EP1031008A1 - Method for artificially provoking an avalanche and device for implementing same - Google Patents

Method for artificially provoking an avalanche and device for implementing same

Info

Publication number
EP1031008A1
EP1031008A1 EP98955667A EP98955667A EP1031008A1 EP 1031008 A1 EP1031008 A1 EP 1031008A1 EP 98955667 A EP98955667 A EP 98955667A EP 98955667 A EP98955667 A EP 98955667A EP 1031008 A1 EP1031008 A1 EP 1031008A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
envelope
fluid
explosion
filling
container
Prior art date
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP98955667A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1031008B1 (en
Inventor
André EYBERT-BERARD
Jean-Michel Taillandier
Jean-Pierre Berlandis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Centre national du Mechinisme Agricole et du Genie Rural des Eaux et Forets
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Original Assignee
Centre national du Mechinisme Agricole et du Genie Rural des Eaux et Forets
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Centre national du Mechinisme Agricole et du Genie Rural des Eaux et Forets, Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA filed Critical Centre national du Mechinisme Agricole et du Genie Rural des Eaux et Forets
Publication of EP1031008A1 publication Critical patent/EP1031008A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1031008B1 publication Critical patent/EP1031008B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D3/00—Particular applications of blasting techniques

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of artificially triggering an avalanche and more generally to a method of artificially triggering a natural phenomenon in which one or more explosions of a fluid are caused in a predetermined area where the we want to trigger this phenomenon.
  • the invention can be applied in all fields where a phenomenon can be caused or set in motion by a local overpressure of the atmosphere above the zone concerned by the phenomenon.
  • the field targeted by the invention is the artificial triggering of snow avalanches in winter sports resorts and on sites presenting a potential risk for people, ski areas, ski lifts, roads and routes. access, mountain railways and, in general, public and private constructions and facilities.
  • the invention also relates to a device for implementing this process comprising means for causing at least one explosion of a fluid in a predetermined area where it is desired to trigger said phenomenon.
  • one of these means consists in placing or launching explosive charges such as TNT and in causing the explosion of these charges.
  • the explosion causes a breath that sweeps the surface of the snowpack in the avalanche area, and a shock wave that shakes the base of this snowpack and triggers an avalanche.
  • a device comprising a barrel, or metal tube, having a closed bottom, and an open front mouth in the direction of the snowpack.
  • This device also includes a circuit for supplying oxidant gas from a first source and a circuit for supplying fuel gas from a second source.
  • Nozzles for filling the barrel with these gases are arranged in various zones distributed over the length of this barrel and an ignition device is mounted at the rear of the barrel.
  • a gas mixture is formed inside the barrel, for example a mixture of propane and oxygen, and the explosion of this mixture is caused in the barrel by the ignition device.
  • the frontal mouth of the gun diffuses the breath and the shock wave caused by the explosion on the surface of the snowpack thus triggering the avalanche.
  • the present invention specifically aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a method of artificially triggering an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area, said method comprising a first step of filling at least a flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of said fluid inside each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid that it contains.
  • the fluid can be introduced into the envelope by means of a diffuser, the diffuser being connected to a gas source by means of a gas supply pipe.
  • the flexible envelope can be fixed directly to the diffuser which can then serve as a fixed support for the flexible envelope during its filling.
  • the fluid can be an explosive gas mixture of an oxidizer and a fuel.
  • a combustible gas is used as the gaseous fuel.
  • This combustible gas can be chosen from the group of substances comprising hydrogen, tetraine, acetylene, propane, butane, or a mixture of these substances, preferably hydrogen.
  • the oxidizer used can be oxygen or ozone, air, or air enriched with oxygen or ozone, preferably air.
  • the fluid inside each flexible envelope can be at a pressure equal to or substantially higher than atmospheric pressure when the envelope
  • each flexible envelope used must be made of a material which can be destroyed by the explosion of the fluid which it contains.
  • the material constituting the flexible envelope and the thickness of this material must in fact be chosen so as to release the overpressure wave created by the explosion of the fluid which it contains, without opposing too much resistance to this explosion. .
  • This material must also be able to contain the fluid until the latter is exploded and therefore have a certain seal.
  • the flexible envelope can be made of a light material in such a way that for a gaseous mixture forming a fluid lighter than the surrounding air, for example an explosive mixture of hydrogen and d 'air, the envelope is maintained in vertical position above the snowpack.
  • this envelope may advantageously be biodegradable so as not to pollute the environment.
  • An example of a flexible envelope having all the characteristics mentioned above is an envelope made of a material chosen from the group comprising butyl.
  • the thickness of the material constituting the envelope may for example be approximately
  • the envelope may for example be a meteorological type balloon.
  • This flexible envelope must moreover have a volume such that it can contain a sufficient volume of fluid, at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure slightly higher than this, so that the explosion of this fluid makes it possible to trigger the avalanche.
  • the minimum volume of the envelope can be determined by the following reasoning, considering that the fluid in the enclosure is at atmospheric pressure:
  • Equation (I) is the chemical equation for the explosion of the H 2 / oxygen mixture in the air: This equation (I) shows that the stoichiometric mixture of the explosion under normal conditions of temperature and pressure (273 ° Kelvin, and
  • 101 325 Pa includes two volumes of H 2 for one volume from 0 2 .
  • the fluid is a hydrogen / air mixture
  • this corresponds to 30% hydrogen by volume and 70% air by volume.
  • the explosion of 2 g of H 2 (1 mole of H 2 ) according to equation (I) providing 57,800 calories, or approximately 60,000 calories, and the explosion of 1 g of TNT providing 1,000 calories, 1 g of H 2 is equivalent to 30 g of TNT in potency.
  • the density of hydrogen being 90 g / m 3 , 1 m 3 of hydrogen is equivalent to 2700 g of TNT. Considering that for various reasons such as the quality of the gas mixture, the temperature, etc.
  • 1 m 3 of hydrogen can provide an energy equivalent to the explosion of 1.35 kg of TNT. It is therefore preferable to use a volume of hydrogen of 2.2 m 3 so that the detonation power is sufficient, that is to say equivalent to the explosion of 3 kg of TNT, to trigger the avalanche. This volume of hydrogen requires an air volume of 6.8 m 3 to obtain a detonating stoichiometric mixture.
  • the minimum preferable volume of the enclosure for an H 2 / a ⁇ r mixture is therefore 8.9 m 3 when the fluid filling the enclosure is at atmospheric pressure.
  • the volume of the envelope is therefore chosen in adequacy with a volume of explosive fluid sufficient to trigger an avalanche and therefore also according to the nature of this fluid.
  • the second step of the method is a step of triggering an explosion of the fluid inside each envelope.
  • This explosion can be triggered by conventional means of triggering an explosion making it possible to generate a spark in each enclosure.
  • These means may include, for example, a primer head, a piezoelectric device, a lighter stone, etc.
  • the explosion of the fluid contained in each envelope causes its destruction and the propagation of a spherical air wave pressure which will interest an optimal surface of the snowpack, function of the volume of the explosive fluid in the enclosure before the explosion, and will shake said surface by triggering an avalanche.
  • the flexible envelope (flexible envelopes) is
  • This envelope (these envelopes) is (are) fixed (s) by means of a support which does not interfere with the propagation of the breath and of the shock wave created by the explosion of the fluid above said predetermined zone for example at a distance ranging from 2 to 3 m from the surface of the snowpack for an envelope (envelopes), having a volume of 10 m 3 , filled with an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air.
  • each flexible envelope can be folded into a container corresponding, the step of filling this envelope then comprises a deployment phase of said envelope outside of said container.
  • the container must be made of a material resistant to the explosion of the fluid contained in one of the envelopes when several envelopes folded into several corresponding containers are provided.
  • each container can be closed by a cap, the step of filling the corresponding envelope then comprises a phase of ejection of said cap so as to allow the deployment of the envelope.
  • the cap can be ejected for example by the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the flexible envelope folded back into the container during the first step of filling said envelope with the fluid.
  • This cap may be biodegradable so as not to pollute the environment, or remain fixed to the container so as not to hinder the deployment of the envelope outside said container.
  • the step of filling each envelope may further comprise a phase of suction of the ambient atmospheric air and of mixing this air with a suitable gas so as to form the explosive fluid .
  • the suitable gas can be chosen from the group comprising hydrogen, helium, tetraine, acetylene, propane, methane, etc. or a mixture of these gases.
  • the air can for example be drawn from the atmosphere and mixed with the gas (es) by means of a vacuum system of the venturi type called hereinafter the venturi system to be introduced into the envelope, the appropriate gas passing through the venturi under pressure, entraining ambient air by vacuum.
  • the venturi system can be chosen in such a way that for a given flow of gas passing through it, the air / gas mixture formed, at the outlet of this venturi, is an explosive mixture. In this way, the mixing is carried out automatically by the venturi to be introduced into the enclosure.
  • a single reserve of gas for example hydrogen
  • this process does not require a gas mixing tank unlike to the process described on page 2, lines 17 to 32 and includes reduced hydraulic equipment, a single gas pipe connecting the reserve to the device being necessary.
  • venturi system optimizes the efficiency and reproducibility of the explosive mixture. It is also a simple, static system that does not require sophisticated technology, has few components and therefore has a low cost.
  • the fuel can be hydrogen, since the air / hydrogen mixture formed has a relatively wide explosive mixture range in hydrogen concentration, that is to say ranging from 13.5% by volume to 59% by volume. volume, with a maximum detonation wave pressure at 32.5% hydrogen by volume, allowing imprecise mixing, therefore not requiring any particular measuring device such as a flow meter.
  • the diffuser on which the enclosure can be fixed can comprise the venturi system.
  • the introduction of the fluid into one of the envelopes and the explosion of the fluid in said envelope can be controlled by an automatic incrementing system.
  • This automatic incrementing system makes it possible to control the first and second stages which are linked, for each envelope, successively, until all the envelopes provided have been used.
  • the invention also relates to a device for implementing the method of the invention.
  • This artificial triggering device of an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area comprises at least one envelope intended to contain the fluid, means for filling each envelope with the fluid, means for triggering the explosion of this fluid in each envelope and means for controlling the filling of each envelope and for triggering each explosion, each envelope being constituted of a material such that it is destroyed by the explosion of the fluid which it contains.
  • the fluid can be an explosive mixture of atmospheric air and at least one gas, said filling means then comprise means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air.
  • the means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air can be vacuum-type pressure-reducing systems.
  • the flexible envelope consists of a material chosen from the group comprising butyl.
  • a meteorological type envelope with a volume of 10 m 3 .
  • the means for triggering the explosion in the envelope may comprise a primer head placed in the envelope, in contact with the fluid that it contains.
  • the device can further comprise a container for each envelope, said envelope being folded back into the corresponding container when it is empty, so that it can come out of said container and deploy when the fluid is introduced into the envelope.
  • each container may further comprise an ejectable cover during the introduction of the fluid into the envelope.
  • the corresponding ejection containers and cover are advantageously made of a material capable of withstanding the atmospheric overpressure due to the explosion of the fluid in one of the balloons.
  • This material is for example chosen from the group comprising polypropylene, for the container, and for the ejection lid.
  • the device when the device comprises several containers, they can be fixed on a support anchored to the ground.
  • this support may include a first removable part on which the containers are fixed and a second fixed part anchored to the ground.
  • the removable part must be able to be fixed on the fixed part in such a way that its position on the fixed part is not modified by the explosion of the envelopes.
  • the removable part of the support can be replaced, when all the envelopes have been used by a new removable part on which are fixed new envelopes and corresponding containers.
  • a removable part comprising envelopes of a certain volume can be easily replaced by another removable part comprising envelopes of a different volume.
  • anchoring to the ground does not require an anchor concrete block, rapid anchoring means such as anchoring by explosive piles are sufficient.
  • the device according to the invention can therefore be easily transportable, due to the presence of a removable part and of a part fixed to the ground by a quick anchorage, and can in certain cases avoid helicopter transport to be moved.
  • the fixed part and / or the removable part can be adjustable in height so as to be able to respond to multiple locations of the device of the invention.
  • the device Preferably, the device must be as compact as possible for good integration into the site, good resistance to winds and snow crawling.
  • the second fixed part may include a distributor for distributing gas in each envelope, means for controlling the filling of each of the envelopes, and means for controlling the explosion of the fluid in each of these envelopes.
  • the device can include an increment control system for filling and exploding the fluid in each of the envelopes successively.
  • the device may preferably comprise means for remote control of the means for filling each of the envelopes and for exploding the fluid in each of these envelopes.
  • each container can be of cylindrical shape and can comprise a first end formed by a bottom and a second end formed by an ejectable cover, said cover being of conical shape.
  • the bottom of the container can be crossed by a gas supply pipe, said pipe being able to pass through the cylindrical container substantially along its axis of symmetry, and ending at the conical cover by a diffuser on which can be fixed the envelope, said diffuser being intended to introduce the fluid into one envelope.
  • the diffuser may comprise a venturi system, comprising a lateral orifice for aspiration of atmospheric ambient air, said orifice being preferably located at the level of the conical cover so as to facilitate the aspiration of air.
  • the support can support 10, 15, 20 or 25 containers depending on the frequency of triggering of avalanches envisaged in a winter season.
  • the gas is preferably hydrogen.
  • the device according to the invention preferably comprising several envelopes, is located in a predetermined area corresponding to a starting area of an avalanche.
  • the device of the invention can be connected to a control station preferably placed at a distance from the device according to the invention, that is to say in a non-avalanche zone.
  • This control station can comprise, for example, the storage of gas, for example hydrogen, an electronic control system of the device according to the invention, a transmitter / receiver for remote control of the control station, and a battery device. and solar panels to provide power.
  • the device according to the invention has many advantages such as reduced volume and weight, great mobility, good integration into the landscape, a reduced control and gas reserve station, reduced hydraulic equipment, an explosive mixture automatically obtained stoichiometric, minimum cost price, high efficiency and great respect for the environment.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of the device according to the invention illustrating an envelope filled with the explosive fluid
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram of an enlargement of a cross section of a diffuser comprising a venturi system on which is fixed an envelope;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention comprising several containers and corresponding envelopes, showing in cross-section a container in which an envelope is folded;
  • - Figure 4 is a sectional view from above of the device according to the invention in which several containers are provided;
  • - Figure 5 is a general diagram of a device according to the invention and its control station.
  • the device shown essentially consists of an envelope 2, in the form of a meteorological balloon of butyl deployed, filled with a fluid 3 consisting of a mixture of hydrogen and air.
  • This envelope 2 is fixed, by means of a collar 6 for maintaining the envelope, on a diffuser 5 intended to introduce the fluid into the envelope.
  • the diffuser 5 is supplied with hydrogen at a pressure of 3 to 6 Bar by a pipe 7 for supplying gas, the supply of gas in this envelope being controlled by a solenoid valve 9.
  • a container 11 in which the envelope was folded before being filled with the fluid, and an ejectable cover 13, which was ejected during the filling of the envelope with the fluid.
  • the container 11 is fixed on a support 15.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of an enlargement of a cross section of the diffuser 5 on which the casing is fixed 2.
  • the diffuser 5 comprises a venturi system on which is provided a lateral orifice 17 for suction of ambient atmospheric air .
  • This venturi system makes it possible to inject ambient atmospheric air into the envelope by suction, the flow of hydrogen under pressure in this system being the engine, so as to form the explosive fluid.
  • the venturi system is chosen according to a hydrogen pressure of 3 to 6 Bar at the inlet of this system.
  • the duct 7 for supplying H 2 through the diffuser is a suitable tube for supplying a gas having a diameter of approximately 30 mm.
  • the hydrogen / air mixture formed comprises from 25 to 35% of hydrogen by volume and from 75 to 65% of air by volume.
  • the wires 8 conducting electricity intended to supply the primer head 4 for triggering the explosion of the fluid in the envelope are also shown in this figure.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention comprising several envelopes 2 folded in corresponding containers 11, showing in cross section a container 11 in which an envelope 2 is folded such that it can leave this container and deploy when the fluid is introduced into the envelope.
  • Each container is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of 60 to 80 mm.
  • a cover 13, conical, ejectable closes each container 11 so as to protect the corresponding envelope until it is filled with the fluid.
  • Port 17 lateral of each venturi system is located under the ejectable cover 13 so as to be able to easily aspirate atmospheric air when the hydrogen is injected through this system.
  • the pressure exerted by the fluid in the envelope causes the cover 13 to be ejected so as to be able to leave the container and deploy.
  • the containers are fixed on a support 15 forming a first removable part 19 of the device, said first removable part 19 being fixed on a fixed support 23, anchored to the ground 25, having a height from the ground of 1 to 2.5 m.
  • Each container is supplied by a solenoid valve 9 having a temperature resistance of -20 ° C supplied with low voltage at 12 or 24 V. All the solenoid valves are grouped together on a single distributor 19 placed on the fixed support 23.
  • the fixed support 23 also includes a distributor 27 for electrical control of the solenoid valves 9 and the primer heads in each casing (not shown) connected to each solenoid valve and to each primer head by means of an electric multi-conductor cable 29.
  • This distributor 27 is carefully shielded by means of a metal box and grounded.
  • the containers are assembled in the factory, this assembly comprises a fitting of a primer head in each envelope, an assembly and a fixing of each envelope on a diffuser, a folding of each envelope in each corresponding container and an assembly of '' a conical ejection lid on each container.
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view from above of the removable support 19 on which are distributed in a circle
  • Figure 5 is a general diagram of a device
  • the control station 31 is located in the upper part with respect to the avalanche departure zone in which the device 1 is placed.
  • the control station 31 is composed of a faradized heliport shelter 32 in the functional position. This shelter includes:
  • a supply of electrical power necessary to operate the control means of the device according to the invention comprising two 12 V, 80 Ah, heat-insulated batteries, buffered with a solar panel 51, 24 V, 1000 W, placed on the shelter.
  • an electronic control control cabinet comprising an interface between a transmitter / receiver 43 and a control means
  • control means 45 for filling each envelope and triggering the corresponding explosion
  • Each bottle has a volume of 50 1 and contains 9000 liters of hydrogen at a pressure of 180 Bar. This represents in total for 11 bottles a volume of 99,000 liters of hydrogen available at atmospheric pressure. Considering that the hydrogen is expanded to a pressure of 4 Bar for filling the envelopes, the available volume will be 176 x 50 x 11, ie 96,800 liters of hydrogen.
  • envelope 2 having a volume of 10 m 3 with an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air, 2200 liters of hydrogen are used. This frame will therefore satisfy the filling of approximately 40 10 m 3 envelopes.
  • the shelter is placed on the ground on a wire mesh, the ground plane being grounded and anchored. High and low vents, protected from snow and insects, are provided to prevent any accumulation of hydrogen in the shelter. The shelter is protected against intrusion by a locked door, not shown.
  • Links are provided between the control station 31 and the device 1 according to the invention. These connections are a tube 33 for supplying hydrogen from the control station 31 to the device 1, and a cable 39 for transmitting control of the solenoid valves 9 and of the priming heads of each casing.
  • the tube 33 is a medium pressure tube, sheathed by a metal tube for mechanical protection and shielding and anchored from time to time between the control station and the device 1 to prevent it from being torn off by the crawling of snow or scree.
  • the shielding of this tube is connected to the mass of the shelter and to the mass of the device 1.
  • the internal diameter of this tube is 8 to 10 mm in order to reduce the pressure losses over the length.
  • the main solenoid valve 35 controls the supply of hydrogen from the control station to the device 1 through the tube 33, the single pressure regulator 37 HP / BP, 180/10 Bar making it possible to adjust a static pressure of hydrogen at the outlet of this pressure regulator, in tube 33, at 4 to 6 Bar.
  • the static pressure at the outlet of the single pressure regulator 37 is adjusted along the length of the tube 33 between the control station and the device 1.
  • the static pressure of hydrogen in the tube 33 and the rolling diameter of each solenoid valve 9 are decisive for the filling time of each envelope.
  • This filling time is preferably 1 to 2 minutes to take account in particular of the wind, the friction of each envelope on the roughness of the device, etc.
  • the cable 39 is a multi-pair cable, shielded, comprising mechanical and electrical protection. It comprises a number of pairs in relation to the number of envelopes provided on the device 1. Each pair is shielded.
  • This cable 39 makes the electrical connection between the control station 31 and the distributor 27 for electrical control of the solenoid valves 9 and the primer heads, not shown, of each envelope.
  • An electronic coding system allows automatic incrementation, of filling and explosion control, from a destroyed envelope to an envelope folded in a container.
  • the transmitter / receiver 43 in the control station 31 is in permanent standby thanks to the electric power supply by battery and solar panel. It can be activated for example by radio control from a general control center in a ski slope service according to the following operating diagram:

Abstract

The invention involves a process for artificially triggering an avalanche. The invention process includes a first step of filling at least one flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of the aforesaid fluid within each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid. The destruction of the envelope allows for propagation of an aerial spherical overpressure wave which will affect an optimal area of the blanket of snow to be removed and will shake the aforesaid area and trigger an avalanche. The invention also involves a device for applying this process, the aforesaid device including at least one envelope to contain the explosive fluid, and means to trigger the explosion of this fluid within each envelope.

Description

PROCEDE DE DECLENCHEMENT ARTIFICIEL D'UNE AVALANCHE ET DISPOSITIF POUR LA MISE EN OEUVRE DE CE PROCEDE METHOD OF ARTIFICIAL TRIGGERING OF AN AVALANCHE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION
Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention
L'invention se rapporte à un procédé de déclenchement artificiel d'une avalanche et de manière plus générale à un procédé de déclenchement artificiel d'un phénomène naturel dans lequel on provoque une ou plusieurs explosions d'un fluide dans une zone prédéterminée où l'on souhaite déclencher ce phénomène.The invention relates to a method of artificially triggering an avalanche and more generally to a method of artificially triggering a natural phenomenon in which one or more explosions of a fluid are caused in a predetermined area where the we want to trigger this phenomenon.
L'invention peut s'appliquer dans tous les domaines où un phénomène peut être provoqué ou mis en mouvement par une surpression locale de l'atmosphère au-dessus de la zone concernée par le phénomène.The invention can be applied in all fields where a phenomenon can be caused or set in motion by a local overpressure of the atmosphere above the zone concerned by the phenomenon.
Typiquement, le domaine visé par l'invention est le déclenchement artificiel d'avalanches de neige dans les stations de sports d'hiver et sur les sites présentant un risque potentiel pour les personnes, les domaines skiables, les remontées mécaniques, les routes et voies d'accès, les chemins de fer en montagne et, de manière générale, les constructions et les aménagements publics et privés.Typically, the field targeted by the invention is the artificial triggering of snow avalanches in winter sports resorts and on sites presenting a potential risk for people, ski areas, ski lifts, roads and routes. access, mountain railways and, in general, public and private constructions and facilities.
L'invention se rapporte également à un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé comportant des moyens pour provoquer au moins une explosion d'un fluide dans une zone prédéterminée où l'on souhaite déclencher ledit phénomène. Etat de la techniqueThe invention also relates to a device for implementing this process comprising means for causing at least one explosion of a fluid in a predetermined area where it is desired to trigger said phenomenon. State of the art
Plusieurs moyens existent aujourd'hui pour déclencher artificiellement une avalanche à partir d'une zone prédéterminée, en provoquant une surpression locale de l'atmosphère dans ladite zone.Several means exist today to artificially trigger an avalanche from a predetermined area, by causing a local overpressure of the atmosphere in said area.
Par exemple, un de ces moyens consiste à placer ou à lancer des charges explosives tel que du TNT et à provoquer l'explosion de ces charges. L'explosion provoque un souffle qui balaie la surface du manteau neigeux dans la zone d'avalanche, et une onde de choc qui ébranle la base de ce manteau et déclenche une avalanche .For example, one of these means consists in placing or launching explosive charges such as TNT and in causing the explosion of these charges. The explosion causes a breath that sweeps the surface of the snowpack in the avalanche area, and a shock wave that shakes the base of this snowpack and triggers an avalanche.
La manipulation de ces charges explosives est une opération qui présente des risques quelles que soient les précautions prises par les opérateurs. De plus, généralement ces charges sont polluantes.The handling of these explosive charges is an operation which presents risks regardless of the precautions taken by the operators. In addition, generally these charges are polluting.
Par exemple, un autre de ces moyens est le système commercialisé sous la dénomination GAZEX . Ce moyen est décrit dans la demande de brevet FR-A-2 636 729. Il consiste à utiliser un dispositif comprenant un canon, ou tube métallique, ayant un fond fermé, et une bouche frontale ouverte en direction du manteau neigeux. Ce dispositif comprend également un circuit d'amenée de gaz comburant provenant d'une première source et un circuit d'amenée de gaz carburant provenant d'une deuxième source. Des buses de remplissage du canon par ces gaz sont disposées dans diverses zones réparties sur la longueur de ce canon et un dispositif d'allumage est monté à l'arrière du canon. Un mélange gazeux est formé à l'intérieur du canon, par exemple un mélange de propane et d'oxygène, et l'explosion de ce mélange est provoquée dans le canon par le dispositif d'allumage. La bouche frontale du canon diffuse le souffle et l'onde de choc provoqués par l'explosion à la surface du manteau neigeux déclenchant ainsi l'avalanche.For example, another of these means is the system marketed under the name GAZEX. This means is described in patent application FR-A-2 636 729. It consists in using a device comprising a barrel, or metal tube, having a closed bottom, and an open front mouth in the direction of the snowpack. This device also includes a circuit for supplying oxidant gas from a first source and a circuit for supplying fuel gas from a second source. Nozzles for filling the barrel with these gases are arranged in various zones distributed over the length of this barrel and an ignition device is mounted at the rear of the barrel. A gas mixture is formed inside the barrel, for example a mixture of propane and oxygen, and the explosion of this mixture is caused in the barrel by the ignition device. The frontal mouth of the gun diffuses the breath and the shock wave caused by the explosion on the surface of the snowpack thus triggering the avalanche.
Bien que ce moyen ait démontré son efficacité dans de nombreuses installations, il présente néanmoins un certain nombre d'inconvénients. En effet, le canon est lourd, il peut peser plusieurs centaines de kilogrammes, peu mobile, inesthétique et cher. De plus, ce système utilise des vannes électroniques pour composer le mélange gazeux explosif et nécessite en conséquence de nombreux réglages et vérifications.Although this means has demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous installations, it nevertheless has a certain number of drawbacks. Indeed, the barrel is heavy, it can weigh several hundred kilograms, not very mobile, unsightly and expensive. In addition, this system uses electronic valves to compose the explosive gas mixture and consequently requires numerous adjustments and checks.
Exposé de l'inventionStatement of the invention
La présente invention a précisément pour but de pallier aux inconvénients précités en fournissant un procédé de déclenchement artificiel d'une avalanche par au moins une explosion d'un fluide explosif dans une zone prédéterminée, ledit procédé comprenant une première étape de remplissage d'au moins une enveloppe souple avec un fluide explosif et une deuxième étape de déclenchement d'une explosion dudit fluide à l'intérieur de chaque enveloppe, chaque enveloppe étant détruite par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient.The present invention specifically aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a method of artificially triggering an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area, said method comprising a first step of filling at least a flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of said fluid inside each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid that it contains.
Le fluide peut être introduit dans l'enveloppe au moyen d'un diffuseur, le diffuseur étant relié à une source de gaz au moyen d'une conduite d'amenée de gaz.The fluid can be introduced into the envelope by means of a diffuser, the diffuser being connected to a gas source by means of a gas supply pipe.
L'enveloppe souple peut être fixée directement sur le diffuseur qui peut alors servir de support fixe de l'enveloppe souple pendant son remplissage. Selon le procédé de l'invention, le fluide peut être un mélange gazeux explosif d'un comburant et d'un carburant. Selon l'invention, on utilise un gaz combustible comme carburant gazeux. Ce gaz combustible peut être choisi dans le groupe de substances comprenant l'hydrogène, le tétraine, l'acétylène, le propane, le butane, ou mélange de ces substances, de préférence de 1 'hydrogène .The flexible envelope can be fixed directly to the diffuser which can then serve as a fixed support for the flexible envelope during its filling. According to the method of the invention, the fluid can be an explosive gas mixture of an oxidizer and a fuel. According to the invention, a combustible gas is used as the gaseous fuel. This combustible gas can be chosen from the group of substances comprising hydrogen, tetraine, acetylene, propane, butane, or a mixture of these substances, preferably hydrogen.
Le comburant utilisé peut être de l'oxygène ou de l'ozone, de l'air, ou de l'air enrichi avec de l'oxygène ou de l'ozone, de préférence de l'air. Selon le procédé de l'invention, le fluide à l'intérieur de chaque enveloppe souple peut être à une pression égale à la pression atmosphérique ou sensiblement supérieure à celle-ci lorsque l'enveloppeThe oxidizer used can be oxygen or ozone, air, or air enriched with oxygen or ozone, preferably air. According to the process of the invention, the fluid inside each flexible envelope can be at a pressure equal to or substantially higher than atmospheric pressure when the envelope
(les enveloppes) est (sont) remplie (s). Selon le procédé de l'invention, chaque enveloppe souple utilisée doit être constituée d'un matériau destructible par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient. Le matériau constituant l'enveloppe souple et l'épaisseur de ce matériau doivent en effet être choisis en adéquation de manière à libérer l'onde de surpression créée par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient, sans opposer trop de résistance à cette explosion. Ce matériau doit par ailleurs pouvoir contenir le fluide jusqu'à ce que l'explosion de ce dernier soit réalisée et donc présenter une certaine étanchéité .(the envelopes) is (are) filled. According to the method of the invention, each flexible envelope used must be made of a material which can be destroyed by the explosion of the fluid which it contains. The material constituting the flexible envelope and the thickness of this material must in fact be chosen so as to release the overpressure wave created by the explosion of the fluid which it contains, without opposing too much resistance to this explosion. . This material must also be able to contain the fluid until the latter is exploded and therefore have a certain seal.
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, l'enveloppe souple peut être en un matériau léger de telle manière que pour un mélange gazeux formant un fluide plus léger que l'air environnant, par exemple un mélange explosif d'hydrogène et d'air, l'enveloppe soit maintenue en position verticale au-dessus du manteau neigeux. Par ailleurs, cette enveloppe peut être avantageusement biodégradable de manière à ne pas polluer 1 ' environnement .According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible envelope can be made of a light material in such a way that for a gaseous mixture forming a fluid lighter than the surrounding air, for example an explosive mixture of hydrogen and d 'air, the envelope is maintained in vertical position above the snowpack. Through elsewhere, this envelope may advantageously be biodegradable so as not to pollute the environment.
Un exemple d'une enveloppe souple présentant toutes les caractéristiques précédemment citées est une enveloppe constituée d'un matériau choisi dans le groupe comprenant le butyle. L'épaisseur du matériau constituant l'enveloppe peut être par exemple d'environAn example of a flexible envelope having all the characteristics mentioned above is an envelope made of a material chosen from the group comprising butyl. The thickness of the material constituting the envelope may for example be approximately
100 à 200 μm. L'enveloppe peut être par exemple un ballon de type météorologique.100 to 200 μm. The envelope may for example be a meteorological type balloon.
Cette enveloppe souple doit par ailleurs présenter un volume tel qu'elle puisse contenir un volume suffisant de fluide, à la pression atmosphérique ou à une pression légèrement supérieure à celle-ci, pour que l'explosion de ce fluide permette de déclencher l'avalanche. Par exemple, lorsque le fluide est un mélange d'hydrogène et d'air, le volume minimum de l'enveloppe peut être déterminé par le raisonnement suivant, en considérant que le fluide dans l'enceinte soit à pression atmosphérique :This flexible envelope must moreover have a volume such that it can contain a sufficient volume of fluid, at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure slightly higher than this, so that the explosion of this fluid makes it possible to trigger the avalanche. . For example, when the fluid is a mixture of hydrogen and air, the minimum volume of the envelope can be determined by the following reasoning, considering that the fluid in the enclosure is at atmospheric pressure:
Il est généralement admis qu'une puissance minimale équivalente à l'explosion de 3 kg de TNT est nécessaire pour déclencher une avalanche dans des conditions normales, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'un risque d'avalanche naturelle est présent.It is generally accepted that a minimum power equivalent to the explosion of 3 kg of TNT is necessary to trigger an avalanche under normal conditions, that is to say when a risk of natural avalanche is present.
L'équation (I) suivante est l'équation chimique de l'explosion du mélange H2/oxygène de l'air : Cette équation (I) montre que le mélange stoechiométrique de l'explosion dans les conditions normales de température et de pression (273°Kelvin, etThe following equation (I) is the chemical equation for the explosion of the H 2 / oxygen mixture in the air: This equation (I) shows that the stoichiometric mixture of the explosion under normal conditions of temperature and pressure (273 ° Kelvin, and
101 325 Pa) comprend deux volumes de H2 pour un volume de 02. Lorsque le fluide est un mélange hydrogene/air, ceci correspond a 30% d'hydrogène en volume et à 70% d'air en volume. L'explosion de 2 g de H2 (1 mole de H2) suivant l'équation (I) fournissant 57 800 calories, soit environ 60 000 calories, et l'explosion de 1 g de TNT fournissant 1000 calories, 1 g de H2 équivaut à 30 g de TNT en puissance. La masse volumique de l'hydrogène étant de 90 g/m3, 1 m3 d'hydrogène équivaut à 2700 g de TNT. En considérant que pour différentes raisons telles que la qualité du mélange gazeux, la température, etc.. le rendement de l'explosion ne soit pas égal à 1 mais à 0,5, 1 m3 d'hydrogène peut fournir une énergie équivalente à l'explosion de 1,35 kg de TNT. Il est en conséquence préférable d'utiliser un volume d'hydrogène de 2,2 m3 pour que la puissance de détonation soit suffisante, c'est-à-dire équivalente à l'explosion de 3 kg de TNT, pour déclencher l'avalanche. Ce volume d'hydrogène nécessite un volume d'air de 6,8 m3 pour obtenir un mélange stoechiométrique détonant.101 325 Pa) includes two volumes of H 2 for one volume from 0 2 . When the fluid is a hydrogen / air mixture, this corresponds to 30% hydrogen by volume and 70% air by volume. The explosion of 2 g of H 2 (1 mole of H 2 ) according to equation (I) providing 57,800 calories, or approximately 60,000 calories, and the explosion of 1 g of TNT providing 1,000 calories, 1 g of H 2 is equivalent to 30 g of TNT in potency. The density of hydrogen being 90 g / m 3 , 1 m 3 of hydrogen is equivalent to 2700 g of TNT. Considering that for various reasons such as the quality of the gas mixture, the temperature, etc. the efficiency of the explosion is not equal to 1 but to 0.5, 1 m 3 of hydrogen can provide an energy equivalent to the explosion of 1.35 kg of TNT. It is therefore preferable to use a volume of hydrogen of 2.2 m 3 so that the detonation power is sufficient, that is to say equivalent to the explosion of 3 kg of TNT, to trigger the avalanche. This volume of hydrogen requires an air volume of 6.8 m 3 to obtain a detonating stoichiometric mixture.
Le volume minimum préférable de l'enceinte pour un mélange H2/aιr est donc de 8,9 m3 lorsque le fluide remplissant l'enceinte est à pression atmosphérique.The minimum preferable volume of the enclosure for an H 2 / aιr mixture is therefore 8.9 m 3 when the fluid filling the enclosure is at atmospheric pressure.
Selon le procédé de l'invention, le volume de l'enveloppe est donc choisi en adéquation avec un volume de fluide explosif suffisant pour déclencher une avalanche et donc aussi en fonction de la nature de ce fluide.According to the method of the invention, the volume of the envelope is therefore chosen in adequacy with a volume of explosive fluid sufficient to trigger an avalanche and therefore also according to the nature of this fluid.
Ce procède est donc évolutif car il permet également de choisir des enveloppes de différents volumes en fonction des conditions climatiques et géographiques . Selon l'invention, la deuxième étape du procédé est une étape de déclenchement d'une explosion du fluide à l'intérieur de chaque enveloppe. Cette explosion peut être déclenchée par des moyens classiques de déclenchement d'une explosion permettant d'engendrer dans chaque enceinte une étincelle. Ces moyens peuvent comprendre par exemple une tête d'amorce, un dispositif piézoélectrique, une pierre à briquet, etc... L'explosion du fluide contenu dans chaque enveloppe entraine une destruction de celle-ci et une propagation d'une onde aérienne sphérique de surpression qui va intéresser une surface optimale du manteau neigeux, fonction du volume du fluide explosif dans l'enceinte avant l'explosion, et va ébranler ladite surface en déclenchant une avalanche.This process is therefore evolutive because it also makes it possible to choose envelopes of different volumes according to climatic and geographical conditions. According to the invention, the second step of the method is a step of triggering an explosion of the fluid inside each envelope. This explosion can be triggered by conventional means of triggering an explosion making it possible to generate a spark in each enclosure. These means may include, for example, a primer head, a piezoelectric device, a lighter stone, etc. The explosion of the fluid contained in each envelope causes its destruction and the propagation of a spherical air wave pressure which will interest an optimal surface of the snowpack, function of the volume of the explosive fluid in the enclosure before the explosion, and will shake said surface by triggering an avalanche.
L'enveloppe souple (les enveloppes souples) estThe flexible envelope (flexible envelopes) is
(sont) placée (s) au moyen d'un support au-dessus du manteau neigeux, dans une zone prédéterminée, c'est-à- dire une zone à partir de laquelle l'avalanche peut être déclenchée par une surpression locale de l'atmosphère. Cette zone est appelée "zone de départ de l'avalanche" par les professionnels. Cette enveloppe (ces enveloppes) est (sont) fixée (s) au moyen d'un support ne gênant pas la propagation du souffle et de l'onde de choc créée par l'explosion du fluide au- dessus de ladite zone prédéterminée par exemple à une distance allant de 2 à 3 m de la surface du manteau neigeux pour une enveloppe (des enveloppes) , ayant un volume de 10 m3, remplie (s) d'un mélange explosif d'hydrogène et d'air.(are) placed (s) by means of a support above the snowpack, in a predetermined area, that is to say an area from which the avalanche can be triggered by a local overpressure of the 'atmosphere. This area is called "avalanche start area" by professionals. This envelope (these envelopes) is (are) fixed (s) by means of a support which does not interfere with the propagation of the breath and of the shock wave created by the explosion of the fluid above said predetermined zone for example at a distance ranging from 2 to 3 m from the surface of the snowpack for an envelope (envelopes), having a volume of 10 m 3 , filled with an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air.
Selon le procédé de l'invention, chaque enveloppe souple peut être repliée dans un conteneur correspondant, l'étape de remplissage de cette enveloppe comprend alors une phase de déploiement de ladite enveloppe hors dudit conteneur.According to the method of the invention, each flexible envelope can be folded into a container corresponding, the step of filling this envelope then comprises a deployment phase of said envelope outside of said container.
Le conteneur doit être en un matériau résistant à l'explosion du fluide contenu dans une des enveloppes lorsque plusieurs enveloppes repliées dans plusieurs conteneurs correspondants sont prévues.The container must be made of a material resistant to the explosion of the fluid contained in one of the envelopes when several envelopes folded into several corresponding containers are provided.
Selon le procédé de l'invention, chaque conteneur peut être fermé par un capuchon, l'étape de remplissage de l'enveloppe correspondante comprend alors une phase d'éjection dudit capuchon de façon à permettre le déploiement de l'enveloppe.According to the method of the invention, each container can be closed by a cap, the step of filling the corresponding envelope then comprises a phase of ejection of said cap so as to allow the deployment of the envelope.
Le capuchon peut être éjecté par exemple par la pression exercée par le fluide à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe souple repliée dans le conteneur lors de la première étape de remplissage de ladite enveloppe par le fluide. Ce capuchon peut être biodégradable pour ne pas polluer l'environnement, ou rester fixé au conteneur de manière à ne pas gêner le déploiement de l'enveloppe hors dudit conteneur.The cap can be ejected for example by the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the flexible envelope folded back into the container during the first step of filling said envelope with the fluid. This cap may be biodegradable so as not to pollute the environment, or remain fixed to the container so as not to hinder the deployment of the envelope outside said container.
Selon une variante du procédé de l'invention, l'étape de remplissage de chaque enveloppe peut comprendre en outre une phase d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique ambiant et de mélange de cet air avec un gaz adéquat de manière à former le fluide explosif.According to a variant of the method of the invention, the step of filling each envelope may further comprise a phase of suction of the ambient atmospheric air and of mixing this air with a suitable gas so as to form the explosive fluid .
Le gaz adéquat peut être choisi dans le groupe comprenant de l'hydrogène, de l'hélium, du tétraine, de l'acétylène, du propane, du méthane, etc.. ou un mélange de ces gaz. Selon cette variante, l'air peut par exemple être aspiré de l'atmosphère et mélangé au(x) gaz au moyen d'un système à dépression de type venturi appelé ci- après système venturi pour être introduit dans l'enveloppe, le gaz adéquat traversant sous pression le venturi en entraînant par dépression de l'air ambiant.The suitable gas can be chosen from the group comprising hydrogen, helium, tetraine, acetylene, propane, methane, etc. or a mixture of these gases. According to this variant, the air can for example be drawn from the atmosphere and mixed with the gas (es) by means of a vacuum system of the venturi type called hereinafter the venturi system to be introduced into the envelope, the appropriate gas passing through the venturi under pressure, entraining ambient air by vacuum.
Le système venturi peut être choisi de telle manière que pour un débit donné de gaz le traversant, le mélange air/gaz formé, à la sortie de ce venturi, soit un mélange explosif. De cette manière, le mélange est réalisé automatiquement par le venturi pour être introduit dans l'enceinte.The venturi system can be chosen in such a way that for a given flow of gas passing through it, the air / gas mixture formed, at the outlet of this venturi, is an explosive mixture. In this way, the mixing is carried out automatically by the venturi to be introduced into the enclosure.
Selon cette variante, une seule réserve de gaz, par exemple d'hydrogène, sera nécessaire en utilisant un mélange d'un seul gaz et d'air atmosphérique, d'autre part, ce procédé ne nécessite pas de réservoir de mélange de gaz contrairement au procédé décrit page 2, lignes 17 à 32 et comporte un équipement hydraulique réduit, une seule conduite de gaz reliant la réserve au dispositif étant nécessaire.According to this variant, a single reserve of gas, for example hydrogen, will be necessary using a mixture of a single gas and atmospheric air, on the other hand, this process does not require a gas mixing tank unlike to the process described on page 2, lines 17 to 32 and includes reduced hydraulic equipment, a single gas pipe connecting the reserve to the device being necessary.
D'autre part, le système venturi optimise l'efficacité et la reproductibilité du mélange explosif. Il s'agit de plus d'un système simple, statique ne nécessitant pas de technologie pointue, présentant peu de composants et ayant en conséquence un faible coût.On the other hand, the venturi system optimizes the efficiency and reproducibility of the explosive mixture. It is also a simple, static system that does not require sophisticated technology, has few components and therefore has a low cost.
Avantageusement, le combustible peut être l'hydrogène, car le mélange air/hydrogène formé présente une plage de mélange explosif relativement large en concentration d'hydrogène, c'est-à-dire allant de 13,5% en volume à 59% en volume, avec un maximum de pression d'onde de détonation à 32,5% d'hydrogène en volume, autorisant un mélange peu précis, ne nécessitant donc pas de dispositif particulier de mesure tel qu'un débitmètre. Dans un mode de réalisation particulier selon l'invention, le diffuseur sur lequel peut être fixé l'enceinte peut comprendre le système venturi.Advantageously, the fuel can be hydrogen, since the air / hydrogen mixture formed has a relatively wide explosive mixture range in hydrogen concentration, that is to say ranging from 13.5% by volume to 59% by volume. volume, with a maximum detonation wave pressure at 32.5% hydrogen by volume, allowing imprecise mixing, therefore not requiring any particular measuring device such as a flow meter. In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the diffuser on which the enclosure can be fixed can comprise the venturi system.
Selon le procédé de l'invention, plusieurs enveloppes peuvent être prévues, on commande alors de façon indépendante, pour chaque enveloppe, la première et la deuxième étape qui sont liées.According to the method of the invention, several envelopes can be provided, the first and second stages which are linked are then controlled independently, for each envelope.
Avantageusement, lorsque plusieurs enveloppes sont prévues, l'introduction du fluide dans l'une des enveloppes et l'explosion du fluide dans ladite enveloppe peuvent être commandées par un système d'incrémentation automatique. Ce système d'incrémentation automatique permet de commander la première et la deuxième étapes qui sont liées, pour chaque enveloppe, successivement, jusqu'à ce que toutes les enveloppes prévues aient été utilisées.Advantageously, when several envelopes are provided, the introduction of the fluid into one of the envelopes and the explosion of the fluid in said envelope can be controlled by an automatic incrementing system. This automatic incrementing system makes it possible to control the first and second stages which are linked, for each envelope, successively, until all the envelopes provided have been used.
Selon le procédé de l'invention, on peut commander à distance successivement le remplissage des différentes enveloppes et leur explosion, le remplissage de chaque enveloppe pouvant être commandé par une électrovanne commandée à distance.According to the method of the invention, it is possible to remotely control successively the filling of the various envelopes and their explosion, the filling of each envelope being able to be controlled by a remotely controlled solenoid valve.
L'invention se rapporte également à un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de l'invention. Ce dispositif de déclenchement artificiel d'une avalanche par au moins une explosion d'un fluide explosif dans une zone prédéterminée, comprend au moins une enveloppe destinée à contenir le fluide, des moyens de remplissage de chaque enveloppe par le fluide, des moyens pour déclencher l'explosion de ce fluide dans chaque enveloppe et des moyens de commande du remplissage de chaque enveloppe et de déclenchement de chaque explosion, chaque enveloppe étant constituée d'un matériau tel qu'elle soit détruite par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient.The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method of the invention. This artificial triggering device of an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area, comprises at least one envelope intended to contain the fluid, means for filling each envelope with the fluid, means for triggering the explosion of this fluid in each envelope and means for controlling the filling of each envelope and for triggering each explosion, each envelope being constituted of a material such that it is destroyed by the explosion of the fluid which it contains.
Selon le dispositif de l'invention, le fluide peut être un mélange explosif d'air atmosphérique et d'au moins un gaz, lesdits moyens de remplissage comprennent alors des moyens d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique ambiant .According to the device of the invention, the fluid can be an explosive mixture of atmospheric air and at least one gas, said filling means then comprise means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air.
Selon l'invention, les moyens d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique ambiant peuvent être des systèmes déprimogènes de type venturi.According to the invention, the means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air can be vacuum-type pressure-reducing systems.
Selon le dispositif de l'invention, l'enveloppe souple est constituée d'un matériau choisi dans le groupe comprenant le butyle. Par exemple, une enveloppe de type météorologique d'un volume de 10 m3. Selon l'invention, les moyens de déclenchement de l'explosion dans l'enveloppe peuvent comprendre une tête d'amorce placée dans l'enveloppe, en contact avec le fluide qu'elle contient.According to the device of the invention, the flexible envelope consists of a material chosen from the group comprising butyl. For example, a meteorological type envelope with a volume of 10 m 3 . According to the invention, the means for triggering the explosion in the envelope may comprise a primer head placed in the envelope, in contact with the fluid that it contains.
Selon une variante du dispositif selon l'invention, le dispositif peut comprendre en outre un conteneur pour chaque enveloppe, ladite enveloppe étant repliée dans le conteneur correspondant lorsqu'elle est vide, de façon qu'elle puisse sortir dudit conteneur et se déployer lorsque le fluide est introduit dans l'enveloppe.According to a variant of the device according to the invention, the device can further comprise a container for each envelope, said envelope being folded back into the corresponding container when it is empty, so that it can come out of said container and deploy when the fluid is introduced into the envelope.
Selon cette variante, chaque conteneur peut comprendre en outre un couvercle éjectable lors de l'introduction du fluide dans l'enveloppe.According to this variant, each container may further comprise an ejectable cover during the introduction of the fluid into the envelope.
Les conteneurs et couvercle éjectables correspondants sont avantageusement constitués d'un matériau capable de supporter la surpression atmosphérique due à l'explosion du fluide d'un des ballons. Ce matériau est par exemple choisi dans le groupe comprenant du polypropylène, pour le conteneur, et pour le couvercle éjectable.The corresponding ejection containers and cover are advantageously made of a material capable of withstanding the atmospheric overpressure due to the explosion of the fluid in one of the balloons. This material is for example chosen from the group comprising polypropylene, for the container, and for the ejection lid.
Selon l'invention, lorsque le dispositif comprend plusieurs conteneurs, ils peuvent être fixés sur un support ancré au sol.According to the invention, when the device comprises several containers, they can be fixed on a support anchored to the ground.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ce support peut comprendre une première partie amovible sur laquelle sont fixés les conteneurs et une deuxième partie fixe ancrée au sol. La partie amovible doit pouvoir être fixée sur la partie fixe de telle manière que sa position sur la partie fixe ne soit pas modifiée par l'explosion des enveloppes. Selon ce mode de réalisation, la partie amovible du support peut être remplacée, lorsque toutes les enveloppes ont été utilisées par une nouvelle partie amovible sur laquelle sont fixées de nouvelles enveloppes et conteneurs correspondants. D'autre part, selon l'invention, suivant l'importance de l'explosion nécessaire pour déclencher une avalanche dans une zone prédéterminée, une partie amovible comportant des enveloppes d'un certain volume peut être facilement remplacée par une autre partie amovible comportant des enveloppes d'un volume différent.According to one embodiment of the invention, this support may include a first removable part on which the containers are fixed and a second fixed part anchored to the ground. The removable part must be able to be fixed on the fixed part in such a way that its position on the fixed part is not modified by the explosion of the envelopes. According to this embodiment, the removable part of the support can be replaced, when all the envelopes have been used by a new removable part on which are fixed new envelopes and corresponding containers. On the other hand, according to the invention, depending on the importance of the explosion necessary to trigger an avalanche in a predetermined area, a removable part comprising envelopes of a certain volume can be easily replaced by another removable part comprising envelopes of a different volume.
Selon l'invention, l'ancrage au sol ne nécessite pas de massif de béton d'ancrage, des moyens d'ancrage rapides tels qu'un ancrage par pieux explosifs sont suffisants .According to the invention, anchoring to the ground does not require an anchor concrete block, rapid anchoring means such as anchoring by explosive piles are sufficient.
Le dispositif selon l'invention peut donc être facilement transportable, du fait de la présence d'une partie amovible et d'une partie fixée au sol par un ancrage rapide, et peut permettre dans certains cas d'éviter un héliportage pour être déplacé. Selon l'invention, la partie fixe et/ou la partie amovible peuvent être réglables en hauteur de manière à pouvoir répondre à des emplacements multiples du dispositif de l'invention. De préférence, le dispositif doit être le plus compact possible pour une bonne intégration dans le site, une bonne tenue aux vents et à la reptation de la neige .The device according to the invention can therefore be easily transportable, due to the presence of a removable part and of a part fixed to the ground by a quick anchorage, and can in certain cases avoid helicopter transport to be moved. According to the invention, the fixed part and / or the removable part can be adjustable in height so as to be able to respond to multiple locations of the device of the invention. Preferably, the device must be as compact as possible for good integration into the site, good resistance to winds and snow crawling.
La deuxième partie fixe peut comprendre un répartiteur pour une distribution de gaz dans chaque enveloppe, des moyens de commande de remplissage de chacune des enveloppes, et des moyens de commande de l'explosion du fluide dans chacune de ces enveloppes.The second fixed part may include a distributor for distributing gas in each envelope, means for controlling the filling of each of the envelopes, and means for controlling the explosion of the fluid in each of these envelopes.
Selon l'invention, le dispositif peut comprendre un système de commande d'incrémentation pour le remplissage et l'explosion du fluide dans chacune des enveloppes successivement.According to the invention, the device can include an increment control system for filling and exploding the fluid in each of the envelopes successively.
Selon l'invention, le dispositif peut comprendre de préférence des moyens de commande à distance des moyens de remplissage de chacune des enveloppes et d'explosion du fluide dans chacune de ces enveloppes.According to the invention, the device may preferably comprise means for remote control of the means for filling each of the envelopes and for exploding the fluid in each of these envelopes.
Selon l'invention, chaque conteneur peut être de forme cylindrique et peut comprendre une première extrémité formée d'un fond et une deuxième extrémité formée par un couvercle éjectable, ledit couvercle étant de forme conique.According to the invention, each container can be of cylindrical shape and can comprise a first end formed by a bottom and a second end formed by an ejectable cover, said cover being of conical shape.
Selon l'invention, le fond du conteneur peut être traversé par une conduite d'amenée d'un gaz, ladite conduite pouvant traverser le conteneur cylindrique sensiblement suivant son axe de symétrie, et se terminer au niveau du couvercle conique par un diffuseur sur lequel peut être fixée l'enveloppe, ledit diffuseur étant destiné à introduire le fluide dans 1 ' enveloppe .According to the invention, the bottom of the container can be crossed by a gas supply pipe, said pipe being able to pass through the cylindrical container substantially along its axis of symmetry, and ending at the conical cover by a diffuser on which can be fixed the envelope, said diffuser being intended to introduce the fluid into one envelope.
Le diffuseur peut comprendre un système venturi, comprenant un orifice latéral d'aspiration de l'air ambiant atmosphérique, ledit orifice étant de préférence situé au niveau du couvercle conique de manière à faciliter l'aspiration de l'air.The diffuser may comprise a venturi system, comprising a lateral orifice for aspiration of atmospheric ambient air, said orifice being preferably located at the level of the conical cover so as to facilitate the aspiration of air.
Selon l'invention, plusieurs conteneurs et enveloppes correspondantes peuvent être prévus et fixés sur la partie amovible du support, ces conteneurs seront de préférence disposés autour d'un cercle horizontal sur ledit support. Par exemple, le support peut supporter 10, 15, 20 ou 25 conteneurs suivant la fréquence de déclenchement d'avalanches envisagée dans une saison d'hiver.According to the invention, several containers and corresponding envelopes can be provided and fixed on the removable part of the support, these containers will preferably be arranged around a horizontal circle on said support. For example, the support can support 10, 15, 20 or 25 containers depending on the frequency of triggering of avalanches envisaged in a winter season.
Selon l'invention, lorsque le fluide est un mélange explosif d'air et de gaz, le gaz est de préférence l'hydrogène.According to the invention, when the fluid is an explosive mixture of air and gas, the gas is preferably hydrogen.
Le dispositif selon l'invention, comportant de préférence plusieurs enveloppes, est implanté dans une zone prédéterminée correspondant à une zone de départ d'une avalanche.The device according to the invention, preferably comprising several envelopes, is located in a predetermined area corresponding to a starting area of an avalanche.
Le dispositif de l'invention peut être relié à un poste de commande placé de préférence à distance du dispositif selon l'invention, c'est-à-dire dans une zone non avalancheuse . Ce poste de commande peut comprendre par exemple le stockage du gaz, par exemple de l'hydrogène, un système de commande électronique du dispositif selon l'invention, un émetteur/récepteur de commande à distance du poste de commande, et un dispositif de batteries et de panneaux solaires pour assurer l'alimentation électrique. Le dispositif selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages tels qu'un volume et un poids réduits, une grande mobilité, une bonne intégration dans le paysage, un poste de commande et de réserve de gaz réduit, un équipement hydraulique réduit, un mélange explosif stoechiométrique obtenu automatiquement, un prix de revient minimal, une grande efficacité et un grand respect de l'environnement.The device of the invention can be connected to a control station preferably placed at a distance from the device according to the invention, that is to say in a non-avalanche zone. This control station can comprise, for example, the storage of gas, for example hydrogen, an electronic control system of the device according to the invention, a transmitter / receiver for remote control of the control station, and a battery device. and solar panels to provide power. The device according to the invention has many advantages such as reduced volume and weight, great mobility, good integration into the landscape, a reduced control and gas reserve station, reduced hydraulic equipment, an explosive mixture automatically obtained stoichiometric, minimum cost price, high efficiency and great respect for the environment.
Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description qui va suivre. Cette description porte sur un exemple de réalisation donné à titre explicatif et non limitatif en référence aux dessins en annexe.The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the description which follows. This description relates to an exemplary embodiment given by way of explanation and without limitation with reference to the attached drawings.
Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures
- la figure 1 est un schéma du dispositif selon l'invention illustrant une enveloppe remplie par le fluide explosif ;- Figure 1 is a diagram of the device according to the invention illustrating an envelope filled with the explosive fluid;
- la figure 2 est un schéma d'un agrandissement d'une coupe transversale d'un diffuseur comprenant un système venturi sur lequel est fixée une enveloppe ;- Figure 2 is a diagram of an enlargement of a cross section of a diffuser comprising a venturi system on which is fixed an envelope;
- la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif de la présente invention comportant plusieurs conteneurs et enveloppes correspondantes, montrant en coupe transversale un conteneur dans lequel une enveloppe est repliée ;- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention comprising several containers and corresponding envelopes, showing in cross-section a container in which an envelope is folded;
- la figure 4 est une vue en coupe du dessus du dispositif selon l'invention dans lequel plusieurs conteneurs sont prévus ; - la figure 5 est un schéma général d'un dispositif selon l'invention et de son poste de commande .- Figure 4 is a sectional view from above of the device according to the invention in which several containers are provided; - Figure 5 is a general diagram of a device according to the invention and its control station.
Exposé détaillé d'un mode de réalisation de l'inventionDetailed description of an embodiment of the invention
En référence à la figure 1, correspondant à la première étape du procédé selon l'invention, le dispositif représenté se compose essentiellement d'une enveloppe 2, sous forme d'un ballon de type météorologique en butyle, déployée, remplie d'un fluide 3 constitué d'un mélange d'hydrogène et d'air. Cette enveloppe 2 est fixée, au moyen d'un collier 6 de maintien de l'enveloppe, sur un diffuseur 5 destiné à introduire le fluide dans l'enveloppe. Le diffuseur 5 est alimenté en hydrogène sous une pression de 3 à 6 Bar par une conduite 7 d'amenée de gaz, l'amenée du gaz dans cette enveloppe étant commandée par une électrovanne 9. Sur cette figure sont également représentés un conteneur 11, dans lequel l'enveloppe était repliée avant d'être remplie par le fluide, et un couvercle 13 éjectable, qui a été éjecté lors du remplissage de l'enveloppe par le fluide. Le conteneur 11 est fixé sur un support 15.With reference to FIG. 1, corresponding to the first step of the method according to the invention, the device shown essentially consists of an envelope 2, in the form of a meteorological balloon of butyl deployed, filled with a fluid 3 consisting of a mixture of hydrogen and air. This envelope 2 is fixed, by means of a collar 6 for maintaining the envelope, on a diffuser 5 intended to introduce the fluid into the envelope. The diffuser 5 is supplied with hydrogen at a pressure of 3 to 6 Bar by a pipe 7 for supplying gas, the supply of gas in this envelope being controlled by a solenoid valve 9. Also shown in this figure is a container 11, in which the envelope was folded before being filled with the fluid, and an ejectable cover 13, which was ejected during the filling of the envelope with the fluid. The container 11 is fixed on a support 15.
Une tête d'amorce 4 électrique est placée dans l'enveloppe de telle manière qu'elle soit en contact avec le fluide explosif introduit dans cette enveloppe. Cette tête d'amorce est reliée à des moyens de commande de déclenchement de l'explosion du fluide dans l'enveloppe (non représentés sur cette figure) au moyen de fils 8 conducteurs d'électricité. Cette tête d'amorce aurait également pu être placée au niveau du système venturi. La figure 2 est un schéma d'un agrandissement d'une coupe transversale du diffuseur 5 sur lequel est fixé l'enveloppe 2. Le diffuseur 5 comprend un système venturi sur lequel est prévu un orifice 17 latéral d'aspiration d'air atmosphérique ambiant. Ce système venturi permet d'injecter de l'air atmosphérique ambiant dans l'enveloppe par aspiration, l'écoulement de l'hydrogène sous pression dans ce système en étant le moteur, de manière à former le fluide explosif. Le système venturi est choisi en fonction d'une pression d'hydrogène de 3 à 6 Bar à l'entrée de ce système.An electric primer head 4 is placed in the envelope so that it is in contact with the explosive fluid introduced into this envelope. This primer head is connected to control means for triggering the explosion of the fluid in the envelope (not shown in this figure) by means of wires 8 conducting electricity. This primer head could also have been placed at the level of the venturi system. Figure 2 is a diagram of an enlargement of a cross section of the diffuser 5 on which the casing is fixed 2. The diffuser 5 comprises a venturi system on which is provided a lateral orifice 17 for suction of ambient atmospheric air . This venturi system makes it possible to inject ambient atmospheric air into the envelope by suction, the flow of hydrogen under pressure in this system being the engine, so as to form the explosive fluid. The venturi system is chosen according to a hydrogen pressure of 3 to 6 Bar at the inlet of this system.
Le conduit 7 d'amenée de H2 à travers le diffuseur est un tube adéquat d'amenée d'un gaz ayant un diamètre de 30 mm environ. Le mélange hydrogène/air formé comprend de 25 à 35% d'hydrogène en volume et de 75 à 65% d'air en volume.The duct 7 for supplying H 2 through the diffuser is a suitable tube for supplying a gas having a diameter of approximately 30 mm. The hydrogen / air mixture formed comprises from 25 to 35% of hydrogen by volume and from 75 to 65% of air by volume.
Les fils 8 conducteurs d'électricité destinés à alimenter la tête d'amorce 4 pour le déclenchement de l'explosion du fluide dans l'enveloppe sont également représentés sur cette figure.The wires 8 conducting electricity intended to supply the primer head 4 for triggering the explosion of the fluid in the envelope are also shown in this figure.
La figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif 1 selon la présente invention comportant plusieurs enveloppes 2 repliées dans des conteneurs 11 correspondants, montrant en coupe transversale un conteneur 11 dans lequel une enveloppe 2 est repliée de telle manière qu'elle puisse sortir de ce conteneur et se déployer lorsque le fluide est introduit dans l'enveloppe. Chaque conteneur est de forme cylindrique et a un diamètre de 60 à 80 mm. Un couvercle 13, conique, éjectable ferme chaque conteneur 11 de manière à protéger l'enveloppe correspondante jusqu'à son remplissage par le fluide. L'orifice 17 latéral de chaque système venturi est situé sous le couvercle 13 éjectable de manière à pouvoir aspirer facilement l'air atmosphérique lorsque l'hydrogène est injecté à travers ce système. Lors du remplissage de l'enveloppe par le fluide, la pression exercée par le fluide dans l'enveloppe provoque l'éjection du couvercle 13 de manière à pouvoir sortir du conteneur et se déployer. Les conteneurs sont fixés sur un support 15 formant une première partie amovible 19 du dispositif, ladite première partie amovible 19 étant fixée sur un support 23 fixe, ancré au sol 25, ayant une hauteur au sol de 1 à 2,5 m. L'alimentation de chaque conteneur se fait par une électrovanne 9 ayant une tenue en température de -20°C alimentée en basse tension à 12 ou 24 V. Toutes les électrovannes sont regroupées sur un distributeur 19 unique placé sur le support 23 fixe. Le support 23 fixe comporte également un répartiteur 27 de commande électrique des électrovannes 9 et des têtes d'amorce dans chaque enveloppe (non représentées) relié à chaque électrovanne et à chaque tête d'amorce au moyen d'un câble multiconducteur électrique 29. Ce répartiteur 27 est soigneusement blindé au moyen d'un coffret métallique et mis à la masse. Les conteneurs sont montés en usine, ce montage comprend une mise en place d'une tête d'amorce dans chaque enveloppe, un montage et une fixation de chaque enveloppe sur un diffuseur, un pliage de chaque enveloppe dans chaque conteneur correspondant et un montage d'un couvercle éjectable conique sur chaque conteneur.Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention comprising several envelopes 2 folded in corresponding containers 11, showing in cross section a container 11 in which an envelope 2 is folded such that it can leave this container and deploy when the fluid is introduced into the envelope. Each container is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of 60 to 80 mm. A cover 13, conical, ejectable closes each container 11 so as to protect the corresponding envelope until it is filled with the fluid. Port 17 lateral of each venturi system is located under the ejectable cover 13 so as to be able to easily aspirate atmospheric air when the hydrogen is injected through this system. When the envelope is filled with the fluid, the pressure exerted by the fluid in the envelope causes the cover 13 to be ejected so as to be able to leave the container and deploy. The containers are fixed on a support 15 forming a first removable part 19 of the device, said first removable part 19 being fixed on a fixed support 23, anchored to the ground 25, having a height from the ground of 1 to 2.5 m. Each container is supplied by a solenoid valve 9 having a temperature resistance of -20 ° C supplied with low voltage at 12 or 24 V. All the solenoid valves are grouped together on a single distributor 19 placed on the fixed support 23. The fixed support 23 also includes a distributor 27 for electrical control of the solenoid valves 9 and the primer heads in each casing (not shown) connected to each solenoid valve and to each primer head by means of an electric multi-conductor cable 29. This distributor 27 is carefully shielded by means of a metal box and grounded. The containers are assembled in the factory, this assembly comprises a fitting of a primer head in each envelope, an assembly and a fixing of each envelope on a diffuser, a folding of each envelope in each corresponding container and an assembly of '' a conical ejection lid on each container.
Le dispositif 1 est placé dans une zone de départ d' avalanches . La figure 4 est une vue en coupe du dessus du support amovible 19 sur lequel sont répartis en cercleThe device 1 is placed in an avalanche starting zone. Figure 4 is a sectional view from above of the removable support 19 on which are distributed in a circle
17 conteneurs 11 et enveloppes 2 correspondantes. Ce nombre peut être modifié suivant la fréquence envisagée de déclenchements d'avalanches dans une saison d'hiver.17 containers 11 and corresponding envelopes 2. This number can be modified according to the planned frequency of avalanche releases in a winter season.
Les caractéristiques dimensionnelles du support amovible sont à définir avec soin en tenant compte des impératifs suivants :The dimensional characteristics of the removable support must be carefully defined, taking into account the following requirements:
• avoir un dispositif le plus compact possible (intégration dans le site, tenue aux vents, reptation de la neige, masse, etc...),• have a device as compact as possible (integration into the site, wind resistance, snow crawling, mass, etc.),
• être réglable en hauteur (un système unique doit répondre à des emplacements multiples) ,• be adjustable in height (a single system must respond to multiple locations),
• ne pas nécessiter de massif de béton d'ancrage (ancrage par pieux explosifs ou autres moyens rapides) ,• do not require an anchor concrete block (anchoring by explosive piles or other rapid means),
• être transportable facilement (démontage) pour éviter autant que possible un héliportage,• be easily transportable (dismantling) to avoid helicopter transport as much as possible,
• les porte-ballons doivent supporter la surpression due à l'explosion d'un des ballons• the balloon carriers must withstand the overpressure due to the explosion of one of the balloons
(pression max de l'explosion 10 à 15 Bar, la surpression sur les porte-ballons ne devrait pas dépasser quelques centaines de Bar.(max explosion pressure 10 to 15 Bar, the overpressure on the balloon carriers should not exceed a few hundred Bar.
La figure 5 est un schéma général d'un dispositifFigure 5 is a general diagram of a device
1 selon l'invention et de son poste de commande 31.1 according to the invention and its control station 31.
Le poste de commande 31 est situé en partie haute par rapport à la zone de départ d'avalanches dans laquelle est placé le dispositif 1. Le poste de commande 31 est composé d'un abri 32 faradisé héliportable en position fonctionnelle. Cet abri comprend :The control station 31 is located in the upper part with respect to the avalanche departure zone in which the device 1 is placed. The control station 31 is composed of a faradized heliport shelter 32 in the functional position. This shelter includes:
- une réserve d'hydrogène 47 sous forme d'un cadre comprenant de 9 à 11 bouteilles,- a hydrogen reserve 47 in the form of a frame comprising from 9 to 11 bottles,
- une électrovanne 35 principale et un monodétendeur 37 HP/BP (haute pression/basse pression) 180/10 Bar,- a main solenoid valve 35 and a single pressure regulator 37 HP / LP (high pressure / low pressure) 180/10 Bar,
- une alimentation en puissance électrique nécessaire pour faire fonctionner les moyens de commande du dispositif selon l'invention comprenant deux batteries de 12 V, 80 Ah, calorifugées, en tampon avec un panneau solaire 51, 24 V, 1000 W, placé sur l'abri.- a supply of electrical power necessary to operate the control means of the device according to the invention comprising two 12 V, 80 Ah, heat-insulated batteries, buffered with a solar panel 51, 24 V, 1000 W, placed on the shelter.
- une armoire électronique de contrôle de commande comprenant une interface entre un émetteur/récepteur 43 et un moyen de commandean electronic control control cabinet comprising an interface between a transmitter / receiver 43 and a control means
41 des électrovannes 9 de remplissage de chaque enveloppe et des moyens de déclenchement de l'explosion du fluide dans chaque enveloppe.41 of the solenoid valves 9 for filling each envelope and means for triggering the explosion of the fluid in each envelope.
- un moyen de commande 45 de remplissage de chaque enveloppe et de déclenchement de l'explosion correspondante,a control means 45 for filling each envelope and triggering the corresponding explosion,
- une antenne 49 d'émission/réception permettant de commander à distance le poste de commande, et un paratonnerre 53 de protection de l'abri contre la foudre.- An antenna 49 for transmission / reception for remote control of the control station, and a lightning rod 53 for protecting the lightning shelter.
Chaque bouteille a un volume de 50 1 et contient 9000 litres d'hydrogène à une pression de 180 Bar. Ce qui représente au total pour 11 bouteilles un volume de 99000 litres d'hydrogènes disponibles à la pression atmosphérique. En considérant que l'hydrogène est détendu à une pression de 4 Bar pour le remplissage des enveloppes, le volume disponible sera de 176 x 50 x 11 soit 96800 litres d'hydrogène. Pour chaque remplissage d'enveloppe 2 ayant un volume de 10 m3 avec un mélange explosif d'hydrogène et d'air, on utilise 2200 litres d'hydrogène. Ce cadre satisfera donc au remplissage d'environ 40 enveloppes de 10 m3. L'abri est posé au sol sur un treillis métallique, le plan de sol étant à la masse et ancré. Des aérations hautes et basses, protégées des entrées de neige et d'insectes, sont prévues pour éviter toute accumulation d'hydrogène dans l'abri. L'abri est protégé contre des intrusions par une porte verrouillée non représentée.Each bottle has a volume of 50 1 and contains 9000 liters of hydrogen at a pressure of 180 Bar. This represents in total for 11 bottles a volume of 99,000 liters of hydrogen available at atmospheric pressure. Considering that the hydrogen is expanded to a pressure of 4 Bar for filling the envelopes, the available volume will be 176 x 50 x 11, ie 96,800 liters of hydrogen. For each filling of envelope 2 having a volume of 10 m 3 with an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air, 2200 liters of hydrogen are used. This frame will therefore satisfy the filling of approximately 40 10 m 3 envelopes. The shelter is placed on the ground on a wire mesh, the ground plane being grounded and anchored. High and low vents, protected from snow and insects, are provided to prevent any accumulation of hydrogen in the shelter. The shelter is protected against intrusion by a locked door, not shown.
Des liaisons sont prévues entre le poste de commande 31 et le dispositif 1 selon l'invention. Ces liaisons sont un tube 33 d'amenée d'hydrogène du poste de commande 31 vers le dispositif 1, et un câble 39 de transmission de commande des électrovannes 9 et des têtes d'amorce de chaque enveloppe.Links are provided between the control station 31 and the device 1 according to the invention. These connections are a tube 33 for supplying hydrogen from the control station 31 to the device 1, and a cable 39 for transmitting control of the solenoid valves 9 and of the priming heads of each casing.
Le tube 33 est un tube moyenne pression, gainé par un tube métallique de protection mécanique et de blindage et ancré de loin en loin entre le poste de commande et le dispositif 1 pour éviter qu'il soit arraché par la reptation de la neige ou des éboulis. Le blindage de ce tube est relié à la masse de l'abri et à la masse du dispositif 1. Le diamètre intérieur de ce tube est de 8 à 10 mm afin de diminuer les pertes de charges sur la longueur.The tube 33 is a medium pressure tube, sheathed by a metal tube for mechanical protection and shielding and anchored from time to time between the control station and the device 1 to prevent it from being torn off by the crawling of snow or scree. The shielding of this tube is connected to the mass of the shelter and to the mass of the device 1. The internal diameter of this tube is 8 to 10 mm in order to reduce the pressure losses over the length.
L' électrovanne 35 principale commande l'amenée de l'hydrogène du poste de commande vers le dispositif 1 à travers le tube 33, le monodétendeur 37 HP/BP, 180/10 Bar permettant de régler une pression statique d'hydrogène en sortie de ce monodétendeur, dans le tube 33, à 4 à 6 Bar. La pression statique en sortie du monodétendeur 37 est réglée suivant la longueur du tube 33 entre le poste de commande et le dispositif 1.The main solenoid valve 35 controls the supply of hydrogen from the control station to the device 1 through the tube 33, the single pressure regulator 37 HP / BP, 180/10 Bar making it possible to adjust a static pressure of hydrogen at the outlet of this pressure regulator, in tube 33, at 4 to 6 Bar. The static pressure at the outlet of the single pressure regulator 37 is adjusted along the length of the tube 33 between the control station and the device 1.
La pression statique d'hydrogène dans le tube 33 et le diamètre de laminage de chaque électrovanne 9 sont déterminants pour le temps de remplissage de chaque enveloppe. Ce temps de remplissage est de préférence de 1 à 2 minutes pour tenir compte notamment du vent, des frottements de chaque enveloppe sur des aspérités du dispositif, etc.. Le câble 39 est un câble multipaire, blindé, comportant une protection mécanique et électrique. Il comporte un nombre de paires en relation avec le nombre d'enveloppes prévues sur le dispositif 1. Chaque paire est blindée. Ce câble 39 fait la liaison électrique entre le poste de commande 31 et le répartiteur 27 de commande électrique des électrovannes 9 et des têtes d'amorces non représentées, de chaque enveloppe.The static pressure of hydrogen in the tube 33 and the rolling diameter of each solenoid valve 9 are decisive for the filling time of each envelope. This filling time is preferably 1 to 2 minutes to take account in particular of the wind, the friction of each envelope on the roughness of the device, etc. The cable 39 is a multi-pair cable, shielded, comprising mechanical and electrical protection. It comprises a number of pairs in relation to the number of envelopes provided on the device 1. Each pair is shielded. This cable 39 makes the electrical connection between the control station 31 and the distributor 27 for electrical control of the solenoid valves 9 and the primer heads, not shown, of each envelope.
Les sorties de l'abri faradisé, c'est-à-dire les passages des câbles électriques 39 du tube 33 moyenne pression de transport de l'hydrogène vers le dispositif 1, de l'antenne 49, du panneau solaire 51, à travers cet abri, sont protégées par des systèmes coaxstop ou équivalents .The exits of the faradized shelter, that is to say the passages of the electric cables 39 of the tube 33 medium pressure of transport of hydrogen towards the device 1, of the antenna 49, of the solar panel 51, through this shelter, are protected by coaxstop systems or equivalent.
Un système électronique de codage permet une incrémentation automatique, de commande de remplissage et d'explosion, d'une enveloppe détruite vers une enveloppe repliée dans un conteneur.An electronic coding system allows automatic incrementation, of filling and explosion control, from a destroyed envelope to an envelope folded in a container.
L'exemple suivant est un exemple de fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention. L'émetteur/récepteur 43 dans le poste de commande 31 est en veille permanente grâce à l'alimentation électrique par batterie et panneau solaire. Il peut être activé par exemple par radiocommande à partir d'un centre de commande général dans un service de pistes de ski suivant le synoptique de fonctionnement suivant :The following example is an example of operation of the device according to the invention. The transmitter / receiver 43 in the control station 31 is in permanent standby thanks to the electric power supply by battery and solar panel. It can be activated for example by radio control from a general control center in a ski slope service according to the following operating diagram:
Mise sous tension du poste de commande et du dispositif 1- Compte rendu d'ordre- Ouverture de 1 ' électrovanne 35 principale- Compte rendu d' ordre- Ouverture de 1 ' électrovanne 9 d'une première enveloppe et remplissage de ladite enveloppe en 1 à 2 minutes- Compte rendu d'ordre- Fermeture de ladite électrovanne 9- Compte rendu d'ordre- Commande de la tête d'amorce correspondante : EXPLOSION. Compte rendu d'ordre. Incrémentation vers une deuxième enveloppe repliée dans un conteneur, coupure de tension, retour à la veille du poste de commande et du dispositif 1. Switching on the control station and the device 1- Order report- Opening of the main solenoid valve 35- Order report- Opening of the solenoid valve 9 of a first envelope and filling of said envelope in 1 at 2 minutes- Order report- Closure of said solenoid valve 9- Order report- Order of the corresponding primer head: EXPLOSION. Order report. Increment to a second envelope folded back into a container, power cut, return to standby of the control station and device 1.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de déclenchement artificiel d'une avalanche par au moins une explosion d'un fluide explosif dans une zone prédéterminée, ledit procédé comprenant une première étape de remplissage d'au moins une enveloppe souple avec un fluide explosif et une deuxième étape de déclenchement d'une explosion dudit fluide à l'intérieur de chaque enveloppe, chaque enveloppe étant détruite par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient.1. Method for artificially triggering an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area, said method comprising a first step of filling at least one flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of said fluid inside each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid it contains.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque enveloppe souple étant repliée dans un conteneur correspondant, l'étape de remplissage de cette enveloppe comprend une phase de déploiement de ladite enveloppe hors dudit conteneur.2. Method according to claim 1, wherein each flexible envelope being folded in a corresponding container, the step of filling this envelope comprises a phase of deployment of said envelope out of said container.
3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel chaque conteneur étant fermé par un capuchon, l'étape de remplissage de l'enveloppe correspondante comprend une phase d'éjection dudit capuchon de façon à permettre le déploiement de l'enveloppe.3. Method according to claim 2, wherein each container being closed by a cap, the step of filling the corresponding envelope comprises a phase of ejection of said cap so as to allow the deployment of the envelope.
4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel l'étape de remplissage de chaque enveloppe comprend une phase d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique et de mélange de cet air avec un gaz adéquat de manière à former le fluide explosif.4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of filling each envelope comprises a phase of suction of atmospheric air and mixing this air with a suitable gas so as to form the explosive fluid.
5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel plusieurs enveloppes étant prévues, on commande de façon indépendante, pour chaque enveloppe, la première et la deuxième étapes qui sont liées.5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which several envelopes being provided, the first and second steps which are linked are independently controlled for each envelope.
6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel on commande à distance successivement le remplissage des différentes enveloppes et leur explosion.6. Method according to claim 5, in which the filling of the various envelopes and their explosion are successively controlled remotely.
7. Dispositif de déclenchement artificiel d'une avalanche par au moins une explosion d'un fluide explosif dans une zone prédéterminée, ledit dispositif comprenant au moins une enveloppe destinée à contenir le fluide, des moyens de remplissage de chaque enveloppe par le fluide, des moyens pour déclencher l'explosion de ce fluide dans chaque enveloppe et des moyens de commande du remplissage de chaque enveloppe et de déclenchement de chaque explosion, chaque enveloppe étant constituée d'un matériau tel qu'elle soit détruite par l'explosion du fluide qu'elle contient.7. Device for artificially triggering an avalanche by at least one explosion of an explosive fluid in a predetermined area, said device comprising at least one envelope intended to contain the fluid, means for filling each envelope with the fluid, means for triggering the explosion of this fluid in each envelope and means for controlling the filling of each envelope and triggering each explosion, each envelope being made of a material such that it is destroyed by the explosion of the fluid that 'it contains.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le fluide étant un mélange explosif d'air atmosphérique et d'au moins un gaz, lesdits moyens de remplissage comprennent des moyens d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique ambiant.8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid being an explosive mixture of atmospheric air and at least one gas, said filling means comprise means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, dans lequel les moyens d'aspiration de l'air atmosphérique ambiant sont des systèmes venturi.9. Device according to claim 8, in which the means for aspirating ambient atmospheric air are venturi systems.
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les moyens de déclenchement de l'explosion dans l'enveloppe comprennent une tête d'amorce.10. Device according to claim 7, wherein the means for triggering the explosion in the envelope include a primer head.
11. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 10, comprenant en outre un conteneur pour chaque enveloppe, ladite enveloppe étant repliée dans le conteneur correspondant lorsqu'elle est vide, et pouvant sortir dudit conteneur et se déployer lorsque le fluide est introduit dans l'enveloppe.11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a container for each envelope, said envelope being folded back into the corresponding container when it is empty, and being able to exit from said container and deploy when the fluid is introduced. in the envelope.
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, dans lequel chaque conteneur comprend en outre un couvercle éjectable lors de l'introduction du fluide dans 1 ' enveloppe .12. Device according to claim 11, wherein each container further comprises an ejectable cover during the introduction of the fluid into one envelope.
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 11 ou 12, comprenant plusieurs conteneurs fixés sur un support ancré au sol.13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, comprising several containers fixed on a support anchored to the ground.
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le support comprend une première partie amovible sur laquelle sont fixés les conteneurs, et une deuxième partie fixe ancrée au sol.14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the support comprises a first removable part on which the containers are fixed, and a second fixed part anchored to the ground.
15. Dispositif selon la revendication 14, dans lequel la deuxième partie fixe comprend un répartiteur par une distribution de gaz dans chaque enveloppe et des moyens de commande de remplissage et d'explosion du fluide dans chacune des enveloppes.15. Device according to claim 14, in which the second fixed part comprises a distributor by a distribution of gas in each envelope and means for controlling the filling and explosion of the fluid in each of the envelopes.
16. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, comprenant un système de commande d'incrémentation pour le remplissage et l'explosion du fluide dans chacune des enveloppes successivement. 16. Device according to claim 13, comprising an incrementation control system for filling and exploding the fluid in each of the envelopes successively.
17. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel chaque conteneur est de forme cylindrique et comprend une première extrémité fermée d'un fond et une deuxième extrémité fermée par le couvercle éjectable, ledit couvercle étant de forme conique.17. Device according to claim 13, in which each container is of cylindrical shape and comprises a first end closed by a bottom and a second end closed by the ejectable cover, said cover being of conical shape.
18. Dispositif selon la revendication 17, dans lequel le fond du conteneur est traversé par une conduite d'amenée d'un gaz, ladite conduite traversant le conteneur cylindrique sensiblement suivant son axe de symétrie et se terminant au niveau du couvercle conique par un diffuseur sur lequel est fixé l'enveloppe, ledit diffuseur étant destiné à introduire le fluide dans l'enveloppe.18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the bottom of the container is crossed by a gas supply pipe, said pipe passing through the cylindrical container substantially along its axis of symmetry and ending at the conical cover by a diffuser. on which the envelope is fixed, said diffuser being intended to introduce the fluid into the envelope.
19. Dispositif selon la revendication 18, dans lequel le diffuseur comprenant un système venturi, ledit système venturi comprend un orifice d'aspiration de l'air ambiant atmosphérique situé au niveau du couvercle conique.19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the diffuser comprising a venturi system, said venturi system comprises an orifice for suction of atmospheric ambient air situated at the level of the conical cover.
20. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 19, dans lequel le gaz est de l'hydrogène.20. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 19, in which the gas is hydrogen.
21. Dispositif selon la revendication 20, dans lequel le gaz étant de l'hydrogène, les enveloppes souples utilisées sont des enveloppes de type météorologique d'un volume de 10 m3.21. Device according to claim 20, in which the gas being hydrogen, the flexible envelopes used are meteorological type envelopes with a volume of 10 m 3 .
22. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 21, dans lequel le matériau de l'enveloppe est choisi dans le groupe comprenant le butyle . 22. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 21, in which the material of the envelope is chosen from the group comprising butyl.
EP98955667A 1997-11-17 1998-11-16 Method for artificially provoking an avalanche and device for implementing same Expired - Lifetime EP1031008B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9714366 1997-11-17
FR9714366A FR2771168B1 (en) 1997-11-17 1997-11-17 METHOD OF ARTIFICIAL TRIGGERING OF AN AVALANCHE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
PCT/FR1998/002441 WO1999026039A1 (en) 1997-11-17 1998-11-16 Method for artificially provoking an avalanche and device for implementing same

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EP1031008B1 EP1031008B1 (en) 2003-03-12

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EP (1) EP1031008B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4180794B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE234457T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2310113C (en)
DE (1) DE69812150T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2194364T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2771168B1 (en)
IS (1) IS5474A (en)
NO (1) NO318333B1 (en)
TR (1) TR200001359T2 (en)
WO (1) WO1999026039A1 (en)

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EP2287559A2 (en) 2009-08-18 2011-02-23 Geräte- und Vorrichtungsbau Spitzner OHG Device and method for triggering avalanches

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Publication number Publication date
NO318333B1 (en) 2005-03-07
NO20002393L (en) 2000-07-17
EP1031008B1 (en) 2003-03-12
FR2771168B1 (en) 1999-12-10
CA2310113C (en) 2006-11-14
DE69812150T2 (en) 2003-12-04
ATE234457T1 (en) 2003-03-15
DE69812150D1 (en) 2003-04-17
ES2194364T3 (en) 2003-11-16
CA2310113A1 (en) 1999-05-27
JP2001523809A (en) 2001-11-27
FR2771168A1 (en) 1999-05-21
US6324982B1 (en) 2001-12-04
WO1999026039A1 (en) 1999-05-27
JP4180794B2 (en) 2008-11-12
NO20002393D0 (en) 2000-05-08
TR200001359T2 (en) 2001-02-21
IS5474A (en) 2000-04-27

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