Installation for burning an energetic material using a gas torch

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation (1) for burning an energetic material (2), the installation (1) comprising: - a burning enclosure (10) defining a treatment zone (Z) in which the energetic material (2) is intended to be burned, - a support (20) configured to position the energetic material (2) in the treatment zone (Z), and - a burning device (30), comprising at least one gas torch (31, 32), the burning device (30) being configured to initiate the combustion of the energetic material (2) in the treatment zone (Z), and - a control unit configured to position the support (20) in the treatment zone (Z), and to actuate the burning device (30) when the energetic material (2) is positioned in the treatment zone (Z).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Installation for burning an energetic material with a gas torch Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the elimination of energetic materials, in particular by burning. Previous technique

[0002] It may be necessary to destroy or dispose of energetic materials of various kinds, for example, when dismantling a pyrotechnic device. For instance, it may be necessary to destroy unused propellant, liquid or granular explosives, waste contaminated with energetic material, or even a package of energetic materials that are at least partially unknown.

[0003] It is known to burn such energy materials in the open air. However, this open-air burning process is not environmentally friendly due to the gases released.

[0004] Most of the time, energy waste must be treated before it can be burned in the enclosure, and there would be an advantage to having a technique that does not require specific preparation of the material before burning.

[0005] Furthermore, the energetic material is not always completely destroyed during combustion. Thus, the residues obtained after combustion in such a chamber may not be completely inert. These residues may then include unburned residual energetic material covered by a hard crust of material that formed on the surface of the residues during combustion. This hard crust is formed by carbonization.

[0006] There would also be an advantage to having a facility capable of processing a large quantity of energetic material, typically more than 10 kg. Description of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned objectives.

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes an installation for the combustion of an energetic material, comprising:

[0009] - a combustion chamber configured to contain the detonation of the energetic material and defining a treatment zone in which the combustion of the energetic material is intended to take place,

[0010] - at least one support configured to position said energetic material in the treatment zone, the support defining a reference surface intended to receive the energetic material, and

[0011] - a burning device, including at least one gas torch, configured to initiate the combustion of the energetic material in the treatment area, and

[0012] - a control unit configured to position the support in the treatment area, and to activate the burning device when the energetic material is positioned in the treatment area.

[0013] Thus, the present invention features a simple, robust, and relatively insensitive detonation configuration, while preventing the release of gas into the atmosphere. The use of gas torches allows for the efficient burning of a wide variety of energetic materials without prior treatment. In particular, such a device is suitable for destroying phlegmatized materials or unburned materials protected by a crust of carbonized matter. Such a device is also capable of burning energetic materials of at least partially unknown composition. This is particularly advantageous since it is often not possible to open and analyze the packages containing energetic materials.

[0014] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the burning device comprises a first gas torch located at a first angular position around a reference axis, and a second gas torch located at a second angular position around the reference axis different from the first angular position, the reference axis being transverse with respect to the reference surface.

[0015] Such a configuration helps to further reduce the risk of incomplete combustion, particularly when the load positioned in the processing area includes a large amount of non-energetic material, for example non-energetic industrial waste.

[0016] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the second angular position is spaced at least 120° from the first angular position.

[0017] Such a torch configuration is optimal for destroying all energetic material, especially in the event of the formation of a crust of carbonized material.

[0018] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the control unit is further configured to put the installation into a first combustion configuration in which the first gas torch is operated at a first power, and then to put the installation into a second combustion configuration in which the first and second gas torches are each operated at a power greater than the first power.

[0019] The first combustion configuration allows for an initial burn to destroy a first portion, which may constitute the majority, of the energetic material. The second combustion configuration allows for a second burn to destroy the remaining energetic material, which may be protected by a hard crust. The combination of these two burns allows for optimal destruction of energetic materials of all kinds and may be desirable when the energetic material is mixed with a significant amount of non-energetic material. In the second combustion configuration, the first and second gas torches can be operated at the same power or at different power levels, provided that each power level is higher than the first.

[0020] Specifically, during the first combustion configuration, the first gas torch can be operated at a first gas flow rate. During the second combustion, the first and second gas torches can each be operated at a gas flow rate higher than the first. In the second combustion configuration, the first and second gas torches can be operated at the same or different gas flow rates, provided that each flow rate remains higher than the first.

[0021] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the angle between the direction of gas emission from the first torch and the direction of gas emission from the second torch is between 70° and 110°, for example between 80° and 100°. Such parameters apply at least when the installation is in the second combustion configuration.

[0022] Thus, when the first torch and the second torch operate simultaneously, the burning is more powerful and any possible crust of hard material is more easily broken.

[0023] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the gas emission direction of the first torch and the gas emission direction of the second torch intersect within the treatment zone. Such parameters apply at least when the installation is in the second combustion configuration. Preferably, the gas emission direction of the first torch and the gas emission direction of the second torch are configured so as to intersect at the surface of the energetic material to be burned.

[0024] Thus, the gases from the first and second torches converge at a single point in the treatment zone, creating significant turbulence that facilitates the initiation of the second burn and the penetration of any hardened material crust. Indeed, turbulence is generated both in the gas streams and in the residues from the first burn, enhancing the efficiency of the subsequent combustion. This effect is amplified when the point where the torch gas streams converge is located close to the surface of the energetic material to be burned.

[0025] According to another particular aspect of the invention, each torch is arranged so that the angle of incidence of the gas with respect to the reference surface is between 30° and 60° in operation, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0026] The burning process is therefore more powerful and faster.

[0027] According to another particular aspect of the invention, each torch is a natural gas torch, in particular town gas.

[0028] The term "town gas" refers to gas distributed through the urban network. Therefore, it is not necessary to have gas stored in tanks at the installation site, for example, propane or butane tanks, which would be bulky, create a danger zone with a risk of explosion, and require additional logistics.

[0029] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the support is mobile between a loading position in which the support is located outside the enclosure, and a burning position in which the reference surface is located in the treatment area.

[0030] The loading of the energetic material inside the enclosure can thus be carried out automatically, quickly and without risk to the operators.

[0031] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the enclosure extends along a vertical longitudinal direction.

[0032] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the enclosure further contains an extinguishing system configured to project an extinguishing fluid into the treatment area, the control unit being configured to actuate the extinguishing system after the burning device has been actuated.

[0033] Residual flames can persist long after the energetic material has burned. Such residual flames are associated with the combustion of non-energetic material, such as plastic, and not with the combustion of energetic material. This extinguishing system allows these residual flames to be put out, enabling the safe and rapid removal of inert residues from the containment without waiting for the residual flames to extinguish themselves. Furthermore, if minimal amounts of energetic material remain despite the invention, the extinguishing fluid can also phlegmize this residual energetic material, thus increasing safety during its removal from the containment.

[0034] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the installation further comprises a pyrolysis oven configured to receive residues of the energy material after combustion in the treatment area, the pyrolysis oven being configured to heat said residues to a temperature of at least 500°C for a period of at least 15 minutes.

[0035] Such a pyrolysis oven is thus capable of decomposing any residual organic matter in the residues of the energy material, while maintaining a short cycle time. Indeed, the energy material introduced into the system may contain organic matter or plastics that will decompose following combustion within the chamber. A temperature of at least 500°C for a duration of at least 15 minutes ensures that almost all of the residual organic matter has disappeared. This guarantees the inert nature of the pyrolyzed remains, regardless of the form and composition of the initial energy material. Consequently, the pyrolyzed remains of the energy material can be easily handled and processed.

[0036] The invention further relates to a burning process comprising:

[0037] - the positioning of an energetic material in the treatment zone of an installation as described above,

[0038] - a first combustion of the energy material by the burning device, the torch or at least part of the torches of the burning device being operated with an initial power, and

[0039] - the removal of residues of the energy material from the treatment area of ​​the installation, after the first combustion.

[0040] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the burning process further comprises, after the first combustion, a second combustion of the remaining energetic material by the burning device, the torch or at least a part of the torches of the burning device being operated with a second power greater than the first power.

[0041] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the burning process further comprises, after the combustion(s) and before the removal of residues, the projection of an extinguishing fluid into the treatment area.

[0042] According to another particular aspect of the invention, a mass of energetic material greater than or equal to 10 kg is positioned in the treatment zone before the first combustion.

[0043] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the method further comprises:

[0044] - the positioning of the residues of the energy material in a pyrolysis oven, then

[0045] - heating the residues of the energy material to a temperature of at least 500°C for a period of at least 15 minutes.

[0046] This additional pyrolysis step decomposes any residual organic matter in the energy material residue. A temperature of at least 500°C for a minimum of 15 minutes ensures that virtually all residual organic matter is destroyed. This additional step also allows for precise control of the cycle time, as the heating duration is predetermined and the pyrolysis stage is carried out outside the treatment area where the combustion device is located. This ensures the inert nature of the pyrolyzed residue, regardless of the form and composition of the original energy material. Consequently, the pyrolyzed energy material residue can be easily handled and processed.

[0047] In a preferred method, this pyrolysis step is performed on residual energetic material not exposed to an extinguishing fluid. The pyrolysis step is preferably carried out instead of the extinguishing fluid spraying step. Indeed, the decomposition of the extinguishing fluid in the pyrolysis furnace is very energy-intensive and generates vapors that require special treatment within the furnace. In particular, such vapors can potentially contain nitrate compounds that may pose safety problems. Finally, by performing pyrolysis rather than extinguishing fluid spraying, the resulting residues are easier to process and recycle, as it is not necessary to separate the extinguishing fluid from the combustion residues.

[0048] Preferably, pyrolysis heating is carried out at a temperature between 500°C and 600°C. Preferably, pyrolysis heating is carried out for a duration of between 15 and 30 minutes. Indeed, a temperature above 600°C or a duration exceeding 30 minutes is unnecessary. By thus limiting the temperature and / or duration of pyrolysis heating, a reduced cycle time is ensured while destroying almost all, if not all, of the residual organic matter. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an installation according to the invention during a media loading step.

[0050] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figure 1 along a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

[0051] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the installation support of Figure 1.

[0052] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figure 1 when the support is positioned in the burning position.

[0053] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation in Figure 1 during a first combustion.

[0054] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figure 1 during a second combustion.

[0055] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figure 1 during shutdown.

[0056] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the installation including a pyrolysis oven.

[0057] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the burning process of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0058] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate an example of an installation 1 for the burning of an energy material 2.

[0059] Energetic material 2 may be waste contaminated with energetic material. Thus, energetic material 2 may include both energetic material and non-energetic waste. In particular, energetic material 2 may include pyrotechnic materials. For example, energetic material 2 may include propellant, such as composite, homogeneous, energetically bound, or inert propellant. Energetic material 2 may also include liquid or granular explosives. Energetic material 2 may be packaged in a sealed container.

[0060] Installation 1 includes a combustion chamber 10 configured to accommodate the combustion of the energy material 2. Thus, the chamber 10 is configured to withstand and contain the temperatures generated during the combustion of the energy material 2. The chamber 10 is therefore configured to resist the heat flux released during the combustion of the energy material 2. Consequently, at least the internal walls of the chamber 10 must be made of a material capable of withstanding the temperatures generated during the combustion of the energy material 2. The chamber 10 can, in particular, be made of steel, for example, stainless steel, such as S253MA stainless steel, or Hardox® 400 steel.

[0061] The enclosure 10 is also designed to contain the detonation of the energetic material 2. Indeed, the nature of the energetic material to be burned is not always fully known. Thus, the energetic material to be burned may contain elements, or combinations of elements, capable of causing detonations during combustion. Therefore, it is preferable that the enclosure 10 be able to contain these unwanted detonations. To this end, the enclosure 10 may have a minimum thickness of between 60 mm and 200 mm, for example, 130 mm. The material of the enclosure 10 may have an elongation at break greater than 40%. The material of the enclosure 10 may have a yield strength greater than 280 MPa at room temperature.

[0062] The enclosure 10 can have an internal volume of between 4 m 3 and 15 m 3 , for example 5 m 3 or 10 m 3, in order to accommodate a significant quantity of energy-producing material to be burned. Such a volume allows for the management of fumes from the combustion process.

[0063] The enclosure 10 extends along a longitudinal direction DL between a lower end 11 and an upper end 12. The longitudinal direction DL can correspond to the direction of gravity. The lower end 11 is located below the upper end 12 along the direction of gravity.

[0064] The enclosure 10 comprises a main portion 13 located between the lower end 11 and the upper end 12. The main portion 13 may be cylindrical, in particular cylindrical. The main portion 13 may be conical or frustoconical. The main portion 13 may be axisymmetric. The cross-section of the main portion 13 of the enclosure 10 may be larger than the cross-section of the enclosure 10 at the upper end 12. The cross-section of the main portion 13 of the enclosure 10 may be larger than the cross-section of the enclosure 10 at the lower end 11.

[0065] The containment 10 defines a treatment zone Z in which the combustion of the energy material 2 is intended to take place. The treatment zone Z is preferably located away from the inner walls of the containment 10. Thus, in the event of a detonation, it occurs at a distance from the inner walls of the containment 10, thereby improving the containment 10's resistance to detonations. In particular, the treatment zone may be located at least one meter away from the inner walls of the containment 10. The treatment zone Z is preferably situated in the main portion 13 of the containment 10.

[0066] Installation 1 further includes a burning device 30. The burning device 30 is configured to initiate the combustion of the energy material 2 in the treatment zone Z.

[0067] The burning device 30 includes at least one gas torch 31, 32. Preferably, the burning device 30 includes at least one first gas torch 31 and a second gas torch 32. The burning device 30 may, of course, include more than two gas torches 31, 32. The burning device 30 may include exactly two gas torches 31, 32.

[0068] The gas flare(s) 31, 32 can be supplied with gas stored in a tank at the installation 1, for example, propane or butane. However, for practical reasons, the gas flare(s) 31, 32 are preferably natural gas flares, in particular town gas flares. "Town gas" refers to gas distributed through the urban network. Therefore, it is not necessary to have gas stored in a tank at the installation, which would be cumbersome, create a danger zone with a risk of explosion, and require additional logistical support. Natural gas can be primarily composed of methane.

[0069] The gas torch(s) 31, 32 are located in the enclosure 10. The gas torches 31, 32 are distributed around a reference axis A. The reference axis A may extend along the longitudinal direction DL. The reference axis A passes through the treatment zone Z. The reference axis A may correspond to the central axis of the enclosure 10. In particular, the reference axis A may be the axis of symmetry of the central portion 13 of the enclosure 10 if the latter is axisymmetric. The gas torches may be located at the same height along the reference axis A.

[0070] The gas torch(s) are positioned at a non-zero distance from the treatment zone Z.

[0071] The first gas torch 31 is located at a first angular position ai about the reference axis A, as illustrated in Figure 2. The second gas torch 32 is located at a second angular position 02 about the reference axis A. The second angular position 02 is different from the first angular position ai. The second angular position 02 can be at least 120° away from the first angular position ai, preferably at least 170° away from the first angular position ai. In other words, the angle 012 between the first angular position ai and the second angular position 02 can be between 120° and 240°, preferably between 170° and 190°. According to a preferred configuration, the first gas torch 31 and the second gas torch 32 are diametrically opposite with respect to the reference axis A.

[0072] The first torch 31 may be capable of being operated at least at a first power level and at a second power level higher than the first. The second torch 32 may be capable of being operated at a power level higher than the first, for example at the second power level.

[0073] The first torch 31 can be operated at least at a first gas flow rate and at a second gas flow rate higher than the first gas flow rate. The second torch 32 can be operated at a gas flow rate higher than the first gas flow rate, for example at the second gas flow rate.

[0074] The torches 31, 32 of the burning device 30 are preferably configured for easy assembly and disassembly. Indeed, in the event of a detonation within the enclosure 10, it is desirable to be able to easily replace one or more damaged torches 31, 32.

[0075] Installation 1 may further include an air injection device configured to add air to the treatment area during the operation of the burning device 30. Such an addition of air improves combustion.

[0076] Installation 1 further includes at least one support 20 for receiving the combustible material 2. The support 20 can be configured to support a mass of 10 kg of combustible material 2, or even a mass of 18 kg of combustible material 2. The masses indicated correspond to the mass of all the loaded combustible material, which may include non-combustible material. The support 20 is configured to be positioned in the treatment zone Z. An example of a support 20 is illustrated in detail in Figure 3. The support 20 can be spaced at least one meter from the internal walls of the enclosure 10 to improve the installation's resistance to detonations.

[0077] The support 20 is introduced into the enclosure 10 by means of an opening 10a in the enclosure 10. The opening 10a may be located at the lower end 11 of the enclosure 10. This facilitates the loading and unloading of the enclosure 10. However, preferably, the opening 10a is located in the main portion 13 of the enclosure 10. The opening 10a thus preferably extends to a non-zero distance from the lower end 11 of the enclosure 10 and to a non-zero distance from the upper end 12 of the enclosure 10. Indeed, since the intake of air and gases into the enclosure is conventionally from the upper end 12, an opening 10a at the lower end creates a vertical airflow conducive to the dispersion of ash and residues of energetic material. An opening 10a located on the side helps to limit the creation of such air flows and thus to limit the dispersion of ash and residues of energy material.

[0078] Preferably, the enclosure 10 includes a single opening 10a allowing the insertion and removal of the support(s) 20.

[0079] The support 20 is mobile at least between a loading position and a burning position. The support 20 in the loading position is outside the enclosure 10. The support 20 in the burning position is located at least partially within the treatment zone Z. The support 20 in the burning position is at a non-zero distance from the torch(s) 31, 32.

[0080] The support 20 is fixed in the treatment zone Z during the first and second combustion. Thus, the installation 1 includes fastening means configured to immobilize the support 20 in the enclosure 10 during the first and second combustion, i.e. in the first combustion configuration of the installation 1 and in the second combustion configuration of the installation 1.

[0081] The support 20 may include a base 21. The base 21 may be configured to close the enclosure 10 when the support 20 is in the burning position. In particular, the base 21 may be configured to close the opening 10a of the enclosure 10 when the support 20 is in the burning position. Thus, the base 21 has dimensions greater than or equal to the dimensions of the opening 10a of the enclosure 10.

[0082] The support 20 may include a main structure 22. The main structure 22 extends from the base 21.

[0083] The support 20 includes a mounting portion 23. The mounting portion 23 is integral with the support 20. The mounting portion can be in the form of a container configured to receive the energy material 2. The mounting portion 23 can also allow a container holding the energy material 2 to be removably attached to the support 20. The mounting portion 23 can then, for example, take the form of rails, as illustrated in Figure 3. Using a removable container relative to the support 20 facilitates the loading of the energy material 2 into the chamber 10. It is thus possible to prepare one or more containers of energy material in advance while the chamber 10 is performing a combustion cycle. The combustion rate is therefore increased.

[0084] The main structure 22 connects the base 21 to the mounting portion 23. The main structure 22 notably allows the mounting portion 23, and thus the energetic material 2, to be moved further away from the internal walls of the enclosure 10. The energetic material 2 is therefore more accessible to the flares 31, 32. In addition, in the event of a detonation, it occurs further away from the internal walls of the enclosure 10, which improves the resistance of the enclosure 10 to detonations.

[0085] Installation 1 includes a positioning device 40 configured to move the support 20 between the loading position and the burning position. Preferably, the transition from the loading position to the burning position is achieved by translation. For example, the transition from the loading position to the burning position can be achieved by translation along the reference axis A. Such a translation is particularly suitable when the opening 10a is present at the lower end 11 of the enclosure 10. The transition from the loading position to the burning position can also be achieved by translation perpendicular to the reference axis A. Such a translation is particularly suitable when the opening 10a is present at the main portion 13 of the enclosure 10. Thus, the enclosure 10 can be quickly and easily loaded with energetic material 2.

[0086] The support 20 may include a drive means 24 configured to cooperate with the positioning device 40. Thus, the positioning device 40 drives the support 20 by means of the drive means 24.

[0087] The support 20 defines a reference surface that corresponds to the main surface for receiving the energy material 2. This is the main surface on which the energy material 2 rests. The reference surface is typically perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL and / or to the reference axis A. The reference surface corresponds to the main surface of the container holding the energy material 2. Thus, when the support's mounting portion takes the form of a container configured to receive the energy material 2, the reference surface corresponds to an actual surface of the support, specifically an actual surface of the mounting portion. When the mounting portion 23 is configured to removably secure a container holding the energy material 2, the reference surface does not correspond to an actual surface of the support 20 but rather to the main surface of the removable container.The said reference surface remains defined by the said support 20, in particular by its fixing portion 23.

[0088] As illustrated in Figure 1, the installation 1 may further include a supply device 50. The supply device 50 allows the energy material 2 to be conveyed to the positioning device 40, and in particular to the mounting portion 23 of the support 20. Specifically, the supply device 50 allows one or more containers containing energy material 2 to be conveyed to the positioning device 40, so that the container(s) can be mounted on the mounting portion 23 of the support 20. Such a supply device 50 allows the loading of the enclosure 10 to be automated. Such a supply device 50 also allows the supply rate of energy material 2 to the installation 1 to be increased.

[0089] The supply device 50 may be in the form of a conveyor belt. The supply device 50 may include a retractable portion at its end. This retractable portion of the supply device 50 may be extended when the support 20 is in the loading position, to load the energy material 2 onto the support 20. Then, this retractable portion of the supply device 50 may be retracted when the support 20 is loaded, so as not to impede the movement of the support 20 from the loading position to the burning position. The retractable portion of the supply device 50 is thus movable between an extended position, when the energy material 2 is being loaded onto the support 20, and a retracted position, when the energy material 2 is loaded onto the support 20.

[0090] The torches 31, 32 are inclined so that, when the support 20 is in the burning position, the angle of incidence Pi of the gas emitted by the torch 31, 32 with respect to the reference surface of the support 20 is between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°, as illustrated in Figure 4. The torches 31, 32 can thus be inclined so that the angle between the direction of the gases emitted by the torch 31, 32 and the reference axis A is between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0091] When the installation is in the second configuration, the angle between the direction of gas emission from the first torch and the direction of gas emission from the second torch can be between 70° and 110°, for example between 80° and 100°.

[0092] Installation 1 may further include an extinguishing system 60 configured to project an extinguishing fluid 6 into the treatment zone Z, as illustrated in Figure 7. The extinguishing fluid may be water, for example filtered water free from elements that could clog the extinguishing system 60 and in particular the nozzle(s) of said extinguishing system 60. The extinguishing system 60 includes one or more nozzles configured to project the extinguishing fluid.

[0093] Installation 1 may include a monitoring device (not shown) for the state of energetic material 2. The monitoring device may be visual. The monitoring device may thus be configured to allow visual observation of the state of energetic material 2. For example, the monitoring device may take the form of one or more windows on enclosure 10. The monitoring device may also include a camera inside enclosure 10 and a screen outside enclosure 10 configured to display the camera images. The camera may be protected by a window.

[0094] Installation 1 may also include a system for deagglomerating the energy material 2. The deagglomeration system is present in the enclosure 10. The deagglomeration system is configured to deagglomerate the remains 3 of the energy material 2. The deagglomeration system allows the remains 3 of the energy material 2 to be deagglomerated while keeping the enclosure 10 closed.

[0095] Installation 1 further includes a control unit configured on the one hand to operate the positioning device 40 and on the other hand to operate the burning device 30 when the energetic material 2 is positioned in the treatment zone Z. The control unit can also be configured to operate the extinguishing system 60.

[0096] According to a particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the installation as described above may further include at least one pyrolysis furnace 70. The pyrolysis furnace 70 is configured to receive the residues 4 of the energy material 2 after combustion in the treatment zone Z. The pyrolysis furnace 70 is configured to heat said residues 4 to a temperature of at least 500°C for a period of at least 15 minutes. The pyrolysis furnace 70 is configured to heat said residues 4 in an oxygen-poor or even oxygen-free atmosphere.

[0097] The installation may then include a conveyor 80 connecting the enclosure 10 to the pyrolytic oven 70. The distance between the opening 10a of the enclosure 10 and the opening of the pyrolytic oven 70 may be less than 5 meters, preferably less than 2 meters, in order to increase the safety of the installation 1 and reduce the total cycle time. The conveyor 80 may be continuous with the supply device 50. A portion of the conveyor 80 may be formed by at least a portion of the supply device 50.

[0098] We will now describe, in relation to Figure 9 and Figures 1 to 8, a process for burning an energetic material.

[0099] According to a first step 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the energy material 2 is loaded onto the support 20 in the loading position. A supply device 50 as described previously can be used for this purpose. The retractable portion of the supply device 50 is then in the deployed position.

[0100] According to a second step 200 illustrated in figure 4, the support 20 carrying the energetic material 2 is moved from its loading position to its burning position by the positioning device 40. The support 20 is thus positioned in the treatment zone Z. Prior to this second step, the retractable portion of the supply device 50 is placed in the retracted position.

[0101] According to a third step 300 illustrated in Figure 5, the first combustion of the energy material 2 is carried out. This first combustion of the energy material 2 is initiated in the treatment zone Z. Preferably, the initiation of this first combustion of the energy material 2 is carried out using a single torch 31. Thus, only the first torch 31 is used for the initiation of the first combustion. The second torch 32 is not used for the initiation of the first combustion. Combustion is initiated by contact between the energy material 2 and the flame(s) from the torch(s) 31. The installation 1 is in a first combustion configuration for this first combustion. For the initiation of the first combustion (ignition), the torch(s) 31 are each operated at the first power setting. The first power setting can be between 30 and 70 kW. The torch(s) can each be operated at the first gas flow rate.The first gas flow rate can be between 3 and 7 m. 3 per hour. The energy released by the torch during the first combustion can be between 100 and 300 MJ per hour.

[0102] The duration of the first combustion initiation, i.e., the actuation time of the torch(s) 31, is less than 10 seconds. Preferably, the duration of the first combustion initiation is less than 5 seconds. The duration of the first combustion initiation is typically a few seconds, for example, between 1 and 5 seconds; for example, it is three seconds.

[0103] The first combustion of energy material 2 can last approximately one minute. Specifically, the first combustion of energy material 2 can last between 45 and 75 seconds.

[0104] The first combustion of energy material 2 preferably takes place at atmospheric pressure.

[0105] At least a first portion of energy material 2 is burned during this first combustion. This first portion of energy material 2 burned preferably corresponds to the majority of energy material 2.

[0106] Following this first combustion 300, the energy material 2 is transformed into residue 3. At the end of this third stage 300, it is possible to check the condition of the energy material 2 after this first combustion. The condition of the residue 3 after the first combustion can be checked with the energy material condition monitoring device as described previously.

[0107] These remains 3 may be residues devoid of residual energy, also called "ashes." All the energy material has then been burned. In this case, the sixth 600 extinguishing step, described below, can be carried out.

[0108] These residues (3) may, on the other hand, contain residual energetic material, particularly residual pyrotechnic material. The initial combustion can lead to the formation of a hard crust on the surface of the residues (3). Such a crust then covers and protects unburned energetic material. In the case of residual energetic material, a second combustion is advisable to eliminate the residual energetic material, especially if a crust has formed.

[0109] To facilitate and improve the efficiency of the second burning, it is preferable to first carry out a fourth, 400-step desagglomeration process. This desagglomeration step is performed between the first and second burnings. It is particularly relevant when a crust is present on the surface of the remains. The desagglomeration step is performed using the remains desagglomeration system described previously.

[0110] According to a fifth step 500 illustrated in Figure 6, the second combustion of the energy material 2 is carried out, i.e., the combustion of the residues 3. The second combustion of the energy material 2 is initiated in the treatment zone Z. The initiation of the second combustion of the energy material 2 is preferably carried out using several torches 31, 32. The number of torches used for the second combustion is preferably greater than the number of torches used for the first combustion. Thus, the residues 3 are exposed to the flames at different angles. Combustion is initiated with contact between the residues 3 and the flames from the torches 31, 32. The installation 1 is in a second combustion configuration for this second combustion, different from the first combustion configuration. For the initiation of the second combustion, the torches 31, 32 can be operated at a higher power than the first power.In particular, torches 31 and 32 can be operated at a second power level higher than the first. This second power level can be between 70 kW and 110 kW. For the initiation of the second combustion, torches 31 and 32 can be operated at a gas flow rate higher than the first. Specifically, torches 31 and 32 can be operated at a second gas flow rate higher than the first. This second gas flow rate can be between 7 and 11 m³ / s. 3 per hour. The energy released by the torch during the second combustion can be between 300 and 400 MJ per hour. [YES] The initiation time of the second combustion, i.e., the duration of torch activation (flashes 31 and 32), is greater than or equal to 10 seconds. Preferably, the initiation time of the second combustion is between 10 and 150 seconds. The initiation time of the second combustion is preferably longer than the initiation time of the first combustion. It is indeed desirable that the second combustion be more "powerful" than the first combustion to ensure the complete burning of the remains (stains 3), despite the presence of a crust.

[0112] The second combustion of the remainder 3 of energetic material 2 preferably takes place at atmospheric pressure.

[0113] After this second burning 500, the remains 3 are devoid of energy. The remains 3 are then simply residues 4, also called "ash".

[0114] A sixth 600 extinguishing step can be implemented, as illustrated in Figure 7. This sixth 600 step extinguishes any residual flames. Such residual flames are associated with the combustion of non-energy-producing materials, such as plastic, and not with the combustion of energy-producing materials. This step significantly reduces the cycle time, as it eliminates the need to wait for the residual flames to extinguish themselves.

[0115] This sixth step 600 is carried out using the extinguishing system 60 as described previously. During this sixth step, the extinguishing fluid 6 is sprayed into the treatment zone Z. Specifically, the extinguishing fluid 6 is sprayed onto the residues 4. The spray duration of the extinguishing fluid 6 can be between 30 and 90 seconds. For example, the spray duration of the extinguishing fluid 6 can be 60 seconds. During the sixth step, the volume of extinguishing fluid 6 sprayed can be between 1 and 5 liters.

[0116] The residues 4 can then be removed from the treatment area Z according to a seventh step 700. The support 20 can thus be moved from its combustion position to its loading position, to be recharged with energy material 2.

[0117] An eighth step 800 is preferably carried out, involving loading the residue 4 into a pyrolysis furnace. During this step, the residue 4 is loaded into a pyrolysis furnace 70 as described previously. The conveyance of the residue 4 between the containment 10 and the pyrolysis furnace 70 can be achieved by means of a conveyor 80 connecting the containment 10 to the pyrolysis furnace 70.

[0118] According to a ninth step 900, the residues 4 are heated in the pyrolytic oven for a period of at least 15 minutes at a temperature of at least 500°C. Preferably, the pyrolytic heating is carried out at a temperature between 500°C and 600°C. Preferably, the pyrolytic heating is carried out for a period of between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. Indeed, a temperature above 600°C or a duration above 30 minutes does not provide any significant additional benefits.

[0119] The process of the invention makes it possible to achieve a reduced cycle time for large masses of energy-producing material to be burned. In particular, the process of the invention can achieve a cycle time of 5 minutes.

[0120] The expression "between ... and ..." should be understood as including the boundaries.

Claims

Demands

1. Installation (1) for the burning of an energy material (2), comprising: - a combustion chamber (10) configured to contain the detonation of the energetic material (2) and defining a treatment zone (Z) in which the combustion of the energetic material (2) is intended to be carried out, - at least one support (20) configured to position said energetic material (2) in the treatment zone (Z), the support (20) defining a reference surface intended to receive the energetic material (2), and - a burning device (30) configured to initiate the combustion of the energetic material (2) in the treatment zone (Z), the burning device (30) comprising at least a first gas torch (31) located at a first angular position about a reference axis (A) and a second gas torch (32) located at a second angular position about the reference axis (A) different from the first angular position, the reference axis (A) being transverse with respect to the reference surface, and - a control unit configured to position the support (20) in the treatment zone (Z), and to actuate the burning device (30) when the energetic material (2) is positioned in the treatment zone (Z), the control unit being further configured to put the installation (1) into a first combustion configuration in which the first gas torch (31) is actuated at a first power, and then to put the installation (1) into a second combustion configuration in which the first and second gas torches (31, 32) are each actuated at a power greater than the first power.

2. Installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second angular position is spaced at least 120° from the first angular position.

3. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the angle between the direction of emission of gases from the first torch (31) and the direction of emission of gases from the second torch (32) is between 70° and 110°.

4. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the direction of emission of gases from the first torch (31) and the direction of emission of gases from the second torch (32) are intersecting in the treatment zone (Z).

5. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each torch (31, 32) is a natural gas torch.

6. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (20) is movable between a loading position in which the support (20) is located outside the enclosure (10), and a burning position in which the reference surface is located in the treatment zone (Z).

7. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the enclosure (10) extends along a vertical longitudinal direction (DL).

8. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the enclosure (10) further contains an extinguishing system (60) configured to project an extinguishing fluid (6) into the treatment zone (Z), the control unit being configured to actuate the extinguishing system (60) after the actuation of the burning device (30).

9. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, installation (1) further comprising a pyrolysis furnace (70) configured to receive residues (3, 4) of the energy material (2) after combustion in the treatment zone, the pyrolysis furnace (70) being configured to heat said residues (3, 4) to a temperature of at least 500°C for a period of at least 15 minutes.

10. Burning process comprising: - the positioning of an energetic material (2) in the treatment zone (Z) of an installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - a first combustion of the energetic material (2) by the burning device (30), the torch or at least part of the torches (31, 32) of the burning device (30) being operated at a first power, then - a second combustion of the remainder (3) of the energy material (2) by the burning device (30), the torch or at least part of the torches (31, 32) of the burning device (30) being operated with a power greater than the first power, - the removal of residues (3, 4) of the energy material (2) from the treatment area (Z) of the installation (1), after the first and second combustion.

11. Burning method according to claim 10, further comprising, after combustion and before removal of residues (4), the projection of an extinguishing fluid (6) into the treatment zone (Z).

12. A burning method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: - the positioning of the residues (3, 4) of the energetic material (2) in a pyrolysis oven (70), then - heating the residues (3, 4) of the energy material (2) to a temperature of at least 500°C for a period of at least 15 minutes.

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