Fluids can be found in most environmental and industrial processes : mixing, separation, heat and mass transfer, transport, diffusion, extraction etc.. Problems are generally complex and sometimes insufficiently mastered. 

Taking into account the fluids problems at the very early stage of projects very often leads to major cost savings which concern investment as well as operation expenses. In particular, the cost of energy and of environment rules which has long been neglected in the past becomes a major issue. These cost optimisations are very often related to a better design of components and machines dealing with fluids. Energy reduction of up to 2 or 3 times can be obtained very often and this is generally linked with better and simpler process. 

Ylec consultant is specialised in fluid mechanics in all industrial applications, including nuclear energy, shipbuilding, electricity and electrochemistry, water and air treatment or even some mass market applications like perfume diffusion and the design of coffee machines. 

We cover most aspects of flows, liquids, gases and multiphase flows. Solving two phase flows problems is a major part of our activity. This concerns cavitation, bubbles, drops, particles, as well as foams or porous media. We are able to study general hydraulic problems in circuits or free surface channels. We are also concerned with compressible flows. 

We generally work at the early stages of projects in relation with engineering companies or end users. We develop new processes, but may also work on existing installations to improve some specific aspects or solve problems. We collaborate with laboratories or universities when necessary, for example to use advanced computer codes or special testing facilities. We have special links with laboratories in the fields of cavitation and oil two phase flow. We can make prototypes or models and test them when necessary. This is generally done in collaboration with engineering companies. 

We develop some special equipment which is not available from classical suppliers. This is the case of high performance in line or batch mixers (OPTIMIX, MIX'IN, MULTIMIX), of rotating two phase separators at very high flow rate (OPTISEP) or of house made systems to control very low flow rates. Some of these systems are sold by our industrial partners. 

We can provide teaching for our customers when necessary. 

Owing to our very small size, we are able to answer very rapidly to any demand for a study or an expertise, in France or abroad. This small size also permits low costs. 

We generally work in close collaboration with our partners and clients. We take into account the problems of confidentiality and industrial property. 

Due to our very special activity, our customers cover a broad range of activities. They can be very small companies as well as major international groups or state organisations. Among others, we can cite the following : ALLIMAND, ATE, CEA, CIBA, CSSRC (China), DESBORDES, DGA, EDF, ESSILOR, GEC ALSTHOM, INCAM, ITMI, KHRONE, LEGI, LNE, MOULINEX, ONERA, PIELSTICK, RENAULT, RHONE POULENC, SATMA, SEP, SGN, SPRETEC, TDM, TOTAL. 

We have asked for more than 50 patents for ourselves or our clients. We are also active in national and international scientific organisations. When allowed by our clients, we publish in scientific journals and congresses. 

Person to contact : Yves LECOFFRE. Formerly head of the hydrodynamic group in Alstom research centre in Grenoble (CERG) ; Formerly head of testing facilities (Among whose GTH) at Bassin des Carènes (The french navy towing tank) in Val de Reuil. Associate Professor at Grenoble University. Price of "hydrotechnique" of the French Hydrotechnic Society in 1990. Author of several books on Fire Places, Heat Pumps and Cavitation. See "Cavitation, bubble trackers". BALKEMA editors Rotterdam, the Netherlands.