Device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a device, a method, and a program which are capable of reliably detecting a small amount of liquid leakage which is difficult to determine from a pressure of a flow channel, and furthermore, capable of efficiently performing a series of actions from detection of liquid leakage of the flow channel to disposal of reaction fluid and recovery of a raw material.SOLUTION: There is provided a device comprising: an image acquisition part which acquires an image created by imaging a state of a flow channel in a flow reactor into which fluid is flowed to cause reaction; and a detection part which detects liquid leakage of the flow channel on the basis of the acquired image. The device is equipped with detection members 122, 149 for detecting the liquid leakage of the flow channel, the image acquisition part acquires an image of the detection member, the detection part detects the liquid leakage of the flow channel on the basis of the image of the detection member. The detection member includes a frosted glass. The detection member is arranged below the flow channel, the image acquisition part acquires an image of the frosted glass of the detection member, the detection part detects the liquid leakage of the flow channel corresponding to detection of a change in at least one of color and brightness in the image of the frosted glass.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 describes "a liquid storage pan for storing leaked liquid at the bottom of the fluid reaction device, and a liquid leakage sensor for detecting the leaked liquid." Patent Document 2 describes "a leakage detection flow path for detecting leakage of the first and second solutions or their reaction product solutions from the flow path." Patent Document 3 describes "the pressure of the sealing fluid in the sealing fluid atmosphere is made higher than the pressure of the circulating fluid in the fluid flow path." Patent Document 4 describes "a first leakage detection sensor 16a is provided in the first stage microreactor 10A, a second leakage detection sensor 16b is provided in the second stage microreactor 10B, and a third leakage detection sensor 16c is provided in the third stage microreactor 10C." [Prior art document] [Patent documents] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2006 / 043642 Patent Document 2: JP 2007-98237 A Patent Document 3: JP 2006-289249 A Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2019 / 049547 Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a state of a flow channel in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react, and a detection unit that detects leakage of liquid from the flow channel based on the acquired image.

[0004] The above-mentioned device includes a detection member for detecting leakage of liquid in the flow path, and the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the detection member as the state of the flow path, and the detection unit detects leakage of liquid in the flow path based on the image of the detection member.

[0005] In the above-mentioned device, when liquid leakage occurs from the flow path, at least a part of the detection member undergoes a change in transparency, color, brightness, or shape.

[0006] In the above device, the detection member includes ground glass.

[0007] In the above device, the detection member is positioned below the flow path, and the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the frosted glass of the detection member as the state of the flow path, and the detection unit detects liquid leakage in the flow path by detecting a change in at least one of the color and brightness in the image of the frosted glass.

[0008] In any of the above devices, the detection member has a container for containing the flow path in a liquid for detection, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the liquid for detection in the container as the state of the flow path, and the detection unit detects liquid leakage in the flow path based on the image of the liquid for detection.

[0009] In the above device, the detection section detects leakage of liquid from the flow path in response to detection of a change in at least one of the color and brightness in an image of the liquid.

[0010] In any of the above devices, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the surroundings of the flow path as the state of the flow path, and the detection unit detects leakage of liquid in the flow path by sensing fluctuations of light around the flow path.

[0011] In any of the above devices, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the state of the flow channel captured by an infrared camera.

[0012] In any of the above devices, the image acquisition unit acquires a three-dimensional image of the state of the flow channel captured by a plurality of cameras.

[0013] In any of the above devices, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the state of the flow channel captured using at least one of near-infrared light, an LED, a laser, and light reflected by a diffusion plate as a light source.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising the steps of acquiring an image capturing an image of a state of a flow channel in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react, and detecting a liquid leak in the flow channel based on the acquired image.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that causes a computer to function as an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a state of a flow path in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react, and a detection unit that detects liquid leakage from the flow path based on the acquired image.

[0016] 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]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reaction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an explanatory diagram of a part of a reaction section 100. [Diagram 3] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a detection member in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of a detection member in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] A block diagram of a control unit 200 is shown. [Figure 6] 2 shows a reaction flow in the reaction apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 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

[0018] 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.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reaction device 10 according to this embodiment. In order to produce a target product such as a peptide, the reaction device 10 mixes a plurality of types of raw material fluids in a flow channel, and flows the mixture, that is, a reaction fluid, through the flow channel to cause a reaction to proceed. The reaction device 10 captures an image of the state of the flow channel, and detects leakage of liquid from the flow channel based on the captured image. The reaction device 10 includes a reaction section 100 and a control section 200.

[0020] The reaction section 100 is connected to the control section 200. The reaction section 100 may be a flow reactor such as a microflow reactor that produces a target substance by flow synthesis or the like. The reaction section 100 includes 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 first mixer 120, a first inflow line 180, a first cleaning tank 182, a first detection member 122, a first reaction tube 130, a first washing tank 132, a first detection member 134, a first reaction tube 136, a first recovery tank 138, a first reaction tube 138, a first reaction tube 138, a first reaction tube 139, a first reaction tube 140, a first reaction tube 142, a first reaction tube 144, a first reaction tube 146, a first reaction tube 148, a first reaction tube 148, a first reaction tube 149, a first reaction tube 150, a first reaction tube 152, a first reaction tube 154, a first reaction tube 156, a first reaction tube 158, a first reaction tube 158, a first reaction tube 159, a first reaction tube 159, a first reaction tube 160, a first reaction tube 160, a first reaction tube 162, a first reaction tube 164, a first reaction tube 166, a first reaction tube 168 ... 32, a third raw material tank 134, a third pump 136, a third liquid supply pipe 138, a third recovery tank 142, a first waste tank 144, a second mixer 148, a second inflow line 190, a second cleaning tank 192, a second detection member 149, a second reaction tube 150, a second waste tank 154, a target tank 156, and an imaging unit 157. The liquid supply pipe, the mixer, and the reaction tube may each be an individual component, and the reaction unit 100 combines a plurality of such components to form a flow path having a width ranging from several tens of μm to several tens of mm from the raw material tank to the target tank 156.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The first recovery tank 108 is connected between the first pump 104 and the first raw material tank 102 via a first recovery line 107 for recovering the first raw material fluid. 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 liquid leak occurs in the flow path.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The second recovery tank 118 is connected between the second pump 114 and the second raw material tank 112 via a second recovery line 117 for recovering the second raw material fluid. 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 liquid leak occurs in the flow path.

[0025] The first mixer 120 has an outlet connected to one end of the first reaction tube 132. 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 132 as a first reaction fluid.

[0026] The first inflow line 180 may be provided in the first mixer 120 provided in the middle of the flow path. The first cleaning tank 182 is connected to the first inflow line 180 for flowing a cleaning liquid in the middle of the flow path. The first cleaning tank 182 contains a cleaning liquid to be flowed into the first mixer 120 in a cleaning operation when an abnormal reaction occurs.

[0027] The first detection member 122 is disposed in contact with the first mixer 120. The first detection member 122 is a member for detecting liquid leakage in the flow path. When liquid leakage occurs in the first mixer 120, at least a part of the first detection member 122 may change in transparency, color (at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness), shape, or the like.

[0028] The other end of the first reaction tube 132 is connected to the second mixer 148. The first reaction tube 132 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell of metal or resin. The first reaction tube 132 has a first reaction fluid flowing therein and discharges the first reaction fluid to one inlet of the second mixer 148. The first reaction fluid reacts while flowing through the first reaction tube 132. The length, width, or shape of the first reaction tube 132 may be set in order to adjust reaction conditions such as reaction time.

[0029] The third raw material tank 134 is connected to the second mixer 148 via a third pump 136 and a third liquid supply pipe 138. The third raw material tank 134 contains a third raw material. The third pump 136 supplies the third raw material from the third raw material tank 134 to the third liquid supply pipe 138 at a flow rate or flow rate according to the reaction conditions. The third liquid supply pipe 138 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 138 into the other inlet of the second mixer 148.

[0030] The third recovery tank 142 is connected between the third pump 136 and the third raw material tank 134 via a third recovery line 140 for recovering the third raw material fluid. The third recovery tank 142 stores the third raw material fluid recovered from the third liquid delivery pipe 138 in a recovery operation in the event of a liquid leak.

[0031] The first waste tank 144 is connected between the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 148 via a first waste line 143. The first waste tank 144 stores the first reaction fluid that is discarded from the first reaction tube 132 in a waste operation when a liquid leak occurs in the flow path.

[0032] The second mixer 148 has an outlet connected to one end of the second reaction tube 150. The second mixer 148 may be a static mixer such as a T-shaped mixer or a Y-shaped mixer. The second mixer 148 mixes the first reaction fluid and the third raw material fluid flowing in from two inlets, and discharges the mixture into the second reaction tube 150 as a second reaction fluid.

[0033] The second inlet line 190 may be provided in the second mixer 148 provided in the middle of the flow path. The second cleaning tank 192 is connected to the second inlet line 190 for flowing the cleaning liquid in the middle of the flow path. The second cleaning tank 192 contains the cleaning liquid to be flowed into the second mixer 148 in the cleaning operation when an abnormal reaction occurs.

[0034] The second detection member 149 is disposed in contact with the second mixer 148. The second detection member 149 is a member for detecting liquid leakage in the flow path. When liquid leakage occurs in the second mixer 148, at least a part of the second detection member 149 may change in transparency, color, shape, or the like.

[0035] The other end of the second reaction tube 150 is connected to a target tank 156. The second reaction tube 150 may be a through hole or a tube formed in a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The second reaction tube 150 has a second reaction fluid flowing therein and discharges the second reaction fluid to the target tank 156. The second reaction fluid reacts while flowing through the second reaction tube 150. The length, width, or shape of the second reaction tube 150 may be set in order to adjust reaction conditions such as reaction time.

[0036] The second waste tank 154 is connected between the second mixer 148 and the target tank 156 via a second waste line 152. The second waste tank 154 stores the second reaction fluid that is discarded from the second reaction tube 150 in a waste operation when a liquid leak occurs in the flow path.

[0037] The target tank 156 contains the target after reaction of the second reactant fluid.

[0038] The imaging unit 157 is connected to the control unit and may be an infrared camera, a camera that captures a two-dimensional image, or multiple cameras that capture a three-dimensional image. The imaging unit 157 may be arranged to capture an image inside the reaction unit 100. The imaging unit 157 may be fixed in a position relative to each component of the reaction unit 100. The imaging unit 157 may output data of the captured image to the control unit. One imaging unit 157 may be arranged to capture an image of the entire reaction unit 100, or multiple imaging units 157 may be arranged to capture images of multiple locations of the reaction unit 100, respectively.

[0039] The reaction section 100 further has a first pressure gauge 160, a second pressure gauge 162, a third pressure gauge 164, a first temperature measurement section 170, a second temperature measurement section 172, a third temperature measurement section 176, a fourth temperature measurement section 174, and a fifth temperature measurement section 178.

[0040] The first pressure gauge 160 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 160 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 160 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.

[0041] The second pressure gauge 162 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 162 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 162 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.

[0042] The third pressure gauge 164 may be disposed between the third pump 136 and the second mixer 148, for example, at a connection portion between the third pump 136 and the third liquid supply pipe 138. The third pressure gauge 164 may measure the pressure in the third liquid supply pipe 138 for the third raw material fluid supplied from the third pump 136. The third pressure gauge 164 may measure the flow rate or flow velocity of the third raw material fluid in the third liquid supply pipe 138 and calculate the pressure of the third raw material fluid from the measurement result.

[0043] The first temperature measurement unit 170, the second temperature measurement unit 172, the third temperature measurement unit 176, the fourth temperature measurement unit 174, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 178 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 138, the first reaction tube 132, and the second reaction tube 150, respectively. The first temperature measurement unit 170, the second temperature measurement unit 172, the third temperature measurement unit 176, the fourth temperature measurement unit 174, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 178 may be a non-contact optical temperature sensor, a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, or a thermocouple, respectively.

[0044] The control unit 200 is connected to the reaction unit 100 by wire or wirelessly. The control unit 200 controls the reaction unit 100 according to the set reaction conditions. The control unit 200 detects leakage of liquid in the flow path and causes the reaction unit 100 to execute at least one of a recovery operation for recovering raw materials and a disposal operation for discarding reaction fluid. The control unit 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0045] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a part of the reaction section 100. FIG 2 shows details of the periphery of the first recovery tank 108 and the first waste tank 144 of the reaction section 100 of FIG 1.

[0046] The first recovery tank 108 is connected between the first valve v1 and the first pump 104 via the first recovery line 107. The first recovery line 107 is provided upstream of the first mixer 120, so that the first raw material fluid can be recovered before being mixed with other fluids. The first valve v1 is provided between the first raw material tank 102 and the first pump 104. The second valve v2 is provided on the first recovery line 107. The third valve v3 is provided in the first reaction tube 132, between the first pump 104 and the first mixer 120, and at a position closer to 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 unit 200 during the recovery operation for the first recovery tank 108.

[0047] The first waste tank 144 is connected between the fourth valve v4 and the first mixer 120 via the first waste line 143. The fourth valve v4 is provided between the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 148. The fifth valve v5 is provided in the first waste line 143. The sixth valve v6 is provided in the second liquid delivery pipe 116, between the second pump 114 and the first mixer 120, at a position closer to the first mixer 120.

[0048] The first cleaning tank 182 is connected to the first mixer 120 via a first inflow line 180. The first inflow line 180 has a first inflow pump 186 and a first check valve 184. The first inflow pump 186 sends the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 182 to the first inflow line 180. The first check valve 184 is provided between the first cleaning tank 182 and the first mixer 120. The first check valve 184 prevents backflow of a fluid from the first mixer 120 to the first cleaning tank 182. The third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, the fifth valve v5, and the sixth valve v6 are controlled to open and close by the control unit 200 in a cleaning operation in which the cleaning liquid flows from the first cleaning tank 182 to the first waste tank 144.

[0049] The second cleaning tank 192 is connected to the second mixer 148 via a second inlet line 190. The second inlet line 190 has a second inlet pump 196 and a second check valve 194. The second inlet pump 196 sends the cleaning liquid in the second cleaning tank 192 to the second inlet line 190. The second check valve 194 is provided between the second cleaning tank 192 and the second mixer 148. The second check valve 194 prevents backflow of the fluid from the second mixer 148 to the second cleaning tank 192. The reaction apparatus 10 may have additional valves, etc., for flowing the cleaning liquid from the second cleaning tank 192 to the second waste tank 154 in a configuration similar to the third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, the fifth valve v5, and the sixth valve v6.

[0050] In the reaction section 100, additional valves 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 142. In the reaction section 100, additional valves may be arranged in a configuration similar to the fourth valve v4 and the fifth valve v5 for the disposal operation for the second disposal tank 154.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first detection member 122 in this embodiment. In Fig. 3, the X-axis in the left-right direction, the Z-axis in the up-down direction, and the Y-axis in the depth direction are shown to be mutually orthogonal. In the following, there are cases where these three axes are used for explanation. In Fig. 3, the flow path in the first mixer 120 is shown by a dashed line, and the flow direction in the flow path is shown by an arrow.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 3, the first mixer 120 is a Y-shaped mixer. The first mixer 120 has an inlet to which the first liquid feed pipe 106 and the second liquid feed pipe 116 are respectively connected, and an outlet from which the first reaction fluid, which is a mixture of the first raw material fluid and the second raw material fluid, is discharged into the first reaction tube 132. The first mixer 120 has a Y-shaped flow path inside a plate-like cell made of metal or resin. The first liquid feed pipe 106, the second liquid feed pipe 116, and the first reaction tube 132 are connected so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane of the plate-like cell of the first mixer 120.

[0053] The first detection member 122 is disposed below the flow path. In FIG. 3, the first detection member 122 may be disposed below the first mixer 120 in the Z-axis direction and may be in contact with the bottom surface of the first mixer 120. The first detection member 122 may be disposed between the first mixer 120 and the imaging unit 157 in the Z-axis direction. The first detection member 122 may include a frosted glass 310 at least in the liquid leakage detection portion (for example, a range corresponding to the bottom surface of the first mixer 120). For example, the surface of the frosted glass 310, which is the first detection member 122, becomes more transparent when it comes into contact with the liquid (raw material fluid or reaction fluid) leaked from the flow path to the outside. The first detection member 122 may have paper instead of or in addition to the frosted glass 310. In this case, the paper, which is the first detection member 122, is permeated with the liquid (raw material fluid or reaction fluid) leaked from the flow path to the outside, and the color of the paper changes (for example, the color becomes darker).

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the first detection member 122 in this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the X-axis in the left-right direction, the Z-axis in the up-down direction, and the Y-axis in the depth direction are shown to be mutually perpendicular. In the following, explanations may be given using these three axes. In FIG. 4, the flow path in the first mixer 120 is shown by a dashed line, and the flow direction in the flow path is shown by an arrow. In the example of FIG. 4, the first mixer 120 may have a configuration similar to that of FIG. 3.

[0055] The first detection member 122 has a container 410 that contains the flow path in the detection liquid 420. The container 410 may contain the entire first mixer 120 in the detection liquid 420. The container 410 may be made of glass or resin. The container 410 may be transparent so that the inside can be imaged from the imaging unit 157 arranged outside the container 410. The detection liquid 420 may be a transparent liquid such as water or an organic solvent. The detection liquid 420 may have a different color from the raw material fluid or the reaction fluid, or may be colorless and transparent.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the control unit 200. The control unit 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 unit 200 may be implemented by one or more executable virtual computer environments in a computer. Alternatively, the control unit 200 may be a dedicated computer designed for a flow reactor, or may be dedicated hardware realized by a dedicated circuit. The control unit 200 may also be realized by cloud computing. The control unit 200 has a reaction condition setting unit 202, an acquisition unit 204, a detection unit 206, and a reaction control unit 210.

[0057] The reaction condition setting unit 202 is connected to the reaction control unit 210 and sets the reaction conditions in the reaction unit 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 202 may output the reaction conditions to the detection unit 206 and the reaction control unit 210.

[0058] The acquiring unit 204 is connected to the reaction unit 100 and the detection unit 206, and acquires parameters related to the state of the fluid from the reaction unit 100. The acquiring unit 204 acquires an image of the state of the flow path in the reaction unit 100 where the fluid flows and reacts. The acquiring unit 204 may receive image data of the state of the flow path from the imaging unit 157 arranged in the reaction unit 100. The acquiring unit 204 may acquire an image including components such as a reaction tube constituting the flow path as the image of the state of the flow path, or may acquire an image of only the detection member without including components such as a reaction tube constituting the flow path. The acquiring unit 204 may further acquire measured values ​​or calculated values ​​from sensors arranged in the reaction unit 100, such as the first pressure gauge 160, the second pressure gauge 162, the third pressure gauge 164, the first temperature measurement unit 170, the second temperature measurement unit 172, the third temperature measurement unit 176, the fourth temperature measurement unit 174, and the fifth temperature measurement unit 178. The acquiring unit 204 may output the acquired result to the detecting unit 206 .

[0059] The detection unit 206 is connected to the reaction control unit 210. The detection unit 206 detects leakage of liquid in the flow path based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit 204. The detection unit 206 may have an image sensor that processes the image and detects changes in the image. The detection unit 206 may further detect abnormalities in the reaction, such as the state of the fluid in the flow path being out of the set reaction conditions, from the measured values ​​of a sensor or the like in the reaction unit 100. The detection unit 206 may output the detected results to the reaction control unit 210.

[0060] The reaction control unit 210 is connected to the reaction unit 100, and controls each component of the reaction unit 100 according to the set reaction conditions and the detection result of the detection unit 206. 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.

[0061] The waste unit 212 is connected to the path control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218. When a liquid leak occurs in the flow path, the waste unit 212 performs a waste operation to waste the fluid in the flow path. When the detection unit 206 detects a liquid leak in the flow path, the waste unit 212 may cause a cleaning liquid to flow in the flow path to waste at least a part of the reaction fluid in the flow path. When the waste unit 212 receives a result of the detection of a liquid leak in the flow path from the detection unit 206, the waste unit 212 may output control data to the path control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218 so as to perform control corresponding to the waste operation.

[0062] The recovery unit 214 is connected to the path control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218. When the detection unit 206 detects a liquid leak in the flow path, the recovery unit 214 performs a recovery operation to recover at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path. When the recovery unit 214 receives a result of detection of a liquid leak in the flow path from the detection unit 206, the recovery unit 214 may output control data to the path control unit 216 and the pump control unit 218 so as to perform control corresponding to the recovery operation.

[0063] The path control unit 216 is connected to the reaction unit 100 and controls switching of the flow path of the reaction unit 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 156. The path control unit 216 may control the opening and closing of valves in the flow path in accordance with control data from at least one of the waste unit 212 and the recovery unit 214 to switch the flow path of the reaction unit 100. In addition, the path control unit 216 may switch the flow path for reaction control in the reaction unit 100 in accordance with reaction conditions.

[0064] The pump control unit 218 is connected to the reaction unit 100 and controls the operation of the pump of the reaction unit 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 unit 100 according to the reaction conditions.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows a reaction flow in the reaction apparatus 10 of this embodiment. In the reaction flow in Fig. 6, as an example, in order to synthesize a peptide, the first raw material, the second raw material, and the third raw material may each be a liquid such as an organic solvent or water containing different amino acids.

[0066] In step S11, the reaction condition setting unit 202 sets the reaction conditions. The reaction condition setting unit 202 may receive input of the reaction conditions from a user or an external device. The reaction condition setting unit 202 may have a table indicating the relationship between the optimum reaction conditions that maximize the yield and the type of raw material fluid obtained through an experiment or the like. The reaction condition setting unit 202 may receive a designation of the raw material fluid to be used from a user or an external device, and set the optimum reaction conditions from the table. The reaction condition setting unit 202 outputs the set reaction conditions to the reaction control unit 210 and the detection unit 206. The reaction condition setting unit 202 may output data indicating the timing to start reaction control to the detection unit 206.

[0067] In step S12, the reaction control unit 210 controls the reaction unit 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 unit 100 according to the measured value acquired by the acquisition unit 204. 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.

[0068] In step S13, the detection unit 206 may instruct the acquisition unit 204 to acquire an image from the imaging unit 157 at the timing of starting the reaction control. In response to the instruction, the acquisition unit 204 may acquire an image captured from the imaging unit 157. The acquisition unit 204 may acquire time-series images from the imaging unit 157 at a constant cycle.

[0069] The acquisition unit 204 may acquire, as an image of the state of the flow channel, at least one of an image of a plurality of components (such as a pump, a liquid delivery tube, a mixer, and a reaction tube) forming the flow channel of the reaction unit 100, an image of the first detection member 122, an image of the second detection member 149, and an image of the periphery of the flow channel from the imaging unit 157. The acquisition unit 204 may acquire an image of the frosted glass 310 as the image of the first detection member 122 or the image of the second detection member 149, and in this case, an image of only the frosted glass 310 may be acquired. The image acquisition unit 204 may acquire an image of the state of the flow channel captured by the imaging unit 157 using at least one of near-infrared light, an LED, a laser, and light reflected by a diffusion plate as a light source. By using such a light source, the detection accuracy is further improved.

[0070] The acquiring unit 204 may further acquire measured values ​​from various sensors installed in the reaction unit 100. The detecting unit 206 may receive measured values ​​at regular intervals from each of the first pressure gauge 160, the second pressure gauge 162, the third pressure gauge 164, the first temperature measuring unit 170, the second temperature measuring unit 172, the third temperature measuring unit 176, the fourth temperature measuring unit 174, and the fifth temperature measuring unit 178. The acquiring unit 204 may output the acquired data to the detecting unit 206.

[0071] In step S15, the detection unit 206 detects leakage from the flow path from the acquired image. The detection unit 206 may detect leakage from the flow path when at least one change in the feature amount, brightness, and color of the image showing the state of the flow path exceeds a threshold. The detection unit 206 may compare the current image with a reference image and calculate at least one change in brightness and color in at least a part of the current image. The detection unit 206 may use, as the reference image, an image acquired from the imaging unit 157 at the timing of starting reaction control, or an image acquired chronologically before acquiring the current image (for example, immediately before acquiring). When detecting leakage from multiple images captured at different positions of the flow path, the detection unit 206 may use multiple corresponding reference images.

[0072] The detection unit 206 may detect leakage of liquid from the flow path by using images of the first detection member 122 and the second detection member 149. The detection unit 206 may detect leakage of liquid from the flow path in response to detecting a change in at least one of color and brightness in an image of the frosted glass 310, which is the detection member. As an example, a part of the frosted glass 310 becomes wet with liquid leaked from the flow path and becomes transparent, allowing more light from the light source to pass through. The detection unit 206 may detect that leakage has occurred when a change in brightness (difference between the brightness of the current image and the brightness of the reference image) in that part of the frosted glass 310 exceeds a threshold value.

[0073] The detection unit 206 may detect leakage of liquid in the flow path based on an image of the detection liquid 420 in the container 410, which is a detection member. As an example, when the raw material fluid or reaction fluid leaking from the flow path to the outside mixes with the detection liquid 420, at least one of the color and brightness of the detection liquid 420 in the mixed area changes in the captured image. The detection unit 206 may detect that leakage has occurred when a change in at least one of the color and brightness of the detection liquid 420 in at least a part of the image (the difference between the brightness / color of the current image and the brightness / color of the reference image) exceeds a threshold value.

[0074] The detection unit 206 may detect leakage in the flow path in response to sensing fluctuations in light around the flow path. As an example, light from a light source fluctuates in a captured image due to heat or reflection of a fluid leaking from the flow path to the outside. The detection unit 206 may detect that leakage has occurred when a change in brightness in at least a part of the image due to the fluctuations in light (the difference between the brightness of the current image and the brightness of the reference image) exceeds a threshold value. The detection unit 206 may detect leakage from the fluctuations in light in parts of the flow path where a detection member is not arranged.

[0075] The detection unit 206 may detect leakage from the flow path from an image of the state of the flow path captured by an infrared camera. As an example, heat from the raw material fluid or reaction fluid leaking from the flow path to the outside changes the heat distribution, causing a change in the leaked area in the captured image. The detection unit 206 may detect that leakage has occurred when a change in the image occurs or when the area of ​​the change in the image exceeds a threshold value. The detection unit 206 may detect leakage from an image captured by an infrared camera for a part of the flow path where a detection member is not arranged.

[0076] The detection unit 206 may have a table indicating the correspondence between coordinates or detection members in the image and each component of the reaction unit 100. The detection unit 206 may use the table to determine the component where the liquid leakage has occurred (such as a pump, a liquid delivery tube, a mixer, or a reaction tube) from the position (or detection member) where the liquid leakage has been detected.

[0077] The detection unit 206 may further detect an abnormality in the reaction. The detection unit 206 may compare the multiple measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 204 with thresholds of the corresponding reaction conditions, and detect that the reaction of the fluid is abnormal if at least one of the multiple measurement values ​​exceeds the threshold or is less than the threshold.

[0078] The detection unit 206 may output the detection result to the reaction control unit 210. When the detection unit 206 detects a liquid leak, the detection result including data indicating in which component the liquid leak was detected, may be output to the reaction control unit 210. When the detection unit 206 detects that a liquid leak has occurred in the reaction unit 100, the flow proceeds to step S15. When the detection unit 206 does not detect a liquid leak in the reaction unit 100, that is, when the reaction is normal, the flow proceeds to step S12 and reaction control is continued.

[0079] In step S15, the reaction control unit 210 controls the reaction unit 100 to perform a disposal operation and a recovery operation. When a liquid leak occurs in the flow path, the disposal unit 212 stores the reaction fluid in the first disposal tank 144 and the second disposal tank through a disposal line. The disposal unit 212 may control the reaction unit 100 through the pump control unit 218 and the route control unit 216. When the detection unit 206 detects a liquid leak, the disposal unit 212 stops the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 136, and controls the valves to switch to a flow path from the first reaction tube 132 to the first disposal tank 144, and further to a flow path from the second reaction tube 150 to the second disposal tank 154. In addition, the disposal unit 212 may display instructions on a display screen to instruct a user to stop the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 136 and open and close the valves.

[0080] The waste unit 212 may store the first reaction fluid in the first reaction tube 132 in the first waste tank 144 by flowing the cleaning liquid (a solution containing an organic solvent, water, or an acidic or alkaline substance) into the flow path of the first mixer 120 from a first inlet line 180 for the inflow of the cleaning liquid provided in the first mixer 120. As an example, the waste unit 212 may close the third valve v3, the fourth valve v4, and the sixth valve v6 and open the fifth valve v5 before the inflow of the cleaning liquid. The waste section 212 may accommodate the second reaction fluid in the second mixer 148 and the second reaction tube 150 in the second waste tank 154 by flowing a cleaning liquid (a solution containing an organic solvent, water, or an acidic or alkaline substance) from a second inlet line 190 provided in the second mixer 148 into the flow path of the second mixer 148. The first inlet line 180 may be connected to the first reaction tube 132 via an additional valve, and in this case, the cleaning liquid can be directly flowed from the first inlet line 180 into the first reaction tube 132. The second inlet line 190 may be connected to the second reaction tube 150 via an additional valve, and in this case, the cleaning liquid can be directly flowed from the second inlet line 190 into the second reaction tube 150.

[0081] The disposal unit 212 may not perform a disposal operation on a component detected by the detection unit 206 as having a liquid leak or on a reaction tube directly connected to the component. As an example, when the disposal unit 212 receives data from the detection unit 206 indicating that the first mixer 120 has a liquid leak, the disposal unit 212 may decide not to perform a disposal operation on the first reaction tube directly connected to the first mixer 120, and to perform a disposal operation on the other reaction tubes (i.e., the second reaction tubes). This makes it possible to prevent further leakage of the cleaning liquid or reaction fluid from the flow path during the disposal operation.

[0082] When a liquid leak occurs in the flow path, the recovery unit 214 recovers at least a part of the raw material fluid in the flow path upstream of the first mixer 120 and the second mixer 148 arranged in the flow path through a recovery line. The recovery unit 214 may control the reaction unit 100 through the pump control unit 218 and the route control unit 216. 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 148 by rotating at least one of the first pump 104, the second pump 114, and the third pump 136 for flowing the reaction fluid in the flow path in reverse. As an example, the recovery unit 214 controls the first valve v1 to be closed and controls the second valve v2 and the third valve v3 to be opened from the reaction control state. The recovery section 214 may cause the first raw material fluid in the first liquid delivery pipe 106 to flow into the first recovery tank 108 and be stored therein by controlling the first pump 104 to deliver the fluid in the opposite direction to that during reaction control.

[0083] The recovery unit 214 does not need to perform a recovery operation for the component detected by the detection unit 206 as having a leak or for the raw material fluid in the liquid feed tube directly connected to the component. As an example, when the recovery unit 214 receives data from the detection unit 206 indicating that the first mixer 120 has a leak, the recovery unit 214 may determine not to perform the reverse rotation operation of the first pump 104 and the second pump, and perform a recovery operation for the other liquid feed tubes (i.e., the third liquid feed tube).

[0084] The reactor 10 may perform the disposal operation and the recovery operation simultaneously or sequentially. After the disposal operation and the recovery operation, the reactor 10 may resume the reaction control from step S12.

[0085] When the detection unit 206 detects that a liquid leak has occurred, the control unit 200 may display information regarding the liquid leak in the flow path on the display screen of the reaction device 10 or an external display device. The external display device may be a personal computer or tablet owned by an operator who operates the reaction unit 100. The information regarding the liquid leak in the flow path may include information indicating that a liquid leak has occurred, and information indicating the position or component where the liquid leak has occurred.

[0086] The reaction apparatus 10 of this embodiment can more reliably detect even a small amount of liquid leakage that is difficult to determine from the pressure in the flow path. Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 10 of this embodiment can efficiently perform a series of operations from detection of liquid leakage in the flow path to disposal of reaction fluid and recovery of raw materials, and can quickly restart the reaction apparatus 10 while suppressing increases in raw material costs.

[0087] The detection member may correspond to the entire flow path, and one detection member may be capable of detecting liquid leakage throughout the entire reaction unit 100. For example, the ground glass 310 serving as the detection member may be disposed in an area corresponding to the entire reaction unit 100, and the containing unit 410 serving as the detection member may contain the entire reaction unit 100 in the liquid for detection.

[0088] The control unit 200 of this embodiment may be a liquid leakage detection device that does not control the reaction unit 100, and in this case, the control unit 200 may not have the recovery unit 214, the waste unit 212, the path control unit 220, and the pump control unit 222. In addition, the components of the reaction unit 100 are not limited to those of this embodiment, and the reaction unit 100 may have more flow paths, mixers, etc.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 7 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 a 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 10 Reactor 100 Reaction section 102 First raw material tank 104 First Pump 106 First liquid delivery tube 107 First Collection Line 108 First Recovery Tank 112 Second raw material tank 114 Second Pump 116 Second liquid delivery tube 117 Second Collection Line 118 Second Recovery Tank 120 First Mixer 122 First detection member 132 First Reaction Tube 134 3rd Raw Material Tank 136 Third Pump 138 Third Liquid Delivery Tube 140 Third Collection Line 142 Third Recovery Tank 143 First Disposal Line 144 First Waste Tank 148 Second Mixer 149 Second detection member 150 Second Reaction Tube 152 Second Disposal Line 154 Second Waste Tank 156 Destination Tank 157 Imaging unit 180 First inlet line 182 First Wash Tank 184 First check valve 186 First inflow pump 190 Second inlet line 192 Second Wash Tank 194 Second check valve 196 Second inflow pump 200 Control section 204 Acquisition Department 202 Reaction condition setting section 206 Detection Unit 210 Reaction control section 212 Disposal Department 214 Collection Department 216 Route control unit 218 Pump control section 310 Frosted Glass 410 Storage unit 420 Liquid for detection 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. an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a state of a flow path in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react; a detection unit that detects liquid leakage from the flow path based on the acquired image. Device.

2. the device includes a detection member for detecting leakage of the fluid in the flow path, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the detection member as a state of the flow path; The detection unit detects liquid leakage from the flow path based on an image of the detection member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. When liquid leakage occurs from the flow path, at least a part of the detection member undergoes a change in transparency, color, brightness, or shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 2.

4. The detection member includes ground glass.

4. The apparatus of claim 3.

5. The detection member is disposed below the flow path, the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the ground glass of the detection member as a state of the flow path; The detection unit detects a liquid leakage from the flow path in response to detecting a change in at least one of color and brightness in the image of the frosted glass.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

6. the detection member has a container for accommodating the flow path in a liquid for detection; the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the liquid for detection in the container as a state of the flow path; The detection unit detects leakage of the liquid in the flow path based on an image of the liquid for detection.

3. The apparatus of claim 2.

7. The detection unit detects a liquid leakage from the flow path in response to detecting a change in at least one of a color and a brightness in an image of the liquid.

7. The apparatus of claim 6.

8. the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the periphery of the flow channel as a state of the flow channel; The detection unit detects leakage of liquid from the flow path in response to detecting fluctuations of light around the flow path.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. The image acquisition unit acquires an image of the state of the flow channel captured by an infrared camera.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. The image acquisition unit acquires three-dimensional images of the state of the flow channel captured by a plurality of cameras.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

11. The image acquisition unit acquires an image of the state of the flow channel captured using at least one of near-infrared light, an LED, a laser, and light reflected by a diffusion plate as a light source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

12. acquiring an image of a state of a flow path in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react; and detecting a liquid leakage from the flow path based on the acquired image. method.

13. Computer, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a state of a flow path in a flow reactor in which a fluid is caused to flow and react; A detection unit that detects liquid leakage from the flow path based on the acquired image. A program that functions as a

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