Our achievements
Browse some of our achievements below to better appreciate the quality of our sensors and the variety of their applications.
CNES: Instrumentation of the Ariane 6 Launch Pad
Custom-made IHF flow sensors
The new launch pad intended for the European Ariane 6 launcher, called ELA4 (Launch Package No. 4) is equipped with a system for channeling the combustion jets (hot gases coming from the side boosters and the Vulcain2 central cryogenic engine). This system is made up of a superstructure (jet guide, carnals), but also a deluge means, discharging no less than 800m3 of water at 9 bar, in order to guarantee the integrity of the launch pad during takeoff . In order to validate its nominal behavior and monitor its good health, NexTherm Sensing was entrusted by the CNES (French Space Agency) with the production of tailor-made flow meters (inertia, IHF range ). The sensors were positioned at various strategic points (launch table, booster pallet, deflector at the bottom of the jet guide, etc.) in order to provide a real map of the thermal flows seen during takeoffs. This illustrates the contribution that new instrumentation can make in understanding and monitoring critical physical phenomena.
Vidéo explicative du pas de tir Ariane 6 (Crédit CNES)
INERIS: Experience linked to Hydrogen Risks
DHF dynamic sensors
Hydrogen is a fuel of choice in the context of the energy transition, particularly for transport. Its low density is, however, a disadvantage, which requires its storage in pressurized gaseous form, between 350 and 700 bar. For the most demanding applications (long distances), cryogenic storage at -250°C is required. This creates considerable technical problems regarding the dangerous phenomena that could arise during its implementation (leaks, explosive atmosphere, anoxia, etc.).
Fire safety test on hydrogen torch. INERIS credit
In this context, before any large-scale public deployment, it is essential to understand the effects of combustion, explosion or even flame propagation in hydrogen clouds, in order to propose suitable safety barriers. INERIS turned to NexTherm Sensing for the supply of temperature and rapid heat flow sensors ( DHF range ), capable of detecting the passage of the combustion source. The sensors in the DHF range have thus made it possible to enrich the metrology of fire safety tests.
Defense: Combustion Tests
CHF cooled sensors
Propulsion is at the heart of National Defense challenges. Whether it is artillery, tactical missiles or strategic force, continuous improvements in propulsion guarantee supremacy. The French industrial fabric in the field of Defense is one of the most active and innovative. It is therefore necessary to equip yourself with the best tools to maintain your lead. In this context, NexTherm Sensing provides major Defense contractors with unrivaled sensors, such as cooled flow meters ( CHF range ), which allow continuous monitoring of the thermal parameters of combustion test benches. The key is to characterize the performance and thermal resistance of advanced materials.
Nozzle test. Credit DGA Missile Tests
INERIS: Experience linked to Hydrogen Risks
DHF dynamic sensors
La tour THEMIS et son champ d'héliostats (Crédit CNRS PROMES)
Hydrogen is a fuel of choice in the context of the energy transition, particularly for transport. Its low density is, however, a disadvantage, which requires its storage in pressurized gaseous form, between 350 and 700 bar. For the most demanding applications (long distances), cryogenic storage at -250°C is required. This creates considerable technical problems regarding the dangerous phenomena that could arise during its implementation (leaks, explosive atmosphere, anoxia, etc.).
Intérieur de la tour THEMIS configurée pour le projet NEXT-CSP, visant à produire une énergie électrique solaire. Le transport de calories est effectué entre le concentrateur et la génératrice par un lit fluidisé (Crédit CNRS PROMES)
NexTherm Sensing a fourni un fluxmètre de type IHF pour calibrer la densité de flux solaire au niveau du concentrateur. Le fluxmètre est placé sur une barre mobile venant scanner transversalement le faisceau concentré, avec des flux jusqu'à 600kW/m².
In this context, before any large-scale public deployment, it is essential to understand the effects of combustion, explosion or even flame propagation in hydrogen clouds, in order to propose suitable safety barriers. INERIS turned to NexTherm Sensing for the supply of temperature and rapid heat flow sensors ( DHF range ), capable of detecting the passage of the combustion source. The sensors in the DHF range have thus made it possible to enrich the metrology of fire safety tests.