 0.1 g / cm2 and 0, 2 g / cm2. According to the present example, the basis weight of hydrophilic powder per cell is of the order of 3 g. The basis weight of hydrophilic powder as well as the number of cells 18 included in the confinement zone 14 as well as the maximum volume of the confinement zone, are chosen so that once soaked with liquid, the envelope can be handled by a person of average constitution. Preferably, the weight of the envelope when hydrated is between 0.1 kg and 30 kg, preferably between 1 kg and 25 kg.

Advantageously, the first weak bonds 16 delimit cells 18 making it possible to limit the phenomenon of aggregation of the hydrophilic powder 4 in the confinement zone 14. In fact, the aggregates formed by the hydrophilic powder cannot exceed the quantity of powder contained in a cell 18. As a result, compared to the state of the art, for the same quantity of powder, the invention allows greater absorption of liquid in a shorter period of time, such as the following examples show this.

All the comparative tests below were carried out under strictly identical conditions from an M1542 non-woven material sold by the company Freudenberg. They were carried out according to the protocol below. First, we inflated the different absorption devices to their maximum capacity for 30 min in a tap water tank at 16 ° C. We then took them out of the tank, then we evaluated the homogeneity or in other words the flatness of their upper face. Nature of the polymers used marketed by the company Aprotek: Apromud G300: sodium polyacrylate - 100% anionic; Aprodev 03: Acrylamide-potassium acrylate copolymer - 30% anionic [0062] [Table 1]

The examples described in Table 1 (annotated Ex) show that the absorbent articles produced according to the characteristics of the invention are the subject of better homogeneity during their use, compared to the counter-examples (Cex), and this, whatever the nature of the SAP used.

Unexpectedly, it has been found that particularly effective absorbent articles, of small size and very quick to use, can be obtained when the lower and upper layers are linked together by means of connections. weak, delimiting several adjacent cells in the containment zone, each cell contains a quantity of superabsorbent hydrophilic powder sufficient to cause the rupture of the first weak bonds when it absorbs a liquid.

The absorbent articles according to the invention allow moisture to penetrate inside extremely quickly and, once saturated with water, exhibit a homogeneous shape ideal for forming containment barriers, walls, dikes capable of containing a liquid and without release of water during their use.

The first weak bonds 16 are configured to give way when a quantity of hydrophilic powder, contained in an adjacent cell 18, absorbs a liquid and its volume increases. This feature makes it possible on the one hand to prevent tearing of the upper layer 8 and / or of the lower layer 10 during the swelling of the hydrophilic powder, and on the other hand to homogenize the thickness of the envelope 6 at the level of the center of the confinement zone 14. In fact, the first weak bonds 16 allow a more homogeneous distribution of the hydrophilic powder 4 in the confinement zone, and therefore also a more homogeneous swelling of the envelope 6 when it is soaked. of a liquid (see figure 3).

An envelope 6 according to the invention is characterized by a thickness of between 1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 20 mm, when the hydrophilic powder 4 is dehydrated. The thickness or height of the envelope 6 is defined in a direction normal or substantially normal to the upper and lower layers. Its total weight is between 10 g and 500 g, preferably between 20 g and 400 g. Envelope 6 is therefore light and compact, easily transportable and storable so that it can be used quickly in the event of a sudden flood. Once soaked with a liquid, the same envelope 6 has a thickness or height equal to or greater than 4 cm, preferably equal to or greater than 5 cm, advantageously greater than 6 cm.

An absorption device as described above can thus be used to absorb a liquid present on the ground, during water damage or a flood, or else as a drying mat or pipe plug. air for example.

[0069] Optionally, a protection device according to the invention can comprise several dehydrated envelopes as described above, interconnected by holding means not shown. Ways are preferably transferable, in order to allow the use of one or more envelopes depending on the task to be accomplished. By way of non-limiting example, several separate envelopes can be made from the superposition of an upper layer to a lower layer, comprising perforations between each envelope 6, in order to facilitate their detachment to allow a user to adjust the number of dehydrated envelopes according to the task to be performed. The length and width of such a strip of envelopes may respectively be between 1 m and 100 m, preferably between 5 m and 20 m, and between 0.5 m and 4 m, preferably between 1 m and 2 m.

According to a second exemplary embodiment of an absorption device 2B according to the invention, the envelope 6 may comprise reversible holding means, configured to ensure better retention between the envelopes when they are aligned and / or superimposed. It should be noted that identical or similar elements illustrated in the accompanying figures are indexed by the same numerical references. For example, envelopes may include one or more adhesive strips disposed on their outer surfaces, able to cling to the surface of another envelope. An envelope 6 may include a mechanical fastening system 20 comprising hooks and / or textile loops, able to cooperate with another mechanical fastening system, in order to ensure a better balance of a stack of protective devices 2 according to FIG. invention as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0071] Thus, several absorption devices can be assembled, by means of holding means, so as to form a water retention barrier during water damage or flooding.

According to a third embodiment of an absorption device 2C according to the invention illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, the upper layer 8 of the casing 6 comprises a ply 22. The ply of ease 22 is present at the level of the confinement zone 14. The base 24 of the ease ply is maintained by means of second weak links 26. By the terms “Base of the ply” is understood to mean an area where the upper layer 8 is superimposed and locally forms a double thickness. The interior of the pleat 22 has an insufficient quantity of hydrophilic powder to cause the rupture of the second weak bonds 26 after absorption of a liquid. Preferably, the interior of the pleat 22 does not contain hydrophilic powder. The second weak bonds 26 are arranged to prevent the hydrophilic powder 4 from entering the pleat 22. After breaking the second weak bonds 26, the pleat 22 is configured to deploy to prevent tearing of the pleat. lower layer and / or the upper layer, when the powder contained in the containment zone absorbs a liquid. According to a preferred embodiment and as illustrated by FIG. 6, the ply of ease 22 is configured to preserve the flatness of the lower layer 10 of the envelope, when the hydrophilic powder contained in the confinement zone is completely hydrated. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to increase the contact surface between the lower layer 10 of the casing 6 and a flat or substantially flat ground, in order to retain or deflect more effectively a liquid spreading on the ground. Preferably, the top 28 of the pleat 22 is parallel or substantially parallel to an edge of the confinement zone 14.

According to a fourth embodiment of a 2D absorption device according to the invention illustrated by Figures 7 and 8, the ply 22 is held against the upper layer 8, using third links weak 30. The weak third bonds have the same or similar characteristics to the first and second weak bonds described above. The weak third bonds 30 are present outside or, preferably, in the containment zone 14.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an absorption device against floods, as described above. The manufacturing process implements a first step illustrated in FIG. 9, consisting in making a ply 22 on an upper strip 8 '. The top strip 8 'is identical or similar in nature to a top layer 8 described above. Before folding, the upper band is characterized by a length between 1 m and 100 m, preferably between 5 m and 20 m. The pleat 22 comprises a top 28 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper band 8

[0075] According to a second step illustrated in FIG. 10, the pleat 22 is pressed against the upper band 8 "so that its top 28 is slightly set back from a longitudinal edge 32 of the upper band 8". At the level of the pleat 22, the upper band thus has a triple thickness. Third weak links 30 are made on the upper band 8 ’in order to keep the pleat pressed against said band.

[0076] According to a third step illustrated by FIG. 11, the upper strip 8 ’is superimposed on a lower strip 10’. The lower band 10 ’is of identical or substantially identical nature and dimensions to the upper band 8’. Preferably, the pleat 22 faces outwardly.

According to a fourth step illustrated by Figures 11 and 12, strong bonds 12 are made between the upper band 8 "and the lower band 10". A first series of strong connections is made, in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upper band 8 ’, in order to delimit a central edge 34 of a confinement zone 14 to be defined. A second series of strong links 12 is made, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper strip 8 ’, in order to delimit two opposite side edges 35 of the confinement zone 14.

According to a fifth step illustrated in Figure 12, first weak links 16 are made between the upper band 8 "and the lower band 10". The first weak links 16 are arranged to define adjacent pockets 36 in the confinement zone 14.

According to a sixth step illustrated in Figure 13, the hydrophilic powder 4 dehydrated is introduced into each pocket 36. The hydrophilic powder is identical or substantially identical nature to the examples mentioned above. The quantity of hydrophilic powder 4 introduced into each pocket 36 is chosen so as to respect the ranges of values mentioned above.

According to a seventh step illustrated in Figure 14, the first weak bonds 16 are made between the upper band 8 'and the lower band 10', in order to close each pocket 36 so as to enclose the hydrophilic powder 4 in several cells 18 adjacent. According to the present example, the cells 18 are three in number. First weak bonds 16 are made between the upper strip 8 'and the lower strip 10', in order to form other pockets 36 adjacent to the cells 18. Strong bonds are also made to extend the side edges 35 of the confinement zone. .

According to an eleventh step illustrated in Figure 15, the hydrophilic powder 4 dehydrated is introduced into each pocket 36.

According to a twelfth step illustrated in Figure 16, the first weak bonds 16 are made between the upper band 8 'and the lower band 10', in order to close each pocket 36 so as to enclose the hydrophilic powder 4 in several cells 18 adjacent.

According to a thirteenth and final step illustrated in Figure 17, strong links 12 are made between the upper band 8 'and the lower band 10', in order to close the confinement zone 14. This gives a device for absorption 2E against flooding as described above. It should be noted that the number as well as the arrangement of the cells 18 can be modified or varied at will.

Preferably, the connections mentioned above are made by an ultrasonic welding technique.

According to an alternative embodiment of a manufacturing process described above, the manufacturing process implements a first step illustrated in FIG. 18, consisting in making a pleat 22 on a strip. upper 8 ”using guides not shown. The top strip 8 ”is identical or similar in nature to a top layer 8 described above. Before folding, the upper band is characterized by a length of between 1 m and 100 m, preferably between 5 m and 20 m. The pleat 22 includes a top 28 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper band 8 ”. The pleat 22 is pressed against the upper band 8 ”so that its top 28 is slightly set back from a longitudinal edge 32 of the upper band 8”. At the level of the pleat 22, the upper band thus has a triple thickness.

According to a second step illustrated by FIG. 19, the upper strip 8 ”is superimposed on a lower strip 10”. The lower band 10 ”is of identical or substantially identical nature and dimensions to the upper band 8”. Preferably, the pleat 22 faces outwardly. Third weak connections 30 are then made on the upper band 8 ”in order to keep the pleat pressed against said band. More specifically, third weak bonds 30A are made at the base of the ply 22 and third weak bonds 30B are made at the level of the top 28 of the ply. The weak bonds 30A and 30B make it possible to locally maintain a triple thickness of the 8 ”layer. Note that the weak bonds 30A and 30B also maintain the lower 10 ”layer locally.

According to a third step, strong bonds 12 and weak bonds 16 are produced simultaneously between the upper band 8 'and the lower band 10', so as to delimit a part of the peripheral edges of a confinement zone to be produced and pockets 36 contained in said zone. It should be noted that the strong bonds 12 delimit both several edges of the confinement zone and several edges of the pockets 36. Compared to the above embodiment, the present embodiment offers the advantage of limiting the number. weak connections to delimit the pockets 36. This therefore represents a saving of time and therefore an economy of production. According to a fourth step illustrated in FIG. 20, the dehydrated hydrophilic powder 4 is introduced into each pocket 36. The hydrophilic powder is of identical or substantially identical nature to the examples mentioned above. The quantity of hydrophilic powder 4 introduced into each pocket 36 is chosen so as to respect the ranges of values mentioned above.

According to a fifth step illustrated by FIG. 21, strong bonds 12 are made to simultaneously close the confinement zone 14 and the pockets 36 containing the hydrophilic powder in order to form the cells 18 mentioned above. In other words, the absorption device 2F illustrated by FIG. 21, differs from the previous one in that the strong bonds 12 replace the weak bonds 16 to delimit the peripheral edges of the pocket grouping 36, in order to form a set of cells 18 according to the invention. Note that the number of cells 18 is not limited to this case. For example, a 2G absorption device can be obtained by implementing the method described above, so as to obtain a larger number of cells 18 in the confinement zone 14, as illustrated in Figure 22.

Claims

[Claim 1] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2F, 2G) of a liquid present on a ground, during a water damage or a flood, comprising a hydrophilic powder (4) and a shell (4) permeable to a liquid, the shell (4) consists of an upper layer (8) superimposed on a lower layer (10), the lower and upper layers are bonded between they by strong bonds (12), the strong bonds delimit a confinement zone (14) of the hydrophilic powder (4) in the casing (4), characterized in that the lower and upper layers are linked together by the 'intermediary of first weak bonds (16), the first weak bonds (16) delimit several cells (18) adjacent in the confinement zone (14), each cell (18) contains a quantity of hydrophilic powder (4) sufficient to entrain the breaking of the first weak bonds (16) delimiting the cell (18), when the hydrophilic powder (4) absorbs liquid.

[Claim 2] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the smallest area delimited by a cell (18) is equal to or greater than 5 cm ² , preferably equal to or greater than 10 cm ² .

[Claim 3] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area of the confinement zone (14) is equal to or greater than 80 cm ² , preferably equal to or greater than 1000 cm ² .

[Claim 4] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once soaked in a liquid, the confinement zone (14 ) has a height equal to or greater than 4 cm, preferably equal to or greater than 5 cm.

[Claim 5] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Bulk density of hydrophilic powder (4) is identical or substantially identical in each cell (18).

[Claim 6] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the quantity of hydrophilic powder (4) contained in the confinement zone ( 14) is adapted so that once soaked in water, the weight of the casing (4) is between 0.1 kg and 30 kg, preferably between 0.5 kg and 25 kg.

[Claim 7] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrophilic powder (4) comprises a water-retaining polymer, of natural origin or synthetic, having a water retention capacity greater than or equal to 30 times its weight in demineralized water.

[Claim 8] An absorption device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper layer (8) comprises at least one ply of ease (22), at the level of the containment zone (14), the base (24) of the pleat (22) being held by means of second weak links (26).

[Claim 9] An absorption device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pleat (22) is configured to deploy so as to prevent tearing of the diaper. lower (10) and / or the upper layer (8), when the powder contained in the confinement zone (14) absorbs a liquid.

[Claim 10] An absorption device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the pleat (22) is configured to preserve the flatness of the lower layer (10 ) when the hydrophilic powder (4) contained in the confinement zone (14) is completely hydrated.

[Claim 11] An absorption device (2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the ply of ease (22) is held against the upper layer (8) at the 'Using weak third links (30) located in the containment zone (14).

[Claim 12] Absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weak bonds are produced by an ultrasonic welding technique.

[Claim 13] A method of manufacturing an absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, implementing the following steps:

- deposition of a hydrophilic powder (4) on a lower layer (10) permeable to a liquid;

- covering the hydrophilic powder (4) with an upper layer (8) permeable to a liquid;

- Making strong bonds (12) between the lower layer (10) and the upper layer (8), so as to define a confinement zone (14) of the hydrophilic powder (4) between said layers;

- Making weak bonds (16) between the lower layer (10) and the upper layer (8), so as to confine the hydrophilic powder (4) in separate and adjacent cells (18).

[Claim 14] A method of manufacturing an absorption device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of claims 1 to 12, implementing the following steps:

a) forming a pleat (22) on an upper layer (8) permeable to a liquid; then

b) making weak bonds on the top layer (8) to maintain the pleat (22); then

c) positioning the top layer (8) against a bottom layer (10) permeable to liquid; then

d) making strong bonds (12) between the upper layer (8) and the lower layer (10), the strong bonds (12) being arranged so as to define a central edge (34) and two adjacent side edges (35) at the central edge (34), the pleat (22) being present between the side edges (35); and

e) making weak connections (16) between the upper layer (8) and the lower layer (10), so as to delimit adjacent pockets (36) in the confinement zone (14); then f) inserting a quantity of hydrophilic powder (4) into each pocket (36); then

g) making weak bonds (16) between the upper layer (8) and the lower layer (10), so as to close each pocket (36) in order to obtain adjacent cells (18) each containing a quantity of hydrophilic powder (4);

h) making strong bonds (12) between the upper layer (8) and the lower layer (10), so as to close the confinement zone (14).

[Claim 15] A method of manufacturing an absorption device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that steps g) and h) can be substituted by a step consisting in carrying out only strong bonds (12) between the upper layer (8) and the lower layer (10), so as to simultaneously close each pocket (36) as well as the confinement zone (14).

[Claim 16] A method of manufacturing an absorption device (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the weak bonds (16) are produced by an ultrasonic welding technique.