Method for configuring a machine of a processing plant and method for manufacturing a processing plant

Abstract

Provided is a method for configuring a processing device, which searches for a configuration of a processing device in which the total amount of piping material is reduced, and a manufacturing method for a processing device. For a plurality of machine groups in which a plurality of machines that make up a processing device that processes a fluid are arranged, connection information indicating that a specific pair of two machine groups is connected via piping, and piping information required to calculate the amount of piping material, are set. Then, a first step in which the plurality of machine groups are arranged in a processing device area such that the outer edge of the occupied area is in contact with the long side of the pipe rack arrangement area, and a second step in which the total amount of piping material of the piping supported by the pipe rack is calculated, are repeatedly performed, and a plurality of configurations in which the total amount of piping material is small are selected from the results obtained by changing the arrangement of the plurality of machine groups.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a technique for determining a configuration of machines that constitute a processing plant, and particularly to a method for configuring machines of a processing plant, and a manufacturing method of a processing plant. BACKGROUND

[0002] Among processing plants that perform processing of fluids, there are natural gas plants that perform liquefaction of natural gas or separation, recovery, etc. of natural gas liquids, petroleum refining plants that perform distillation or desulfurization, etc. of crude oil or various intermediate products, chemical plants that perform production of petrochemical products or intermediate chemicals, polymers, etc., and the like. In addition, in the present application, "fluids" refer to not only gases and liquids, but also powder particles (powder, granules, or particles, etc.) that have fluidity.

[0003] These processing plants become structures in which a plurality of machines such as column tanks or heat exchangers, etc. that are static machines, pumps or compressors, etc. that are dynamic machines, and the like are arranged within a prescribed use area, and these machines are connected by piping.

[0004] At this time, the arrangement of the plurality of machines that constitute the processing plant needs to comprehensively consider the order of processing of fluids, constraints of the topography or area of the use area, constraints of safety, the amount of use of structural materials of the machines or piping (economical efficiency), etc., and is determined by the design person in charge while repeating trials.

[0005] However, the processing plant in which a plurality of machines are connected to each other via piping has a complex structure in many cases. At this time, the work of searching for a more efficient arrangement of machines within a range of a large number of constraints also has a case in which not only the load of the research easily becomes large, but also the results are influenced by the skills of the design person in charge. Therefore, a method is required that can quantitatively grasp the economical efficiency of the determined arrangement of machines while reducing the load of the work required for determining the arrangement of machines.

[0006] Here, in Patent Literature 1, a natural gas processing device is described that limits the range in which machines are actually arranged within a machine arrangement area that is set in advance, in correspondence with the range of the operation radius of a maintenance crane determined in accordance with the hoisting load. However, the technology of quantitatively grasping the economical efficiency of the determined arrangement of machines is not mentioned in Literature 1.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0008] PATENT LITERATURE

[0009] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 235267 SUMMARY

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] The present technology provides a technique for searching for a configuration in which the total amount of piping material used is reduced, for a plurality of machines that constitute a processing device that processes a fluid.

[0012] Technical means for solving the problem

[0013] The present method is a configuration method for a plurality of machines that constitute a processing device that processes a fluid, characterized by comprising the steps of:

[0014] With respect to a plurality of machines that constitute the processing device, the plurality of machines are grouped into a plurality of machine groups each of which includes at least one machine, has an occupied area in which a configuration area of the machine included in the machine is set, and is capable of mutual recognition, connection information indicating that, in order to transmit and receive a fluid between each machine included in one machine group and a counterpart machine included in another machine group, a specific pair of two machine groups is connected via a pipe, and pipe information required for calculating the amount of piping material used per unit length of the pipe corresponding to the connection information are set for the machine groups;

[0015] A use area of the processing device and a rack configuration area in which a rack having a planar shape in the form of a strip is provided in the use area for supporting the pipe are set; and

[0016] Further, a plurality of configurations obtained by repeatedly executing a first step and a second step by a computer while changing the configuration of the plurality of machine groups are selected, the first step being a step of configuring the plurality of machine groups in the use area such that the outer edge of the occupied area of the one machine group and the long side of the rack configuration area are in contact with each other and the occupied areas of the one machine group and the machine groups other than the one machine group do not overlap, and the second step being a step of calculating the total amount of piping material of the pipe supported by the rack based on the position at which the outer edge of each occupied area and the long side are in contact with each other and the connection information with respect to the configuration of the plurality of machine groups.

[0017] The configuration method for the machines of the processing device can also have the following features.

[0018] (a) In the step of selecting a configuration in which the total amount of piping material used is reduced, a step of changing the configuration of the plurality of machine groups using a genetic algorithm or a particle optimization method and selecting a configuration in which the total amount of piping material used is reduced is executed.

[0019] (b) in the process of setting the use area and the pipe rack arrangement area, setting the arrangement position of the pipe rack arrangement area in a plurality of cases different from at least one of the arrangement position and the number of arrangements; and for each of the plurality of cases, performing the process of selecting the arrangement in which the total amount of use of the pipe materials is smaller, and selecting a combination of a plurality of cases in which the total amount of use of the pipe materials is smaller and the arrangement, based on the selection results of the arrangement for each case.

[0020] (c) in (b), for the use area, it is possible to set a pipe rack arrangement area of a main pipe rack as the pipe rack, and a sub pipe rack arranged in connection with a long side of the main pipe rack and extending in a direction intersecting the long side; and the plurality of cases include a case in which the pipe rack arrangement area is set in a manner in which the orientation of the long side to which the sub pipe rack is connected, and the number of sub pipe racks connected to each long side, including zero, are different, as viewed from the main pipe rack.

[0021] (d) in (c), the plurality of cases further include a case in which the orientation of the long side to which the sub pipe rack is connected, and the number of sub pipe racks connected to each long side, including zero, are common, as viewed from the main pipe rack, and on the other hand, the arrangement position of the main pipe rack is different from each other in the direction intersecting the long side.

[0022] (e) in (c), in the plurality of cases, the pipe rack arrangement area of the main pipe rack is set to be movable in the direction intersecting the long side within a range set in advance, and in addition, the pipe rack arrangement area of the sub pipe rack is set to be movable in the direction intersecting the long side of the sub pipe rack, but in the case where a plurality of sub pipe racks are connected to the main pipe rack, limited to a range in which the pipe rack arrangement area of one sub pipe rack does not overlap with that of another sub pipe rack; and when the first step is performed by changing the arrangement of the plurality of machine groups, it is possible to change the arrangement position of the pipe rack arrangement area of the main pipe rack and the sub pipe rack.

[0023] (f) in (c), when the first step is performed by changing the arrangement of the plurality of machine groups, it is possible to generate a pipe rack arrangement area of a sub-sub pipe rack as the pipe rack arranged in connection with the long side of the sub pipe rack and extending in the direction intersecting the long side.

[0024] (g) in the plurality of machine groups, for the outer edge of each of the occupied areas, a connection side connected to the long side of the pipe rack is set in advance.

[0025] (h) In the first step of configuring the plurality of machine groups, a maintenance area is provided in an area on the opposite side of the occupied area from the side of the connection edge connected to the long side of the pipe rack, the maintenance area being an area in which machines arranged in the one machine group are moved out at the time of maintenance, and none of the occupied area and the pipe rack arrangement area of the other machine groups are provided.

[0026] (i) In the pipe arrangement information, as the usage amount of the pipe material, information required for calculating the cost per unit length of the pipe is included, and in the second step, as the total usage amount of the pipe material of the pipes supported by the pipe rack, the total cost of the pipe materials is calculated.

[0027] Further, the manufacturing method of the treatment apparatus that treats fluid is characterized by including a step of manufacturing the treatment apparatus by configuring the plurality of machine groups based on a configuration included in a plurality of configurations in which the total usage amount of the pipe material is small, which is selected by the configuration method of the machine of the treatment apparatus described above.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present method, as for the configuration of the machine groups in which the plurality of machines constituting the treatment apparatus are grouped, a configuration in which the total usage amount of the pipe material is small is calculated by a computer. As a result, the economic efficiency of the decided machine configuration can be quantitatively grasped while the load of the work required for deciding the machine configuration is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a layout plan of a treatment apparatus.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a use area of a treatment apparatus and an occupied area of a machine group.

[0032] Figure 3 is a structural view of a machine group.

[0033] Figure 4A is a first explanatory view of a configuration method of a machine group.

[0034] Figure 4B is a second explanatory view of a configuration method of a machine group.

[0035] Figure 5 (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 Figure 5 (c) of FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a structural example of a pipe rack arrangement area.

[0036] Figure 6 (a) to (c) of FIG. 2 Figure 6 (c) of FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a change in movement of a pipe rack arrangement area.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the connecting edges and maintenance areas set in the occupied area of ​​the machine group.

[0038] Figure 8A This is the first explanatory diagram of the method for generating the sub-bracket.

[0039] Figure 8B This is the second explanatory diagram of the method for generating the sub-bracket.

[0040] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the implementation procedure of the configuration method of the processing equipment.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the occupied area of ​​the machine group configured in the land area of ​​the processing equipment.

[0042] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1: Processing equipment

[0044] 10: Land Use Area

[0045] 20: Pipe rack configuration area

[0046] 21: Supervisory Structure

[0047] 22: Secondary tube rack

[0048] 23: Sub-branch rack

[0049] 3, 3a, 3b: Machine group

[0050] 30: Occupied Area

[0051] 31: Machine

[0052] 4, 4a, 4b: piping Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 This is a plan view schematically illustrating the structure of the processing device 1, which is a machine configuration method (machine configuration method) applicable to this example.

[0054] As a processing equipment 1 to which the machine configuration method of this example is applicable, examples include natural gas equipment, petroleum refining equipment, chemical equipment, etc., as described above. These processing equipment 1s include multiple machines 31 that process fluids such as gases, liquids, and fluid-flowing powders. Examples of machines 31 installed in the processing equipment 1 include various processing towers such as distillation towers or reaction towers, static machines such as receiving tanks or heat exchangers for gas-liquid separation, and dynamic machines such as pumps or compressors. The machines 31 installed in the processing equipment 1 are interconnected via piping 4 for fluid flow.

[0055] When the processing equipment 1 is constructed in the predetermined use area 10, if the plurality of machines 31 constituting the use area 10 are arranged disorderly, the piping 4 connecting the machines 31 to each other becomes long, and the total amount of piping material used increases. From the viewpoint of maintenance management or safety management, it is desirable to arrange the machines 31 systematically based on the predetermined idea.

[0056] Therefore, in the processing equipment 1 in which a plurality of machines 31 are provided, the machines are grouped (hereinafter referred to as "machine group 3") according to the order of processing of the fluid or the relevance of the machines 31 to each other, and sometimes the machines 31 included in a common machine group 3 are arranged in a concentrated area. Hereinafter, the "concentrated area" is referred to as "occupied area 30".

[0057] For example Figure 1 The state in which the plurality of machines 31 constituting the processing equipment 1 are grouped into a plurality of machine groups 3, and the machines 31 included in each machine group 3 are arranged in the occupied area 30 set corresponding to the machine group 3 is indicated as follows. In this example, at least one machine 31 is included in the machine group 3.

[0058] As shown in the example Figure 1 There is no particular limitation on the method of grouping the plurality of machines 31 provided in the processing equipment 1 into a plurality of machine groups 3. For example, the machines 31 can be grouped in such a manner that one to several tens of machines 31 are included in one machine group 3, following the flow of the fluid and according to each processing performed on the fluid.

[0059] In addition, the applicant has developed a method in which the relevance of the machines 31 is analyzed by a computer based on the data of the piping instrument diagram (piping & instrument flow diagram) made at the time of designing the processing equipment 1, and the machines 31 are grouped in such a manner that the machines 31 having high relevance are included in a common machine group 3. In this way, the machines 31 can be automatically grouped by a computer based on a predetermined algorithm.

[0060] Further, dynamic machines such as pumps or compressors, or packed columns filled with catalysts or adsorbents are sometimes provided in a long row of the same machines so as to be able to switch the use at the time of maintenance or the regeneration or replacement of the packing, and the like. These long rows of machines are mostly provided in a common machine group 3.

[0061] In addition, there are machines 31 designed on the premise that they are provided in close proximity, such as a surge tank at the outlet of a compressor. The machines 31 of this kind can be provided as one machine 31 in such a manner that they are not grouped into different machine groups 3, or these machines 31 can be previously set in one machine group 3.

[0062] In the case where the machine group 3 includes a plurality of machines 31, the piping 4 connecting the machines 31 included in the common machine group 3 to each other is arranged in the common occupied area 30 in which the machine groups 3 are arranged.

[0063] On the other hand, the piping 4 connecting the machines 31 included in the mutually different machine groups 3 to each other is arranged outside the occupied area 30 in principle through the pipe racks (main pipe rack 21, sub pipe rack 22, sub sub pipe rack 23). The pipe racks 21, 22, 23 are frame structures configured in a band shape in plan view to support the piping 4. In this example, the area in which the pipe racks 21, 22, 23 are arranged is referred to as a "pipe rack arrangement area 20" in which the plan shape is a band shape.

[0064] As described above, by grouping the plurality of machines 31 provided in the processing plant 1 into the plurality of machine groups 3 and arranging the machines 31 included in each machine group 3 in the common occupied area 30, the mutually related machines 31 can be arranged in close proximity to each other, for example. As a result, compared to the case where the plurality of machines 31 are arranged in disorder, the piping 4 connecting the machines 31 to each other can be inhibited from becoming excessively long, and thus the total amount of use of the piping material can be inhibited.

[0065] On the other hand, in the processing plant 1 including a plurality of machines 31, the number of the grouped machine groups 3 is also large, and there can be a plurality of modes in arranging the machine groups 3 in the common use area 10. Moreover, the length of the piping 4 connecting the machines 31 included in the mutually different machine groups 3 to each other varies depending on the arrangement positions of the machine groups 3. In addition, the amount of use of the piping material differs among the piping 4 having different diameters or wall thicknesses, and furthermore, the piping cost per unit weight also differs if the selected piping material is different.

[0066] Thus, the total amount of use of the piping material or the total cost, which has an influence on the construction cost of the processing plant 1, varies complexly depending on the arrangement mode of the machines 31. Therefore, the person in charge of the design involved in the arrangement of the machines 31 in the processing plant 1 needs a large amount of effort to search for the arrangement of the machines 31 in which the total amount of use of the piping material of the piping 4, or the total cost, becomes smaller through trial and error. In addition, the result is sometimes influenced by the skill of the person in charge of the design.

[0067] Therefore, with regard to the machine arrangement method of this example, a computer is used to search for the arrangement of the machine groups 3 in which the total amount of use of the piping 4 arranged through the pipe racks 21, 22, 23 (which can be converted into the total cost. The same applies hereinafter) becomes smaller.

[0068] The problem can be understood as an optimization problem of searching for a configuration in which the total amount of piping material of the pipes 4 supported by the racks 21, 22, 23 becomes smaller when a plurality of machine groups 3 are arranged in the use area 10 of the processing plant 1.

[0069] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing the use area 10 of the processing plant 1 and the occupied area 30 of the machine group 3 arranged in the use area 10.

[0070] The use area 10 is an area in which the occupied area 30 and the rack arrangement area 20 are arranged. Coordinates are set in the use area 10, and it is possible to determine an area in which the occupied area 30 or the rack arrangement area 20 is arranged. Figure 2 In the example, the outer edge of the use area 10 is configured in a rectangular shape, but the shape of the use area 10 is not limited to the example. The shape of the use area 10 can be set in accordance with the shape of the land on which the processing plant 1 is constructed.

[0071] In addition, in the use area 10, it is not necessary to arrange all the machines 31 that constitute the processing plant 1 based on the machine arrangement method of the example. For example, for a machine, such as a machine that receives raw materials from the outside, for which the position of arrangement is determined in advance, it is possible to set the shape of the use area 10 by excluding an area in which the machine is arranged. Furthermore, the machine arrangement area excluded from the use area 10 can be set as an enclave inside the use area 10.

[0072] Furthermore, for the use area 10, the rack arrangement area 20 is set in advance. The arrangement position or the number of the racks 21, 22, 23 can be changed when the arrangement of the machine groups 3 is searched for, and details thereof will be described later.

[0073] As described above, the machines 31 of the processing plant 1 arranged in the use area 10 are grouped into a plurality of machine groups 3 in advance. Each machine group 3 is capable of identifying each other, and is assigned an identification number (1) to (25) in the example shown. Figure 2

[0074] Each machine group 3 sets the shape of the area or the outer edge of the occupied area 30 in view of the number of machines 31 to be arranged or the size of each machine 31, the arrangement interval of each machine 31 set from the viewpoint of maintenance management or safety management, and the like. The shape of the outer edge of the occupied area 30 is also not limited to the rectangular shape exemplified in the example (see also Figure 2 Figure 4A , Figure 4B ) described above. In addition, as described later, a connection edge 301 connected to the racks 21, 22, 23 can be set in the occupied area 30.

[0075] ​​Here, the shape of the area or the outer edge of the occupied area 30 can be determined by deciding the specific arrangement of each machine 31 provided within the occupied area 30. At this time, a plurality of levels of frames can be provided within the occupied area 30, and the machines 31 can be arranged in these plurality of levels.

[0076] However, in determining the shape of the area or the outer edge of the occupied area 30, deciding the specific arrangement of each machine 31 is not necessarily an essential element. For example, the area or the outer edge shape of the occupied area 30 can be simply automatically calculated in accordance with variables such as the number of machines 31 provided in the occupied area 30, the size (occupied area) of each machine 31, the arrangement interval of the machines 31, the presence or absence of frames, or the number of levels.

[0077] Figure 3 An example of grouping the machines 31 included in the process that constitutes the processing apparatus 1 into a plurality of machine groups 3 (3a, 3b) is shown. Figure 3 A process in which a gas that flows out from a distillation column 311a on the front stage side is cooled and liquefied by an overhead cooler 312a, and a part of the liquid accumulated in a receiver 313a is sent to a distillation column 311b on the rear stage side by a liquid feed pump 314 is described in the

[0078] In the process, a plurality of machines 31 associated with the distillation column 311a on the front stage side are grouped into a machine group 3a, and a plurality of machines 31 associated with the distillation column 311b on the rear stage side are grouped into a machine group 3b.

[0079] Here, when focusing on the flow of the liquid from the receiver 313a to the distillation column 311b, the machine 31 included in the machine group 3a, that is, the liquid feed pump 314, and the machine 31 included in the machine group 3b, that is, the distillation column 311b, are connected via the piping 4. At this time, in the machine arrangement method of the present example, the machine group 3a and the machine group 3b are provided as a pair via the piping 4.

[0080] In addition, as described in the Figure 3 As described in the, the reception and transmission of fluids from and to the outside of each machine group 3a, 3b are also performed with respect to other machines 31 included in the machine groups 3a, 3b. With respect to the reception and transmission of these fluids, the machine group 3a and the machine group 3b are also provided as a pair via the piping 4 through which each fluid flows.

[0081] As information indicating the relationship described above, in the Figure 2Each of the machine groups 3 shown is provided with information indicating the machines 31 included in the machine group 3. Further, with respect to machines 31 among these machines 31 that perform transmission and reception of fluid via the piping 4 with counterpart machines 31 included in another machine group 3, connection information indicating that these machine groups 3 form a pair is provided. Furthermore, in the case of performing transmission and reception of fluid outside the processing device 1, or as already described, between a machine arrangement region and the self-use region 10 that is excluded in advance, connection information indicating the gist is also provided.

[0082] As the connection information, information is provided that, for a specific machine 31 (the same as the feed pump 314) included in one machine group 3 (the same as the machine group 3a) in the example, identifies via which piping 4 fluid is fed to a machine 31 (the same as the distillation column 311b) included in another machine group 3 (the same as the machine group 3b). Figure 3

[0083] With respect to one machine group 3 (the same as the machine group 3b) that receives the same fluid, information is also provided as connection information that, for a specific machine 31 (the same as the distillation column 311b), indicates via which piping 4 fluid is fed from a machine 31 (the same as the feed pump 314) included in another machine group 3 (the same as the machine group 3a).

[0084] With respect to any one machine group 3, in the case where there are a plurality of machines 31 that are connected via piping 4 with machines 31 included in another machine group 3, the connection information is provided a plurality of times corresponding to these machines 31.

[0085] In addition, there can also be a case where the piping 4 connected with one machine 31 included in a certain machine group 3 branches outside the machine group 3 and is connected with machines 31 included in each of a plurality of other machine groups 3. In this case, connection information can be provided as information that the one machine 31 is connected with other machines 31 via a plurality of different pieces of piping 4, respectively.

[0086] Further, with respect to the piping 4 corresponding to the connection information, information corresponding to the amount of piping material used per unit length is provided as piping information according to the diameter or wall thickness of the piping 4. In addition, in the case where the total cost is calculated as the total amount of piping 4 used, the cost per unit length of the piping 4 is provided as piping information further taking into consideration the piping material. Furthermore, these pieces of piping information do not directly indicate the actual amount (weight) or price of piping material used per unit length, for example, but can also be identification information provided corresponding to these values.

[0087] With respect to the use region 10, the machine group 3 (the occupied region 30) in which the various pieces of information described above are provided, reference is made to the following description. Figure 4A ​​Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B A method of configuring the machine 31 in which the value of the total amount of piping material used for the piping 4, or the total cost, becomes smaller will be described.

[0088] As a constraint condition when configuring the occupancy area 30, it is not possible to configure the next occupancy area 30 in a manner coinciding with the area in which the pipe rack configuration area 20 has been configured, or the area in which another occupancy area 30 has been configured, in the use area 10.

[0089] In the case where the connection edge 301 is set, each occupancy area 30 is configured in the use area 10 in a manner in which the connection edge 301 is in contact with the long edge of the pipe rack configuration area 20. In the case where the connection edge 301 is not set, each occupancy area 30 is configured in the use area 10 in a manner in which any edge (generally a straight line, but can be a curved line) that can be connected to the piping 4 between the pipe racks 21, 22, 23 is in contact with the long edge of the pipe rack configuration area 20.

[0090] As long as the occupancy area 30 can be configured in a manner in which an edge (for example, the connection edge 301) that can be connected to the piping 4 is in contact with the long edge of the pipe rack configuration area 20, it is possible to allow a part of the occupancy area 30 to protrude from the use area 10 (for example, the occupancy area 30 of (3)). Figure 4B On the contrary, it is possible to set a constraint in which all of the occupancy areas 30 must be included in the use area 10.

[0091] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B Examples in which the four occupancy areas 30 of (1) to (4) are configured with respect to the use area 10 in which the pipe racks 21, 22 have been configured in predetermined positions will be described.

[0092] In these examples, the fluid that is the processing target flows in the order of the machine group 3 of (2)→(4)→(1)→(3) from the position of the symbol indicating "IN" in the figure, and flows out to the outside from the position of the symbol to which "OUT" is added. In addition, between IN→(2)→(4), connection is made by the piping A (indicated by a dotted line arrow in the figure, to which the symbol "4a" is added) in which common piping information is set. On the other hand, between (4)→(1)→(3)→OUT, connection is made by the piping B (indicated by a solid line arrow in the figure, to which the symbol "4b" is added) in which piping information different from that of the piping A is set.

[0093] Then, based on the constraints described above, when the orientation of the occupied area 30 of (1) to (4) and the coordinate range occupied by these occupied areas 30 are determined in the in-use area 10, the state in which each machine group 3 is disposed in the in-use area 10 is obtained. Then, the piping 4a, 4b is disposed in such a manner that the piping 4a, 4b is connected between each connection edge 301 (including the IN and OUT positions of the in-use area 10) by the shortest path through the pipe rack disposition area 20 (the main pipe racks 21, 22).

[0094] Here, from the viewpoint of searching for the disposition of the machine group 3 in which the total amount of use of the piping 4 (4a, 4b) becomes less, it is sufficient to be able to grasp the influence of the length variation of the piping 4 based on the difference in the disposition of the machine group 3. Therefore, at the stage of searching for the optimal disposition, it is not necessary to strictly determine the length of the piping 4 actually used.

[0095] From this viewpoint, as the "shortest path" of each piping 4a, 4b, it is sufficient to be able to set a path of the piping 4 that connects the positions at which each machine group 3 (or the IN and OUT positions. Hereinafter, the same applies in the description of Figure 4A Figure 4B , in such a manner that there is no meandering or back-and-forth between the positions at which each machine group 3 (or the IN and OUT positions. Hereinafter, the same applies in the description of Figure 4A Figure 4B , the paths of the piping 4a, 4b are recorded in a staggered manner so as not to overlap each other.

[0096] Further, the positions at which each machine group 3 is docked with the pipe racks 21, 22 are described here. For example, in the case where the specific disposition of each machine 31 disposed in the occupied area 30 is determined, the actually close docked positions can be set in accordance with the disposition. In addition, in the case where the specific disposition of the machine 31 in the occupied area 30 is not determined, for example, a simple setting in which the central positions of the connection edges 301 are uniformly set as the docked positions can be made. In Figure 4A Figure 4B , an example of the latter is shown.

[0097] By the method described above, the paths of the piping 4a, 4b are determined in correspondence with the disposition of the machine group 3, and the lengths of each piping 4a, 4b can be calculated based on the coordinates of the paths. Furthermore, by adding up the lengths of the piping 4a, 4b that connects each machine group 3 for each type of piping, the total lengths of the piping A and B can be calculated.

[0098] For example, in the example described in Figure 4A , the disposition of the machine group 3 becomes such that the piping 4a, 4b must go back and forth in the same area of the pipe rack disposition area 20 multiple times during the period in which the fluid flowing in from the IN position flows out from the OUT position. As a result, it can be seen that there is a tendency for the total lengths x1, y1 of the piping 4a, 4b to become longer.​​​

[0099] In contrast, Figure 4B In the example described, pipes 4a and 4b travel back and forth in the same area of ​​pipe rack configuration area 20 less often, and the total lengths x2 and y2 of pipes 4a and 4b are relatively short.

[0100] After calculating the total length of various pipes 4a and 4b, based on the pipe information set for each of pipes A and B, multiply by the amount or cost of pipe material used per unit length, the total amount or cost of pipe material used for pipes 4a and 4b corresponding to the difference in configuration with machine group 3 can be calculated.

[0101] As already described, the machine configuration method in this example uses a computer to repeatedly perform the calculations while changing the configuration position of machine group 3, and searches for the configuration of machine group 3 where the total usage or total cost of piping 4a and 4b becomes less.

[0102] For ease of explanation, here, we use Figure 2 , Figure 5 The illustrated example limits the number of machine groups 3 configured in area 10 to four, but in practice, sometimes... Figure 5 The optimal configuration of multiple machine groups 3 must be searched. In addition, the configuration of machine group 3 will also change due to the configuration of pipe racks 21, 22, and 23 (pipe rack configuration area 20).

[0103] In these cases, to prevent excessive computational load on the computer, the following constraints can be set to search for the optimal configuration of machine group 3.

[0104] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 The example shown in (c) is an example of a case where the configuration number of main tube rack 21 and secondary tube rack 22 or the connection relationship of these tube racks 21 and 22 is predetermined.

[0105] The short side of the strip-shaped pipe rack configuration area 20 of the main pipe rack 21 is set independently without being connected to other pipe racks. Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 In the example shown in (c), the main frame 21 is provided in such a way that it traverses the land area 10 along the short side of the land area 10, which is set to a rectangular shape.

[0106] The arrangement direction of the main pipe rack 21 or the length and number of the long or short sides of the strip-shaped pipe rack arrangement area 20 are not limited to the examples in these figures. For example, the main pipe rack 21 can be arranged along the long side of a site area 10 that is set into a rectangular shape, and the length of the long side of the main pipe rack 21 can be interrupted in the middle of the transverse section of the site area 10. In addition, multiple main pipe racks 21 can be arranged within the site area 10.

[0107] The secondary tube rack 22 is a tube rack whose short side is connected to the long side of the tube rack configuration area 20 of the main tube rack 21, and extends in the direction intersecting the long side. Figure 5 (a) is an example where the secondary tube rack 22 is not installed. Additionally, Figure 5 (b) is an example in which a secondary tube frame 22 is installed on the long side of the west and east sides of the main tube frame 21. Figure 5 (c) is an example in which two secondary pipe racks 22 are set on the long side of the west side of the main pipe rack 21 and one secondary pipe rack 22 is set on the long side of the east side.

[0108] Here, the length of the long or short side and the number of configurations of the pipe rack configuration area 20 of the secondary pipe rack 22 can also be changed according to each case.

[0109] The above, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 5 As illustrated in (c), various scenarios are prepared in advance: the pipe rack configuration area 20 is set up in a manner that differs from the orientation of the long side connected to the sub-pipe rack 22 as observed from the main pipe rack 21, and the number of sub-pipe racks 22 connected to each long side (including the case of zero).

[0110] On the other hand, when the configuration of the main tube rack 21 or the auxiliary tube rack 22 is fixed only at the positions illustrated in these figures, the constraints when searching for the optimal configuration of multiple machine groups 3 can sometimes be too great. Therefore, a sub-case in which the configuration positions of the main tube rack 21 or the auxiliary tube rack 22 are changed may also be prepared.

[0111] For example Figure 6 (a) reveals again Figure 6 Case 3 is shown in (c). In the figure, one side of the outline of the land area 10, which extends in the direction intersecting the long side of the main frame 21 (east-west direction), is divided into five equal parts, and each divided area is labeled with the symbols "W2, W1, C, E1, E2". Here Figure 6 The main support frame 21 (support frame configuration area 20) described in (a) is configured to be able to move in the direction intersecting its long side within the area of ​​the division area with the attached C symbol.

[0112] Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the example shown in (a), the tube rack configuration area 20 of the secondary tube rack 22 is configured to move in a direction intersecting the long side of the secondary tube rack 22. However, since Figure 6Observing the main tube rack 21 in (a), two secondary tube racks 22 are connected on the west side (towards the left side of the figure) relative to the long side of the main tube rack 21. When multiple secondary tube racks 22 are connected in this way, the range of movement of each secondary tube rack 22 is limited to the range where the tube rack configuration area 20 of one secondary tube rack 22 does not overlap with that of the other secondary tube rack 22.

[0113] The movement of the positions of the various pipe rack configuration areas 20 described above is performed when the optimal configuration of the machine group 3 is searched by computer.

[0114] With the Figure 6 Compared to (a), Figure 6 (b) Figure 6 The difference in (c) is that the tube rack configuration areas 20 of the main tube rack 21 are each configured within a segmented area marked with an additional W1 or E1 symbol. In these sub-cases, the tube rack configuration areas 20 of the main tube rack 21 are also configured to be movable in a direction intersecting its long side within the segmented area marked with an additional W1 or E1 symbol.

[0115] On the other hand, the movable range of the pipe rack configuration area 20 of the secondary pipe rack 22 is... Figure 6 The example of (a) is set in the same way.

[0116] In addition to preparation Figure 6 (b) Figure 5 In addition to the example described in (c), the following sub-case (not shown) is also prepared: the pipe rack configuration area 20 of the main pipe rack 21 can be movably set within the area divided by the symbols W2 or E2; furthermore, the movable range of the pipe rack configuration area 20 of the secondary pipe rack 22 is set to the same as... Figure 5 The example is the same as (a).

[0117] As explained above, relative to Figure 5 In case (c), several sub-cases are prepared in advance: the number of main tube racks 21, or the orientation of the long side of the secondary tube racks 22 connected to the main tube rack 21, and the number of secondary tube racks 22 connected to each long side are shared, while the configuration positions of the main tube racks 21 are different from each other.

[0118] In addition, not limited to Figure 5 (c) about Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 In the case described in (b) or other cases, we also prepare multiple sub-cases with different configuration positions of the main frame 21 within the described segmented areas (W2, W1, E1, E2).

[0119] As for each case, sub-case, for the main pipe rack 21, the pipe rack arrangement region 20 can be moved within the range of the divided region, for the sub-pipe rack 22, the pipe rack arrangement region 20 can be moved within the range not coinciding with other sub-pipe racks 22, as for the above, the same as the examples explained in (a) to (c) of Figure 7 Figure 7

[0120] In the machine arrangement method of the present example, for each of the above explained cases, sub-cases, a search for the optimal arrangement of the machine group 3 is performed using a computer. Thus, by preparing cases, sub-cases in which the number of arrangements of the main pipe rack 21, the sub-pipe rack 22 or the connection relationship, the movable range of the pipe rack arrangement region 20 are limited in advance, compared to a case in which a search for the optimal arrangement of the machine group 3 is started from a state in which none of these conditions are defined, the amount of calculation can be reduced.

[0121] Figure 7 An example in which a connection edge 301 connected to the long side of the pipe rack 21, 22, 23 (pipe rack arrangement region 20) is set in advance with respect to the outer edge of the occupied region 30 of the machine group 3 is shown.

[0122] On the contrary, in a case in which the connection edge 301 is not set in advance, any edge of the occupied region 30 can be connected to the long side of the pipe rack 21, 22, 23. However, by setting the connection edge 301 in advance, the amount of calculation of the computer at the time of searching for the optimal arrangement of the machine group 3 can be reduced.

[0123] Further, the following example is described in conjunction with Figure 8A : a maintenance region 5 is provided in a region on the side opposite to the side of the connection edge 301 across the occupied region 30, the maintenance region 5 is a region in which a machine 31 arranged within the machine group 3 is moved out at the time of maintenance, and none of the occupied regions 30 of the other machine groups 3 and the pipe rack arrangement regions 20 are provided.

[0124] Further, in the occupied region 30 in which the connection edge 301 is not set in advance, the edge to which the long side of the pipe rack 21, 22, 23 (pipe rack arrangement region 20) is connected is set as the connection edge. Also, the same as the example shown in Figure 8B : the above described maintenance region 5 can be provided in a region on the side opposite to the side of the connection edge across the occupied region 30.

[0125] Further, as shown in Figure 9 , when the machine group 3 is arranged in the free use region 10, there can be cases in which there is no main pipe rack 21, sub-pipe rack 22 to which the machine group 3 can be connected. In such a case, a pipe rack arrangement region 20 of a sub-sub-pipe rack 23 connected to the long side of the sub-pipe rack 22 and provided extending in a direction crossing the long side can be generated, and the machine group 3 can be connected to the long side of the sub-sub-pipe rack 23.​​Figure 3 ). The action is performed when searching for the optimal configuration of the machine group 3 is performed.

[0126] Based on the above-described constraints or the arrangement of the primary pipe rack 21 and the secondary pipe rack 22, the machine configuration method of this example sets the configuration positions of the occupied areas 30 of the plurality of machine groups 3 and the configuration positions of the pipe rack configuration areas 20 of the respective pipe racks 21, 22, 23 as variable parameters. In other words, in the use area 10, the coordinate ranges occupied by the respective occupied areas 30 or pipe rack configuration areas 20 become variable parameters.

[0127] Furthermore, for each of the prepared cases and subcases, the variable parameters are changed, and the configuration of the machine groups 3 for which the total usage amount or the total cost of the piping 4 becomes less is searched for each of the cases and subcases.

[0128] The search for the configuration of the machine groups 3 that satisfies such a condition can be performed by a computer using a general-purpose optimization software that is commercially available. As examples of such a software, modeFRONTIER by ESTECO, HyperStudy by Altair, Optimas by Noesis Solutions, HEED by Red Cedar Technology, and the like can be exemplified. Here, the use of the general-purpose optimization software to perform the search for the optimal configuration of the machine groups 3 is not necessarily an essential element, and the search for the optimal configuration can be performed using a search tool that is developed for a specific purpose.

[0129] Regarding the search for the optimal configuration, the search can be performed by a genetic algorithm or a particle swarm optimization method using such an optimization software or a search tool. As examples of specific algorithms that perform these optimization methods, Neighborhood Cultivation Genetic Algorithm (NCGA), Normal Boundary Intersection (NBI), Indirect Optimization on the basis of Self-Organization (IOSO), and the like can be exemplified. However, the search for the optimal configuration is not limited to the case where these exemplified methods are used, and any method that can search for the configuration of the machine groups 3 for which the total usage amount or the total cost of the piping 4 becomes less can be used.

[0130] In addition, in the configuration method of the machine of the present example, the computer searches for an optimal configuration of the machine group 3 using the method, selects a plurality of configurations in which the total amount of piping material or the total cost of the piping 4 is less from among the configurations of the searched machine group 3, and outputs them to the user.

[0131] The selected configurations can be output in order of the target value (total amount or total cost) being less in each case (including subcases). In addition, all configurations in which the target value is less than a preset threshold value can be selected and output.

[0132] Figure 9 is an example of the implementation procedure of the configuration method of the machine of the present example.

[0133] First, the plurality of machines 31 included in the processing facility 1 are preliminarily grouped into a plurality of machine groups 3, and the shape of the area or the outer edge of the occupied area 30 is determined for each machine group 3.

[0134] Then, for the plurality of machine groups 3, the total amount of piping material or the total cost of the piping 4 is calculated based on the use Figure 5 The idea explained above is used to set connection information indicating that a particular pair of two machine groups 3 is connected via the piping 4, and piping information (the processing P1 of Figure 6 ).

[0135] Next, a plurality of cases (including subcases) of the use Figure 9 , Figure 9 The idea explained above is used to set connection information indicating that a particular pair of two machine groups 3 is connected via the piping 4, and piping information (the processing P1 of Figure 9 ). Figure 6 The processing P2 of

[0136] Then, for the specified case, the configuration positions of the occupied area 30 and the pipe rack configuration area 20 are set as variable parameters, and the plurality of machine groups 3 are configured in the use area 10 (the processing P3 of Figure 8A : first step).

[0137] At this time, in a case where it is not possible to secure an area in which the occupied area 30 is configured, or the like, the configuration position of the pipe rack configuration area 20 can be changed within the range of the constraint explained using Figure 8B In addition, the pipe rack configuration area 20 of the sub sub-pipe rack 23 can be generated based on the idea explained using Figure 9 , Figure 5

[0138] Next, with respect to the configuration of the machine group 3 obtained in the first step, the total amount of piping material or the total cost (target value) of the piping 4 is calculated based on the connection information and the piping information described above (the processing P4 of Figure 2 : second step). ​

[0139] The first and second steps are repeated until the pre-set termination conditions are met (e.g., during the specified period of repeated calculations, it is not possible to search for the configuration of machine group 3 with fewer target values ​​compared to other configurations).

[0140] Additionally, when performing the first and second steps, for example... Figure 9 As in case (a) 1, it is clear that the total extension of the long side of the main frame 21 is too short to connect. Figure 10 In the case of all the connecting edges 301 of the occupied area 30 shown, the search for the optimal configuration can end at this moment, and the information of the main theme can be output.

[0141] When performing the search in this manner, once the termination condition is met, the configurations of multiple machine groups 3 with decreasing target values ​​are stored. Then, while changing the optimal search configuration, the first and second steps are repeatedly executed.

[0142] After searching for the optimal configuration of machine group 3 for all prepared scenarios, output the combination of machine group 3 configurations that results in the lowest total piping material usage or total cost. Figure 2 Processing (P5).

[0143] From the multiple configurations of machine group 3 output, the user considers constraints such as maintenance or safety management, total piping material usage, and cost factors other than total cost, and selects the most realistic configuration of machine group 3. Then, the configuration of machine group 3 is adjusted based on these constraints. The result is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the decision is relative to Figure 4A The configuration of multiple machine groups 3 in the land area 10 shown.

[0144] The configuration of each machine 31 constituting the processing device 1 is determined based on the configuration of the machine group 3 determined in the manner described, and the processing device 1 is constructed based on the configuration.

[0145] According to the machine configuration method of this embodiment, for the configuration of machine groups 3 after grouping multiple machines 31 constituting the processing equipment 1, a computer is used to determine the configuration with the lowest total amount of piping material used or the lowest total cost. As a result, the economics of the determined machine configuration can be quantitatively grasped while reducing the workload required to determine the machine configuration.

[0146] Here, preparations are made in advance for use. Figure 6 The described situation and searching for the optimal configuration of machine group 3 are not essential factors. A computer can also be used to search for the configuration location of machine group 3 together with the configuration location of the pipe rack configuration areas 20 of various pipe racks 21, 22, and 23.

[0147] In contrast, as in the example shown in FIG. 6, the initial arrangement of the machine groups 3 (occupancy areas 30) and the various pipe racks 21, 22 (pipe rack arrangement areas 20) can be set, and the computer can search for an arrangement of the machine groups 3 in which the total amount of piping material used is less than in the initial arrangement. ​

[0148] Further, for each case and subcase described using the above-described example, it is not necessary to configure each pipe rack arrangement area 20 to be movable. For example, the optimal arrangement of the machine groups 3 in each case (including subcases) can be searched for under the condition that the positions of the pipe rack arrangement areas 20 are fixed. Then, with respect to a particular case or subcase in which the total amount of piping material used and the like becomes less, the optimal arrangement of the machine groups 3 can be searched for again under the condition that the pipe rack arrangement areas 20 are movable. ​

[0149] Further, in addition to when the processing plant 1 is constructed, all of the piping arranged on the pipe racks 21, 22, 23 when the optimal arrangement is searched for does not necessarily have to be arranged on the pipe racks 21, 22, 23 in the actual processing plant 1. For example, the machines 31 included in the machine groups 3 arranged adjacent to one another in the occupancy areas 30 can be connected without passing through the pipe racks 21, 22, 23. In some cases, the piping 4 can be further shortened compared to when the piping 4 is routed from the arrangement positions of the machines 31 to the pipe racks 21, 22, 23.​​

Claims

1. A configuration method of machines of a processing plant, which is a configuration method of machines of a processing plant that processes a fluid, characterized by comprising the following steps of: grouping, with respect to a plurality of machines that constitute the processing plant, a plurality of machine groups each of which contains at least one machine, is provided with an occupied area that contains a configuration area of the machine, and is capable of being mutually identified, for the machine groups, setting connection information and piping information, the connection information indicating that, in order to perform transmission and reception of a fluid between each machine contained in one machine group and a counterpart machine contained in another machine group, a specific pair of two machine groups is connected via piping, the piping information being necessary for calculating a usage amount of piping material per unit length of piping corresponding to the connection information; setting a use area of the processing plant and a rack configuration area of a rack that is belt-shaped in planar shape with respect to a pipe rack provided in the use area in order to support the piping; and subsequently, selecting, from a plurality of configurations obtained by repeatedly executing, by a computer, a first step of configuring the plurality of machine groups in the use area in such a manner that an outer edge of the occupied area of the one machine group is in contact with a long side of the belt-shaped rack configuration area and the occupied areas do not overlap between the one machine group and the machine groups other than the one machine group, and a second step of calculating, with respect to the configuration of the plurality of machine groups, a total usage amount of piping material of piping supported by the rack based on a position at which an outer edge of each occupied area is in contact with the long side and the connection information, a plurality of configurations in which the total usage amount of the piping material is small, the first step and the second step being repeatedly executed until it is not possible to search for a configuration of the machine groups in which the total usage amount of the piping material is smaller than in other configurations to a higher degree. In the step of selecting the configuration in which the total usage amount of the piping material is small, a step of changing the configuration of the plurality of machine groups using a genetic algorithm or a particle optimization method and selecting a configuration in which the total usage amount of the piping material is smaller is executed. In the step of setting the use area and the rack configuration area, a plurality of cases in which at least one of a configuration position and a configuration number of the rack configuration area is different is set; and 2. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the plurality of cases, a step of selecting a configuration in which the total usage amount of the piping material is smaller is executed for each of the cases, and a combination of a plurality of cases in which the total usage amount of the piping material is smaller is selected based on selection results of the configurations with respect to the cases.

3. The method of configuring a machine of a processing device according to claim 1, wherein With respect to the use area, a rack configuration area of a main rack that is the rack and a sub-rack that is connected to a long side of the main rack and is provided so as to extend in a direction intersecting the long side can be set; and the plurality of cases include a case in which the rack configuration area is set in such a manner that, as viewed from the main rack, an orientation of the long side to which the sub-rack is connected and a number of sub-racks connected to each long side are different, the number including zero. ​ 4. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 3, wherein, ​ ​ 5. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of cases further include a case where, from the main rack, the orientation of the long side to which the sub-rack is connected, and the number of sub-racks connected to each long side are common, and the arrangement positions of the main racks are different from each other in a direction crossing the long side, and the number includes zero.

6. The method of configuring a machine of a processing device according to claim 4, wherein In the plurality of cases, the rack arrangement region of the main rack is set to be movable in a direction crossing the long side within a predetermined range, and the rack arrangement region of the sub-rack is set to be movable in a direction crossing the long side of the sub-rack, but in a case where a plurality of sub-racks are connected to the main rack, the range in which the rack arrangement region of one sub-rack does not overlap the rack arrangement region of another sub-rack is limited; and When the configuration of the plurality of machine groups is changed to perform the first step, the arrangement position of the rack arrangement region of the main rack and the sub-rack can be changed.

7. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 4, wherein, When the configuration of the plurality of machine groups is changed to perform the first step, a rack arrangement region of a sub-sub-rack of the rack connected to the long side of the sub-rack and arranged to extend in a direction crossing the long side can be generated.

8. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 1, wherein, In the plurality of machine groups, a connection side connected to the long side of the rack is set in advance for the outer edge of each occupancy region.

9. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 1, wherein, When the plurality of machine groups are arranged in the first step, a maintenance region is provided in a region on the opposite side of the connection side connected to the long side of the rack with respect to the occupancy region, the maintenance region being a region in which a machine arranged in the one machine group is moved out at the time of maintenance, and none of the occupancy regions and the rack arrangement regions of other machine groups are provided.

10. The method of configuring a machine of a processing plant according to claim 1, wherein, In the piping information, as the usage amount of the piping material, information required to calculate the cost per unit length of the piping is included, and in the second step, the total cost of the piping materials is calculated as the total usage amount of the piping materials of the piping supported by the rack.

11. A manufacturing method of a processing apparatus, the manufacturing method of a processing apparatus for processing a fluid, the manufacturing method of a processing apparatus characterized by comprising the steps of: arranging the plurality of machine groups to manufacture the processing apparatus based on an arrangement included in a plurality of arrangements in which the total usage amount of the piping material is small, which is selected by the machine arrangement method of a processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A manufacturing method of a processing apparatus, the manufacturing method of a processing apparatus for processing a fluid, the manufacturing method of a processing apparatus characterized by comprising the steps of: arranging the plurality of machine groups to manufacture the processing apparatus based on an arrangement included in a plurality of arrangements in which the total usage amount of the piping material is small, which is selected by the machine arrangement method of a processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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