Evacuation system and evacuation method

Abstract

This system provides an evacuation system that allows workers to easily select a suitable evacuation route in the event of an ammonia leak. [Solution] The evacuation system 1 includes an ammonia detection unit 30 that detects leaked ammonia, a plurality of lighting units 40 provided along a plurality of paths P, and a control unit 60 that, when ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, determines which of the plurality of paths P is suitable for evacuation and controls the lighting of the lighting units 40 accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evacuation system and an evacuation method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ammonia has attracted attention as an alternative fuel to fossil fuels. Ammonia does not contain carbon in its molecule, and does not generate carbon dioxide even when burned. Therefore, by including ammonia in the fuel, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere can be reduced. On the other hand, in plants, devices, equipment and the like that handle ammonia, safety measures may be established based on various laws and regulations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a working medium leakage detection device including a control unit that outputs an indication of working medium leakage when a first sensor detects a working medium while a second sensor does not detect the working medium. It is also disclosed that at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor includes a semiconductor sensor capable of detecting moisture, the working medium, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the event of an ammonia leak, in order to ensure the safety of workers, workers may be evacuated according to, for example, the degree of ammonia leak or various rules. However, when a plurality of routes exist, it may be difficult for workers to determine which route to take for evacuation.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an evacuation system and method that allows workers to easily select a suitable evacuation route in the event of an ammonia leak. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The evacuation system described herein comprises an ammonia detection unit for detecting leaked ammonia and a plurality of lighting units provided in each of the plurality of paths. The evacuation system includes a control unit that, when ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit, determines which of the plurality of paths is suitable for evacuation and controls the lighting of the respective lighting units.

[0008] The evacuation system may include a wind direction measuring unit for measuring wind direction. When ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit, the control unit may determine the most suitable evacuation route from among several routes based on the wind direction measured by the wind direction measuring unit, and control the lighting of the lighting units provided along the multiple routes.

[0009] The ammonia may include at least one of gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia. The ammonia detection unit may include a gaseous ammonia detection unit for detecting gaseous ammonia and a liquid ammonia detection unit for detecting liquid ammonia.

[0010] The evacuation system may include a detoxification unit for removing ammonia.

[0011] The evacuation system may include a detoxification unit that sprays an absorbent liquid that absorbs gaseous ammonia. The detoxification unit may include a plurality of nozzles for spraying the absorbent liquid. The control unit may control the detoxification unit to spray the absorbent liquid onto the gaseous ammonia using at least one of the plurality of nozzles, based on the detection result detected by at least one of the gaseous ammonia detection unit and the liquid ammonia detection unit.

[0012] The evacuation method relating to this disclosure includes an ammonia detection step for detecting leaked ammonia. The evacuation method also includes a step of determining which of several routes is suitable for evacuation when ammonia is detected, and controlling the lighting of the lighting units provided along each of the multiple routes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an evacuation system and evacuation method that allows workers to easily select a suitable evacuation route in the event of an ammonia leak. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an evacuation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the details of the ammonia utilization system, containment dike, ammonia detection unit, and pollution control unit. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows a part of the configuration of an evacuation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the procedure for determining the state of ammonia leakage. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the spraying state of the absorbent solution by the abatement unit when gaseous ammonia is not detected but liquid ammonia is detected. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the spraying state of the absorbent solution by the abatement unit when both gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia are detected. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the spraying state of the absorbent solution by the abatement unit when gaseous ammonia is detected but liquid ammonia is not. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Several exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, a evacuation system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ammonia utilization system 5, a liquid containment dike 20, an ammonia detection unit 30, an illumination unit 40, a wind direction measurement unit 45, a abatement unit 50, and a control unit 60.

[0017] The ammonia utilization system 5 utilizes liquid ammonia. The ammonia utilization system 5 may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of ammonia production facilities, ammonia receiving facilities, ammonia storage facilities, ammonia liquefaction plant facilities, ammonia transport devices, ammonia supply devices, and power generation plants that utilize ammonia.

[0018] The ammonia utilization system 5 includes at least one ammonia apparatus 10. That is, the evacuation system 1 is provided with the ammonia apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the ammonia utilization system 5 includes a plurality of ammonia apparatuses 10, and the ammonia apparatuses 10 are connected to each other by ammonia flow paths 11. The ammonia apparatus 10 utilizes liquid ammonia. In the present embodiment, the ammonia apparatus 10 includes a tank 12, a supply unit 13, and a gas turbine 14. The ammonia flow path 11 is provided with the tank 12, the supply unit 13, and the gas turbine 14.

[0019] Liquid ammonia is stored in the tank 12. The supply unit 13 receives the liquid ammonia stored in the tank 12. The liquid ammonia may be vaporized, and the supply unit 13 supplies at least one of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia to the gas turbine 14. The supply unit 13 may include, for example, a compressor, a flow rate control valve, and the like. Further, the supply unit 13 may include a vaporizer that vaporizes liquid ammonia to generate gaseous ammonia.

[0020] The gas turbine 14 includes a compressor 14a, a combustor 14b, a turbine 14c, and a generator 14d. The compressor 14a compresses air and supplies the compressed air to the combustor 14b. An ammonia flow path 11 is connected to the combustor 14b, and ammonia is supplied via the ammonia flow path 11. The combustor 14b combusts the ammonia using the air supplied from the compressor 14a. Combustion gas generated by combustion of ammonia in the combustor 14b is supplied to the turbine 14c. The turbine 14c is rotated by the combustion gas discharged from the combustor 14b. The compressor 14a is connected to the turbine 14c via a shaft 14e. Further, a generator 14d is connected to the turbine 14c, and the generator 14d generates electric power as the turbine 14c rotates.

[0021] The dike 20 retains liquid ammonia that has leaked from the ammonia equipment 10. The dike 20 is disposed below the ammonia equipment 10. The dike 20 receives and retains liquid ammonia that has leaked from the ammonia equipment 10 and fallen from the ammonia equipment 10.

[0022] The dike 20 includes a first dike 21 and a second dike 22. The first dike 21 is disposed below the tank 12, and receives and retains liquid ammonia that has leaked from the tank 12 and fallen from the tank 12. The second dike 22 is disposed below the supply unit 13, and receives and retains liquid ammonia that has leaked from the supply unit 13 and fallen from the supply unit 13.

[0023] The ammonia detection unit 30 detects ammonia that has leaked from the ammonia equipment 10. The leaked ammonia may include at least one of gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia. The ammonia detection unit 30 may include a gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and a liquid ammonia detection unit 32.

[0024] The gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 detects gaseous ammonia leaking from the ammonia equipment 10. The gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 is positioned above the ammonia equipment 10. Because ammonia has a lower density than air, this arrangement allows for high-sensitivity detection of gaseous ammonia leaking from the ammonia equipment 10. The gaseous ammonia detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 may be gaseous ammonia that has vaporized and leaked within the ammonia equipment 10, gaseous ammonia that has vaporized from liquid ammonia leaked from the ammonia equipment 10, or a mixture of these. The gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 may analyze the radiation spectrum of ammonia, or it may take in gaseous ammonia to detect its presence or absence.

[0025] The gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 may include a first gaseous ammonia detection unit 31a and a second gaseous ammonia detection unit 31b. The first gaseous ammonia detection unit 31a is positioned above the tank 12 and detects gaseous ammonia leaking from the tank 12. The second gaseous ammonia detection unit 31b is positioned above the supply unit 13 and detects gaseous ammonia leaking from the supply unit 13.

[0026] The liquid ammonia detection unit 32 detects liquid ammonia leaking from the ammonia equipment 10. The liquid ammonia detection unit 32 may detect liquid ammonium before it falls from the ammonia equipment 10 and reaches the containment dike 20, or it may detect liquid ammonia that has fallen from the ammonia equipment 10 and is stored within the containment dike 20.

[0027] The liquid ammonia detection unit 32 may be located within the containment dike 20. If liquid ammonia leaks, it will be stored within the containment dike 20. Therefore, with the above configuration, the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 can efficiently detect the liquid ammonia stored within the containment dike 20. The liquid ammonia detection unit 32 may analyze the radiation spectrum of ammonia or detect the liquid level of the liquid ammonia.

[0028] The liquid ammonia detection unit 32 may include a first liquid ammonia detection unit 32a and a second liquid ammonia detection unit 32b. The first liquid ammonia detection unit 32a is located within the first containment dike 21 and detects liquid ammonia leaking from the tank 12. The second liquid ammonia detection unit 32b is located within the second containment dike 22 and detects liquid ammonia leaking from the supply unit 13.

[0029] Multiple lighting units 40 are provided along multiple paths P. These paths P are routes for workers to evacuate. In this embodiment, the multiple paths P are installed outdoors and include a first path P1, a second path P2, a third path P3, a fourth path P4, and a fifth path P5. All of the multiple paths P are routes to which workers can evacuate in the event of an ammonia leak. Some or all of the multiple paths P may be installed indoors.

[0030] The wind direction measuring unit 45 measures the wind direction. The wind direction measuring unit 45 may be, for example, a wind turbine type wind vane or an ultrasonic wind vane. The wind direction measuring unit 45 may be an anemometer that measures both wind direction and wind speed. The wind direction measuring unit 45 may be installed outdoors. The evacuation system 1 may have at least one wind direction measuring unit 45, or it may have multiple wind direction measuring units 45.

[0031] The ammonia removal unit 50 removes ammonia. This configuration removes ammonia and reduces damage caused by ammonia. As a result, the space from which ammonia has been removed can be reused. The ammonia removal unit 50 may contain at least one of gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia. The method of removing ammonia is not particularly limited, and ammonia can be removed by various methods. The ammonia removal unit 50 may remove ammonia by, for example, liquid, foam, powder, gas, and chemicals.

[0032] The ammonia removal unit 50 may spray an absorbent liquid that absorbs gaseous ammonia. This configuration allows for efficient removal of gaseous ammonia. As a result, the space from which ammonia has been removed can be reused. The absorbent liquid may contain water. The water may be seawater, freshwater, or tap water.

[0033] The ammonia removal unit 50 may include a plurality of nozzles 51 for spraying the absorbent liquid. The ammonia removal unit 50 may spray the absorbent liquid onto the gaseous ammonia using at least one of the nozzles 51 based on the detection result from at least one of the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. This configuration allows for the selection of an ammonia ammonia removal method according to the state of the ammonia.

[0034] The abatement unit 50 may include a first abatement unit 50a and a second abatement unit 50b. The abatement unit 50 may include a plurality of nozzles 51. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 51 include a first nozzle 52 and a second nozzle 56. The first abatement unit 50a includes a first nozzle 52 for spraying absorbent liquid, a first pipe 53 connected to the first nozzle 52, and a first valve 54 provided in the first pipe 53 for supplying or stopping absorbent liquid to the first nozzle 52 by opening and closing. Absorbent liquid is supplied to the first pipe 53, and absorbent liquid is supplied from the first pipe 53 to the first nozzle 52. The second abatement unit 50b includes a second nozzle 56 for spraying absorbent liquid, a second pipe 57 connected to the second nozzle 56, and a second valve 58 provided in the second pipe 57 for supplying or stopping absorbent liquid to the second nozzle 56 by opening and closing. The second pipe 57 is supplied with absorbent liquid, and from the second pipe 57, the absorbent liquid is supplied to the second nozzle 56. The first pipe 53 and the second pipe 57 are connected to the main pipe 59. The main pipe 59 is supplied with absorbent liquid, and from the main pipe 59, the absorbent liquid is supplied to the first abatement section 50a and the second abatement section 50b.

[0035] The first nozzle 52 sprays an absorbent solution to absorb gaseous ammonia leaking from the ammonia equipment 10. The first nozzle 52 sprays the absorbent solution when, for example, the first valve 54 is open, and stops spraying the absorbent solution when the first valve 54 is closed. The first nozzle 52 is positioned above the ammonia equipment 10. Therefore, the first nozzle 52 can spray directly onto the ammonia equipment 10, and can efficiently absorb vaporized ammonia.

[0036] The second nozzle 56 sprays an absorbent solution so as to absorb gaseous ammonia leaking from the ammonia equipment 10. The second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent solution when, for example, the second valve 58 is open, and stops spraying the absorbent solution when the second valve 58 is closed. The second nozzle 56 is positioned around the first nozzle 52. Therefore, in a plan view, the second nozzle 56 is positioned around the ammonia equipment 10 and the containment dike 20. Thus, the absorbent solution sprayed by the second nozzle 56 absorbs gaseous ammonia diffused around the ammonia equipment 10 and the containment dike 20. Furthermore, the second nozzle 56 can spray the absorbent solution in such a way that it does not come into contact with liquid ammonia. For example, the second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent solution in such a way that it does not enter the containment dike 20.

[0037] The control unit 60 is a general-purpose computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), storage devices such as non-volatile memory, an input unit, and an output unit. The control unit 60 can control the abatement unit 50 based on a program stored in the storage device. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31, the liquid ammonia detection unit 32, the illumination unit 40, the wind direction measuring unit 45, and the abatement unit 50. Signals output from the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31, the liquid ammonia detection unit 32, and the wind direction measuring unit 45 are input to the input unit. The output unit outputs the results determined based on the input signals to the illumination unit 40 and the abatement unit 50.

[0038] When ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, the control unit 60 determines which of the multiple routes P is suitable for evacuation based on the detection result from the ammonia detection unit 30, and controls the lighting of the lighting unit 40 accordingly. The control unit 60 may also control the lighting of the lighting unit 40 by turning it on, blinking it, or turning it off. In addition, the control unit 60 may control the color or hue of the lighting of the lighting unit 40 so that workers can identify the route suitable for evacuation.

[0039] The control unit 60 may turn on or blink the illumination of the illumination unit 40 at the position furthest from the ammonia detection unit 30 that detected ammonia, and turn off the illumination of the illumination unit 40 at the position closest to the ammonia detection unit 30 that detected ammonia. For example, if the ammonia detection unit 30 located at the back of the first path P1 detects ammonia, the control unit 60 may turn off the illumination unit 40 of the first path P1 and turn on the illumination of at least one of the illumination units 40 of the fourth path P4 and the fifth path P5. The control unit 60 may turn on, blink, or turn off the illumination of only one illumination unit 40 in one path P, or it may turn on, blink, or turn off the illumination of multiple illumination units 40 in multiple paths P.

[0040] When ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, the control unit 60 may determine a suitable evacuation route from among multiple routes P based on the wind direction measured by the wind direction measuring unit 45, and control the lighting of the lighting units 40 provided along the multiple routes P. With this configuration, a suitable evacuation route is determined based on the wind direction. Therefore, even if the wind direction measuring unit 45 is difficult to see at night, workers can evacuate by taking a suitable route.

[0041] The control unit 60 may determine that an upwind path is a suitable path for evacuation based on the wind direction detected by the wind direction measuring unit 45. The control unit 60 may turn on or blink the lighting units 40 provided in the paths suitable for evacuation, and turn off the lighting units 40 provided in the paths unsuitable for evacuation. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 60 may determine that the fourth path P4 is upwind for the evacuation system 1 based on the wind direction measured by the wind direction measuring unit 45. The control unit 60 may turn on the lighting units 40 provided in the fourth path P4. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may turn off the lighting units 40 provided in paths P other than the fourth path P4.

[0042] The control unit 60 may control the ammonia removal unit 50 to spray the absorbent solution onto the gaseous ammonia using at least one of the multiple nozzles 51, based on the detection result obtained from at least one of the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. This configuration allows for the selection of an ammonia removal method according to the state of the ammonia.

[0043] The control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 sprays the absorbent liquid when gaseous ammonia is detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 does not spray the absorbent liquid when gaseous ammonia is not detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31. The control unit 60 may also control the abatement unit 50 so that the first valve 54 of the first abatement unit 50a is opened when the first nozzle 52 sprays the absorbent liquid, and the first valve 54 of the first abatement unit 50a is closed when the first nozzle 52 does not spray the absorbent liquid.

[0044] The control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent liquid when gaseous ammonia is detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the second nozzle 56 does not spray the absorbent liquid when gaseous ammonia is not detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31. The control unit 60 may also control the abatement unit 50 so that the second valve 58 of the second abatement unit 50b is opened when the second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent liquid, and the second valve 58 of the second abatement unit 50b is closed when the second nozzle 56 does not spray the absorbent liquid.

[0045] The control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 does not spray the absorbent liquid when liquid ammonia is detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. Depending on the ambient environment, such as ambient temperature and airflow, liquid ammonia may not vaporize immediately and may take on a complex form in which liquid, gas, mist, and aerosol are mixed. Therefore, the absorbent liquid sprayed by the first nozzle 52 may come into contact with leaked liquid ammonia. For example, a containment dike 20 is located below the ammonia equipment 10, and the absorbent liquid sprayed from the first nozzle 52 is stored in the containment dike 20 and may come into contact with the liquid ammonia in the containment dike 20. In such a case, the liquid ammonia may exchange heat with the absorbent liquid, which may accelerate the vaporization of ammonia. Therefore, by preventing the first nozzle 52 from spraying the absorbent liquid when liquid ammonia is detected, it is possible to suppress contact between the absorbent liquid and liquid ammonia, and to suppress the liquid ammonia from becoming gaseous ammonia.

[0046] The control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 sprays the absorbent liquid if gaseous ammonia is detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and liquid ammonia is not detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 does not spray the absorbent liquid if gaseous ammonia is detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and liquid ammonia is detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32.

[0047] The control unit 60 may control the abolition unit 50 so that the second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent liquid when gaseous ammonia is detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and liquid ammonia is detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32, or when liquid ammonia is not detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. With this configuration, gaseous ammonia can be absorbed into the absorbent liquid regardless of the detection status of liquid ammonia. Therefore, the amount of gaseous ammonia abolished can be further increased, and the abolition of gaseous ammonia can be further promoted.

[0048] The control unit 60 may determine that gaseous ammonia has been detected if the indicator of gaseous ammonia detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 is above a threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may determine that gaseous ammonia has not been detected if the indicator of gaseous ammonia detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 is below a threshold. Similarly, the control unit 60 may determine that liquid ammonia has been detected if the indicator of liquid ammonia detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 is above a threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 60 may determine that liquid ammonia has not been detected if the indicator of liquid ammonia detected by the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 is below a threshold. Indicators of ammonia include the concentration of ammonia, the intensity of the ammonia spectrum, and the liquid level of liquid ammonia.

[0049] The control unit 60 may control an alarm device (not shown) to sound an alarm when the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 detects gaseous ammonia. The control unit 60 may also control an alarm device (not shown) to sound an alarm when the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 detects liquid ammonia. The alarm device may, for example, alert nearby workers to evacuate safely and explain the situation.

[0050] The control unit 60 may control the abatement unit 50 so that the absorbent liquid and liquid ammonia do not come into contact, by spraying the absorbent liquid from one of the multiple nozzles 51 and not spraying the absorbent liquid from any of the nozzles, based on at least one of the wind direction and wind force measured by the wind direction measuring unit 45.

[0051] In addition, the evacuation system 1 may acquire images using, for example, a thermal camera or an imaging device capable of acquiring spectral intensity, and use the acquired images to detect ammonia and determine whether or not ammonia is present.

[0052] Next, the procedure for controlling the pest control unit 50 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0053] In step S1, if the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 detects gaseous ammonia (Yes), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 does not detect gaseous ammonia (No), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S3.

[0054] In step S2, if the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 detects liquid ammonia (Yes), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 does not detect liquid ammonia (No), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S5.

[0055] In step S3, as shown in Figure 5, regardless of whether the liquid ammonia detection unit 32 detects liquid ammonia or not, the control unit 60 controls the decontamination unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 and the second nozzle 56 do not spray the absorbent liquid. This suppresses contact between the absorbent liquid and liquid ammonia even if liquid ammonia is leaking. As a result, heat exchange between the absorbent liquid and liquid ammonia, preventing the liquid ammonia from becoming gaseous ammonia, can be suppressed.

[0056] In step S4, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 60 controls the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 does not spray the absorbent liquid, and the second nozzle 56 sprays the absorbent liquid. In step S4, because liquid ammonia is leaking, if the absorbent liquid is sprayed with the first nozzle 52, heat exchange will occur between the absorbent liquid and the liquid ammonia, and there is a risk that the liquid ammonia will turn into gaseous ammonia. Therefore, in step S4, the absorbent liquid is not sprayed with the first nozzle 52, but with the second nozzle 56. This suppresses the conversion of liquid ammonia into gaseous ammonia through heat exchange with the absorbent liquid, and also abates gaseous ammonia in the atmosphere.

[0057] In step S5, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 60 controls the abatement unit 50 so that the first nozzle 52 and the second nozzle 56 spray the absorbent liquid. In step S5, gaseous ammonia is leaking, but liquid ammonia is not. Therefore, in step S5, the absorbent liquid is sprayed by the first nozzle 52 and the second nozzle 56. This allows for rapid abatement of gaseous ammonia in the atmosphere.

[0058] The control unit 60 may repeatedly execute the processes of steps S1 to S5 at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] Next, the effects of the evacuation system 1 and evacuation method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0060] The evacuation system 1 according to this embodiment includes an ammonia detection unit 30 for detecting leaked ammonia and a plurality of lighting units 40 provided along a plurality of paths P. The evacuation system 1 includes a control unit 60 that, when ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, determines which of the plurality of paths P is suitable for evacuation and controls the lighting of the lighting units 40 accordingly.

[0061] The evacuation method according to this embodiment includes an ammonia detection step for detecting leaked ammonia. The evacuation method includes a step of determining which of a plurality of paths P is suitable for evacuation when ammonia is detected, and controlling the illumination of the illumination units 40 provided in each of the plurality of paths P.

[0062] According to the evacuation system 1 and evacuation method of this embodiment, when ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, the system determines a suitable evacuation route from among multiple routes P based on the results detected by the ammonia detection unit 30. The control unit 60 then controls the lighting of the lighting units 40 provided along the multiple routes P. As a result, workers can easily recognize a suitable evacuation route. Therefore, in the event of an ammonia leak, workers can easily select a suitable evacuation route.

[0063] The evacuation system 1 may include a wind direction measuring unit 45 for measuring wind direction. When ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit 30, the control unit 60 may determine a suitable evacuation route from among multiple routes P based on the wind direction measured by the wind direction measuring unit 45, and control the lighting of the lighting units 40 provided along the multiple routes P. With this configuration, a suitable evacuation route is determined based on the wind direction. Therefore, even if the wind direction measuring unit 45 is difficult to see at night, workers can evacuate by taking a suitable route.

[0064] Ammonia may include at least one of gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia. The ammonia detection unit 30 may include a gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 for detecting gaseous ammonia and a liquid ammonia detection unit 32 for detecting liquid ammonia. With this configuration, ammonia can be detected by the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. Therefore, even if ammonia leaks from the ammonia equipment 10, the ammonia can be appropriately detected. Furthermore, since ammonia can be detected according to its state, it becomes possible to take appropriate action according to the state of the ammonia.

[0065] The evacuation system 1 may include a detoxification unit 50 for detoxifying ammonia. With such a configuration, ammonia can be removed and damage caused by ammonia can be reduced. Therefore, the space from which ammonia has been removed can be reused.

[0066] The evacuation system 1 may include a detoxification unit 50 that sprays an absorbent liquid to absorb gaseous ammonia. The detoxification unit 50 may include a plurality of nozzles 51 for spraying the absorbent liquid. The control unit 60 may control the detoxification unit 50 to spray the absorbent liquid onto the gaseous ammonia using at least one of the nozzles 51, based on the detection result detected by at least one of the gaseous ammonia detection unit 31 and the liquid ammonia detection unit 32. This configuration allows for the selection of an ammonia detoxification method according to the state of the ammonia.

[0067] Although several embodiments have been described, it is possible to modify or transform the embodiments based on the above disclosure. All components of the above embodiments, and all features described in the claims, may be taken individually and combined, provided that they do not conflict with each other.

[0068] This disclosure can contribute, for example, to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all," and Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1. Evacuation System 20 Liquid dike 30 Ammonia detection unit 31. Ammonia gas detection unit 32 Liquid ammonia detection unit 40 Lighting Section 45 Wind direction measuring section 50 Harm abatement department 51 nozzles 60 Control Unit P path

Claims

1. An ammonia detection unit that detects leaked ammonia, Multiple lighting units are provided along multiple paths, When ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit, the control unit determines the most suitable route for evacuation from among the multiple routes and controls the illumination of the lighting unit accordingly. An evacuation system equipped with this system.

2. It is equipped with a wind direction measuring unit that measures wind direction, The evacuation system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when ammonia is detected by the ammonia detection unit, determines a suitable evacuation route from among the plurality of routes based on the wind direction measured by the wind direction measuring unit, and controls the lighting of the lighting units provided in the plurality of routes.

3. The ammonia mentioned above includes at least one of gaseous ammonia and liquid ammonia. The retraction system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ammonia detection unit includes a gaseous ammonia detection unit for detecting gaseous ammonia and a liquid ammonia detection unit for detecting liquid ammonia.

4. The evacuation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detoxification unit for detoxifying the ammonia.

5. The evacuation system includes a detoxification unit that sprays an absorbent liquid that absorbs the gaseous ammonia, The detoxification unit includes a plurality of nozzles for spraying the absorbent liquid. The evacuation system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the abatement unit to spray the absorbent liquid onto the gaseous ammonia using at least one of the plurality of nozzles, based on the detection result detected by at least one of the gaseous ammonia detection unit and the liquid ammonia detection unit.

6. An ammonia detection process for detecting leaked ammonia, When ammonia is detected, the process involves determining the most suitable route for evacuation from among multiple routes, and controlling the lighting of the lighting units provided along each of the multiple routes. Evacuation methods, including those mentioned above.

Images