Output method, output device, and program

Abstract

To support appropriate planning of a replacement time and the number of steam traps to be replaced of a target structure in a target facility.SOLUTION: An output method includes: obtaining historical information indicative of a historical diagnostic result of the performance of each of the plurality of steam traps; receiving information indicating a target facility and structure, and generating, based on the historical information, a first time transition of a performance index of a target trap of the target structure in the target facility, a second time transition of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility, and a first reference time transition of a performance index of a general target trap; and estimating a second reference transition over time of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a general defective state based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition, and outputting first information including a transition over time obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition and the first reference transition, and second information including a transition over time obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition and the second reference transition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for outputting information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities such as plants and factories equipped with steam piping systems, steam traps installed in appropriate locations in the piping system discharge condensate (drainage) generated by heat exchange or heat radiation to the outside of the piping system. If the performance of a steam trap deteriorates due to aging or malfunction, steam within the piping system leaks to the outside through the steam trap, resulting in unnecessary steam loss. Furthermore, excessive steam loss may cause the operation of the steam piping system to be inadvertently stopped. For this reason, periodically, such as once a year, multiple personnel are tasked with carrying a measurement and diagnostic device (hereinafter, "diagnostic device") such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the personnel share the task of diagnosing approximately 1,000 steam traps in a single day.

[0003] Specifically, the diagnostic device measures the vibration and temperature of the steam trap in response to operation by the technician, and calculates an index (hereinafter referred to as a performance index) that represents the steam trap's performance, such as the amount of steam leakage, based on the measurements. Therefore, manually diagnosing multiple steam traps using a diagnostic device requires a significant amount of time. Therefore, some facilities have adopted a system in which a measuring device is permanently installed on each steam trap, and measurements of the steam trap's vibration and other values ​​required for diagnosis are periodically transmitted, such as once a day, to a server device, which then diagnoses each steam trap. In recent years, a system has emerged in which the server device is implemented as a cloud server, allowing multiple facilities to share the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-84418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a steam trap is used for a long period of time, the steam and condensate flowing into the trap begin to contain impurities such as scale and rust. The amount of impurity varies depending on the quality of the industrial water used in the steam piping system at each facility and the material of the piping. The amount of impurity also varies depending on the facility's operating conditions for the steam trap, such as pressure and temperature. The higher the impurity content, the greater the degree of uneven wear that occurs in the steam trap and the greater the degree of deterioration in the steam trap's performance. Even if the impurity content is constant, the degree of uneven wear that occurs in the steam trap varies depending on the steam trap's structure, such as the valve opening and closing method and the maximum condensate discharge rate. Thus, the degree of deterioration in steam trap performance varies depending on the facility and the steam trap's structure.

[0006] Therefore, in order to reduce unnecessary steam loss and the opportunity for inadvertent shutdown of steam piping systems over the long term, it is necessary to appropriately plan the replacement timing and number of steam traps of each structure for each facility.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an output method, an output device, and a program that can assist in appropriately planning the replacement timing and number of steam traps of a target structure in a target facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An output method according to one aspect of the present invention is an output method for an output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, the plurality of steam traps being classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, acquiring historical information indicating a history of performance diagnosis results for each of the plurality of steam traps, receiving information indicating a target facility and a target structure, and based on the historical information, outputting a first transition that is a time transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, and a time transition of the number of the target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility. A second transition and a first reference transition, which is the transition over time of the performance index of the target traps that are common in the plurality of facilities, are generated, and a second reference transition, which is the transition over time of the number of target traps that are diagnosed as being in a bad state that is common in the plurality of facilities, is estimated based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition, and first information, which includes the transition over time obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information, which includes the transition over time obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition, are output.

[0009] According to this configuration, by referring to the output first information, it is possible to compare the temporal change in the performance index of the target trap of the target structure in the target facility, as indicated by the first change, with the temporal change in the performance index of a general target trap in multiple facilities, as indicated by the first reference change, thereby making it possible to understand how quickly or slowly the performance of the target trap in the target facility deteriorates compared to that in general facilities.

[0010] Furthermore, by referring to the time trend obtained by averaging the first trend and the first reference trend contained in the first information, it is possible to easily understand how the performance of the target trap changes over time in a facility where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target trap are closer to the target facility than to a general facility.

[0011] Furthermore, with this configuration, by referring to the output second information, it is possible to compare the temporal change in the number of target traps diagnosed as defective at the target facility, as indicated by the second change, with the temporal change in the number of target traps generally diagnosed as defective at multiple facilities, as indicated by the second reference change, thereby making it possible to determine how many target traps at the target facility become defective and how early or late they become defective compared to typical facilities.

[0012] Furthermore, by referring to the time trend that is the average of the second trend and the second reference trend contained in the second information, it is possible to easily understand how the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time in facilities where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target traps are closer to the target facility than general facilities.

[0013] Furthermore, with this configuration, by comparing the output first information and second information, it is possible to understand how the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time when the performance of the target traps changes over time.

[0014] In this way, with this configuration, it is possible to grasp various information regarding the performance of steam traps of a target structure in a target facility and the temporal changes in the number of units diagnosed as being in a defective state, thereby assisting in appropriately planning the replacement timing and number of steam traps of a target structure in the target facility.

[0015] In the above output method, the steam traps of the multiple structures include multiple types of steam traps classified according to valve opening and closing methods, and the information indicating the target structure may be information indicating any one of the multiple types.

[0016] This configuration can assist in appropriately planning the replacement timing and number of steam traps of the target valve opening and closing type in the target facility.

[0017] In the above output method, each type of steam trap may be classified into a plurality of models of steam traps according to a maximum condensate discharge rate, and the information indicating the target structure may further include information indicating any one of the plurality of models.

[0018] This configuration can assist in appropriately planning the timing and number of replacements for the target valve opening / closing method and the target steam trap with the maximum condensate discharge capacity in the target facility.

[0019] In the above output method, the performance index may be a measurement value of vibration of the target trap.

[0020] According to this configuration, by comparing the output first information and second information, it is possible to understand how the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time when the measured vibration values ​​of the target traps change over time.

[0021] In the above output method, if the first transition is a period shorter than the first reference transition, a third transition, which is a time transition including a period similar to the first transition, may be identified from the time transitions of the performance index of the target trap in a facility different from the target facility, and the first transition may be interpolated by using the time transition in the third transition after the period similar to the first transition as a time transition following the first transition.

[0022] According to this configuration, even if a facility in which the target trap has been in use for a shorter period of time than a general facility is selected as the target facility, by referring to the output first information, it is possible to compare the interpolated first transition with the first reference transition, thereby making it possible to grasp how quickly or slowly the performance of the target trap will deteriorate in the future in the target facility compared to a general facility.

[0023] In the above output method, if the first transition has a period shorter than the first reference transition, an approximation function representing the first transition may be calculated, a third transition may be identified from the time transitions of the performance index of the target trap in a facility different from the target facility, the third transition being a time transition including a period similar to the first transition, and the first transition may be interpolated by averaging the time transition in the third transition after the period similar to the first transition and the time transition after the first transition indicated by the approximation function as a time transition following the first transition.

[0024] According to this configuration, even if a facility in which the target trap has been in use for a shorter period of time than a general facility is selected as the target facility, by referring to the output first information, it is possible to compare the interpolated first transition with the first reference transition, thereby making it possible to appropriately grasp how quickly or slowly the performance of the target trap will deteriorate in the future in the target facility compared to a general facility.

[0025] An output device according to another aspect of the present invention is an output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, the plurality of steam traps being classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, and the output device includes a computer, the computer acquires history information indicating a history of performance diagnosis results for each of the plurality of steam traps, receives information indicating a target facility and a target structure, and, based on the history information, calculates a first transition that is a temporal transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, and a time series of a number of the target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility. The method generates a second transition, which is a temporal transition of the performance index of the target traps that are common in the plurality of facilities, and a first reference transition, which is a temporal transition of the performance index of the target traps that are common in the plurality of facilities, and estimates a second reference transition, which is a temporal transition of the number of target traps that are commonly diagnosed as being in a poor state in the plurality of facilities, based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition, and outputs first information including the temporal transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information including the temporal transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition.

[0026] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above output method can be obtained.

[0027] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for an output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, the plurality of steam traps being classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, the program acquiring historical information indicating a history of performance diagnosis results for each of the plurality of steam traps in the output device, receiving information indicating a target facility and a target structure, and based on the historical information, outputting a first transition that is a time transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, and a second transition that is a time transition of the number of the target traps in the target facility that have been diagnosed as being in a defective state. and a first reference transition which is a time transition of the performance index of the target traps that are generally diagnosed as being in a poor state in the plurality of facilities, and estimates a second reference transition which is a time transition of the number of target traps that are generally diagnosed as being in a poor state in the plurality of facilities based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition, and outputs first information which includes a time transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information which includes a time transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition.

[0028] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above output method can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to assist in appropriately planning the replacement timing and number of steam traps of a target structure in a target facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a steam trap management system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an output process of a server. [Figure 3] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of first information and second information. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the first information and the second information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing first information of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or corresponding elements.

[0032] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a steam trap management system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Steam trap management system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of measuring devices 1, an information terminal 3, and a server 2 (output device).

[0033] A plurality of facilities 100, such as a plant or factory, equipped with a steam piping system are each provided with a plurality of steam traps at appropriate locations in the steam piping system. A measuring device 1 is permanently installed in the steam trap provided in the facility 100. The measuring device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measuring unit 14.

[0034] Measurement unit 14 is, for example, a sensor that detects the vibration and temperature of the steam trap where measurement device 1 is installed. Measurement unit 14 measures the vibration and temperature of the steam trap where measurement device 1 is installed periodically, for example, once a day. Measurement unit 14 stores in memory 13 the date and time when the vibration and temperature of the steam trap where measurement device 1 is installed (hereinafter, measurement date and time) in association with the measured values ​​of the vibration and temperature of the steam trap where measurement device 1 is installed.

[0035] Memory 13 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. Memory 13 sequentially stores the measurement date and time and the measurement values ​​of the vibration and temperature of the steam trap measured by measurement unit 14.

[0036] Control unit 12 is, for example, a microcontroller equipped with a CPU, and periodically, for example, once a day, reads multiple measurement dates and times and measurement values ​​from memory 13 and creates multiple pieces of measurement information including each of the read multiple measurement dates and times and measurement values. Each piece of measurement information includes a facility ID for identifying facility 100 that has a steam trap where measurement device 1 is installed, a trap ID for identifying the steam trap, and each of the read measurement dates and times and measurement values. Control unit 12 outputs the created multiple pieces of measurement information to communication unit 11.

[0037] The communication unit 11 is a communication circuit compatible with any communication method such as IP. The communication unit 11 periodically transmits a plurality of pieces of measurement information created by the control unit 12 to the server 2 via the network 4, such as once a day. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0038] Information terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer, and is used by an administrator of steam trap management system 1000 (hereinafter, referred to as administrator) who has the authority to access server 2. Information terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a memory 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a control unit 32.

[0039] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit compatible with any communication method such as IP. The communication unit 31 transmits various pieces of information instructed by the control unit 32 to the server 2. The communication unit 31 outputs various pieces of information received from the server 2 to the control unit 32. The memory 33 is a storage device capable of storing various pieces of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, an HDD, or a flash memory.

[0040] The display unit 34 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays information received by the communication unit 31 from the server 2 under the control of the control unit 32. This allows the administrator to view, on the information terminal 3, various pieces of information managed by the server 2.

[0041] The operation unit 35 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that allows the administrator to input various pieces of information. The information input by the administrator using the operation unit 35 is output to the control unit 32. However, the display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be configured as an integrated unit by using a touch panel display.

[0042] The control unit 32 is, for example, a microcontroller equipped with a CPU, etc. The control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 to display information received by the communication unit 31. The control unit 32 also controls the communication unit 31 to transmit to the server 2 information to be processed that the administrator has input using the operation unit 35.

[0043] The multiple steam traps installed in the multiple facilities 100 are classified into steam traps of multiple structures. The multiple steam trap structures include multiple types of steam traps classified according to the valve opening and closing method. Each type of steam trap is classified into multiple models of steam traps according to the maximum condensate discharge amount. The processing target information is information that instructs the server 2 to accept any one facility 100 out of the multiple facilities 100, any one type out of the multiple types, and any one model out of the multiple models as the facility 100, type, and model to be processed.

[0044] Specifically, the processing target information includes a facility ID for identifying the facility 100 to be accepted by the server 2 as the facility 100 to be processed, a model ID for identifying the model to be accepted by the server 2 as the model to be processed, and a model ID for identifying the model to be accepted by the server 2 as the model to be processed. As a result, the server 2 that has received the processing target information can accept the facility 100, model, and model identified by the facility ID, model ID, and model ID included in the processing target information as the facility 100, model, and model to be processed.

[0045] The server 2 is, for example, a cloud server or a server device, and is communicably connected to a plurality of measurement devices 1 and an information terminal 3 via a network 4. The server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a memory 23, and a control unit 22.

[0046] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit compatible with any communication method such as IP, and receives multiple pieces of measurement information transmitted by the measurement device 1. The communication unit 21 outputs the multiple pieces of measurement information received from the multiple measurement devices 1 to the control unit 22. The communication unit 21 outputs processing target information received from the information terminal 3 to the control unit 22. Under the control of the control unit 22, the communication unit 21 transmits first information and second information, which will be described later, to the information terminal 3.

[0047] The memory 23 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a flash memory.

[0048] Memory 23 pre-stores an equipment table that defines information about multiple steam traps at the installation locations of multiple measuring devices 1 provided in steam trap management system 1000. The equipment table is a table that associates a trap ID for identifying a steam trap, a facility ID for identifying the facility 100 in which the steam trap is installed, and structural information that indicates the structure of the steam trap. The structural information includes a model ID for identifying the type of steam trap and a model ID for identifying the model of the steam trap.

[0049] The control unit 22 is, for example, a microcontroller (computer) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit, not shown) that executes predetermined processing, a non-volatile memory (not shown) such as an EEPROM that stores a predetermined control program (program), a RAM (Random Access Memory, not shown) that temporarily stores data, and peripheral circuits therefor. The control unit 22 executes predetermined processing by causing the CPU to execute the control program stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0050] Specifically, control unit 22 diagnoses the performance of the steam trap corresponding to each piece of measurement information based on the vibration and temperature measurement values ​​included in each piece of measurement information received by communication unit 21. The steam trap corresponding to the measurement information is the steam trap identified by the trap ID included in the measurement information.

[0051] For example, in diagnosing the performance of a steam trap, the control unit 22 converts the vibration measurement value included in the measurement information into the steam leakage rate of the steam trap using a predetermined conversion formula. In addition, in diagnosing the performance of a steam trap, the control unit 22 determines whether the steam trap is in a defective state based on whether the vibration measurement value included in the measurement information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The conversion formula and threshold are predetermined for each type and model of steam trap and are pre-stored in memory 23. When diagnosing a steam trap, the control unit 22 refers to the equipment table stored in memory 23 and acquires from memory 23 the conversion formula and threshold corresponding to the type and model of the steam trap.

[0052] When the control unit 22 diagnoses the performance of the steam trap corresponding to each piece of measurement information, it creates diagnosis result information that indicates the diagnosis result of the steam trap's performance. The diagnosis result information includes the measurement information used to diagnose the steam trap's performance and an index (hereinafter, performance index) that represents the steam trap's performance obtained by diagnosing the steam trap's performance. The steam trap performance index includes, for example, the measured value of the steam trap's vibration used to diagnose the steam trap, the amount of steam leakage from the steam trap, and the determination result of whether the steam trap is in a defective state.

[0053] The control unit 22 outputs the created diagnostic result information to the memory 23. The memory 23 stores the diagnostic result information acquired from the control unit 22.

[0054] When the communication unit 21 receives processing target information from the information terminal 3, the control unit 22 accepts the facility 100, steam trap type, and steam trap model corresponding to the facility ID, type ID, and model ID included in the processing target information as the facility 100, type, and model to be processed. Hereinafter, the facility 100 to be processed will be referred to as the target facility, the type to be processed will be referred to as the target type, and the model to be processed will be referred to as the target model.

[0055] Control unit 22 generates a first transition, which is a temporal transition of the performance index of a steam trap of a target type and model in a target facility, based on multiple pieces of diagnostic result information (hereinafter, historical information) that indicate the history of diagnostic results for the performance of each of the multiple steam traps stored in memory 23. Hereinafter, the steam trap of the target type and model will be referred to as the target trap.

[0056] Specifically, the control unit 22 refers to the device table stored in the memory 23 and acquires, from the history information, a plurality of pieces of diagnostic result information indicating the results of diagnosing the performance of the target traps installed in the target facility. The control unit 22 refers to the acquired plurality of pieces of diagnostic result information and calculates an average value of the performance index (e.g., vibration measurement value) of the target trap for each measurement date and time. The control unit 22 generates a first transition by arranging the calculated average values ​​in order of measurement date and time.

[0057] Note that the method of generating the first transition by the control unit 22 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, acquire the median value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the first transition by arranging the acquired median values ​​in order of measurement date and time. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, acquire the maximum or minimum value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the first transition by arranging the acquired maximum or minimum values ​​in order of measurement date and time. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may calculate (acquire) the average or median value and maximum or minimum value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the first transition by arranging the calculated (acquired) average or median value and maximum or minimum value in order of measurement date and time.

[0058] Based on the history information, the control unit 22 generates a second trend which is a time trend in the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility.

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 22 references the device table stored in the memory 23 and acquires, from the history information, multiple pieces of diagnostic result information indicating the results of diagnosing the performance of the target traps installed in the target facility. The control unit 22 references the measurement information included in the multiple pieces of diagnostic result information acquired and acquires, for each measurement date and time, diagnostic result information including a determination result indicating that the target trap is in a defective state. The control unit 22 counts the number of target traps corresponding to the acquired diagnostic result information. The target trap corresponding to the diagnostic result information is the target trap whose performance diagnosis result is indicated by the diagnostic result information. The control unit 22 generates a second transition by arranging the counted numbers of target traps in order of measurement date and time.

[0060] When counting the number of target traps, the control unit 22 counts the same target trap as 1. Furthermore, the control unit 22 does not count the same target trap that was counted when counting the number of target traps for a certain measurement date and time as a target trap corresponding to the diagnosis result information for another measurement date and time.

[0061] However, this is not limiting, and the control unit 22 may count the same target traps that were counted when counting the number of target traps for a certain measurement date and time as target traps corresponding to the diagnosis result information for other measurement dates and times. In this case, the second transition indicates the transition over time of the cumulative number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility.

[0062] The control unit 22 generates a first reference trend, which is a time trend of the performance index of a general target trap in a plurality of facilities 100, based on the history information.

[0063] Specifically, control unit 22 refers to the equipment table stored in memory 23 and acquires, from the history information, a plurality of pieces of diagnostic result information indicating the results of diagnosing the performance of target traps installed in a plurality of facilities 100. Here, the plurality of facilities 100 refers to all facilities 100 in which a plurality of measuring devices 1 provided in steam trap management system 1000 are installed.

[0064] The control unit 22 refers to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information and calculates the average value of the performance index (e.g., the measured value of vibration) of the target trap for each measurement date and time. The control unit 22 generates a first reference transition by arranging the calculated average values ​​in order of the measurement date and time.

[0065] Note that the method for generating the first reference transition by the control unit 22 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, acquire the median value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the acquired median values ​​in order of the measurement date and time as the first reference transition.

[0066] Note that the method for generating the first reference transition by the control unit 22 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, obtain the median value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the first reference transition by arranging the obtained median values ​​in order of measurement date and time. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, obtain the maximum or minimum value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate the first reference transition by arranging the obtained maximum or minimum values ​​in order of measurement date and time.

[0067] Alternatively, the control unit 22 may refer to the acquired multiple pieces of diagnostic result information, acquire or calculate the average or median value and maximum or minimum value of the performance index of the target trap for each measurement date and time, and generate as the first reference trend the acquired or calculated average or median value and maximum or minimum value of the performance index of the target trap arranged in order of measurement date and time.

[0068] The control unit 22 estimates a second standard trend, which is the temporal trend of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a general defective state in multiple facilities 100, based on the difference between the first trend and the first standard trend and the second trend.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 22 calculates the difference in time (hereinafter referred to as the differential time) between the measurement date and time when the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first transition is a predetermined value and the measurement date and time when the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first reference transition is the predetermined value as the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition.

[0070] If the first transition and the first reference transition indicate that the performance index of the target trap increases over time, the predetermined value can be set to, for example, the smaller of the maximum value of the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first reference transition and the maximum value of the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first transition. On the other hand, if the first transition and the first reference transition indicate that the performance index of the target trap decreases over time, the predetermined value can be set to, for example, the larger of the minimum value of the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first reference transition and the minimum value of the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first transition.

[0071] If there are multiple measurement dates and times when the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first transition is a predetermined value, the latest measurement date and time may be used to calculate the differential time.Similarly, if there are multiple measurement dates and times when the performance index of the target trap indicated by the first reference transition is a predetermined value, the latest measurement date and time may be used to calculate the differential time.

[0072] The control unit 22 estimates a time transition obtained by sliding each measurement date and time in the second transition by the difference time as a second reference transition.

[0073] The control unit 22 generates a time transition (hereinafter referred to as the first average transition) by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition. Specifically, the control unit 22 calculates, for each measurement date and time, the average value of the performance index of the target trap at each measurement date and time in the first transition and the performance index of the target trap at each measurement date and time in the first reference transition. The control unit 22 generates a first average transition by arranging the calculated average values ​​in order of measurement date and time. In a similar manner, the control unit 22 generates a time transition (hereinafter referred to as the second average transition) by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition.

[0074] Note that the processing target information may not include a model ID. This may cause the control unit 22 to select the facility 100 and type identified by the facility ID and type ID included in the processing target information as the target facility and type. The control unit 22 may then generate a first transition, a second transition, and a first reference transition, estimate a second reference transition, and generate a first average transition and a second average transition, using a steam trap of the target type in the target facility as the target trap.

[0075] The control unit 22 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit to the information terminal 3 first information including the first average trend, the first trend, and the first reference trend, and second information including the second average trend, the second trend, and the second reference trend.

[0076] Although steam trap management system 1000 in this embodiment includes multiple measurement devices 1, server 2, and information terminal 3, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Steam trap management system 1000 may include multiple measurement devices 1 and information terminal 3 without including server 2. In this case, information terminal 3 has the functions of server 2.

[0077] Next, the output process of the server 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0078] First, in step S10, the communication unit 21 outputs the received measurement information to the control unit 22 every time the communication unit 21 receives measurement information transmitted by the measurement device 1.

[0079] Next, in step S11, the control unit 22 diagnoses the performance of the steam trap corresponding to each piece of measurement information based on the vibration and temperature measurement values ​​included in each piece of measurement information received by the communication unit 21.

[0080] Next, in step S12, control unit 22 creates diagnostic result information indicating the diagnostic results of the performance of the steam trap corresponding to each piece of measurement information, and outputs each piece of created diagnostic result information to memory 23. Memory 23 stores each piece of diagnostic result information acquired from control unit 22.

[0081] Next, in step S13, control unit 22 determines whether communication unit 21 has received the processing target information from information terminal 3. If control unit 22 determines that communication unit 21 has received the processing target information from information terminal 3 (YES in step S13), control unit 22 shifts the processing to step S14. On the other hand, if control unit 22 does not determine that communication unit 21 has received the processing target information from information terminal 3 (NO in step S13), control unit 22 shifts the processing to step S10.

[0082] In step S14, the control unit 22 accepts the facility 100, steam trap type, and steam trap model corresponding to the facility ID, type ID, and model ID contained in the processing target information received by the communication unit 21 from the information terminal 3 as the facility 100 to be processed (target facility), type to be processed (target type), and model to be processed (target model).

[0083] Next, in step S15, the control unit 22 generates a first trend, which is the temporal trend of the performance index of the target trap, which is a steam trap of the target type and model in the target facility, based on the historical information stored in the memory 23.

[0084] Next, in step S16, the control unit 22 generates a second trend, which is the time trend of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility, based on the history information.

[0085] Next, in step S17, the control unit 22 generates a first reference trend, which is a time trend of the performance index of a general target trap in a plurality of facilities 100, based on the history information.

[0086] Next, in step S18, the control unit 22 estimates a second standard trend, which is the temporal trend of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a general defective state in multiple facilities 100, based on the difference between the first trend and the first standard trend and the second trend.

[0087] Next, in step S19, the control unit 22 generates a first average transition, which is a time transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition.

[0088] Next, in step S20, the control unit 22 generates a second average transition, which is a time transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition.

[0089] Next, in step S21, the control unit 22 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the first information including the first average transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and the second information including the second average transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition to the information terminal 3, and then the process proceeds to step S10. In the information terminal 3, when the communication unit 31 receives the first information and the second information from the server 2, the display unit 34, under the control of the control unit 32, displays an image (hereinafter, a report image) including the first information and the second information received by the communication unit 31 from the server 2.

[0090] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first information F1 and the second information F2. Fig. 3 shows an example in which, after processing target information including a facility ID "Factory A," a type ID "I," and a model ID "M1" is transmitted from the information terminal 3 to the server 2, the communication unit 31 receives the first information F1 and the second information F2 from the server 2, and the display unit 34 displays a report image R1 including the first information F1 and the second information F2.

[0091] The first information F1 includes an area T11 showing the title of the first information F1, an area A11 displaying a graph showing the first trend G11, the first reference trend G10 and the first average trend G12 included in the first information F1, and an area A12 displaying a legend for the graph.

[0092] The first transition G11 shows the time transition of the vibration measurement value ("vibration value"), which is a performance index of the target trap of target type "I" and target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory A." The first reference transition G10 shows the time transition of the vibration measurement value, which is a performance index of the target trap of target type "I" and target model "M1" in a general facility 100 among multiple facilities 100. The first average transition G12 shows the time transition obtained by averaging the first transition G11 and the first reference transition G10.

[0093] The second information F2 includes an area T21 showing the title of the second information F2, an area A21 displaying a graph showing the second trend G21, the second reference trend G20 and the second average trend G22 included in the second information F2, and an area A22 displaying a legend for the graph.

[0094] The second transition G21 shows the time trend of the number of target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" diagnosed as defective at the target facility "Factory A." The second reference transition G20 shows the time trend obtained by sliding the measurement date and time in the second transition G21 by the difference time D1 (12 (= 36 - 24) months), which is the difference between the measurement dates and times at which the first transition G11 and the first reference transition G10 each reach the predetermined value P1. The second average transition G22 shows the time trend obtained by averaging the second transition G21 and the second reference transition G20.

[0095] In this case, by referring to the first information F1, the administrator can compare the time transition of the vibration measurement values ​​of the target trap of target type "I" and target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory A," as indicated by the first transition G11, with the time transition of the vibration measurement values ​​of a general target trap in multiple facilities 100, as indicated by the first reference transition G10. This allows the administrator to understand how quickly the performance of the target trap in the target facility "Factory A" deteriorates compared to that in the general facility 100.

[0096] Furthermore, by referring to the first average trend G12, it is possible to easily understand how the vibration measurement values ​​of the target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" change over time in a facility 100 where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target traps are closer to the target facility "Factory A" than to a general facility 100.

[0097] Furthermore, by referring to the second information F2, it is possible to compare the temporal change in the number of target traps diagnosed as defective in the target facility "Factory A," as shown by the second change G21, with the temporal change in the number of target traps diagnosed as generally defective in multiple facilities 100, as shown by the second reference change G20. This makes it possible to understand how many target traps become defective in the target facility "Factory A" and how earlier they become defective compared to a general facility 100.

[0098] Furthermore, by referring to the second average trend G22, it is possible to easily understand how the number of target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time in a facility 100 where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target traps are closer to that of target facility "Factory A" than to a general facility 100.

[0099] Furthermore, by comparing the first information F1 and the second information F2, it is possible to understand how the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time when the measured vibration values ​​of the target traps change over time.

[0100] In this way, this display example makes it possible to grasp various information regarding the performance of the steam traps of the target type "I" and the target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory A" and the temporal changes in the number of units diagnosed as defective. Therefore, this display example can support appropriate planning of the replacement timing and number of replacement steam traps of the target type "I" and the target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory A."

[0101] 4 is a diagram showing another example of the first information F1 and the second information F2. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the display unit 34 displays a report image R1 when the communication unit 31 receives the first information F1 and the second information F2 from the server 2 after the information terminal 3 transmits processing target information including the facility ID "Factory B," the type ID "I," and the model ID "M1" to the server 2.

[0102] In this display example, the area A11 of the first information F1 displays graphs showing the first transition G31, the first reference transition G10 that is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, and the first average transition G32.

[0103] The first transition G31 shows the time transition of the measured vibration value, which is a performance index of the target trap of target type "I" and target model "M1" at the target facility "Factory B." The first average transition G32 shows the time transition obtained by averaging the first transition G31 and the first reference transition G10.

[0104] In the area A21 of the second information F2, graphs showing the second transition G41, the second reference transition G40, and the second average transition G42 are displayed.

[0105] The second transition G41 shows the time trend of the number of target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" diagnosed as defective at the target facility "Factory B." The second reference transition G40 shows the time trend in which the measurement date and time in the second transition G41 is shifted by the difference time D2 "-12 (= 36 - 48) months," which is the difference time between the measurement dates and times at which the first transition G31 and the first reference transition G10 each reach the predetermined value P1. The second average transition G42 shows the time trend obtained by averaging the second transition G41 and the second reference transition G40.

[0106] In this case, by referring to the first information F1, the administrator can compare the time transition of the vibration measurement values ​​of the target trap of target type "I" and target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory B," as indicated by the first transition G31, with the time transition of the vibration measurement values ​​of a general target trap in multiple facilities 100, as indicated by the first reference transition G10. This makes it possible to understand how slowly the performance of the target trap in the target facility "Factory B" deteriorates compared to that in the general facility 100.

[0107] Furthermore, by referring to the first average trend G32, it is possible to easily understand how the vibration measurement values ​​of the target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" change over time in a facility 100 where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target traps are closer to the target facility "Factory B" than to a general facility 100.

[0108] Furthermore, by referring to the second information F2, it is possible to compare the temporal change in the number of target traps diagnosed as defective in the target facility "Factory B," as indicated by the second change G41, with the temporal change in the number of target traps diagnosed as generally defective in multiple facilities 100, as indicated by the second reference change G40. This makes it possible to understand how many target traps become defective in the target facility "Factory B" and how later they are in a general facility 100.

[0109] Furthermore, by referring to the second average trend G42, it is possible to easily understand how the number of target traps of target type "I" and target model "M1" diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time in a facility 100 where the installation environment and usage conditions of the target traps are closer to that of target facility "Factory B" than to a general facility 100.

[0110] Furthermore, by comparing the first information F1 and the second information F2, it is possible to understand how the number of target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state increases or decreases over time when the measured vibration values ​​of the target traps change over time.

[0111] In this way, this display example makes it possible to grasp various information regarding the performance of the steam traps of the target type "I" and the target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory B" and the temporal changes in the number of units diagnosed as defective. Therefore, this display example can support appropriate planning of the replacement timing and number of replacement steam traps of the target type "I" and the target model "M1" in the target facility "Factory B."

[0112] Note that, for example, in a newly constructed facility 100, the first transition may indicate a period shorter than the first reference transition due to a short operating period of the steam piping system. In this case, the control unit 22 may interpolate the first transition as follows.

[0113] Figure 5 is a diagram showing first information F1a according to a modified example. For example, as shown in Figure 5, assume that control unit 22 generates a first transition G51 showing the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage rate" of the target trap over 24 months, and generates a first reference transition G50 showing the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage rate" of the target trap over approximately 36 months. For ease of explanation, the first average transition included in first information F1a is not shown in Figure 5.

[0114] In this case, the control unit 22 calculates an approximate function that represents the first transition G51. Specifically, the control unit 22 calculates a quadratic function that represents the relationship between the measurement date and time indicated by the first transition G51 as an explanatory variable and the performance index of the target trap, "steam leakage amount," indicated by the first transition G51, as a response variable, by polynomial approximation.

[0115] Note that the method for calculating the approximate function representing the first transition G51 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 22 may calculate a linear function representing the relationship between the measurement date and time indicated by the first transition G51 as an explanatory variable and the performance index of the target trap, "steam leakage amount," indicated by the first transition G51 as a response variable, by linear approximation.

[0116] Then, in the same manner as for first reference transition G50, control unit 22 refers to the history information acquired from memory 23 and acquires the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap in facility 100 different from the target facility. From the acquired time transitions, control unit 22 acquires the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap that includes a period similar to first transition G51 (hereinafter, third transition).

[0117] Specifically, the control unit 22 obtains, as the third transition, the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap in a facility 100 other than the target facility, of the target trap whose increase in the performance index "steam leakage amount" over a period of 24 months, which is the same length as the first transition G51, is closest to the increase in the performance index "steam leakage amount" over 24 months indicated by the first transition G51.

[0118] Note that the method for generating the third transition by the control unit 22 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 22 may acquire the third transition using a model generated by machine learning such as deep learning.

[0119] Specifically, a model obtained by machine learning the relationship between the following first time transition, the following multiple second time transitions, and the following third time transition may be stored in memory 23 in advance. The first time transition is the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" over a period (hereinafter, the first period) having the same length as the most recent first transition G51 of a certain steam trap (hereinafter, the first steam trap). The multiple second time transitions are the time transitions of the performance index "steam leakage amount" over a period longer than the first period for each of multiple steam traps of the same type and model as the first steam trap that are installed in a facility 100 different from the facility 100 in which the first steam trap is installed. The third time transition is the time transition, among the multiple second time transitions, in which the increase in the performance index "steam leakage amount" over a period of the same length as the first period is closest to the increase in the performance index "steam leakage amount" over the first period indicated by the first time transition.

[0120] In this case, the control unit 22 may acquire the above model from the memory 23, and input the first transition G51 and the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap in a facility 100 other than the target facility generated from historical information into the model, thereby acquiring the time transition of the performance index "steam leakage amount" output by the model as the third transition.

[0121] Then, the control unit 22 acquires a time transition G53 of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap from the period "24 months" onwards, which is similar to the first transition G51 in the third transition.

[0122] The control unit 22 averages the time progression G53 of the acquired performance index of the target trap, "steam leakage amount," and the time progression G54 of the performance index of the target trap, "steam leakage amount," after the first progression G51, which is shown by the approximation function, to obtain a time progression G55, which is the time progression following the first progression G51, and interpolates the first progression G51.

[0123] Alternatively, the control unit 22 may interpolate the first transition G51 as the time transition G53 of the performance index "steam leakage amount" of the target trap after the period "24 months", which is similar to the first transition G51 in the third transition, as the time transition of the performance index following the first transition.

[0124] In these cases, even if a facility 100 in which the target trap has been in use for a shorter period of time than a general facility 100 is selected as the target facility, by referring to the output first information F1a, it is possible to compare the interpolated first trends G51, G55 (G51, G53) with the first reference trend G50. This makes it possible to understand how quickly or slowly the performance of the target trap in the target facility will deteriorate in the future compared to a general facility 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 2: Server (output device) 22: Control unit (computer) 100: Facilities F1, F1a: First information F2:Second information G10, G50: 1st standard transition G11, G31, G51: 1st transition G12, G32: First average transition (a time transition averaging the first transition and the first reference transition) G20, G40: Second Standard Trends G21, G41: Second transition G22, G42: Second average transition (time transition averaging the second transition and the second reference transition) G53: Time transition after a period similar to the first period in the third transition G54: Time transitions subsequent to the first transition shown by an approximate function G55: A time transition obtained by averaging the time transition after the period similar to the first period in the third transition and the time transition after the first transition shown by the approximation function.

Claims

1. An output method for an output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, comprising: The plurality of steam traps are classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, acquiring historical information indicating a history of diagnostic results of the performance of each of the plurality of steam traps; Accept information indicating the target facility and target structure, Based on the historical information, a first transition is generated which is a time transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, a second transition is generated which is a time transition of the number of the target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility, and a first reference transition is generated which is a time transition of the performance index of the target trap that is common in the plurality of facilities; estimating a second reference transition, which is a time transition of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in the general defective state in the plurality of facilities, based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition; outputting first information including a time transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information including a time transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition; Output method.

2. The steam traps of the plurality of structures include steam traps of a plurality of types classified according to valve opening and closing methods, The information indicating the structure of the target is information indicating any one of the plurality of types. The output method according to claim 1 .

3. Each type of steam trap is classified into several models depending on the maximum condensate discharge capacity. The information indicating the structure of the target further includes information indicating any one of the plurality of models. The output method according to claim 2 .

4. the performance index is a measurement of vibration of the target trap; The output method according to claim 1 .

5. Furthermore, if the first transition is a period shorter than the first reference transition, a third transition is identified from the time transitions of the performance index of the target trap in a facility different from the target facility, the third transition being a time transition including a period similar to the first transition; Furthermore, a time transition in the third transition after a period similar to the first transition is interpolated as a time transition following the first transition. The output method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Furthermore, if the first transition has a period shorter than the first reference transition, an approximation function representing the first transition is calculated; Furthermore, a third transition is identified from the time transitions of the performance index of the target trap in a facility different from the target facility, the third transition being a time transition including a period similar to the first transition; and interpolating the first transition by averaging a time transition after a period in the third transition that is similar to the first transition and a time transition after the first transition that is indicated by the approximation function as a time transition following the first transition. The output method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. An output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, The plurality of steam traps are classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, A computer is provided. The computer acquiring historical information indicating a history of diagnostic results of the performance of each of the plurality of steam traps; Accept information indicating the target facility and target structure, Based on the historical information, a first transition is generated which is a time transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, a second transition is generated which is a time transition of the number of the target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility, and a first reference transition is generated which is a time transition of the performance index of the target trap that is common in the plurality of facilities; estimating a second reference transition, which is a time transition of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in the general defective state in the plurality of facilities, based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition; outputting first information including a time transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information including a time transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition; Output device.

8. A program for an output device that outputs information about a plurality of steam traps installed in a plurality of facilities, The plurality of steam traps are classified into steam traps of a plurality of structures, The output device acquiring historical information indicating a history of diagnostic results of the performance of each of the plurality of steam traps; Accept information indicating the target facility and target structure, Based on the historical information, a first transition is generated which is a time transition of a performance index of a target trap that is a steam trap of the target structure in the target facility, a second transition is generated which is a time transition of the number of the target traps diagnosed as being in a defective state in the target facility, and a first reference transition is generated which is a time transition of the performance index of the target trap that is common in the plurality of facilities; estimating a second reference transition, which is a time transition of the number of target traps diagnosed as being in the general defective state in the plurality of facilities, based on the difference between the first transition and the first reference transition and the second transition; outputting first information including a time transition obtained by averaging the first transition and the first reference transition, the first transition, and the first reference transition, and second information including a time transition obtained by averaging the second transition and the second reference transition, the second transition, and the second reference transition; A program that executes the process as follows.

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