Diagnosis device

Abstract

To improve diagnosis accuracy of a state of a valve device.SOLUTION: A diagnosis device 200 diagnoses a valve device 100 which includes a valve seat 3 having a valve hole 31, a valve element 7 opening and closing the valve hole 31, a thermal responsive part 81 allowing the valve element 7 to open and close the valve hole 31 by being deformed in accordance with a temperature of fluid, and an operation part 6 for changing a temperature of the fluid at the time when opening / closing by the valve element 7 is switched by adjusting a relative position of the valve element 7 with respect to the valve hole 31. The diagnosis device 200 includes a temperature sensor 221 for measuring the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor 222 for measuring vibration of the valve device 100, and a determination device 210 for determining a state of the valve device 100 on the basis of measurement results of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. The determination device 210 determines occurrence of defective setting of the operation part 6 when a measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is outside a prescribed allowable temperature range and a measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is within a prescribed defective vibration range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a diagnostic device for a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Diagnosis devices for diagnosing the operating state of a valve gear have been known in the art. For example, a diagnosis device disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines steam leakage based on vibration of the valve gear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 64-74397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a valve device that is configured to open when the temperature of the fluid is equal to or higher than a predetermined set temperature, and close when the temperature of the fluid is below the set temperature, and the set temperature can be changed. In such a valve device, the vibration of the valve device can vary due to various factors, not just steam leakage caused by an essential abnormality of the valve device. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the accuracy of diagnosing the state of such a valve device.

[0005] The technique disclosed herein has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to improve the accuracy of diagnosing the state of a valve device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The diagnostic device disclosed herein is for diagnosing a valve gear having a valve seat with a valve hole, a valve disc which opens and closes the valve hole, a thermally responsive section which causes the valve disc to open and close the valve hole by deforming in response to the temperature of the fluid, and an operating section which changes the temperature of the fluid when the valve disc switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve disc with respect to the valve hole, and is equipped with a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor which measures vibrations of the valve gear, and a determination device which determines the state of the valve gear based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor and the vibration sensor, and the determination device determines that a setting malfunction of the operating section has occurred when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is outside a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is within a predetermined defective vibration range.

[0007] The diagnostic device disclosed herein is for diagnosing a valve gear having a valve seat with a valve hole, a valve disc which opens and closes the valve hole, a thermally responsive section which causes the valve disc to open and close the valve hole by deforming in response to the temperature of a fluid, and an operating section which changes the temperature of the fluid at the time when the valve disc switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve disc with respect to the valve hole, and is equipped with a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor which measures vibrations of the valve gear, and a determination device which determines the state of the valve gear based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor and the vibration sensor, and the determination device determines that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve gear when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is within a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is within a predetermined predictive vibration range. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above diagnostic device, the accuracy of diagnosing the condition of the valve device can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device in a fully open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device in a fully closed state. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device when the set temperature is changed by the operating portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the determination device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the processor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram showing the operating state of the valve device defined by temperature and vibration values. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device 100 in a fully open state, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device 100 in a fully closed state.

[0012] The diagnostic device 200 diagnoses the valve gear 100. The diagnostic device 200 includes a temperature sensor 221 that measures the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor 222 that measures the vibration of the valve gear 100, and a determination device 210 that determines the state of the valve gear 100 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 221 and the measurement results of the vibration sensor 222.

[0013] <Valve device 100> The valve device 100 comprises a casing 1 with a fluid flow path P formed therein, a valve seat 3 arranged on the flow path P and having a valve hole 31, a valve element 7 for opening and closing the valve hole 31, a thermally responsive section 81 for causing the valve element 7 to open and close the valve hole 31 by deforming in response to the temperature of the fluid, and an operating section 6 for changing the temperature of the fluid when the valve element 7 switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve element 7 with respect to the valve hole 31. The valve device 100 adjusts the flow rate of the fluid in response to the temperature of the inflowing fluid (e.g., drain).

[0014] The casing 1 has a main body 11 in which an inlet 21 through which a fluid flows in, a valve chamber 22, and an outlet 23 through which the fluid flows out are formed, and a lid 12 attached to the main body 11 and defining the valve chamber 22 together with the main body 11. The main body 11 is further formed with an inlet passage 24 that connects the inlet 21 and the valve chamber 22, and an outlet passage 25 that connects the valve chamber 22 and the outlet 23. For example, a drain inlet pipe through which drain flows in is connected to the inlet 21. A drain outlet pipe through which the drain flows out is connected to the outlet 23.

[0015] The valve chamber 22 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with the X-axis as its axis. The valve chamber 22 is provided with a cylindrical partition wall 16 that partitions the valve chamber 22 into an internal space 22a and an external space 22b. The downstream end of the inflow passage 24 opens into the external space 22b. A plurality of through holes are formed in the upper part of the partition wall 16, penetrating the partition wall 16 in the thickness direction. The fluid flows from the external space 22b to the internal space 22a through the through holes of the partition wall 16.

[0016] Further, a screen 15 is disposed in the valve chamber 22. The screen 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A plurality of minute through holes (not shown) are formed in the screen 15. In other words, the screen 15 allows fluid to pass through. The screen 15 is disposed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the partition wall 16 (i.e., the portion where the through holes are formed).

[0017] The valve seat 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction. A through hole 32 extending in the X-axis direction is formed inside the valve seat 3. A partition wall 33 is provided in the through hole 32. The valve hole 31 is formed in the partition wall 33. The valve seat 3 is screwed to the main body 11 of the casing 1 at a lower part of the valve chamber 22. An outflow path 25 communicates with the space in the valve chamber 22 below the valve seat 3.

[0018] Hereinafter, in this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the "circumferential direction" means the circumferential direction centered on the X-axis, and the "radial direction" means the radial direction centered on the X-axis. The direction of the X-axis is also referred to as the "X-axis direction."

[0019] The fluid flowing into the valve chamber 22 from the inlet 21 through the inlet passage 24 is guided by the partition wall 16 to the external space 22b. The fluid passes through the through holes of the screen 15 toward the internal space 22a located radially inward. At this time, foreign matter contained in the fluid is removed by the screen 15. The fluid that has flowed into the internal space 22a flows toward the valve seat 3. The fluid passes through the valve hole 31 of the valve seat 3 and flows out of the outlet 23 via the outlet passage 25.

[0020] The valve body 7 is integrally formed with the shaft 5. The shaft 5 is connected to the operation unit 6 operated by the user. The operation unit 6 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction, with the upper end closed and the lower end open. In detail, the operation unit 6 is formed with an insertion hole 61 extending from the lower end in the X-axis direction. A male screw 62 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the operation unit 6. The lid 12 is formed with a through hole 18 extending in the X-axis direction. A female screw 18a is formed at the upper part of the through hole 18. The operation unit 6 is inserted into the through hole 18 of the lid 12. At this time, the male screw 62 is screwed into the female screw 18a. The male screw 62 is not formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the operation unit 6, and a groove 63 extending in the circumferential direction is formed. An O-ring 64 is attached to the groove 63. The O-ring 64 is in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 18.

[0021] An engagement groove 65 into which a tool such as a screwdriver engages is formed at the upper end of the operation unit 6. When the operation unit 6 is rotated by a tool engaging with the engagement groove 65, the operation unit 6 advances and retreats in the X-axis direction while rotating about the X-axis.

[0022] Two guide grooves 66 extending in the X-axis direction are formed in the lower part of the operation unit 6. The two guide grooves 66 are formed at positions that are 180° apart about the X-axis. These guide grooves 66 form the lower part of the operation unit 6 into a bifurcated shape. The guide grooves 66 are formed a predetermined length from the lower end of the operation unit 6 in the X-axis direction.

[0023] A boss 19 extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the upper surface of the lid 12. A through hole 18 is also formed inside the boss 19. A male screw 19a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the boss 19. The upper end of the operation unit 6 protrudes from the boss 19. A nut 92 is provided on the portion of the operation unit 6 protruding from the boss 19 to prevent loosening of the screw engagement of the operation unit 6 with the female screw 18a. Furthermore, a cap 93 covering the operation unit 6 is attached to the boss 19. The cap 93 is screwed onto the male screw 19a.

[0024] The shaft 5 is formed in a rod shape extending in the X-axis direction, more specifically, in a cylindrical shape. The shaft 5 is connected to the operation unit 6 so as to be non-rotatable around the X-axis and to move forward and backward in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the shaft 5 is provided with an engagement pin 51 penetrating the shaft 5 in the radial direction. The shaft 5 is inserted into an insertion hole 61 of the operation unit 6. At this time, the engagement pin 51 is engaged with a guide groove 66. The shaft 5 is guided by the insertion hole 61 and the guide groove 66 so as to be non-rotatable around the X-axis and to move forward and backward in the X-axis direction relative to the operation unit 6. However, the engagement pin 51 abuts against the upper end of the guide groove 66, so that the shaft 5 is restricted from moving upward further in the X-axis direction. In other words, the upper end of the guide groove 66 serves as a stopper 67 that restricts the upward movement of the shaft 5 in the X-axis direction.

[0025] A flat plate portion 52 is formed at the lower end of the shaft 5. The flat plate portion 52 enters the through hole 32 of the valve seat 3. The valve element 7 is provided at the lower end of the shaft 5 thus configured, i.e., at the lower end of the flat plate portion 52. In other words, the valve element 7 is formed integrally with the shaft 5. The valve element 7 is formed in a conical shape, and fits into the valve hole 31 to seal the valve hole 31.

[0026] The valve device 100 has a buffer mechanism 46. The buffer mechanism 46 has a case 46a, a partition plate 46b, and a coil spring 46c. The case 46a is formed in a cup shape having a bottom wall, a peripheral wall rising from the bottom wall, and a flange portion provided at the edge of the peripheral wall. A through hole through which the shaft 5 passes is formed in the bottom wall of the case 46a. The partition plate 46b is formed in a disk shape having a through hole through which the shaft 5 passes in the center. The partition plate 46b is joined to the flange portion of the case 46a. The shaft 5 is inserted in a slidable state into each of the through holes of the case 46a and the partition plate 46b. A spring receiver 44 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of a portion of the shaft 5 that is relatively close to the flat plate portion 52. The spring receiver 44 is disposed inside the case 46a. The flat plate portion 52 is disposed outside the case 46a. The coil spring 46c is provided in a space defined by the case 46a and the partition plate 46b. The coil spring 46c is disposed in a compressed state between the partition plate 46b and the spring receiver 44. The coil spring 46c presses the spring receiver 44 against the bottom wall of the case 46a.

[0027] The valve device 100 has a drive unit 8 that drives the shaft 5. The drive unit 8 has a plurality of thermally responsive parts 81 and a coil spring 82. Each thermally responsive part 81 is made of a bimetal formed by stacking two kinds of metals with different linear expansion coefficients to form a disk shape. In the figure, the thermally responsive part 81 is drawn as a single plate, but is actually formed of two laminated metal plates. The thermally responsive part 81 is substantially flat at room temperature. The thermally responsive part 81 curves so that the center of the disk bulges as the temperature increases. A through hole through which the shaft 5 penetrates is formed in the center of the thermally responsive part 81. The plurality of thermally responsive parts 81 are arranged in the internal space 22a of the partition wall 16 in the valve chamber 22 with the shaft 5 penetrating. The shaft 5 and the thermally responsive parts 81 are relatively slidable. The plurality of thermally responsive parts 81 are stacked so that the bulging directions are staggered. That is, one thermally responsive portion 81 is arranged to bulge upward, and the adjacent thermally responsive portion 81 is arranged to bulge downward. In this way, the total length of the multiple thermally responsive portions 81 in the vertical direction, i.e., in the X-axis direction, increases as the temperature increases and decreases as the temperature decreases. The uppermost thermally responsive portion 81 contacts the operating portion 6 via a washer. The lowermost thermally responsive portion 81 contacts the partition plate 46b.

[0028] The coil spring 82 is disposed in the internal space 22a. An upper end of the coil spring 82 contacts the flange of the case 46a, and a lower end of the coil spring 82 contacts the bottom of the valve chamber 22 in the main body 11. The coil spring 82 is disposed in a compressed state. Therefore, the coil spring 82 presses the case 46a upward.

[0029] The drive unit 8 thus configured drives the valve element 7 so that the valve element 7 opens the valve hole 31 when the temperature of the fluid is below a predetermined set temperature, and closes the valve hole 31 when the temperature of the fluid is equal to or higher than the predetermined set temperature. More specifically, the thermally responsive parts 81 are disposed in the valve chamber 22 and are exposed to the fluid flowing through the casing 1. When the temperature of the thermally responsive parts 81 rises in response to the temperature of the fluid, each thermally responsive part 81 curves, and the total length of the multiple thermally responsive parts 81 in the X-axis direction increases (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, when the term "total length of the multiple thermally responsive parts 81" is used, the total length of the multiple thermally responsive parts 81 in the X-axis direction is meant). The topmost thermally responsive part 81 is stopped by the operation unit 6, so that the partition plate 46b is pressed downward by the multiple thermally responsive parts 81. As a result, the buffer mechanism 46 moves downward against the biasing force of the coil spring 82. Because the spring receiver 44 is pressed against the bottom wall of the case 46a by the coil spring 46c, the shaft 5 also moves downward as the buffer mechanism 46 moves downward. Because the valve element 7 is integrally formed with the shaft 5, the valve element 7 also moves downward. This reduces the opening of the valve hole 31. Finally, the valve element 7 seats on the valve seat 3 and closes the valve hole 31.

[0030] The temperature of the fluid when the valve body 7 closes the valve hole 31 is the "set temperature". Since the thermally responsive part 81 is exposed to the fluid, the set temperature is essentially the temperature of the thermally responsive part 81 when the valve switches between open and closed. The set temperature is also the temperature of the fluid and the thermally responsive part 81 when the valve switches between open and closed, or, from another perspective, the temperature of the fluid and the thermally responsive part 81 when the valve body 7 opens the valve hole 31. The set temperature is adjusted by the material, shape, number, etc. of the thermally responsive part 81, as well as the biasing force of the coil spring 82, etc. The biasing force of the coil spring 82 is adjusted not only by the material of the coil spring 82 but also by the amount of screwing of the operating part 6.

[0031] In addition, when the thermally responsive portion 81 moves the buffer mechanism 46 downward even after the valve body 7 is seated on the valve seat 3, the coil spring 46c is compressed and deformed, so that only the case 46a and the partition plate 46b move downward. This prevents the thermally responsive portion 81 from applying an excessive pressing force to the valve body 7.

[0032] On the other hand, when the temperature of the thermally responsive parts 81 decreases with the temperature of the fluid, the coil spring 82 moves the buffer mechanism 46 upward as the overall length of the multiple thermally responsive parts 81 decreases. The case 46a of the buffer mechanism 46 engages with the spring receiver 44, and the shaft 5 also moves upward as the buffer mechanism 46 moves upward. Since the valve element 7 is integrally formed with the shaft 5, the valve element 7 also moves upward. When the temperatures of the fluid and the thermally responsive parts 81 fall below the set temperature, the valve element 7 leaves the valve seat 3 to open the valve hole 31.

[0033] Next, changing the set temperature by the operating unit 6 will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve device 100 when changing the set temperature by the operating unit 6. With the valve body 7 fully opening the valve hole 31, as shown in Fig. 3, the cap 93 is removed and the nut 92 is loosened. Then, the operating unit 6 is rotated by a tool that engages with the engagement groove 65. As a result, the operating unit 6 moves in the X-axis direction while rotating around the X-axis.

[0034] At this time, when the operating unit 6 is rotated so that the operating unit 6 moves downward in the X-axis direction, the engagement pin 51 of the shaft 5 is in contact with the stopper 67 of the operating unit 6, and therefore the shaft 5 also moves downward in the X-axis direction as the operating unit 6 moves downward in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, the valve body 7 integrated with the shaft 5 also moves downward in the X-axis direction, and the distance L between the valve body 7 and the valve hole 31 becomes smaller. This allows the set temperature to be lowered.

[0035] On the other hand, when the operating unit 6 is rotated so that the operating unit 6 moves upward in the X-axis direction, the coil spring 82 moves the buffer mechanism 46 upward. The case 46a of the buffer mechanism 46 engages with the spring receiver 44, and the shaft 5 also moves upward as the buffer mechanism 46 moves upward. Accordingly, the valve body 7 integrated with the shaft 5 also moves upward in the X-axis direction, and the distance L between the valve body 7 and the valve hole 31 increases. This makes it possible to increase the set temperature.

[0036] In this way, the operation unit 6 changes the temperature of the fluid (set temperature) when the valve element 7 switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve element 7 with respect to the valve hole 31. Specifically, the user can change the set temperature by rotating the operation unit 6. For example, a graph showing the relationship between the number of rotations of the operation unit 6 and the set temperature is prepared in advance, and the user rotates the operation unit 6 based on this graph to change to the desired set temperature.

[0037] <Diagnostic device 200> 4 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the determination device 210. The determination device 210 determines a setting error of the operation unit 6 as the state of the valve gear 100. The determination device 210 further determines whether the valve gear 100 is normal or abnormal as the state of the valve gear 100. Measurement values ​​of a temperature sensor 221 and a vibration sensor 222 are input to the determination device 210.

[0038] In this example, the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 are integrated and housed in the same case. Each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may be a sensor that is attached to the valve device 100. Alternatively, each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may be a portable, i.e., handheld, sensor.

[0039] The temperature sensor 221 measures the temperature of the fluid. The temperature sensor 221 is a contact or non-contact temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 221 is attached to the casing 1 of the valve device 100. The temperature sensor 221 is attached, for example, near the inlet 21 of the casing 1. The temperature sensor 221 indirectly measures the temperature of the fluid in the valve device 100 by measuring the temperature of the casing 1. For example, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 221 plus a predetermined value is set to be the temperature of the fluid. The temperature sensor 221 outputs the measured temperature to the diagnostic device 200.

[0040] The vibration sensor 222 measures the vibration of the valve device 100. The vibration sensor 222 is a contact type or non-contact type vibration sensor. The vibration sensor 222 is attached to the casing 1 of the valve device 100. The vibration sensor 222 is attached, for example, near the inlet 21 of the casing 1. The vibration sensor 222 measures, for example, acceleration and obtains a vibration value from the acceleration. The vibration value is a value that is an index of the magnitude of vibration of the valve device 100. For example, the vibration sensor 222 performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), that is, fast Fourier transform, on the acceleration signal. The vibration sensor 222 obtains the vibration value from the power spectrum (or amplitude spectrum) of each frequency component obtained by FFT. The vibration sensor 222 outputs the measured vibration value to the diagnosis device 200. The vibration sensor 222 may include a piezoelectric element and output a voltage generated in the piezoelectric element in response to vibration as the vibration value.

[0041] For example, the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 each measure a corresponding physical quantity (i.e., temperature and vibration) at a predetermined measurement period. The temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may measure the corresponding physical quantity upon receiving a command transmitted from the determination device 210 at each measurement period. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may autonomously measure the corresponding physical quantity at each measurement period.

[0042] Each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 transmits a corresponding measurement value to the determination device 210 at a predetermined transmission period. The transmission period may be the same as the measurement period or may be longer than the measurement period. When the transmission period is longer than the measurement period, each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 accumulates a measurement value until the transmission period arrives, and transmits the accumulated measurement value when the transmission period arrives. Each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may transmit a corresponding measurement value upon receiving a command from the determination device 210, or may transmit a corresponding measurement value spontaneously. Each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 transmits a corresponding measurement value to the determination device 210 via wired or wireless communication.

[0043] The determination device 210 determines, as the state of the valve device 100, whether the valve device 100 is normal, whether there is an abnormality in the valve device 100, or whether there is a setting error in the operating unit 6. An abnormality in the valve device 100 means an essential abnormality such as deterioration or failure of the valve device 100, and does not include a setting error in the operating unit 6, i.e., an incorrect setting of the set temperature. An abnormality in the valve device 100 includes clogging and leakage in the valve device 100.

[0044] A setting error in the operation unit 6 is a state in which the actual set temperature of the valve device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual set temperature") deviates from the set temperature of the valve device 100 assumed by the user (hereinafter also referred to as the "target set temperature"). The target set temperature is the temperature of the fluid that the user assumes will cause the valve body 7 in the valve device 100 to switch between open and closed. The user operates the operation unit 6 according to the target set temperature. The user adjusts the set temperature by rotating the operation unit 6. At this time, if the user makes an error in adjusting the set temperature via the operation unit 6, a setting error in the operation unit 6 may occur. A setting error in the operation unit 6 does not indicate a normal state of the valve device 100 or an abnormality in the valve device 100.

[0045] The normal state of the valve gear 100 is a state in which there is no malfunction in the operating unit 6 and no abnormality in the valve gear 100. In other words, the normal state of the valve gear 100 is a state in which the valve gear 100 is operating normally. The normal state of the valve gear 100 may also include a premonitory state in which a sign of an abnormality in the valve gear 100 is observed. In other words, a premonitory state is a state in which the valve gear 100 is in a normal state but a symptom of an abnormality has appeared. The signs of an abnormality may include a premonitory sign of leakage and a premonitory sign of clogging in the valve gear 100.

[0046] The determination device 210 determines the state of the valve device 100 based on the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222. Hereinafter, the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is also simply referred to as the "measured temperature", and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is also simply referred to as the "measured vibration value". For example, when the measured temperature is within a predetermined allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines that the valve device 100 is normal. Furthermore, when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a sign of abnormality in the valve device 100 based on the measured vibration value. On the other hand, when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a setting error in the operation unit 6 or an abnormality in the valve device 100 based on the measured vibration value. The determination device 210 may determine the state of the valve device 100 using the average value of the measurement values ​​of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. For example, the determination device 210 uses the average value of the measurement values ​​within the most recent predetermined period.

[0047] The determination device 210 includes a processor 211 , a storage unit 212 , and a memory 213 .

[0048] The processor 211 controls the entire determination device 210. The processor 211 performs various types of arithmetic processing. For example, the processor 211 is formed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 211 may be formed of an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a system LSI, or the like.

[0049] The memory 212 stores various programs and various data executed by the processor 211. The memory 212 is formed of a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The various programs cause the determination device 210 to realize various functions. The memory 212 stores various threshold values ​​used to determine the state of the valve gear 100.

[0050] The memory 213 temporarily stores data, etc. For example, the memory 213 is formed of a volatile memory. The measured values ​​from the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 are saved in the storage device 212 or the memory 213.

[0051] The processor 211 judges the state of the valve gear 100 by comparing each of the measured values ​​of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 with various threshold values. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the processor 211. The processor 211 realizes various functions by reading a program from the storage device 212 into the memory 213 and expanding it. In detail, the processor 211 functions as an acquirer 214 that acquires a measured temperature and a measured vibration value, a comparator 215 that compares each of the measured temperature and the measured vibration value with a corresponding threshold value, and a determiner 216 that judges the state of the valve gear 100 based on the comparison result by the comparator 215.

[0052] The acquirer 214 acquires the measured temperature and the measured vibration value from each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. For example, the acquirer 214 transmits a measurement command to the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 for each measurement period. The measurement command is a command to measure a physical quantity corresponding to each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. Furthermore, the acquirer 214 transmits a transmission command to the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 for each transmission period. The transmission command is a command to transmit the measured temperature and the measured vibration value to the determination device 210 for each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. The acquirer 214 receives the measured temperature and the measured vibration value from each of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222, and stores the measured temperature and the measured vibration value in the storage device 212 or the memory 213.

[0053] The comparator 215 reads the measured temperature and the measured vibration value from the storage 212 or the memory 213 and compares them with the corresponding thresholds. For example, the storage 212 stores a plurality of temperature thresholds related to temperature and a plurality of vibration thresholds related to vibration. The comparator 215 compares the measured temperature with the plurality of temperature thresholds. The comparator 215 compares the measured vibration value with the plurality of vibration thresholds.

[0054] Based on the comparison result of the comparator 215, the determiner 216 determines whether the valve device 100 is normal, whether there is an abnormality in the valve device 100, or whether the setting of the operating portion 6 is improper.

[0055] Hereinafter, the determination of the state of the valve gear 100 by the determination device 210 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a relationship diagram showing the operating state of the valve gear 100 defined by temperature and vibration value. In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the fluid, and the vertical axis represents the vibration value.

[0056] The temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold T1 and a second temperature threshold T2. The comparator 215 compares the measured temperature with each of the first temperature threshold T1 and the second temperature threshold T2.

[0057] The first temperature threshold T1 is a temperature lower than the target set temperature Ts. The target set temperature Ts is the temperature of the fluid desired by the user when the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing, and is the set temperature that the user aims for when operating the operation unit 6. The first temperature threshold T1 is a temperature on the lower side that is allowed with respect to the target set temperature Ts. In other words, the first temperature threshold T1 is the lower limit of the fluid temperature at which the valve device 100 is considered to be operating normally.

[0058] The second temperature threshold T2 is a temperature higher than the target set temperature Ts. That is, the second temperature threshold T2 is higher than the first temperature threshold T1. The second temperature threshold T2 is a temperature on the higher side allowed with respect to the target set temperature Ts. That is, the second temperature threshold T2 is an upper limit of the temperature of the fluid at which the valve device 100 is considered to be operating normally.

[0059] The first temperature threshold T1 and the second temperature threshold T2 are set in advance in consideration of the responsiveness of the valve body 7 to the temperature of the fluid, the measurement error of the fluid temperature by the temperature sensor 221, and the adjustment error of the set temperature by the operation unit 6. The adjustment error of the set temperature by the operation unit 6 is an allowable error of the set temperature, and is a value smaller than the temperature deviation corresponding to a setting error by the operation unit 6. The first temperature threshold T1 and the second temperature threshold T2 are stored in the memory 212. The temperature difference between the target set temperature Ts and the first temperature threshold T1 may be the same as or different from the temperature difference between the second temperature threshold T2 and the target set temperature Ts.

[0060] The vibration thresholds include a first vibration threshold V1, a second vibration threshold V2, a third vibration threshold V3, and a fourth vibration threshold V4. The comparator 215 compares the measured vibration value with each of the first vibration threshold V1, the second vibration threshold V2, the third vibration threshold V3, and the fourth vibration threshold V4.

[0061] When the valve device 100 operates normally, it allows the drain to flow intermittently. Therefore, a certain degree of vibration may occur in the valve device 100 even during normal operation. The third vibration threshold V3 is the lower limit of the vibration value that is permitted when the valve device 100 operates normally. The fourth vibration threshold V4 is the upper limit of the vibration value that is permitted when the valve device 100 operates normally. The fourth vibration threshold V4 is greater than the third vibration threshold V3.

[0062] In the case where the operating unit 6 is set improperly, when the temperature of the fluid becomes a temperature that is deviated from the target set temperature, the valve body 7 opens the valve hole 31, and the fluid flows through the valve device 100. In other words, in the valve device 100, vibrations corresponding to the flow of the fluid can occur simply because the actual set temperature is deviated. On the other hand, when the valve hole 31 is clogged with scale or the like, the fluid does not pass through the valve hole 31 regardless of the temperature of the fluid. Therefore, the valve device 100 hardly generates vibrations. The first vibration threshold V1 is the lower limit of the vibration value at which it is possible to consider that the fluid is flowing through the valve device 100. The first vibration threshold V1 can also be considered as the vibration value at which the valve hole 31 is substantially considered to be clogged. In this example, the first vibration threshold V1 is the same as the third vibration threshold V3.

[0063] Even if the operating unit 6 is not properly set, the actual temperature setting is merely different from the target temperature setting, and the valve element 7 closes the valve hole 31 when steam flows into the valve device 100. Therefore, in the valve device 100, vibrations may occur when condensate flows, as in the normal state. On the other hand, if the valve hole 31 is not completely closed due to deposition of scale or the like on the valve seat 3 or the seat surface of the valve element 7, steam may leak from the valve hole 31. In this case, the valve device 100 generates vibrations larger than those when condensate flows. The second vibration threshold V2 is the upper limit of the vibration value at which it can be considered that condensate flows through the valve device 100 and that the passage of steam is blocked. The second vibration threshold V2 can also be considered as a vibration value at which steam is substantially considered to be leaking. The second vibration threshold V2 is larger than the first vibration threshold V1. In this example, the second vibration threshold V2 is the same as the fourth vibration threshold V4.

[0064] The first vibration threshold V1, the second vibration threshold V2, the third vibration threshold V3, and the fourth vibration threshold V4 are set in advance taking into consideration an assembly error of each component of the valve device 100, an error in measuring the vibration by the vibration sensor 222, an estimated flow rate of the fluid flowing into the valve device 100, etc. The first vibration threshold V1, the second vibration threshold V2, the third vibration threshold V3, and the fourth vibration threshold V4 are stored in the memory 212.

[0065] The comparator 215 compares the measured temperature with each of the first temperature threshold T1 and the second temperature threshold T2. If the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1, the comparator 215 may not compare the measured temperature with the second temperature threshold T2. Alternatively, if the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2, the comparator 215 may not compare the measured temperature with the first temperature threshold T1.

[0066] When the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1, the comparator 215 compares the measured vibration value with the first vibration threshold V1. When the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2, the comparator 215 compares the measured vibration value with the second vibration threshold V2. When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, the comparator 215 compares the measured vibration value with each of the third vibration threshold V3 and the fourth vibration threshold V4. When the measured vibration value is lower than the third vibration threshold V3, the comparator 215 may not compare the measured vibration value with the fourth vibration threshold V4. Alternatively, when the measured vibration value is higher than the fourth vibration threshold V4, the comparator 215 may not compare the measured vibration value with the third vibration threshold V3.

[0067] The determiner 216 determines that the setting of the operating unit 6 is defective when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value is within a predetermined defective vibration range. The measured temperature being outside the allowable temperature range indicates that a fluid of an appropriate temperature is not flowing through the valve device 100. The appropriate temperature is the target set temperature or a temperature close to the target set temperature. Such a situation may occur when the setting of the operating unit 6 is defective or when an abnormality occurs in the valve device 100. When a setting of the operating unit 6 is defective, drain passes through the valve device 100 simply because the actual set temperature is different from the target set temperature. Therefore, a certain degree of vibration occurs in the valve device 100. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the valve device 100, the vibration of the valve device 100 is extremely small because almost no fluid flows through the valve device 100, or the vibration of the valve device 100 may be large because steam passes through the valve device 100. That is, when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range, the determiner 216 determines whether a setting error in the operating unit 6 or an abnormality in the valve device 100 has occurred based on the measured vibration value.

[0068] Specifically, the acceptable temperature range is a range equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or less than the second temperature threshold T2. The bad vibration range is a range equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold V1 when the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1, and is a range equal to or less than the second vibration threshold V2 when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2.

[0069] When the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold V1, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z1 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that a setting error has occurred in the operating unit 6. The measured temperature being lower than the first temperature threshold T1 indicates that the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 is low, or that the drain hardly passes through the valve device 100. In such a situation, the measured vibration value being equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold V1 indicates that the drain passes through the valve device 100, and as a result, indicates that the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 is low. In other words, when the actual set temperature is deviated to the lower temperature side than the target set temperature, the valve body 7 closes the valve hole 31 when the temperature of the drain is approximately the same as the target set temperature. The valve body 7 opens the valve hole 31 when the temperature of the drain falls significantly below the target set temperature. Therefore, only low-temperature drain far from the target set temperature passes through the valve device 100, and the measured temperature falls significantly below the target set temperature. However, since drain flows through the valve device 100, a certain degree of vibration is generated in the valve device 100. As a result, when the actual set temperature is lower than the target set temperature, the measured temperature becomes lower than the target set temperature and the measured vibration value becomes larger to a certain degree. Therefore, when the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold V1, the determiner 216 determines that the setting error is caused by the actual set temperature being lower than the target temperature.

[0070] On the other hand, when the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is smaller than the first vibration threshold V1, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z6 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that clogging has occurred in the valve device 100. When the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is equal to or less than the first vibration threshold V1, it indicates that the condensate hardly passes through the valve device 100. In other words, when the valve hole 31 is clogged, the condensate and steam do not flow out from the valve device 100. The temperature of the condensate and steam that flow into the valve device 100 gradually decreases, and the measured temperature decreases significantly below the target set temperature. Since the condensate and steam hardly flow through the valve device 100, the valve device 100 hardly generates vibration. As a result, when the valve hole 31 is clogged, the measured temperature decreases significantly below the target set temperature and the measured vibration value becomes very small. Therefore, if the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is smaller than the first vibration threshold V1, the determiner 216 determines that the valve device 100 is clogged.

[0071] Alternatively, the determiner 216 determines that a setting error of the operating unit 6 has occurred when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold V2, that is, when the valve device 100 operates in the operating region Z2 in FIG. 6. The fact that the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 indicates that the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 is high, or that steam is passing through the valve device 100. In such a situation, the fact that the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold V2 indicates that the passage of steam through the valve device 100 is prevented, and as a result, indicates that the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 is high. In other words, when the actual set temperature is higher than the target set temperature, the valve body 7 does not close the valve hole 31 even when the temperature of the drain is the target set temperature. The valve body 7 closes the valve hole 31 when the temperature of the drain rises significantly higher than the target set temperature. The valve device 100 allows the flow of drain up to a temperature significantly higher than the target set temperature. Therefore, high-temperature drainage far from the target set temperature passes through the valve device 100, and the measured temperature greatly exceeds the target set temperature. Since drainage flows through the valve device 100, a certain degree of vibration occurs in the valve device 100. However, since the temperature of steam is usually sufficiently higher than the actual set temperature, the valve element 7 closes the valve hole 31 when steam flows into the valve device 100. Therefore, the valve device 100 does not generate large vibrations corresponding to the passage of steam. As a result, when the actual set temperature is shifted to the higher temperature side than the target set temperature, the measured temperature becomes higher than the target set temperature, and the measured vibration value does not become very large. Therefore, when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold V2, the determiner 216 determines that the setting failure is caused by the actual set temperature being shifted to the higher temperature side than the target temperature.

[0072] On the other hand, when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measured vibration value is higher than the second vibration threshold V2, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z7 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that a leak occurs in the valve device 100. The fact that the measured vibration value is higher than the second vibration threshold V2 in a situation where the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 indicates that steam is passing through the valve device 100. In other words, when steam is leaking, both steam and high-temperature drain pass through the valve device 100, so that the measured temperature rises higher than the target set temperature. Since steam passes through the valve device 100, large vibrations are generated in the valve device 100. As a result, when steam is leaking, the measured temperature becomes higher than the target set temperature and the measured vibration value becomes significantly large. Therefore, when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measured vibration value is higher than the second vibration threshold V2, the determiner 216 determines that a leak occurs in the valve device 100.

[0073] Furthermore, the determiner 216 determines that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve device 100 when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value is within a predetermined predictive vibration range. The fact that the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range indicates that a fluid of an appropriate temperature flows through the valve device 100. In such a situation, the setting of the operating unit 6 is appropriate, and the passage of drain and the prevention of passage of steam in the valve device 100 are appropriately performed. However, even in such a situation, there may be cases where the valve device 100 is completely normal, and cases where the valve device 100 is normal but there is a sign of an abnormality. When the valve device 100 is completely normal, an appropriate flow rate of fluid flows through the valve device 100, and therefore a vibration corresponding to that may occur. When there is a sign of an abnormality, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve device 100 may be smaller or larger than the appropriate flow rate. In such a case, the vibration of the valve device 100 may also be smaller or larger. That is, when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range, the determiner 216 determines whether the valve gear 100 is in a completely normal state or in a state in which there is a sign of an abnormality, based on the measured vibration value.

[0074] Specifically, the predictive vibration range is a range equal to or lower than the third vibration threshold V3 and a range equal to or higher than the fourth vibration threshold V4.

[0075] When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the third vibration threshold V3, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z5 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve device 100. The fact that the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2 indicates that the valve device 100 is generally normal. In such a situation, the fact that the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the third vibration threshold V3 indicates that the drain is not flowing through the valve device 100 at an appropriate flow rate, and as a result, indicates that there is a sign of clogging in the valve device 100. If there is a sign of clogging but the valve device 100 is normal, the valve body 7 switches the opening and closing of the valve hole 31 at an appropriate temperature of the fluid. Therefore, the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 falls within an appropriate range, that is, within the allowable temperature range. However, when there is a sign of clogging, the drain passes through the valve hole 31, but the flow rate of the drain decreases. Therefore, the vibration of the valve device 100 decreases. As a result, when the valve device 100 is normal and there is a sign of clogging, the measured temperature falls within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value decreases. Therefore, when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the third vibration threshold V3, the determiner 216 determines that there is a sign of clogging in the valve device 100.

[0076] When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is equal to or higher than the fourth vibration threshold V4, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z4 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that there is a sign of abnormality in the valve device 100. The fact that the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2 indicates that the valve device 100 is generally normal. In such a situation, the fact that the measured vibration value is equal to or higher than the fourth vibration threshold V4 indicates that vibration is occurring at a level higher than that when an appropriate flow rate of drain flows, and as a result, indicates that there is a sign of leakage in the valve device 100. In other words, when there is a sign of leakage but the valve device 100 is normal, the valve body 7 switches the opening and closing of the valve hole 31 at an appropriate temperature of the fluid. Therefore, the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 falls within an appropriate range, that is, within the allowable temperature range. However, if there is a sign of leakage, a small amount of steam passes through the valve hole 31, causing greater vibration of the valve gear 100. As a result, if the valve gear 100 is normal and there is a sign of leakage, the measured temperature falls within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value increases. Therefore, if the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or less than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is equal to or greater than the fourth vibration threshold V4, the determiner 216 determines that there is a sign of leakage in the valve gear 100.

[0077] On the other hand, when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is greater than the third vibration threshold V3 and less than the fourth vibration threshold V4, that is, when the valve device 100 is operating in the operating region Z3 in FIG. 6, the determiner 216 determines that there is no sign of abnormality in the valve device 100, that is, the valve device 100 is completely normal. When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold T2, the measured vibration value is greater than the third vibration threshold V3 and less than the fourth vibration threshold V4, which indicates that an appropriate flow rate of drain flows through the valve device 100. In other words, when the valve device 100 is completely normal, the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing the valve hole 31 at an appropriate temperature of the fluid. Therefore, the temperature of the drain passing through the valve device 100 falls within an appropriate range, that is, an allowable temperature range. When the valve is open, an appropriate flow rate of drain passes through the valve hole 31. When the valve is closed, the passage of steam through the valve hole 31 is appropriately prevented. Therefore, the vibration of the valve gear 100 falls within an appropriate range. As a result, when the valve gear 100 is completely normal with no signs of abnormality, the measured temperature falls within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value falls within an appropriate range. Therefore, when the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold T1 and equal to or less than the second temperature threshold T2, and the measured vibration value is greater than the third vibration threshold V3 and smaller than the fourth vibration threshold V4, the determiner 216 determines that the valve gear 100 is in a completely normal state.

[0078] In this way, the diagnostic device 200 can improve the accuracy of diagnosing the state of the valve gear 100 by considering both the measured temperature and the measured vibration value. For example, the diagnostic device 200 can not only simply determine whether the valve gear 100 is normal or abnormal, but also determine whether a setting error of the operation unit 6 has occurred by combining the measured temperature and the measured vibration value. In detail, the determination device 210 determines that a setting error of the operation unit 6 has occurred when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value is within the defective vibration range. The determination device 210 does not simply determine that the valve gear 100 is abnormal because the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range. When the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether the setting error of the operation unit 6 is caused by a setting error or an essential abnormality of the valve gear 100 by referring to the measured vibration value. In this way, the determination device 210 can distinguish between a setting error of the operation unit 6 and an essential abnormality of the valve gear 100. A setting error in the operating unit 6 can be easily corrected by adjusting the set temperature in the operating unit 6 without having to repair the valve device 100.

[0079] In detail, when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low temperature side, the determination device 210 determines whether the operating unit 6 is set incorrectly or the valve device 100 is clogged based on the measured vibration value. That is, the determination device 210 determines whether the measured temperature is low because the actual set temperature is lower than the target set temperature or the valve hole 31 is clogged based on the measured vibration value. When the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the high temperature side, the determination device 210 determines whether the operating unit 6 is set incorrectly or the valve device 100 is leaking based on the measured vibration value. That is, the determination device 210 determines whether the measured temperature is high because the actual set temperature is higher than the target set temperature or steam is leaking based on the measured vibration value. The user can determine whether to adjust the set temperature using the operating unit 6 or to send the valve device 100 for maintenance based on the determination of the determination device 210.

[0080] In this way, the type of abnormality of the valve device 100 differs depending on whether the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low side or the high side. In detail, when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low side, the possible abnormality is clogging, and when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the high side, the possible abnormality is leakage. When clogging occurs, the vibration of the valve device 100 tends to be too small. When leakage occurs, the vibration of the valve device 100 tends to be too large. Therefore, the vibration threshold for distinguishing between a setting error of the operation unit 6 and an essential abnormality of the valve device 100 differs between when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low side and when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the high side. The first vibration threshold V1 used when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low side is smaller than the second vibration threshold V2 used when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the high side. The determination device 210 uses the first vibration threshold V1 and the second vibration threshold V2 depending on whether the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low side or the high side. As a result, even if the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on either the low or high side, the determination device 210 can accurately distinguish between a setting error in the operating unit 6 and an essential abnormality in the valve device 100.

[0081] In addition, even if the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a sign of abnormality in the valve gear 100 based on the measured vibration value. In other words, even if the measured temperature is within an appropriate range, the determination device 210 determines that there is a sign of clogging or leakage when the measured vibration value is too small or too large. In this way, even if the valve gear 100 is in a normal state, the determination device 210 can distinguish between a normal state with a sign of abnormality and a normal state without a sign of abnormality. Furthermore, in a normal state with a sign of abnormality, the determination device 210 can distinguish between a normal state with a sign of clogging and a normal state with a sign of leakage. The user can prepare in advance for abnormalities in the valve gear 100, for example, by making a maintenance plan for the valve gear 100 based on the diagnosis by the diagnosis device 200.

[0082] Other Embodiments As described above, the above embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are appropriately performed. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to form a new embodiment. In addition, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only components essential for solving the problem but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the technology may be included. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the attached drawings and detailed description should not immediately be taken to mean that these non-essential components are essential.

[0083] For example, the valve device 100 may have any configuration as long as it is a valve device that can adjust the temperature of the fluid when the valve element 7 switches between opening and closing. For example, the valve device 100 may omit the buffer mechanism 46.

[0084] The operation unit 6 is operated manually by the user, but may be electrically operated. The operation unit 6 may also be automatically adjusted based on the target temperature setting. In this case, the setting error of the operation unit 6 includes an input error of the target temperature setting and a malfunction of the operation unit 6.

[0085] The diagnostic device 200 may include at least one of an input unit operated by a user and a display that displays the diagnosis result. For example, the user may input a target set temperature, a temperature threshold value, a vibration threshold value, or the like to the diagnostic device 200 via the input unit. The diagnostic device 200 displays the diagnosis result on the display, allowing the user to easily know the state of the valve gear 100.

[0086] Although the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 are integrated and housed in the same case, the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222 may be separated. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 221, the vibration sensor 222, and the determination device 210 may be integrated and housed in the same case.

[0087] The portion where the temperature sensor 221 actually measures the temperature is not limited to the portion near the inlet 21 of the casing 1, so long as the temperature sensor 221 directly or indirectly measures the temperature of the fluid. For example, the temperature sensor 221 may measure the temperature of a portion of the casing 1 other than the inlet 21, or may measure the temperature inside the casing 1.

[0088] The portion where the vibration sensor 222 actually measures vibration is not limited to the portion near the inlet 21 of the casing 1, so long as it can measure the vibration of the valve device 100. For example, the vibration sensor 222 may measure the vibration of any portion of the casing 1.

[0089] The determination of the state of the valve device 100 based on the measured temperature and the measured vibration value by the determination device 210 is not limited to the relationship diagram in Fig. 6. The determination device 210 does not need to determine all of poor setting to the low temperature side, poor setting to the high temperature side, clogging, leakage, signs of clogging, signs of leakage, and normality.

[0090] For example, the determination device 210 may determine only whether or not a setting error has occurred when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range. In this case, the determination device 210 may determine only whether or not a setting error on the low temperature side has occurred when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the low temperature side. Alternatively, the determination device 210 may determine only whether or not a setting error on the high temperature side has occurred when the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range on the high temperature side.

[0091] Alternatively, the determination device 210 may only determine whether or not there is a sign of an abnormality when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range. In that case, the determination device 210 may only determine whether or not there is a sign of a blockage. Alternatively, the determination device 210 may only determine whether or not there is a sign of a leak.

[0092] In other words, the determination device 210 may determine at least one of the following states: incorrect setting to the low temperature side, incorrect setting to the high temperature side, clogging, leakage, signs of clogging, signs of leakage, and normality, or any two or more of these states.

[0093] The third vibration threshold V3 may be different from the first vibration threshold V1. That is, the third vibration threshold V3 may be greater than or less than the first vibration threshold V1. The fourth vibration threshold V4 may be different from the second vibration threshold V2. That is, the fourth vibration threshold V4 may be greater than or less than the second vibration threshold V2.

[0094] The techniques disclosed herein can be summarized as follows:

[0095] [1] A diagnostic device 200 is a diagnostic device for diagnosing a valve gear 100 having a valve seat 3 having a valve hole 31, a valve element 7 which opens and closes the valve hole 31, a thermally responsive part 81 which causes the valve element 7 to open and close the valve hole 31 by deforming in response to the temperature of the fluid, and an operating part 6 which changes the temperature of the fluid when the valve element 7 switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve element 7 with respect to the valve hole 31. The diagnostic device 200 is provided with a temperature sensor 221 which measures the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor 222 which measures the vibration of the valve gear 100, and a determination device 210 which determines the state of the valve gear 100 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. The determination device 210 determines that a setting malfunction of the operating part 6 has occurred when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is outside a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is within a predetermined defective vibration range.

[0096] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 can appropriately determine that a malfunction in the set temperature has occurred by the operating unit 6 by referring to the measured values ​​of both the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. In particular, even if the measured temperature is outside the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 does not simply determine that there is an abnormality in the valve gear 100. Even in such a case, the determination device 210 determines that the setting of the operating unit 6 is malfunctioning based on the measured vibration value. As a result, the accuracy of diagnosis of the valve gear 100 can be improved.

[0097] [2] In the diagnostic device 200 described in [1], the allowable temperature range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined first temperature threshold T1, and the defective vibration range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined first vibration threshold V1, and the determination device 210 determines that a setting error has occurred in the operation unit 6 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold V1.

[0098] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 determines that the operation unit 6 is mis-set based on the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is lower than the allowable temperature range. Specifically, the determination device 210 determines that the operation unit 6 is mis-set when the measured vibration value is equal to or higher than the first vibration threshold V1. When the measured temperature is low, the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing may be lower than the target set temperature, and the valve device 100 may be essentially abnormal. In such a situation, the fact that the valve device 100 vibrates to a certain degree indicates that a certain amount of fluid is flowing through the valve device 100. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that the operation unit 6 is mis-set when the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is equal to or higher than the first vibration threshold V1. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose that the operation unit 6 is mis-set, specifically, that the actual set temperature is lower than the target set temperature.

[0099] [3] In the diagnostic device 200 described in [1] or [2], the determination device 210 determines that a blockage has occurred in the valve device 100 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is smaller than the first vibration threshold V1.

[0100] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 determines whether the valve device 100 is clogged based on the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is lower than the allowable temperature range. Specifically, the determination device 210 determines that the valve device 100 is clogged when the measured vibration value is smaller than the first vibration threshold V1. When the measured temperature is low, the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing may be lower than the target set temperature, and the valve device 100 may have an essential abnormality. In such a situation, the fact that the valve device 100 does not vibrate much indicates that almost no fluid flows through the valve device 100. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that the valve device 100 is clogged when the measured temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold T1 and the measured vibration value is smaller than the first vibration threshold V1. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose the essential abnormality of the valve device 100, specifically, that a clog has occurred.

[0101] [4] In the diagnostic device 200 for the valve device 100 described in any one of [1] to [3], the allowable temperature range is a range equal to or less than a predetermined second temperature threshold T2, the defective vibration range is a range equal to or less than a predetermined second vibration threshold V2, and the judgment device 210 judges that a setting malfunction of the operating unit 6 has occurred when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is equal to or less than the second vibration threshold V2.

[0102] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 determines that the operation unit 6 is mis-set based on the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is higher than the allowable temperature range. Specifically, the determination device 210 determines that the operation unit 6 is mis-set when the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold value V2. When the measured temperature is high, it is possible that the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between open and closed is higher than the target set temperature, and that the valve device 100 is essentially abnormal. In such a situation, the fact that the valve device 100 is not excessively large indicates that there is no leakage of steam and that a moderate flow rate of drain is flowing through the valve device 100. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that the operation unit 6 is mis-set when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold value T2 and the measured vibration value is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold value V2. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose that the operation unit 6 is mis-set, specifically, that the actual set temperature is higher than the target set temperature.

[0103] [5] In the diagnostic device 200 described in any one of [1] to [4], the determination device 210 determines that a leak is occurring in the valve device 100 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is higher than the second vibration threshold V2.

[0104] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 determines leakage in the valve device 100 based on the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is higher than the allowable temperature range. Specifically, the determination device 210 determines leakage, specifically steam leakage, in the valve device 100 when the measured vibration value is higher than the second vibration threshold V2. When the measured temperature is high, the possibility that the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing is shifted to the higher temperature side than the target set temperature, and the possibility of an essential abnormality of the valve device 100, etc. are considered. In such a situation, the valve device 100 being excessively large indicates that steam is flowing through the valve device 100, that is, steam is leaking. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that steam leakage is occurring when the measured temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold T2 and the measured vibration value is higher than the second vibration threshold V2. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose an essential abnormality of the valve device 100, specifically, that leakage is occurring.

[0105] [6] In the diagnostic device 200 described in any one of [1] to [5], the judgment device 210 judges that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve device 100 when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is within a predetermined predictive vibration range.

[0106] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 can appropriately determine that there is a sign of an abnormality even if the operation of the valve gear 100 is normal, by referring to the measured values ​​of both the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. In particular, the determination device 210 does not simply determine that the valve gear 100 is normal even if the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range. Even in such a case, the determination device 210 determines the sign of an abnormality based on the measured vibration value. As a result, the accuracy of diagnosing the valve gear 100 can be improved.

[0107] [7] In the diagnostic device 200 according to any one of [1] to [6], the allowable temperature range is a range from a predetermined first temperature threshold T1 to a second temperature threshold T2 higher than the first temperature threshold T1.

[0108] According to this configuration, the allowable temperature range is a temperature range in which both the upper limit and the lower limit are defined. In other words, when the measured temperature is neither too high nor too low, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a sign of an abnormality based on the measured vibration value.

[0109] [8] In the diagnostic device 200 described in any one of [1] to [7], the predictive vibration range is a range below a predetermined third vibration threshold V3, and the judgment device 210 judges that the valve device 100 is predictive of clogging when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is below the third vibration threshold V3.

[0110] According to this configuration, when the measured value of the temperature sensor 221 is within the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a sign of abnormality in the valve device 100 based on the measured value of the vibration sensor 222. Specifically, when the measured vibration value is equal to or less than the third vibration threshold V3, the determination device 210 determines that there is a sign of clogging in the valve device 100. When the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range, it is considered that the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing is appropriate. In such a situation, the fact that the valve device 100 does not vibrate much indicates that the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve device 100 is small. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that there is a sign of clogging in the valve device 100 when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value is equal to or less than the third vibration threshold V3. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose that there is a sign of clogging even if the valve device 100 is normal.

[0111] [9] In the diagnostic device 200 described in any one of [1] to [6], the predictive vibration range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth vibration threshold V4, and the judgment device 210 judges that the valve device 100 is showing signs of leakage when the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is equal to or greater than the fourth vibration threshold V4.

[0112] According to this configuration, when the measured value of the temperature sensor 221 is within the allowable temperature range, the determination device 210 determines whether there is a sign of abnormality in the valve device 100 based on the measured value of the vibration sensor 222. Specifically, when the measured vibration value is equal to or greater than the fourth vibration threshold V4, the determination device 210 determines that there is a sign of leakage in the valve device 100. When the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range, it is considered that the temperature of the fluid at which the valve body 7 switches between opening and closing is appropriate. In such a situation, the fact that the valve device 100 does not vibrate significantly indicates that there is a possibility that a small amount of steam is leaking from the valve device 100. Therefore, the determination device 210 can determine that there is a sign of leakage in the valve device 100 when the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range and the measured vibration value is equal to or greater than the fourth vibration threshold V4. This allows the diagnosis device 200 to diagnose that there is a sign of leakage even when the valve device 100 is normal.

[0113]

[10] The diagnostic device 200 is a diagnostic device for diagnosing a valve gear 100 having a valve seat 3 having a valve hole 31, a valve element 7 which opens and closes the valve hole 31, a thermally responsive unit 81 which causes the valve element 7 to open and close the valve hole 31 by deforming in response to the temperature of the fluid, and an operating unit 6 which changes the temperature of the fluid when the valve element 7 switches between opening and closing by adjusting the relative position of the valve element 7 with respect to the valve hole 31. The diagnostic device 200 is equipped with a temperature sensor 221 which measures the temperature of the fluid, a vibration sensor 222 which measures the vibration of the valve gear 100, and a determination device 210 which determines the state of the valve gear 100 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. When the measurement value of the temperature sensor 221 is within a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor 222 is within a predetermined predictive vibration range, the determination device 210 determines that there is a predictive abnormality in the valve gear 100.

[0114] According to this configuration, the determination device 210 can appropriately determine that there is a sign of an abnormality even if the operation of the valve gear 100 is normal, by referring to the measured values ​​of both the temperature sensor 221 and the vibration sensor 222. In particular, the determination device 210 does not simply determine that the valve gear 100 is normal even if the measured temperature is within the allowable temperature range. Even in such a case, the determination device 210 determines the sign of an abnormality based on the measured vibration value. As a result, the accuracy of diagnosing the valve gear 100 can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 3 Valve seat 6 Control section 7 Valve body 31 Valve hole 81 Thermal response section 100 Valve gear 200 Diagnostic Equipment 221 Temperature Sensor 222 Vibration Sensor 210 Judgment device T1 First temperature threshold T2 Second temperature threshold V1 First vibration threshold V2 Second vibration threshold

Claims

1. A diagnostic device for diagnosing a valve gear having a valve seat having a valve hole, a valve element for opening and closing the valve hole, a thermally responsive portion for causing the valve element to open and close the valve hole by deforming in response to a temperature of a fluid, and an operating portion for changing the temperature of the fluid when the valve element switches between opening and closing by adjusting a relative position of the valve element with respect to the valve hole, A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the fluid; a vibration sensor for measuring vibration of the valve device; a determination device for determining a state of the valve device based on measurement results of the temperature sensor and the vibration sensor, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that a setting error has occurred in the operating unit when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is outside a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is within a predetermined defective vibration range.

2. 2. The diagnostic device according to claim 1, the allowable temperature range is equal to or greater than a first predetermined temperature threshold, the undesirable vibration range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined first vibration threshold, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that a setting error has occurred in the operation unit when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature threshold and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold.

3. 3. The diagnostic device according to claim 2, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that a blockage has occurred in the valve device when a measurement value of the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature threshold value and a measurement value of the vibration sensor is smaller than the first vibration threshold value.

4. 2. The diagnostic device according to claim 1, the allowable temperature range is a range equal to or less than a predetermined second temperature threshold, the undesirable vibration range is a range equal to or less than a predetermined second vibration threshold value, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that a setting error has occurred in the operation unit when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is higher than the second temperature threshold and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is equal to or lower than the second vibration threshold.

5. 5. The diagnostic device according to claim 4, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that a leak is occurring in the valve device when a measurement value of the temperature sensor is higher than the second temperature threshold and a measurement value of the vibration sensor is greater than the second vibration threshold.

6. 2. The diagnostic device according to claim 1, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve device when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is within a predetermined predictive vibration range.

7. 7. The diagnostic device according to claim 6, The allowable temperature range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined first temperature threshold and equal to or less than a second temperature threshold that is higher than the first temperature threshold.

8. 7. The diagnostic device according to claim 6, The predictive vibration range is a range equal to or less than a predetermined third vibration threshold value, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that there is a sign of clogging in the valve device when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is equal to or less than the third vibration threshold value.

9. 7. The diagnostic device according to claim 6, the predictive vibration range is a range equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth vibration threshold value, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that the valve device has a sign of leakage when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is within the allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is equal to or greater than the fourth vibration threshold value.

10. A diagnostic device for diagnosing a valve gear having a valve seat having a valve hole, a valve element for opening and closing the valve hole, a thermally responsive portion for causing the valve element to open and close the valve hole by deforming in response to a temperature of a fluid, and an operating portion for changing the temperature of the fluid when the valve element switches between opening and closing by adjusting a relative position of the valve element with respect to the valve hole, A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the fluid; a vibration sensor for measuring vibration of the valve device; a determination device for determining a state of the valve device based on measurement results of the temperature sensor and the vibration sensor, The determination device is a diagnostic device that determines that there is a sign of an abnormality in the valve device when the measurement value of the temperature sensor is within a predetermined allowable temperature range and the measurement value of the vibration sensor is within a predetermined predictive vibration range.

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