Test bench for testing environmental gas conditions

Abstract

Test bench for testing environmental gas conditions. The invention relates to a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions comprising: at least one first chamber (32) configured to contain a first gaseous environment (A1), at least one first control system (40, 42, 42') for adjusting at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment (A1) contained in the first chamber (32), at least one first measuring sensor (72.1) configured to measure, evaluate, or determine at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment (A1) contained in the first chamber (32). This solution allows for a wide variety of tests to be carried out. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Test bench for testing environmental gas conditions

[0001] The present application relates to a test bench for testing environmental conditions of gases.

[0002] Tests can be carried out to study, among other things: a. the behavior of a gaseous environment in the event of an explosion, b. the ability of such a gaseous environment to ignite, c. the behavior of equipment or systems in a given gaseous environment, particularly in the event of an explosion.

[0003] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig. 1], an explosive charge test bench 10 comprises a chamber 12 delimited by a tubular wall 12.1 configured to withstand an explosion, a sealing wall 14 fixed to a first end of the tubular wall 12.1 and configured to withstand an explosion, and a test plate 16 fixed to a second end of the tubular wall 12.1. The explosive charge test bench 10 also comprises an explosive system 18 positioned in the chamber 12 and configured to generate an explosion, and at least one sensor 20 (such as a camera, for example) configured to measure a deformation of the test plate 16 following an explosion.

[0004] In operation, chamber 12 contains a gaseous environment which corresponds to the atmosphere of the room in which the explosive charge test bench 10 is positioned.

[0005] This type of test bench is not suitable for studying the behavior of a gaseous environment because it does not allow the characteristics of the gaseous environment present in chamber 12 to be adapted.

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions comprising at least a first chamber configured to contain a first gaseous environment.

[0008] According to the invention, the test bench includes at least a first control system for adjusting at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment contained in the first chamber and at least a first measuring sensor configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment contained in the first chamber.

[0009] This solution provides a simple, economical and versatile test bench for testing environmental gas conditions, which allows a wide variety of tests to be carried out.

[0010] According to another feature, the first control system includes at least a first gas extraction system, opening into the first chamber, configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the first chamber, and at least a first gas supply system, opening into the first chamber, configured to supply the first chamber with a first gas.

[0011] According to another feature, the test bench includes at least first and second gas supply systems, the first gas supply system being configured to supply fuel to the first chamber, the second gas supply system being configured to supply oxidant to the first chamber.

[0012] According to another feature, the test bench includes at least one second chamber configured to contain a second gaseous environment, a test plate separating the first and second chambers, and at least one second measuring sensor configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment contained in the second chamber and / or at least one third measuring sensor configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the test plate.

[0013] According to another feature, the test bench includes a second control system configured to adjust at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment contained in the second chamber.

[0014] According to another feature, the first and second chambers are connected by a detachable link.

[0015] According to another feature, the second control system includes at least one gas extraction system, opening into the second chamber, configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the second chamber, and at least one gas supply system opening into the second chamber and configured to supply the second chamber with at least one gas or a mixture of gases.

[0016] According to another feature, the test bench includes at least one discharge system configured to make the first chamber communicate with an external area when the first gaseous environment contained in the first chamber has a pressure greater than or equal to a given pressure threshold.

[0017] According to another feature, the first chamber is delimited by a T-shaped conduit which includes first and second ends positioned face to face and a third end positioned between the first and second ends and equipped with the discharge system.

[0018] According to another feature, the third end is sealed by a sealing plate, the discharge system comprising a pre-cut line located at the level of the sealing plate, said pre-cut line being sealed when the pressure in the first chamber is below the given pressure threshold and being cut when the pressure in the first chamber is greater than or equal to the given pressure threshold.

[0019] According to another feature, the test bench includes at least one triggering system configured to trigger an explosion of the first gaseous environment.

[0020] According to one variant, the triggering system is positioned at least partly in the first chamber.

[0021] According to another variant, the test bench includes at least one triggering chamber and at least one conduit connecting the triggering chamber and the first chamber, the triggering system being positioned at least partly in the triggering chamber.

[0022] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0023] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of an explosive charge test bench illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0024] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0025] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0026] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0028] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0029] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0030] [Fig-8] is a synoptic diagram showing different stages of a test carried out using a test bench visible on [Fig.4].

[0031] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.2], a test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least a first chamber 32 configured to contain a first gaseous environment Al and delimited by: a. a first cylindrical conduit 34 extending between first and second ends 34a, 34b, b. a first sealing wall 36, positioned at the first end 34a, sealing the first end 34a of the first cylindrical conduit 34, c. a second sealing wall 38, positioned at the second end 34b, sealing the second end 34b of the cylindrical conduit 34.

[0032] For the purposes of this application, a gaseous environment means a gas or a mixture of gases.

[0033] The first cylindrical conduit 34 is made of a material configured to resist explosions. In one embodiment, the first cylindrical conduit 34 is metallic, made of a composite material, or made of a plastic such as polyethylene, for example, with a thickness of approximately 15 mm. This first cylindrical conduit 34 could be used in the field of methanization or water supply. In one configuration, the first and second sealing walls 36, 38 are made of an explosion-resistant material. For example, the first and second sealing walls 36, 38 are metallic, made of a composite material, or made of a plastic and may be transparent or opaque.According to another configuration, the first sealing wall 36 is a test plate allowing the consequences of an explosion in the first chamber 32 to be studied, and the second sealing wall 38 is an explosion-resistant, virtually undeformable wall.

[0034] According to one configuration, at least one of the first and second sealing walls 36, 38 is connected to the first cylindrical conduit 34 by a removable and watertight connection. This solution allows objects to be introduced into the first chamber 32. According to one arrangement, the first cylindrical conduit 34 comprises at least one flange 34.1, 34.2, at the first and / or second end 34a, 34b, against which the first and / or second sealing wall 36, 38 is pressed, the latter being connected to the flange 34.1, 34.2 of the first cylindrical conduit 34 by a plurality of bolts regularly distributed around the first cylindrical conduit 34, a sealing gasket being interposed between the flange 34.1, 34.2 of the first cylindrical conduit 34 and the first and / or second sealing wall 36, 38.

[0035] According to one configuration, the first cylindrical conduit 34 comprises first and second flanges 34.1, 34.2 respectively at the first and second ends 34a, 34b.

[0036] The test bench for testing environmental conditions of gas 30 comprises at least one first gas extraction system 40, opening into the first chamber 32, configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the first chamber 32. In one embodiment, the first gas extraction system 40 is a vacuum pump. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the first gas extraction system 40.

[0037] In addition, the test bench for testing environmental conditions of gas 30 includes at least a first gas supply system 42, opening into the first chamber 32, configured to supply a first gas to the first chamber 32.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least first and second gas supply systems 42, 42' opening into the first chamber 32, the first gas supply system 42 being configured to supply a first gas to the first chamber 32, the second gas supply system 42' being configured to supply a second gas to the first chamber 32.

[0039] According to one configuration, the first gas supply system 42 is configured to supply fuel to the first chamber 32, the first gas being a fuel such as hydrogen, for example. The second gas supply system 42' is configured to supply oxidant to the first chamber 32, the second gas being an oxidant such as air or oxygen, for example.

[0040] Alternatively, the first or second gas supply system 42, 42' is configured to supply the first chamber 32 with inert gas, the first or second gas being an inert gas such as nitrogen for example.

[0041] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.7], the first gas supply system 42 comprises a first tank 44 containing a first gas, a first supply line 46 connecting the first tank 44 and the first chamber 32, a first buffer tank 48 interposed between the first tank 44 and the first chamber 32, and a first set of solenoid valves 50.1, 50.2 and at least one pressure sensor 50.3 configured to regulate the pressure in the buffer tank 48 and the gas flow between the first tank 44 and the buffer tank 48, and at least one pressure regulator 52 configured to regulate the gas flow between the buffer tank 48 and the first chamber 32.

[0042] The second gas supply system 42' comprises a second tank 44' containing a second gas, a second supply line 46' connecting the second tank 44' and first chamber 32, a second buffer tank 48' interposed between the second tank 44' and the first chamber 32 and a second set of solenoid valves 50.1', 50.2' and at least one pressure sensor 50.3' configured to regulate the pressure in the second buffer tank 48' and the gas flow between the second tank 44' and the second buffer tank 48' and a three-way solenoid valve 52' to regulate the gas flows between the second buffer tank 48' and the first chamber 32 and / or between an air compressor 54' and the first chamber 32.

[0043] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the first and second gas supply systems 42, 42'. Regardless of the embodiment, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 includes at least one first control system 40, 42, 42' for adjusting at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment Al contained in the first chamber 32.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least one triggering system 56 configured to trigger an explosion of the first gaseous environment Al. By way of example, the triggering system 56 comprises first and second electrodes 56.1, 56.2 between which an electric arc is generated. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the triggering system 56.

[0045] According to an arrangement visible in figures 2, 3, 4, the triggering system 56 is positioned at least partly in the first chamber 32.

[0046] According to another arrangement visible in [Fig.6], the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least one triggering chamber 58 and at least one conduit 60 connecting the triggering chamber 58 and the first chamber 32, the triggering system 56 being positioned at least partly in the triggering chamber 58.

[0047] According to another arrangement visible in [Fig. 5], the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 does not include a triggering system. In this case, the test bench is used to study the properties of a gaseous environment to self-ignite.

[0048] According to embodiments visible in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least a second chamber 62 containing a second gaseous environment A2, located in the extension of the first chamber 32 and delimited by: a. a second cylindrical conduit 64, with a cross-section substantially identical to that of the first cylindrical conduit 34, which extends between a first end 64a connected to the first end 34a of the first cylindrical conduit 34 and a second end 64b, and b. a sealing wall 66 positioned at the second end 64b and sealing the second end 64b of the second cylindrical conduit 64.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first and second chambers 32, 62, more particularly the first and second cylindrical conduits 34, 64, are connected by a sealed and removable connection, a test plate 68 being interposed between the first ends 34a, 64a of the first and second cylindrical conduits 34, 64. By way of example, the test plate 68 can be a solid plate or a plate through which a conduit 68.1 is passed, equipped with a valve, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0050] According to one configuration, the second cylindrical conduit 64 comprises first and second flanges 64.1, 64.2 at its first and second ends 64a, 64b. The sealing wall 66 is pressed against the second flange 64.2 and connected to it by a plurality of bolts distributed around the circumference of the second cylindrical conduit 64. The test plate 68 is positioned between the first flanges 34.1, 64.1 of the first and second cylindrical conduits 34, 64, said first flanges 34.1, 64.1 being connected to each other by a plurality of bolts distributed around the circumference of the first and second cylindrical conduits 34, 64.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second cylindrical conduit 64 is made of a material configured to resist explosions. In one embodiment, the second cylindrical conduit 64 is metallic, made of a composite material, or made of a plastic such as polyethylene, for example, with a thickness of approximately 15 mm. This second cylindrical conduit 64 could be used in the field of methanization or water supply. In one configuration, the sealing wall 66 is made of an explosion-resistant material. For example, the sealing wall 66 is metallic, made of a composite material, or made of a plastic and can be transparent or opaque.

[0052] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the second chamber 62. According to preferred embodiments, the second chamber 62 is connected to the first chamber 32 by a detachable link. This solution offers great flexibility. Thus, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 can, according to a first configuration, comprise a single first chamber 32 or, according to a second configuration, first and second chambers 32, 62 separated by a test plate 68.

[0053] In the presence of a second chamber 62, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 includes a second configured control system 70 to adjust at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment A2 contained in the second chamber 62. In one configuration, the second control system 70 includes at least one gas extraction system 70.1 opening into the second chamber 62 and configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the second chamber 62, as well as at least one gas supply system 70.2 opening into the second chamber 62 and configured to supply the second chamber 62 with at least one gas or a mixture of gases. In one arrangement, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 includes a first gas extraction system 40, 70.1 configured to extract a gas contained in the first and second chambers 32, 62.

[0054] The test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least one first measuring sensor 72.1 configured to measure, evaluate, or determine at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment Al contained in the first chamber 32. In one configuration, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises several first measuring sensors 72.1 to 72.4 for measuring, evaluating, or determining at least one characteristic, such as a thermodynamic characteristic and / or a compositional characteristic, of the first gaseous environment Al contained in the first chamber 32, said first measuring sensors 72.1 to 72.4 being selected from a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas analyzer, a humidity sensor, or others. In one arrangement, each first measuring sensor 72.1 to 72.4 is positioned at least partially within the first chamber 32.

[0055] According to one embodiment, in the presence of a second chamber 62, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least one second measuring sensor 74.1 configured to measure, evaluate, or determine at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment A2 contained in the second chamber 62. According to one configuration, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises several second measuring sensors 74.1 to 74.2 for measuring, evaluating, or determining at least one characteristic, such as a thermodynamic characteristic and / or a compositional characteristic, of the second gaseous environment A2 contained in the second chamber 62, said second measuring sensors 74.1 to 74.2 being selected from a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas analyzer, a humidity sensor, or others. According to one arrangement, each second measuring sensor 74.1 to 74.2 is positioned at least partially in the second chamber 62.

[0056] According to one embodiment, in the presence of a test plate 68, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises at least a third measuring sensor 76 configured to measure, evaluate or determine at less a characteristic of the test plate 68. The third measuring sensor 76 is a sensor that allows for the measurement of a change, such as a dimensional change, of the test plate 68, for example. By way of example, the third sensor 76 is a camera positioned in the second chamber 62 and / or outside the first and second chambers 32, 62.

[0057] According to embodiments visible in figures 3 to 6 and 8, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 includes at least one discharge system 78 configured to make the first chamber 32 communicate with an external area when the first gaseous environment Al contained in the first chamber 32 has a pressure greater than or equal to a given pressure threshold.

[0058] According to one configuration, the first chamber 32 is delimited by a T-shaped conduit 34 comprising first and second ends 34a, 34b positioned face to face and sealed by first and second sealing walls 36, 38, and a third end 34c positioned between the first and second ends 34a, 34b, approximately equidistant from them, and equipped with a discharge system 78. According to one embodiment, the third end 34c is sealed by a sealing plate 80. In addition, the discharge system 78 comprises a pre-cut line 80.1 located at the level of the sealing plate 80, said pre-cut line 80.1 following a closed contour such as a disc, for example, and being sealed when the pressure in the first chamber 32 is below the given pressure threshold and being cut when the pressure in the first chamber 32 is greater than or equal to the threshold of a given pressure.

[0059] According to a first use illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises a single first chamber 32. According to this first use, the first chamber 32 is purged by removing the gas present in the first chamber 32 through the first gas extraction system 40. Subsequently, a gas mixture is introduced into the first chamber 32 using the first and second gas supply systems 42, 42' so as to obtain a given first gaseous environment Al in the first chamber 32. Finally, an explosion is triggered in the first chamber 32 by means of the triggering system 56. The first measuring sensors 72.1 to 72.4 allow the measurement, determination, or evaluation of the evolution of the characteristics of the first gaseous environment Al before, during, and after the explosion.

[0060] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 8, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises first and second chambers 32, 62. A test plate 68 is positioned to separate the first and second chambers 32, 62. In a first step visible in part (A) of [Fig. 8], the first and second chambers 32, 62 are purged by removing the gas present in the first and second chambers 32, 62 using the first gas extraction system 40. In a second step visible in part (B) of [Fig. 8], a gas mixture is introduced into the first chamber 32 using the first and second gas supply systems 42, 42' so as to obtain a first given gaseous environment A1 in the first chamber 32. In addition, air or another gas is introduced into the second chamber 62 using the second control system 70 so as to obtain a second gaseous environment A2 in the second chamber 62. In a third step visible in part (C) of [Fig. 8], an explosion is triggered in the first chamber 32 by means of the triggering system 56. As illustrated in part (D) of [Fig. 8], this explosion impacts the test plate 68. The first measuring sensors 72.1 to 72.4 allow the measurement, determination or evaluation of the evolution of the characteristics of the first gaseous environment Al before, during and after the explosion. The third measuring sensor(s) 76 allow(s) the measurement, evaluation or determination of at least one characteristic of the test plate 68 before, during and after the explosion.

[0061] According to a third embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 comprises first and second chambers 32, 62. A test plate 68, which includes a through-conduit 68.1 equipped with a valve, is positioned to separate the first and second chambers 32, 62. In a first step, the first and second chambers 32, 62 are purged by removing the gas present in them. In a second step, a gas mixture is introduced into the first chamber 32 to obtain a first given gaseous environment A1 in the first chamber 32. In addition, air or another gas is introduced into the second chamber 62 to obtain a second gaseous environment A2 in the second chamber 62.Next, the characteristics of the first and second gaseous environments Al, A2 are measured, evaluated or determined in order to understand their evolution.

[0062] According to another embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], a device 82 is positioned in the first chamber 32. According to this embodiment, the first chamber 32 is purged by removing the gas present in the first chamber 32. Subsequently, a gas mixture is introduced into the first chamber 32 so as to obtain a given first gaseous environment Al in the first chamber 32. Finally, an explosion is triggered in the triggering chamber 58 by means of the triggering system 56. The first measuring sensors 72.1 to 72.4 allow the measurement, determination, or evaluation of the evolution of the characteristics of the first gaseous environment Al before, during, and after the explosion. In addition, the test bench for testing environmental gas conditions 30 includes at least one fourth sensor 84 configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the equipment 82 and / or its evolution before, during and after the explosion.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and configurations described above. Other combinations are conceivable. Thus, a test bench for testing environmental conditions of gas 30 could include a second chamber 62 and a triggering chamber 58 and not include a discharge system 58.

[0064] The test bench for testing environmental conditions of gas 30 designed according to the invention is simple, economical, versatile and allows a wide variety of tests to be carried out such as flammability tests of a gaseous environment with electric arcs, deformation tests of a plate following an explosion of a gaseous environment or aging tests of equipment for example.

Claims

Demands

1. Test bench for testing environmental gas conditions comprising at least one first chamber (32) configured to contain a first gaseous environment (Al), characterized in that the test bench comprises at least one first control system (40, 42, 42') for adjusting at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment (Al) contained in the first chamber (32) and at least one first measuring sensor (72.1 to 72.4, 74.1, 74.2, 76) configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the first gaseous environment (Al) contained in the first chamber (32).

2. Test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control system (40, 42, 42') comprises at least one first gas extraction system (40), opening into the first chamber (32), configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the first chamber (32) and at least one first gas supply system (42), opening into the first chamber (32), configured to supply a first gas to the first chamber (32).

3. Test bench according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the test bench comprises at least first and second gas supply systems (42, 42'), the first gas supply system (42) being configured to supply fuel to the first chamber (32), the second gas supply system (42') being configured to supply oxidant to the first chamber (32).

4. Test bench according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test bench comprises at least one second chamber (62) configured to contain a second gaseous environment (A2), a test plate (68) separating the first and second chambers (32, 62), and at least one second measuring sensor (74.1) configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment (A2) contained in the second chamber (62) and / or at least one third measuring sensor (76) configured to measure, evaluate or determine at least one characteristic of the test plate (68).

5. Test bench according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the test bench includes a second control system (70) configured to adjust at least one characteristic of the second gaseous environment (A2) contained in the second chamber (62).

6. Test bench according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the first and second chambers (32, 62) are connected by a detachable link.

7. Test bench according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the second control system (70) comprises at least one gas extraction system (70.1) opening into the second chamber (62) and configured to extract all or part of a gas contained in the second chamber (62) and at least one gas supply system (70.2) opening into the second chamber (62) and configured to supply the second chamber (62) with at least one gas or a mixture of gases.

8. Test bench according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test bench includes at least one discharge system (78) configured to make the first chamber (32) communicate with an outside area when the first gaseous environment (Al) contained in the first chamber (32) has a pressure greater than or equal to a given pressure threshold.

9. Test bench according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first chamber (32) is delimited by a T-duct (34) which includes first and second ends (34a, 34b) positioned face to face and a third end (34c) positioned between the first and second ends (34a, 34b) and equipped with the discharge system (78).

10. Test bench according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the third end (34c) is sealed by a sealing plate (80) and in that the discharge system (78) includes a pre-cut line (80.1) located at the level of the sealing plate (80), said pre-cut line (80.1) being sealed when the pressure in the first chamber (32) is less than the given pressure threshold and being cut when the pressure in the first chamber (32) is greater than or equal to the given pressure threshold.

11. Test bench according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test bench comprises at least one system of triggering (56) configured to trigger an explosion of the first gaseous environment (Al).

12. Test bench according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the triggering system (56) is positioned at least partly in the first chamber (32).

13. Test bench according to claim 11, characterized in that the test bench comprises at least one triggering chamber (58) and at least one conduit (60) connecting the triggering chamber (58) and the first chamber (32), the triggering system (56) being positioned at least partly in the triggering chamber (58).

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