MX2008002483A - Polyether and its use for lining - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of fitting a compressed component, for example a pipe, in a receiver, for example a bore, comprises compressing a selected component which is made out of a polymeric material having a glass transition temperature of at least 100°C, for example polyetheretherketone;arranging the compressed component in position within a receiver;and subjecting the compressed component to conditions, for example of temperature and/or pressure, whereby the compressed component expands.

Description

POLYMERIC MATERIALS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to polymeric materials and particularly, although not exclusively, refers to components which comprise a polymeric material and are adapted to fit within a receiver. Preferred embodiments relate to stamping a component so that it can fit within a receiver and subsequently cause the stamped component to expand so that it is pressed against portions of the receiver. GB807413 (Tubovit) discloses a process for coating metal tubes with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin or other vinyl resins. The process involves first heating a PVC coating to a temperature between its Vicat softening point (approximately 90 ° C) and 140 ° C or higher, mechanically deform the coating and introduce it at the above-mentioned elevated temperature inside the metal tube. This causes the spontaneous cooling of the coating. Subsequently, the tube and coating are heated again to a temperature which may be or may be close to the temperature of the first heating, which causes the coating and the metal to adhere REF: 190381 each. A problem with the aforementioned is the risk that a patterned or reduced diameter component for example the coating returns to or near its original diameter before it can be fitted within a receiver, for example a metal tube. Another problem is the need to carefully control the heating rates which may need to be adapted to form the reduced diameter component in the first instance and the cooling rates which may need to be adapted to maintain the reduced diameter component in its state reduced until it has been entered into a receiver. An object of the present invention is to treat the problems described above. Another object of the invention is to deal with the problem of the adjustment of components within receivers. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a compressed component in a receiver, the method comprises the steps consisting of: (a *) selecting a compressed component which comprises a polymeric material wherein the material polymeric comprises a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 100 ° C; (b) arranging the compressed component in its position within the receiver; (c) subjecting the compressed component to conditions by means of which the compressed component is expanded. The invention extends to a method for adjusting a selected component within a receiver, wherein the selected component comprises a polymeric material and the polymeric material comprises a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 100 ° C. , the method comprises the steps consisting of: (a) compressing the selected component to produce a compressed component accordingly; (b) arranging the compressed component in its position within the receiver; (c) subjecting the compressed component to conditions by means of which the compressed component is expanded. The glass transition temperature can be measured as described in "Procedure 1" below. Advantageously, the method can make it possible for the compressed component to be made of a selected component at a relatively low temperature, for example at room temperature, so that the separate heating of the selected component may not be required to make it possible for it to be compressed. After compression, the compressed component can remain in that state for a substantial period of time, for example substantially indefinitely, without the need for it to be cooled to below ambient temperature or without the need for a force to restrict its expansion. Therefore, it is possible to delay the adjustment of the compressed component in its position inside the receiver. The selected component can be very large to fit in its proposed position in the receiver. Therefore, there is a need to adjust its size. Suitably, the receiver has an opening that provides access to the position proposed for the selected component in the receiver and the selected component can be very large to pass through the opening to the proposed position. Preferably, the selected component includes an empty region, for example it may be hollow at least in part. The selected component may be arranged such that when compressed to produce the compressed component, the compression process causes a compressible region of the selected component to move into the empty region. The compressible region may comprise a wall at least a part of which may define an outer surface of the selected component. The wall can be arranged in such a way as to contribute to a dimension of the selected component which prevents the selected component from being adjusted in its proposed position in the receiver. The wall may have a thickness of at least 0.25 cm, preferably at least 0.5 cm. The thickness of the wall can be selected depending on a diameter of the selected component, with the selected components having larger diameters having a thicker wall. The wall may have a thickness of less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm. The wall may have a thickness as described over an area of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90% of the surface area of at least one outer wall of the selected component. A force may be applied to the wall to cause the outer surface to move through a distance of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, especially at least 1 cm. Preferably, in the method, the force disposed to compress the selected component is applied substantially symmetrically to the selected component - i.e., each individual force applied externally in one direction is counteracted by an equal force applied externally in an opposite direction. Preferably, the selected component is substantially symmetric with respect to a first plane and a second plane wherein the first plane and the second plane are at right angles to each other. The selected component can also be symmetric with respect to a third plane, wherein the first plane, the second plane and the third plane are mutually orthogonal. The compressed component can be substantially symmetrical with respect to a first plane and a second plane where the first plane and the second plane are at right angles to each other. The compressed component can also be symmetrical with respect to a third plane, wherein the first plane, the second plane and the third plane are mutually orthogonal. Where the selected component is symmetrical with respect to a first plane and a second plane, the compressed component is preferably symmetric with respect to the same first plane and the same second plane. Where the selected component is symmetrical with respect to a third plane, the compressed component is preferably symmetric with respect to the same third plane. The method preferably comprises adjusting the compressed component between the first position and the second position of the receiver where the distance between the first position and the second position is less than the distance between the first surface and the second surface (for example, example the outer surfaces) of the selected component (ie before compression) which in step (b) of the method are arranged adjacent to (preferably with respect to) the first position and the second position of the receiver. The method preferably comprises selecting the selected component and compressing it in step (a) of the method so that the distance between the first surface and the second surface (e.g. the outer surfaces) is reduced. The first surface and the second surface are preferably on opposite sides of the selected component, for example on opposite sides of a plane of symmetry of the selected component. The first surface of the selected component is preferably part of a compressible region as mentioned above. Preferably, both the first surface and the second surface are parts of compressible regions (suitably different compressible regions) as mentioned above. The selected component preferably comprises a tube. The tube preferably has an outer diameter of at least 2.5 cm, more preferably at least 4 cm, especially at least 5 cm. The outside diameter is preferably less than 30 cm, more preferably less that 25 cm. For example in a chemical plant, a tube with a diameter of approximately 10 cm (4 inches) can be used; For gas pipes, the diameter can be greater than 20 cm (8 inches). The ratio of the thickness of the wall to the ratio of the diameter of a tube selected for compression may be less than 0.06, preferably less than 0.05, more preferably less than 0.04. The ratio can be at least 0.01, suitably at least 0.02, preferably at least 0.025. The tube preferably has a substantially circular internal cross section. The cross section of the tube wall is preferably substantially annular. The tube preferably includes a substantially smooth outer surface; preferably throughout substantially its full extent. Preferably, substantially all points on a circumferential surface facing outwardly of the tube are substantially spaced apart from the center around which the circumferential surface is defined. The outer diameter of the tube is preferably substantially constant for substantially all points on the outside of the tube. Preferably, the outer diameter is substantially constant along substantially the entire extent of the tube. The selected component, for example the tube, can have a length (or maximum dimension) of at least 1 m, suitably at least 5 m, preferably at least 10 m, more preferably at least 50 m, especially at least 100 m. In some cases, the component can be even longer, for example 200 m or larger. In the method, wherein the selected component is a tube, the outside diameter of the tube can be reduced by 5-15%, for example 10-15%, in step (a). In this way, the ratio of the outer diameter of the selected component (for example a tube) to that of the compressed component (for example a compressed tube) can be at least 1.05, preferably at least 1.1. The ratio can be less than 0.3, preferably less than 0.25, more preferably less than 0.2. In the method, with the selected component at a temperature which can be at least 20 ° C lower than the Tg of the first polymer, the temperatures are suitably less than 100 ° C, preferably less than 80 ° C, more preferably less than 50 ° C. ° C, especially lower than 35 ° C, the selected component can be subjected to, for example it can be put in contact with, a compression means to compress the component and produce the compressed component. Preferably, the selected component is initially contacted with the compression medium when the selected component is at a temperature of less than 80 ° C, preferably less than 50 ° C, more preferably less than 35 ° C. Suitably, the temperature of the component selected when subjected to, for example when initially contacted with, the compression means is less than 80 ° C, preferably less than 50 ° C, more preferably less than 35 ° C. The temperature may be greater than 0 ° C, preferably greater than 10 ° C, more preferably greater than 15 ° C. Advantageously, the selected component can be at room temperature when it is subjected to and / or initially contacted with the compression means and therefore it may suitably be that it is not necessary to supply heat from an external source of heat. The temperature of the selected component may rise as mechanical work is performed on it during compression. Preferably, the temperature does not rise within 20 ° C, preferably it does not rise within 40 ° C, of the Tg of the first polymer. After the removal of a force used to compress the selected component, it may not be advantageously necessary for the compressed component to be subjected to active cooling; it can be simply subjected to room temperature.

Suitably, after compression in step (a) and before step (b) of the method, the compressed component is subjected to (and can be maintained at) a temperature (hereinafter referred to as "the post-compression temperature"). ) less than 50 ° C, preferably less than 40 ° C, more preferably less than 35 ° C. The post-compression temperature may be greater than 0 ° C, preferably greater than 10 ° C, more preferably greater than 15 ° C. Advantageously, the post-compression temperature can be room temperature. The selected component can be maintained at the post-compression temperature for at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 30 minutes, more preferably at least 1 hour. The selected component can be maintained at the post-compression temperature for more than 13 hours. Advantageously, it has been found that the compressed component can be maintained at the post-compression temperature for one or more days or longer (even weeks or substantially indefinitely) and this can allow the selected components to be compressed to produce compressed components. which can still be stored before being used in step (b) of the method.

Compressed components could be produced in a factory and transported to a location where they can be used. The time between the end of step (a) and the end of step (b) (ie the time in which the component tablet is in its proposed position) can be at least 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours or more. In some cases, for example where the compressed component is stored before use in step (b) may be greater than 12, 24, 36 or 48 hours. Advantageously, the compressed component can be maintained in its compressed state under the conditions of temperature and / or for the aforementioned time due to the intrinsic properties of the polymer. The selected component can be maintained substantially in its compressed state as long as its temperature does not rise above a relevant vitreous transition temperature of the polymeric material, for example the vitreous transition temperature of the first polymer in the polymeric material. In this way, the method preferably includes the passage, between steps (a) and (b), which consists in maintaining the temperature of the compressed component below the Tg of the first polymer in the polymeric material. In this way, suitably, one or a plurality of inherent properties in the compressed component is sufficient, while the component is below the Tg of the first polymer, to keep the compressed component in its compressed state. Preferably, after the end of step (a) and before step (b) (i.e., suitably after removal of the compression medium when provided) the compressed component is maintained in its compressed state by one or a plurality of properties inherent in the compressed component. Preferably, between the steps (a) and (b), an external force (for example, no physical force such as a tension or compression force applied by a force application means) is applied to the compressed component to prevent its expansion, for example to prevent its return to (or transfer to) the shape and / or size of the selected component. When the selected component is a tube as described above, the selected tube can be stamped in step (a) of the method to thereby produce a compressed tube (which can be selected in step (a *)). This may include a step of forcing the selected tube (suitably, a tube of circular cross section) through an opening, suitably a circular opening, which has a diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube. A mouth of the opening which defines an opening inlet preferably narrows inwardly to facilitate placement and passage of the tube through the opening. The tube is suitably compressed as it is forced through the opening. Preferably, the step of forcing the tube through the opening includes the application of a force to the tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube. The tube can be pushed or pulled through the opening to apply force or a combination of push and pull can be used. Upstream of the opening, the tube can be supported on a carrier, for example a coil (or the like) and unwound from the coil for passage through the opening. A tube length of at least 5 μm, preferably at least 10 μm, more preferably at least 25 μm, more preferably at least 50 μm, especially at least 100 μm can be stamped in step (a). Downstream of the opening, the compressed or stamped tube can be supported on a carrier, for example wound around a spool (or the like). In step (b), the compressed component can be manipulated to link to the receiver and can be disposed in its position within the receiver. Suitably, when the receiver has an opening as mentioned above to provide access to the position proposed for the selected component, the compressed component moves through the opening to the proposed position. During step (b), preferably throughout the entire step (b), the temperature of the compressed component does not rise above the Tg of the first polymer. In this way, properly, the compressed component can be placed while it is in a fixed configuration and / or is not expanding and / or changing its size and / or shape. In step (c), the compressed component preferably expands back to the shape and / or size of the selected component. It preferably expands so that it fits tightly within the receiver. In step (c), the conditions to which the compressed component can be subjected can be either or both of either an increase in temperature or the application of pressure. Where the temperature increases, it can be increased by at least 10 ° C, at least 20 ° C, at least 30 ° C or at least 40 ° C. The temperature does not increase adequately to more than 50 ° C on the Tg of the first polymer. Where pressure is applied, at least 14,043 kg / cm 3 (200 psi) can be used, suitably at least 35,108 kg / cm 3 (500 psi), preferably at least 52,662 kg / cm 3 (750 psi). The pressure used can be less than 351,080 kg / cm 3 (5000 psi), preferably less than 175,540 kg / cm 3 (2500 psi). Generally speaking, the lower the temperature relative to the Tg of the first polymer in step (c), the higher the pressure which may be required to cause proper expansion of the compressed component. If the temperature rises to (or above) the Tg of the first polymer, it may not be necessary to apply pressure as mentioned above.

When the temperature is increased in step (c), a heating means is preferably provided to direct the heat internally or externally with respect to the component. Suitably, the heating means is arranged to direct the heat to the compressed component from a position within the component, for example from a vacuum in the component. When the component is a tube, the heating means can be arranged inside the tube to direct heat internally within the tube. Suitably, the heating means comprises a heated fluid. Where the pressure is increased in step (c), a pressure application means is preferably provided and suitably arranged to direct pressure to the compressed component in a direction opposite to the direction at which the selected component was initially compressed. The pressure application means may apply pressure from a position within the component, for example from a vacuum in the component. When the component is a tube, the pressure application means may be disposed within the tube to direct a pressure from a position within the tube to the outside. Suitably, the pressure application means comprises a fluid. The same fluid can be used to apply both heat and pressure to the component, for example the tube.

Generally speaking, in the case where the component has not been taken beyond its yield point during step (a), the heat can only be sufficient to produce expansion in step (c). In this case, the elevation of the component at a temperature at or close to the Tg of the first polymer would allow the elastic immobilized residual tension to be recovered and the component to expand. Where the permanent deformation has occurred, ie the creep tension of the material has been exceeded during step (a) then the application of heat and pressure may be necessary to produce the expansion of the component in step (c). The expansion will be based on any recoverable residual voltage and the generation of a sufficiently high voltage in the material to ensure that it is flexible. The yield stress of the polymer will be a function of the temperature, the yield stress usually decreases as the temperature increases. In this way, the pressure required to achieve the expansion will be a function of the temperature of the component and its environment. When the compressed component is a tube having an annular cross-section, the pressure required to cause expansion in step (c) can be calculated from from the following expression: where: P = pressure calculated to produce the expansion (Pa) D = external diameter of the tube (m) H = wall thickness (m) S = yield stress of the material at the temperature (Pa) at which the expansion is carried out . Under these circumstances, any deformation resulting from expansion and being flexible will involve a recoverable elastic deformation element. Therefore, it will be necessary to maintain the pressure and temperature for a period after the expansion process in order to allow deterioration of this recoverable elastic deformation in order to ensure that the component retains its expanded dimensions. The period of time that it is necessary to maintain the pressure and temperature will depend on the temperature of the component and its environment. The higher the temperature, the shorter the period of time required. If the temperature of the first polymer is higher than the Tg, then the time required will be much shorter than the time required if the material is below its Tg. In this way, when the compressed component is a tube, the tube is preferably subjected to a pressure internal which is between 80% (preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, especially at least 100%) and 150% of the calculated pressure that is required using the equation.

F _ 2SH D where P, D, H and S are as described above. In general terms, the higher the pressure on the calculated one that is required as described, the faster the expansion speed will be. After the compressed component has been subjected to the conditions in step (c), the compressed component can be expanded so that it is then too large to be removed from its proposed position in the receiver. For example, when the receiver includes an opening to provide access to the proposed position, after step (c), the component may be too large to be removed from the opening. When the method comprises adjusting the compressed component between the first position and the second position of the receiver wherein the distance between the first position and the second position is less than the distance between the first surface and the second surface of the component selected as described above , preferably in step (c), the distance between the first surface and the second surface is increases so that the surfaces move closer to (preferably to splice with) the first position and the second position of the receiver. The% expansion of the distance between the first surface and the second surface in step (c) can be at least 5%, preferably at least 10%. The distance between the first surface and the second surface after step (c) may be less than the distance between the surfaces in the selected component compressed in step (a). However, it is possible that the distance is larger - i.e. the expansion so that the component after the expansion in step (c) has a dimension which is larger than a corresponding dimension in the selected component. When the compressed component is a tube, the ratio of the outer diameter of the compressed tube produced in step (a) to that of the expanded tube produced in step (c) may be at least 0.8, preferably at least 0.85. The ratio can be less than 0.95. When the compressed component is a tube, the ratio of the outer diameter of the tube selected before compression in step (a) to that of the expanded tube produced in step (c) may be in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1. The first polymer can have a Tg of at least 110 ° C, suitably at least 120 ° C, preferably at least 130 ° C, more preferably at least 140 ° C. The first polymer can have a Tg less than 260 ° C, for example less than 220 ° C or less than 200 ° C. In some cases, the Tg can be less than 190 ° C, 180 ° C or 170 ° C. The lowest Tg of any polymer in the polymeric material can be at least 100 ° C, suitably at least 110 ° C, preferably at least 120 ° C, more preferably at least 130 ° C, especially at least 140 ° C. The lowest Tg of any polymer in the polymeric material may be less than 220 ° C, suitably less than 200 ° C. It can be less than 190 ° C or less than 180 ° C. The first polymer suitably has a melt viscosity (MV) of at least 0.06 kNsrrf2, preferably has an MV of at least 0.09 kNsm-2, more preferably at least 0.12 kNsm "2, especially at least 0.15 kNsm-2 MV is adequately measured using capillary rheometry operating at 400 ° C at a shear rate of lOOOs "1 using a tungsten carbide die, 0.5 x 3.175 mm. The first polymer can have an MV less than 1.00 kNsm "2, preferably less than 0.5 kNsm" 2. The first polymer can have an MV in the range from 0.09 to 0.5 kNsm "2, preferably in the range of 0.14 to 0.5 kNsm" 2. The first polymer may have a tensile strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D790 of at least 40 MPa, preferably at least 60 MPa, more preferably at least 80 MPa. The tensile strength is preferably in the range of 80-110 MPa, more preferably in the range of 80-100 MPa. The first polymer can have a flexural strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D790 of at least 145 MPa. The flexural strength is preferably in the range of 145-180 MPa, more preferably in the range of 145-165 MPa. The first polymer can have a flexural modulus, measured according to ASTM D790, of at least 2 GPa, preferably at least 3GPa, more preferably at least 3.5 GPa. The flexural modulus is preferably in the range of 3.5-4.5 GPa, more preferably in the range of 3.5-4.1 GPa. The polymeric material may have a tensile strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D790 of at least 20 MPa, preferably at least 60 MPa, more preferably at least 80 MPa. The tensile strength is preferably in the range of 80-110 MPa, more preferably in the range of 80-100 MPa.

The polymeric material can have a flexural strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D790 of at least 50 MPa, preferably at least 100 MPa, more preferably at least 145 MPa. The flexural strength is preferably in the range of 145-180 MPa, more preferably in the range of 145-164 MPa. The polymeric material may have a flexural modulus, measured in accordance with ASTM D790, of at least 1 GPa, suitably at least 2 GPa, preferably at least 3 GPa, more preferably at least 3.5 GPa. The flexural modulus is preferably in the range of 3.5-4.5 GPa, more preferably in the range of 3.5-4.1 GPa. The receiver preferably has a shape which corresponds in its form, at least in part, to that of the selected component which must fit within it. When the selected component comprises a tube, the receiver may have the same cross-sectional shape as the tube and preferably has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the first polymer has a portion of the formula and / or a portion of the formula 4 and / or a portion of the formula wherein the phenyl portions in units I, II and III independently are optionally substituted and optionally crosslinked; and wherein m, r, s, t, v, w and z independently represent zero or a positive integer, E and E 'independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom or a direct bond, G represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, a direct bond or a portion of -O-Ph-O- where Ph represents a phenyl group and Ar is selected from one of the following portions (i) **, (i) to (vi) which they are linked via one or more of their phenyl portions to adjacent portions w ~ c0 ~ ^ O Unless stated otherwise in this specification, a phenyl portion has 1,4-, linkages to portions to which it is linked. In (i), the intermediate phenyl group may be 1,4- or 1,3-substituted. It is preferably 1, 4-substituted. The first polymer can include more than one different type of repeating unit of formula I; and more than one different type of repeating unit of formula II; and more than one different type of repeating unit of formula III. Preferably, however, only one type of repeating unit of formula I, II and / or III is provided. Portions I, II and III are suitably repeating units. In the first polymer, units I, II and / or III are properly linked together - it is 2 say, without other atoms or groups being linked between units I, II and III. The phenyl portions in units I, II and III are preferably not substituted. The phenyl portions are preferably not crosslinked. Where w and / or z are greater than zero, the respective phenylene portions can independently have 1,4- or 1,3- linkages to the other portions in the repeat units of formulas II and / or III. Preferably, the phenylene portions have 1,4- bonds. Preferably, the polymer chain of the first polymer does not include a portion of -S-. Preferably, G represents a direct bond. Suitably, "a" represents the% mole of units of formula I in the first polymer, suitably wherein each unit I is the same; "b" represents the mole% of units of formula II in the first polymer, suitably wherein each unit II is the same; and "c" represents the mole% of units of formula III in the first polymer, suitably wherein each unit III is the same. Preferably, a is in the range of 45-100, more preferably in the range of 45-55, especially in the range of 48-52. Preferably, the sum of b and c is in the range of 0-55, more preferably in the range of 45-55, especially in the range of 48-52. Preferably, the ratio of a with respect to the sum of b and c is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1 and, more preferably, is approximately 1. Suitably, the sum of a, b and c is at least 90, preferably at least 95, more preferably at least 99 , especially about 100. Preferably, the first polymer consists essentially of portions I, II and / or III. The first polymer can be a homopolymer having a repeating unit of the general formula or a homopolymer having a repeating unit of the general formula or a random or block copolymer of at least two different units of IV and / or V wherein A, B, C and D independently represent 0 or 1 and E, E ', G, Ar, m, r, s, t, v, w and z are as described in any statement in this document. As an alternative for a first polymer that comprises the units IV and / or V described above, the first polymer can be a homopolymer having a repeating unit of the general formula or a homopolymer that has a repeating unit of the formula V * or a random or block copolymer of at least two different units of IV * and / or V *, wherein A, B, C, and D independently represent 0 or 1 and E, E ', G, Ar, m, r , s, t, v, w and z are as described in any statement in this document. Preferably, m is in the range of 0-3, more preferably 0-2, especially 0-1. Preferably, r is in the range of 0-3, more preferably 0-2, especially 0-1. Preferably, t is in the range of 0-3, more preferably 0-2, especially 0-1.

Preferably, s is 0 or 1. Preferably, v is 0 or 1.

Preferably, w is 0 or 1. Preferably, z is 0 or 1. Preferably, the first polymer is a homopolymer having a repeating unit of formula IV. Preferably, Ar is selected from the following portions (vii) to (xiii) and (xi) ** (xi) In (vii), the intermediate phenyl group can be 1,4- or 1,3-substituted. It is preferably 1, 4-substituted. Preferably, (xi) is selected from a 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,5- portion; and (xii) is selected from a 1,6-, 2,3-, 2, 6- or 2,7- portion. The appropriate portions Ar are the portions (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) and, of these, portions are preferred (i), (ii) and (iv). Other preferred portions Ar are portions (vii), (viii), (ix) and (x) and, of these, portions (vii), (viii) and (x) are especially preferred. An especially preferred class of the first polymers are polymers (or copolymers) which consist essentially of phenyl portions in conjunction with ketone and / or ether portions. That is, in the preferred class, the first polymeric material does not include repeating units which include -S-, -S02- or aromatic groups other than phenyl. The first preferred polymers of the type described include: (a) a polymer consisting essentially of units of the formula IV wherein Ar represents the portion (iv), E and E 'represent oxygen atoms, m represents 0, w represents 1, G represents a direct bond, s represents 0 and A and B represent 1 (ie polyetheretherketone). (b) a polymer consisting essentially of units of formula IV wherein E represents an oxygen atom, E 'represents a direct bond, Ar represents a portion of structure (i), m represents 0, A represents 1, B represents 0 (ie polyetherketone); (c) a polymer consisting essentially of units of formula IV wherein E represents an oxygen atom, Ar represents portion (i), m represents 0, E 'represents a direct bond, A represents 1, B represents 0 ( ie, polyetherketone ketone); (d) a polymer consisting essentially of units of formula IV wherein Ar represents portion (i), E and E 'represent oxygen atoms, G represents a direct bond, m represents 0, represents 1, r represents 0, s represents 1 and A and B represent 1 (ie polyether ketone ether ketone ketone). (e) a polymer consisting essentially of units of formula IV, wherein Ar represents portion (iv), E and E 'represent oxygen atoms, G represents a direct bond, m represents 0, represents 0, s, r , A and B represent 1 (ie polyetheretherketone ketone). (f) a polymer comprising units of the formula IV, wherein Ar represents the portion (iv), E and E 'represent oxygen atoms, m represents 1, w represents 1, A represents 1, B represents 1, r and s represent O and G represents a direct bond (ie polyether-diphenyl ether-phenyl-ketone-phenyl-). The first polymer can be amorphous or semi-crystalline. Amorphous polymers can be used where, for example, the component is not subjected to a rigorous chemical environment in use. The first polymer is preferably semicrystalline. The level and degree of crystallinity in a polymer is preferably measured by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (also referred to as Wide Angle X-ray Dispersion or AXS), for example as described by Blundell and Osborn (Polymer 24, 953, 1983). Alternatively, the crystallinity can be evaluated by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC, for its acronym in English). The level of crystallinity in the first polymer can be at least 1%, suitably at least 3%, preferably at least 5% and more preferably at least 10%. In the especially preferred embodiments, the crystallinity may be greater than 30%, more preferably greater than 40%, especially greater than 45%. The main peak of the fusion endotherm (Tm) for the first polymer (if crystalline) can be at least The first polymer can consist essentially of one of the units (a) to (f) defined above. Alternatively, the first polymer may comprise a copolymer comprising at least two units selected from (a) to (f) defined above. Preferred copolymers include units (a). For example, a copolymer can comprise units (a) and (f); or can comprise units (a) and (e). The first polymer preferably comprises, more preferably consists essentially of, a repeating unit of the formula (XX) wherein ti and wl independently represent 0 or 1 and vl represents 0, 1 or 2. Preferred polymeric materials have a repeating unit where tl = l, vl = 0 and wl = 0; tl = 0, vl = 0 and wl = 0; tl = 0, wl = l, vl = 2; or tl = 0, vl = l and wl = 0. Most preferred have tl = l, vl = 0 and wl = 0; or tl = 0, vl = 0 and wl = 0. Those that are much more preferred have tl = l, vl = 0 and wl = 0. In preferred embodiments, the first polymer is selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyketherkethetherketone ketone, and polyetherketoneketone. In a more preferred embodiment, the polymeric material is selected of polyetherketone and polyetheretherketone. In an especially preferred embodiment, the polymeric material is polyetheretherketone. The polymeric material may comprise a combination of polymers, the combination comprising the first polymer and a second polymer. The second polymer may have a Tg higher or lower than that of the first polymer. The second polymer can have any characteristic of and can be selected from a polymer of any kind or specific described above for the first polymer. The second polymer is suitably different from a chemical point of view compared to the first polymer. The second polymer can be selected so that the properties of the polymeric material are different from those only due to the presence of the first polymer in the polymeric material. For example, if the first polymer is combined with a second polymer in such a way that the second polymer is dispersed as a separate phase in a continuous phase defined by the first polymer, then many properties (for example solvent resistance, etc.) of the first polymer will be retained substantially in the polymeric material. However, the presence of the second polymer could affect other properties. By example, the second polymer could be a fluoropolymer (e.g. PTFE) dispersed within a matrix of the first polymer e.g. PEEK. The fluoropolymer can reduce the coefficient of friction on a surface of the selected component (for example a tube) by facilitating the adjustment in the receiver. However, the Tg of the material and the ability of the polymeric material to expand as described may be similar to those of the first polymer alone. On the other hand, the second polymer could be used to increase the lower Tg of the polymeric material per enzyme of the Tg of the first polymer alone. By way of example, a polyetherimide, such as ULTEM CRS5001 (Trademark) can be combined with polyetheretherketone (Tg = 143 ° C) in a ratio of polyetherimide to polyetheretherketone of less than about 0.4 to produce an immiscible combination comprising the imide dispersed in a continuous phase defined by the polyetheretherketone. In this case, the combination has two Tg's, the lowest being much higher than 143 ° C. The second polymer can be selected because it is more economical than the first polymer and so that the polymeric material can be prepared more economically. By way of example, the second polymer could be polyethersulfone having a Tg of about 220 ° C and the first polymer could again be polyetheretherketone (Tg = 143 ° C). By forming an immiscible combination of polyethersulfone dispersed in a continuous polyetheretherketone phase, with a ratio of sulfone to polyetheretherketone less than about 0.4, a polymeric material which has good chemical resistance and can be used in the described method can be produced. in this document and may still be more economical than a polymeric material consisting of polyetheretyketone alone. The Tg of the material could be approximately 143 ° C. Examples of immiscible combinations that may be useful as described in this document (including combinations of three polymers) are described in WO2002 / 14404, EP211604, US4895913 and US4624997. Combinations of three or more polymers can be used in some cases. In some cases, miscible polymer combinations having an individual Tg can be used as described in US5110880. The first polymer can constitute at least 60% by weight, suitably at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, especially at least 95% by weight, of the total amount of thermoplastic polymer (s) in the polymeric material. Preferably, substantially only the thermoplastic polymer in the polymeric material is the first polymer. When the polymeric material includes a second polymer, the polymeric material preferably includes less than 30% by weight, preferably less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight of the second polymer. The polymeric material could include a filling medium. The filling medium may include a fibrous filler or a filler that is not fibrous. The filling medium can include both a fibrous filler and a filler that is not fibrous. The fibrous filler can be continuous or discontinuous. In preferred embodiments, the fibrous filler is discontinuous. The fibrous filler may be selected from inorganic fibrous materials, organic fibrous materials without melting point or high melting point, such as aramid fibers and carbon fiber. The fibrous filler can be selected from fiberglass, carbon fiber, asbestos fiber, silica fiber, alumina fiber, zirconia fiber, boron nitride fiber, silicon nitride fiber, boron fiber, resin fiber of fluorocarbon and potassium titanate fiber. The preferred fibrous fillers are fiberglass and fiber of carbon. A fibrous filler may comprise nanofibers. The non-fibrous filler can be selected from mica, silica, talc, alumina, kaolin, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, ferrite, clay, glass powder, zinc oxide, nickel carbonate, iron oxide, quartz powder, magnesium carbonate, resin Fluorocarbon, graphite, carbon powder, nanotubes and barium sulfate. The non-fibrous fillers can be introduced in the form of powder or lamellar particles. Preferably, the filler means comprises one or more fillers selected from glass fiber, carbon fiber, carbon black and a fluorocarbon resin. More preferably, the filling means comprises fiberglass or carbon, especially discontinuous, for example cut into pieces, fiberglass or carbon fiber. Suitably, the total amount of filler media in the polymeric material is less than 40%, preferably less than 30% by weight. Preferably, the polymeric material does not substantially include a filler. The polymeric material may include: (i) 70-100% by weight of thermoplastic polymer (s); and (ii) 0-40% by weight, (suitably 0-30% by weight, preferably 0-20% by weight, more preferably 0-10% by weight). weight, especially 0-5% by weight) of the filling medium. The polymeric material may include: (i) 70-100% by weight of the first polymer, preferably a polymer of the formula (XX) referred to above, (ii) 0-30% by weight of the second polymer; (iii) 0-20% by weight of a filling medium; (iv) 0-10% by weight of other additives which can be selected, for example from other polymers, processing aids, colors. Suitably, the polymeric material includes at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, especially at least 99% by weight of the first polymer, especially a polymer of the formula (XX) referred to above. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for fitting a selected component within a receiver, wherein the selected component is too large to be adjusted in its proposed position within the receiver, wherein the selected component comprises a polymeric material which comprises a first polymer comprising portions I, II and / or III as described above, the method comprises the steps consisting of: (a) compressing the selected component to thereby produce a compressed component; (b) arranging the compressed component in its proposed position within the receiver; (c) subjecting the compressed component to conditions by means of which the compressed component is expanded. The first polymer of the second aspect can have any characteristic of the first polymer of the first aspect mutatis mutandis. The polymeric material of the second aspect can have any characteristic of the polymeric material of the first aspect mutatis mutandis. Steps (a), (b) and / or (c) of the second aspect may have any characteristic of steps (a), (b) and / or (c) of the first aspect mutatis mutandis. The first polymer of the second aspect is preferably of the formula (XX). Preferably, it comprises polyetheretherketone. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a component selected as described in the first or second aspect adjusted in its proposed position in a receiver as described in the first or second aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a compressed component made in a method described in this document per se is provided. A compressed component, for example a tube, is can distinguish a component such as an extruded (but not compressed) tube using one or more of the following techniques: Visual observation of external marking on the component; Tempering of a sample. The stamping process will generate some axial extension as well as radial contraction. Generally, one would expect an extruded tube to contract axially and radially in the quenched (at or above the Tg) due to the residual stress of the extrusion process. In the case of a stamped tube, it will contract a little axially but will expand radially even if the yield point has been exceeded during the stamping process. The fact that the reduced dimensions are frozen below the Tg means that an evaluation could be made by means of this technique; Raman spectroscopy can be used to analyze surfaces (external and internal) to determine the stress state of the polymer in the component. The invention extends to a compressed component which comprises a first polymer as described herein. The compressed component is preferably in the form of a tube, which preferably comprises a polymer of the formula XX mentioned.

The invention further extends to an assembly comprising a compressed component on a carrier. The compressed component is preferably a tube and the assembly suitably comprises the tube wound around the carrier. The carrier can be a coil and the tube can be wound around the coil. The tube can have a length of at least 5 m, preferably at least 10 m, more preferably at least 20 m, especially at least 50 m. The length can be less than 500 m. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for making a compressed component from a selected component comprising a polymeric material which comprises a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 100 ° C and / or which comprises a portion I, II and / or III as described, the method comprises: compressing the selected component to thereby produce a compressed component. The invention extends to a method for making an assembly which includes winding a compressed component as described above and / or when done in the described method around a carrier, for example a coil. Any characteristic of any aspect of any invention or modality described in this document is may combine with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or modality described herein mutatis mutandis. The specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating, partially in cross section, an apparatus in use for stamping (or reducing the diameter of) a tube. The following is referred to hereinafter: polymer VICTREX PEEKMR - refers to the polyetheretherketone obtained from Victrex Pie by Thornton Cleveleys, UK. The vitreous transition temperature (Tg) of the polymers described herein can be measured according to the following Procedure 1.

Procedure 1 The vitreous transition temperature (Tg) of the polymers can be determined by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) by examining a powder sample of 10 mg plus or minus 10 micrograms of the polymer in a TA Instruments DSC 100 device under nitrogen at a flow rate of 40 ml / minute. The exploration procedure is: Step 1 Perform and record a preliminary thermal cycle to the heat the sample from 30 ° C to 450 ° C at 20 ° C / minute to clear the previous thermal history Step 2 Hold for 2 minutes Step 3 Cool to 10 ° C / minute at 30 ° C and hold for 5 minutes Step 4 Heat from 30 ° C to 450 ° C at 20 ° C / minute, recording the Tg. From the resulting curve, the beginning of the Tg was obtained as the intersection of lines drawn along the pre-transition baseline and a line drawn along the largest slope obtained during the transition. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Generally speaking, a hollow component made of polyetheretherketone can be reduced in size so that it can be adjusted in an opening and, subsequently, the component can be caused to expand so that it fills the opening and / or splice with the walls which define the opening. In this way, the component can be adjusted and secured within an opening within which it could not easily be adjusted otherwise. An extended length of the tube made by extrusion of the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer can have its outer diameter reduced so that it can be adjusted within a receiver tube (not shown). With reference to Figure 1, a part of the coating tube 2 made of the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer is shown during its passage through an apparatus for embossing (or reducing the diameter of) the tube. The coating tube 2 has an outer diameter A before passing through the die 4 and an outer diameter C after passing through the die 4. The die 4 is held in place by means not shown. It is reduced inwardly in the travel direction 5 of the tube 2 through it to define a relatively wide mouth to initially receive the tube 2, the mouth being reduced to define a minimum diameter B of the die. Upstream of the die 4 there is a pair of counter-rotating feed rollers 6 and upstream there are four tension rollers 8. The rollers 8 support the tube 2 as it is transported by the feed rollers 6 to the die 4. Current On top of the tension rollers there can be a very long length of tube (not shown) that can be supported on a spool (or the like). Downstream of the die 4 are the additional rollers 10 to facilitate passage of the tube through the die 4. In use, the tube 2 is gradually unwound from the reel and forced through the die 4 whereby its diameter is reduces to the diameter B. After it leaves the die, the tube has a diameter C.

Diameters B and C are approximately equal, although the diameter C may be slightly larger than the diameter B if the tube relaxes slightly after passing through the die. In any case, the diameter C is smaller than the diameter A, for example by approximately 10%. The tube 2 does not need to be subjected to an external heating means before or during the passage through the die and does not need to be subjected to a cooling medium after passage through the die. In this way, the treatment of the tube can be undertaken at room temperature. The glass transition temperature of the polymer VICTREX PEEKMR is 143 ° C. Provided that the reduced diameter pipe produced as described is not heated to a temperature approaching the glass transition temperature and provided that the pipe is not subjected to a significant internal pressure, the pipe will remain in its diameter Reduced C substantially indefinitely and with certainty for days and weeks after its production. Therefore, a tube of reduced diameter can be manufactured in a factory and can be wound onto a coil or other carrier before being transported to a place where it can be used. The reduced diameter tube can be used to coat another tube such as a worn or corroded metal tube which can be a fluid supply tube in a chemical plant or a gas pipe network or similar. In use, a tube to be coated (hereinafter referred to as a "receiver tube") may have an internal diameter of about A - that is, the inner diameter of the receiving tube may be approximately the same as the outer diameter A of the tube. tube 2 before reduction by means of passage through die 4. In this way, before reduction, tube 2 will not fit inside the receiving tube; after reduction, with the tube 2 having an outside diameter C, it can slide inside the receiver tube. This step is adequately undertaken at room temperature. When disposed within the receiver tube there may be a slight opening between the outer wall of the tube 2 and the inner wall of the receiver tube. Once in position, tube 2 is caused to expand so that its outer wall is pressed against the inner wall of the receiver tube so that tube 2 becomes a snap connection within the receiver tube. The expansion medium can be selected on a -by- basis which may depend on the conditions under which the tube 2 was initially compressed, its wall thickness and diameter, the time available to complete the expansion and the availability of the medium for heat the tube, for example from inside. The different expansion processes can be as follows: (i) When tube 2 was not compressed beyond its elastic limit (yield point) during stamping, expansion can be achieved by using only heat. In this way, the heat can be applied (in the absence of any means to pressurize the tube) to increase the temperature of the tube to its Tg or above. At or above the Tg, it is possible to recover the elastic immobilized tension in the tube and the tube will expand, (ii) When the permanent deformation of the tube 2 occurred during its compression (ie when the yield stress of the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer was exceeded during compression), then heat and pressure can be used to cause expansion. The required pressure can be provided by the equation p = 2SH D where: P = pressure calculated to produce the expansion (Pa) D = external diameter of the tube (m) H = thickness of the wall (m) S = yield stress of the material at the temperature in question (Pa) As an example, the pressure required to expand a polyetheretherketone tube with an outer diameter of 100 mm with a wall thickness of 5 mm it would be: -12.5 MPa at room temperature -7 MPa at 100 ° C -4.5MPa at 150 ° C A convenient means of applying heat and / or pressure to the coating tube can be through the use of a heated and / or pressurized fluid (e.g. superheated steam) which can be introduced into the tube. If only heat is required to achieve the expansion of the coating tube and where the receiving tube is made of metal then the outer part of the coating tube can be heated by a suitable means so that heat is conducted to the coating tube. VICTREX PEEKMR polymer is a high performance thermoplastic material with excellent physical and chemical properties; however, it is relatively expensive. To reduce the cost of a coating tube for use as described, while not sacrificing too much performance, the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer can be combined with other materials, for example more economical thermoplastic materials. The VICTREX PEEKMR polymer can be combined with up to 30% by weight of a second polymer which is immiscible therewith (such as polyethersulfone for example Ultrason E3010 (Ex Basf) .The combined material will comprise a VICTREX PEEKMR polymer matrix with the second polymer dispersed as small particles in it. Since the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer forms the matrix, the properties of the combination, such as Tg and other physical properties that make it possible to be compressed and expanded as described herein will be similar to those of the matrix polymer. Alternatively, the VICTREX PEEKMR polymer could be combined with up to 30% by weight of another polymer (such as a polyetherimide as described in US5110880) which forms a miscible combination therewith. In this case, the combination may have properties such as a Tg intermediate to those of the components of the combination. This can provide a means for increasing the strength of the polymeric material to expand after compression. It may be useful if the coating tube (or any other compressed component) should be introduced in a high temperature (or pressure) environment when it is in its reduced state. The additional resistance for expansion may allow the expansion to be delayed until the coating tube (or other compound) fits securely in its position. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (17)

1

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A method for fitting a component in a receiver, characterized in that it comprises: a) compressing a selected component to thereby produce a compressed component, in wherein the selected component comprises a polymeric material and the polymeric material comprises a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 100 ° C; or (a *) selecting a compressed component which comprises a polymeric material wherein the polymeric material comprises a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 100 ° C; where either step (a) or step (a *) is in combination with the following steps: (b) arranging the compressed component in its position within the receiver; and (c) subjecting the compressed component to conditions by means of which the compressed component is expanded.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the selected component or the compressed component comprises a tube.

3. A method in accordance with the claim

1 or 2, characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the wall to the diameter of a tube selected for compression is less than 0.06 and is at least 0.01.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the selected component at a temperature which is at least 20 ° C lower than the Tg of the first polymer, the selected component is subjected to a compression means to compress the component and produce the compressed component.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after compression in step (a) and before step (b), the compressed component is subjected to a temperature of at least 10 ° C and less than 50 ° C.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that between steps (a) and (b), an external force is not applied to the compressed component to prevent its expansion.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the whole of step (b), the temperature of the compressed component does not rise above the Tg of the first polymer.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in step (c), the compressed component is subjected to one or both of the already

5

either an increase in temperature or the application of pressure. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed component is a tube and the ratio of the outer diameter of the compressed tube produced in step (a) to that of the expanded tube in step (c) It is at least 0.8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first polymer has a Tg of at least 120 ° C and less than 260 ° C.

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first polymer has a portion of the formula

and / or a portion of the formula

and / or a portion of the formula

where the phenyl portions in units I, II and III

independently they are optionally substituted and optionally crosslinked; and wherein m, r, s, t, v, w and z independently represent zero or a positive integer, E and E 'independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom or a direct bond, G represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, a direct bond or a portion of -O-Ph-O- where Ph represents a phenyl group and Ar is selected from one of the following portions (i) **, (i) to (vi) which they are linked via one or more of their phenyl portions to adjacent portions

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first polymer is selected from polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyetherketoneetherketone ketone and polyetherketoneketone.

13. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first polymer is polyetheretherketone.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric material is a combination of polymers comprising the first polymer and a second polymer.

15. An assembly, characterized in that it comprises a selected component made in a method according to any of the preceding claims, adjusted in its proposed position within a receiver.

16. A compressed component, characterized in that it is made in a method according to any of claims 1 to 14, per se.

17. An assembly, characterized in that it comprises a compressed component according to claim 16 on a carrier.