Flexible conveyor assembly and conveying apparatus and method for lifting fluid

Abstract

A conveying apparatus for lifting fluid includes a flexible conveyor assembly having a pair of flexible tubes forming respective tubular walls and an endless flexible rope conveyor extending through respective passages defined by the tubular walls. The rope conveyor has riser and return portions and upper and lower end portions. A pair of roller members and a motion-producing device are provided for mounting and moving the rope conveyor about an endless path with the riser and return portions of the conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through the different passages. The riser portion of the rope conveyor and the one tubular wall of the flexible tube surrounding it form an annulus between them extending from a lower inlet end to an upper outlet end of the flexible tube. The radial dimension of the annulus and the velocity at which the rope conveyor is moved are preselected so that the riser portion in moving relative to the one tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially upwardly with the riser portion such that the annular-shaped stream is not substantially adhered to riser portion of the moving rope conveyor but instead is entrained by the moving riser portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of the annulus to thereby lift fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end of the one flexible tube.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
       1. A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for lifting fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) means for forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having respective opposite ends; and   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having riser and return portions, said riser portion extending through said passage defined by said flexible tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said riser and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall, said riser portion and said flexible tubular wall which surrounds said riser portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall;   (c) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at said opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular wall with said riser and return portions moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said riser portion in moving relative to said flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially through said passage of said flexible tubular wall with said riser portion such that said annular-shaped stream is not substantially adhered to said riser portion of said flexible rope conveyor but instead is entrained by said moving riser portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid through said passage between said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall.   
     
     
       2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular wall is an elongated hollow flexible tube. 
     
     
       3. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising: an elongated tension member extending alongside said flexible tube and being attached thereto for supporting the weight of said flexible tube and said rope conveyor.   
     
     
       4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular wall is an elongated solid core of plastic material having said tubular wall defined through the interior of said core. 
     
     
       5. The assembly of claim 4 further comprising: an elongated tension member extending through the interior of said core alongside and spaced from said tubular wall for supporting the weight of said core and said rope conveyor.   
     
     
       6. A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for lifting fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) means for forming a pair of flexible tubular walls defining separate elongated passages and having respective opposite ends; and   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor composed of a pair of riser and return portions extending through different ones of said respective passages defined by said flexible tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said riser and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said riser portion of said flexible rope conveyor and the one of said flexible tubular walls surrounding said riser portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one flexible tubular wall;   (c) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at its opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular walls with said riser and return portions of said flexible rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through said respective passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said one flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said riser portion in moving relative to said one flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially through said passage of said one flexible tubular wall with said riser portion such that said annular-shaped stream is not substantially adhered to said riser portion of said flexible rope conveyor but instead is entrained by said moving riser portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid between said opposite ends of said passage through said one flexible tubular wall.   
     
     
       7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular walls is a pair of elongated hollow flexible tubes. 
     
     
       8. The assembly of claim 7 further comprising: an elongated tension member extending alongside said flexible tubes and being attached thereto for supporting the weight of said flexible tubes and said rope conveyor.   
     
     
       9. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular walls is an elongated solid core of plastic material having said tubular walls defined through the interior of said core. 
     
     
       10. The assembly of claim 9 further comprising: an elongated tension member extending through the interior of said core alongside and spaced from said tubular walls for supporting the weight of said core and said rope conveyor.   
     
     
       11. A conveying apparatus for lifting fluid, comprising: (a) means for forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having riser and return portions, said riser portion being surrounded by said tubular wall and disposed through said passage defined by said tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said riser and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall, said riser portion and said flexible tubular wall forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said tubular wall; and   (c) means for engaging said opposite end portions of said flexible rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about an endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said rope conveyor is moved relative to said tubular wall being preselected so that said riser portion in moving relative to said tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially upwardly with said riser portion such that said annular shaped stream is not substantially adhered to said riser portion of said rope conveyor but instead is entrained by said moving riser portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby lift fluid through said passage of said tubular wall.   
     
     
       12. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 11, .[.said moving means.]. .Iadd.wherein said means for engaging .Iaddend.includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism coupled with said arrangement and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path.   
     
     
       13. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of rotatable roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said tubular wall. 
     
     
       14. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device connected to one of said roller member and being operable for rotating said roller member and thereby moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. 
     
     
       15. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 11, .Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said .[.moving.]. means .Iadd.for engaging .Iaddend.includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said flexible rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism engaged with said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path.   
     
     
       16. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said tubular wall. 
     
     
       17. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said drive mechanism is engaged with said rope conveyor so as to apply linear traction to said rope conveyor for moving it about said endless path. 
     
     
       18. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device coupled to said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. 
     
     
       19. A conveying apparatus for lifting fluid, comprising: (a) means for forming a pair of flexible tubular walls defining separate elongated passages having opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having riser and return portions disposed through different ones of said respective passages defined by said tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said riser and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said riser portion of said rope conveyor and said one tubular wall surrounding said riser portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one tubular wall; and   (c) means for moving said rope conveyor about an endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through different ones of said passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said rope conveyor is moved relative to said one tubular wall being preselected so that said riser portion in moving relative to said one tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially upwardly with said riser portion such that said annular-shaped stream is not substantially adhered to said riser portion of said rope conveyor but instead is entrained by said moving riser portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby lift fluid through said passage of said one tubular wall.   
     
     
       20. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 19, .Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said moving means includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism coupled with said arrangement and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path.   
     
     
       21. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of rotatable roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said one tubular wall. 
     
     
       22. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device connected to one of said roller member and being operable for rotating said roller member and thereby moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. 
     
     
       23. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 19, .Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said moving means includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism engaged with said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path.   
     
     
       24. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said one tubular wall. 
     
     
       25. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said drive mechanism is engaged with said rope conveyor so as to apply linear traction to said rope conveyor for moving it about said endless path. 
     
     
       26. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device coupled to said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said riser and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. 
     
     
       27. A conveying method for lifting fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage having opposite ends;   (b) disposing a riser portion of an endless flexible rope conveyor through the elongated passage of the tubular wall such that the riser portion and the stationary tubular wall form an annulus therebetween extending between the opposite ends of the tubular wall;   (c) moving the rope conveyor about an endless path with the riser portion of the rope conveyor moving upwardly through the passage; and   (d) preselecting the radial dimension of the annulus and the velocity at which the rope conveyor is moved relative to the tubular wall so that the riser portion of the rope conveyor in moving relative to the tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream to flow axially upwardly with the riser portion of the rope conveyor such that the annular shaped stream is not substantially adhered to the riser portion of the rope conveyor but instead is entrained by the moving riser portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of the annulus to thereby lift fluid through the passage of the tubular wall.   
     
     
       28. The conveying method as recited in claim 27, wherein said .Iadd.step of .Iaddend.moving includes applying a circular drive traction to the rope conveyor. 
     
     
       29. The conveying method as recited in claim 27, wherein said .Iadd.step of .Iaddend.moving includes applying a linear drive traction to the rope conveyor. 
     
     
       30. A conveying method for lifting fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pair of flexible tubular walls respectively defining a pair of separate elongated passages having opposite ends;   (b) disposing riser and return portions of an endless flexible rope conveyor through different ones of the separate passages of the tubular walls such that the riser portion and the one tubular wall surrounding the riser portion form an annulus therebetween extending between the opposite ends of the one tubular wall;   (c) moving the rope conveyor about an endless path with the riser and return portions of the rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through the different ones of the separate passages and with the riser portion moving upwardly through the passage defined through the one tubular wall; and   (d) preselecting the radial dimension of the annulus and the velocity at which the rope conveyor is moved relative to the one tubular wall so that the riser portion of the rope conveyor in moving relative to the one tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream to flow axially upwardly with the riser portion of the rope conveyor such that the annular-shaped stream is not substantially adhered to the riser portion of the rope conveyor but instead is entrained by the moving riser portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of the annulus to thereby lift fluid through the passage of the one tubular wall.   
     
     
       31. The conveying method as recited in claim 30, wherein said .Iadd.step of .Iaddend.moving includes applying a circular drive traction to the rope conveyor. 
     
     
       32. The conveying method as recited in claim 30, wherein said .Iadd.step of .Iaddend.includes applying a linear drive traction to the rope conveyor. .Iadd.33. A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) means for forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having respective opposite ends; and   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having fluid-conveying and return portions, said fluid-conveying portion extending through said passage defined by said flexible tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall, said fluid-conveying portion and said flexible tubular wall which surrounds said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall;   (c) said flexible rope conveying being engageable at said opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying and return portions moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to move axially through said passage of said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is not substantially absorbed by said flexible rope conveyor but entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within a continuous flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid through said passage between said opposite ends of said   
     
     
        flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.34.  The assembly of claim 33 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular wall is an elongated 
     
     
        hollow flexible tube. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35.  A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) means for forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having respective opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having fluid-conveying and return portions, said fluid-conveying portion extending through said passage defined by said flexible tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall which surrounds said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall;   (c) an elongated tension member formed to extend along said flexible tubular wall and being attached thereto for supporting the weight of said flexible tubular wall and said rope conveyor; and   (d) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at said opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying and return portions moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to move axially through said passage of said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid through said passage between said   
     
     
        opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36.  The assembly of claim 33 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular wall is an elongated solid core of plastic material having said tubular 
     
     
        wall defined through the interior of said core. .Iaddend. .Iadd.37.  A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) an elongated solid core of plastic material forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having respective opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having fluid-conveying and return portions, said fluid-conveying portion extending through said passage defined by said flexible tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall which surrounds said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall;   (c) an elongated tension member extending through the interior of said core alongside and spaced from said tubular wall for supporting the weight of said flexible tubular wall and said rope conveyor; and   (d) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at said opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying and return portions moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to move axially through said passage of said flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid through said passage between said   
     
     
        opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.38.  The assembly of claim 33, wherein said fluid-conveying portion comprises a riser portion operable to lift said fluid against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.39. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said flexible tubular wall comprises plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.40. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said fluid comprises natural gas and oil. .Iaddend. .Iadd.41. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said flexible tubular wall and said flexible rope conveyor have similar cross-sectional geometries. .Iaddend. .Iadd.42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein said geometries are circular. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.43.  A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) means for forming a pair of flexible tubular walls defining separate elongated passages and having respective opposite ends; and   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor composed of a fluid-conveying portion and a return portion extending through different ones of said respective passages defined by said flexible tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said fluid-conveying portion of said flexible rope conveyor and the one of said flexible tubular walls surrounding said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one flexible tubular wall;   (c) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at its opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular walls with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said flexible rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through said respective passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said one flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said one flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially through said passage of said one flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is not substantially absorbed by said flexible rope conveyor but entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid between said opposite ends of said passage through said   
     
     
        one flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.44.  The assembly of claim 43 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular walls is a pair of 
     
     
        elongated hollow flexible tubes. .Iaddend. .Iadd.45.  A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) a pair of elongated hollow tubes forming a pair of flexible tubular walls defining separate elongated passages and having respective opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor composed of a fluid-conveying and a return portion extending through different ones of said respective passages defined by said flexible tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said fluid-conveying portion of said flexible rope conveyor and the one of said flexible tubular walls surrounding said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one flexible tubular wall;   (c) an elongated tension member attached to said flexible tubes for supporting the weight of said flexible tubes and said rope conveyor; and   (d) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at its opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular walls with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said flexible rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through said respective passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said one flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said one flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially through said passage of said one flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid between said opposite ends of said   
     
     
        passage through said one flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.46.  The assembly of claim 43 wherein said means for forming said flexible tubular walls is an elongated solid core of plastic material having said tubular 
     
     
        walls defined through the interior of said core. .Iaddend. .Iadd.47.  A flexible conveyor assembly for use in a conveying apparatus for moving fluid, said assembly comprising: (a) an elongated solid core of plastic material, a pair of flexible tubular walls defined through an interior of said core, said tubular walls defining separate elongated passages and having respective opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor composed of a fluid-conveying and a return portion extending through different ones of said respective passages defined by said flexible tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said fluid-conveying portion of said flexible rope conveyor and the one of said flexible tubular walls surrounding said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one flexible tubular wall;   (c) an elongated tension member extending through the interior of said core alongside and spaced from said tubular walls for supporting the weight of said core and said rope conveyor; and   (d) said flexible rope conveyor being engageable at its opposite end portions for causing and guiding movement of said flexible rope conveyor about an endless path relative to said flexible tubular walls with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said flexible rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through said respective passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said flexible rope conveyor is moved relative to said one flexible tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said one flexible tubular wall can cause an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially through said passage of said one flexible tubular wall with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped turbulent stream is entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid between said opposite ends of said   
     
     
        passage through said one flexible tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.48.  The assembly of claim 43, and further comprising: means for urging said flexible rope conveyor through said flexible tubular walls, said means for urging operable to urge said conveyor in either a forward direction or in a reverse direction, such that, when said rope conveyor is being urged in a forward direction, said fluid-conveying portion of said rope conveyor will move through a first passage of said flexible tubular walls, and such that, when said rope conveyor is being urged in a reverse direction, said fluid-conveying portion of said rope conveyor will move through a second passage of said flexible tubular   
     
     
        walls. .Iaddend. .Iadd.49.  A conveying apparatus for moving fluid, comprising: (a) means for forming a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage and having opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having fluid-conveying and return portions, said fluid-conveying portion being surrounded by said tubular wall and disposed through said passage defined by said tubular wall, said flexible rope conveyor also having opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said opposite ends of said flexible tubular wall, said fluid-conveying portion and said flexible tubular wall forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said tubular wall; and   (c) means for engaging said opposite end portions of said flexible rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about an endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said rope conveyor is moved relative to said tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular shaped turbulent stream is entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid through   
     
     
        said passage of said tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.50.  The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 49 wherein said means for engaging includes: an arrangement movable supporting said opposite end portion of said rope conveyor; and   a drive medium coupled with said arrangement and being operable for moving   
     
     
        said rope conveyor about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.51.  The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 50, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of rotatable roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 51, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device connected to at least one of said roller members and being operable for rotating the last said roller member and thereby moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 49, wherein said moving means includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said flexible rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism engaged with said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 53, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 53, wherein said drive mechanism is engaged with said rope conveyor so as to apply linear traction to said rope conveyor for moving it about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 53, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device coupled to said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to   
     
     
        one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57.  The conveying apparatus of claim 49, wherein said fluid-conveying portion comprises a riser portion operable to lift said fluid against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. The conveying apparatus of claim 49, wherein said flexible tubular wall comprises plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. The conveying apparatus of claim 49, wherein said fluid includes natural gas and oil. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. The conveying apparatus of claim 49, wherein said endless rope conveyor and said tubular wall have similar cross-sectional geometries. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. The conveying apparatus of claim 60, wherein said geometries are 
     
     
        circular. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62.  The conveying apparatus for moving fluid, comprising: (a) means for forming a pair of flexible tubular walls defining separate elongated passages having opposite ends;   (b) an endless flexible rope conveyor having fluid-conveying and return portions disposed through different ones of said respective passages defined by said tubular walls, and a pair of opposite end portions interconnecting said fluid-conveying and return portions and extending from said respective opposite ends of said flexible tubular walls, said fluid-conveying portion of said rope conveyor and said one tubular wall surrounding said fluid-conveying portion forming an annulus therebetween extending between said opposite ends of said one tubular wall; and   (c) means for moving said rope conveyor about an endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through different ones of said passages, the radial dimension of said annulus and the velocity at which said rope conveyor is moved relative to said one tubular wall being preselected so that said fluid-conveying portion in moving relative to said one tubular wall causes an annular shaped turbulent stream of fluid to flow axially upwardly with said fluid-conveying portion such that said annular-shaped stream is not substantially absorbed by said rope conveyor but entrained by said moving fluid-conveying portion and moved upwardly within an annular core flow region of said annulus to thereby move fluid   
     
     
        through said passage of said one tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.63.  The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 62, wherein said moving means includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism coupled with said arrangement and being operable for   
     
     
        moving said rope conveyor about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.64. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 63, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of rotatable roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said one tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 64, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device connected to at least one of said roller members and being operable for rotating the last said roller member and thereby moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 62, wherein said moving means includes: an arrangement movably supporting said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor; and   a drive mechanism engaged with said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.67. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 66, wherein said arrangement includes a pair of roller members entraining said opposite end portions of said rope conveyor adjacent to said opposite ends of said one tubular   
     
     
        wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.68.  The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 66, wherein said drive mechanism is engaged with said rope conveyor so as to apply linear traction to said rope conveyor for moving it about said endless path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.69. The conveying apparatus as recited in claim 66, wherein said drive mechanism is a motion-producing device coupled to said rope conveyor and being operable for moving said rope conveyor about said endless path with said fluid-conveying and return portions of said rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.70. The conveying apparatus of claim 62, wherein said means for moving said rope conveyor is operable to move said rope conveyor either in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, such that, when said means for moving moves said rope conveyor in said forward direction, said fluid-conveying portion of said rope conveyor moves through a first of said passages, and such that, when said means for moving moves said rope conveyor in a reverse direction, said fluid-conveying portion of said rope conveyor moves through a second of said passages. .Iaddend. .Iadd.71. The conveying apparatus of claim 62, wherein said fluid-conveying portion comprises a riser portion operable to 
     
     
        lift said fluid against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.72.  The conveying apparatus of claim 62, wherein said fluid includes gas and oil. .Iaddend. .Iadd.73. The conveying apparatus of claim 62, wherein said endless rope conveyor and said tubular walls have similar cross-sectional geometries. .Iaddend. .Iadd.74. The conveying apparatus of claim 73, wherein said geometries are circular. .Iaddend. .Iadd.75. The conveying apparatus of claim 62, wherein said flexible tubular walls comprise 
     
     
        plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.76.  A method for moving fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a flexible tubular wall defining an elongated passage having first and second opposed ends;   (b) disposing a fluid-conveying portion of an endless flexible rope conveyor through the elongated passage of the tubular wall such that the fluid-conveying portion and the flexible tubular wall form an annulus therebetween extending between the opposite ends of the tubular wall;   (c) moving the rope conveyor about an endless path with the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor moving from the first end through the passage toward the second end; and   (d) preselecting the radial dimension of the annulus and the velocity at which the rope conveyor is moved relative to the tubular wall so that the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor in moving relative to the tubular wall causes an annular-shaped turbulent stream to flow axially with the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor such that the annular shaped stream is not substantially absorbed by said rope conveyor but entrained by the moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of the annulus to thereby move fluid through the   
     
     
        passage of the tubular wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.77.  The method as recited in claim 76, wherein said step of moving includes applying a circular drive traction to the rope conveyor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.78. The method as recited in claim 76, wherein said step of moving includes applying a linear drive 
     
     
        traction to the rope conveyor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.79.  A method for moving fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pair of flexible tubular walls respectively defining a pair of separate elongated passages having first and second opposed ends;   (b) disposing fluid-conveying and return portions of an endless flexible rope conveyor through different ones of the separate passages of the tubular walls such that the fluid-conveying portion and the one tubular wall surrounding the fluid-conveying portion form an annulus therebetween extending between the opposite ends of the one tubular wall;   (c) moving the rope conveyor about an endless path with the fluid-conveying and return portions of the rope conveyor moving in opposite directions relative to one another through the different ones of the separate passages and with the fluid-conveying portion moving through the passage defined through the one tubular wall; and   (d) preselecting the radial dimension of the annulus and the velocity at which the rope conveyor is moved relative to the one tubular wall so that the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor in moving relative to the one tubular wall causes an annular shaped turbulent stream to flow axially from the first end toward the second end with the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor such that the annular-shaped turbulent stream is not substantially absorbed by said rope conveyor but entrained by the moving fluid-conveying portion and moved within an annular core flow region of the annulus to thereby move fluid through the passage of the one tubular   
     
     
        wall. .Iaddend. .Iadd.80.  The conveying method as recited in claim 79, wherein said step of moving includes applying a circular drive traction to the rope conveyor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.81. The conveying method as recited in claim 79, wherein said step of moving includes applying a linear drive traction to the rope conveyor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.82. The method of claim 79, and further comprising the steps of: (e) providing a means for moving the rope conveyor which is operable to urge the rope conveyor in either a forward direction or a reverse direction;   (f) when the rope is being urged in a forward direction, moving the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor through a first of the passages; and   (g) when the rope conveyor is being urged in a reverse direction, moving the fluid-conveying portion of the rope conveyor through a second of the   
     
     
        passages. .Iaddend. .Iadd.83.  The method of claim 79, wherein said fluid is lifted by said rope conveyor against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. 
     
     
        .Iadd.84.  Apparatus for conveying a fluid, comprising: an elongate flexible tube having a first end for disposal adjacent a source of fluid and a second end opposed to the first end, and having a length and internal sidewall;   elongate flexible rope means for conveying said fluid, said rope means having a length longer than the length of the tube, an annular space between said internal sidewall and said rope means having a radial dimension; and   means for urging said rope means through the tube from the first end toward the second end, said radial dimension and the speed of said rope means with respect to the tube preselected such that said rope means is suspended by the fluid away from the sidewall of said tube, and such that an annulus of fluid surrounding said rope means is not substantially absorbed by said rope but entrained by said rope and moved by said rope   
     
     
        through said tube. .Iaddend. .Iadd.85.  The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said rope means is selected from the group consisting of ropes, strings, 
     
     
        bands and strands. .Iaddend. .Iadd.86.  Apparatus for conveying a fluid, comprising: an elongate flexible tube having a first end for disposal adjacent a source of fluid and a second end opposed to the first end, and having a length and an internal sidewall;   elongate flexible rope means for conveying said fluid, said rope means having a length longer that the length of the tube, an annular space between said internal sidewall and said rope means having a radial dimension; and   means for urging said rope means through the tube from the first end toward the second end, said radial dimension and the speed of said rope means with respect to the tube preselected such that said rope means is suspended by the fluid away from the tube, and such that an annulus of fluid surrounding said rope means is moved by said rope through said tube, said annulus of fluid not substantially adhering to said rope means but instead being entrained by said rope means to move through said tube.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.87.  The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said rope means and said flexible tube have similar cross-sectional geometries. .Iaddend. .Iadd.88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein said cross-sectional geometries are circular. .Iaddend. .Iadd.89. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said flexible tube comprises plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.90. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said flexible tube includes a riser portion operable to lift said annulus of fluid against the force of gravity. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.91.  Apparatus for conveying a fluid, comprising: an elongate flexible tube having a first end for disposal adjacent a source of fluid and a second end opposed to the first end, and having a length and an internal sidewall;   elongate flexible rope means for conveying said fluid, said rope means having a length longer than the length of the tube, an annular space between said internal sidewalls of said tube and said rope means having a radial dimension; and   means for urging said rope means through the tube from the first end toward the second end, said radial dimension of said annular space and the speed of said rope means with respect to the tube preselected such that an annular core flow region of fluid is formed to be disposed between the surface of said rope means and said internal sidewalls, said annular core flow region not substantially absorbed by said rope means but entrained by said rope means to move from said first end toward said second end of said   
     
     
        tube. .Iaddend. .Iadd.92.  The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said rope means is selected from the group consisting of ropes, bands, strings and strands. .Iaddend. .Iadd.93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said rope means and said flexible tube have similar cross-sectional geometries. .Iaddend. .Iadd.94. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said geometries are circular. .Iaddend. .Iadd.95. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said flexible tube comprises plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.96. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said flexible tube includes a riser portion operable to lift said annular core flow region against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.97. Apparatus for conveying a fluid, comprising: an elongate tube having a first end for disposal adjacent a service of fluid and a second end opposed to the first end, and having a length and an internal sidewall, at least one corner or bend of said tube disposed intermediate said ends along said length;   elongate flexible rope means for conveying said fluid, said rope means having a length longer than the length of the tube, an annular space between said internal sidewalls and said rope means having a radial dimension; and   means for urging said rope means through the tube from the first end toward the second end and around said corner or bend, said radial dimension of said annular space and the speed of said rope means with respect to the tube preselected such that an annular core flow region of fluid is formed to be disposed between the surface of the rope and said internal sidewalls, said annular core flow region being entrained by said rope means to move from said first end around said corner or bend and toward   
     
     
        said second end of said tube. .Iaddend. .Iadd.98.  The apparatus of claim 97, wherein said rope means comprises a riser portion operable to lift said fluid in said annular core flow region against the force of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.99. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein said tube comprises plastic. .Iaddend. .Iadd.100. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the cross-sectional geometries of said tube and said rope means are similar. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.101.  The apparatus of claim 100, wherein said cross-sectional geometries are circular. .Iaddend. .Iadd.102. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein said rope means is selected from the group consisting of ropes, bands, strings and strands. .Iaddend. .Iadd.103. A method for conveying fluid, comprising: inserting a rope means through a tube, an annular space between the rope means and the interior sidewall of the tube having a predetermined radial dimension;   disposing the tube in a path having at least one corner or bend such that a first end of the tube is disposed adjacent a source of fluid; and   urging the rope means through the tube at a predetermined speed, the speed of the rope means relative to the tube and said radial dimension preselected to entrain an annular core flow region of the fluid around the rope means, thereby moving the fluid from the first end of the tube around the corner or bend toward a second end of the tube. .Iaddend.