Technology Opportunities

Connecting high density polyethylene tubes in open sea aquaculture cages can be problematic due to the pipes’ flexibility when subjected to the water’s dynamic motion. Other types of rigid clamps or rope-connections cannot both keep the functional relative position of the elements and enable the imposed motion without failure or damage. The presented technology uses inflatable Elastomer cushions with a durable, easy-to-apply skin to hold the elements together, thereby distributing the applied stress. While this type of connection has a unique advantage in dynamic environments, it is a useful and efficient connector for other pipe structures as well.