EP0173606B1 - Thermal seal surveillance systems for a container enclosing a thermogenic material - Google Patents
Thermal seal surveillance systems for a container enclosing a thermogenic material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0173606B1 EP0173606B1 EP85401497A EP85401497A EP0173606B1 EP 0173606 B1 EP0173606 B1 EP 0173606B1 EP 85401497 A EP85401497 A EP 85401497A EP 85401497 A EP85401497 A EP 85401497A EP 0173606 B1 EP0173606 B1 EP 0173606B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- container
- components
- monitoring device
- series
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D79/00—Kinds or details of packages, not otherwise provided for
- B65D79/02—Arrangements or devices for indicating incorrect storage or transport
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/03—Forms or constructions of security seals
- G09F3/0305—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used
- G09F3/0341—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having label sealing means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
- G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
- G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
- G21F5/12—Closures for containers; Sealing arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to devices for monitoring by thermal seal of a container containing in particular heat-generating material making it possible to detect suddenly an attempt to break in the container and / or the material contained therein, or a theft, even if the thief succeeds in putting the surveillance device back in place.
- the container containing the heat-generating material comprises parts which, as a result of heat exchanges, have temperatures different from ambient temperature.
- the object of the present invention is precisely to inviolable monitoring devices for a container, containing in particular heat-generating material, making it possible to remedy these drawbacks and so much so as to detect any attempted break-in and / or theft, and regardless of where it was made. It is based on the fact that any modification to the container or to its contents disturbs the thermal state of the surface of said container on which the sealing device is fixed.
- thermal sensors associated with a data acquisition system is known and in particular described in the article by H. DUANE ARLOWE, Nuclear Materials Management 1982, pages 82 to 88, entitled "A low cost SNM shelf monitor system” , for detecting the presence of a container on a base and verifying its calogenic content. But the latter device allows more qualitative than quantitative measurements on the one hand, and on the other hand does not constitute a sealing device.
- document GB-A-2 062 860 discloses a temperature sensor disposed in thermal contact with the surface of a body whose temperature is to be measured, this sensor comprising a resistive element embedded in an insulating material, the latter being housed in a metal cover.
- the present invention specifically relates to a device for monitoring a container containing in particular heat-generating material, intended to control the presence and the integrity of the container comprising at least one seal affixed to a surface element of the container, characterized in that that the seal comprises at least two resistive components and a structure serving as physical protection and thermal insulation in which the two components are housed, one of the components serving to provide an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between the surface and said seal, the other component serving to provide an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between the environment of the seal and itself, and monitoring means sensitive to said signals and located at a distance from the container.
- a seal providing, an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged with the surface element on which it is arranged and of the heat flux exchanged with its environment, makes it possible to detect any variation of this heat flux from '' a modification of the electrical signal emitted by the seal.
- Variations in heat flow can be due to a change in the environment of the sealed container (movement of the latter or neighboring containers), a change in the geometry of the seal (change, movement of it), a change particularly heat-generating content, to the presence or intervention of various means (person, robot) on any part of the container.
- the structure of the seal or in other words its envelope consists of a single material serving both for physical protection and for thermal insulation.
- said structure consists of two different materials, one serving as physical protection and the other as thermal insulation.
- the seal comprises two independent series of resistive components electrically connected to each other, one of the series serving to take into account the variations in the heat flux exchanged between the seal and the surface of the container on which it is affixed, the other series serving to take into account variations in the heat flux exchanged between the seal and its environment.
- one of the series of resistive components of the seal is placed either close to the face of the seal which is applied to the surface element of the container, or directly in contact with said secure element on which the seal is affixed this arrangement makes it possible to best capture the variation of the heat flux at the level of the surface element on which the seal is affixed.
- the variation can be caused by a modification of the environment, the geometry of the seal or the possibly calogenic content.
- the device of the invention comprises several seals providing different electrical signals, these signals being a function of the heat flux exchanged between the surface element and the corresponding affixed seal as well as the electrical characteristics of the resistive components constituting each seal.
- the monitoring device in addition to the advantages given above, makes it possible, in the case of a container containing heat-generating material, to also monitor the content of the container.
- FIG 1 there is shown a monitoring device according to the invention.
- This device comprises one or more seals 2 which are affixed to a surface element 4 of a container containing in particular heat-generating material, for example made up of irradiated or non-irradiated materials or radioactive waste.
- Each seal is a thermal flow meter providing, on the one hand, an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between itself and the surface element 4 on which it is affixed and, on the other hand, an electrical signal representative of the flux heat exchanged between the environment of the seal and itself. It includes resistive elements or components (6a, 6b) enclosed in a structure 8 or envelope serving as physical protection and thermal insulation, these components being supplied by direct or alternating current.
- the resistive components 6a, 6b can be resistors with a positive or negative temperature coefficient.
- the seal 2 said to be quantitative, comprises two independent series 6a and 6b of resistive components enclosed in the structure 8. In each series, the electrical components are electrically connected together.
- One of the series 6a is arranged as close as possible to the face 10 of the seal 2 which is applied to the surface element 4 of the container to be monitored (FIG. 2).
- these components 6a can be arranged so that they come into direct contact with the surface to be monitored, as shown in FIG. 1. They make it possible to provide an electrical signal 1 representative of the heat flux exchanged between the seal 2 and the surface element 4 of the container on which the seal is affixed.
- the other series 6b is disposed near the face 21 of the seal 2 opposite the face 10 of the latter. It provides an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between the environment of the seal and itself.
- the structure 8 serving as physical protection and thermal insulation can consist of a single material 12 fulfilling both the functions of physical protection and thermal insulation, this material can for example consist of an insulator such as an epoxy resin.
- this material can for example consist of an insulator such as an epoxy resin.
- the structure 8 of the seal 2 can also be made, as shown in FIG. 2, of two different materials, one having a role of physical protection and the other of thermal insulation.
- the material playing the role of physical protection bears the reference 14b and the material playing the role of thermal insulator the reference 16b.
- the material 14b may for example be constituted by a metal cover, in particular made of stainless steel, and the material 16b by polyurethane foam or a gas such as air.
- the resistive components 6a are completely embedded in the material 16b, thermally insulating, the latter being covered with the protective material 14b; they have no contact with the surface element 4 of the container to be monitored, but are arranged near said element.
- the fixing of the seal 2 on the surface element 4 of the container can be ensured, by gluing, welding, brazing.
- the resistive components 6a of a seal are supplied with a current sufficient to cause a detectable self-heating of these components.
- the seal is said to be active.
- This electrical signal carried by a cable 18, as shown in FIG. 1, can be detected and then analyzed using an appropriate electronic circuit 20, which will be described later, located at a distance from the container to be monitored.
- the structure 8 of the seal 2 as shown in FIG. 3, be made up of two different materials, the material 14b playing the role of physical protection being located towards the outside of the seal and the material 16b acting as a thermal insulator being enclosed in the material 14b.
- resistive components 6a can be arranged directly in contact with the surface element 4 of the container to be monitored.
- the first seal provides an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between itself and the surface of the container on which it is affixed
- the second seal provides an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between itself and its environment.
- the first seal is placed on a sealed surface of the container and the second seal in particular on a part at ambient temperature of said container.
- the same seal 2 can be used "quantitatively” for monitoring a container containing heat-generating material; then “actively” when this material stops giving off heat.
- the same seal can be used in two different ways depending on whether the contents of the container are calogenic or not.
- the seals 2 constitute thermal flow meters able to assist in quantitative monitoring and qestion, by means of an appropriate circuit, of the heat-generating materials enclosed in the container. monitor.
- the measurement of the heat flux makes it possible to know the quantity of material present. Otherwise, the measurement of the heat flux and the amount of material present are only correlated.
- an appropriate circuit 20 allowing the acquisition and the management of the electrical signals transmitted by the seals 2 makes it possible to constitute a tamper-proof security device.
- a circuit 20 allowing interrogation of each seal 2 continuously, for example every milliseconds, does not allow a time long enough to carry out a malicious intervention.
- the acquisition and analysis system 20 may be such that it makes it possible to keep track of any particularly malicious intervention on the containers to be monitored.
- a channel scanner 42 connected to the restrictive components and to the computer must be provided.
- FIGS. 5 to 8 various types of seal arrangements have been shown in accordance with the invention. These arrangements are formed by several seals 2 which can be mechanically connected together, for example using metallic wires 22 (steel). These seals 2 can for example be affixed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the contact area 24 between the lid 26 of the container and the body 28 of the latter, or else, as shown in FIG. 7, affixed near this contact zone 24, for example on the cover 26 or on the body 28 itself of the container.
- seals 2 can for example be affixed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the contact area 24 between the lid 26 of the container and the body 28 of the latter, or else, as shown in FIG. 7, affixed near this contact zone 24, for example on the cover 26 or on the body 28 itself of the container.
- the seals will advantageously be affixed outside the contact zone 24 of the lid and of the container body (FIG. 7) in order to allow, for service reasons, to open then close the container, the seals detecting this intervention and the possible modification of the contents of the container without being destroyed.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
Description
La présente invention a pour objet des dispositifs de surveillance par sceau thermique d'un conteneur renfermant notamment de la matière calogène permettant de déceler à tout coup une tentative d'effraction du conteneur et/ou de la matière contenue dans celui-ci, ou un vol, même au cas où le voleur réussirait à remettre en place le dispositif de surveillance.The present invention relates to devices for monitoring by thermal seal of a container containing in particular heat-generating material making it possible to detect suddenly an attempt to break in the container and / or the material contained therein, or a theft, even if the thief succeeds in putting the surveillance device back in place.
Elle s'applique notamment à la surveillance d'un grand nombre de conteneurs (400 à 500 conteneurs par exemple), fixes ou mobiles, renfermant de la matière calogène radioactive, et ce, quel que soit l'environnement thermique dudit conteneur.It applies in particular to the monitoring of a large number of containers (400 to 500 containers for example), fixed or mobile, containing radioactive heat-generating material, regardless of the thermal environment of said container.
Dans ce cas, le conteneur renfermant de la matière calogène comporte des parties qui, par suite d'échanges thermiques, présentent des températures différentes de la température ambiante.In this case, the container containing the heat-generating material comprises parts which, as a result of heat exchanges, have temperatures different from ambient temperature.
Il existe à l'heure actuelle un certain nombre de dispositifs de surveillance permettant de détecter une tentative d'ouverture d'un conteneur. Un de ces dispositifs consiste à fixer les extrémités d'un câble passant à travers la genouillère ou les ouïes de fermeture d'un conteneur à un boîtier dans lequel on a coulé une masse de résine qui s'est fissurée au refroidissement. Ces fissures forment un dessin bien déterminé que l'on photographie au départ. Lorsque quelqu'un réussit à ouvrir puis à refermer le boîtier, la masse de résine contenue dans celui-ci risque de se déplacer et/ou de nouvelles fissures risquent d'apparaître. Une nouvelle photographie de la résine permet d'observer ces changements.There are currently a number of monitoring devices to detect an attempt to open a container. One of these devices consists in fixing the ends of a cable passing through the toggle joint or the closing openings of a container to a housing in which a mass of resin has been poured which has cracked on cooling. These cracks form a well-defined pattern that we photograph at the start. When someone succeeds in opening and then closing the case, the mass of resin contained in it may move and / or new cracks may appear. A new photograph of the resin allows us to observe these changes.
Cependant, on ne pourra rien détecter dans le cas où le voleur ne touchera pas au boîtier et prendra la précaution de ne couper que le câble puis de le reconstituer par épissurage. De plus, comme la surveillance d'un tel dispositif nécessite une présence physique, il ne permet pas une surveillance continue des conteneurs. En outre, dans le cas de matières radioactives, ce dispositif implique une exposition indésirable du personnel de surveillance aux rayonnements émis par lesdites matières.However, we will not be able to detect anything in the event that the thief does not touch the case and will take the precaution of cutting only the cable and then reconstructing it by splicing. In addition, as the monitoring of such a device requires a physical presence, it does not allow continuous monitoring of the containers. In addition, in the case of radioactive materials, this device involves an undesirable exposure of surveillance personnel to the radiation emitted by said materials.
On connaît aussi des dispositifs de surveillance permettant une surveillance en continu ou en temps réel tels que ceux décrits dans le document EP-A-0 018 198. Ces dispositifs utilisant des sceaux optiques ne permettent pas de faire la distinction entre des matières calogènes ou non. De plus, ils ne permettent pas de déceler une intrusion dans le conteneur qui laisserait intacts les sceaux.There are also known monitoring devices allowing continuous or real-time monitoring such as those described in document EP-A-0 018 198. These devices using optical seals do not make it possible to distinguish between heat-generating materials or not . In addition, they do not detect an intrusion into the container that would leave the seals intact.
La présente invention a justement pour but des dispositifs de surveillance inviolables d'un conteneur, renfermant notamment de la matière calogène, permettant de remédier à ces inconvénients et permet tant de détecter n'importe quelle tentative d'effraction et/ou de vol, et ce, quel que soit l'endroit où celle-ci a été faite. Elle est basée sur le fait que toute modification sur le conteneur ou de son contenu perturbe l'état thermique de la surface dudit conteneur sur laquelle est fixé le dispositif de scellement.The object of the present invention is precisely to inviolable monitoring devices for a container, containing in particular heat-generating material, making it possible to remedy these drawbacks and so much so as to detect any attempted break-in and / or theft, and regardless of where it was made. It is based on the fact that any modification to the container or to its contents disturbs the thermal state of the surface of said container on which the sealing device is fixed.
Par conteneur, il faut comprendre toute enceinte fermée et notamment une pièce.By container, it is necessary to understand any closed enclosure and in particular a room.
L'utilisation de capteurs thermiques associés à un système d'acquisition de données est connue et notamment décrite dans l'article de H. DUANE ARLOWE, Nuclear Materials Management 1982, pages 82 à 88, intitulé "A low cost SNM shelf monitor system", pour la détection de présence d'un conteneur sur un socle et ta verification de son contenu calogène. Mais ce dernier dispositif permet plus des mesures qualitatives que quantitatives d'une part, et d'autre part ne constitue pas un dispositif de scellement.The use of thermal sensors associated with a data acquisition system is known and in particular described in the article by H. DUANE ARLOWE, Nuclear Materials Management 1982, pages 82 to 88, entitled "A low cost SNM shelf monitor system" , for detecting the presence of a container on a base and verifying its calogenic content. But the latter device allows more qualitative than quantitative measurements on the one hand, and on the other hand does not constitute a sealing device.
Par ailleurs, il est connu du document GB-A-2 062 860 un capteur de température disposé en contact thermique avec la surface d'un corps dont on veut mesurer la température, ce capteur comportant un élément résistif noyé dans un matériau isolant, ce dernier étant logé dans un capot métallique.Furthermore, document GB-A-2 062 860 discloses a temperature sensor disposed in thermal contact with the surface of a body whose temperature is to be measured, this sensor comprising a resistive element embedded in an insulating material, the latter being housed in a metal cover.
La présente invention a précisément pour objet un dispositif de surveillance d'un conteneur renfermant notamment de la matière calogène, destiné à contrôler la présence et l'intégrité du conteneur comprenant au moins un sceau apposé sur un élément de surface du conteneur, caractérisé en ce que le sceau comporte au moins deux composants résistifs et une structure servant de protection physique et d'isolation thermique dans laquelle sont logés les deux composants, l'un des composants servant à fournir un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre l'élément de surface et ledit sceau, l'autre composant servant à fournir un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre l'environnement du sceau et lui-même, et des moyens de surveillance sensibles auxdits signaux et situés à distance du conteneur.The present invention specifically relates to a device for monitoring a container containing in particular heat-generating material, intended to control the presence and the integrity of the container comprising at least one seal affixed to a surface element of the container, characterized in that that the seal comprises at least two resistive components and a structure serving as physical protection and thermal insulation in which the two components are housed, one of the components serving to provide an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between the surface and said seal, the other component serving to provide an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between the environment of the seal and itself, and monitoring means sensitive to said signals and located at a distance from the container.
L'emploi d'un sceau, fournissant, un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé avec l'élément de surface sur lequel il est disposé et du flux thermique échangé avec son environnement, permet de détecter toute variation de ce flux thermique à partir d'une modification du signal électrique émis par le sceau. Les variations du flux thermique peuvent être dues à une modification de l'environnement du conteneur scellé (déplacement de ce dernier ou des conteneurs voisins), à une modification de la géométrie du sceau (changement, déplacement de celui-ci), à une modification du contenu notamment calogène, à une présence ou une intervention d'un moyen divers (personne, robot) sur une partie quelconque du conteneur.The use of a seal, providing, an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged with the surface element on which it is arranged and of the heat flux exchanged with its environment, makes it possible to detect any variation of this heat flux from '' a modification of the electrical signal emitted by the seal. Variations in heat flow can be due to a change in the environment of the sealed container (movement of the latter or neighboring containers), a change in the geometry of the seal (change, movement of it), a change particularly heat-generating content, to the presence or intervention of various means (person, robot) on any part of the container.
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation du dispositif de scellement de l'invention, la structure du sceau ou autrement dit son enveloppe est constituée d'un matériau unique servant à la fois de protection physique et d'isolation thermique.According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing device of the invention, the structure of the seal or in other words its envelope consists of a single material serving both for physical protection and for thermal insulation.
Selon un autre mode préféré de réalisation du dispositif de scellement de l'invention, ladite structure est constituée de deux matériaux différents, l'un servant de protection physique et l'autre d'isolation thermique.According to another preferred embodiment of the sealing device of the invention, said structure consists of two different materials, one serving as physical protection and the other as thermal insulation.
Selon un autre mode préféré de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, le sceau comporte deux séries indépendantes de composants résistifs reliés électriquement entre eux, l'une des séries servant à prendre en compte les variations du flux thermique échangé entre le sceau et la surface du conteneur sur laquelle il est apposé, l'autre série servant à prendre en compte les variations du flux thermique échangé entre le sceau et son environnement.According to another preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, the seal comprises two independent series of resistive components electrically connected to each other, one of the series serving to take into account the variations in the heat flux exchanged between the seal and the surface of the container on which it is affixed, the other series serving to take into account variations in the heat flux exchanged between the seal and its environment.
De façon avantageuse, l'une des séries de composants résistifs du sceau est placée soit à proximité de la face du sceau qui est appliquée sur l'élément de surface du conteneur, soit directement au contact dudit élément de sûrface sur lequel le sceau est apposé cette disposition permet de capter au mieux la variation du flux thermique au niveau de l'élément de surface sur lequel est apposé le sceau. La variation peut être causée par une modification de l'environnement, de la géométrie du sceau ou du contenu éventuellement calogène.Advantageously, one of the series of resistive components of the seal is placed either close to the face of the seal which is applied to the surface element of the container, or directly in contact with said secure element on which the seal is affixed this arrangement makes it possible to best capture the variation of the heat flux at the level of the surface element on which the seal is affixed. The variation can be caused by a modification of the environment, the geometry of the seal or the possibly calogenic content.
De façon préférentielle, le dispositif de l'invention comprend plusieurs sceaux fournissant des signaux électriques différents, ces signaux étant fonction du flux thermique échangé entre l'élément de surface et le sceau apposé correspondant ainsi que des caractéristiques électriques des composants résistifs constituant chaque sceau.Preferably, the device of the invention comprises several seals providing different electrical signals, these signals being a function of the heat flux exchanged between the surface element and the corresponding affixed seal as well as the electrical characteristics of the resistive components constituting each seal.
Le dispositif de surveillance selon l'invention, en plus des avantages donnés précédemment, permet, dans le cas d'un conteneur renfermant de la matière calogène, de surveiller aussi le contenu du conteneur.The monitoring device according to the invention, in addition to the advantages given above, makes it possible, in the case of a container containing heat-generating material, to also monitor the content of the container.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront mieux de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées, dans lesquelles:
- - la figure 1 représente schématiquement un dispositif de surveillance, conformément à l'invention, comportant des sceaux thermiques d'un premier mode de réalisation,
- - la figure 2 représente schématiquement un sceau thermique, conformément à l'invention, d'un deuxième mode de réalisation dans lequel le matériau servant de protection physique est situé vers l'extérieur,
- - la figure 3 représente schématiquement un sceau thermique, conformément à l'invention, d'un troisième mode de réalisation,
- - la figure 4 représente schématiquement un mode de réalisation du circuit électronique du dispositif de surveillance, selon l'invention, et
- - les figures 5 à 8 illustrent différents exemples de fixation des sceaux thermiques, conformément à l'invention. Sur un conteneur à surveiller.
- FIG. 1 schematically represents a monitoring device, in accordance with the invention, comprising thermal seals of a first embodiment,
- FIG. 2 schematically represents a thermal seal, in accordance with the invention, of a second embodiment in which the material serving as physical protection is located towards the outside,
- FIG. 3 schematically represents a thermal seal, according to the invention, of a third embodiment,
- FIG. 4 schematically represents an embodiment of the electronic circuit of the monitoring device according to the invention, and
- - Figures 5 to 8 illustrate different examples of fixing the thermal seals, according to the invention. On a container to watch.
Sur la figure 1, on a représenté un dispositif de surveillance conformément à l'invention.In Figure 1, there is shown a monitoring device according to the invention.
Ce dispositif comprend un ou plusieurs sceaux 2 que l'on appose sur un élément de surface 4 d'un conteneur renfermant notamment de la matière calogène, constitué par exemple de matières irradiées ou non ou de déchets radioactifs. Chaque sceau est un fluxmètre thermique fournissant, d'une part, un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre lui-même et l'élément de surface 4 sur lequel il est apposé et, d'autre part, un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre l'environnement du sceau et lui-même. Il comprend des éléments ou composants résistifs (6a, 6b) enfermés dans une structure 8 ou enveloppe servant de protection physique et d'isolation thermique, ces composants étant alimentés par un courant continu ou alternatif.This device comprises one or
Les composants résistifs 6a, 6b peuvent être des résistances à coefficient de température positif ou négatif. De préférence, le sceau 2, dit quantitatif, comprend deux séries indépendantes 6a et 6b de composants résistifs enfermées dans la structure 8. Dans chaque série, les composants électriques sont reliés électriquement entre eux.The
L'une des séries 6a est disposée le plus près possible de la face 10 du sceau 2 qui est appliquée sur l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur à surveiller (figure 2). En particulier, ces composants 6a peuvent être disposés de façon qu'ils viennent au contact direct de la surface à surveiller, comme représenté sur la figure 1. Ils permettent de fournir un signal 1 électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre le sceau 2 et l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur sur lequel le sceau est apposé.One of the
L'autre série 6b est disposée à proximité de la face 21 du sceau 2 opposée à la face 10 de celui-ci. Elle permet de fournir un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre l'environnement du sceau et lui-même.The
La structure 8 servant de protection physique et d'isolation thermique peut être constituée d'un matériau unique 12 remplissant à la fois les deux fonctions de protection physique et d'isolation thermique ce matériau peut par exemple être constitué d'un isolant tel qu'une résine époxy. Dans une telle réalisation, la fixation du sceau 2 sur l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur peut être assurée par collage.The
La structure 8 du sceau 2 peut aussi être constituée, comme représentée sur la figure 2 de deux matériaux différents, l'un ayant un rôle de protection physique et l'autre d'isolation thermique.The
Sur la figure 2, le matériau jouant le rôle de protection physique porte la référence 14b et le matériau jouant le rôle d'isolant thermique la référence 16b. Le matériau 14b peut par exemple être constitué par un capot métallique notamment en acier inoxydable et le matériau 16b par de la mousse de polyuréthane ou un gaz tel que de l'air.In FIG. 2, the material playing the role of physical protection bears the
Dans la variante représentée sur la figure 2, les composants résistifs 6a sont totalement noyés dans le matériau 16b, isolant thermiquement, ce dernier étant recouvert du matériau 14b de protection; ils n'ont aucun contact avec l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur à surveiller, mais sont disposés à proximité dudit élément. Dans cette variante, la fixation du sceau 2 sur l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur peut être assurée, par collage, soudage, brasage.In the variant shown in Figure 2, the
L'apposition d'un sceau 2, tel que représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, sur un élément de surface 4 d'un conteneur entraîne automatiquement l'apparition d'un gradient thermique naturel de l'élément de surface sur lequel il est apposé; le sceau émet alors un signal électrique qui est représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre l'élément de surface 4 et lui-même; ce signal électrique est fonction du flux thermique échangé et des caractéristiques électriques des composants résistifs 6a constituant le sceau.The affixing of a
Dans le cas d'un conteneur contenant de la matière non calogène, les composants résistifs 6a d'un sceau sont alimentés par un courant suffisant pour provoquer un auto-échauffement de ces composants détectable. Le sceau est dit actif.In the case of a container containing non-calogenic material, the
Ce signal électrique véhiculé par un câble 18, comme représenté sur la figure 1, peut être détecté puis analysé à l'aide d'un circuit électronique 20 approprié, que l'on décrira ultérieurement, situé à distance du conteneur à surveiller.This electrical signal carried by a
Il est préférable, d'un point de vue pratique, que la structure 8 du sceau 2, comme représenté sur la figure 3, soit constituée de deux matériaux différents, le matériau 14b jouant le rôle de protection physique étant situé vers l'extérieur du sceau et le matériau 16b jouant le rôle d'isolant thermique étant enfermé dans le matériau 14b.It is preferable, from a practical point of view, that the
Par ailleurs, les composants résistifs 6a peuvent être disposés directement au contact de l'élément de surface 4 du conteneur à surveiller.Furthermore, the
Dans le cas d'un conteneur renfermant de la matière calogène, on peut utiliser un système équivalent au sceau de la figure 3, consistant en deux sceaux, l'un des deux sceaux, dit premier sceau, fournit un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre lui-même et la surface du conteneur sur lequel il est apposé, et le second sceau fournit un signal électrique représentatif du flux thermique échangé entre lui-même et son environnement. Dans cet arrangement le premier sceau est placé sur une surface étanche du conteneur et le second sceau notamment sur une partie à température ambiante dudit conteneur.In the case of a container containing heat-generating material, it is possible to use a system equivalent to the seal of FIG. 3, consisting of two seals, one of the two seals, called the first seal, provides an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between itself and the surface of the container on which it is affixed, and the second seal provides an electrical signal representative of the heat flux exchanged between itself and its environment. In this arrangement, the first seal is placed on a sealed surface of the container and the second seal in particular on a part at ambient temperature of said container.
Selon l'invention, un même sceau 2 peut être utilisé "quantitativement" pour la surveillance d'un contenant renfermant de la matière calogène; puis "activement" lorsque cette matière cesse de dégager de la chaleur. Autrement dit, un même sceau peut être utilisé de deux façons différentes suivant que le contenu du conteneur est calogène ou non.According to the invention, the
Dans le cas de l'utilisation de composants résistifs 6a, 6b étalonnés, les sceaux 2 constituent des fluxmètres thermiques aptes à aider au suivi et à la qestion quantitatifs, au moyen d'un circuit 20 approprié, des matières calogènes enfermées dans le conteneur à surveiller.In the case of the use of calibrated
Si la matière calogène à surveiller est bien caractérisée, la mesure du flux thermique permet de connaître la quantité de matière présente. Dans le cas contraire, la mesure du flux thermique et la quantité de matière présente sont seulement corrélées.If the heat-generating material to be monitored is well characterized, the measurement of the heat flux makes it possible to know the quantity of material present. Otherwise, the measurement of the heat flux and the amount of material present are only correlated.
L'utilisation de composants résistifs dont les caractéristiques électriques sont inconnues et qui sont tirés au hasard, lors de la constitution des sceaux 2, permet d'obtenir des sceaux présentant des caractéristiques électriques aléatoires. Un suivi automatique du signal émis par chaque sceau 2 aléatoire, au moyen d'un circuit électronique 20, fait que ces caractéristiques peuvent rester absolument inconnues, même pour le personnel de surveillance, et par conséquent non duplicables.The use of resistive components whose electrical characteristics are unknown and which are drawn at random, when constituting the
Par ailleurs, l'emploi d'un circuit 20 approprié permettant l'acquisition et la qestion des signaux électriques transmis par les sceaux 2 permet de constituer un dispositif de sécurité inviolable. En particulier, un circuit 20 permettant une interrogation de chaque sceau 2 de façon continue, par exemple toutes les millisecondes, ne permet pas de disposer d'un temps suffisamment long pour effectuer une intervention malveillante.Furthermore, the use of an appropriate circuit 20 allowing the acquisition and the management of the electrical signals transmitted by the
De plus, le système d'acquisition et d'analyse 20 peut être tel qu'il permette de garder la trace de toute intervention notamment malveillante, sur les conteneurs à surveiller.In addition, the acquisition and analysis system 20 may be such that it makes it possible to keep track of any particularly malicious intervention on the containers to be monitored.
Comme circuit électronique 20 servant à la détection des signaux électriques fournis par le(s) sceau(x) thermiques, on peut notamment utiliser le circuit schématisé sur la figure 4.As the electronic circuit 20 used for the detection of the electrical signals supplied by the thermal seal (s), it is possible in particular to use the circuit shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4.
Ce circuit 20 comprend essentiellement:
- - un générateur de
courant 30, stabilisé en courant servant à alimenter les composants résistifs 6g, 6b, - -un voltmètre digital 32 enregistrant les signaux électriques analogiques délivrés par les composants 6a, 6b et les transformant en données numériques,
- -
un calculateur 34 traitant les signaux issus du voltmètre, tels que comparaison de signaux fournis par les sceaux apposés sur un même conteneur, - - des moyens d'enregistrement 36 (sur support papier ou magnétique) des résultats pilotés par le calculateur 34,
- - des moyens de visualisation 38 de ces mêmes résultats, pilotés aussi par le calculateur 34, et
- - une éventuelle alarme 40 pilotée encore par le calculateur et émettant un signal lumineux ou sonore, en cas de modification brusque des signaux électriques fournis par les sceaux thermiques, cette alarme pouvant se trouver à proximité du calculateur et/ou des moyens de visualisation et d'enregistrement, ou bien à distance (plusieurs kilomètres).
- a
current generator 30, stabilized in current used to supply theresistive components 6g, 6b, - a digital voltmeter 32 recording the analog electrical signals delivered by the
6a, 6b and transforming them into digital data,components - a
computer 34 processing the signals from the voltmeter, such as comparison of signals provided by the seals affixed to the same container, - means of recording 36 (on paper or magnetic medium) of the results controlled by the
computer 34, - display means 38 for these same results, also controlled by the
computer 34, and - - a
possible alarm 40 still controlled by the computer and emitting a light or sound signal, in the event of an abrupt change in the electrical signals supplied by the thermal seals, this alarm may be located near the computer and / or means of display and 'recording, or at a distance (several kilometers).
Afin de permettre une interrogation en continu d'un grand nombre de sceaux 2, un scrutateur de voie 42 relié aux composants restrictifs et au calculateur doit être prévu.In order to allow a continuous interrogation of a large number of
Sur les figures 5 à 8, on a représenté différents types d'arrangements de sceaux conformément à l'invention. Ces arrangements sont formés de plusieurs sceaux 2 pouvant être reliés mécaniquement entre eux par exemple à l'aide de fils métalliques 22 (acier). Ces sceaux 2 peuvent par exemple être apposés, comme représenté sur les figures 5 et 6, sur la zone de contact 24 entre le couvercle 26 du conteneur et le corps 28 de celui-ci, ou bien, comme représenté sur la figure 7, être apposés à proximité de cette zone de contact 24, par exemple sur le couvercle 26 ou sur le corps 28 même du conteneur.In FIGS. 5 to 8, various types of seal arrangements have been shown in accordance with the invention. These arrangements are formed by
Dans le cas d'un conteneur renfermant de la matière radioactive calogène, les sceaux seront avantageusement apposés hors de la zone de contact 24 du couvercle et du corps du conteneur (figure 7) afin de permettre, pour des raisons de service, d'ouvrir puis de refermer le conteneur, les sceaux détectant cette intervention et la modification éventuelle du contenu du conteneur sans être détruits.In the case of a container containing heat-generating radioactive material, the seals will advantageously be affixed outside the
Dans le cas d'un conteneur renfermant de la matière non calogène, il est préférable d'utiliser un grand nombre de sceaux, comme représenté sur la figure 8, afin de détecter toute intrusion (introduction d'un outil par exemple) dans le conteneur, ces sceaux étant avantageusement apposés sur la zone de contact du couvercle et du corps conducteur.In the case of a container containing non-calogenic material, it is preferable to use a large number of seals, as shown in Figure 8, in order to detect any intrusion (introduction of a tool for example) into the container , these seals being advantageously affixed to the contact area of the cover and of the conductive body.
Bien entendu, ces différents arrangements de sceaux ne sont donnés qu'à titre d'exemple.Of course, these different arrangements of seals are given only by way of example.
Claims (9)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR8411721A FR2568227B1 (en) | 1984-07-24 | 1984-07-24 | SEALING AND MONITORING DEVICES OF A CONTAINER CONTAINING IN PARTICULAR CALOGENEOUS MATERIAL |
FR8411721 | 1984-07-24 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0173606A1 EP0173606A1 (en) | 1986-03-05 |
EP0173606B1 true EP0173606B1 (en) | 1988-11-23 |
Family
ID=9306430
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP85401497A Expired EP0173606B1 (en) | 1984-07-24 | 1985-07-19 | Thermal seal surveillance systems for a container enclosing a thermogenic material |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4658251A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0173606B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS61164961A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1251536A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3566384D1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2568227B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2001270299A1 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2002-01-14 | Kodiak Technologies, Inc. | Thermal container with data monitoring system |
US6979119B2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2005-12-27 | Raytheon Company | Sensor system and method for sensing in an elevated-temperature environment, with protection against external heating |
EP2700923B1 (en) * | 2012-07-04 | 2017-06-21 | Services Pétroliers Schlumberger | Apparatus for determining fluid characteristics |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3375702A (en) * | 1965-06-07 | 1968-04-02 | Geothermal Surveys Inc | Leak detection method |
DE2048489A1 (en) * | 1969-10-03 | 1971-04-15 | Vyzk Ustav Organickysch Syntez | Temperature surface sensor |
DE2240618C3 (en) * | 1972-08-18 | 1980-05-14 | Deutsche Gold- Und Silber-Scheideanstalt Vormals Roessler, 6000 Frankfurt | Fast-responding measuring resistor |
US4359903A (en) * | 1979-04-24 | 1982-11-23 | European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) | System for the identification of objects, for example nuclear fuel elements |
GB2062860A (en) * | 1979-11-06 | 1981-05-28 | Iss Clorius Ltd | Temperature sensing assembly |
FR2518751A1 (en) * | 1981-12-22 | 1983-06-24 | Euratom | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A PLURALITY OF CONTAINERS USING ULTRASONIC SEALS |
FR2544860B1 (en) * | 1983-04-19 | 1985-10-04 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | THERMOFLUX-METRIC DEVICE FOR THE CONTROL OF CALOGENIC MATERIALS WITHIN A CONTAINER |
-
1984
- 1984-07-24 FR FR8411721A patent/FR2568227B1/en not_active Expired
-
1985
- 1985-07-18 US US06/756,773 patent/US4658251A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-07-19 EP EP85401497A patent/EP0173606B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-19 CA CA000487135A patent/CA1251536A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-19 DE DE8585401497T patent/DE3566384D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-24 JP JP60163787A patent/JPS61164961A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS61164961A (en) | 1986-07-25 |
FR2568227B1 (en) | 1986-11-14 |
CA1251536A (en) | 1989-03-21 |
US4658251A (en) | 1987-04-14 |
FR2568227A1 (en) | 1986-01-31 |
DE3566384D1 (en) | 1988-12-29 |
EP0173606A1 (en) | 1986-03-05 |
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