EP2220454B1 - Avalanche triggering system - Google Patents

Avalanche triggering system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2220454B1
EP2220454B1 EP08865406.6A EP08865406A EP2220454B1 EP 2220454 B1 EP2220454 B1 EP 2220454B1 EP 08865406 A EP08865406 A EP 08865406A EP 2220454 B1 EP2220454 B1 EP 2220454B1
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Prior art keywords
enclosure
gas
supply
opening
designed
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EP08865406.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2220454A2 (en
Inventor
Bruno Farizy
Louis Noel
Stéphane CONSTANT
Jean-Marc Neuville
Pascal Roux
Philippe Berthet-Rambaud
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Technologie Alpine De Securite - TAS
Technologie Alpine de Securite TAS SA
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Technologie Alpine De Securite - TAS
Technologie Alpine de Securite TAS SA
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    • 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 device for triggering avalanches and in particular avalanches of snow.
  • Such a device is particularly used for the protection of sites such as transport infrastructure, ski areas or inhabited areas, especially after heavy snowfall, by triggering avalanches.
  • a first technique consists of having an explosive charge deposited by an operator on the slope where the avalanche is to be caused.
  • the installation of the explosive in the slope can be carried out according to two methods, namely launch, from the ground or a helicopter, and the sliding of loads.
  • As regards the charging of the charge it is conventionally carried out using a slow wick or electrically.
  • Remote triggering techniques have been put in place to prevent firefighters from moving around the firing range.
  • the objective is to move the firing point away from the firing point, that is to say from the location of the firing at the moment of its explosion.
  • a remote triggering device is known as CATEX. It is a carrier cable mounted on a fixed infrastructure, for bringing an explosive to a predetermined firing area and accessible by the carrier cable.
  • GAZEX Another device is known as GAZEX. This is described in the document FR 2,636,729 . It includes a closed-bottomed cannon with a front mouth open towards the snowpack. It further comprises a supply circuit for an oxidizing gas and a fuel gas supply circuit, the two gases coming from two separate sources. Nozzles for filling the barrel with these gases are arranged on various zones of the barrel and an ignition device is mounted at the rear of the latter.
  • the explosive gas mixture consisting for example of propane and oxygen, is formed in the barrel, the explosion being caused by the ignition device. More specifically, the barrel has the general shape of a neck, the explosive gas mixture having a higher density than air and thus accumulating in the lower part of the barrel without escaping through the open front mouth.
  • This device although having proved effective, must be mounted in a fixed manner in the risk zone. It is therefore not transportable easily, which requires the mounting of a device on each firing zone.
  • the patent US 4,873,928 describes a device for generating a shock wave by exploding an explosive gas contained in a balloon.
  • the device comprises an expandable balloon, a device for filling the balloon with an explosive mixture of oxygen and hydrogen, and an ignition device for triggering the explosion.
  • the document EP 1 031 008 describes a similar device in which the balloon is simply fixed on a support, the tip turned downwards, so that during inflation, the ball is directed upwards.
  • remote triggering techniques use military weapons.
  • the rocket launcher or the thrower is used, mainly in Switzerland, or the anti-recoil gun or the LoCAT shell thrower is used in the United States of America.
  • the document WO 2007/096524 proposes a device for triggering transportable avalanches whose explosion is mainly directed towards the snowpack, requiring neither the transport nor the storage of explosive, and whose use is in accordance with the various national legislations.
  • This comprises a chassis equipped with hooking means for transporting the device, in particular by a helicopter using a rope, the chassis comprising, at the top, a storage area of at least one fuel tank. gas intended to form an explosive mixture and, in the lower part, a device for supporting a plurality of elastic balloons each having an inflation nozzle turned towards the upper part, the body of each balloon extending in the opposite direction, the balloons being offset from one another.
  • This device further comprises means for feeding the explosive mixture facing the inflation nozzle of a balloon, an injection nozzle, means for igniting the explosive mixture, means being provided for successively bringing the nozzle injection and ignition means facing the inflation tip of each balloon.
  • Such a device is transportable on different shooting zones above the snowpack, to cause an avalanche by explosion of a balloon located at the bottom of the device. The explosion is thus directed mostly towards the snowpack.
  • this device does not require the transport of explosives, the explosive mixture is created on site before firing, which allows to respect a safe distance.
  • this device being equipped with several balloons, it is possible to perform a series of explosions, which allows either to guarantee the triggering of an avalanche by repeating a first shot without effect, or to be able to trigger several avalanches in different areas, without having to recharge the device.
  • the envelope for containing the mixture until the explosion can cause problems of inflation or premature bursting.
  • the invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a more reliable avalanche release device and a large autonomy.
  • the avalanche triggering device has the features of claim 1.
  • the enclosure is gradually filled with an explosive mixture of gas that tends to accumulate in the upper part of the enclosure, because of its lower density than air.
  • the explosion is then obtained using the ignition means and the expansion of the gases due to the explosion causes a shock wave, the latter being mainly directed downwards towards the snowpack.
  • the shape of the enclosure as well as the density of the gas allow a confinement of the gas in the enclosure for a period of time and in relatively large proportions, sufficient to achieve the explosion in good conditions and with a significant effect on the snowpack.
  • the volume of the chamber is between 0.5 and 10 m 3 , preferably of the order of 1 m 3 .
  • the ignition means comprise at least one spark plug, preferably two spark plugs powered by a high voltage circuit.
  • the device comprises remote control means, for example radio control type control means, designed to control the gas supply means and the ignition means.
  • remote control means for example radio control type control means, designed to control the gas supply means and the ignition means.
  • the enclosure comprises, at an end opposite its opening, a generally dome-shaped end wall.
  • the dome shape increases the resistance of the enclosure to the explosion.
  • the device comprises suspension means, for example to a helicopter or means for fixing to a fixed structure.
  • the enclosure comprises a reduction of its section so as to define, from top to bottom, a convergent zone and a divergent zone, making it possible to increase the speed of ejection of the gases.
  • the supply means comprise at least one injection nozzle disposed on the side of the end of the enclosure opposite the opening and oriented toward this end.
  • the gas supply means comprise means for storing an oxidizing gas, for example oxygen, and means for storing a combustible gas, for example hydrogen.
  • an oxidizing gas for example oxygen
  • a combustible gas for example hydrogen
  • the device according to the invention allows the transport of two gases which, when they are not mixed, do not have explosive properties, so that the risks related to transport are reduced.
  • the gas supply means comprise a first fuel gas supply circuit and a second circuit, distinct from the first, supplying combustion gas, opening distinctly into the enclosure, the mixture of the two gases being produced in the volume defined by the confinement enclosure so as to form an explosive gas mixture.
  • the separate supply of the two gases makes it possible to simplify the supply circuit by avoiding producing a separate mixing chamber before insertion into the enclosure. According to the aforementioned characteristic, the gas mixture is thus produced directly in the volume of the enclosure. In addition, this independence of the supply circuits makes it possible to generate the desired gas mixture, preferably close to the stoichiometry, depending in particular on the characteristics of the shot to be made.
  • the fuel gas storage means and the combustion gas storage means are respectively connected to a first and a second injection nozzle via a first and a second supply pipe each comprising, from upstream to downstream, at least one expander, at least one solenoid valve and at least one nonreturn valve.
  • Each supply line is therefore equipped with separate control means, formed by the solenoid valves.
  • the regulators can be adjusted to a determined pressure, depending on the desired speed of filling the chamber with the explosive gas mixture.
  • the high pressure gas supply makes it possible to reduce the filling time of the device before explosion.
  • the non-return valve makes it possible to avoid a possible return of flame in the corresponding pipe.
  • At least one of the supply lines comprises two expander.
  • At least one of the supply lines preferably the first supply line for the fuel gas such as hydrogen, comprises two solenoid valves.
  • At least one of the supply lines comprises at least one calibrated orifice disposed between the expander and the corresponding solenoid valve.
  • the device comprises a pressure sensor designed to detect the pressure of the means for storing at least one gas.
  • the supply means are designed to be able to control the supply of the enclosure with only oxidizing gas, so as to saturate the enclosure with oxidizing gas.
  • the chamber may be filled with a non-explosive gas mixture, saturated with oxidizing gas, for example oxygen, so as to secure or neutralize the device when the chamber has been filled and the procedure is interrupted before explosion .
  • oxidizing gas for example oxygen
  • the gas storage means comprise a plurality of bottles mounted regularly distributed around the periphery of the enclosure.
  • the device comprises measuring means designed to determine the distance between the device and the ground.
  • An operator can thus position the device at a suitable distance from the ground, so as to increase the effectiveness of the shot.
  • a preferred distance is of the order of 1 to 8 meters. It is possible to slave the ignition control means of the explosion to this device for measuring the distance of the chamber from the ground, to allow ignition only when the speaker is at a distance soil within a specified range.
  • the device comprises at least one movable flap between a first position in which the opening of the enclosure is obstructed by the flap, at least in part, and a second position in which the flap is separated from the flap. opening of the enclosure.
  • the flap makes it possible to limit the discharges of gaseous explosive mixture out of the enclosure.
  • the presence of such a flap is of course optional, since the shape of the enclosure alone can guarantee such a containment function.
  • the figure 1 represents a helicopter 1 connected to an avalanche triggering device 2 according to the invention by means of a sling 3.
  • a first embodiment of this device is shown in Figures 2 to 4 .
  • the device 2 comprises an enclosure 4 for containing a gaseous explosive mixture of generally frustoconical shape and made of steel, having a first end 5 facing downwards, that is to say in the direction of the snowpack, having an opening 6, and a second end 7 opposite to the first, having an end wall 8 convex or generally domed.
  • a gaseous explosive mixture of generally frustoconical shape and made of steel, having a first end 5 facing downwards, that is to say in the direction of the snowpack, having an opening 6, and a second end 7 opposite to the first, having an end wall 8 convex or generally domed.
  • the wall 8 is equipped with hooking means 9 connected to the sling 3 and is fixed detachably or not to the frustoconical wall 11 of the enclosure 4.
  • the enclosure 4 also comprises a reduction of its section so as to define, from top to bottom, a converging zone 12 and a diverging zone 13, making it possible to increase the speed of ejection of the gases.
  • the chamber 4 has an internal volume of between 0.5 and 10 m 3 , preferably of the order of 1 m 3 .
  • the enclosure 4 is furthermore equipped with two supply nozzles 15, 16, arranged on the closed end 7 of the enclosure 4 and facing towards the the top, that is to say in the direction of the wall 8.
  • the supply nozzles 15, 16 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane P of the enclosure 4.
  • the enclosure 4 is further equipped with two spark plugs 14 disposed at the wall 8, symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane P of the enclosure, and able to provide a spark inside thereof.
  • the candles 14 are each powered by a high voltage circuit not shown.
  • the device comprises three bottles 17, 18, 19 with a capacity of 50 L and a pressure of 200 bars each.
  • the bottles are regularly distributed and fixed on the outer wall of the enclosure 4 by means of a suitable support.
  • each bottle 17, 18, 19 is connected, at its upper zone, to the chamber 4 by a retention cable for holding the bottle in case of breakage of the aforementioned fixing elements and / or a fixing error by an operator.
  • These cables are oversized so that the bottles can be ejected in the event of an accident.
  • First and second bottles contain hydrogen, a third bottle contains oxygen.
  • Hoods 20 cover the areas of the enclosure located between the bottles and are fixed to the enclosure. The covers 20 are intended to protect electrical or pneumatic equipment and to promote the aerodynamics of the assembly.
  • a protective skirt 54 is also disposed at the open end 5 of the enclosure 4.
  • the skirt 54 is frustoconical in shape and flares downwardly. This skirt 54 makes it possible to prevent the gas contained in the enclosure from being sucked out by the winds created by the helicopter 1.
  • the free end turned towards the bottom of the skirt is equipped with a roll bar 55.
  • the device is equipped with measuring means designed to determine the distance between the device and the ground.
  • the measuring means comprise a laser rangefinder 56 (see figure 4 ), disposed on the outer wall of the enclosure 4 and located opposite an open 57 formed in the skirt 54 and allowing the measurement. It should be noted that the covers 20 have not been represented at the figure 4 , for reasons of readability of the drawing.
  • a first injection nozzle 15 is connected to the hydrogen bottles 17, 18 via a first supply line 21 comprising, from upstream to downstream, that is to say bottles 17, 18 to the first injection nozzle 15, a pressure sensor 22, a first expander 23, a second expander 24, a calibrated orifice 25, a first solenoid valve 26, a second solenoid valve 27 and a nonreturn valve 28.
  • the bottles 17, 18 are connected in parallel and are connected to the corresponding pipe 21 by means of a high-pressure flexible lyre equipped with an anti-whip cable.
  • a second injection nozzle 16 is connected to the oxygen cylinder 19 via a supply line 29 comprising, from upstream to downstream, that is to say from the bottle to the second injection nozzle, a pressure sensor 30, a first expander 31, a second expander 32, a calibrated orifice 33, a solenoid valve 34 and a nonreturn valve 35.
  • regulators 23, 24, 31, 32 are preset. More particularly, the regulators are set to a pressure sufficient to ensure a filling of the chamber 4 with a shortest filling time possible, preferably of the order of 7 seconds.
  • the nonreturn valves 28, 35 are stainless steel disc valves and make it possible to avoid possible backfire in the lines 21, 29.
  • the nonreturn valves 28, 35 are positioned closer to the nozzles 15, 16 located on the enclosure 4.
  • All the pipes 21, 29 is made of fireproof material.
  • the control of the candles 14 and solenoid valves 26, 27, 34 is performed radially and automatically by a remote operator. More particularly, the operator uses a remote control or a radio-controlled console 58, cooperating with reception means housed in a housing 59 mounted on the enclosure 4. Additional control means 60 are mounted directly on the enclosure 4.
  • the pressure sensors 22, 30 make it possible to detect the state of the oxygen and hydrogen reserves, the control means being able to transform this information into a signal visible to the operator.
  • the helicopter first positions the avalanche triggering device 2 in the desired zone, at a predetermined distance from the ground, using the measuring means.
  • the operator equipped with a remote control with two buttons so as to avoid the risk of inadvertent tripping, simultaneously and continuously presses the two buttons.
  • the control means then open the solenoid valves 26, 27, 34 in order to fill the chamber 4 and thus the gas mixture. Since the density of the explosive gas mixture is lower than that of air, the latter tends to rise toward the closed end 7 of the enclosure. The volume of the explosive gas mixture delivered during filling is less than the volume of the enclosure. This makes it possible to limit the overflows of gaseous explosive mixture during the filling of the enclosure 4.
  • the ignition of the gas by the candles 14 automatically follows the filling step and is controlled by the control means without intervention of the operator. This is called the semi-automatic firing procedure.
  • the control means are also designed to accept possible microswitching of the signal, for example due to a momentary loss of radio waves, without influence on the shooting procedure.
  • control means In case of release of at least one button before firing, which favors a reflex stop in case of possible problem, the control means automatically suspend the current shooting procedure while maintaining an alert message visible by the operator. In this case, and within a time limit of 30 seconds, the next continuous and simultaneous pressing of the operator on the two buttons automatically terminates the interrupted shooting procedure, that is to say that the control means proceeds to filling complement and ignition.
  • control means have a subsidiary control for securing, if the operator wishes to evacuate the gaseous explosive mixture contained in the enclosure, to proceed with the filling of the enclosure by oxygen only, and for a period of the order of 30 seconds, so as to ensure the saturation of the chamber 4 oxygen, then burn the fuel gas residues contained in the enclosure by automatic ignition of the candles 14.
  • control means prevent any new firing.
  • control means incite by an alarm device to secure the aforementioned type of enclosure.
  • the enclosure 4 has a general bell shape delimiting an internal volume of the order of 1 m 3 . More specifically, the enclosure comprises a frustoconical wall 11 and an end wall 8. The supply is made at a single point of the enclosure, via a connection 36 with two branches 37 , 38 on which are connected the oxygen and hydrogen supply lines 21, 29.
  • the enclosure 4 is surmounted by a tubular element 39 having an end wall 40 at one end 41 and opening into the enclosure at the other end 42.
  • the connection 36 with two branches is connected to the tubular element 39, the latter being equipped with candles 14 (not shown in this figure).
  • the tubular element 39 makes it possible to create a chamber 43 located upstream of the enclosure 4, in which the gas injection is performed as well as the ignition.
  • a chamber 43 limits the magnitude of the turbulence generated by the filling and the potential overflows by performing an injection in a reduced volume. It also makes it possible to better contain the gaseous explosive mixture, lighter than air, close to the spark plugs 14, while being less sensitive to external turbulence because this chamber is far from the opening 6 of the pregnant 4.
  • the enclosure is equipped with movable flaps 44, 45 for obstructing, at least partially, the opening 6 of the chamber 4 during the filling phase.
  • This variant embodiment is represented at figure 8 in combination with an enclosure 4 of the type of that exposed to the figure 6 but can be applied to any type of speaker.
  • the enclosure 4 is equipped with first and second flaps 44, 45 arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the enclosure, the flaps being articulated on arms 46.
  • the movement of each flap 44, 45 is actuated by a rotary actuator 47 of the single-acting type, powered by a neutral gas, for example argon.
  • a bottle of neutral gas 48 having a capacity of 20 liters at 200 bar is connected to a supply line 49 equipped with a manometer 50 downstream of which first and second supply lines 51 extend. , 52 respectively connected to each of the rotary actuators 47 via a distributor 53.
  • the distributors 53, and therefore the flaps 44, 45, are actuated by the aforementioned control means, either during a semi-automatic sequence, or independently by the operator.
  • the flaps 44, 45 are thus movable between a first position in which they partially obstruct the opening 6 of the chamber 4 so as to limit the leakage of gaseous explosive mixture to the outside and a second position, in which they are spaced apart. of the opening 6, so as not to disturb the gas ejected during the explosion.

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches et notamment d'avalanches de neige.The invention relates to a device for triggering avalanches and in particular avalanches of snow.

Un tel dispositif est notamment utilisé pour la protection de sites tels que des infrastructures de transport, des domaines skiable ou des zones habitées, en particulier après d'importantes chutes de neige, en déclenchant préventivement les avalanches.Such a device is particularly used for the protection of sites such as transport infrastructure, ski areas or inhabited areas, especially after heavy snowfall, by triggering avalanches.

Il existe un certain nombre de techniques pour déclencher volontairement les avalanches.There are a number of techniques to voluntarily trigger avalanches.

Une première technique consiste à faire déposer une charge explosive par un opérateur dans la pente où l'on veut provoquer l'avalanche. La mise en place de l'explosif dans la pente peut être réalisée selon deux méthodes, à savoir le lancer, depuis le sol ou un hélicoptère, et le glisser de charges. En ce qui concerne l'amorçage de la charge, celui-ci est classiquement réalisé à l'aide d'une mèche lente ou électriquement.A first technique consists of having an explosive charge deposited by an operator on the slope where the avalanche is to be caused. The installation of the explosive in the slope can be carried out according to two methods, namely launch, from the ground or a helicopter, and the sliding of loads. As regards the charging of the charge, it is conventionally carried out using a slow wick or electrically.

Cette première technique présente un certain nombre de risques pour les artificiers. En effet, leurs interventions se font nécessairement lors de périodes de forte instabilité du manteau neigeux et dans des zones dangereuses. Ils sont alors exposés au risque d'avalanche, non seulement pendant la préparation et la réalisation du tir, mais également lors de leurs déplacements pour rejoindre et quitter le poste de tir, c'est-à-dire le lieu de la préparation du tir et de la mise à feu de la charge. Ces risques sont la cause principale d'accidents lors des opérations de déclenchement. Dans le cas de l'utilisation d'un hélicoptère, il faut ajouter à cela les risques inhérents au transport et à l'amorçage d'explosifs dans un aéronef, a fortiori dans des conditions aérologiques souvent délicates.This first technique presents a certain number of risks for the artificers. Indeed, their interventions are necessarily made during periods of high instability of the snowpack and in dangerous areas. They are then exposed to the risk of avalanche, not only during the preparation and the execution of the shot, but also during their movements to reach and leave the shooting range, that is to say the place of the preparation of the shot and firing the load. These risks are the main cause of accidents during trip operations. In the case of the use of a helicopter, it must be added to that the risks inherent in the transport and priming of explosives in an aircraft, especially in aerological conditions often delicate.

Des techniques de déclenchement à distance ont été mises en place afin d'éviter aux artificiers de se déplacer sur la zone de tir. L'objectif est d'éloigner le poste de tir du point de tir, c'est-à-dire de l'emplacement de la charge au moment de son explosion.Remote triggering techniques have been put in place to prevent firefighters from moving around the firing range. The objective is to move the firing point away from the firing point, that is to say from the location of the firing at the moment of its explosion.

Un dispositif de déclenchement à distance est connu sous le nom de CATEX. Il s'agit d'un câble transporteur monté sur une infrastructure fixe, permettant d'amener un explosif à une zone de tir prédéterminée et accessible par le câble transporteur.A remote triggering device is known as CATEX. It is a carrier cable mounted on a fixed infrastructure, for bringing an explosive to a predetermined firing area and accessible by the carrier cable.

Une telle solution, bien que permettant de limiter les risques pour l'opérateur, ne permet de déclencher des avalanches que dans des zones desservies par le câble. En outre, une telle solution technologique implique le transport et le stockage d'explosifs, ce qui nécessite de répondre à des critères de sécurité contraignants. Enfin, l'installation d'un câble transporteur de longue distance reste très onéreuse.Such a solution, while limiting the risks for the operator, allows to trigger avalanches only in areas served by the cable. In addition, such a technological solution involves the transport and storage of explosives, which requires meeting strict security criteria. Finally, the installation of a long-distance carrier cable remains very expensive.

Un autre dispositif est connu sous le nom de GAZEX. Celui-ci est décrit dans le document FR 2 636 729 . Il comprend un canon à fond fermé ayant une bouche frontale ouverte en direction du manteau neigeux. Il comprend en outre un circuit d'amenée d'un gaz comburant et un circuit d'amenée d'un gaz carburant, les deux gaz provenant de deux sources distinctes. Des buses de remplissage du canon par ces gaz sont disposées sur diverses zones du canon et un dispositif d'allumage est monté à l'arrière de celui-ci. Le mélange gazeux explosif, composé par exemple de propane et d'oxygène, est formé dans le canon, l'explosion étant provoquée par le dispositif d'allumage. Plus précisément, le canon présente la forme générale d'un col, le mélange gazeux explosif présentant une densité supérieure à l'air et s'accumulant ainsi en partie basse du canon sans s'échapper par la bouche frontale ouverte.Another device is known as GAZEX. This is described in the document FR 2,636,729 . It includes a closed-bottomed cannon with a front mouth open towards the snowpack. It further comprises a supply circuit for an oxidizing gas and a fuel gas supply circuit, the two gases coming from two separate sources. Nozzles for filling the barrel with these gases are arranged on various zones of the barrel and an ignition device is mounted at the rear of the latter. The explosive gas mixture, consisting for example of propane and oxygen, is formed in the barrel, the explosion being caused by the ignition device. More specifically, the barrel has the general shape of a neck, the explosive gas mixture having a higher density than air and thus accumulating in the lower part of the barrel without escaping through the open front mouth.

Ce dispositif, bien qu'ayant fait preuve d'efficacité, doit être monté de manière fixe dans la zone à risque. Il n'est par conséquent pas transportable facilement, ce qui nécessite le montage d'un dispositif sur chaque zone de tir.This device, although having proved effective, must be mounted in a fixed manner in the risk zone. It is therefore not transportable easily, which requires the mounting of a device on each firing zone.

Le brevet US 4 873 928 décrit un dispositif pour générer une onde de choc par explosion d'un gaz explosif contenu dans un ballon. Le dispositif comprend un ballon expansible, un dispositif de remplissage du ballon par un mélange explosif d'oxygène et d'hydrogène, et un dispositif d'allumage destiné à déclencher l'explosion.The patent US 4,873,928 describes a device for generating a shock wave by exploding an explosive gas contained in a balloon. The device comprises an expandable balloon, a device for filling the balloon with an explosive mixture of oxygen and hydrogen, and an ignition device for triggering the explosion.

Le document EP 1 031 008 décrit un dispositif similaire dans lequel le ballon est simplement fixé sur un support, l'embout tourné vers le bas, de sorte que lors du gonflage, le ballon est dirigé vers le haut.The document EP 1 031 008 describes a similar device in which the balloon is simply fixed on a support, the tip turned downwards, so that during inflation, the ball is directed upwards.

Une grande partie de l'onde de choc générée par l'explosion du ballon est perdue et n'est pas transmise au manteau neigeux, du fait de l'orientation de l'explosion.A large part of the shock wave generated by the explosion of the balloon is lost and is not transmitted to the snowpack, because of the direction of the explosion.

Un tel dispositif ne présente donc pas un résultat optimal. En effet, le ballon étant fixé sur un support et tourné vers le haut, l'explosion est dirigée en majeure partie vers le haut et latéralement, le support présentant un obstacle au déplacement de l'onde entre le ballon et le manteau neigeux. De la même manière que précédemment, ce dispositif de déclenchement à distance n'est pas transportable.Such a device does not present an optimal result. Indeed, the balloon being fixed on a support and turned upwards, the explosion is directed for the most part upwards and laterally, the support presenting an obstacle to the movement of the wave between the balloon and the snowpack. In the same way as above, this remote triggering device is not transportable.

D'autres techniques de déclenchement à distance utilisent des armes militaires. C'est ainsi que le lance-roquette ou le lance-mine est utilisé, essentiellement en Suisse, ou que le canon anti-recul ou le lanceur d'obus LoCAT sont utilisés aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique.Other remote triggering techniques use military weapons. For example, the rocket launcher or the thrower is used, mainly in Switzerland, or the anti-recoil gun or the LoCAT shell thrower is used in the United States of America.

Cependant, certaines législations et en particulier la législation française, interdisent le stockage de charges amorcées, rendant impossible l'utilisation de tels dispositifs.However, some legislations, and in particular French legislation, prohibit the storage of charged charges, making the use of such devices impossible.

Afin de remédier à c es inconvénients, le document WO 2007/096524 propose un dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches transportable dont l'explosion est principalement dirigée vers le manteau neigeux, ne nécessitant ni le transport, ni le stockage d'explosif, et dont l'utilisation est conforme aux différentes législations nationales.In order to remedy these drawbacks, the document WO 2007/096524 proposes a device for triggering transportable avalanches whose explosion is mainly directed towards the snowpack, requiring neither the transport nor the storage of explosive, and whose use is in accordance with the various national legislations.

Celui-ci comprend un châssis équipé de moyens d'accrochage destinés au transport du dispositif, notamment par un hélicoptère à l'aide d'un filin, le châssis comportant, en partie haute, une zone de stockage d'au moins un réservoir de gaz destiné à former un mélange explosif et, en partie basse, un dispositif de support d'une pluralité de ballons élastiques présentant chacun un embout de gonflage tourné vers la partie haute, le corps de chaque ballon s'étendant dans la direction opposée, les ballons étant décalés les uns par rapport aux autres. Ce dispositif comporte en outre des moyens d'amenée du mélange explosif en regard de l'embout de gonflage d'un ballon, une buse d'injection, des moyens d'allumage du mélange explosif, des moyens étant prévus pour amener successivement la buse d'injection et les moyens d'allumage en regard de l'embout de gonflage de chaque ballon.This comprises a chassis equipped with hooking means for transporting the device, in particular by a helicopter using a rope, the chassis comprising, at the top, a storage area of at least one fuel tank. gas intended to form an explosive mixture and, in the lower part, a device for supporting a plurality of elastic balloons each having an inflation nozzle turned towards the upper part, the body of each balloon extending in the opposite direction, the balloons being offset from one another. This device further comprises means for feeding the explosive mixture facing the inflation nozzle of a balloon, an injection nozzle, means for igniting the explosive mixture, means being provided for successively bringing the nozzle injection and ignition means facing the inflation tip of each balloon.

Un tel dispositif est transportable sur différentes zones de tir au-dessus du manteau neigeux, afin de provoquer une avalanche par explosion d'un ballon situé en partie basse du dispositif. L'explosion est ainsi dirigée en majeure partie vers le manteau neigeux.Such a device is transportable on different shooting zones above the snowpack, to cause an avalanche by explosion of a balloon located at the bottom of the device. The explosion is thus directed mostly towards the snowpack.

De plus, ce dispositif ne nécessite pas le transport d'explosifs, le mélange explosif étant crée sur le site avant le tir, ce qui permet de fait de respecter une distance de sécurité.In addition, this device does not require the transport of explosives, the explosive mixture is created on site before firing, which allows to respect a safe distance.

En outre, ce dispositif étant équipé de plusieurs ballons, il est possible de réaliser une série d'explosions, ce qui permet, soit de garantir le déclenchement d'une avalanche en réitérant un premier tir sans effet, soit de pouvoir déclencher plusieurs avalanches dans des zones différentes, sans avoir à recharger le dispositif.In addition, this device being equipped with several balloons, it is possible to perform a series of explosions, which allows either to guarantee the triggering of an avalanche by repeating a first shot without effect, or to be able to trigger several avalanches in different areas, without having to recharge the device.

Toutefois, un tel dispositif présente les inconvénients exposés ci-après.However, such a device has the disadvantages described below.

L'enveloppe permettant de contenir le mélange jusqu'à l'explosion peut poser des problèmes de gonflage ou d'éclatement prématuré.The envelope for containing the mixture until the explosion can cause problems of inflation or premature bursting.

De plus, de tels dispositifs, malgré l'utilisation de plusieurs ballons, nécessitent de recharger fréquemment le système.In addition, such devices, despite the use of several balloons, require frequent recharging of the system.

Les systèmes mécaniques nécessaires au fonctionnement du dispositif sont en outre potentiellement fragiles ou sources de problèmes dans les conditions d'utilisation (froid, givre, ...).The mechanical systems necessary for the operation of the device are also potentially fragile or sources of problems in the conditions of use (cold, frost, ...).

L'invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients précités, en proposant un dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches plus fiable et d'une grande autonomie.The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a more reliable avalanche release device and a large autonomy.

A cet effet, le dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches comporte les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.For this purpose, the avalanche triggering device has the features of claim 1.

Ainsi, en fonctionnement, l'enceinte est progressivement remplie par un mélange explosif de gaz qui a tendance à s'accumuler en partie haute de l'enceinte, du fait de sa densité plus faible que l'air. L'explosion est ensuite obtenue à l'aide des moyens d'allumage et l'expansion des gaz due à l'explosion provoque une onde de choc, cette dernière étant principalement dirigée vers le bas en direction du manteau neigeux.Thus, in operation, the enclosure is gradually filled with an explosive mixture of gas that tends to accumulate in the upper part of the enclosure, because of its lower density than air. The explosion is then obtained using the ignition means and the expansion of the gases due to the explosion causes a shock wave, the latter being mainly directed downwards towards the snowpack.

La fiabilité d'un tel dispositif est augmentée par le fait que son fonctionnement ne nécessite pas de système mécanique complexe ni de ballon destiné à être gonflé avec le mélange explosif gazeux.The reliability of such a device is increased by the fact that its operation does not require a complex mechanical system or balloon intended to be inflated with the explosive gas mixture.

La forme de l'enceinte ainsi que la densité du gaz permettent un confinement du gaz dans l'enceinte pendant une période de temps et dans des proportions relativement importantes, suffisantes pour réaliser l'explosion dans de bonnes conditions et avec un effet important sur le manteau neigeux.The shape of the enclosure as well as the density of the gas allow a confinement of the gas in the enclosure for a period of time and in relatively large proportions, sufficient to achieve the explosion in good conditions and with a significant effect on the snowpack.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le volume de l'enceinte est compris entre 0,5 et 10 m3, préférentiellement de l'ordre de 1 m3.According to one characteristic of the invention, the volume of the chamber is between 0.5 and 10 m 3 , preferably of the order of 1 m 3 .

Avantageusement, les moyens d'allumage comportent au moins une bougie, préférentiellement deux bougies alimentées par un circuit haute tension.Advantageously, the ignition means comprise at least one spark plug, preferably two spark plugs powered by a high voltage circuit.

Préférentiellement, le dispositif comporte des moyens de commande à distance, par exemple des moyens de commande de type radiocommande, conçus pour commander les moyens d'alimentation en gaz et les moyens d'allumage.Preferably, the device comprises remote control means, for example radio control type control means, designed to control the gas supply means and the ignition means.

De manière avantageuse, l'enceinte comporte, au niveau d'une extrémité opposée à son ouverture, une paroi d'extrémité en forme générale de dôme.Advantageously, the enclosure comprises, at an end opposite its opening, a generally dome-shaped end wall.

La forme en dôme augmente la résistance de l'enceinte à l'explosion.The dome shape increases the resistance of the enclosure to the explosion.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif comporte des moyens de suspension, par exemple à un hélicoptère ou des moyens de fixation à une structure fixe.According to one characteristic of the invention, the device comprises suspension means, for example to a helicopter or means for fixing to a fixed structure.

Suivant une forme d'exécution, l'enceinte comporte une réduction de sa section de manière à définir, de haut en bas, une zone convergente et une zone divergente, permettant d'augmenter la vitesse d'éjection des gaz.According to one embodiment, the enclosure comprises a reduction of its section so as to define, from top to bottom, a convergent zone and a divergent zone, making it possible to increase the speed of ejection of the gases.

L'augmentation de la vitesse d'éjection des gaz permet d'augmenter l'impact de l'explosion sur le manteau neigeux.The increase in the speed of ejection of the gases makes it possible to increase the impact of the explosion on the snowpack.

Selon une possibilité de l'invention, les moyens d'alimentation comportent au moins une buse d'injection disposée du côté de l'extrémité de l'enceinte opposée à l'ouverture et orientée en direction de cette extrémité.According to a possibility of the invention, the supply means comprise at least one injection nozzle disposed on the side of the end of the enclosure opposite the opening and oriented toward this end.

Préférentiellement, les moyens d'alimentation en gaz comportent des moyens de stockage d'un gaz comburant, par exemple d'oxygène, et des moyens de stockage d'un gaz combustible, par exemple d'hydrogène.Preferably, the gas supply means comprise means for storing an oxidizing gas, for example oxygen, and means for storing a combustible gas, for example hydrogen.

De cette manière, le dispositif selon l'invention permet le transport de deux gaz qui, lorsqu'ils ne sont pas mélangés, n'ont pas de propriétés explosives, de sorte que les risques liés au transport sont réduits.In this way, the device according to the invention allows the transport of two gases which, when they are not mixed, do not have explosive properties, so that the risks related to transport are reduced.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens d'alimentation en gaz comportent un premier circuit d'alimentation en gaz combustible et un second circuit, distinct du premier, d'alimentation en gaz comburant, débouchant de façon distincte dans l'enceinte, le mélange des deux gaz étant réalisé dans le volume délimité par l'enceinte de confinement de manière à former un mélange explosif gazeux.According to a characteristic of the invention, the gas supply means comprise a first fuel gas supply circuit and a second circuit, distinct from the first, supplying combustion gas, opening distinctly into the enclosure, the mixture of the two gases being produced in the volume defined by the confinement enclosure so as to form an explosive gas mixture.

L'alimentation séparée des deux gaz permet de simplifier le circuit d'alimentation en évitant de réaliser une chambre de mélange distincte avant insertion dans l'enceinte. Selon la caractéristique précitée, le mélange de gaz est ainsi réalisé directement dans le volume de l'enceinte. En outre, cette indépendance des circuits d'alimentation permet de pouvoir générer le mélange de gaz voulu, de préférence proche de la stoechiométrie, en fonction notamment des caractéristiques du tir à effectuer.The separate supply of the two gases makes it possible to simplify the supply circuit by avoiding producing a separate mixing chamber before insertion into the enclosure. According to the aforementioned characteristic, the gas mixture is thus produced directly in the volume of the enclosure. In addition, this independence of the supply circuits makes it possible to generate the desired gas mixture, preferably close to the stoichiometry, depending in particular on the characteristics of the shot to be made.

Avantageusement, les moyens de stockage du gaz combustible et les moyens de stockage du gaz comburant sont respectivement reliés à une première et une seconde buses d'injection par l'intermédiaire d'une première et d'une seconde conduites d'alimentation comprenant chacune, de l'amont vers l'aval, au moins un détendeur, au moins une électrovanne et au moins un clapet anti-retour.Advantageously, the fuel gas storage means and the combustion gas storage means are respectively connected to a first and a second injection nozzle via a first and a second supply pipe each comprising, from upstream to downstream, at least one expander, at least one solenoid valve and at least one nonreturn valve.

Chaque conduite d'alimentation est donc équipée de moyens de commande distincts, formés par les électrovannes. Les détendeurs peuvent être réglés à une pression déterminée, fonction de la vitesse souhaitée de remplissage de l'enceinte par le mélange explosif gazeux. L'alimentation en gaz à haute pression permet de diminuer le temps de remplissage du dispositif avant explosion. Le clapet anti-retour permet d'éviter un éventuel retour de flamme dans la canalisation correspondante.Each supply line is therefore equipped with separate control means, formed by the solenoid valves. The regulators can be adjusted to a determined pressure, depending on the desired speed of filling the chamber with the explosive gas mixture. The high pressure gas supply makes it possible to reduce the filling time of the device before explosion. The non-return valve makes it possible to avoid a possible return of flame in the corresponding pipe.

Selon une possibilité de l'invention, au moins une des conduites d'alimentation comporte deux détendeurs.According to a possibility of the invention, at least one of the supply lines comprises two expander.

L'utilisation de deux détendeurs permet de mieux contrôler la pression d'injection du gaz correspondant dans le volume de l'enceinte.The use of two regulators makes it possible to better control the injection pressure of the corresponding gas in the volume of the enclosure.

De manière avantageuse, au moins une des conduites d'alimentation, préférentiellement la première conduite d'alimentation, destinée au gaz combustible tel que l'hydrogène, comporte deux électrovannes.Advantageously, at least one of the supply lines, preferably the first supply line for the fuel gas such as hydrogen, comprises two solenoid valves.

La présence de deux électrovannes permet d'augmenter la sécurité du dispositif.The presence of two solenoid valves increases the safety of the device.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, au moins une des conduites d'alimentation comporte au moins un orifice calibré disposé entre le détendeur et l'électrovanne correspondante.According to a feature of the invention, at least one of the supply lines comprises at least one calibrated orifice disposed between the expander and the corresponding solenoid valve.

Avantageusement, le dispositif comporte un capteur de pression conçu pour détecter la pression des moyens de stockage d'au moins un gaz.Advantageously, the device comprises a pressure sensor designed to detect the pressure of the means for storing at least one gas.

Selon une possibilité de l'invention, les moyens d'alimentation sont conçus pour pouvoir commander l'alimentation de l'enceinte avec du seul gaz comburant, de manière à saturer l'enceinte en gaz comburant.According to a possibility of the invention, the supply means are designed to be able to control the supply of the enclosure with only oxidizing gas, so as to saturate the enclosure with oxidizing gas.

De cette manière, l'enceinte peut être remplie par un mélange gazeux non explosif, saturé en gaz comburant, par exemple en oxygène, de manière à sécuriser ou neutraliser le dispositif lorsque l'enceinte à été remplie et que la procédure est interrompue avant explosion.In this way, the chamber may be filled with a non-explosive gas mixture, saturated with oxidizing gas, for example oxygen, so as to secure or neutralize the device when the chamber has been filled and the procedure is interrupted before explosion .

Préférentiellement, les moyens de stockage des gaz comportent une pluralité de bouteilles montées de manière régulièrement répartie en périphérie de l'enceinte.Preferably, the gas storage means comprise a plurality of bottles mounted regularly distributed around the periphery of the enclosure.

De manière avantageuse, le dispositif comporte des moyens de mesure conçus pour déterminer la distance entre le dispositif et le sol.Advantageously, the device comprises measuring means designed to determine the distance between the device and the ground.

Un opérateur peut ainsi positionner le dispositif à une distance convenable du sol, de manière à augmenter l'efficacité du tir.An operator can thus position the device at a suitable distance from the ground, so as to increase the effectiveness of the shot.

Une distance préférentielle est de l'ordre de 1 à 8 mètres. Il est possible d'asservir les moyens de commande de l'allumage de l'explosion à ce dispositif de mesure de la distance de l'enceinte par rapport au sol, pour ne permettre l'allumage que lorsque l'enceinte est à une distance du sol située dans un intervalle déterminé.A preferred distance is of the order of 1 to 8 meters. It is possible to slave the ignition control means of the explosion to this device for measuring the distance of the chamber from the ground, to allow ignition only when the speaker is at a distance soil within a specified range.

Selon une variante de réalisation, le dispositif comporte au moins un volet mobile entre une première position dans laquelle l'ouverture de l'enceinte est obstruée par le volet, au moins en partie, et une seconde position dans laquelle le volet est écarté de l'ouverture de l'enceinte.According to an alternative embodiment, the device comprises at least one movable flap between a first position in which the opening of the enclosure is obstructed by the flap, at least in part, and a second position in which the flap is separated from the flap. opening of the enclosure.

Le volet permet de limiter les rejets de mélange explosif gazeux hors de l'enceinte. La présence d'un tel volet reste bien entendu optionnelle, étant donné que la forme de l'enceinte permet à elle seule de garantir une telle fonction de confinement.The flap makes it possible to limit the discharges of gaseous explosive mixture out of the enclosure. The presence of such a flap is of course optional, since the shape of the enclosure alone can guarantee such a containment function.

De toute façon, l'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit, en référence au dessin schématique annexé représentant, à titre d'exemples, plusieurs formes d'exécution de ce dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanche.

  • Figure 1 est une vue d'un hélicoptère équipé d'un dispositif selon l'invention ;
  • Figure 2 est une vue en perspective, de face, d'une première forme de réalisation de ce dispositif ;
  • Figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale à échelle agrandie d'une enceinte de ce dispositif ;
  • Figure 4 en est une vue en perspective, de l'arrière ;
  • Figure 5 est une représentation schématique des moyens d'alimentation de ce dispositif ;
  • Figure 6 et 7 sont des vues correspondant à la figure 3, respectivement d'une seconde et d'une troisième formes de réalisation d'une enceinte ;
  • Figure 8 est une vue schématique de l'ensemble du dispositif avec une enceinte telle que représentée à la figure 6.
In any case, the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the attached schematic drawing showing, by way of examples, several embodiments of this avalanche triggering device.
  • Figure 1 is a view of a helicopter equipped with a device according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view, from the front, of a first embodiment of this device;
  • Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on an enlarged scale of an enclosure of this device;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view from the back;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the supply means of this device;
  • Figure 6 and 7 are views corresponding to the figure 3 respectively a second and a third embodiment of an enclosure;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of the entire device with an enclosure as shown in FIG. figure 6 .

La figure 1 représente un hélicoptère 1 relié à un dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches 2 selon l'invention par l'intermédiaire d'une élingue 3.The figure 1 represents a helicopter 1 connected to an avalanche triggering device 2 according to the invention by means of a sling 3.

Une première forme de réalisation de ce dispositif est représentée aux figures 2 à 4.A first embodiment of this device is shown in Figures 2 to 4 .

Dans cette forme de réalisation, le dispositif 2 comporte une enceinte 4 de confinement d'un mélange explosif gazeux de forme générale tronconique et réalisée en acier, comportant une première extrémité 5 tournée vers le bas, c'est-à-dire en direction du manteau neigeux, présentant une ouverture 6, et une seconde extrémité 7 opposée à la première, comportant une paroi d'extrémité 8 bombée ou en forme générale de dôme.In this embodiment, the device 2 comprises an enclosure 4 for containing a gaseous explosive mixture of generally frustoconical shape and made of steel, having a first end 5 facing downwards, that is to say in the direction of the snowpack, having an opening 6, and a second end 7 opposite to the first, having an end wall 8 convex or generally domed.

La paroi 8 est équipée de moyens d'accrochage 9 reliés à l'élingue 3 et est fixée de manière amovible ou non à la paroi tronconique 11 de l'enceinte 4.The wall 8 is equipped with hooking means 9 connected to the sling 3 and is fixed detachably or not to the frustoconical wall 11 of the enclosure 4.

Comme cela est mieux représenté à la figure 3, l'enceinte 4 comporte également une réduction de sa section de manière à définir, de haut en bas, une zone convergente 12 et une zone divergente 13, permettant d'augmenter la vitesse d'éjection des gaz.As is best represented in the figure 3 the enclosure 4 also comprises a reduction of its section so as to define, from top to bottom, a converging zone 12 and a diverging zone 13, making it possible to increase the speed of ejection of the gases.

L'enceinte 4 présente un volume interne compris entre 0,5 et 10 m3, préférentiellement de l'ordre de 1 m3.The chamber 4 has an internal volume of between 0.5 and 10 m 3 , preferably of the order of 1 m 3 .

L'enceinte 4 est en outre équipée de deux buses d'alimentation 15, 16, disposées du côté de l'extrémité fermée 7 de l'enceinte 4 et orientées vers le haut, c'est-à-dire en direction de la paroi 8. Les buses d'alimentation 15, 16 sont disposées de manière symétrique par rapport au plan médian longitudinal P de l'enceinte 4.The enclosure 4 is furthermore equipped with two supply nozzles 15, 16, arranged on the closed end 7 of the enclosure 4 and facing towards the the top, that is to say in the direction of the wall 8. The supply nozzles 15, 16 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane P of the enclosure 4.

L'enceinte 4 est en outre équipée de deux bougies 14 disposées au niveau de la paroi 8, de manière symétrique par rapport au plan médian longitudinal P de l'enceinte, et aptes à fournir une étincelle à l'intérieur de celle-ci. Les bougies 14 sont chacune alimentées par un circuit haute tension non représenté.The enclosure 4 is further equipped with two spark plugs 14 disposed at the wall 8, symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane P of the enclosure, and able to provide a spark inside thereof. The candles 14 are each powered by a high voltage circuit not shown.

Comme cela apparaît à la figure 2, le dispositif comporte trois bouteilles 17, 18, 19 d'une contenance de 50 L et d'une pression de 200 bars chacune. Les bouteilles sont régulièrement réparties et fixées sur la paroi externe de l'enceinte 4 par l'intermédiaire d'un support approprié. De plus, chaque bouteille 17, 18, 19 est reliée, au niveau de sa zone supérieure, à l'enceinte 4 par un câble de rétention destiné à maintenir la bouteille en cas de rupture des éléments de fixation précités et/ou d'une erreur de fixation par un opérateur. Ces câbles sont surdimensionnés de manière à pouvoir retenir l'éjection des bouteilles en cas d'accident.As it appears in figure 2 , the device comprises three bottles 17, 18, 19 with a capacity of 50 L and a pressure of 200 bars each. The bottles are regularly distributed and fixed on the outer wall of the enclosure 4 by means of a suitable support. In addition, each bottle 17, 18, 19 is connected, at its upper zone, to the chamber 4 by a retention cable for holding the bottle in case of breakage of the aforementioned fixing elements and / or a fixing error by an operator. These cables are oversized so that the bottles can be ejected in the event of an accident.

Une première et une seconde bouteilles contiennent de l'hydrogène, une troisième bouteille contenant de l'oxygène. Des capots 20 recouvrent les zones de l'enceinte situées entre les bouteilles et sont fixés à l'enceinte. Les capots 20 visent à protéger des équipements électriques ou pneumatiques et à favoriser l'aérodynamique de l'ensemble.First and second bottles contain hydrogen, a third bottle contains oxygen. Hoods 20 cover the areas of the enclosure located between the bottles and are fixed to the enclosure. The covers 20 are intended to protect electrical or pneumatic equipment and to promote the aerodynamics of the assembly.

Une jupe de protection 54 est en outre disposée au niveau de l'extrémité ouverte 5 de l'enceinte 4. La jupe 54 est de forme tronconique et s'évase en direction du bas. Cette jupe 54 permet d'éviter que le gaz contenu dans l'enceinte soit aspiré vers l'extérieur par les vents crées par l'hélicoptère 1. L'extrémité libre tournée vers le bas de la jupe est équipée d'un arceau de protection 55.A protective skirt 54 is also disposed at the open end 5 of the enclosure 4. The skirt 54 is frustoconical in shape and flares downwardly. This skirt 54 makes it possible to prevent the gas contained in the enclosure from being sucked out by the winds created by the helicopter 1. The free end turned towards the bottom of the skirt is equipped with a roll bar 55.

En outre, le dispositif est équipé de moyens de mesure conçus pour déterminer la distance entre le dispositif et le sol. Les moyens de mesure comportent un télémètre laser 56 (voir figure 4), disposé sur la paroi externe de l'enceinte 4 et situé en regard d'une ouverte 57 ménagée dans la jupe 54 et permettant la mesure. Il est à noter que les capots 20 n'ont pas été représentés à la figure 4, pour des raisons de lisibilité du dessin.In addition, the device is equipped with measuring means designed to determine the distance between the device and the ground. The measuring means comprise a laser rangefinder 56 (see figure 4 ), disposed on the outer wall of the enclosure 4 and located opposite an open 57 formed in the skirt 54 and allowing the measurement. It should be noted that the covers 20 have not been represented at the figure 4 , for reasons of readability of the drawing.

Comme cela est représenté à la figure 5, une première buse d'injection 15 est reliée aux bouteilles d'hydrogène 17, 18 par l'intermédiaire d'une première conduite d'alimentation 21 comprenant, de l'amont vers l'aval, c'est-à-dire des bouteilles 17, 18 vers la première buse d'injection 15, un capteur de pression 22, un premier détendeur 23, un second détendeur 24, un orifice calibré 25, une première électrovanne 26, une seconde électrovanne 27 et un clapet anti-retour 28.As shown in figure 5 a first injection nozzle 15 is connected to the hydrogen bottles 17, 18 via a first supply line 21 comprising, from upstream to downstream, that is to say bottles 17, 18 to the first injection nozzle 15, a pressure sensor 22, a first expander 23, a second expander 24, a calibrated orifice 25, a first solenoid valve 26, a second solenoid valve 27 and a nonreturn valve 28.

Les bouteilles 17, 18 sont reliées en parallèles et sont raccordées à la conduite correspondante 21 par l'intermédiaire d'une lyre souple haute pression équipée d'un câble anti-fouet.The bottles 17, 18 are connected in parallel and are connected to the corresponding pipe 21 by means of a high-pressure flexible lyre equipped with an anti-whip cable.

Une seconde buse d'injection 16 est reliée à la bouteille d'oxygène 19 par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite d'alimentation 29 comprenant, de l'amont vers l'aval, c'est-à-dire de la bouteille vers la seconde buse d'injection, un capteur de pression 30, un premier détendeur 31, un second détendeur 32, un orifice calibré 33, une électrovanne 34 et un clapet anti-retour 35.A second injection nozzle 16 is connected to the oxygen cylinder 19 via a supply line 29 comprising, from upstream to downstream, that is to say from the bottle to the second injection nozzle, a pressure sensor 30, a first expander 31, a second expander 32, a calibrated orifice 33, a solenoid valve 34 and a nonreturn valve 35.

Pour chaque conduite 21, 29, les électrovannes 26, 27, 34 sont fermées à l'état de repos et sont situées au plus près des détendeurs 24, 32.For each pipe 21, 29, the solenoid valves 26, 27, 34 are closed in the idle state and are located closest to the regulators 24, 32.

L'utilisation de deux détendeurs et le passage par un orifice calibré permettent de maîtriser le débit de l'alimentation et d'assurer les proportions injectées en hydrogène et en oxygène dans l'enceinte 4, le mélange de ces gaz étant proche de la stoechiométrie et ce, quelle que soit la pression dans la ou les bouteilles correspondantes. Les détendeurs 23, 24, 31, 32 sont préréglés. Plus particulièrement, les détendeurs sont réglés à une pression suffisante pour assurer un remplissage de l'enceinte 4 avec un temps de remplissage le plus court possible, préférentiellement de l'ordre de 7 secondes.The use of two regulators and the passage through a calibrated orifice allow to control the flow of the feed and ensure the injected proportions of hydrogen and oxygen in the chamber 4, the mixture of these gases being close to stoichiometry whatever the pressure in the corresponding bottle or bottles. Regulators 23, 24, 31, 32 are preset. More particularly, the regulators are set to a pressure sufficient to ensure a filling of the chamber 4 with a shortest filling time possible, preferably of the order of 7 seconds.

Les clapets anti-retour 28, 35 sont des clapets à disque en acier inox et permettent d'éviter un éventuel retour de flamme dans les conduites 21, 29. Les clapets anti-retour 28, 35 sont positionnés au plus près des buses 15, 16 situées sur l'enceinte 4.The nonreturn valves 28, 35 are stainless steel disc valves and make it possible to avoid possible backfire in the lines 21, 29. The nonreturn valves 28, 35 are positioned closer to the nozzles 15, 16 located on the enclosure 4.

L'ensemble des canalisations 21, 29 est réalisé dans un matériau ignifugé.All the pipes 21, 29 is made of fireproof material.

La commande des bougies 14 et des électrovannes 26, 27, 34 est effectuée de manière radiocommandée et automatique par un opérateur situé à distance. Plus particulièrement, l'opérateur utilise une télécommande ou un pupitre radiocommandé 58, coopérant avec des moyens de réception logés dans un boitier 59 monté sur l'enceinte 4. Des moyens de commande additionnels 60 sont montés directement sur l'enceinte 4.The control of the candles 14 and solenoid valves 26, 27, 34 is performed radially and automatically by a remote operator. More particularly, the operator uses a remote control or a radio-controlled console 58, cooperating with reception means housed in a housing 59 mounted on the enclosure 4. Additional control means 60 are mounted directly on the enclosure 4.

Les capteurs de pression 22, 30 permettent de détecter l'état des réserves en oxygène et en hydrogène, les moyens de commande étant aptes à transformer cette l'information en un signal visible par l'opérateur.The pressure sensors 22, 30 make it possible to detect the state of the oxygen and hydrogen reserves, the control means being able to transform this information into a signal visible to the operator.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif va maintenant être décrit plus en détail.The operation of the device will now be described in more detail.

Lors d'une séquence de tir, l'hélicoptère positionne tout d'abord le dispositif de déclenchement d'avalanches 2 dans la zone voulue, à une distance prédéterminée du sol, à l'aide des moyens de mesure.During a firing sequence, the helicopter first positions the avalanche triggering device 2 in the desired zone, at a predetermined distance from the ground, using the measuring means.

L'opérateur, doté d'une télécommande présentant deux boutons de manière à éviter les risques de déclenchement intempestif, appuie simultanément et de manière continue sur les deux boutons.The operator, equipped with a remote control with two buttons so as to avoid the risk of inadvertent tripping, simultaneously and continuously presses the two buttons.

Les moyens de commande ouvrent alors les électrovannes 26, 27, 34 afin d'effectuer le remplissage de l'enceinte 4 et donc le mélange du gaz. La densité du mélange explosif gazeux étant inférieur à celle de l'air, celui-ci a tendance à remonter en direction de l'extrémité fermée 7 de l'enceinte. Le volume du mélange explosif gazeux délivré lors du remplissage est inférieur au volume de l'enceinte. Ceci permet de limiter les débordements de mélange explosif gazeux lors du remplissage de l'enceinte 4.The control means then open the solenoid valves 26, 27, 34 in order to fill the chamber 4 and thus the gas mixture. Since the density of the explosive gas mixture is lower than that of air, the latter tends to rise toward the closed end 7 of the enclosure. The volume of the explosive gas mixture delivered during filling is less than the volume of the enclosure. This makes it possible to limit the overflows of gaseous explosive mixture during the filling of the enclosure 4.

L'allumage du gaz par les bougies 14 suit automatiquement l'étape de remplissage et est commandé par les moyens de commande sans intervention de l'opérateur. On parle ainsi de procédure de tir semi-automatique.The ignition of the gas by the candles 14 automatically follows the filling step and is controlled by the control means without intervention of the operator. This is called the semi-automatic firing procedure.

Les moyens de commande sont également conçus de manière à accepter d'éventuelles microcoupures du signal, par exemple dues à une perte momentanée des ondes radio, sans influence sur la procédure de tir.The control means are also designed to accept possible microswitching of the signal, for example due to a momentary loss of radio waves, without influence on the shooting procedure.

En cas de relâchement d'au moins un bouton avant le tir, ce qui privilégie un arrêt réflexe en cas de problème éventuel, les moyens de commande suspendent automatiquement la procédure de tir en cours tout en maintenant un message d'alerte visible par l'opérateur. Dans ce cas, et dans une limite de délai de 30 secondes, le prochain appui continu et simultané de l'opérateur sur les deux boutons termine automatiquement la procédure de tir interrompue, c'est-à-dire que les moyens de commande procèdent au complément de remplissage puis à l'allumage.In case of release of at least one button before firing, which favors a reflex stop in case of possible problem, the control means automatically suspend the current shooting procedure while maintaining an alert message visible by the operator. In this case, and within a time limit of 30 seconds, the next continuous and simultaneous pressing of the operator on the two buttons automatically terminates the interrupted shooting procedure, that is to say that the control means proceeds to filling complement and ignition.

Par ailleurs, les moyens de commande présentent une commande annexe de sécurisation permettant, si l'opérateur souhaite évacuer le mélange explosif gazeux contenu dans l'enceinte, de procéder au remplissage de l'enceinte par de l'oxygène uniquement, et ce pendant une période de l'ordre de 30 secondes, de manière à garantir la saturation de l'enceinte 4 en oxygène, puis de brûler les résidus de gaz combustible contenus dans l'enceinte par allumage automatique des bougies 14.Furthermore, the control means have a subsidiary control for securing, if the operator wishes to evacuate the gaseous explosive mixture contained in the enclosure, to proceed with the filling of the enclosure by oxygen only, and for a period of the order of 30 seconds, so as to ensure the saturation of the chamber 4 oxygen, then burn the fuel gas residues contained in the enclosure by automatic ignition of the candles 14.

Dans le cas où le capteur de pression 30 associé à la bouteille d'oxygène 19 détecte une réserve d'oxygène trop faible pour pouvoir effectuer la procédure de sécurisation précitée, les moyens de commande empêchent tout nouveau tir.In the case where the pressure sensor 30 associated with the oxygen cylinder 19 detects an oxygen reserve that is too small to be able to carry out the aforementioned security procedure, the control means prevent any new firing.

En outre, en cas de procédure de tir non complète, les moyens de commande incitent par un dispositif d'alerte à une sécurisation du type précité de l'enceinte.In addition, in the event of a non-exhaustive firing procedure, the control means incite by an alarm device to secure the aforementioned type of enclosure.

D'autres formes de réalisation sont représentées aux figures 6 à 8. Les références utilisées précédemment sont reprises pour désigner des éléments ayant la même fonction.Other embodiments are shown in Figures 6 to 8 . The references used previously are repeated to designate elements having the same function.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée à la figure 6, l'enceinte 4 présente une forme générale de cloche délimitant un volume interne de l'ordre de 1 m3. Plus précisément, l'enceinte comporte une paroi de forme tronconique 11 ainsi qu'une paroi d'extrémité 8. L'alimentation est réalisée en un seul point de l'enceinte, par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord 36 à deux branches 37, 38 sur lesquelles sont raccordées les conduites d'alimentation en oxygène et en hydrogène 21, 29.In the embodiment shown in figure 6 , the enclosure 4 has a general bell shape delimiting an internal volume of the order of 1 m 3 . More specifically, the enclosure comprises a frustoconical wall 11 and an end wall 8. The supply is made at a single point of the enclosure, via a connection 36 with two branches 37 , 38 on which are connected the oxygen and hydrogen supply lines 21, 29.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation représentée à la figure 7, l'enceinte 4 est surmontée d'un élément tubulaire 39 présentant une paroi d'extrémité 40 à une extrémité 41 et débouchant dans l'enceinte à l'autre extrémité 42. Le raccord 36 à deux branches est relié à l'élément tubulaire 39, ce dernier étant équipé des bougies 14 (non représentées sur cette figure).According to another embodiment shown in figure 7 , the enclosure 4 is surmounted by a tubular element 39 having an end wall 40 at one end 41 and opening into the enclosure at the other end 42. The connection 36 with two branches is connected to the tubular element 39, the latter being equipped with candles 14 (not shown in this figure).

L'élément tubulaire 39 permet de créer une chambre 43, située en amont de l'enceinte 4, dans laquelle est réalisée l'injection des gaz ainsi que l'allumage. Une telle chambre 43 permet de limiter l'ampleur des turbulences générées par le remplissage et les débordements potentiels en réalisant une injection dans un volume réduit. Celle-ci permet en outre de mieux contenir le mélange explosif gazeux, plus léger que l'air, proche des bougies d'allumage 14, tout en étant moins sensible aux turbulences extérieures car cette chambre est éloignée de l'ouverture 6 de l'enceinte 4.The tubular element 39 makes it possible to create a chamber 43 located upstream of the enclosure 4, in which the gas injection is performed as well as the ignition. Such a chamber 43 limits the magnitude of the turbulence generated by the filling and the potential overflows by performing an injection in a reduced volume. It also makes it possible to better contain the gaseous explosive mixture, lighter than air, close to the spark plugs 14, while being less sensitive to external turbulence because this chamber is far from the opening 6 of the pregnant 4.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, l'enceinte est équipée de volets mobiles 44, 45 visant à obstruer, au moins partiellement, l'ouverture 6 de l'enceinte 4 lors de la phase de remplissage. Cette variante de réalisation est représenté à la figure 8 en combinaison avec une enceinte 4 du type de celle exposé à la figure 6 mais peut être appliquée à tout type d'enceinte.According to another embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is equipped with movable flaps 44, 45 for obstructing, at least partially, the opening 6 of the chamber 4 during the filling phase. This variant embodiment is represented at figure 8 in combination with an enclosure 4 of the type of that exposed to the figure 6 but can be applied to any type of speaker.

Comme représenté à la figure 8, l'enceinte 4 est équipée d'un premier et d'un second volets 44, 45 agencés de manière symétrique rapport au plan médian longitudinal de l'enceinte, les volets étant articulés sur des bras 46. Le mouvement de chaque volet 44, 45 est actionné par un actionneur rotatif 47 de type simple effet, alimenté par un gaz neutre, par exemple de l'argon. Plus particulièrement, une bouteille de gaz neutre 48 d'une contenance de 20 litres à 200 bars est raccordée à une conduite d'alimentation 49 équipée d'un manomètre 50 en aval duquel s'étendent une première et une seconde conduites d'alimentation 51, 52 raccordées respectivement à chacun des actionneurs rotatifs 47 par l'intermédiaire d'un distributeur 53.As represented in figure 8 , the enclosure 4 is equipped with first and second flaps 44, 45 arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the enclosure, the flaps being articulated on arms 46. The movement of each flap 44, 45 is actuated by a rotary actuator 47 of the single-acting type, powered by a neutral gas, for example argon. More particularly, a bottle of neutral gas 48 having a capacity of 20 liters at 200 bar is connected to a supply line 49 equipped with a manometer 50 downstream of which first and second supply lines 51 extend. , 52 respectively connected to each of the rotary actuators 47 via a distributor 53.

Les distributeurs 53, et donc les volets 44, 45, sont actionnés par les moyens de commande précités, soit au cours d'une séquence semi-automatique, soit de façon indépendante par l'opérateur.The distributors 53, and therefore the flaps 44, 45, are actuated by the aforementioned control means, either during a semi-automatic sequence, or independently by the operator.

Les volets 44, 45 sont ainsi mobiles entre une première position dans laquelle ils obstruent partiellement l'ouverture 6 de l'enceinte 4 de manière à limiter les fuites de mélange explosif gazeux vers l'extérieur et une seconde position, dans laquelle ils sont écartés de l'ouverture 6, de manière à ne pas perturber les gaz éjectés lors de l'explosion.The flaps 44, 45 are thus movable between a first position in which they partially obstruct the opening 6 of the chamber 4 so as to limit the leakage of gaseous explosive mixture to the outside and a second position, in which they are spaced apart. of the opening 6, so as not to disturb the gas ejected during the explosion.

Claims (19)

  1. A device (2) for triggering avalanches, including:
    - at least one enclosure (4), having an opening (6) turned downward, equipped with gas supply means (15, 16), designed to at least partially fill the volume delimited by the enclosure (4) with an explosive gaseous mixture,
    - means (14) for igniting said mixture, positioned on the side of the end (7) of the enclosure (4) across from the opening (6),
    characterized in that:
    - the gaseous mixture has a density lower than that of the air; and
    - the enclosure (4) is generally bell-shaped or tapered, with a substantially vertical axis, and is provided to confine the explosive gaseous mixture.
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the enclosure (4) is comprised between 0.5 and 10 m3, preferably approximately 1 m3.
  3. The device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition means include at least one spark plug (14), preferably two spark plugs powered by a high-voltage circuit.
  4. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes remote control means, for example control means of radio control type, designed to control the gas supply means (36, 27, 64) and the ignition means (14).
  5. The device according to one of said claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the enclosure (4) includes, at one end (7) across from its opening (6), a generally dome-shaped end wall (8).
  6. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it includes suspension means (3), for example for being suspended from a helicopter or means for being fastened to a stationary structure.
  7. The device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the enclosure (4) includes a reduced section so as to define, from top to bottom, a convergent area and a divergent area, making it possible to increase the discharge speed of the gases.
  8. The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the supply means include at least one injection nozzle (15, 16) positioned on the side of the end (7) of the enclosure across from the opening (6) and oriented toward that end (7).
  9. The device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gas supply means include means for storing an oxidizing gas (19), for example oxygen, and means for storing a combustible gas (17, 18), for example hydrogen.
  10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the gas supply means include a first supply circuit (21) supplying combustible gas and a second circuit (29), separate from the first, supplying oxidizing gas, emerging separately in the enclosure, the mixing of the two gases being done in the volume delimited by the confinement enclosure (4) so as to form an explosive gaseous mixture.
  11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the storage means for the combustible gas (17, 18) and the storage means for the oxidizing gas (19) are respectively connected to first and second injection nozzles (15, 16) by means of first and second supply ducts (21) each comprising, from upstream to downstream, at least one expander (23, 24, 31, 32), at least one solenoid valve (26, 27, 34) and at least one check valve (28, 35).
  12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the supply ducts (21, 29) includes two expanders (23, 24, 31, 32).
  13. The device according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that at least one of the supply ducts, preferably the first supply duct (21), intended for the combustible gases such as hydrogen, includes two solenoid valves (26, 27).
  14. The device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that at least one of the supply ducts (21, 29) includes at least one calibrated orifice (25, 33) positioned between the expander (23, 24, 31, 32) and the corresponding solenoid valve (26, 27, 34).
  15. The device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it includes a pressure sensor (22, 30) designed to detect the pressure of the storage means (17, 18, 19) for storing at least one gas.
  16. The device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the supply means are designed to be able to control the supply of the enclosure (4) with only the oxidizing gas, so as to be able to saturate the enclosure with oxidizing gas.
  17. The device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the storage means for the gases include a plurality of bottles (17, 18, 19) mounted regularly distributed on the periphery of the enclosure (4).
  18. The device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it includes measuring means designed to determine the distance between the device and the ground.
  19. The device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it includes at least one movable flap (44, 45) able to move between a first position in which the opening (6) of the enclosure (4) is closed off by the flap (44, 45), at least partially, and a second position in which the flap (44, 45) is separated from the opening (6) of the enclosure (4).
EP08865406.6A 2007-12-14 2008-12-09 Avalanche triggering system Active EP2220454B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0708734A FR2925152B1 (en) 2007-12-14 2007-12-14 DEVICE FOR TRIGGERING AVALANCHES
PCT/FR2008/052254 WO2009080977A2 (en) 2007-12-14 2008-12-09 Avalanche triggering system

Publications (2)

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EP2220454A2 EP2220454A2 (en) 2010-08-25
EP2220454B1 true EP2220454B1 (en) 2013-09-25

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EP08865406.6A Active EP2220454B1 (en) 2007-12-14 2008-12-09 Avalanche triggering system

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US (1) US8430032B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2220454B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2011506898A (en)
CA (1) CA2707034C (en)
ES (1) ES2440540T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2925152B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2486462C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2009080977A2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2897931B1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2008-05-09 Technologie Alpine De Securite AVALANCHE RELEASE DEVICE
FR2953922B1 (en) * 2009-12-10 2011-12-09 Technologie Alpine De Securite Tas DEVICE FOR TRIGGERING AVALANCHES
FR2958739B1 (en) 2010-04-09 2012-05-11 Technologie Alpine De Securite Tas AVALANCHE RELEASE DEVICE
US9347756B2 (en) * 2010-04-26 2016-05-24 Gavin Washburn Non explosive process and device for triggering an avalanche
FR2964732B1 (en) * 2010-09-14 2013-06-14 Alp Artifices PROJECTILE FOR AVALANCHE TRAPPING
RU2471141C1 (en) * 2011-05-04 2012-12-27 Государственное Учреждение "Высокогорный Геофизический Институт" (Гу Вги) Aviation anti-avalanche system
US11333474B2 (en) * 2016-08-07 2022-05-17 Explosive Alternatives, Inc. Apparatus and method for blasting
US20220212791A1 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-07-07 Höhenarbeit Gmbh Device and method for blasting avalanches
FR3101940B1 (en) * 2019-10-10 2021-10-15 Tech Alpine De Securite Tas Avalanche trigger system
FR3117581B1 (en) * 2020-12-15 2022-11-25 Patrice Margueron Device for generating a shock wave

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US4873928A (en) 1987-06-15 1989-10-17 Apti, Inc. Nuclear-sized explosions without radiation
FR2636729B1 (en) 1988-09-19 1990-12-07 Schippers Jacob METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRIGGERING AN AVALANCHE
AR245818A1 (en) * 1988-03-03 1994-02-28 Schippers Jacob Process and device for triggering an avalanche
RU2107889C1 (en) * 1996-08-08 1998-03-27 Российский федеральный ядерный центр - Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт технической физики Method of demolition of structures and arrangement for its realization
FR2765320B1 (en) * 1997-06-26 1999-09-17 Jacob Schippers DEVICE FOR CAUSING BREAKAGE OF A SNOW CORNICE
FR2765321B1 (en) * 1997-06-26 1999-09-17 Technologie Alpine De Securite DEVICE FOR TRIGGERING AN AVALANCHE
FR2771168B1 (en) 1997-11-17 1999-12-10 Commissariat Energie Atomique METHOD OF ARTIFICIAL TRIGGERING OF AN AVALANCHE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
DE10125863A1 (en) * 2001-05-25 2002-11-28 Air Liquide Gmbh Commercial gas flow production involves taking mixed gas from buffer, and compensating for deviations in flow from surplus gas flow, to maintain constant mixture ratio
US7707938B2 (en) * 2005-05-16 2010-05-04 Hisel Stanley D Apparatus and method for avalanche control
FR2897931B1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2008-05-09 Technologie Alpine De Securite AVALANCHE RELEASE DEVICE

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CA2707034A1 (en) 2009-07-02
JP2011506898A (en) 2011-03-03
RU2010128249A (en) 2012-01-20
CA2707034C (en) 2016-05-31
US20110139029A1 (en) 2011-06-16
EP2220454A2 (en) 2010-08-25
WO2009080977A2 (en) 2009-07-02
FR2925152A1 (en) 2009-06-19
US8430032B2 (en) 2013-04-30
WO2009080977A3 (en) 2009-09-03
RU2486462C2 (en) 2013-06-27
ES2440540T3 (en) 2014-01-29
FR2925152B1 (en) 2013-06-28

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