Creep test system, creep test method, and program

Abstract

To provide a test system, a test method, and a program capable of efficiently performing a test under a high-temperature and high-pressure environment.SOLUTION: A test system according to the present disclosure includes a first container filled with hydrogen gas while maintaining the hydrogen gas at a predetermined pressure, a heating unit provided around the first container and configured to heat the first container from around the first container, a load applying member connected to a test piece and configured to transmit a load of a weight to the test piece, and a second container containing the first container and filled with nitrogen gas while maintaining the nitrogen gas at a predetermined pressure. The first container is provided with a strain gauge for measuring the strain of the first container by measuring a change in electric resistance, and the strain generated in the first container is measured.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a creep test system, a creep test method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen is one of the fuels that does not emit CO2 and is a key factor in realizing a carbon-free society. Therefore, when generating hydrogen using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) or turquoise hydrogen production equipment, the equipment must be durable enough to withstand the high temperature and pressure of hydrogen.

[0003] The strength of materials used in the above-mentioned devices deteriorates under high-temperature and high-pressure hydrogen environments, resulting in a decrease in creep life. However, creep tests to evaluate such materials require a long time, so there has been a demand for a simple creep test device in a hydrogen atmosphere.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that aims to improve the durability of testing equipment by enclosing the test specimen in a chamber, ventilating it with air using a compressor, and then installing a chamber containing an electric furnace outside the chamber, which replaces the air with an inert gas, in order to address the problem of durability issues with heating equipment and other components when creep tests are performed in a high-temperature environment of 1000°C or higher. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3596925 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 above was unable to efficiently perform creep testing on test pieces under high temperature and pressure conditions in a hydrogen-filled environment.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a creep test system, a creep test method, and a program that can appropriately perform creep tests in high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the creep testing system according to the present disclosure includes a first storage container filled with hydrogen gas at a predetermined pressure, a heating unit provided around the first storage container and heating the first storage container from the periphery of the first storage container, a load application member connected to a test specimen and transmitting the load of a weight to the test specimen, and a second storage container that contains the first storage container and is filled with nitrogen gas at a predetermined pressure, wherein the pressure inside the first storage container and the pressure inside the second storage container are values ​​within a predetermined range, and the first storage container is provided with a strain gauge that measures the strain of the first storage container by measuring changes in electrical resistance, thereby measuring the strain generated in the first storage container.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the creep testing method of the present disclosure is a creep testing method using a creep testing system, and includes the steps of acquiring both a strain measurement value from the strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value from the gas flow meter, determining whether the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stopping heating of the heating section when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the program of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer of a creep testing system to execute processing, and includes the steps of acquiring both a strain measurement value from the strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value from the gas flow meter, determining whether the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stopping heating of the heating section when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a creep test system, a creep test method, and a program that can appropriately perform creep tests in a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a creep testing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a creep testing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the test section of the creep test device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the electric furnace part of the creep testing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the electric furnace part of the creep testing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the preparatory steps of the creep testing method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of steps in the test stage of the creep testing method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device of a creep test system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the measurement data storage unit of the control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the threshold storage unit of the control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the control device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0014] (Configuration of creep test system) First, a creep test system 300 according to the present disclosure will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the creep test system according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the creep test system 300 according to the present disclosure includes multiple creep test devices 100, a control device 200, and a network N. Below, these components will be briefly described in order.

[0015] The creep test apparatus 100 is a test apparatus for performing creep tests on various test specimens. Specifically, the creep test apparatus 100 may perform creep tests on various test specimens in a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen gas environment that simulates the environment of components in an SOEC or turquoise hydrogen production plant. As shown in FIG. 1, the creep test system 300 may include multiple creep test apparatuses 100. That is, the creep test system 300 can simultaneously perform creep tests on multiple test specimens using the multiple creep test apparatuses 100. Details of the creep test apparatus 100 will be described later.

[0016] The control device 200 is connected to multiple creep test apparatuses 100 via a network N and controls the multiple creep test apparatuses 100 in an integrated manner. The control device 200 may be realized, for example, by a desktop or notebook PC (Personal Computer) or WS (Work Station). The control device 200 may also include a data logger that measures test data from the creep test apparatuses 100. The control device 200 may also be installed in a remote location away from the creep test apparatuses 100 and remotely control the creep test apparatuses 100.

[0017] The network N connects the creep testing apparatus 100 and the control apparatus 200 to each other in a wired or wireless manner so that they can communicate with each other. If the network N is wired, it may be realized by ETHERNET (registered trademark) as defined in IEEE802.3, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, or various control signal cables. If the network N is wireless, it may be realized by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as defined in IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The creep test system 300 described above allows creep tests to be performed efficiently because it is possible to simultaneously perform creep tests on multiple test pieces. Furthermore, as will be described later, the control device 200 can monitor the test status of multiple creep test apparatuses 100 and stop any creep test apparatus 100 that has developed an abnormality, allowing creep tests to be performed safely.

[0019] (Configuration of creep test equipment) Next, a creep test apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the creep test apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the creep test apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure includes a test section 10 and a second storage container 20. The components will be described below in order.

[0020] The test section 10 is a part of the creep test apparatus 100 that is responsible for the creep test. As shown in FIG. 2, the test section 10 is housed in a second storage container 20, which will be described later. The test section 10 includes, as its main component, a first storage container 1 that is filled with hydrogen gas maintained at a predetermined pressure (for example, a value in the range of 0.1 MPa to 10 MPa), and performs a creep test by applying a tensile load to a test piece 2 inside the first storage container 10 and measuring the strain of the test piece 2. The detailed configuration of the test section 10 will be described later.

[0021] The second storage container 20 is a pressure container that houses the test unit 10. The second storage container 20 is filled with nitrogen gas at a pressure within a predetermined range relative to the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the first storage container 1 (a value that can be considered to be zero differential pressure, for example, a difference of several tens of kPa). As shown in FIG. 2, the second storage container 20 has one end and the other end formed in a semicircular shape, and the portion connecting them is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second storage container 20 also has a pedestal provided therein for placing the test unit 10. The second storage container 20 may be designed to have pressure resistance capable of withstanding a predetermined nitrogen gas pressure (for example, a value in the range of 0.1 MPa to 10 MPa), and may be made of carbon steel, molybdenum steel, or stainless steel.

[0022] The second storage container 20 also has a supply hole through which nitrogen gas is supplied and a discharge hole through which the nitrogen gas is discharged. A discharge pipe equipped with a nitrogen purge valve that controls the amount of nitrogen gas discharged is connected to the discharge hole of the second storage container 20. A supply pipe equipped with a supply valve that controls the amount of nitrogen gas supplied is connected to the supply hole of the second storage container 20. The supply pipe is connected to a pump, and the nitrogen gas is supplied by the pump.

[0023] In this way, by providing the test section 10 inside the second storage container 20 filled with nitrogen gas and maintaining a predetermined pressure range between the first storage container 1 and the inside of the second storage container 20 outside it, it is possible to almost eliminate the pressure difference, thereby reducing the pressure resistance requirements for the first storage container 1. Therefore, the first storage container 1 can maintain its durability even if the pressure of the hydrogen gas filled inside is increased. In addition, the risk of hydrogen gas leaking from the displacement meter removal seal can be reduced.

[0024] (About the test section of the creep test equipment) Next, the test section 10 of the creep test apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the test section of the creep test apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the test section 10 of the creep test apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure includes an electric furnace section 11, a frame section 12, a weight section 13, a load application member 14, and a member support section 15. Below, these components will be described in order.

[0025] The electric furnace unit 11 houses the first storage container 1 and heats the first storage container 1 from the periphery thereof. That is, the electric furnace unit 11 is responsible for creep testing in a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen gas environment. As shown in FIG. 3, the electric furnace unit 11 may be disposed on the mounting portion of the frame unit 12. A detailed description of the configuration of the electric furnace unit 11 will be given later.

[0026] The frame 12 supports the weight of the electric furnace 11 and secures it to the base of the second storage container 20. The frame 12 may be formed with a four-point support structure having four pillars. The frame 12 may also include a mounting portion on which the electric furnace 11 is placed and an installation portion that secures it to the base of the second storage container 20. The frame 12 may be formed of, for example, stainless steel.

[0027] The weight portion 13 serves as a weight for applying a load to the test piece 2. The weight portion 13 may be realized by a plurality of cylindrical weights set to a predetermined weight. Furthermore, the weights may have a convex portion and a concave portion on the front and back surfaces, respectively, to prevent misalignment that would affect the direction of the load when stacked. The weights may be made of, for example, cast iron.

[0028] One end of the load applying member 14 is connected to the test piece, and the other end has a weight 13 placed on it. The load applying member 14 applies a tensile load to the test piece connected to one end by means of the weight 13 placed on the other end. The load applying member 14 shown in FIG. 3 is a first embodiment; the load applying member 14 in a second embodiment will be described later.

[0029] The member support portion 15 is a member that supports and restricts movement of the load applying member 14 in horizontal directions other than the vertical direction. The load applying member 14 is inserted into a through-hole inside the member support portion 15, and the member support portion 15 is fixed to the frame portion 12 to support the load applying member 14. Although not shown in Fig. 3, a first O-ring 6, which will be described later, may be provided at the sliding portion of the member support portion 15 that slides against the load applying member 14.

[0030] According to the configuration of the test section 10 described above, a creep test can be carried out by applying an appropriate tensile load to the test piece in a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen gas environment.

[0031] (Regarding the electric furnace part of the creep testing equipment) (First embodiment) Next, the test section of the creep testing apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the electric furnace section of the creep testing apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the electric furnace section 11 includes a first storage container 1, a test piece 2, a heating section 3, a test piece support section 4, a first flange section 5, a first O-ring 6, and a second O-ring 7. Below, these components will be described in order.

[0032] The first storage container 1 is a storage container filled with hydrogen gas at a predetermined pressure. The first storage container 1 is formed of a material and in a shape that can withstand the hydrogen gas pressure. One end of the first storage container 1 is connected to a first flange portion 5, which will be described later. The other end of the first storage container 1 is closed. The inner surface of the first storage container 1 may be coated with a resin (e.g., polyamide resin or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) that prevents hydrogen gas from passing through. Note that, by miniaturizing the test specimen as described below, the first storage container 1 can be made into a storage container of 80 L or less. Therefore, even if hydrogen gas leaks into the electric furnace, the hydrogen partial pressure can be kept below 4%, thereby reducing the risk of hydrogen gas combustion.

[0033] Strain gauges that measure strain in the first storage container 1 are attached to the first storage container 1. The strain gauges have a Wheatstone bridge circuit and measure the change in electrical resistance caused by the object being measured expanding and contracting when a force is applied to the object, thereby measuring the strain occurring in the object. Four strain gauges may be attached to the center of the first storage container 1 in the height direction, spaced at 90-degree intervals. This makes it possible to measure strain occurring in multiple locations on the first storage container 1.

[0034] The first storage container 1 also has a supply hole through which hydrogen gas is supplied and a discharge hole through which the internal gas is discharged. A discharge pipe equipped with a valve for controlling the amount of gas discharged from the inside is connected to the discharge hole of the first storage container 1. A supply pipe equipped with a supply valve for controlling the amount of hydrogen gas supplied is connected to the supply hole of the first storage container 1. The supply pipe is connected to a pump, and hydrogen gas is supplied by the pump.

[0035] The test piece 2 is a component to be subjected to a creep test. The test piece 2 may be a miniature test piece obtained by reducing the dimensions of a standardized test piece while retaining its shape. The test piece 2 may be a proportional test piece with a circular cross section machined by machining. The material of the test piece 2 may be an iron-based material, a nickel-based material, an aluminum alloy, a copper alloy, a titanium-based alloy, or the like. The test piece 2 may be connected to the fixing portion 41 of the test piece support portion 4 (described later) and the load-bearing member 14 via a jig. The test piece 2 may have a gauge diameter of 2 mm or less and a parallel portion length of 10 mm or less.

[0036] The heating unit 3 is provided around the first storage container 1 and heats the first storage container 1 from the periphery thereof. The heating unit 3 may be realized, for example, by an electric heater equipped with a heating wire. The heating wire may be formed of a resistance heating element such as a nichrome wire (NiCr alloy) or a Kanthal wire (FeCrAl alloy). The heating unit 3 is connected to a control device 200, which controls the start, maintenance, and stop of heating. The heating unit 3 may use a temperature measured by a thermocouple provided in the first storage container 1, a thermocouple provided in the test piece 2, or a thermocouple installed in the space between the first storage container 1 and the heating unit 3 as the test temperature of the test piece 2. The control device 200 may control both the test temperature of the test piece 2 and the temperature of the first storage container 1 to be the design temperature of the first storage container 1 (for example, a temperature in the range of 900°C or less).

[0037] The specimen support part 4 is a structural member that supports the specimen 2. The specimen support part 4 includes a fixing part 41 that is connected to the specimen 2, a column part 42 that supports the weight of the specimen 2 and the fixing part 41, and a beam part 43 that is connected to the fixing part 41 and the column part 42 and acts as a beam. The specimen support part 4 supports the specimen 2, and a load is applied from a load application member 14 provided on the opposite side of the specimen support part 4, thereby applying a tensile load to the specimen 2.

[0038] The first flange 5 is a member that supports the test piece support 4 and serves as the base of the first storage container 1. A cooling water through-hole through which cooling water passes is formed inside the first flange 5. A load member through-hole through which the load member 14 is inserted is also formed in the center of the first flange 5. A second O-ring 7 is provided between the second through-hole and the load member 14.

[0039] The first O-ring 6 and the second O-ring 7 prevent leakage of hydrogen gas from the first storage container 1 and seal the hydrogen gas inside the first storage container 1. The first O-ring 6 and the second O-ring 7 may be formed into an annular shape with a circular cross section, for example, from fluororubber or the like.

[0040] Although not shown in Fig. 4, the electric furnace unit 11 further includes a gas flow meter, a pressure gauge, and a thermometer. The configuration of these components will be described below in order.

[0041] The gas flow meter measures the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1. The gas flow meter may be, for example, an insertion type that is inserted into a pipe that supplies hydrogen gas, or an in-line type mass flow meter that measures directly. The mass flow meter may be realized by a Coriolis flow meter, a vortex flow meter, a thermal flow meter, or the like.

[0042] The pressure gauge measures the pressure inside the first storage container 1. The pressure gauge may be a Bourdon tube pressure gauge that mechanically amplifies the amount of deformation caused by pressure in a Bourdon tube and directly measures the gauge pressure. The pressure gauge may also be a diaphragm pressure gauge such as a semiconductor strain gauge type or a capacitance type. The semiconductor strain gauge type uses an electrical conversion element to detect the distortion of a diaphragm and measure the pressure. The capacitance type places an electrode on the opposite side of the diaphragm and measures the displacement of the diaphragm as capacitance.

[0043] The thermometer measures the temperature inside the first storage container 1 or the temperature of the first storage container 1. The thermometer may be, for example, a thermocouple. Specifically, the thermometer may be a Chromel (registered trademark)-Alumel (registered trademark) thermocouple (the thermocouple type symbol K specified in JIS C 1602), a Chromel (registered trademark)-Constantan thermocouple (the thermocouple type symbol E specified in JIS C 1602), a Nicrosil-Nisil thermocouple (the thermocouple type symbol N specified in JIS C 1602), a Copper-Constantan thermocouple (the thermocouple type symbol T specified in JIS C 1602), or the like.

[0044] (Regarding the electric furnace part of the creep testing equipment) Second Embodiment Next, the test section of the creep testing apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the electric furnace section of the creep testing apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the electric furnace section 11 according to the second embodiment includes a first storage container 1, a test piece 2, a heating section 3, a test piece support section 4, a first flange section 5, a first O-ring 6, a second O-ring 7, a third O-ring 8 (8A, 8B), and a second flange section 9. Of these, the first storage container 1, the test piece 2, the heating section 3, the test piece support section 4, the first flange section 5, the first O-ring 6, and the second O-ring 7 are the same as those according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The following describes the configuration of the electric furnace section 11 according to the second embodiment, including the third O-ring 8 (8A, 8B) and the second flange section 9, which are different from those of the electric furnace section 11 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the description also includes a load applying member 14 that is not a component of the electric furnace section 11 according to the second embodiment but is provided inside the electric furnace section 11 according to the second embodiment.

[0046] The load applying member 14 includes a first member 141, a second member 142, and a third member 143. The first member 141 has a weight 13 placed on one end thereof, and the other end thereof is connected to one end of the test piece 2. The second member 142 is provided at a predetermined distance from the first member 141, and includes a jig whose end is connected to the test piece 2, and the jig is connected to the test piece 2. The third member 143 is provided on the opposite side of the second member 142 with the first member 141 sandwiched therebetween, and includes a jig whose end is connected to the test piece 2, and the jig is connected to the test piece 2.

[0047] The third O-rings 8A and 8B seal out hydrogen gas. Similar to the first O-ring 6 and the second O-ring 7, the third O-rings 8A and 8B may be made of, for example, fluororubber and formed into an annular shape with a circular cross section.

[0048] The second flange portion 9 is provided below the first flange portion 5 in the vertical direction, and is provided therein with a first through hole through which the first member 141 is inserted, a second through hole through which the second member 142 is inserted, and a third through hole through which the third member 143 is inserted. A second O-ring 7 is provided between the first through hole of the second flange portion 9 and the first member 141. A third O-ring 8A is provided between the second through hole of the second flange portion 9 and the second member 142. A third O-ring 8B is provided between the third through hole of the second flange portion 9 and the third member 143.

[0049] According to the electric furnace section 11 of the second embodiment described above, when the inside of the first storage container 1 is filled with hydrogen gas, an appropriate tensile load can be applied to the test piece for the creep test.

[0050] (Creep test method) Next, the preparatory stage of the creep testing method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of steps in the preparatory stage of the creep testing method according to the present disclosure. The preparatory stage of the creep testing method according to the present disclosure will be described along the flow shown in Fig. 5.

[0051] First, the first storage container 1 is evacuated (Step S101). Specifically, a vacuum pump is connected to the first storage container 1 to suck out the air inside the first storage container 1. Next, the first storage container 1 is subjected to a nitrogen gas replacement process several times (Step S102). This eliminates oxygen inside the first storage container 1. Next, hydrogen gas is supplied to the first storage container 1 (Step S103). Next, gas sampling is performed when the exhaust system of the first storage container 1 is opened (Step S104). Next, the results of the gas sampling confirm that the oxygen partial pressure in the first storage container 1 is 4% or less (Step S105). Next, hydrogen gas is sealed in the first storage container 1, and the inside of the first storage container 1 is heated using an electric furnace (Step S106). Note that a small amount of hydrogen permeates from the first storage container 1, so pressure is accumulated by constantly supplying hydrogen gas.

[0052] This allows the first storage container 1 to be filled with hydrogen gas after oxygen has been removed from the inside of the first storage container 1, thereby reducing the risk of hydrogen gas combustion.

[0053] (About the testing phase) Next, the test stage of the creep test method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of steps in the test stage of the creep test method according to the present disclosure. The test stage of the creep test method according to the present disclosure will be described along the flow shown in Fig. 7.

[0054] First, a load is applied to the test piece using a weight (step S201). Next, the control device 200 acquires the strain of the first storage container 1 measured by a strain gauge (step S202). Next, the control device 200 monitors the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1 (step S203). Next, the control device 200 determines whether there is an accelerating behavior of the strain or the amount of gas supplied (step S204). Next, if there is an accelerating behavior of the strain or the amount of gas supplied (step S204: Yes), the control device 200 opens the nitrogen purge valve (step S205). Next, the control device 200 stops the heat generation of the electric furnace (step S206).

[0055] In step S101, if the accelerating behavior of the strain or the accelerating behavior of the supply gas amount is not detected (step S204: No), the process returns to step S202 and executes the subsequent steps.

[0056] After the test is completed, the outer diameter of the first storage container 1 may be measured, and the amount of expansion of the first storage container 1 may be measured. If the amount of expansion exceeds a predetermined amount determined from the results of the atmospheric rupture test, the first storage container 1 is replaced. This reduces the risk of damage to the first storage container 1 during the creep test.

[0057] According to the creep testing method described above, even in a creep test under a high-temperature, high-pressure environment, the measured values ​​of strain and supplied gas volume are monitored, and the creep test can be stopped if an abnormality occurs in either of the measured values. Therefore, a creep testing method that can efficiently perform a creep test under a high-temperature, high-pressure environment can be provided.

[0058] (Regarding the control device) Next, a control device of a creep test system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device of a creep test system according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 8, a control device 200 according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, a control unit 230, an input unit 240, and a display unit 250. The configuration of these components will be described in order below.

[0059] The communication unit 210 is responsible for transmitting and receiving information to and from external devices. The communication unit 210 may be realized by, for example, a wireless LAN card, a serial communication interface device such as USB or RS-485, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module, an antenna, etc. The communication unit 210 may also be realized by a HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) communication modem, a Profibus DP (registered trademark) communication connector, etc.

[0060] The storage unit 220 is a storage device that stores various types of information. The storage unit 220 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device may be realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device may be realized by a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk, or the like.

[0061] 8, the storage unit 220 includes a measurement data storage unit 221 and a threshold storage unit 222. An example of information stored in these components will be described below in order.

[0062] The measurement data storage unit 221 stores information related to measurement data. An example of information stored in the measurement data storage unit 221 will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the measurement data storage unit of the control device according to the present disclosure.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the measurement data storage unit 221 stores information relating to the items "measurement data ID," "time," "first strain measurement value," "second strain measurement value," "third strain measurement value," "first flow rate measurement value," "second flow rate measurement value," and "third flow rate measurement value."

[0064] "Measurement data ID" is an identifier that identifies the measurement data and is represented by a string or number. "Time" is information indicating the date and time when the measurement data identified by the "Measurement data ID" was measured. "First strain measurement value" is information indicating the measurement value of the first strain gauge attached to the first storage container 1. "Second strain measurement value" is information indicating the measurement value of the second strain gauge attached to the first storage container 1. "Third strain measurement value" is information indicating the measurement value of the third strain gauge attached to the first storage container 1. "First flow rate measurement value" is the measurement value of the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1 of the first creep test apparatus 100A. "First flow rate measurement value" is the measurement value of the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1 of the first creep test apparatus 100A.

[0065] Note that measurement values ​​of more strain gauges may be stored. Also, for each creep test apparatus 100, a measurement data ID may be stored together with a creep test apparatus ID that identifies the creep test apparatus.

[0066] That is, Figure 9 shows an example in which the measurement data identified by the measurement data ID "DTID#1" is stored in association with the first strain measurement value "FSTR#1-1," the second strain measurement value "SSTR#1-1," the third strain measurement value "TSTR#1-1," the first flow rate measurement value "FFR#1-1," the second flow rate measurement value "SFR#1-1," and the third flow rate measurement value "TFR#1-1," all measured at time "TM#1-1."

[0067] The information stored in the measurement data storage unit 221 is not limited to information relating to the items "measurement data ID," "time," "first strain measurement value," "second strain measurement value," "third strain measurement value," "first flow rate measurement value," "second flow rate measurement value," and "third flow rate measurement value," and information relating to any other measurement data may be stored.

[0068] The threshold storage unit 222 stores information related to thresholds. An example of the information stored in the threshold storage unit 222 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the threshold storage unit of the control device according to the present disclosure.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the threshold storage unit 222 stores information relating to the items "threshold ID," "first threshold," "second threshold," and "third threshold."

[0070] The "threshold ID" is an identifier for identifying a set of thresholds and is represented by a character string or a number. The "first threshold" is a threshold related to a measurement value that serves as a criterion for determining whether to stop a creep test using the first creep testing apparatus 100A, and may be a threshold related to a first strain measurement value or a threshold related to a first flow rate measurement value. The "second threshold" is a threshold related to a measurement value that serves as a criterion for determining whether to stop a creep test using the second creep testing apparatus 100B, and may be a threshold related to a second strain measurement value or a threshold related to a second flow rate measurement value. The "third threshold" is a threshold related to a measurement value that serves as a criterion for determining whether to stop a creep test using the third creep testing apparatus 100C, and may be a threshold related to a third strain measurement value or a threshold related to a third flow rate measurement value.

[0071] That is, Figure 10 shows an example in which a first threshold "FTHD#1", a second threshold "STHD#1", and a third threshold "TTHD#1" are linked and stored as thresholds identified by the threshold ID "THDID#1".

[0072] The information stored in the threshold memory unit 222 is not limited to information relating to the items "threshold ID," "first threshold," "second threshold," and "third threshold," but may also store information relating to any other threshold.

[0073] Next, returning to Fig. 6, the control unit 230 will be described. The control unit 230 is a controller that manages and controls the control device 200. The control unit 230 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like executing various programs stored in the storage unit 220 using RAM as a working area. The control unit 230 may also be realized by an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0074] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 230 includes an acquisition unit 231, a determination unit 232, a release unit 233, and a stop unit 234. The control unit 230 realizes these functions and executes these processes by reading and executing a program (software) from the storage unit 220. Note that these functions of the control unit 230 may be realized by electronic circuits. Furthermore, the control unit 230 may execute these processes using one CPU, or may be equipped with multiple CPUs that execute these processes in parallel. Below, these components will be described in order.

[0075] The acquisition unit 231 acquires various types of measurement data. For example, the acquisition unit 231 acquires measurement values ​​of strain gauges provided in the creep test apparatus 100 connected via the communication unit 210 and the network N. The acquisition unit 231 also acquires measurement values ​​of a gas flow meter of the creep test apparatus 100. The acquisition unit 231 may also acquire measurement values ​​of a pressure gauge of the creep test apparatus 100. The acquisition unit 231 may also acquire measurement values ​​of a thermometer of the creep test apparatus 100. After acquiring these measurement data from the creep test apparatus 100, the acquisition unit 231 stores the acquired measurement data in the measurement data storage unit 221 together with an identifier that identifies the creep test apparatus 100 from which the measurement data was acquired.

[0076] The determination unit 232 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the creep testing apparatus 100. Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines whether the acceleration behavior of the strain measurement value, i.e., the rate of change of the strain measurement value per hour, has exceeded a predetermined threshold, or whether the acceleration behavior of the flow meter measurement value, i.e., the rate of change of the flow meter measurement value per hour, has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

[0077] When the determining unit 232 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the creep test apparatus 100, the opening unit 233 opens the nitrogen gas purge valve of the creep test apparatus 100 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred. Specifically, the opening unit 233 generates a control signal to open the nitrogen gas purge valve and transmits it via the communication unit 210 and the network N to the creep test apparatus 100 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0078] The opening unit 233 may generate a control signal to simultaneously open the hydrogen gas purge valve and send it to the creep test device 100 that has determined that an abnormality has occurred. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the differential pressure between the first storage container 1 and the second storage container 20.

[0079] When the determination unit 232 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the creep test apparatus 100, the stopping unit 234 stops heating of the heating unit 3 of the creep test apparatus 100 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred. Specifically, the stopping unit 234 generates a control signal to stop overheating of the heating unit 3 and transmits the control signal via the communication unit 210 and the network N to the creep test apparatus 100 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0080] The input unit 240 receives various types of operation information. The input unit 240 may be realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. A user inputs various types of operation information, operation information for displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) showing various types of information, and the like, via the input unit 240.

[0081] The display unit 250 is a display device that displays various types of information. For example, the display unit 250 may display strain measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, temperature measurements, and the like acquired from the creep testing apparatus 100 in a time-series graph. The display unit 250 may be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, or the like.

[0082] The control device 200 described above can acquire measurement data during the creep test and stop the creep test if an abnormality occurs in the creep test apparatus 100. Since the control device 200 can be operated remotely from a distance from the creep test apparatus 100, the creep test can be performed safely. Therefore, the control device 200 can be provided.

[0083] (Hardware configuration) The control device 200 according to the above-described embodiment is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the control device according to the present disclosure. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

[0084] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as a RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device that stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases, and is realized by a ROM, HDD, flash memory, or the like.

[0085] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. The input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and is realized by a USB, etc.

[0086] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0087] The network IF 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0088] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0089] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the control device 200, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 230 of the control device 200 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040.

[0090] (Composition and Effects) The creep testing system 300 according to the first embodiment includes a first storage container 1 filled with hydrogen gas at a predetermined pressure, a heating unit 3 provided around the first storage container 1 and heating the first storage container 1 from the periphery of the first storage container 1, a load application member 14 connected to the test specimen 2 and transmitting the load of the weight to the test specimen 2, and a second storage container 20 that contains the first storage container 1 and is filled with nitrogen gas at a predetermined pressure, the pressure inside the first storage container 1 and the pressure inside the second storage container 20 being values ​​within a predetermined range, and the first storage container 1 is provided with a strain gauge that measures the strain in the first storage container 1 by measuring changes in electrical resistance, thereby measuring the strain generated in the first storage container 1.

[0091] According to this configuration, the pressure in the first storage container 1 and the pressure in the second storage container 20 that stores it are equalized, thereby reducing the pressure resistance requirements for the first storage container 1. Furthermore, since the strain during the creep test can be measured using strain gauges, the creep test can be performed safely. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep testing system 300 that can efficiently perform creep tests under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0092] The creep test system 300 according to the second embodiment is the creep test system 300 according to the first embodiment, and further comprises a gas flow meter that measures the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1.

[0093] According to this configuration, the creep test can be performed while monitoring the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage vessel 1 during the creep test, thereby ensuring the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep test system 300 that can efficiently perform creep tests under high temperature and high pressure environments.

[0094] The creep test system 300 according to the third embodiment is the creep test system 300 according to the first or second embodiment, and further includes a stop unit 234 that stops heating of the heating unit 3 when the rate of change per time of the measurement value of the strain gauge exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0095] According to this configuration, when the rate of change per unit time of the measured value of the strain gauge provided in the first storage container 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the heating unit 3 can stop heating. This ensures the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep test system 300 that can efficiently perform creep tests under high temperature and high pressure environments.

[0096] The creep test system 300 according to the fourth embodiment is the creep test system 300 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, and further comprises a first flange portion 5 which is a base member of the first storage container 1, and a first O-ring 6 is provided at the point where the first storage container 1 and the first flange portion 5 come into contact.

[0097] According to this configuration, the first O-ring 6 can appropriately suppress leakage of hydrogen gas from the first storage container 1. Furthermore, by using the first O-ring 6 to eliminate the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first storage container 1 and the second storage container 20, the strain gauge can be removed while suppressing leakage of hydrogen gas. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep testing system 300 that can efficiently perform creep tests under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0098] The creep test system 300 according to the fifth embodiment is a creep test system 300 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, in which multiple strain gauges are attached at 90-degree intervals in the center of the height direction of the first storage container 1.

[0099] This configuration makes it possible to measure strain at multiple locations on the first storage container 1 during a creep test. This ensures the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep test system 300 that can efficiently perform a creep test under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0100] The creep test system 300 according to the sixth embodiment is a creep test system 300 according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and the first flange portion 5 is provided with a cooling water through hole through which cooling water passes to cool the first flange portion 5.

[0101] According to this configuration, the first flange portion 5 can be cooled by cooling water. Therefore, even if the first flange portion 5 is heated by the heating unit 3 during the creep test, the first flange portion 5 can be appropriately cooled. This ensures the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep test system 300 that can efficiently perform creep tests under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0102] The creep test method according to the first embodiment is a creep test method using the creep test system 300 according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments, and includes the steps of acquiring both a strain measurement value from a strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value from a gas flow meter, determining whether the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stopping heating of the heating unit 3 when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0103] According to this configuration, by monitoring both the strain gauge measurement value of the first storage container 1 during the creep test and the flow rate measurement value of the hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1, heating by the heating unit 3 can be stopped when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the two values ​​exceeds a predetermined threshold. This ensures the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a creep testing method that can efficiently perform a creep test under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0104] The program according to the first embodiment is a program that causes a computer of the creep test system 300 according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments to execute processing, and includes the steps of acquiring both a strain measurement value from a strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value from a gas flow meter, determining whether the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stopping heating of the heating unit 3 when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0105] According to this configuration, both the strain gauge measurement value of the first storage container 1 during the creep test and the flow rate measurement value of the hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container 1 are monitored, and when the rate of change per unit time of at least one of them exceeds a predetermined threshold, heating by the heating unit 3 can be stopped. This ensures the safety of the creep test. Therefore, it is possible to provide a program that can efficiently perform creep tests under high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. First storage container 2 test specimens 3 Heating section 4. Test specimen support 5 First flange 6 First O-ring 7 Second O-ring 8 Third O-ring 9 Second flange 10 Testing Department 11 Electric furnace section 12 Frame section 13 Weight 14 Load-bearing members 20 Second storage container 100 Creep Testing Apparatus 200 control device 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 221 Measurement data storage unit 222 Threshold memory unit 230 Control Unit 231 Acquisition Department 232 Judgment section 233 Open area 234 Stop part 240 Input section 250 Display section 300 Creep Test System N Network

Claims

1. a first storage container filled with hydrogen gas at a predetermined pressure; a heating unit provided around the first storage container and configured to heat the first storage container from the periphery of the first storage container; a load application member connected to the test piece and transmitting the load of the weight to the test piece; a second storage container that stores the first storage container therein and is filled with nitrogen gas at a predetermined pressure; the pressure inside the first storage container and the pressure inside the second storage container are within a predetermined range; The first storage container is provided with a strain gauge that measures a change in electrical resistance to measure a strain occurring in the first storage container, and the strain gauge measures a strain occurring in the first storage container. Creep test system.

2. a gas flow meter that measures the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first storage container, The creep testing system of claim 1 .

3. and a stop unit that stops heating of the heating unit when a rate of change per unit time of the measurement value of the strain gauge exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

3. The creep testing system of claim 2.

4. a first flange portion that is a base member of the first storage container, A first O-ring is provided at a location where the first housing container and the first flange portion come into contact with each other.

4. The creep testing system of claim 3.

5. A plurality of the strain gauges are attached at a 90-degree pitch interval to the center of the height direction of the first storage container.

5. The creep testing system of claim 4.

6. The first flange portion is provided with a cooling water through hole through which cooling water for cooling the first flange portion passes.

6. The creep testing system of claim 5.

7. A creep test method using the creep test system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, acquiring both a strain measurement value by the strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value by the gas flow meter; determining whether a rate of change per time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold; and stopping heating of the heating unit when a rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Creep test method.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute processing in the creep testing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, acquiring both a strain measurement value by the strain gauge and a flow rate measurement value by the gas flow meter; determining whether a rate of change per time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold; and stopping heating of the heating unit when a rate of change per unit time of at least one of the strain measurement value and the flow rate measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. program.

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