Steam trap diagnostic device

Abstract

To provide a diagnostic device or the like for enabling a user to efficiently determine correspondence that should be performed to a determination result of leakage of a steam trap by suppressing an increase in workload.SOLUTION: A steam trap diagnostic device includes: storage means for storing relation information obtained by relating a pressure value to a determination value for each drain amount; determination means for specifying a determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value on the basis of relation information corresponding to an estimated drain amount and determining that there is gas leakage in the case that a measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; specification means for specifying whether the measured vibration value belongs to an area in which the determination result by the determination means becomes different according to the magnitude of the drain amount on the basis of the relation information; display means for displaying the determination result, the drain amount, and the determination result; and input reception means for receiving a change input of the drain amount. The determination means performs a determination by using the drain amount at which a change input is received instead of the estimated drain amount in the case that the change input of the drain amount is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic device for a steam trap. [Background technology]

[0002] In steam piping systems such as steam plants, steam condenses and generates drain (condensate). The generated drain is discharged to the outside using a steam trap or similar device. Steam traps can sometimes develop abnormalities such as steam leaks. For this reason, inspectors move to each steam trap and perform a diagnosis using diagnostic equipment.

[0003] One diagnostic device is a quality determiner that detects vibrations associated with steam trap operation and determines whether the trap is operating properly, such as for steam leakage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The quality determiner described in Patent Document 1 pre-stores the relationship between vibration level and steam system pressure, and automatically determines whether or not there is a steam leakage by comparing the detected vibration level with this relationship. The quality determiner described in Patent Document 1 also has a configuration in which the relationship is corrected based on the condensate load factor. The condensate load factor is the ratio between the maximum amount of drain that a steam trap can discharge and the actual amount of drain.

[0004] That is, the above-mentioned automatic steam leak detection is performed based on vibration values, the amount of drain, etc. This is because vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations) occur in a steam trap when drain flows, and vibrations also occur when gas such as steam leaks. Some automatic steam leak detection systems use, for example, the amount of drain calculated (estimated) based on the measured vibration values.

[0005] Regarding flow rate, there is a simple flow rate measuring device that stores the relationship between flow rate and vibration in advance, and converts and displays the approximate flow rate flowing down a valve with a specified opening from the measured vibration and the above relationship (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-004993 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-196716 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above-described automatic steam leak detection is affected by the amount of drain in the steam trap. That is, there is a range in which the detection result changes depending on the amount of drain. For this reason, there is a demand for the ability to manually change (correct) the amount of drain in order to change the automatic detection result and perform a re-detection (automatic detection). There is also a demand for the ability to manually change (correct) the amount of drain to confirm and perform a re-detection (automatic detection). This is because automatic detection does not always produce accurate detection results and may differ from the detection results based on the inspector's knowledge. There is also a demand for a system that can efficiently perform manual corrections to such detection results. This is because an inspector may, for example, diagnose hundreds of steam traps in a single day.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic device and the like that allows a user to efficiently determine what action to take in response to the result of a steam trap leakage determination while minimizing an increase in workload. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a steam trap diagnostic device that includes a measuring means for measuring the vibration value of the steam trap, an estimating means for estimating the drain rate of the steam trap based on the measured vibration value, an acquiring means for acquiring the pressure value of the steam trap, a memory means for storing, for each drain rate, relationship information correlating pressure values ​​with a determination threshold, a determining means for identifying a determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on the relationship information corresponding to the estimated drain rate, and determining that there is a gas leak from the steam trap if the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold, a determining means for identifying, based on the relationship information, whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determining means varies depending on the drain rate, a display means for displaying the determination result by the determining means, the drain rate used in the determination, and the determination result by the determining means, and an input receiving means for receiving an input to change the drain rate of the steam trap. When an input to change the drain rate is received, the determining means makes a determination using the drain rate for which the change input was received, instead of the estimated drain rate.

[0010] The estimation means may estimate whether the drain amount of the steam trap corresponds to a first drain amount that is equal to or less than a reference value or a second drain amount that is greater than the reference value, and the storage means may store relationship information corresponding to the first drain amount and relationship information corresponding to the second drain amount.

[0011] The input receiving means may further receive an input for changing the judgment result of the steam trap.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a diagnostic program for a steam trap that causes a computer of a diagnostic device for a steam trap to function as: estimation means for estimating the drain rate of the steam trap based on measured vibration information; acquisition means for acquiring a pressure value of the steam trap; determination means for identifying a determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on relationship information correlating pressure values ​​with determination thresholds and corresponding to the estimated drain rate, and determining that there is a gas leak from the steam trap if the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; identification means for identifying, based on the relationship information, whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determination means varies depending on the drain rate; display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means, the drain rate used in the determination, and the determination result by the identification means; and input receiving means for receiving an input to change the drain rate of the steam trap. When an input to change the drain rate is received, the determination means makes the determination using the drain rate for which the change input was received, instead of the estimated drain rate.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention provides a diagnostic system for a steam trap, comprising: a measuring means for measuring the vibration value of the steam trap; an estimating means for estimating the drain rate of the steam trap based on the measured vibration value; an acquiring means for acquiring the pressure value of the steam trap; a storage means for storing, for each drain rate, relationship information correlating pressure values ​​with a determination threshold; a determining means for identifying a determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on the relationship information corresponding to the estimated drain rate and determining that there is a gas leak from the steam trap if the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; an identifying means for identifying, based on the relationship information, whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determining means varies depending on the drain rate; a display means for displaying the determination result by the determining means, the drain rate used in the determination, and the determination result by the identifying means; and an input receiving means for receiving an input of the drain rate of the steam trap. When an input to change the drain rate is received, the determining means makes the determination using the drain rate for which the input was accepted, instead of the estimated drain rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this invention, since it is possible to determine whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region where the determination result differs depending on the drain amount, a user such as an inspector can determine whether to input a change in the drain amount while referring to the determination result. Therefore, the user can efficiently determine the response to the steam trap leakage determination result without increasing the workload. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view of a diagnostic machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state during diagnosis by a diagnostic machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 10 is a graph illustrating relationship information that associates a pressure value of a steam trap with a determination threshold value. [Figure 5] 10 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the pressure value and the region and the relationship information in which the pressure value of the steam trap is associated with the determination threshold value. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result screen displayed on a diagnostic machine (liquid crystal display) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing a diagnostic process according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A diagnostic system (diagnostic device, diagnostic program) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Furthermore, the order of the various processes constituting the flow described below may be random as long as no inconsistencies occur in the process content.

[0017] 1 is a schematic diagram of a diagnostic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagnostic system 100 includes a diagnostic machine 10, a terminal device (management terminal) 20, and a server device 30. The diagnostic machine 10 and the terminal device 20 can communicate with each other wirelessly within a communication range using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal device 20 and the server device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet.

[0018] The diagnostic system 100 diagnoses steam traps. In the diagnosis, a leak determination (automatic determination) of steam (gas) from the steam trap is performed. The steam trap is, for example, a float-type steam trap, and is arranged in a steam piping system of a steam plant. The steam trap is configured to automatically discharge drain (condensate) generated by condensation of steam downstream, but to confine the steam within the steam trap so that it does not escape. The leak determination by the diagnostic system 100 determines whether steam within the steam trap is leaking to the outside. In the diagnosis, the vibration value of the steam trap and the like are measured, and then the leak determination is performed. For example, the diagnosis is performed when an inspector inputs a diagnosis request into the terminal device 20.

[0019] In this embodiment, the diagnostic device 10 performs the leak determination. The diagnostic device 10 performs the leak determination based on the ultrasonic vibration (vibration value), pressure value, and drain amount of the steam trap. In the leak determination, if it is determined that no steam leak has occurred, the determination result is "normal," and if it is determined that a steam leak has occurred, the determination result is "leak." The vibration value is measured by the diagnostic device 10. The drain amount is the amount of drain discharged from the steam trap per predetermined time. In this embodiment, there are two types of drain amount: "large" drain amount and "small" drain amount. In this embodiment, the drain amount estimated (calculated) by the diagnostic device 10 (estimated drain amount) is used for the leak determination. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the determination result is output, the drain amount used for the leak determination can be changed (modified) to a drain amount input by the inspector (user) instead of the estimated drain amount. In this case, the leak determination is performed again based on the changed drain amount. Details will be described later.

[0020] Furthermore, the diagnostic machine 10 of this embodiment also identifies the region to which the measured vibration value belongs during diagnosis. Specifically, it identifies whether the vibration value belongs to a region R1 where the vibration value is determined to be normal regardless of the amount of drainage, a region R2 where the determination result varies depending on the amount of drainage, or a region R3 where the vibration value is determined to be leaking regardless of the amount of drainage (see FIG. 5). Details will be described later.

[0021] <Diagnostic machine configuration> 2 is an external view of diagnostic machine 10. Diagnostic machine (diagnostic device) 10 determines whether there is a steam leak from a steam trap. Diagnostic machine 10 has a vibration measurement unit 11, a temperature measurement unit 12, a memory unit 13, a calculation unit 14, a communication unit 15, input buttons 16, a liquid crystal display 17, etc.

[0022] The vibration measurement unit 11 measures the ultrasonic vibrations (vibrations) of the steam trap. As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration measurement unit 11 is provided at the tip of a rod-shaped probe 10a. Vibration measurement by the vibration measurement unit 11 can be performed by bringing the probe 10a into contact with the steam trap to be diagnosed (see, for example, FIG. 3). The vibration measurement unit 11 includes a known ultrasonic detection element (for example, a piezoelectric element). In this embodiment, one vibration measurement involves measuring ultrasonic vibrations for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds). The measurement data measured by the vibration measurement unit 11 is stored in the memory unit 13. The calculation unit 14 also calculates the RMS (Root Mean Square) of the vibration from the measurement data as a vibration value. Note that values ​​other than RMS may be used as the vibration value as long as they can be used for leak detection, etc.

[0023] The temperature measuring unit 12 measures the temperature (surface temperature) of the steam trap. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature measuring unit 12 is provided at the tip of a rod-shaped probe 10a. By bringing the probe 10a into contact with the steam trap (see, for example, FIG. 3), the temperature measuring unit 12 can measure the temperature. The temperature measuring unit 12 includes a known temperature measuring element (for example, a thermocouple). The measurement data measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 is stored in the memory unit 13. The calculation unit 14 calculates the temperature value from the measurement data.

[0024] The storage unit 13 is, for example, a semiconductor memory (such as a flash memory). The storage unit 13 stores relationship information in which pressure values ​​are associated with judgment thresholds for each drain amount. The relationship information is used for leak judgment. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining relationship information in which pressure values ​​are associated with judgment thresholds α and β. That is, FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining relationship information in which pressure values ​​are associated with judgment thresholds α (corresponding to a drain amount of "small") and relationship information in which pressure values ​​are associated with judgment thresholds β (corresponding to a drain amount of "large"). The horizontal axis of the graph indicates vibration value, and the vertical axis indicates pressure value.

[0025] The judgment threshold value α is used to judge a leak when the drain amount is "small." The judgment threshold value β is used to judge a leak when the drain amount is "large." As shown in Figure 4, the judgment threshold values ​​α and β increase as the steam trap pressure value increases. Furthermore, even for the same pressure value, the values ​​of the judgment threshold values ​​α and β differ. In other words, the judgment threshold values ​​are determined based on the pressure value and the drain amount. Then, if the measured vibration value of the steam trap exceeds the judgment threshold value, it is determined that a steam leak has occurred.

[0026] For example, if the steam trap has a pressure value P1 and a drain amount "small," a judgment threshold α1 is determined. If the vibration value exceeds the judgment threshold α1, it is determined to be a "leak." On the other hand, if the vibration value is equal to or less than the judgment threshold α1, it is determined to be "normal." Also, if the steam trap has a pressure value P1 and a drain amount "large," a judgment threshold β1 is determined. If the vibration value exceeds the judgment threshold β1, it is determined to be a "leak." On the other hand, if the vibration value is equal to or less than the judgment threshold β1, it is determined to be "normal."

[0027] The relationship information is received from, for example, the terminal device 20 and stored in the storage unit 13. The relationship information is, for example, function information.

[0028] The storage unit 14 also stores relationship information in which the surface temperature (temperature value) and vibration value are associated with the amount of drainage. The relationship information is used to calculate the amount of drainage (estimated amount of drainage). The relationship information is received from the terminal device 20 and stored in the storage unit 13, for example. The relationship information is, for example, function information.

[0029] The calculation unit 14 includes a CPU, memory (RAM), etc. The calculation unit 14 executes processing related to the diagnosis of the steam trap. Specifically, the calculation unit 14 calculates a vibration value from the vibration measurement data measured by the vibration measurement unit 11. The calculation unit 14 calculates a temperature value from the measurement data measured by the temperature measurement unit 12.

[0030] The calculation unit 14 also calculates the magnitude of the drain amount (estimated drain amount) of the steam trap. Specifically, the calculation unit 14 first calculates the drain amount (amount of drain discharged per predetermined time) from the measured vibration value and temperature value based on relationship information in which the temperature value and vibration value are associated with the drain amount. Note that the drain amount may be calculated based on the measured vibration value without using the temperature value, by referring to relationship information in which the vibration value is associated with the drain amount.

[0031] Next, the calculation unit 14 determines whether the calculated drain amount is large (second drain amount) or small (first drain amount). For example, the determination may be based on the ratio of the calculated drain amount to the maximum processing flow rate of the steam trap. Specifically, if the ratio is less than a reference value (10%), the estimated drain amount is determined as a "small" drain amount (first drain amount). If the ratio is equal to or greater than the reference value (10%), the estimated drain amount is determined as a "large" drain amount (second drain amount).

[0032] The magnitude of the drain amount (estimated drain amount) may be calculated using a value of 10% of the maximum processing flow rate as a reference value. In this case, if the calculated drain amount is less than the reference value, the estimated drain amount is specified as a "small" drain amount. If the calculated drain amount is equal to or greater than the reference value, the estimated drain amount is specified as a "large" drain amount.

[0033] The above-mentioned maximum processing flow rate and reference value may be received from the terminal device 20 and stored in the storage unit 13. Furthermore, since the vibration value, temperature value, and estimated drain amount are calculated by known methods, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0034] The calculation unit 14 also determines whether or not there is a leak in the steam trap based on the vibration value, the pressure value, and the amount of drain. The vibration value is the vibration value measured (calculated) as described above. The pressure value is, for example, a value indicating the pressure (inlet pressure) inside the steam trap. The pressure value is, for example, a value input by an inspector via the terminal device 20. For example, the inspector may input a pressure value measured by another device or an estimated pressure value. The amount of drain is, for example, the estimated amount of drain calculated as described above. The calculation unit 14 determines a determination threshold from the relationship information correlating the pressure value with the determination threshold, the pressure value, and the amount of drain (estimated amount of drain), and performs a leak determination by comparing the vibration value. As described above, if the vibration value is equal to or less than the determination threshold, it is determined to be "normal," and if the vibration value is greater than the determination threshold, it is determined to be "leak."

[0035] Furthermore, the calculation unit 14 identifies the region to which the measured vibration value belongs. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, it is identified which of regions R1 to R3 the vibration value belongs to. Region R1 is a region in which a normal judgment is made regardless of the amount of drain. Region R2 is a region in which the judgment result differs depending on the amount of drain. Region R3 is a region in which a leak judgment is made regardless of the amount of drain. As shown in FIG. 5, regions R1 to R3 are formed based on relationship information correlating pressure values ​​with judgment thresholds α and β and the pressure value of the steam trap. FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the relationship information correlating pressure values ​​with judgment thresholds α and β, the pressure value, and the region. FIG. 5 shows an example of regions R1 to R3 for the graph shown as an example in FIG. 4.

[0036] The calculation unit 14 identifies to which of the regions R1 to R3 the vibration value belongs, based on the pressure value and the relationship information in which the pressure value is associated with the determination thresholds α and β. Note that the result of the calculation unit 14 identifying the region to which the vibration value belongs may be referred to as an identification result.

[0037] An example will be described where the steam trap pressure is P1. In this case, region R1 is the range where the vibration value is equal to or less than the judgment threshold value α1. Region R2 is the range where the vibration value is greater than the judgment threshold value α1 and equal to or less than the judgment threshold value β1. Region R3 is the range where the vibration value is greater than the judgment threshold value β1.

[0038] For example, let us consider a case where the vibration value of the steam trap falls within region R1. In this case, the judgment result will be "normal" whether the drain amount of the steam trap is large or small. This is because vibration values ​​that fall within region R1 are equal to or smaller than the judgment threshold values ​​α1 and β1. In other words, when the vibration value falls within region R1, the judgment result will be "normal" regardless of the amount of drain.

[0039] Next, we will explain the case where the vibration value of the steam trap belongs to region R2. In this case, if the drain amount of the steam trap is large, the judgment threshold value becomes β1 and the judgment result is "normal". This is because vibration values ​​that belong to region R2 are equal to or smaller than the judgment threshold value β1. On the other hand, if the drain amount of the steam trap is small, the judgment threshold value becomes α1 and the judgment result is "leak". This is because vibration values ​​that belong to region R2 are greater than the judgment threshold value α1. Therefore, when the vibration value belongs to region R2, the judgment result will differ depending on the amount of drainage of the steam trap.

[0040] Next, we will explain the case where the vibration value of the steam trap belongs to region R3. In this case, the judgment result will be "leak" whether the drain amount of the steam trap is large or small. This is because vibration values ​​that belong to region R3 are greater than the judgment threshold values ​​α1 and β1. In other words, when the vibration value belongs to region R3, the judgment result will be "leak" regardless of the drain amount.

[0041] As described above, the calculation unit 14 identifies the region to which the vibration value belongs, allowing the inspector to identify whether or not a change in the amount of drainage is likely to change the judgment result. For example, the inspector can then select a course of action, such as changing the amount of drainage and re-judging for leakage, taking into consideration the judgment result, the amount of drainage, and the identification result. Details will be described later.

[0042] Furthermore, the calculation unit 14 performs a leakage determination again. Specifically, when an input for changing the drain amount is received, the calculation unit 14 performs a leakage determination again using the changed drain amount instead of the estimated drain amount. The input for changing the drain amount is performed, for example, by the inspector operating the input button 16 of the diagnostic machine 10. When a leakage determination is performed again, the previous values ​​for the vibration value, pressure value, etc. are used.

[0043] The vibration measuring unit 11 and the calculation unit 14 correspond to a measuring means for measuring a vibration value. The calculation unit 14 corresponds to an estimation means for estimating a drain amount and a determination means for determining leakage. The calculation unit 14 also corresponds to a specifying means for specifying a region to which a vibration value belongs.

[0044] The calculation unit 14 also controls the display of the liquid crystal display 17. For example, the calculation unit 14 causes the liquid crystal display 17 to display the determination results and the like.

[0045] The communication unit 15 has a communication circuit compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, and transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device (communication unit 24). For example, it transmits information related to the diagnosis that has been performed (vibration value, temperature value, pressure value, drain amount, vibration and temperature measurement data, judgment results, etc.) to the terminal device 20 (communication unit 24). Also, for example, the communication unit 15 receives a diagnosis request including various parameters based on the steam trap model, pressure value, etc. from the terminal device 20 (communication unit 24). The received information is stored in the memory unit 13. The various parameters based on the steam trap model include the related information exemplified in FIG. 4. The communication unit 15 corresponds to an acquisition means that acquires the pressure value of the steam trap.

[0046] Although the communication method used is Bluetooth (registered trademark), it is not limited to this. As long as it is possible to communicate with the terminal device 20, various communication methods such as Wi-Fi can be applied.

[0047] The input buttons 16 accept inputs such as operations to switch the information displayed on the LCD display 17. The input buttons 16 also serve as an input receiving means for accepting inputs to change the drain amount of the steam trap. The input buttons 16 also accept inputs for requesting a re-diagnosis of the steam trap and inputs for confirming the diagnosis of the steam trap (save inputs). The save input is performed to end the diagnosis, confirm the leak determination result, and save information related to the diagnosis, including the determination result. The LCD display (display means) 17 displays various information necessary for work. For example, when a steam trap diagnosis is performed, the LCD display 17 displays various information related to the diagnosis, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result screen displayed on the LCD display 17. The diagnosis result screen includes, for example, display areas 301 to 303. The display area 301 displays the leak determination result (normal, leak) and the temperature of the steam trap (temperature value). The display area 302 displays the pressure of the steam trap (pressure value). The display area 303 displays the drain amount (large, small) used in the leak determination and the identification result (the area to which the vibration value belongs). For example, while the diagnosis result screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 17, the inspector can input a change to the drain amount, input a request for another diagnosis, and input a save input. When a change to the drain amount is input, the display of the drain amount in the display area 303 is also updated.

[0048] The identification results in the display area 303 are displayed in a different color (e.g., red) from the other characters and in bolder font than the other characters. That is, the identification results are highlighted. Also, the results may be highlighted only when they belong to the region R2 where the vibration value is present. Also, the vibration value may be displayed on the diagnosis result screen.

[0049] <Configuration of terminal device> The terminal device 20 is, for example, a portable tablet computer. The inspector carries the terminal device 20 together with the diagnostic machine 10. The terminal device 20 executes an application program in the storage unit 22 to cause the diagnostic machine 10 to perform a diagnosis or the like in response to inputs from the inspector, and also transmits (uploads) information such as the leak determination results to the server device 30. The terminal device 20 has a touch panel 21, a storage unit 22, a calculation unit 23, a communication unit 24, etc.

[0050] The touch panel 21 is composed of a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and an input unit such as a touchpad. The touch panel 21 functions as an input / output interface for the inspector. For example, the inspector can input the steam trap model, pressure value, diagnostic request, etc. into the touch panel 21, which displays an operation input screen. The touch panel 21 also displays a diagnostic result screen for the steam trap. The diagnostic result screen displays information such as the leak determination results.

[0051] The storage unit 22 stores the above-mentioned application program, various steam trap parameters, etc., for each steam trap model. For example, relationship information correlating the above-mentioned pressure values ​​with the determination thresholds α and β, and relationship information correlating the surface temperature and vibration values ​​with the drain amount, are stored in the storage unit 22 for each steam trap model. Also, for example, the above-mentioned maximum processing flow rate, reference values, etc. are stored in the storage unit 22 for each steam trap model. The storage unit 22 also stores various information related to diagnosis, such as the leakage determination results received from the diagnostic machine 10. The storage unit 22 is a semiconductor memory (for example, a flash memory).

[0052] The calculation unit 23 controls the display of the touch panel 21. The calculation unit 23 displays, for example, the above-mentioned operation input screen and diagnosis result screen on the touch panel 21. The calculation unit 23 includes a CPU, a memory (RAM), and the like.

[0053] The communication unit 24 has a communication circuit compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, etc. The communication unit 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the diagnostic device 10 (communication unit 15). For example, the communication unit 24 transmits a diagnosis request to the diagnostic device 10, including various parameters based on the type of steam trap, pressure values, etc. Also, for example, the communication unit 24 receives information related to the performed diagnosis (vibration values, temperature values, pressure values, drain volume, vibration and temperature measurement data, determination results, etc.) from the diagnostic device 10. The terminal device 20 stores the received various information in the memory unit 22. Also, the communication unit 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 30 (communication unit 33) via the network N. For example, the communication unit 24 transmits information related to the diagnosis, such as the leakage determination results, to the server device 30. For example, information related to the diagnosis for one day is transmitted collectively to the server device 30 after the diagnostic work for that day is completed.

[0054] <Configuration of Server Device> The server device 30 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the terminal device 20 (communication unit 24) via the communication unit 33, and stores and manages various types of information about the steam trap, such as the determination results. The server device 30 is, for example, a cloud server existing on a network (in a cloud environment). The server device 30 includes a storage unit 31, a calculation unit 32, a communication unit 33, etc.

[0055] The storage unit 31 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 31 stores various pieces of information about the steam trap. In this embodiment, in the diagnostic system 100, the information stored in the storage unit 31 of the server device 30 serves as master data. The various pieces of information about the steam trap are stored, for example, in association with the management number of the steam trap.

[0056] The calculation unit 32 updates various types of information stored in the storage unit 31. For example, when a new judgment result for a steam trap is received, the calculation unit 32 adds the new judgment result to the information for the corresponding steam trap. The calculation unit 32 includes a CPU, memory (RAM), etc.

[0057] The communication unit 33 has a communication circuit compatible with Wi-Fi, etc. The communication unit 33 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 20 (communication unit 24) via the network N.

[0058] The server device 30 can be accessed from terminal devices (not shown) other than the terminal device 20, and various information stored in the storage unit 31 can be viewed from the other terminal devices.

[0059] <Operation of the diagnostic system> During the diagnostic work, an inspector moves around carrying the diagnostic device 10 and the terminal device 20, and diagnoses (determines leaks in) each steam trap installed in the steam plant one by one. The following describes the diagnostic work, focusing mainly on the work related to leak determination.

[0060] When the inspector reaches the steam trap to be diagnosed, he first inputs the model and pressure value of the steam trap to be diagnosed into terminal device 20. Next, the inspector inputs a diagnosis request into terminal device 20. As a result, terminal device 20 (communication unit 24) transmits a diagnosis request including various parameters based on the model of the steam trap, pressure values, etc. to diagnostic machine 10. Furthermore, upon receiving the diagnosis request, diagnostic machine 10 is ready to start the diagnosis.

[0061] Thereafter, the diagnosis is initiated by the inspector pressing probe 10a of diagnostic device 10 against the steam trap to be diagnosed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, probe 10a of diagnostic device 10 is pressed against the primary side of steam trap ST. This causes diagnostic device 10 to start measuring vibration, temperature, etc., and ultimately makes a leak determination (normal, leak). The determination results, etc. are then displayed on liquid crystal display 17, as shown in FIG. 6. The determination results, etc. are stored in memory unit 13, and are also transferred (transmitted) to terminal device 20 and displayed.

[0062] The inspector checks the judgment result, drain amount, specific result, etc. on the LCD display 17. Taking the judgment result, etc. into consideration, the inspector can select a course of action, such as adopting the current (displayed) judgment result (end of diagnosis), changing the drain amount and re-judging for leakage, or re-diagnosing. The reason for checking the specific result is that, as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the judgment result may change due to a change in the drain amount.

[0063] For example, if the vibration value belongs to region R1 or region R3, the judgment result does not change depending on the drain amount. Therefore, the inspector may select to accept the current (displayed) judgment result or to perform a re-diagnosis. That is, the inspector does not need to select the course of action of changing the drain amount and performing a re-diagnosis. In this case, for example, if the inspector himself / herself believes that the judgment result is correct, the inspector may select the course of action of accepting the current (displayed) judgment result. In this case, the inspector inputs a save command for the diagnosis in the diagnostic device 10. This causes the diagnostic device 10 to terminate the diagnosis. In addition, the diagnostic device 10 transmits information related to the diagnosis, including the judgment result, to the terminal device 20. This causes the information related to the diagnosis to be saved in the terminal device 20. In addition, if the inspector himself / herself believes that the judgment result is questionable, the inspector may select the course of action of performing a re-diagnosis. In this case, the inspector inputs a request for a re-diagnosis in the diagnostic device 10. This causes the diagnostic device 10 to be ready to start a re-diagnosis. The inspector presses the probe 10a of the diagnostic device 10 against the steam trap again, and the execution of the diagnosis is started again.

[0064] Next, for example, if the vibration value belongs to region R2, the inspector can choose to adopt the current (displayed) judgment result, change the drain amount and make a leak judgment again, or perform a diagnosis again.

[0065] For example, a case will be described in which the judgment result is "leak," the drain amount (estimated drain amount) is "small," and the vibration value belongs to region R2, as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, for example, if the inspector himself thinks that the judgment result is actually incorrect, or if he himself wants to change the drain amount to "large" to confirm and try a new leak judgment, the inspector can select the response of changing the drain amount and performing a new leak judgment. Specifically, he can input a command to change the drain amount to "large" into the diagnostic device 10. This causes the diagnostic device 10 to perform a new leak judgment with the drain amount set to "large." Note that the new leak judgment does not remeasure vibration values, etc. The new leak judgment is performed by changing only the drain amount, and using the vibration value, temperature value, pressure value, etc. used in the previous leak judgment. The inspector can then confirm the results of the new leak judgment and again consider which of the above-mentioned responses to select.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, even if the vibration value belongs to region R2, if the inspector himself / herself thinks that the judgment result is correct, the inspector may select the response of adopting the current (displayed) judgment result. Also, for example, if the inspector wants to perform a re-diagnosis including an estimation of the drain amount, the inspector may select the response of performing a re-diagnosis.

[0067] As described above, by understanding the region to which the vibration value belongs, the inspector can determine whether or not changing the drain amount is likely to change the judgment result. Therefore, if the vibration value belongs to region R1 or region R3, the inspector does not need to consider changing the drain amount. This prevents the inspector's workload from increasing.

[0068] In addition to checking the judgment results, drain volume, and identification results, the inspector may select the above-mentioned response by listening to the vibration sound of the steam trap through earphones connected to the diagnostic device 10, or by visually checking the condition of the surroundings (appearance) of the steam trap. Note that the diagnostic device 10 may be configured to output to the earphones a vibration sound that has been frequency-converted so that ultrasonic vibrations can be heard by a human.

[0069] 7 shows a flowchart of the diagnostic process. In the diagnostic process, leakage is determined primarily by measuring the vibration value of the steam trap. The calculation unit 14 starts executing the diagnostic process, for example, when the diagnostic machine 10 receives a diagnostic request from the terminal device 20. As described above, the diagnostic request includes various parameters based on the type of steam trap, pressure values, etc.

[0070] The calculation unit 14 executes a first calculation process (step S10). Specifically, the calculation unit 14 instructs the vibration measurement unit 11 to measure the vibration, and calculates the vibration value from the acquired measurement data, etc. As described above, the vibration measurement unit 11 starts measurement with the probe 10a of the diagnostic device 10 pressed against the steam trap.

[0071] Next, the calculation unit 14 executes a second calculation process (step S11). Specifically, the calculation unit 14 instructs the temperature measurement unit 12 to measure the temperature, and calculates the temperature value from the acquired measurement data, etc. As described above, the temperature measurement unit 12 starts measurement with the probe 10a of the diagnostic device 10 pressed against the steam trap.

[0072] Thereafter, the calculation unit 14 executes a third calculation process (step S12). In the third calculation process, the drain amount (estimated drain amount) is calculated from the measured vibration value, temperature value, etc. Next, the calculation unit 14 executes an identification process (step S13). In the identification process, the region to which the measured vibration value belongs is identified.

[0073] Next, the calculation unit 14 executes a determination process (step S14). In the determination process, leakage determination is performed based on the pressure value received from the terminal device 20, the measured (calculated) vibration value, the drain amount, etc. After that, the calculation unit 14 executes an output process (step S15). In the output process, information related to the executed diagnosis is stored in the storage unit 13. In addition, in the output process, a diagnosis result screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 17.

[0074] Thereafter, the calculation unit 14 determines whether or not to perform a re-determination (a second leakage determination) (step S16). The calculation unit 14 makes this determination depending on whether or not a change input for the drain amount has been made to the diagnostic device 10. If a re-determination is to be made (a change input for the drain amount has been made) (step S16: YES), the calculation unit 14 sets (changes) the drain amount to be used for the second determination (step S17). For example, the drain amount to be used for the leakage determination is changed from the estimated drain amount to the changed drain amount that has been input. Thereafter, the calculation unit 14 performs the determination process of step S14 again. Note that in the second leakage determination (determination process), the changed drain amount is used as described above, but the vibration value and other factors other than the drain amount are not changed.

[0075] On the other hand, if a re-diagnosis is not to be performed (no change to the drain amount has been input) (step S16: NO), the calculation unit 14 determines whether or not to perform a re-diagnosis (step S18). The calculation unit 14 makes this determination depending on whether or not a request for a re-diagnosis has been input to the diagnostic device 10. If a re-diagnosis is to be performed (step S18: YES), the calculation unit 14 proceeds to the first calculation process of step S10. This causes vibration values ​​and the like to be measured again to determine whether or not there is a leak. Note that the pressure values ​​and the like included in the initial diagnosis request are used and are not changed for the various parameters based on the steam trap model, such as the pressure values.

[0076] On the other hand, if re-diagnosis is not to be performed (step S18: NO), the calculation unit 14 determines whether to save the determination result and end the diagnosis (step S19). The calculation unit 14 makes this determination depending on whether or not a save input has been made to the diagnostic machine 10. If the diagnosis is not to be ended (step S19: NO), the calculation unit 14 proceeds to the processing of step S16. On the other hand, if the diagnosis is to be ended (step S19: YES), the calculation unit 14 executes a saving process (step S20). In the saving process, the calculation unit 14 causes the communication unit 15 to transmit information related to the confirmed diagnosis to the terminal device 20. That is, information related to the diagnosis including the determination result and the like last performed is transmitted to the terminal device 20 and stored in the memory unit 22. Thereafter, the calculation unit 14 ends the diagnostic process.

[0077] As described above, whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region where the judgment result differs depending on the drain amount can be identified, so a user such as an inspector can refer to the identification result and decide whether to input a change in the drain amount. Therefore, the user can efficiently determine what action to take in response to the judgment result of the steam trap leakage without increasing the workload.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the drain amount can be changed, but the judgment result may also be changed. This is effective, for example, when the inspector's judgment is to be prioritized in cases where changing the drain amount does not change the result of a re-judgment. In this case, the inspector may input a change to the judgment result on the diagnostic machine, similar to inputting a change to the drain amount. When a change to the judgment result is input, the terminal device transmits a notification of completion of the diagnosis to the diagnostic machine. The terminal device also transmits information regarding the diagnosis, including the changed judgment result, to the server device 30.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, various inputs related to diagnosis such as pressure values ​​are made in the terminal device, but inputs may also be made directly to the diagnostic machine. For example, inputs may be made by operating the input buttons on the diagnostic machine. Also, in the above-described embodiment, inputs for changing the drain amount, inputs for requesting another diagnosis, inputs for saving, etc. are made in the diagnostic machine, but these inputs may also be made in the terminal device. In this case, it is sufficient to send a request for change (request for re-determination), a request for another diagnosis, and an end of diagnosis from the terminal device to the diagnostic machine.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the pressure value of the steam trap is input by an inspector, but this is not a limitation. For example, the diagnostic device may acquire the pressure value by communicating with a pressure measurement device.

[0081] In the above embodiment, various parameters such as the relationship information associating the pressure value with the judgment threshold value are transmitted from the terminal device to the diagnostic machine, but the parameters may be stored in advance in the storage unit of the diagnostic machine. For example, the relationship information for each drain amount may be stored in the storage unit of the diagnostic machine for each model, and only the model to be diagnosed may be received from the terminal device.

[0082] In the above embodiment, there are two types of drain amount, "large" and "small", but this is not particularly limited to this. There may be three or more types.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the vibration value is specified to belong to one of three regions, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient to at least specify whether the vibration value belongs to a region where the determination result differs depending on the amount of drainage.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the determination results and the like are displayed on the diagnostic machine and the terminal device, but they may be displayed on only one of the diagnostic machine and the terminal device.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the diagnostic machine determines whether there is a leak, but this is not a limitation. A terminal device or a server device constituting the diagnostic system may also perform the determination. In this case, for example, the diagnostic machine transmits ultrasonic vibration and temperature measurement data, etc. to a device that performs leak determination. The device that performs leak determination may calculate vibration values, temperature values, estimated drain amounts, etc., and perform the leak determination. Also, for example, the diagnostic machine may calculate vibration values, temperature values, estimated drain amounts, etc. from the measurement data, etc., and transmit the calculated values ​​to the device that performs leak determination. The device that performs leak determination may perform the leak determination based on the received vibration values, temperature values, estimated drain amounts, etc.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the diagnostic device and the terminal device are distinguished from each other, but the diagnostic device and the terminal device may be integrated into one device.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the diagnosis is performed using a diagnostic device carried by the inspector, but the diagnostic device does not have to be portable. For example, a diagnostic device may be installed on the steam trap and periodically performed. In this case, the diagnostic device may transmit the results of the diagnosis to a server device via a communication network.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, a diagnostic system configuration including a server device, a terminal device, and a diagnostic machine has been described. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the server device and the terminal device are not provided, and the diagnostic machine itself functions as the diagnostic machine. In this case, for example, a diagnosis can be performed by operating input buttons on the diagnostic machine to input the steam trap model, pressure value, etc., and information related to the diagnosis, such as the judgment results, can be stored in the memory unit of the diagnostic machine. In addition, various parameters, such as relationship information relating pressure values ​​to judgment thresholds, can also be stored in advance in the memory unit of the diagnostic machine. [Industrial Applicability]

[0089] This is useful for enabling the user to efficiently determine the response to be taken in response to the steam trap leakage determination result while suppressing an increase in workload. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Diagnostic equipment 11 Vibration measurement section 12 Temperature measurement part 13 Storage section 14 Arithmetic section 15 Communications Department 17 LCD display 20 Terminal equipment 21 Touch Panel 30 Server device 100 Diagnostic Systems

Claims

1. a measuring means for measuring the vibration value of the steam trap; an estimation means for estimating a drain amount of the steam trap based on the measured vibration value; an acquisition means for acquiring a pressure value of the steam trap; a storage means for storing, for each drain amount, correlation information in which the pressure value and the determination threshold value are correlated; a determination means for specifying the determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on the relationship information corresponding to the estimated drain amount, and determining that there is gas leakage from the steam trap when the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; a determination means for determining whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determination means varies depending on the magnitude of the drain amount, based on the relationship information; a display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means, the drain amount used in the determination, and the identification result by the identification means; an input receiving means for receiving an input for changing the drain amount of the steam trap; Equipped with When an input for changing the drain amount is received, the determination means makes the determination using the drain amount for which the input for change is received instead of the estimated drain amount. A diagnostic device for a steam trap characterized by:

2. the estimation means estimates whether the drain amount of the steam trap corresponds to a first drain amount that is equal to or less than a reference value or a second drain amount that is greater than the reference value, the storage means stores the relationship information corresponding to the first drain amount and the relationship information corresponding to the second drain amount; 2. The steam trap diagnostic device according to claim 1.

3. The input receiving means further receives an input for changing the judgment result of the steam trap.

3. The steam trap diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The steam trap diagnostic equipment computer an estimation means for estimating a drain amount of the steam trap based on the measured vibration information; an acquisition means for acquiring a pressure value of the steam trap; a determination means for specifying the determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on relationship information correlating the pressure value with a determination threshold, the determination threshold corresponding to the estimated drain amount, and determining that there is gas leakage from the steam trap when the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; a determination means for determining whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determination means varies depending on the magnitude of the drain amount, based on the relationship information; a display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means, the drain amount used in the determination, and the identification result by the identification means; an input receiving means for receiving an input for changing the drain amount of the steam trap; It functions as When an input for changing the drain amount is received, the determination means makes the determination using the drain amount for which the input for change is received instead of the estimated drain amount. A diagnostic program for a steam trap, comprising:

5. a measuring means for measuring the vibration value of the steam trap; an estimation means for estimating a drain amount of the steam trap based on the measured vibration value; an acquisition means for acquiring a pressure value of the steam trap; a storage means for storing, for each of the drain amounts, correlation information associating the pressure value with a determination threshold value; a determination means for specifying the determination threshold based on the acquired pressure value based on the relationship information corresponding to the estimated drain amount, and determining that there is gas leakage from the steam trap when the measured vibration value exceeds the determination threshold; a determination means for determining whether the measured vibration value belongs to a region in which the determination result by the determination means varies depending on the magnitude of the drain amount, based on the relationship information; a display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means, the drain amount used in the determination, and the identification result by the identification means; an input receiving means for receiving an input of the drain amount of the steam trap; Equipped with When an input for changing the drain amount is received, the determination means makes the determination using the drain amount for which the input for change is received instead of the estimated drain amount. A diagnostic system for a steam trap, comprising:

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