Modular pipe formation apparatus

Abstract

A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus, wherein at least two components of the pipe formation apparatus are disposed with respect to at least one or more respective modules.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of modules, wherein each module is configured as a transport container having opposite ends and has at least one component of the pipe formation apparatus located therein;   the plurality of components disposed within the modules are adjustable in position and/or angle; and   locks configured to lock adjacent modules when drawn together in close proximity with respective ends adjoining;   wherein the plurality of modules are aligned for pipe formation when the modules are locked together and the modules are adjusted in position and/or angle.   
     
     
         38 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , wherein one of the plurality of modules comprises a plastic extruder, a plastic raw material dryer and a die head. 
     
     
         39 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , wherein the plurality of modules are adapted to be coupled to each other in use, and decoupled from each other during transportation of the apparatus. 
     
     
         40 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , wherein at least one of the plurality of modules comprises:
 a standardised shipping container or a standardised shipping container that has been modified for use in the apparatus; or   a container or supporting framework for use in the apparatus and having at least some of the features of a standardised shipping container to facilitate its transportation.   
     
     
         41 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to closely position the adjacent modules prior to locking them together. 
     
     
         42 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , further comprising external supports for supporting respective modules, wherein the external supports comprise adjustable jacks to adjust the position and/or angle of the supported module. 
     
     
         43 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 42 , wherein the external supports further comprise piles for securing into underlying ground. 
     
     
         44 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , wherein the position and/or angle of a component at one module is adjustable with respect to its module. 
     
     
         45 . A modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , further comprising a reference laser beam to aid in alignment of the at least one component and/or a module in the plurality of modules. 
     
     
         46 . A pipe formation system comprising a modular plastic pipe formation apparatus according to  claim 37 , and further comprising a transporter for conveying the modules of the apparatus to and from a pipe production site, with the modular plastic pipe forming apparatus and transporter together providing a mobile pipe formation system. 
     
     
         47 . A pipe formation system according to  claim 46 , further comprising a coiler for receiving and coiling pipe formed by the pipe formation apparatus. 
     
     
         48 . A pipe formation system according to  claim 46 , further comprising pipe trailers for transporting pipe to a pipe laying site. 
     
     
         49 . A pipe formation system according to  claim 46 , further comprising a power generation unit. 
     
     
         50 . A pipe formation system according to  claim 46 , further comprising a chilling unit for providing a closed circuit cooling water supply to a cooling tank component of the pipe forming apparatus. 
     
     
         51 . A method of forming plastic pipe, using a modular plastic pipe formation apparatus that comprises a plurality of modules supporting components of the pipe formation apparatus, the method comprising:
 arranging the plurality of modules in a predetermined manner at a production site, wherein each module is configured as a transport container having opposite ends;   arranging two or more respective components of the pipe formation apparatus;   supplying the plastic pipe formation apparatus with plastic raw materials;   locking the modules together with adjacent ends adjoining; and   aligning the components of the plastic formation apparatus to enable pipe formation.   
     
     
         52 . A method of manufacturing plastic pipe according to  claim 51 , wherein the components are aligned using a laser for determining the position of the components and then, as necessary, adjusting alignment of the components. 
     
     
         53 . A method of establishing a mobile plastic pipe manufacturing site that is adapted to locate a modular plastic pipe formation apparatus that comprises a plurality of modules supporting components of the pipe formation apparatus, the method comprising:
 transporting the modules to the site, wherein each module is configured as a transport container having opposite ends;   arranging the modules in a predetermined manner at the site;   locking the modules together with adjacent ends adjoining;   aligning the components of the plastic formation apparatus to enable pipe formation;   supplying raw materials, power and water to the plastic pipe formation apparatus; and   forming plastic pipe.   
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 53 , wherein the modules and the components are initially configured in a transportable state, with the method further comprising configuring the components and modules to a production state after the step of transporting the modules to the production site. 
     
     
         55 . A method according to  claim 53 , wherein after plastic pipe manufacturing at the production site has ceased, the modular plastic pipe formation apparatus is relocated and set up at a second production site, with the method then comprising;
 unlocking the modules;   configuring the components and modules to a transportable state;   transporting the modules from the production site to the second production site;   positioning the modules in a predetermined manner;   coupling the modules together with adjacent ends adjoining;   supplying raw materials, power and water to the plastic pipe formation apparatus; and   manufacturing plastic pipe.