Importance

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Abstract

A connection system comprises a connector and a pipe. The pipe is made from a hydrophilic membrane capable of pervaporating brackish water or such like as substantially pure water, such as Dutyion™. One feature of this material is that it expands significantly as it hydrates. The pipe is generally cylindrical, but it is corrugated along its length, with roughly regular ridges and grooves. The connector has a side wall defining a substantially cylindrical cavity. The inside surface of the cavity is corrugated in the similar way to the pipe. When the pipe is in a dehydrated state, the cavity of the connector has a maximum diameter D greater than the maximum diameter B of the pipe and a minimum diameter C less than the maximum diameter B of the pipe. The pipe can be inserted in the cavity of the connector in a dehydrated state. When the system then carries water, the pipe hydrates, which causes the pipe to expand and its diameter to increase. This means that the ridges of the pipe expand into the grooves of the cavity and the pipe fits more tightly into the cavity and the seal between the pipe and the cavity is improved.

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First Claim