Apparatus, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus, a method, and a program capable of efficiently performing a series of operations from decision of reaction abnormality to discharge, recovery of fluid, capable of suppressing a cost increase due to raw materials during abnormal time, further capable of flexibly performing the decision of the reaction abnormality by adjusting an interval threshold value.SOLUTION: When detection units 150, 152, 154 that detect a state of reaction fluid reacting in a flow path, and a decision unit that decides an abnormality of a reaction in the reaction fluid according to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit shows an abnormality exceeds a threshold value, and the decision unit determines an abnormality in the reaction, discharge units 130, 136 that at least partially discharge the reaction fluid in the flow path are provided, the discharge unit, when the decision unit decided the abnormality of the reaction, pumps 104, 114, and 124 for flowing each of the plurality of raw material fluids that are the raw materials of the reaction fluid to the mixers 120 and 132 that mix the plurality of raw material fluids are stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 states that "in an operational mode, the soft sensor 38 applies detection information from the sensor 35 of the sensor unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 3) to a prediction function, and calculates the reaction result in the reaction section 23 as an arithmetic reaction result." Patent Document 2 states that "a microfluidic device having at least one separation passage in fluid communication with a sample container connected to the separation passage through a sample passage." Patent Document 3 states that "a device for measuring temperature changes in chemical reactions occurring in a microfluidic laminar flow can be manufactured." Patent Document 4 states that "in an optimization support device, method, and program, various conditions in a product production process can be accurately predicted." [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 066309 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2018-520342 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-512884 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2021 / 002108 Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects a state of a reaction fluid reacting in a flow path, a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold, and a disposal unit that discards at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal.

[0004] In the above-mentioned apparatus, when the determination unit determines that a reaction is abnormal, the waste unit may stop a pump for flowing each of the multiple types of raw material fluids that serve as raw materials for the reaction fluid to a mixer that mixes the multiple types of raw material fluids.

[0005] In any of the above devices, the waste unit may, when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal, waste at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path downstream of the mixer disposed in the flow path.

[0006] Any of the above devices may further comprise a recovery section that recovers at least a part of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow channel when the determination section determines that the reaction is abnormal.

[0007] In any of the above devices, the recovery section may recover at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow passage upstream of a mixer disposed in the flow passage, via a recovery branch passage of the flow passage.

[0008] In any of the above devices, the recovery section may recover at least a portion of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow path upstream of the mixer by reversely rotating a pump for causing the reaction fluid to flow in the flow path.

[0009] In any of the above-described devices, the recovery section may recover at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow passage upstream of the mixer by causing gas to flow into the flow passage from a gas inlet line provided upstream of the mixer.

[0010] In any of the above devices, the recovery section may recover at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow channel into a raw material tank that contains the raw material fluid.

[0011] In any of the above devices, the detection unit may detect at least one of the pressure, flow rate, flow rate, and temperature of the reaction fluid reacting in the flow path, and the determination unit may determine an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which at least one of the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit shows an abnormality exceeding a threshold value.

[0012] In any of the above devices, the detection unit may detect the pressure of the reaction fluid reacting in the flow path, and the determination unit may determine that the reaction of the reaction fluid is abnormal due to blockage of the flow path when the period during which the pressure of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit shows abnormality exceeds a threshold value.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising the steps of detecting a state of a reaction fluid reacting in a flow path, determining an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold, and discarding at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as a detection unit that detects a state of a reaction fluid reacting in a flow path, a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold, and a disposal unit that discards at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal.

[0015] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention. Also, subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reaction system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an illustration of a portion of a reactor 100. [Diagram 3] A block diagram of a control device 200 is shown. [Figure 4] 2 shows a reaction flow in the reaction system 10 of the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 22 illustrates an example computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be implemented in whole or in part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0018] 1 is a schematic diagram of a reaction system 10 according to the present embodiment. The reaction system 10 mixes and synthesizes a plurality of types of raw material fluids in a flow channel to produce a target product such as a peptide, and discards the reaction fluid in the flow channel if an abnormality occurs in the reaction. The reaction system 10 includes a reaction device 100 and a control device 200.

[0019] The reaction apparatus 100 is connected to a control apparatus 200. The reaction apparatus 100 may be, for example, a flow reactor such as a microflow reactor that produces a target substance by flow synthesis or the like. The reaction apparatus 100 has a first raw material tank 102, a first pump 104, a first liquid delivery pipe 106, a first recovery tank 108, a second raw material tank 112, a second pump 114, a second liquid delivery pipe 116, a second recovery tank 118, a gas inlet line 180, a gas tank 182, a first mixer 120, a first reaction tube 121, a third raw material tank 122, a third pump 124, a third liquid delivery pipe 126, a third recovery tank 128, a first waste tank 130, a second mixer 132, a second reaction tube 134, a second waste tank 136, and a target tank 140. The liquid delivery pipe and the reaction tube form a flow path from the raw material tank to the target tank 140.

[0020] The first raw material tank 102 is connected to the first mixer 120 via the first pump 104 and the first liquid supply pipe 106. The first raw material tank 102 contains a first raw material. The first pump 104 supplies the first raw material from the first raw material tank 102 to the first liquid supply pipe 106 at a flow rate or flow rate according to the reaction conditions. The first liquid supply pipe 106 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The first raw material fluid, which is the first raw material, flows from the first liquid supply pipe 106 into one of the inlets of the first mixer 120.

[0021] The first recovery tank 108 is connected between the first pump 104 and the first raw material tank 102 via a first recovery branch path 107. The first recovery tank 108 stores the first raw material fluid recovered from the first liquid delivery pipe 106 in a recovery operation when a reaction abnormality occurs.

[0022] The second raw material tank 112 is connected to the first mixer 120 via the second pump 114 and the second liquid supply pipe 116. The second raw material tank 112 contains a second raw material. The second pump 114 supplies the second raw material from the second raw material tank 112 to the second liquid supply pipe 116 at a flow rate or flow rate according to the reaction conditions. The second liquid supply pipe 116 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The second raw material fluid, which is the second raw material, flows from the second liquid supply pipe 116 into the other inlet of the first mixer 120.

[0023] The second recovery tank 118 is connected between the second pump 114 and the second raw material tank 112 via a second recovery branch path 117. The second recovery tank 118 stores the second raw material fluid recovered from the second liquid delivery pipe 116 in a recovery operation when a reaction abnormality occurs.

[0024] The gas inlet line 180 is connected to the middle of the second liquid delivery pipe 116 and is provided upstream of the first mixer 120. The gas tank 182 is connected to the gas inlet line 180 and contains the recovery gas that is flowed into the flow path via the gas inlet line 180.

[0025] The first mixer 120 has an outlet connected to one end of the first reaction tube 121. The first mixer 120 may be a static mixer such as a T-shaped mixer or a Y-shaped mixer. The first mixer 120 mixes the first and second raw material fluids flowing in from two inlets, and discharges the mixture into the first reaction tube 121 as a first reaction fluid.

[0026] The other end of the first reaction tube 121 is connected to the second mixer 132. The first reaction tube 121 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell of metal or resin. The first reaction tube 121 has a first reaction fluid flowing therein and discharges the reaction fluid to one inlet of the second mixer 132. The first reaction fluid reacts while flowing through the first reaction tube 121. The length, width, or shape of the first reaction tube 121 may be set in order to adjust reaction conditions such as reaction time.

[0027] The third raw material tank 122 is connected to the second mixer 132 via a third pump 124 and a third liquid supply pipe 126. The third raw material tank 122 contains a third raw material. The third pump 124 supplies the third raw material from the third raw material tank 122 to the third liquid supply pipe 126 at a flow rate or flow rate according to the reaction conditions. The third liquid supply pipe 126 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The third raw material fluid, which is the third raw material, flows from the third liquid supply pipe 126 into the other inlet of the second mixer 132.

[0028] The third recovery tank 128 is connected between the third pump 124 and the third raw material tank 122 via a third recovery branch path 127. The third recovery tank 128 stores the third raw material fluid recovered from the third liquid delivery pipe 126 in a recovery operation when a reaction abnormality occurs.

[0029] The first waste tank 130 is connected between the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 132 via a first waste branch line 129. The first waste tank 130 stores the first reaction fluid to be discarded from the first reaction tube 121 in a disposal operation when a reaction abnormality occurs.

[0030] The second mixer 132 has an outlet connected to one end of the second reaction tube 134. The second mixer 132 may be a static mixer such as a T-shaped mixer or a Y-shaped mixer. The second mixer 132 mixes the first reaction fluid and the third raw material fluid flowing in from two inlets therein, and discharges the mixture into the second reaction tube 134 as a second reaction fluid.

[0031] The other end of the second reaction tube 134 is connected to the target tank 140. The second reaction tube 134 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The second reaction tube 134 has a second reaction fluid flowing therethrough and discharges the reaction fluid to the target tank 140. The second reaction fluid reacts while flowing through the second reaction tube 134. The length, width, or shape of the second reaction tube 134 may be set in order to adjust reaction conditions such as reaction time.

[0032] The second waste tank 136 is connected between the second mixer 132 and the target tank 140 via a second waste branch line 135. The second waste tank 136 stores the second reaction fluid that is discarded from the second reaction tube 134 in a disposal operation when a reaction abnormality occurs.

[0033] The target tank 140 contains the target after reaction of the second reactant fluid.

[0034] The reaction apparatus 100 further has a first pressure gauge 150, a second pressure gauge 152, a third pressure gauge 154, a first temperature measurement unit 162, a second temperature measurement unit 164, a third temperature measurement unit 170, a fourth temperature measurement unit 168, and a fifth temperature measurement unit 172.

[0035] The first pressure gauge 150 may be disposed between the first pump 104 and the first mixer 120, for example, at a connection portion between the first pump 104 and the first liquid supply pipe 106. The first pressure gauge 150 may measure the pressure in the first liquid supply pipe 106 for the first raw material fluid supplied from the first pump 104. The first pressure gauge 150 may also measure the flow rate or flow velocity of the first raw material fluid in the first liquid supply pipe 106 and calculate the pressure of the first raw material fluid from the measurement result.

[0036] The second pressure gauge 152 may be disposed between the second pump 114 and the first mixer 120, for example, at a connection portion between the second pump 114 and the second liquid supply pipe 116. The second pressure gauge 152 may measure the pressure in the second liquid supply pipe 116 for the second raw material fluid supplied from the second pump 114. The second pressure gauge 152 may measure the flow rate or flow velocity of the second raw material fluid in the second liquid supply pipe 116 and calculate the pressure of the second raw material fluid from the measurement result.

[0037] The third pressure gauge 154 may be disposed between the third pump 124 and the second mixer 132, for example, at a connection portion between the third pump 124 and the third liquid supply pipe 126. The third pressure gauge 154 may measure the pressure in the third liquid supply pipe 126 for the third raw material fluid supplied from the third pump 124. The third pressure gauge 154 may measure the flow rate or flow velocity of the third raw material fluid in the third liquid supply pipe 126 and calculate the pressure of the third raw material fluid from the measurement result.

[0038] The first temperature measurement unit 162, the second temperature measurement unit 164, the third temperature measurement unit 170, the fourth temperature measurement unit 168, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 172 may measure the temperatures of the fluids flowing inside the first liquid feed tube 106, the second liquid feed tube 116, the third liquid feed tube 126, the first reaction tube 121, and the second reaction tube 134, respectively. The first temperature measurement unit 162, the second temperature measurement unit 164, the third temperature measurement unit 170, the fourth temperature measurement unit 168, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 172 may each be a non-contact optical temperature sensor or a thermocouple.

[0039] The control device 200 is connected to the reaction device 100 by wire or wirelessly. The control device 200 controls the reaction conditions in the reaction device 100. The control device 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0040] 2 shows an illustration of a portion of the reactor 100. FIG. 2 shows details of the reactor 100 of FIG. 1 around the first collection tank 108 and the first waste tank 130.

[0041] The first recovery tank 108 is connected between the first valve v1 provided between the first raw material tank 102 and the first pump 104 and the first pump 104 via the first recovery branch 107 and the second valve v2. The third valve v3 is provided in the first reaction tube 121 at a position closer to the first mixer 120, between the first pump 104 and the first mixer 120. The first valve v1, the second valve v2, and the third valve v3 are controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 200 in the recovery operation for the first recovery tank 108.

[0042] The first waste tank 130 is connected between the first mixer 120 and the fourth valve v4 provided between the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 132, via a first waste branch line 129 and a fifth valve v5. The sixth valve v6 is provided in the second liquid delivery pipe 116, between the second pump 114 and the first mixer 120, and at a position closer to the first mixer 120. The third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, the fifth valve v5, and the sixth valve v6 are controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 200 in the waste operation for the first waste tank 130.

[0043] The gas tank 182 is connected to the second liquid supply pipe 116 via a gas valve 184 provided in the gas inflow line 180. The gas valve 184 is controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 200 during the recovery operation of the raw material fluid in the second liquid supply pipe 116.

[0044] In the reactor 100, additional valves and branches may be arranged in a configuration similar to the first valve v1, the second valve v2, and the third valve v3 for the recovery operation for each of the second recovery tank 118 and the third recovery tank 128. Additional valves and branches may be arranged in a configuration similar to the third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, the fifth valve v5, and the sixth valve v6 for the waste operation for the second waste tank 136.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the control device 200. The control device 200 may be a computer such as a PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a workstation, a server computer, or a general-purpose computer, or may be a computer system to which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system is also a computer in a broad sense. The control device 200 may be implemented by one or more executable virtual computer environments in a computer. Alternatively, the control device 200 may be a dedicated computer designed for a flow reactor, or may be dedicated hardware realized by a dedicated circuit. The control device 200 may also be realized by cloud computing. The control device 200 has a detection unit 202, a reaction condition setting unit 204, a threshold setting unit 206, a determination unit 208, and a reaction control unit 210.

[0046] The detection unit 202 is connected to the reaction device 100 and the determination unit 208, and obtains parameters related to the state of the reaction fluid from the reaction device 100 to detect the state of the reaction fluid reacting in the flow path. The detection unit 202 may obtain measured values ​​or calculated values ​​from sensors such as the first pressure gauge 150, the second pressure gauge 152, the third pressure gauge 154, the first temperature measurement unit 162, the second temperature measurement unit 164, the third temperature measurement unit 170, the fourth temperature measurement unit 168, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 172 in the reaction device 100 as detection results. The detection unit 202 may output the detection results to the determination unit 208.

[0047] The reaction condition setting unit 204 is connected to the threshold setting unit 206 and the reaction control unit 210, and sets the reaction conditions in the reaction device 100. The reaction conditions may include at least one of the pressure, flow rate, flow rate, and temperature of the fluid in each flow path. The reaction condition setting unit 204 may output the reaction conditions to the threshold setting unit 206 and the reaction control unit 210.

[0048] The threshold setting unit 206 is connected to the determination unit 208, and sets various thresholds used in the determination unit 208. The threshold setting unit 206 may set the thresholds based on the reaction conditions received from the reaction condition setting unit 204. The threshold setting unit 206 may output the thresholds to the determination unit 208.

[0049] The determination unit 208 is connected to the reaction control unit 210. The determination unit 208 may determine an abnormality in the reaction, such as the state of the reaction fluid being out of the set reaction conditions, the reaction of the reaction fluid not proceeding, the concentration of the target substance being out of a predetermined range, or the yield of the target substance being out of a predetermined range. The determination unit 208 determines an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to the period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit 202 shows an abnormality exceeding a threshold. The determination unit 208 may compare the detection result received from the detection unit 202 with the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 206 to determine an abnormality in the reaction. The determination unit 208 may output the determined result to the reaction control unit 210.

[0050] The reaction control unit 210 is connected to the reaction device 100, and controls each component of the reaction device 100 according to the set reaction conditions and the determination result of the determination unit 208. The reaction control unit 210 has a waste unit 212, a recovery unit 214, a route control unit 216, and a pump control unit 218.

[0051] The waste unit 212 is connected to the route control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218. When the determination unit 208 determines that the reaction is abnormal, the waste unit 212 discards at least a part of the reaction fluid in the flow path. When the waste unit 212 receives the result of the abnormality determination from the determination unit 208, the waste unit 212 may output control data to the route control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218 so as to perform control corresponding to the waste operation.

[0052] The recovery unit 214 is connected to the route control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218. When the determination unit 208 determines that a reaction is abnormal, the recovery unit 214 recovers at least a part of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow path. When the recovery unit 214 receives the result of the determination of an abnormality from the determination unit 208, the recovery unit 214 may output control data to the route control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218 so as to perform control corresponding to the recovery operation.

[0053] The path control unit 216 is connected to the reaction device 100 and controls switching of the flow path of the reaction device 100. In reaction control, the path control unit 216 opens and closes valves to form a flow path from the raw material tank to the target tank 140. The path control unit 216 may control valves and the like in the flow path according to control data from at least one of the waste unit 212 and the recovery unit 214 to switch the flow path of the reaction device 100. In addition, the path control unit 216 may switch the flow path for reaction control in the reaction device 100 according to reaction conditions.

[0054] The pump control unit 218 is connected to the reaction apparatus 100 and controls the operation of the pump of the reaction apparatus 100. In the reaction control, the pump control unit 218 controls the output of the pump according to the set reaction conditions to flow the raw material fluid into the liquid delivery pipe. The pump control unit 218 may control the operation of the pump, such as stopping the pump, according to control data from at least one of the waste unit 212 and the recovery unit 214. In addition, the pump control unit 218 may control the output of the pump for reaction control in the reaction apparatus 100 according to the reaction conditions.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a reaction flow in the reaction system 10 of this embodiment. In the reaction flow in Fig. 4, as an example, in order to synthesize a peptide, the first raw material, the second raw material, and the third raw material may be liquids such as organic solvents or water containing different amino acids.

[0056] In step S11, the reaction condition setting unit 204 sets the reaction conditions. The reaction condition setting unit 204 may receive input of the reaction conditions from a user or an external device. The reaction condition setting unit 204 may have a table showing the relationship between the type of raw material fluid and the optimal reaction conditions that maximize the yield, and may receive a designation of the raw material fluid to be used from a user or an external device, and set the optimal reaction conditions from the table. The reaction condition setting unit 204 outputs the set reaction conditions to the threshold setting unit 206 and the reaction control unit 210.

[0057] In step S12, the threshold setting unit 206 may set a reaction condition threshold and a period threshold corresponding to the reaction condition threshold for each of the fluids in the liquid sending tube and the reaction tube of the reaction device 100. Different thresholds may be set for each of the fluids in the liquid sending tube and the reaction tube of the reaction device 100. The threshold setting unit 206 may set a predetermined change amount or change rate value for the set reaction condition value as the threshold. As an example, the threshold setting unit 206 may set a value of ±a of the temperature of the reaction fluid set in the reaction condition as the temperature threshold. As an example, the threshold setting unit 206 may set a value of ±a% (a>0) of the pressure value of the reaction fluid set in the reaction condition as the pressure threshold. The predetermined change amount or change rate may be input from a user or an external device. The threshold setting unit 206 may set two-stage thresholds for the reaction condition threshold.

[0058] The threshold setting unit 206 may set the period threshold according to the reaction conditions. The threshold setting unit 206 may set the period threshold according to the type of fluid (raw material fluid or reaction fluid) flowing through the tube. The threshold setting unit 206 may have a table showing the relationship between the type of fluid (raw material or raw material combination) and the period threshold, and may set the period threshold using the table. The threshold setting unit 206 may set a shorter period threshold for a tube corresponding to a type of fluid that is more likely to clog or to react abnormally. The threshold setting unit 206 may also set a shorter period threshold as the predetermined amount of change or rate of change used in setting the threshold for the reaction conditions is larger. In this way, the determination unit 208 can quickly determine that the reaction is abnormal as the reaction deviates from the optimal conditions by a larger amount. The threshold setting unit 206 may also set a period threshold for the pressure threshold according to the time from partial blockage of the tube to complete blockage. For example, the threshold setting unit 206 may set a period threshold corresponding to the pressure threshold according to at least one of the width and length of the tube, the type of fluid flowing through the tube, the flow rate, and the flow velocity. The threshold setting section 206 may output data in which the period thresholds are associated with the thresholds of a plurality of reaction conditions to the determination section 208.

[0059] In step S13, the reaction control unit 210 controls the reaction device 100 to satisfy the reaction conditions. The reaction control unit 210 may control the valves to form a flow path for the reaction, operate the pump with an output according to the reaction conditions, and control the temperature of the flow path. The reaction control unit 210 may perform feedback control on the reaction device 100 according to the measured value detected by the detection unit 202. For example, in the reaction control, the path control unit 216 may form a flow path by opening the first valve v1, the third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, and the sixth valve v6 in FIG. 2 and closing the second valve v2 and the fifth valve v5.

[0060] In step S14, the detection unit 202 may acquire measured values ​​from various sensors installed in the reaction apparatus 100. The detection unit 202 may receive measured values ​​at regular intervals from each of the first pressure gauge 150, the second pressure gauge 152, the third pressure gauge 154, the first temperature measurement unit 162, the second temperature measurement unit 164, the third temperature measurement unit 170, the fourth temperature measurement unit 168, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 172. The detection unit 202 may output data indicating the acquired measurement results to the determination unit 208.

[0061] In step S15, the determination unit 208 determines an abnormality in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which at least one of the pressure, flow rate, flow velocity, and temperature of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit 202 shows an abnormality exceeding a corresponding period threshold. The determination unit 208 may determine an abnormality in the state of the reaction fluid by using the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 206.

[0062] The determination unit 208 can compare the multiple measurement values ​​detected by the detection unit 202 with the corresponding thresholds of the reaction conditions, and determine that the state of the fluid is abnormal if the period during which the measurement value exceeds or is below the threshold of the reaction condition exceeds the period threshold. The determination unit 208 may determine the abnormality for each of the fluids in the multiple tubes (feed tubes or reaction tubes) of the reaction device 100 using the corresponding measurement values ​​and thresholds. If the thresholds of the reaction conditions are set in two stages, the determination unit 208 may compare the period during which the measurement value exceeds the first stage threshold with the period threshold, and immediately determine that the state of the reaction fluid is abnormal if the measurement value exceeds the second stage threshold.

[0063] The determining unit 208 may determine that the reaction of the reaction fluid is abnormal due to a blockage of the flow path when the period during which the pressure of the reaction fluid detected by the detecting unit 202 indicates an abnormality exceeds a threshold. The determining unit 208 may compare the results measured by the first pressure gauge 150, the second pressure gauge 152, and the third pressure gauge 154 with the respective pressure thresholds, and determine that the reaction is abnormal when the period during which the measured value exceeds the pressure threshold exceeds the period threshold. The determining unit 208 may determine in which of the first liquid feed tube 106, the second liquid feed tube 116, the third liquid feed tube 126, the first reaction tube 121, and the second reaction tube 134 a blockage has occurred, depending on the combination of the pressure gauges whose measured values ​​exceed the pressure thresholds among the first pressure gauge 150, the second pressure gauge 152, and the third pressure gauge 154. As an example, the determination unit 208 may determine that a blockage has occurred in the corresponding first liquid delivery tube 106 when only the measurement value of the first pressure gauge 150 exceeds the pressure threshold, and may determine that a blockage has occurred in the corresponding first reaction tube 121 when only the measurement value of the first pressure gauge 150 and the measurement value of the second pressure gauge 152 exceed the pressure threshold.

[0064] The determination unit 208 may output the determined result to the reaction control unit 210. The flow proceeds to step S16 if the determination unit 208 determines that there is an abnormality, and proceeds to step S13 if there is no abnormality, that is, if there is a determination that the device is operating normally.

[0065] In step S16, the reaction control unit 210 controls the reaction device 100 to perform a disposal operation and a recovery operation. When the determination unit 208 determines that the reaction is abnormal, the disposal unit 212 may stop pumps for feeding each of the multiple types of raw material fluids that are raw materials for the reaction fluid to a mixer that mixes the multiple types of raw material fluids, and may discard at least a part of the reaction fluid in the flow path downstream of the mixer arranged in the flow path. The disposal unit 212 may control the reaction device 100 to stop the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 124, and discard the reaction fluids in the first reaction tube 121 and the second reaction tube 134. As an example, the disposal unit 212 may control the fourth valve v4 to close and the fifth valve v5 to open from the reaction control state, thereby pouring the first reaction fluid in the first reaction tube 121 into the first disposal tank 130 and storing it. The waste unit 212 may then control the third valve v3 and the sixth valve v6 to close.

[0066] The recovery unit 214 recovers at least a part of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow path upstream of the mixer arranged in the flow path through a recovery branch of the flow path. The recovery unit 214 may recover at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path upstream of at least one of the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 132 by rotating at least one of the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 124 for flowing the reaction fluid in the flow path in reverse. As an example, the recovery unit 214 may control the first valve v1 and the third valve v3 to be closed, control the second valve v2 to be opened, and control the first pump 104 to send the raw material fluid in the first liquid sending pipe 106 in the first recovery tank 108 and store it therein, from the state of reaction control.

[0067] The recovery unit 214 may recover at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path into a raw material tank that contains the raw material fluid. The recovery unit 214 may recover at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path upstream of at least one of the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 132 into the raw material tank by rotating at least one of the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 124 in the reverse direction. As an example, the recovery unit 214 may control the second valve v2 to close, control the first valve v1 and the third valve v3 to open, and control the first pump 104 to send the raw material in the first liquid sending pipe 106 in the first raw material tank 102 and store the raw material fluid therein.

[0068] The recovery unit 214 may recover at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path upstream of the first mixer 120 into the second raw material tank 112 or the second recovery tank 118 by causing a gas (such as nitrogen gas, for example) to flow into the flow path from a gas inflow line 180 provided upstream of the first mixer 120. The recovery unit 214 stops the rotation of the second pump 114, controls the sixth valve v6 to close, and controls the gas valve 184 to open, thereby causing the gas in the gas tank 182 to flow into the flow path at a predetermined pressure, and storing the raw material in the second raw material tank 112 or the second recovery tank 118.

[0069] The recovery unit 214 does not need to perform a recovery operation for the raw material fluid in the liquid supply pipe determined to be clogged by the determination unit 208. As an example, when the recovery unit 214 receives data indicating that the first liquid supply pipe 106 is clogged from the determination unit 208, the recovery unit 214 may determine not to perform the reverse rotation operation of the first pump 104 and perform a recovery operation for the other liquid supply pipes.

[0070] The reaction system 10 may perform the disposal operation and the recovery operation simultaneously or sequentially. After completing the disposal operation and the recovery operation, the reaction system 10 may perform cleaning by causing the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 124 to flow a solvent (an organic solvent, water, or a solution containing an acidic or alkaline substance) into the flow path, and may resume reaction control from step S13.

[0071] The reaction system 10 of this embodiment can efficiently perform a series of operations from determining a reaction abnormality to disposing of and recovering the fluid, and can suppress increases in costs due to raw materials, etc., when an abnormality occurs. Furthermore, even if the reaction state is not optimal, the reaction continues until the period threshold is reached, and can be interrupted when the period threshold is exceeded, so that the reaction abnormality can be flexibly determined by adjusting the period threshold.

[0072] In the reaction system 10 of the present embodiment, the shape, length, and number of the liquid supply pipe and the reaction tube are not limited, and components such as additional liquid supply pipes, reaction tubes, mixers, etc. may be included in order to mix four or more kinds of raw materials to produce a target product. The reaction device 100 may have a sensor that measures only the flow rate or flow velocity of the raw materials and transmits the measurement result to the detection unit 202. The threshold setting unit 206 may set one period threshold for multiple reaction conditions.

[0073] Various embodiments of the present invention may also be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where the blocks may represent (1) stages of a process in which operations are performed or (2) sections of an apparatus responsible for performing the operations. Particular stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium, and / or a processor provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical operations, memory elements such as flip-flops, registers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0074] A computer readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device, such that the computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer readable media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), Blu-ray (RTM) disks, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0075] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0076] Computer readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable processing device, either locally or over a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc., to execute the computer readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0077] 5 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0078] The computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphic controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are connected to each other by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0079] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphic controller 2216 retrieves image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphic controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0080] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0081] The ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, and / or a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

[0082] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, the RAM 2214, or the ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be constructed by realizing information manipulation or processing according to the use of the computer 2200.

[0083] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0084] Furthermore, the CPU 2212 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0085] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored in the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequence of the program, and writes back the results to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition, in which the attribute value of the first attribute is specified, from among the plurality of entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0086] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable medium on the computer 2200 or in the vicinity of the computer 2200. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable medium, thereby providing the programs to the computer 2200 via the network.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0088] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and may be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10. Reaction System 102 First raw material tank 104 First Pump 106 First liquid delivery tube 107 First Recovery Junction 108 First Recovery Tank 112 Second raw material tank 114 Second Pump 116 Second liquid delivery tube 117 Second Recovery Junction 118 Second Recovery Tank 120 First Mixer 121 First reaction tube 122 3rd raw material tank 124 Third Pump 126 Third Liquid Delivery Tube 127 Third Recovery Junction 128 Third Recovery Tank 129 First Disposal Junction 130 First Waste Tank 132 Second Mixer 134 Second Reactor Tube 135 Second Disposal Junction 136 Second Waste Tank 140 Destination Tank 180 Gas inlet line 182 Gas Tank 184 Gas Valve 200 Control device 202 Detection unit 204 Reaction condition setting section 206 Threshold setting unit 208 Decision Section 210 Reaction control section 212 Disposal Department 214 Collection Department 216 Route control unit 218 Pump control section 2200 Computer 2201 DVD-ROM 2210 Host Controller 2212 CPU 2214 RAM 2216 Graphics Controller 2218 Display Device 2220 Input / Output Controller 2222 Communication Interface 2224 Hard Disk Drive 2226 DVD-ROM drive 2230 ROM 2240 Input / Output Chip 2242 Keyboard

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects a state of a reaction fluid reacting in the flow channel; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in a reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold; a discard unit that discards at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal. Device.

2. When the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal, the waste unit stops a pump for feeding each of a plurality of types of raw material fluids serving as raw materials for the reaction fluid to a mixer that mixes the plurality of types of raw material fluids.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. The waste unit wastes at least a part of the reaction fluid in the flow path downstream of a mixer disposed in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. The apparatus further includes a recovery unit that recovers at least a portion of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow path when the determination unit determines that the reaction is abnormal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. The recovery section recovers at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow path upstream of a mixer disposed in the flow path through a recovery branch path of the flow path.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

6. The recovery unit recovers at least a portion of the raw material fluid of the reaction fluid in the flow path upstream of the mixer by reversely rotating a pump for causing the reaction fluid to flow in the flow path.

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. The recovery unit recovers at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow passage upstream of the mixer by causing gas to flow into the flow passage from a gas inlet line provided upstream of the mixer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

8. The recovery unit recovers at least a portion of the raw material fluid in the flow path into a raw material tank that contains the raw material fluid.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

9. The detection unit detects at least one of a pressure, a flow velocity, a flow rate, and a temperature of a reaction fluid reacting in the flow channel; The determination unit determines an abnormality in a reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which at least one of a pressure, a flow rate, and a temperature of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit exhibits an abnormality exceeding a threshold value.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. The detection unit detects a pressure of a reaction fluid reacting in the flow channel, The determination unit determines that the reaction of the reaction fluid is abnormal due to a blockage of the flow path in response to a period during which the pressure of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold value.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

11. detecting a state of a reactant fluid reacting in the flow path; determining an anomaly in the reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the detected state of the reaction fluid indicates an anomaly exceeding a threshold; and discarding at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow path when an anomaly in the reaction is determined. method.

12. Computer, A detection unit that detects a state of a reaction fluid reacting in the flow channel; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in a reaction of the reaction fluid in response to a period during which the state of the reaction fluid detected by the detection unit indicates an abnormality exceeding a threshold; a discarding section that discards at least a portion of the reaction fluid in the flow channel when the determining section determines that the reaction is abnormal; A program to function as a

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