Flow control method, program, and liquid tank device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a flow control method, a program, and a liquid tank device capable of appropriately controlling the mass of a liquid flowing out of a tank. This flow control method is a flow control method in a tank through which a liquid flows in and out, and comprises: a flow state calculation step for deriving, as a calculation result, a parameter relating to the flow state of the liquid; and a flow range adjustment step for adjusting the flow range of the liquid on the basis of the calculation result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow control method, a program and a liquid tank device. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, many manufacturing processes, primarily involving plastics and other resin products, involve handling liquids or liquefied materials during the manufacturing process, even though the final product is a solid. In the future, processes using liquids as intermediates are expected to increase not only in the fields of high-performance chemicals and composite resin materials, but also in pharmaceuticals, food, and biomanufacturing. Examples of such high-performance chemicals and composite resin materials include optical films for liquid crystal panels and CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics).

[0003] Furthermore, with the rise of social demands such as the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the traditional mass production and mass consumption economy is being re-evaluated, with a growing demand for on-demand manufacturing that delivers the necessary goods, in the necessary quantities, to the necessary people, when they need them. Consequently, on-demand manufacturing, which uses liquid materials as raw materials and switches between different types and products on a single line as needed, is expected to expand further.

[0004] As computer performance improves, it's becoming increasingly possible to analyze all objects and phenomena through computer simulation. However, visualizing the ever-changing state and characteristics of objects during the manufacturing process is challenging. Therefore, simulations have traditionally been used to determine material composition and process parameter conditions during the design phase, before manufacturing begins. However, as manufacturing becomes more on-demand, performing simulation-based condition determination for every product change is increasingly considered uneconomical from a time and cost perspective.

[0005] On the other hand, computing power is expected to increase significantly in the future due to the introduction of cloud computing and other technologies. Therefore, it is expected that the state of an object changing during the manufacturing process can be visualized, and based on the results, material composition and process parameters can be appropriately adjusted, thereby improving product quality and production efficiency.

[0006] During manufacturing, processes handling liquids often require a storage tank to hold a fixed amount of liquid for degassing or to provide a response to process problems. However, even with a constant inflow and outflow of liquid, large tanks can cause the contents to accumulate due to factors such as their structure. This can lead to degradation or solidification, resulting in foreign matter. If these degraded or foreign matter escape from the tank, they can compromise product quality.

[0007] Thus, to prevent the generation of abnormal materials and stabilize quality, or to rapidly switch materials during on-demand production, rapid replacement of all tank contents is required. On the other hand, if abnormal materials do occur, their outflow must be minimized to allow continued production without interrupting the process. Thus, controlling the quality of liquid materials in on-demand production requires a balance of opposing requirements.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for real-time monitoring of the properties or flow rates of fluids entering and exiting a tank, for automating product quality management and reducing overall factory losses. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology related to a fluid simulation function that performs real-time calculations at close intervals, for improving monitoring and control accuracy and training device functionality.

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-237653

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-048144

[0011] However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 visualize the internal status of equipment, etc., but their purpose is limited to early detection of abnormalities and understanding of deterioration conditions, and it is difficult to maintain or control production quality. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation. An object of the present invention is to provide a flow control method, a program, and a liquid material tank device that can appropriately control the quality of a liquid material flowing out of a tank.

[0013] The above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following means.

[0014] 1. A flow control method for a tank for liquid flow into and out of a tank, comprising:

[0015] a flow state calculation step of deriving parameters related to the flow state of the liquid as calculation results; and

[0016] The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

[0017] 2. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0018] A quality parameter detection step is provided for detecting a parameter related to the quality of the liquid as a quality parameter,

[0019] In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted based on the calculation result and the quality parameter.

[0020] 3. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0021] a calculation input parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters related to the tank and / or parameters related to the liquid material that can be used to calculate the flow state of the liquid material as calculation input parameters;

[0022] The flow state calculation step derives the calculation results based on the calculation input parameters;

[0023] an abnormality candidate extraction step of extracting, based on a comparison between the calculation result and a range set as a target, parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material that may be abnormal as abnormality candidates;

[0024] a judging step of judging whether the flow state of the liquid material is normal or abnormal based on the abnormality candidate; and

[0025] The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter when the flow state of the liquid material is judged to be abnormal in the judgment step.

[0026] 4. The flow control method according to item 2, wherein:

[0027] a calculation input parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters related to the tank and / or parameters related to the liquid material that can be used to calculate the flow state of the liquid material as calculation input parameters;

[0028] The flow state calculation step derives the calculation results based on the calculation input parameters;

[0029] an abnormality candidate extraction step of extracting, based on a comparison between the calculation result and a range set as a target, parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material that may be abnormal as abnormality candidates;

[0030] The above-mentioned quality parameter testing process;

[0031] a judging step of judging whether the flow state of the liquid material is normal or abnormal based on the abnormality candidate and the quality parameter; and

[0032] The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter when the flow state of the liquid material is judged to be abnormal in the judgment step.

[0033] 5. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0034] The calculation result is at least one of the residence time and the residence time distribution.

[0035] 6. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0036] The above calculation result is at least any one of density distribution, viscosity distribution, flow velocity distribution, temperature distribution, pressure distribution, marker particle distribution and replacement rate.

[0037] 7. The flow control method according to item 3, wherein:

[0038] The above-mentioned calculation input parameters are the temperature, density, pressure, inflow, outflow, inflow velocity, outflow velocity, volume and viscosity of the above-mentioned liquid, the size of the above-mentioned tank, and at least any one of the initial position, size, density, viscosity and temperature of the marking particles contained in the above-mentioned liquid.

[0039] 8. The flow control method according to item 2, wherein:

[0040] The quality parameter is a temporal change in at least one of the density, viscosity, and color of the liquid in or after flowing out of the tank, and the presence, number, shape, size, and type of abnormalities contained in the liquid.

[0041] 9. The flow control method according to item 2, wherein:

[0042] In the quality parameter detection step, the quality parameter is detected using at least one of a detector using ultrasonic waves as a detection medium, a detector using electromagnetic waves as a detection medium, a camera, and a colorimeter.

[0043] 10. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0044] In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted from a wide range to a narrow range.

[0045] 11. The flow control method according to item 10, wherein:

[0046] In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted so that the flow range becomes wide when the flow state of the liquid material is normal, and becomes narrow when the flow state of the liquid material is abnormal.

[0047] 12. The flow control method according to item 11, wherein:

[0048] In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter.

[0049] The adjustment parameter is at least one of the temperature, density, pressure, inflow rate, outflow rate, inflow speed, outflow speed, volume, and viscosity of the liquid.

[0050] 13. The flow control method according to item 1, wherein:

[0051] Visualize the above calculation results.

[0052] 14. A program for causing a computer of a liquid tank device having a tank for inflow and outflow of liquid to function as a control unit, wherein:

[0053] The above control unit performs:

[0054] a flow state calculation step of deriving parameters related to the flow state of the liquid as calculation results; and

[0055] The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

[0056] 15. A liquid tank device comprising:

[0057] Tanks, for liquid inflow and outflow;

[0058] a flow state calculation unit that derives parameters related to the flow state of the liquid as calculation results; and

[0059] The flow range adjustment unit adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

[0060] According to the present invention, the quality of the liquid material flowing out of the tank can be appropriately controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow range of the liquid material in the tank.

[0062] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow range of the liquid material in the tank.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of flow control in implementation mode 1.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the liquid tank device used for flow control in the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of flow control in implementation mode 2.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a liquid tank device used for flow control in the second embodiment.

[0067] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of flow control in embodiment 2-1.

[0068] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of flow control in embodiment 2-2.

[0069] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of flow control in embodiment 2-3.

[0070] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1…liquid substance; 2…abnormal substance; 10…tank system; 11…tank; 12…inflow section; 13…outflow section; 20…calculation input parameter acquisition section; 30…quality parameter detection section; 40…control section; 41…fluid simulation section; 42…flow state calculation section; 43…abnormal candidate extraction section; 44…judgment section; 50…flow range adjustment section; 60…display section; 100…liquid substance tank device; A1…flow area; A2…retention area; A3…viscosity increase area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The following description is used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. The effects and features of one or more embodiments of the present invention are understood based on the following detailed description and drawings. In addition, the following detailed description and drawings are provided for illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The following description is for explaining one or more embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0073] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow range A1 of the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 .

[0074] The flow control method of the present invention is a method for controlling the flow of a liquid material 1 in a tank 11 for flowing in and out of the tank 11. The method comprises at least a flow state calculation step and a flow range adjustment step. In the flow state calculation step, the method derives parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 as calculation results. In the flow range adjustment step, the method adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 based on the calculation results derived in the flow state calculation step.

[0075] In the present invention, the expression “based on calculation results” includes not only cases where it is directly based on the calculation results but also cases where it is indirectly based on the calculation results, for example, based on abnormality candidates extracted from the calculation results or determination results based on the abnormality candidates.

[0076] The material, size, shape, etc. of the tank 11 are not particularly limited. Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B As shown, a tank 11, for example, together with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13, constitutes a tank system 10. Tank 11 stores liquid 1 while allowing it to flow. Inlet 12 allows liquid 1 to flow into tank 11. Outlet 13 allows liquid 1 to flow out of tank 11. Inlet 12 and outlet 13 are formed, for example, of pipes.

[0077] The liquid substance 1 is a fluid substance such as a liquid. The liquid substance 1 is not limited to liquids but may also be a solution, a dispersion, etc. The liquid substance 1 may also be any one of a raw material, an intermediate, a final product, etc. in the manufacturing process of any product.

[0078] In the present invention, the area within tank 11 where the contents (including liquid material 1 and abnormal matter 2) move over time is referred to as flow area A1, and the range where the contents remain constant or barely change over time is referred to as retention area A2. The spatial range representing flow area A1 is referred to as the flow range. Abnormal matter 2 includes degraded products formed by deterioration of liquid material 1 and foreign matter formed by solidification of components contained in liquid material 1.

[0079] In the flow range adjustment process, the flow control method of the present invention adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 from a wide range to a narrow range. When the flow range of the liquid material 1 is adjusted to a wide range, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A As shown in FIG, the stagnant area A2 does not exist, or the stagnant area A2 is relatively narrow. As a result, the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 is quickly replaced, reducing the generation of abnormal matter 2. When the flow range of the liquid material 1 is adjusted to a narrow range, as shown in FIG. Figure 1BAs shown, a stagnation area A2 is generated, or the existing stagnation area A2 is widened. This allows the generated abnormal matter 2 to be appropriately retained within the tank 11, reducing outflow, or allowing it to flow out slowly or evenly rather than all at once. The flow control method of the present invention can adjust the flow range as described above based on the calculation results derived from the flow state calculation step, thereby enabling the quality of the liquid material 1 flowing out of the tank 11 to be appropriately controlled through calculation processing.

[0080] In the flow control method of the present invention, the flow range of the liquid material 1 is preferably adjusted in the flow range adjustment step so that the flow range is wide when the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal, and narrow when the flow state of the liquid material 1 is abnormal. This allows for more appropriate control of the quality of the liquid material 1 flowing out of the tank 11.

[0081] The flow control method of the present invention may also include a determination step for determining whether the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal or abnormal. In this case, the flow control method of the present invention may also adjust the flow range of the liquid material 1 in the flow range adjustment step only when the flow state of the liquid material 1 is determined to be abnormal in the determination step.

[0082] [Implementation Method 1]

[0083] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of flow control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the liquid tank device 100 used for flow control according to the first embodiment.

[0084] The liquid material tank device 100 in the first embodiment includes a tank system 10 , a calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 , a control unit 40 , a flow range adjustment unit 50 , and a display unit 60 .

[0085] First, in the calculation input parameter acquisition step (step S1 ), the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 acquires parameters related to the tank 11 and / or the liquid material 1 as calculation input parameters that can be used to calculate the flow state of the liquid material 1 .

[0086] As an example of a parameter related to the tank 11 that can be an input parameter for calculation, the size of the tank 11 is given.

[0087] Examples of parameters related to the liquid material 1 that can serve as calculation input parameters include the temperature, density, pressure, inflow rate, outflow rate, inflow velocity, outflow velocity, volume, and viscosity of the liquid material 1, and the initial position, size, density, viscosity, and temperature of marker particles contained in the liquid material 1. The calculation input parameter used in the present invention may be one or more.

[0088] The marker particles are particles used for calculating the flow state. The marker particles may be particles originally contained in the liquid material 1 or may be particles added to the liquid material 1 for calculating the flow state.

[0089] The calculation input parameter can be a measured value or a set value. If the calculation input parameter is a measured value, the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 can be a device capable of measuring the calculation input parameter. If the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 is a measuring device, the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 can be installed in the inflow unit 12 or the tank 11. If the calculation input parameter is a set value, the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 can obtain the set value of the calculation input parameter from an external source, for example, through communication or user input.

[0090] The liquid material tank device 100 may include one or more calculation input parameter acquisition units 20 .

[0091] The control unit 40 includes a fluid simulation unit 41 and a judgment unit 44 as functional units. The control unit 40 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU executes various control programs to drive and control the liquid tank device 100 and perform various calculations. The RAM provides the CPU with memory space for operations and temporarily stores data. The RAM may also include a non-volatile memory. The ROM stores various control programs, setting data, etc. executed by the CPU. A rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory may also be used instead of the ROM.

[0092] The fluid simulation unit 41 includes a flow state calculation unit 42 and an abnormality candidate extraction unit 43. The fluid simulation unit 41 performs fluid simulation to continuously calculate the flow state of the liquid material 1 within the tank 11. Specifically, the flow state calculation unit 42 and the abnormality candidate extraction unit 43 in the fluid simulation unit 41 function as follows.

[0093] In the flow state calculation step (step S2), the flow state calculation unit 42 derives as calculation results parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1. Preferably, the flow state calculation unit 42 derives as calculation results parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 based on the calculation input parameters acquired by the calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20.

[0094] Examples of parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 include residence time, residence time distribution, density distribution, viscosity distribution, flow rate distribution, temperature distribution, pressure distribution, marker particle distribution, and replacement rate. The parameter may be one or more. The parameter may also be at least one of the residence time and residence time distribution. The parameter may also be at least one of the density distribution, viscosity distribution, flow rate distribution, temperature distribution, pressure distribution, marker particle distribution, and replacement rate.

[0095] Alternatively, the parameter related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 may be a two-dimensional distribution of scalar values calculated from two or more parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1. This simplifies the calculation results, making it easier to quickly and appropriately control the flow.

[0096] The display unit 60 visualizes the calculation results derived by the flow state calculation unit 42 by displaying them. The display unit 60 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). For example, the display unit 60 displays the calculation results in real time and at any time, allowing the user to confirm the flow state of the liquid material 1 in real time.

[0097] Next, in the abnormality candidate extraction step (step S3), the abnormality candidate extraction unit 43 extracts parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 that may be abnormal, as abnormality candidates, based on a comparison between the calculation results derived by the flow state calculation unit 42 and a set target range. The calculation results of the parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 are extracted as abnormality candidates when, for example, they meet any predetermined conditions (e.g., when they exceed a threshold).

[0098] Next, in the judgment step (step S5), the judgment unit 44 determines whether the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal or abnormal based on the abnormality candidates extracted by the abnormality candidate extraction unit 43. In the judgment step, for example, multiple abnormality candidates are evaluated based on pre-set conditions to determine whether the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal or abnormal. Pre-set conditions include the importance of the impact of parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 on the quality of the final product, and the priority of the causal relationship between parameters that determine this quality.

[0099] Next, in the flow range adjustment step (step S6 ), the flow range adjuster 50 adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 by adjusting the adjustment parameters.

[0100] Adjustment parameters are parameters related to the liquid material 1 that affect the flow range of the liquid material 1. Examples of parameters related to the liquid material 1 that can serve as adjustment parameters include temperature, density, pressure, inflow rate, outflow rate, inflow rate, outflow rate, volume, and viscosity of the liquid material 1. The adjustment parameters used in the present invention may be one or more.

[0101] In the flow range adjustment process (step S6), the flow range of the liquid material 1 may be adjusted in either case, whether the result of the judgment process is abnormal or normal, or in both cases.

[0102] In the flow range adjusting step (step S6 ), it is preferred that the flow range of the liquid material 1 be adjusted at least when it is determined in the determining step that the flow state of the liquid material 1 is abnormal.

[0103] If the flow state of the liquid material 1 is determined to be abnormal in the determination step, the flow range adjustment unit 50 adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 to, for example, a narrower range than that at that time. Thus, even if abnormal matter 2 is generated, it can be retained to prevent it from flowing out, or it can be caused to flow out slowly or evenly.

[0104] If the flow state of the liquid material 1 is determined to be normal in the determination step, the flow range adjustment unit 50 adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 to a wider range than that at that time. This allows for rapid replacement of the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 and reduces the generation of abnormal matter 2.

[0105] After a predetermined time has passed since the flow range adjustment step (step S6), the control unit 40 determines in step S7 whether the liquid tank device 100 is to be continued in use. If the liquid tank device 100 is not to be continued in use, the flow control is terminated. If the liquid tank device 100 is to be continued in use, the flow control is resumed from the calculation input parameter acquisition step (step S1).

[0106] The control unit 40 determines whether to continue using the liquid material tank device 100 based on whether the outflow amount of the liquid material 1 has reached a preset amount, for example.

[0107] [Implementation Method 2]

[0108] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of flow control according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the liquid tank device 100 used for flow control according to the second embodiment.

[0109] The liquid material tank device 100 in the second embodiment includes a tank system 10 , a calculation input parameter acquisition unit 20 , a quality parameter detection unit 30 , a control unit 40 , a flow range adjustment unit 50 , and a display unit 60 .

[0110] The calculation input parameter acquisition step (step S1 ), the flow state calculation step (step S2 ), and the abnormality candidate extraction step (step S3 ) in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0111] The flow control method in Embodiment 2 includes a quality parameter detection step (step S4) after the abnormality candidate extraction step (step S3). In the quality parameter detection step (step S4), the quality parameter detection unit 30 detects a parameter related to the quality of the liquid material 1 as a quality parameter.

[0112] The quality parameter may be, for example, the time-varying variation of at least one of the density, viscosity, and color of the liquid material 1 within or after it has flowed out of the tank 11, and the presence, number, shape, size, and type of abnormal matter 2 contained in the liquid material 1. The quality parameter used in the present invention may be one or more.

[0113] The quality parameter detection unit 30 is, for example, a sensor and can detect the quality parameter using at least one of a detector using ultrasonic waves as a detection medium, a detector using electromagnetic waves as a detection medium, a camera, and a colorimeter.

[0114] In the judgment process (step S5) of the second embodiment, the judgment unit 44 judges whether the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal or abnormal based on the abnormal candidates extracted by the abnormal candidate extraction unit 43 and the quality parameters detected by the quality parameter detection unit 30. In the judgment process, for example, one or more abnormal candidates and one or more quality parameters are evaluated based on pre-set conditions to judge whether the flow state of the liquid material 1 is normal or abnormal. In addition, the pre-set conditions include the importance of the influence of the parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material 1 on the quality of the final product, the priority in the causal relationship between the parameters that determine the quality, etc. Alternatively, the pre-set conditions include the degree of consistency or matching between the abnormal candidates extracted by the abnormal candidate extraction unit 43 and the quality parameters detected by the quality parameter detection unit 30.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, after the determination step (step S5), in the flow range adjustment step (step S6), the flow range adjustment unit 50 adjusts the flow range of the liquid material 1 by adjusting the adjustment parameter. The adjustment parameter is, for example, a parameter related to the liquid material 1 corresponding to the abnormality candidate extracted by the abnormality candidate extraction unit 43 when the quality parameter detected by the quality parameter detection unit 30 matches the abnormality candidate.

[0116] After a predetermined time has passed since the flow range adjustment step (step S6), the control unit 40 determines in step S7 whether the liquid tank device 100 is to be continued in use. If the liquid tank device 100 is not to be continued in use, the flow control is terminated. If the liquid tank device 100 is to be continued in use, the flow control is resumed from the calculation input parameter acquisition step (step S1).

[0117] Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 The flowchart shown is an example, and the flow control method of the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 4 In the flowchart, the quality parameter detection process (step S4) can be performed before steps S1 to S3, or can be performed simultaneously with steps S1 to S3.

[0118] Next, embodiments 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, which are specific examples of the second embodiment, will be described.

[0119] [Implementation Method 2-1]

[0120] Figure 6 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of flow control of embodiment 2-1. In this example, after a fixed time has passed since the state where the inflow velocity is 0.05 m / s and the ratio of the flow range is 95%, a viscosity rise area A3 is generated. In embodiment 2-1, the viscosity distribution is calculated and derived in real time and at any time as a parameter related to the flow state of the liquid 1. In addition, in embodiment 2-1, the time change of the viscosity of the liquid 1 in the detection tank 11 is used as a quality parameter. In the abnormal candidate extraction process, the viscosity distribution is extracted as an abnormal candidate based on the parameter related to the flow state of the liquid 1 at the time of generating the viscosity rise area A3, that is, the calculation result. Then, based on the viscosity distribution as the abnormal candidate and the detected time change of the viscosity, when the two show consistency or fixed matching, it is judged that the flow state of the liquid 1 is abnormal. In contrast, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the inflow velocity is reduced to 0.02 m / s, and the flow range ratio is adjusted to 60%, a narrower range than 95%. This creates a retention area A2, encompassing the region of increased viscosity A3, where abnormal matter 2 is likely to be present. This reduces the outflow of abnormal matter 2. In this example, the inflow velocity is used as the adjustment parameter. This embodiment 2-1 can be suitably applied, for example, to situations where the liquid material 1 is a raw material or intermediate for a resin product such as a film, where the product thickness varies depending on the viscosity.

[0121] [Implementation Method 2-2]

[0122] Figure 7Schematic diagram showing an example of flow control in embodiment 2-2. In this example, the density difference between the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 and the liquid material 1 flowing in is 10 kg / m 3 , the outflow of the abnormality 2 is detected after a fixed time has passed since the ratio of the flow range is 90%. In embodiment 2-2, the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution in the tank 11 is calculated in real time and at any time and derived as a parameter related to the flow state of the liquid 1. In addition, in embodiment 2-2, the time change of the number of abnormalities 2 flowing out is detected as a quality parameter. In the abnormality candidate extraction process, the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution are extracted as abnormality candidates based on the parameters related to the flow state of the liquid 1 at the time of the outflow of the abnormality 2, that is, the calculation result. Then, based on the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution as the abnormality candidate and the time change of the number of detected abnormalities 2, when the two show consistency or fixed matching, it is judged that the flow state of the liquid 1 is abnormal. In contrast, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the density of the inflowing liquid material 1 is increased so that the density difference between the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 and the inflowing liquid material 1 becomes 50 kg / m 3 , the flow range ratio is adjusted to 70%, a narrower range than 90%. This widens the residence time distribution, creating a retention area A2 in the upper portion of the tank 11. Abnormal objects 2 tend to remain in this retention area A2, thus reducing the outflow of abnormal objects 2. In this example, the density of the incoming liquid object 1 is used as the adjustment parameter. This embodiment 2-2 can be suitably applied to situations where the liquid object 1 is a raw material, intermediate, or final product of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc., where the presence or absence of abnormal objects 2 is a major factor in product quality.

[0123] [Implementation Method 2-3]

[0124] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing an example of flow control in embodiment 2-3. In this example, the volume of the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 is 50000m 3, the outflow of the abnormal matter 2 is detected after a fixed time has passed since the ratio of the flow range is 90%. In embodiment 2-3, as in embodiment 2-2, the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution in the tank 11 is calculated in real time and at any time and derived as a parameter related to the flow state of the liquid 1. In addition, in embodiment 2-3, the time change of the number of outflowing abnormalities 2 is detected as a quality parameter. In the abnormality candidate extraction process, the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution is extracted as an abnormality candidate based on the parameter related to the flow state of the liquid 1 at the time of the outflow of the abnormal matter 2, that is, the calculation result. Then, based on the marker particle distribution and / or residence time distribution as the abnormality candidate and the time change of the number of detected abnormalities 2, it is judged that the flow state of the liquid 1 is abnormal. In contrast, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the inflow rate of the liquid material 1 is reduced so that the volume of the liquid material 1 in the tank 11 becomes 60000m 3 , the flow range ratio is adjusted to 80%, a narrower range than 90%. This widens the residence time distribution, creating a retention area A2 in the upper portion of tank 11. Abnormal material 2 tends to remain in this retention area A2, thus reducing the outflow of abnormal material 2. In this example, the inflow rate of liquid material 1 is used as the adjustment parameter. Similar to Embodiment 2-2, this embodiment 2-3 can be suitably applied to situations where liquid material 1 is a raw material, intermediate, or final product, such as food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, where the presence or absence of abnormal material 2 is a major factor in product quality.

[0125] As described above, the flow control method of the present invention is a method for controlling the flow of liquid in and out of a tank, comprising a flow state calculation step and a flow range adjustment step. In the flow state calculation step, the flow control method of the present invention derives parameters related to the flow state of the liquid as calculation results. In the flow range adjustment step, the flow control method of the present invention adjusts the flow range of the liquid based on the calculation results derived from the flow state calculation step. Thus, the flow control method of the present invention can appropriately control the quality of the liquid flowing out of the tank.

[0126] The program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a liquid material tank device having a tank for inflow and outflow of liquid to function as a control unit. The control unit performs a flow state calculation step and a flow range adjustment step. In the flow state calculation step, the control unit derives parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material as calculation results. In the flow range adjustment step, the control unit adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation results derived in the flow state calculation step.

[0127] The liquid tank device of the present invention includes a tank for inflow and outflow of liquid, a flow state calculation unit, and a flow range adjustment unit. The flow state calculation unit derives parameters related to the flow state of the liquid as calculation results. The flow range adjustment unit adjusts the flow range of the liquid based on the calculation results derived by the flow state calculation unit.

[0128] The above descriptions describe and illustrate the embodiments of the present invention in detail. The disclosed embodiments are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the description of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow control method for a tank for liquid flow into and out of a tank, wherein: have: a flow state calculation step of deriving parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material as calculation results; and The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

2. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: A quality parameter detection step is provided for detecting a parameter related to the quality of the liquid as a quality parameter, In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted based on the calculation result and the quality parameter.

3. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: have: a calculation input parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters related to the tank and / or parameters related to the liquid material that can be used to calculate the flow state of the liquid material as calculation input parameters; The flow state calculation step derives the calculation result based on the calculation input parameters; an abnormality candidate extraction step of extracting, based on a comparison between the calculation result and a range set as a target, parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material that may be abnormal as abnormality candidates; a judging step of judging whether the flow state of the liquid material is normal or abnormal based on the abnormality candidate; as well as The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter when the flow state of the liquid material is determined to be abnormal in the determination step.

4. The flow control method according to claim 2, wherein: have: a calculation input parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters related to the tank and / or parameters related to the liquid material that can be used to calculate the flow state of the liquid material as calculation input parameters; The flow state calculation step derives the calculation result based on the calculation input parameters; an abnormality candidate extraction step of extracting, based on a comparison between the calculation result and a range set as a target, parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material that may be abnormal as abnormality candidates; The quality parameter detection process; a judging step of judging whether the flow state of the liquid material is normal or abnormal based on the abnormality candidate and the quality parameter; as well as The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter when the flow state of the liquid material is determined to be abnormal in the determination step.

5. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation result is at least one of the residence time and the residence time distribution.

6. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation result is at least any one of density distribution, viscosity distribution, flow rate distribution, temperature distribution, pressure distribution, marker particle distribution and replacement rate.

7. The flow control method according to claim 3, wherein: The calculation input parameters are the temperature, density, pressure, inflow, outflow, inflow velocity, outflow velocity, volume and viscosity of the liquid, the size of the tank, and at least any one of the initial position, size, density, viscosity and temperature of the marker particles contained in the liquid.

8. The flow control method according to claim 2, wherein: The quality parameter is a temporal change in at least one of density, viscosity, and color of the liquid in or after flowing out of the tank, and the presence, number, shape, size, and type of abnormalities contained in the liquid.

9. The flow control method according to claim 2, wherein: In the quality parameter detection step, the quality parameter is detected using at least one of a detector using ultrasonic waves as a detection medium, a detector using electromagnetic waves as a detection medium, a camera, and a colorimeter.

10. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted from a wide range to a narrow range.

11. The flow control method according to claim 10, wherein: In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted so that the flow range becomes wide when the flow state of the liquid material is normal, and becomes narrow when the flow state of the liquid material is abnormal.

12. The flow control method according to claim 11, wherein: In the flow range adjustment step, the flow range of the liquid material is adjusted by adjusting a parameter related to the liquid material that affects the flow range of the liquid material as an adjustment parameter. The adjustment parameter is at least one of the temperature, density, pressure, inflow rate, outflow rate, inflow speed, outflow speed, volume, and viscosity of the liquid.

13. The flow control method according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation results are visualized.

14. A program for causing a computer of a liquid tank device having a tank for inflow and outflow of liquid to function as a control unit, wherein: The control unit performs: a flow state calculation step of deriving parameters related to the flow state of the liquid material as calculation results; and The flow range adjustment step adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

15. A liquid tank device, wherein: have: Tanks, for liquid inflow and outflow; a flow state calculation unit that derives a parameter related to the flow state of the liquid material as a calculation result; and The flow range adjustment unit adjusts the flow range of the liquid material based on the calculation result.

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