WO2004085747A1

WO2004085747A1 - Fog prevention system

Info

Publication number: WO2004085747A1
Application number: PCT/BE2004/000042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Ost
Original assignee: Parabruma S.A.
Priority date: 2003-03-24
Filing date: 2004-03-22
Publication date: 2004-10-07
Also published as: BE1015437A5

Abstract

The invention concerns a fog prevention system comprising: a channel (8) comprising an upper orifice and a lower orifice facing a base or the ground; member (9) for generating an air stream in the channel (1, 101, 102) between the orifices; means (14) providing at least one air passageway communicating with the channel (8), and a means for controlling the direction of the air exiting the channel.

Description

Anti-fog device

The invention relates to a suitable ventilation mechanism. It contains a mechanism that moves the air in the desired direction. It is installed at ground level in a free space which is part of the atmosphere in order to modify the physical parameters of dynamic climatology, modifications whose effects are claimed. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for eliminating or preventing or preventing the formation of fog in stadiums, civil and / or military airports, in ports, in the vicinity of buildings, boats, etc.

Many ventilation devices are known which have been used to try to combat the formation of fog or to try to manage to dissipate fog. It has thus already been proposed to spray into the mist materials capable of dissipating the mist or to send hot air into the mist.

The inventor of the present application has already proposed a device comprising:

- A channel having an upper outlet orifice and a lower inlet orifice facing the base or ground;

- a member for creating a current of air in the channel between said orifices;

a means protecting a part of the base or ground, this means being associated with a system ensuring a minimum distance between the means and a part of the base or ground, so as to form between the means and said base at least one passage of air communicating with the canal.

All the devices proposed so far and known to the applicant do not however allow correct dissipation of the mist, in particular at an acceptable cost.

Document US Pat. No. 5,647,165 also discloses a vertical column having a lower opening and an upper opening, as well as a fan housed in the column, to create an upward movement of air in the column. The air leaving the column leaves in a purely vertical direction. Tests carried out by the applicant have shown that if all the air is expelled in a vertical direction since the start of the operation of a device, no dissipation of fog was obtained.

Document GB 1012056 also discloses an improvement relating to valves for discharging fluids along surfaces. This document teaches a horizontal device for blowing air along a horizontal surface. There is no mention in this document of a device for dissipating fog.

We have now noticed that by using a device comprising:

- a member for creating a current of air in the channel between said orifices;

a means protecting a part of the base or ground, this means being associated with a system ensuring a minimum distance between the means and a part of the base or ground, so as to form between the means and said base at least one passage of air communicating with the canal,

advantageously a means ensuring an appropriate flow located above the member or channel or at the upper part of the channel, in which the member comprises at least one propeller or turbine or blades situated in the channel between the lower orifice and the upper orifice, and in which a drop agglomeration system is disposed at a level located under the propeller or turbine or blades, it was possible to greatly improve the efficiency of treatment of the mist by changing, modifying or varying (for example so during the treatment the direction of exit of the air leaving the channel. The best results have been obtained by using wider than tall channels.

We noticed that at least in the first phase of operation, it was useful to direct the air flow of one or more devices in a direction inclined to the vertical.

The present invention relates to a device making it possible inter alia to ensure effective dissipation of the fog in the working area of the device.

The device according to the invention is a ventilation device acting at least on a physical parameter of the fluid mechanics which has an impact on the dissipation of one or more mists or their formations (for example mists formed with a higher temperature at -2 ° C, but also fogs formed at a temperature below -2 ° C, the fogs can be of various types, such as radiation fog, advection mists, evaporation mists, frontal fog, etc. or combinations of such mists, in particular mists of any density), this device intended to rest on a base or on the ground comprising:

- a member for creating a current of air in the channel between said orifices;

a means forming or ensuring at least one air passage communicating with the channel, in which the member comprises at least one propeller or turbine or blades situated in the channel between the lower orifice and the upper orifice, and in which a drop agglomeration system is arranged at a level located under the propeller or turbine or blades.

In the device according to the invention, the channel is advantageously substantially vertical, while the upper outlet orifice of the channel is associated at least temporarily, in particular at least in a start-up phase, with an element for directing at least in part F air leaving the channel in a direction inclined relative to the vertical, the inclination advantageously being between 10 ° and 75 ° relative to the vertical, preferably between 20 ° and 60 ° relative to the vertical. In the device according to the invention, the upper outlet orifice is preferably associated with a distributor having means directing at least part of the air stream leaving the channel and in which at least means directing a part of the stream d the air leaving the channel are mobile and connected to a control system to modify and / or vary the direction of at least part of the air flow leaving the channel during the operation of the member. Such a dispenser then makes it possible to easily reset correct operation of the device, if necessary.

The device according to the invention has been shown to be capable of dissipating dense mists formed at a temperature above -2 ° C, but also below - 2 ° C. The dissipation of the fog takes place in an area having an average height greater than 50m, advantageously at least 80m from the ground, for example from 50 to 150m, or even more, for example from 100m, 120m, 125m, 200m, 250m, 300m, etc., and this for fogs extending over a height of 500 to 2000m, or even more.

Advantageously, the member creates an upward movement of the air in the channel or in the chimney, so that the air and / or the mist sucked passes first in the passage, that is to say at ground or base level, before entering the channel and the distributor. An air circulation is thus created generates a subsidence which carries the mist droplets towards the ground. The distributor begins its intervention by directing the outlet air in a direction inclined relative to the vertical, in particular substantially close to the horizontal, the outlet of the flow is clocked between this starting orientation towards the vertical, and then In the opposite way. The distributor thus provides a variable direction between a substantially vertical position and an inclined position, and vice versa. This cycle continues during the dissipation of the fog or during its formation phase. The duration of a cycle, which is variable or constant, depends on the type of fog or the degree of its formation phase and is advantageously understood between 20 seconds and 30 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 25 minutes, for example between approximately 5 to 20 minutes, for example 10 minutes, 15 minutes. This cycle has proven to be advantageous for depositing the drops on the ground.

According to an advantageous form, the distributor comprises movable fins for directing at least part of the air flow leaving the channel. The use of fins is advantageous because at least part of the air flow created by the organ or fan bounces or bangs on the fins, which also allows the formation of droplets. The fins will thus have a variable inclination during the operation of the device, the angle formed between the average surface of a fin and the axial direction of the air current generated by the member varying for example between + 85 ° and -85 ° , in particular between + 45 ° and -45 °. According to an advantageous form, some fins will have a variation angle range of between + 85 ° and 0 °, while other fins will have a variation angle range of between -85 ° and 0 °.

The fins are advantageously pivotally mounted with respect to substantially parallel axes, said axes advantageously being included in substantially the same plane.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the distributor comprises first mobile means for directing a first part of the air stream and second mobile means for directing a second part of the air stream, said first and second means being able in a first position to directing said air stream portions in directions substantially parallel to each other and in a second position directing said air stream portions in directions deviating from each other.

In one embodiment, the distributor fins are used to direct substantially all of the air flow leaving the channel in the same direction. In this case, it is advantageous to be able to pivot the fins for example from -85 ° to + 85 ° relative to a vertical plane. According to one embodiment, the channel associated with the distributor has a height or total length less than 10 m, in particular less than 8m, preferably less than 6m, for example 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, etc.

Advantageously, the member is driven by a motor located at least partially in the channel, this ensures adequate cooling of the motor and a slight heating of the air passing through the channel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distributor is located above the channel and is adapted to control substantially all of the air flow in one or more distinct directions.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the device comprises a means forming an air intake towards the inlet of the channel, said inlet having a minimum passage surface, in that the upper orifice has a passage section perpendicular to the mean direction of the air flow in the vicinity of the upper orifice, the ratio of minimum passage section of the air intake / passage section of the upper orifice being between 0.4 and 3, advantageously between 0.5 and 1.5, preferably between 0.5 and 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel has a height of between 0.4 and 10 m and an equivalent diameter of between 1 and 10 m, in particular between 1 and 8 m, for example 6m, 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, etc. .

Advantageously, the equivalent height / diameter ratio of the channel is between 0.15 and 2, advantageously between 0.15 and 1.2, preferably between 0.2 and 1.1. By equivalent diameter is meant the value corresponding to 4 times the passage section divided by the perimeter or contour.

Advantageously, the channel comprises a means for adapting its height. For example, the channel is formed by a series of tubes which fit into each other or which are mounted telescopically. The tubes may have the shape of a truncated cone. Preferably, the member for creating a current of air in the channel is adapted to create an average speed of the air in the channel of between 5 m / s and 100 m / s, advantageously between 5 m / s and 60 m / s, preferably between 7m / s and 50m / s, more particularly from 8 to 40m / s. The device advantageously includes means for adapting or varying the average speed of the air in the channel.

In the device according to the invention, the member will generally be used to create a current of air from the lower orifice to the upper orifice, that is to say an upward movement.

According to one embodiment, the system ensuring a minimum distance between the means and a part of the base is adapted to ensure a distance between the means and the base of between 20cm and 2 m (for example 30cm, lm, 1.2m, 1.5m), advantageously between 30 cm and 1.5m, preferably less than 1m.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the member comprises at least one propeller or turbine or blades located in the channel between the lower orifice and the upper orifice, and a drop agglomeration system is arranged at a level located under the propeller or turbine or blades. Preferably, the agglomeration system comprises at least one grid, the meshes of which are arranged to form a network of openings of average equivalent diameter of between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, advantageously between 1 cm and 5 cm, of preferably between 1 and 3 cm.

Preferably, the agglomeration system is suitable for agglomerating drops having a size less than 5 μm into drops having a size greater than

10 μm, advantageously greater than 20 μm, preferably greater than 50 μm.

According to a possible embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises or is associated with a mat or covering intended to form a lower wall of the passage communicating with the channel. According to still another detail of an embodiment, the device comprises a fog detector and a unit for controlling the operation of the member to create a rising air flow in the channel. The air flow leaving the channel of a device according to the invention is advantageously greater than 20 m ³ / s, preferably greater than 50 m ³ / s, in particular between 100 m ³ / s and 10000 mVs, the flow being a function of the equivalent diameter of the channel and the organ used to create the air movement, the speed of drive of the organ, etc.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one device according to the invention, so at least two devices according to the invention. The assembly according to the invention will therefore advantageously include a battery of at least two devices, in particular three, four, five. The devices will be arranged according to the terrain, for example at predetermined fixed positions or will be mobile so as to be placed at defined locations, and / or predetermined and / or calculated, for example according to the properties or characteristics of the fog. The assembly is advantageously provided with means allowing a displacement of the latter during the operation of the device or devices.

Another subject of the invention is the use of a device or an assembly according to the invention for measuring one or more meteorological parameters, for example of the wind, such as a relationship between vertical wind and horizontal wind ( for example a ratio of vertical wind speed / horizontal wind speed) for example at ground level, and / or to act on the climate, in particular to dissipate fog or to prevent the formation of fog in an area.

An object of the invention is therefore the use of one or more devices according to the invention and / or one or more assemblies according to the invention to reduce the fog in an area or to prevent or prevent the formation of fog in an area.

Advantageously, air is sucked at ground level and this air is moved upwards with an exit speed of between 5m / s and 100m / s, so advantageous between 5m / s and 60m / s, preferably between 5m / s and 50m / s, in particular between 5 and 30m / s for example for airports (for the latter an exit speed of 10 to 25m / s being preferred , for example 22m / s).

Preferably, the speed of movement of the air in the channel is adapted or controlled, so as to agglomerate in the channel and / or at the level of the distributor and / or at the level of the agglomeration system, drops having a smaller size. to 5 μm in drops having a size greater than 10 μm, advantageously greater than 20 μm, preferably greater than 50 μm.

In particular, the dispenser is adapted or controlled and the movement of the device or assembly relative to the ground.

Special features and details of the invention will emerge from the following description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

In these drawings,

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention with a plurality of devices blowing air;

Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but with the distributors of the devices in an inclined position; Figure 3 is a detail view of the dispenser with the fins in the upright position;

Figure 4 is a rear view of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top view of the dispenser with the fins in the upright position;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views of a detail of a mechanism for setting in motion the fins of the distributor, FIG. 8 is a top view of FIG. 1,

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an assembly according to the invention with two devices provided with a removable cover and a device with distributor,

FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembly from one of its ends,

FIG. 11 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a device with removable cover of FIG. 9,

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of another device for the whole of FIG. 9,

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an airport showing the position of the assemblies, in particular of the assemblies of FIG. 9.

The assembly 1 includes a frame 2 carrying three blowing devices 3, a control device (possibly with a generator) 4, possibly a cabin 5. The energy of the blowing devices 3 can come from various sources, such as the electrical network. , mobile support generator or not, etc. The assembly 1 is advantageously adapted to be mounted on a trailer 6 capable of being towed by a motor vehicle 7. The trailer 6 can be placed at a fixed location and / or used while traveling and / or brought to a particular location, by predetermined and / or calculated example.

The use of mobile assemblies is advantageous in determining the ideal or advantageous location of one or more fixed assemblies to reduce, prevent and / or prevent mists in a determined area at least in the vicinity of the ground.

A blowing device will now be described. The blowing device 3 comprises:

- A cylindrical envelope 8 with a substantially vertical central axis A, said envelope having a height of approximately 1 m and an internal diameter of approximately 2m;

- blades or vanes 9 mounted on the shaft 10 driven by a motor 11, the blades or vanes with fixed inclination, but preferably with variable inclination

(advantageously the shaft 10 carries several groups of blades or blades located at different heights);

feet 12 for supporting the motor 11 and the casing 8, via bars or profiles 13, said feet being arranged to provide a passage 1 between the edge of the casing 8 and the frame 2, the height of said passage 1 being for example from

30 to 50 cm, said passage being advantageously provided with a grid 15 with open meshes (for example square, hexagonal, etc.) of less than 5 cm x 5cm, for example 2cm x 2cm; a distributor 16 comprising wings 17 pivotally mounted with respect to axes 18 situated in the same substantially horizontal plane, this distributor being arranged to guide or direct the air leaving the envelope 8.

The distributor's wings advantageously have an average height of at least 10cm, for example from 15 to 50cm, such as 15cm, 20cm, 30cm, etc. The total surface of the wings 17 is advantageously greater than the upper passage surface of the 'envelope (surface measured perpendicular to axis A). The ratio between the total surface area of the wings / upper passage surface area of the envelope is advantageously between 1.1 and 3, for example 1.5, 1.8; 2; 2.3; 2.5, etc. The wings 17 may have a length greater than the diameter of the envelope. In particular, the wings 17 have a length such that at least the lower edge has ends 17A, 17B extending beyond the envelope 8 or overhanging said envelope. Advantageously, the wings 17 all have the same shape, said wings extending at an upper level from the upper edge of the envelope 8.

The wings, the number of which can vary in any way, for example between 4 and 100, can have a flat shape, a curved shape, a shape with variable curvature, or a combination of these.

Where appropriate, the distributor has several successive stages of fins.

For safety measures, it is planned to place a grid 19 at the upper opening of the casing 8.

The wings are advantageously made of a material allowing an easy flow of air and / or water or having hydrophobic properties on the surface (for example obtained by means of a hydrophobic paint, fluorinated silicone, teflon, etc.) .

The dispenser advantageously includes a means for modifying the inclination wings 17 during operation of the fan. Such a means is for example a double action piston 21, said piston comprising a body mounted movably in a window 22 of a support 23. The piston has two shafts 24,25 the end of which is connected to a wing 17 via a pivot 2 A, 25A. The wings 17 are divided into two groups, the wings of the first group are connected together by rods 26, while the wings 17 of the second group are connected together by rods 27. The wings 17 are connected to said rods via a pivot or a system allowing a rotational movement between a rod and a wing. For example, the wings are associated with a finger 28 housed in an orifice 29 of a rod. By the movement of the shafts 24,25, either towards each other, or to move away from one another, it is possible to pivot the wings 17.

During a movement of the shafts 24,25 tending to separate the ends 24A.25 A from one another, the body of the piston slides in the window 22 of the support downwards. This movement causes the wings 17 of the first group to pivot in the anti-clockwise direction and the wings 17 of the second group to pivot in the clockwise direction. When the ends 24A, 25A of the shafts 24, 25 of the piston approach each other, the wings 17 pivot to return to a vertical position. Since the distance between the ends 24A, 25A is reduced, the body of the piston undergoes an upward movement in the window. Thus, the wings of the first group are able to pivot from 0 ° to -85 °, while the wings of the second group are able to rotate from 0 ° to + 85 °, and vice versa. It is clear that the piston can be controlled to ensure any angle and / or variable to the wings in the maximum range of pivoting.

In the embodiment shown, the wings 17 of a group are parallel to each other. It is however possible to ensure different inclinations to the wings of the same group (for example by using individual control systems for each wing), for example to ensure that the part of air flow guided by a wing is driven out towards a part of the air flow guided by another wing.

The assembly 1 comprises three devices 3, the wings 17 of which are pivotally mounted with respect to axes parallel to the length of the trailer (by example so that the air flow leaving the subsidizers or devices 3 does not meet or substantially does not meet at a height of at least 5m, advantageously at least 10m, preferably at least 20m, this height being calculated at from the distributor outlet) and / or to the direction of travel of the trailer. In one possible embodiment, one or more devices can be mounted on a rotary support relative to the frame 2.

The wings 17 of the device distributor 3 can be positioned identically or independently. Thus, if in FIG. 2, the distributors are controlled so that the wings of the first group and those of the second group of a device are in a position equivalent respectively to that of the wings of the first group of another device and to that of the wings of the second group of this other device. It is obvious that the position of the wings of the distributor of one device may be different from that of the wings of the distributor of another device.

The motor 11 is advantageously an electric motor. However, in possible embodiments, the engine is an engine driven by the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, in particular natural gas. The engine can thus be a gas turbine with one or more stages, see a thruster or reactor for example of the airplane type.

The assembly shown in Figure 1 dissipates fog from a site where it is installed in a fixed or predetermined location. In fog forms or in particular applications, it has been found advantageous to move the devices during their operation. In this case, a layer of dense mist or air saturated or supersaturated with water vapor is sucked in from below to propel it upwards with the formation of droplets. It has been observed that in the absence of this movement of the device, the mist sucked in by the device was less dense over time, or was no longer present in the air sucked in, so that the formation of droplets was reduced. over time in the device. The dissipation of the mist then continues at a distance from the device by at least one subsidence in the zone of action of the device by directing the drops of water towards the ground. The blades controlled by the motor move the air adjacent to the ground above the ventilation device. The call for air towards the device, this call taking place at ground level and in an area close to the assembly, is compensated by air loaded with water molecules, located at a level higher than the ground. . This movement of air creates a subsidence of air and water molecules downwards, this subsidence has been shown to be amplified by the cycle of movement of the distributor's wings or fins. Clusters of water molecules that have a higher density than air molecules settle on the ground and become attached to it by molecular cohesion. The air which goes to the ventilation device, passing through the opening, is thus at least partially rid, advantageously of an essential or substantially total part, of the water in the form of drops or droplets in suspension. in the air.

The lower part 3A of the envelope is provided with a grid 30 whose open meshes have an equivalent diameter of 1 cm. This grid acts as an agglomeration system for fine droplets (for example droplets of size less than 5 μm - size of droplets present in a mist) into droplets of size greater than 50 μm, for example between 100 and 1000 .mu.m. It has proven useful in certain cases to wet or to maintain a certain degree of wetting of the grid 30.

The device fan is adapted to create an air speed in the envelope (upwards) (speed measured at the outlet) greater than 5 m / s, in particular greater than 10 m / s at least intermittently. This air speed can in embodiments be 15m / s, 20m / s, 25m / s, 40m / s, 50m / s, 75m / s, 100m / s. The speed of the air leaving the envelope advantageously varies continuously or substantially continuously (for example with temporary bearings) between a speed of between 5m / s and at least 50m / s. The speed is advantageously less than 1 Om / s to limit noise problems. For airports, the speed of the air leaving the envelope is advantageously between 8 m / s and 30m / s, for example 8, 10, 15, 18, 22m / s. When the assembly shown in the figure is moved forward, it may prove advantageous in application forms to use different or substantially equal air outlet speeds for the devices 3.

It was noticed during a test that the propulsion of air and / or mist out of the envelopes 3 led at the beginning of the dissipation to the formation of large drops of water and a precipitation of drops of water, and then a subsidence . Such precipitation of large drops is advantageous because it ensures a setting in motion of a zone of fog or in a zone of fog, and therefore an agglomeration of particles which fall on the ground during the first phase of dissipation of fog. On the other hand, the suction of air at ground level makes it possible to direct fog towards the ground and onto the grid 30, such a movement being advantageous for forming large drops and therefore for dissipating fog.

The device of FIG. 1 therefore makes it possible to cause a horizontal and vertical displacement of the molecules which make up a chosen volume of the atmosphere.

The device according to the invention also makes it possible to act remotely on a fog or on the formation of a fog and / or over a large distance or a large volume of fog or air capable of forming a fog, by subsidence which is able to propagate over a large radius or in a large volume of air.

According to the invention, this object is advantageously achieved by moving around the device (s) an amount of air from the top to the bottom. A reduction in the quantity of water molecules at ground level is compensated by a slow descent (less than 5krn / hour of descending vertical speed) of water molecules located above or below. The fluidity of the air communicates this displacement over a large surface around the devices, in particular when they are set in motion. In zero wind, the devices 3 are at the center of these movements. The wind has the effect of shifting the target volume in relation to the assembly. A different wind speed at the top of the installation compared to the base does not eliminate the desired goal even if this difference can be significant. In the event of certain winds and for mobile or non-fixed installations or devices, it has been found advantageous to move the devices at least partially in a direction opposite to the wind direction. Since the invention causes vertical and horizontal air movements outside the assembly, the measurement of the relationships between two displacements is significantly improved. This object is achieved by the teaching given in the characterizing part of claim 1. In the presence of fog, to dissipate it, air is propelled upwards in the envelope, the molecules of air and water which are around the assembly go to the ground where the clusters of water molecules attach to it by molecular cohesion. The invention dispels fog. The upward movement of air corresponds to a decrease in atmospheric pressure at ground level.

In other embodiments, the device (s) are moved in any direction relative to the wind direction, such as direction corresponding to the wind direction, direction across the wind direction, etc.

In the case of the prevention of fog formation, the device according to the invention makes it possible to break or prevent a phenomenon of thermal inversion (ground is colder than the temperature of the air; increase in temperature in the upward direction) , and ensures the drop of drops of water on the ground around the device and / or an upward movement of drops in suspension above the device then allowing these ascending drops to be carried away. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to eliminate water capable of forming a mist and / or reduce visibility over a height of 50 to 250 m for example.

Frame 2 can be associated with:

- one or more fog detectors 41, advantageously a detector present on an antenna 42 (placed in height) and a detector at ground level 43;

- a control system (automatic and / or manual) receiving and / or transmitting information by the antenna or via the antenna or the fog detector, the control system ensuring the positioning of the wings of one or more distributors and / or the forward speed and / or the advancement direction of the devices and / or the operation of one or more motors (adjustment of the rotation speed motor and / or blade tilt adjustment, etc.); - etc.

The frame 2 is placed on a perforated trailer or on the perforated structure of the trailer, so as to ensure a large passage of air through the perforated trailer or the perforated structure of the trailer. In the case of installation used at a predetermined or fixed location, it may be advantageous to place a mat 40 on the ground or on a support situated at a level below the entry level of channel 8. This mat, with for example example of substantially vertical fibers, is intended to promote the deposition of large drops of water from the air sucked in by the device, said mat being placed to be in contact with at least part of the air sucked by the device.

A possible operation of the device of Figure 1 will be described below.

When the detector 41 detects the appearance of fog, a signal is sent to the control system 4 of the motors 11 and to a control station (for example other devices according to the invention to also put them into operation). Air is thus sucked in at the level of the frame (for example between the ground level and a maximum level situated at a height of between 70 cm and 200 cm above the ground) (passing between frame 2 with the mat 40 and the envelopes 8) to pass into the envelopes 8 via the grid 30. This air is then propelled vertically at high speed. When the air is loaded with water particles of less than 5 μm (size of the water particles in a fog), these particles or at least part of them agglomerate at the level of the grid 30 to form particles larger than 20 μm. An agglomeration of water particles also takes place in the casing 8 and in the distributor 16. The particles thus agglomerated can thus reach a size sufficient to form raindrops, the fall of which favors the elimination of the mist. In addition, the suction of air at the level of the frame causes an air circulation downwards, this air being pushed towards the ground thus favoring the deposit and / or the formation of large droplets at the level of the ground. The floor mat 40 can in certain cases be useful for promoting the retention of particles formed under the envelope 8.

In application forms, it is possible to provide one or more injection systems (as shown with the reference 45) of water in the channel 8 and / or in the distributor 16, for example by spraying, so to ensure that the fall of these large drops of water causes an agglomeration of water molecules of the fog and a downward movement of the water molecules of the fog.

It is clear that many modifications are possible in the device according to the invention.

Thus, for example, even if this is not necessarily essential, one or more means can be provided for adding one or more additives to the intake air or to the air passing through an envelope or into a distributor, such an additive being for example water or particles causing the formation of large drops.

The envelope, the distributor, the blades, etc. can be made of various materials, such as composite material, steel,. However, the envelope is advantageously provided with thermal and / or acoustic insulation.

The device according to the invention can also be used to serve for the dissipation of odor (s).

The inner walls of the envelope and / or the distributor can be provided with one or more means to ensure a helical movement of the air. For example, the envelope has ridges to ensure at least at the level of the walls a helical movement of the air.

When one or more devices are used in summer, the device (s) are advantageously used to pierce the fog, for example to form one or more local holes, to allow rays of the sun to pass. The effect of the sun's rays thus amplifies the dissipation of the fog.

When devices according to the invention are used to eliminate a layer of mist present in a determined zone or zones, the devices will be arranged in a determined and / or calculated manner, for example with respect to the zone for which the mist is to be eliminated, and their operation will be adapted, for example according to the maximum fog density detected in the area. The devices will advantageously be placed at a distance of 0.1 m 10000m from one another (for example between 1 and 5000m, such as 5m, 10m, 20m, 50m, 100m, 250m, 500m), this distance being depending on the amount of air displaced by each device. However, in a preferred form, the devices will be placed in relatively close group, for example at a distance of less than 100m from one another, for example within 10m from each other.

In cases, it is possible to tilt the envelope relative to the vertical, for example from 0 to 60 ° relative to the vertical, in particular less than 15 ° relative to the vertical. However, a substantially vertical envelope seems the most suitable for eliminating fog or for preventing the formation of fog. The inclination will for example be determined so that the central axis of the channel is substantially perpendicular to the ground, even if the latter has an inclination (for example less than 30 ° relative to a horizontal plane.

It is clear that the device according to the invention can be combined with other devices for eliminating mist, for example with devices spraying water or additives or hot air into the atmosphere.

The device according to the invention can be used to determine the orientation of the wind and or the vertical wind / horizontal wind ratio, in particular at ground level.

The device according to the invention is then provided with a means for determining the orientation and / or the speed of the vertical wind, before the engine 11 operates and during the engine 11 operation. This information can then be transmitted by the antenna or by radio or electro magnetic waves or by cable to a station control.

The envelope advantageously has a cylindrical shape. However, other shapes are possible, such as truncated cone, pyramid, etc., of any cross section, such as elliptical, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The free end of the chimney or its upper end can also be provided with a means allowing a lateral air suction in the chimney before its evacuation by the open end of the chimney. This lateral aspiration can be obtained thanks to the speed of the air in the chimney and thanks to deflectors or thanks to one or more venturis.

The motor 11 can also be located outside the casing 8.

The motor can also drive the member 9 (the blades) in rotation about an axis distant from the drive shaft, the rotation of the member 9 then being ensured by means of a belt, a chain, gears, etc. and combinations thereof.

The distributor 16 is advantageously mounted to rotate relative to the channel 8, so as to be able to direct the direction of the air leaving the channel 8. For example a rolling system 46 with a control system makes it possible to place the distributor in a position by relative to the channel. For roads or motorways, it is possible to form a series of mobile devices or assemblies according to the invention, spaced from one another by a distance depending on the speed of movement of the devices or assemblies, the latter also being depending on the speed of air leaving the distributor. This distance is for example between 100m and 10000m.

In the device according to the invention, when the wings are capable of passing from an extreme inclined position or direction to another extreme position or direction inclined passing through a vertical position or direction, the cycle to pass from one extreme position or direction to the other extreme position or direction, and vice versa is advantageously between 30 seconds and 10 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 5 minutes .

FIG. 9 shows an assembly 200 comprising five blowing devices 3 of the type represented in FIG. 1. Each device 3 has a substantially cylindrical shell 8 (possibly slightly frustoconical with an angle of 1 ° to 10 °, the narrower part being turned upward) forming a channel, said ferrule being integral with a structure 201 forming an upper frame 202, a lower frame 203, columns 204 connecting the frames 202,203 to each other, and legs 205 to maintain sufficient space between the bottom of the shell and the ground or a base for the passage of air in the shell when the fan is started (9,10,11).

Each upper frame 202 is associated with a protective grid, for example a stainless steel lattice 206 with meshes of 5 to 10 cm ² . The motor 11 is held in position in the shell by means of beams 206. The lower frame 203 serves as a support means for the layer or grid 30 capable of ensuring agglomeration of fine drops of water in large drops and / or for ensure removal of large drops of air before it passes between the blades 9 of the fan.

The extreme devices 3X, 3Y (see FIG. 12) are provided with a system capable of forming a cap 210 capable of directing or channeling the air flow leaving the ferrule 8 in a direction forming an angle of approximately 45 ° by relative to a vertical axis, (axis of the shaft 10 of the motor 11). The 3X device is shown with the cap 210 in the folded position, the upward air flow leaving the shell in the vertical direction, while the cap 210 of the device 3 Y is shown in its operating position to direct or channel the flow. air.

So as to be able to ensure easy passage from the non-operating position from the cap 210 to an operating position, and vice versa, the cap 210 is controlled.

For example, the cover 210 is produced by means of slats 211 (possibly transparent, for example made of polycarbonate, in particular in the form of a substantially rectangular hollow profile) connected to each other by a joint. The ends of the slats 211 slide in curved rails 212,213, said rails 212,213 having one end attached to the upper frame 202. The ends of the rails remote from the frame 202 are connected together by a bar 21 forming in the present case a stop stop , and connected to the frame 202 by dishes 215. The slats 211 are shown with partial cutaway to have a better view of the grid 206 and of the frame 202.

The displacement of the slats 211 is obtained by a motor 216 driving in rotation a shaft on which the slats 21 are wound. When the motor drives the shaft in the direction of unwinding of the slats out of the body 217, the slats are pushed to move in the rails 212,213 towards the bar 214 to form the cap. In case the cap has to be removed, it suffices to wind or wind the slats by the rotation of the shaft driven by the motor, so as to slide the slats along the rails 212,213 towards the body 217.

The slats 211 can also serve as a means of protecting the upper opening of the ferrule 8. The upper frame 202 is associated with two rails 218, 219 located at a level above the grid or trellis 206. Thanks to a device for switch 220, it is possible to direct the slats or to slide in the rails

212,213 of the steering cap, or in the rails 218,219 to form a protective cap in the event of non-use of the device.

The device 3 shown in Figure 13 is similar to the device shown in Figure 12, except that it does not have rails 212,213 to form a steering cap. In the assembly of FIG. 9, a device (for example the central device) is advantageously associated with a distributor 16 of the type shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

Figure 14 schematically shows an airport with two intersecting runways 300,301. A series of assemblies 1 comprising for example five devices 3 are arranged along the tracks. The sets are either fixed or mobile. The devices 3 advantageously have a minimum action area of 250 m and are placed more than 50 meters from the central axis of the runways (A300, A301), in particular more than 100 meters (for example from 160 m to 200 m) from the central axis of the runways (A300, A301). The units will be more concentrated at the end of the runway, to ensure optimal visibility at the point of impact of the aircraft when they land or at the start of their landing phase. Certain assemblies 1 are able to act both on one track and at the same time on another track. The distance between two sets varies depending on the power and the number of devices. For example, the distance separating two adjacent sets is more than 150m, for example more than 250m, for example between 500m and 1000m. A judicious distribution (depending on each airport) of the assemblies 1 or devices 303 makes it possible to cover the entire area of the airport in the most appropriate manner. To ensure optimum safety, it is provided that in maximum operating conditions, the action area of an assembly may cover at least 50% of the action area in normal operating conditions of an adjacent assembly. If one or more devices are provided with a cover or distributor, it is advantageous that the cover or the distributor does not direct air directly in the direction of a runway during the landing procedure or during a period of non-use of the track. It is possible to direct air towards the runway for a short time, for example to initiate an air movement to quickly eliminate the fog from the runways.

The assemblies 1 are advantageously equipped with independent energy supply devices, used for example in the event of a power cut in the general supply network. Optionally, one can also provide one or more large fans 303 with a diameter of 5 to 20m (in particular from 5 to 10m) and at reduced speed of rotation, whether or not equipped with a variable distributor as described in the embodiment. of Figures 1 to 5. The choice as to the use and / or starting of these large fans and / or distributors will be determined or controlled by atmospheric pressure measurements taken advantageously at a predetermined height or at different heights , for example at the level of the runway, 5 meters from the runway, 10 meters, 30 meters, etc. in the action zone of one or more devices, in particular off the runway. These measurements will be taken, for example, to determine the acceptable power of large fans and / or devices and / or distributors to avoid turbulence considered to be unacceptable in the vicinity of the runway and / or in the approach zone and / or in the takeoff area of the airport. Advantageously, the most unfavorable wind and atmospheric pressure conditions will be used to determine these parameters. Once these parameters have been determined, the fans, devices and distributors will be conditioned to operate at these parameters. Optionally, a reduced speed operating system can be provided. The pressure fields at the level of the track, for example of a determined track, will advantageously be calibrated beforehand to determine the impact of one or more devices or assemblies or large fans. This calibration operation will be carried out with measurements taken at one or more predetermined locations, advantageously distant from the track, at a predetermined height or heights. This will then allow, by measuring one or more pressures via the measurement means at the pre-established off-piste locations, to determine or estimate the impact of the devices at the runway level. Optionally, a test aircraft can be used to check if a pressure error exists causing an altitude error between the actual altitude and the altitude determined by the pressure. If the error is outside a safety margin, the number of devices in operation can be reduced to reduce this altitude measurement error. The fans and devices will be started in succession, grouped or not.

Claims

claims

1. Ventilation device acting at least on a physical parameter of fluid mechanics linked to the mist or to its formation, this device intended to rest on a base or ground comprising:

- A channel (8) having an upper outlet orifice and a lower inlet orifice facing the base or ground;

- a member (9,10,11) for creating a current of air in the channel (8) between said orifices with a flow rate of at least 25m ³ / s of air;

- a support means associated with a system (12) forming or ensuring at least one passage of air towards the channel (8), in which the member comprises at least one propeller or turbine or blades (9) located in the channel (8) between the lower orifice and the upper orifice, and in which a drop agglomeration system (30) is arranged at a level located under the propeller or turbine or blades.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the channel is substantially vertical, characterized in that the upper outlet orifice of the channel is associated at least temporarily, in particular at least in a start-up phase, with an element for direct at least partially the air leaving the channel (8) in a direction inclined relative to the vertical, the inclination advantageously being between 10 ° and 75 ° relative to the vertical, preferably between 20 ° and 60 ° with respect to the vertical.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper orifice of the channel (8) is associated with at least one element for directing the air flow a distributor (16) having means (17) directing the at least part of the air stream leaving the channel (8) and in which at least means (17) directing part of the air stream leaving the channel are movable and connected to a control system (21) to modify the direction of at least part of the air flow leaving the channel during the operation of the organ (9,10,11).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the distributor (16) comprises movable fins (17) for directing at least part of the air flow leaving the channel.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the movable fins (17) are pivotally mounted relative to substantially parallel axes (18).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the distributor (16) comprises first mobile means (17) for directing a first part of the air stream and second mobile means (17) for directing a second part of the air stream, said first and second means being able in a first position to direct said air stream parts in directions substantially parallel to one another and in a second position to direct said air stream parts air in directions deviating from each other.

7. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the channel (8) associated with the distributor (16) has a total height less than 10 m, in particular less than 8 m, preferably less than 6 m .

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the member (9) is driven by a motor (11) located at least partially in the channel (8).

9. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the distributor (16) is located above the channel (8) and is adapted to control substantially all of the air flow in one or more distinct directions .

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means forming an air supply towards the inlet orifice of the channel (8), said supply having a minimum passage surface (14 ), in that the upper orifice has a passage section perpendicular to the mean direction of the air flow in the vicinity of the upper orifice, the ratio minimum passage section of the air intake (14) / passage section of the upper orifice being between 0.4 and 3, advantageously between 0.5 and 1.5, preferably between 0.5 and 1.

11. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the distributor (16) is mounted movable relative to the channel (8) so as to be able to pivot the pivot axis of the wings (17) of the distributor relative to the channel (8).

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equivalent height / diameter ratio of the channel (8) is between 0.15 and 2, advantageously between 0.15 and 1.2, preferably between 0.2 and 1.1.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (8) comprises means for adjusting its height.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the member (9) for creating a current of air in the channel is adapted to create an average speed of the air at the outlet of the channel (8 ) between 5m / s and 100m / s, advantageously between 5m / s and 60m / s, preferably between 7m / s and 50m / s, more particularly from 8 to 40m / s.

15. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for adapting the average speed of the air in the channel.

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agglomeration system (30) comprises at least one grid, the meshes of which are arranged to form a network of openings of average equivalent diameter between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, advantageously between 1 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 1 and 3 cm.

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agglomeration system (30) is suitable for agglomerating drops having a size less than 5 μm into drops having a size greater than 10 μm, advantageously greater than 20 μm, preferably greater than 50 μm.

18. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the control system ensures a variation of direction of at least part of the air leaving the channel between a vertical direction and a direction inclined relative to vertically, and vice versa over a period of less than 5 minutes, or in that the control system ensures a variation in the direction of air leaving the channel from one extreme position or direction inclined to another extreme position or direction inclined passing through a vertical position or direction, the cycle to pass from one extreme position or direction to the other extreme position or direction, and vice versa is advantageously between 30 seconds and 10 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 5 minutes .

19. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one movable cap for the upper orifice of the channel, said cap advantageously being a protective cap and / or a cap for directing or channeling the air coming out of the canal.

20. An assembly comprising at least one device according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular a battery of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. An assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises means allowing a displacement of the latter during its operation.

22. Use of one or more devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or a set according to any of claims 19 to 21 for reducing fog in an area or for preventing or preventing the formation of fog in an area.

23. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that air is sucked at ground level, in that this air is moved upward with a speed between 5m s and 100m / s, advantageously between 5m / s and 60m / s, preferably between 5m / s and 40m / s, in particular between 7 and 30m / s, and in that the direction of at least part of the current d is changed during operation air leaving one or more devices according to one of claims 1 to 18.

24. Use according to claim 23, characterized in that the speed of movement of the air in the channel and / or in the distributor is adapted or controlled, so as to agglomerate at the start of a fog dissipation phase, in the channel and / or at the agglomeration system and / or in the dispenser, drops having a size less than 5 μm in drops having a size greater than 10 μm, advantageously greater than 20 μm, preferably greater at 50 μm, and in which this speed and the direction of the air leaving the distributor are then adapted or controlled so as to provide subsidence around the device allowing dissipation of fog in an area having a height of at least 50m, in particular at least 80m, more specifically at least 200m in relation to the devices).

25. Use according to claim 22, in which several mobile devices or assemblies are moved along a road, so that a zone of fog treated by a device or assembly is subsequently treated by another device or assembly.

26. Use according to claim 22, in which one or more mobile devices or assemblies are used to determine the location of fixed devices or assemblies to ensure good reduction of fog or good prevention thereof.