FR2988812A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING CATALYTIC COMBUSTION INFRARED RADIATION, AND CONTROL MODULE FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A DEVICE IN SUCH A METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

This device (2) comprises: - outer walls (4.1-4.5) sealed and arranged to define a receptacle (6) and to define at least one main opening (8); a catalytic support (10) substantially covering the main opening (8) and having a plurality of outlet orifices (11) for the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas; and means for supplying the receptacle (6) with fuel gas. The device (2) further comprises internal walls (12) sealed that divide the receptacle (6) into several compartments (6.1-6.9). The supply means comprise a plurality of insertion orifices (14) passing through the outer wall (4.1-4.5) opposite to the main opening (8). Each compartment (6.1-6.9) is in gas communication with at least one introduction port (14).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion. In addition, the present invention relates to a control module for controlling a device according to the invention according to a method according to the invention. The present invention finds particular application in the field of the emission of infrared radiation, because a device according to the invention makes it possible to form a radiant source of large area. In particular, the present invention finds application in the field of the repair, by reconstruction or reconstruction, of an object or piece of composite material whose surface or thickness has a defect to repair. In addition, the present invention finds application in the field of drying or polymerization of coatings on parts arranged in an oven or in a heating tunnel. FR2791416A1 discloses a device emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion and comprising: - a fuel gas receptacle formed by external walls defining a main opening; a catalytic support covering the main opening and having exit ports for the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas; and fuel gas injectors in the receptacle. The device of FR2791416A1 carries out a so-called surface emission, because one of its faces emits at all points an infrared radiation. The infrared radiation emitted by the device of FR2791416A1 has a wavelength of between 2 μm and 10 μm. The device generally controls the heating power emitted by the main opening, by modulating the pressure of the combustible gas introduced into the receptacle.

However, a device of the prior art does not allow to precisely control the heat output emitted at any point of the main opening. Moreover, since its wavelength is between 2 μm and 10 μm, the infrared radiation can be used only to repair surface defects, but not to repair deep defects, located in the thickness of an object or of a composite material part. In addition, a device of the prior art does not repair objects or parts having a curved shape.

The present invention aims to solve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above. To this end, the invention relates to a device for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of a mixture of a combustible gas, such as a hydrocarbon gas, and an oxidizing gas, such as air, the device comprising: - outer walls arranged to define a receptacle for receiving combustible gas, the outer walls being arranged to define at least one main opening; at least one so-called catalytic support comprising a catalytic material adapted to catalyze combustion, said at least one catalytic support being arranged to cover substantially said at least one main opening, said at least one catalytic support having a plurality of outlet for passing fuel gas and oxidizing gas; and - feeding means for introducing combustible gas into the receptacle; the device being characterized in that it further comprises internal walls arranged to divide the receptacle into a plurality of compartments; the supply means comprising a plurality of insertion orifices passing through one or more external walls, the introduction orifices being arranged such that each compartment is in gas communication with at least one insertion orifice. Thus, such a device makes it possible to emit infrared radiation with a power selectively distributed over the entire surface of the catalytic support, which increases the reliability and the robustness of the repaired part. For example, a device according to the invention achieves an accuracy of +/- 2 ° C at any point of the target while heating the respective compartments at similar or distinct temperatures. In particular, such a device makes it possible to repair a piece of curved shape. Indeed, each compartment can be supplied with mixture according to individual parameters (in pressure and flow of combustible gas for example), so that each compartment can emit infrared radiation with a power and / or a spectrum independent of the other compartments.

In the case of a convex piece, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit more power than the compartments in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniform.

Conversely, in the case of a concave part, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit with less power than the compartments located in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniform.

Surprisingly, it can be seen that a device according to the invention also makes it possible to emit infrared radiation whose wavelength spectrum can range between 2 μm and 65 μm, whereas the spectrum of lengths of The wave of a device of the prior art generally ranges from 2 μm to 18 μm.

Such a wavelength spectrum (2 .mu.m and 65 .mu.m) of a device according to the invention makes it possible to repair a part to a greater depth than is possible with the wavelength spectrum of a device. the prior art. For example, a device according to the invention makes it possible to repair a workpiece up to about 120 folds deep, whereas a device of the prior art makes it possible to repair a workpiece only up to 10 folds deep. According to a variant of the invention, the supply means comprise at least one introduction orifice for each respective compartment. Thus, the fuel gas flow introduced into the receptacle can be controlled for each compartment. According to an alternative variant of the invention, the supply means comprise at least one introduction orifice which is in gas communication with two adjacent compartments. Thus, such an arrangement of an insertion orifice makes it possible to limit the number of valves to be controlled upstream of the introduction orifices. According to another variant of the invention, the insertion orifices pass through the outer wall opposite the main opening. Thus, such a location of the introduction ports reduces the congestion constraints for connecting the supply lines to the device. In addition, such a location of the insertion orifices induces low pressure losses. The outer wall opposite the main opening is the outer wall facing the main opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the supply means further comprise connection ends arranged respectively on the introduction orifices, each connection piece being shaped for fixing a pipe adapted for the passage of a fuel gas flow. Thus, such connecting tips can connect fuel gas supply ducts to the receptacle sealingly and reliably. According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle and the catalytic support occupy a generally flat volume. Thus, such a device has a small footprint. According to one embodiment of the invention, the catalytic support has a generally flat surface. Thus, such a catalytic support makes it possible to repair parts having a flat surface. According to a variant of the invention, the catalytic support has, opposite the receptacle, a generally curved surface. Thus, such a catalytic support also makes it possible to repair parts having a curved surface, for example cylindrical or spherical.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the catalytic support is formed by a perforated plate or a grid. Thus, the outlet orifices have a shape and a constant area, which allows to evenly distribute the fuel gas flows exiting locally from each compartment.

According to a variant of the invention, the catalytic support is formed by a porous plate permeable to the combustible gas and the oxidizing gas. Thus, such a porous plate does not require machining to form the outlet orifices. According to a variant of the invention, the catalytic support comprises a refractory material. Thus, such a refractory material has a high thermal resistance, so a long service life. According to one embodiment of the invention, the catalytic material is selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd). Thus, such a catalytic material allows for catalytic combustion with efficient efficiency. According to one embodiment of the invention, the compartments have equivalent areas and between 50 mm 2 and 50 000 mm 2.

Thus, such areas make it possible to substantially uniformly distribute the fuel gas flow over the entire area of a respective compartment, because the pressure losses in the compartment are negligible for such areas.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle generally has the shape of a rectangular and flat parallelepiped, the inner walls extending in two directions perpendicular to each other and to respective outer walls, so that the inner walls crisscross the receptacle in several compartments each having a generally rectangular section. Thus, such a "squared" receptacle has a shape and a simple arrangement to manufacture and operate. According to a variant of the invention, each compartment has a length of between 7 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 230 mm, and a width of between 7 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 230 mm. Thus, such compartments contribute to uniformly distribute the flow of fuel gas because the pressure losses in a compartment are negligible. According to a variant of the invention, the inner walls crisscross the receptacle in nine compartments each having a generally rectangular section, the nine compartments having equivalent areas, each compartment has a length of between 7 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 230 mm, and a width of between 7 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 230 mm. Thus, such compartments are sized to handle most parts to repair. According to a variant of the invention, the receptacle generally has the shape of a flat cylinder, preferably a circular base, the inner walls extending respectively in radial directions and along at least one coaxial ring at the base of the receptacle. Thus, such a circular shape makes it possible to emit infrared radiation with a disk section. According to one embodiment of the invention, each outlet orifice has an area of between 10 mm 2 and 10 000 mm 2, preferably between 12 mm 2 and 1000 mm 2, each insertion orifice preferably having a circular section. Thus, such outlets do not generate significant pressure losses and they contribute to catalytic combustion close to stoichiometric conditions.

According to a variant of the invention, an output ratio having: - for numerator, the total area occupied by all the outlets; and - for denominator, the area of the main opening; is between 40% and 90%, preferably between 50% and 80%, more preferably between 55% and 75%. Thus, such an output ratio makes it possible to obtain a high surface density for the catalytic combustion power. According to a variant of the invention, each insertion orifice is disposed substantially in line with the center of a respective compartment. In the present application, the term "center" designates the center of gravity of the volume delimiting the compartment. An insertion orifice thus positioned contributes to evenly distributing the flow of combustible gas in the corresponding compartment.

According to a variant of the invention, the device further comprises stiffeners integral with the catalytic support, the stiffeners being disposed near the inner walls and / or near the outer walls. Thus, such stiffeners make it possible to stiffen the catalytic support, which gives it a high mechanical strength. These stiffeners are particularly useful when the catalytic support is formed of a simple thin plate such as a grid. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises at least one temperature sensor, preferably of the thermocouple type, the or each temperature sensor being arranged to measure the temperature in a respective compartment. Thus, such a temperature sensor makes it possible to measure the temperature in the corresponding compartment, which makes it possible to adjust the combustion parameters, such as fuel gas and oxidizing gas flow rates, to optimize combustion, in particular to work in stoichiometric conditions. According to a variant of the invention, the inner walls are welded together, and wherein the outer walls are welded together. Thus, such welds stiffen the structure of a device according to the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner walls are composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a steel, an aluminum alloy, a composite material and an organic material such as a thermosetting synthetic plastic.

Thus, such internal walls have high strengths to mechanical stresses, corrosion, creep etc. According to a variant of the invention, at least one of the compartments, said peripheral compartment, extends on the periphery of the main opening. Thus, such a peripheral compartment makes it possible to avoid edge effects in the distribution of the emission power of the infrared radiation. According to variants of the invention, the device may comprise a single catalytic support or, alternatively, several adjacent catalytic supports. According to variants of the invention, the receptacle may have a single main opening or, alternatively, several adjacent main openings. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of a mixture of a combustible gas, such as a hydrocarbon gas, and an oxidizing gas, such as air, the method comprising the steps of: 101) implementing a device according to the invention; 102) actuate several valves belonging to a control module so as to allow the passage of several fuel gas flows to several pipes connected respectively to several compartments; 103) modulating individually the flow rate and / or the pressure of each fuel gas flow; 104) introducing combustible gas into several compartments; and 105) initiating combustion of the mixture near the catalytic support. Thus, such a method makes it possible to emit infrared radiation with a power selectively distributed over the entire surface of the catalytic support, which increases the reliability and robustness of the repaired part. For example, a device according to the invention achieves an accuracy of +/- 2 ° C at any point of the target while heating the respective compartments at similar or distinct temperatures.

In particular, such a device makes it possible to repair a piece of curved shape. Indeed, each compartment can be supplied with mixture according to individual parameters (in pressure and flow of combustible gas for example), so that each compartment can emit infrared radiation with a power and / or a spectrum independent of the other compartments. In the case of a convex piece, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit more power than the compartments in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniform. Conversely, in the case of a concave part, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit with less power than the compartments located in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniform. Surprisingly, it can be seen that a device according to the invention also makes it possible to emit infrared radiation whose wavelength spectrum can range between 2 μm and 65 μm, whereas the spectrum of lengths of The wave of a device of the prior art generally ranges from 2 μm to 18 μm. Such a wavelength spectrum (2 .mu.m and 65 .mu.m) of a device according to the invention makes it possible to repair a part to a greater depth than is possible with the wavelength spectrum of a device. the prior art. For example, a device according to the invention makes it possible to repair a workpiece up to about 120 folds deep, whereas a device of the prior art makes it possible to repair a workpiece only up to 10 folds deep. According to a variant of the invention, the device further comprises a plurality of temperature sensors, preferably of the thermocouple type, each temperature sensor being arranged to measure the temperature in a respective compartment; and the method comprises a step wherein the flow rate and / or the pressure of each fuel gas flow is regulated (e) as a function of the temperature measured by the corresponding temperature sensor. Thus, such a method makes it possible to adjust, as a function of the temperature measured in a respective compartment, the combustion parameters, such as fuel gas and oxidant gas flow rates, to optimize combustion, in particular to work in stoichiometric conditions. . For example, a device according to the invention achieves an accuracy of +/- 2 ° C at any point of the target while heating the respective compartments at similar or distinct temperatures.

According to a variant of the invention, the device further comprises a plurality of remote temperature sensors, preferably of the laser beam type, arranged to measure the temperature on several respective points of the target. Thus, the device can be regulated according to the temperature to be reached at various points of the target. In addition, the present invention relates to a control module, for controlling a device according to the invention according to a method according to the invention, the control module being characterized in that it comprises: - several valves arranged for the passage fuel gas flow; a gas expansion valve connected to each valve; preferably, a pressure switch and a gas filter connected to the gas expansion valve; and an electronic control unit configured to transmit signals intended to actuate each valve individually. Thus, such a control module makes it possible to control a device according to the invention according to a method according to the invention.

According to a variant of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to receive temperature measurements emitted by each temperature sensor, and the electronic control unit is configured to calculate, individually for each valve, a flow rate and a temperature. target pressure according to said temperature measurements emitted by each temperature sensor and according to a predetermined setpoint. Thus, such an electronic control unit makes it possible to adjust, as a function of the temperature measured in a respective compartment, the combustion parameters, such as fuel gas and oxidant gas flow rates, to optimize combustion, in particular to work in stoichiometric conditions. The embodiments of the invention and the variants of the invention mentioned above can be taken individually or in any combination technically possible.

The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view before an infrared radiation source comprising a device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the source of FIG. 1; - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view, at an angle different from Figure 1 or 2, the device equipping the source of Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view, at a different angle to FIG. 3, of a subassembly of the device of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a perspective view, at a different angle to FIG. 4, of part of the device of FIG. 3; - Figure 6 is a sectional view along the plane VI in Figure 5; FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the device of FIG. 3; - Figure 9 is a sectional view along the plane IX in Figure 3 of a component of the device of Figure 3; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of part of the device of FIG. 3; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the part of FIG. 10, at an angle substantially opposite to the angle of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a control module according to the invention; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the control module of FIG. 12; and - Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a source 1 of infrared radiation comprising a device 2 adapted to emit infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of a mixture of a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas. The source 1 further comprises a frame 3. The source 1 further comprises a fan 1.1 and 1.2 and 1.3 connection members for connecting lines of fuel gas and oxidizing gas.

The fuel gas may be a hydrocarbon gas, such as butane or natural gas. The fuel gas can be a mixture of several gases. The oxidizing gas may be the oxygen contained in air, which is compressed or not (atmospheric pressure). FIG. 3 illustrates the device 2, in the disassembled state, and FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 partially illustrate the device 2. The device 2 comprises five external walls 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 which are arranged to delimit a receptacle 6 for receiving combustible gas. The outer walls 4.1 to 4.5 are sealed to combustible gas and oxidizing gas. In the present application, the term "sealed" means that the so-called sealed part does not let the gas, fuel or oxidant, under the operating pressure. For device 2, the operating pressure can reach 7 bar. For example, each outer wall 4.1 to 4.5 can be composed of a plate of stainless steel AISI: 304L and thickness 2.5 mm.

In the example of the figures, the outer walls 4.1 to 4.5 are arranged so as to define a main opening 8. The main opening 8 is in the form of a rectangle, which is delimited by the outer walls 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4, which is parallel to the outer wall 4.5 and has the same dimensions as the outer wall 4.5.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the device 2 further comprises a catalytic support 10 which comprises a catalytic material adapted to catalyze combustion. The catalytic support 10 is arranged to cover substantially the main opening 8. In other words, the catalytic support 10 extends substantially over the entire area of the main opening 8. The catalytic support 10 has a plurality of outlet orifices 11, visible in Figures 1, 8, 10 and 11. The outlet orifices 11 allow the passage of the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas, in particular during their catalytic combustion.

The device 2 further comprises internal walls 12 which are arranged to divide the receptacle 6 into several compartments 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9. The inner walls 12 are substantially sealed to the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas. In the present application, the term "substantially sealed" means that the so-called substantially sealed piece passes little or no gas, fuel or oxidant, under the operating pressure. In other words, an inner wall may have low porosity or small holes, so that gas can flow between two compartments. For example, each outer wall 4.1 to 4.5 can be composed of a plate of stainless steel AISI: 304L and thickness 2.5 mm. In the example of the figures, the receptacle 6 has the overall shape of a rectangular and flat parallelepiped. Each of the outer walls 4.1 to 4.5 is generally flat and extends along two of the three dimensions of the space. The outer wall 4.5 is perpendicular to each of the outer walls 4.1 to 4.4. The outer walls 4.1 and 4.3 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the outer walls 4.2 and 4.4.

In other words, the inner walls 12 extend in two directions perpendicular to each other and to respective outer walls 4.1 to 4.5, so that the inner walls 12 crisscross the receptacle 6 into nine compartments 6.1 to 6.9 each having a section globally rectangular. In this case, each compartment 6.1 to 6.9 has the shape of a square of about 160 mm side. Compartments 6.1 to 6.9 therefore have equivalent areas and 160 mm x 160 mm, ie approximately 256 cm2. The inner walls 12 are made of a material selected from the group consisting of AISI 304L stainless steel. The inner walls 12 are welded together and the outer walls 4.1 to 4.5 are welded together. The device 2 further comprises feed means for introducing combustible gas into the receptacle 6. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the feed means comprise nine introduction orifices 14 which pass through the external wall 4.5 which is opposite to the main opening 8. The introduction orifices 14 are arranged so that each of the compartments 6.1 to 6.9 is in gas communication with an insertion orifice 14. In the example of the figures, the feed means comprise an introduction port 14 for each respective compartment 6.1 to 6.9. In the example of the figures, each insertion orifice 14 is disposed substantially in line with the center of a respective compartment 6.1 to 6.9.

As each compartment 6.1 to 6.9 is rectangular, its center corresponds to the intersection of its two diagonals. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the supply means further comprise connecting pieces 16, which are respectively disposed on the insertion orifices 14. Each connecting piece 16 is shaped for the attachment of a non-conducting pipe. shown and adapted for the passage of a flow of fuel gas. As shown in Figure 9, each connection tip 16 comprises a channel 16.1, for the passage of the flow, and a tapping 16.2 to install a pressure sensor adapted to measure the pressure in the flow. In addition, each connecting piece 16 has a thread 16.3, for fixing the connection piece 16 on the outer wall 4.5, and a thread 16.4 for fixing a pipe not shown on the connection piece 16.

The catalytic support 10 here has the overall shape of a rectangle which coincides substantially with the main opening 8. In the example of the figures, the receptacle 6 and the catalytic support 10 occupy a generally flat and parallelepiped volume. At the periphery of the outer walls 4.1 to 4.4, the device comprises planar flanges 17 on which the catalytic support 10 can rest. The catalytic support 10 has a generally flat surface. The catalytic support 10 is here formed by a perforated plate. The catalytic material forming the catalytic support 10 is constituted by a refractory material. The catalytic material may be selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd). In the example of the figures, each insertion orifice 14 has a circular section and a diameter of 4.2 mm and therefore an area of about 14 mm 2. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, each outlet orifice 11 has a circular section. Each outlet orifice 11 has a diameter of 1.25 mm. In addition, the density of the outlet orifices 11 can be characterized by a so-called output ratio which has: for numerator, the total area occupied by all the outlet orifices; and - for denominator, the area of the main opening 8. The exit ratio is here about 64%.

The device further comprises at least one temperature sensor 18 symbolized in Figure 7. The temperature sensor 18 may be a thermocouple. The temperature sensor 18 is here arranged to measure the temperature in the compartment 6.8.

As shown in Figure 10, the device 2 further comprises stiffeners 20 which are integral with the catalytic support 10. The stiffeners 20 are disposed near the inner walls 12 and near the outer walls 4.1 to 4.4. Each stiffener 20 extends in a plane perpendicular to the outer wall 4.5. In the assembled state, the device 2 is fixed to the frame 3 to be incorporated in the source 1. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a control module 51 which is adapted to control the device 2 according to a method according to the invention described Hereinafter with reference to FIG. 14. The control module 51 is usually referred to as a control and operating case. The control module 51 comprises several valves 52, symbolized in FIG. 13, which are arranged for the passage of fuel gas flows.

In the example of FIGS. 12 and 13, the control module 51 comprises nine valves 52, each valve 52 being connected to a respective compartment 6.1 to 6.9. The valves 52 are housed in a housing 53 of the control module 51. The control module 51 further comprises a gas expander 54 which is connected to each valve 52. The gas expansion valve 54 is here placed on a common gas line 56 upstream of the valve 52. The control module 51 further comprises a pressure switch 58 and a gas filter 60 which are connected to the gas expander 54. The control module 51 further comprises a connector 62 and a solenoid valve 64 which selectively authorize or prevent the arrival of fuel gas in the control module 51, via a fuel gas supply line L62 visible in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 13, the control module 51 further comprises a unit control electronics 66, which is configured to output signals for individually actuating each valve 52. In other words, the valves 52 are proportional solenoid valves which are controlled by the electronic control unit 66. Com as shown in FIG. 12, nine L68 fuel gas lines exit the control module housing 51 through a passage 68, and then extend respectively to the connecting ends 16. In addition, a line of arrival of compressed air L71 introduces compressed air, oxidizing gas, into the control module 51, and a compressed air supply line L72 transports the compressed air, oxidizing gas, from the control module 51 to the device 2.

Similarly, a power line L73 feeds the control module 51, and a power supply line L74 supplies the device 2. The power supply line L74 supplies electrical resistances (not shown) whose function is to trigger the combustion of the mixture.

Furthermore, a connection line L76 transports the measurements of the temperature sensor 18 to the electronic control unit 66. A vacuum line L78 sucks inside a flexible gas extraction envelope, as described in EP1071555A1. The electronic control unit 66 is configured to receive temperature measurements transmitted by the temperature sensor 18. The electronic control unit 66 is configured to calculate, individually for each valve 52, a flow rate and / or a target pressure. function of said temperature measurements emitted by the temperature sensor 18 and according to a predetermined setpoint. In the example of the figures, the electronic control unit 66 controls each valve 52 to reach a pressure of between 10 mbar and 50 mbar (relative pressure). In operation according to a method according to the invention, for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of the mixture, the method comprises the steps: 101) implement the device 2; 102) actuate several valves 52 belonging to the control module 51 so as to allow the passage of several fuel gas flows to several conduits respectively connected to several of the compartments 6.1 to 6.9; 103) modulating individually the flow rate and / or the pressure of each fuel gas flow; 104) introducing combustible gas into several of the compartments 6.1 to 6.9; and 105) initiating combustion of the mixture near the catalytic support 10.

In the case of the device 2, which comprises the temperature sensor 18, the method comprises a step 106) where the flow rate and / or the pressure of each fuel gas flow is regulated as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 18 The method of repairing a composite material part comprises steps similar to the processes described in FR2791416A1 or in EP1071555A1. When using a device according to the present invention, it is possible to repair composite parts with deep defects. Moreover, when using a device according to the present invention which is curved, it is possible to repair curved composite parts. Indeed, each compartment can be supplied with mixture according to individual parameters (in pressure and flow of combustible gas for example), so that each compartment can emit infrared radiation with a power and / or a spectrum independent of the other compartments. In the case of a convex piece, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit more power than the compartments in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniform.

Conversely, in the case of a concave part, the compartments located on the periphery of the device can emit with less power than the compartments located in the center of the device, which allows to treat the curved piece to a depth (number of folds) uniforme.30

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device (2) for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of a mixture of a combustible gas, such as a hydrocarbon gas, and an oxidizing gas, such as air, the device (2) comprising: - outer walls (4.1-4.5) arranged to delimit a receptacle (6) for receiving combustible gas, the outer walls (4.1-4.5) being arranged to define at least one main opening (8); at least one so-called catalytic support (10) comprising a catalytic material adapted to catalyze combustion, said at least one catalytic support (10) being arranged to substantially cover said at least one main opening (8), said at least one catalytic support (10) having a plurality of outlets (11) for the passage of fuel gas and oxidizing gas; and - feeding means for introducing combustible gas into the receptacle (6); the device (2) being characterized in that it further comprises internal walls (12) arranged to divide the receptacle (6) into a plurality of compartments (6.1-6.9); the supply means comprising a plurality of insertion orifices (14) passing through one or more of the outer walls (4.1-4.5), the insertion orifices (14) being arranged so that each compartment (6.1-6.9) is in communication of gas with at least one introduction port (14). 2. Device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the supply means further comprises connecting tips (16) respectively disposed on the insertion orifices (14), each connecting piece being shaped for the attachment of a pipe adapted for the passage of a flow of fuel gas. 3. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (6) and the catalytic support (10) occupy a generally flat volume. 4. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalytic support (10) has a generally flat surface. 5. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalytic support (10) is formed by a perforated plate or a grid. 6. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalytic material is selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd). 7. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartments (6.1-6.9) have equivalent areas and between 50 mm2 and 50 000 mm2. 8. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (6) has generally the shape of a rectangular and flat parallelepiped, the inner walls (12) extending in two directions perpendicular to each other and to respective outer walls (4.1-4.5) so that the inner walls (12) crisscross the receptacle (6) into a plurality of compartments (6.1-6.9) each having a generally rectangular section. 9. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each outlet orifice (11) has an area of between 10 mm2 and 10 000 mm2, preferably between 12 mm2 and 1000 mm2, each insertion orifice ( 14) preferably having a circular section. 10. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (2) further comprises at least one temperature sensor (18), preferably of the thermocouple type, the or each temperature sensor (18) being arranged to measure the temperature in a respective compartment (6.1-6.9). 11. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner walls (12) are composed of a material selected in the group consisting of a steel, an aluminum alloy, a composite material and an organic material such as as a thermosetting synthetic plastic. A method for emitting infrared radiation by catalytic combustion of a mixture of a fuel gas, such as a hydrocarbon gas, and an oxidizing gas, such as air, the process comprising the steps of: 101) implement a device (2) according to one of the preceding claims; 102) actuate several valves (52) belonging to a control module (51) so as to allow the passage of several fuel gas flows to several pipes respectively connected to several compartments (6.1-6.9); 103) modulating individually the flow rate and / or the pressure of each fuel gas flow; 104) introducing combustible gas into several compartments (6.1-6.9); and 105) initiating combustion of the mixture near the catalytic support (10). 13. Control module (51) for controlling a device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11 according to a method according to claim 12, the control module (51) being characterized in that it comprises: - a plurality of valves (52) arranged for the passage of fuel gas streams; - a gas expansion valve (54) connected to each valve (52); - preferably, a pressure switch (58) and a gas filter (60) connected to the gas expander (54); and an electronic control unit (66) configured to transmit signals for individually actuating each valve (52).