Piping inspection method

Abstract

To provide a pipe inspection method for identifying a portion where a water leakage hole exists in a pipe without visually inspecting the pipe. [Solution] The method includes an injection step of injecting fluorescent liquid, each of which has a different fluorescent color for each inlet, into the piping via multiple inlets of the piping, and an identification step of identifying a partial piping among multiple partial pipings contained in the piping that has a leak hole based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from a leak hole in the piping, wherein the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from a leak hole in the piping is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing multiple fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via multiple inlets.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a piping inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] The water supply or sewage pipes installed in buildings may develop leak holes due to deterioration, etc. In such cases, water leaking from the leak hole may reach the floor of the structure below the pipes, the ceiling of the structure on the floor below, or the ceiling or walls of the room, causing severe damage.

[0003] When a plumber receives a call from a resident, he or she will repair the leak, but before that, they must stop the water from leaking and drain the water, and then identify the location of the leak.

[0004] However, the piping is arranged in a narrow, dark, and obstructed space between the floor of the building structure and the floor of the room, and the leak hole is small, so it is difficult for a plumber to find the leak hole by visually inspecting the piping. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-250116 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting a building for leaks using a plurality of types of luminescent inspection liquids with different luminescent colors. According to this method, the correspondence between the defective portion (the portion where rainwater has entered) and the seepage portion can be grasped based on the luminescent color. According to this method, when seepage of the luminescent inspection liquid is confirmed from only one portion and the luminescent color is a mixture of colors, the merging of the intrusion paths can be confirmed. However, it is difficult to investigate the route taken by the luminescent inspection liquid inside the building to reach the seepage portion from the defective portion.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a pipe inspection method for identifying a portion of a pipe where a water leak hole exists without visually inspecting the pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a piping inspection method, comprising: an injection step of injecting fluorescent liquid, each of which has a different fluorescent color for each inlet, into a piping via a plurality of inlets of the piping; and an identification step of identifying a partial piping containing a leak hole among a plurality of partial pipings included in the piping, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from a leak hole in the piping, wherein the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from a leak hole in the piping is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing the plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via the plurality of inlets. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a portion of a pipe where a water leakage hole exists can be identified without visually inspecting the pipe. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a house in which a piping inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is carried out, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing a piping system installed in the house. [Diagram 2]2 is a flowchart for explaining a piping inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing details of the partial pipe identification process shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining Examples 1 and 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the sixth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a seventh embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in which pipes to be inspected for water leaks are arranged. The building is assumed to be, for example, a high-rise apartment building or a low- or mid-rise apartment building, but may also be a detached house. The part indicated by reference numeral 101 corresponds to a pillar or wall of the building frame. The part indicated by reference numeral 102 corresponds to a floor of the building frame. Reference numeral 102a indicates the floor of the building frame, and reference numeral 102b indicates the ceiling of the building frame. Reference numeral 104 indicates a wall of a room 103, reference numeral 105 indicates the floor of the room, and reference numeral 106 indicates the ceiling of the room.

[0013] FIG. 1(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a piping set and the like arranged in the area indicated by the dashed line frame 107 in FIG. 1(a) (the area sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building frame and the floor 105 of the room).

[0014] The sewage piping set includes a normal sewage piping set 111 and a wastewater piping set 112. The piping set 111 is for drainage from the kitchen plumbing, the bath plumbing, the washbasin and washing machine plumbing, the bath plumbing, etc. The piping set 112 is for drainage from the toilet plumbing.

[0015] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining a piping inspection method to be described later, and shows a piping set 111 in a schematic manner.

[0016] 1(b) and 4(a), the piping set 111 has a plurality of partial pipes S1 to S7. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S1 through a drain outlet E1. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S2 through a drain outlet E2. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S4 through a drain outlet E4. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S6 through a drain outlet E6.

[0017] Partial pipes S1 and S2 join into one partial pipe S3 at a joint J3. Partial pipes S3 and S4 join into one partial pipe S5 at a joint J5. Partial pipes S5 and S6 join into one partial pipe S7 at a joint J7. The outlet of partial pipe S7 is connected to pipe 115 that extends vertically along a column or wall of the building structure.

[0018] Here, the joints J3, J5, and J7 may be independent of the partial pipes, or may be part of any of the partial pipes. For example, the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 may be one partial pipe, and the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6 may be connected to the side of this one pipe. Even in such a case, the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 conceptually exist.

[0019] Wastewater flows into the pipe S8 included in the pipe set 112 through a drain outlet E8. The pipe S8 communicates with a pipe 116 that extends vertically along a pillar or wall of the building frame.

[0020] Although not shown in FIG. 1(b), the drain outlet (not shown) of bathtub 113 and the drain outlet (not shown) of washing area 114 of the bath correspond to any of drain outlets E1 to E6.

[0021] 1(a) and 1(b) show a state where a water leakage hole occurs in the piping set 111 or the piping set 112, and a liquid pool 121, 122, 123, or 124 due to the water leakage occurs on the floor 102a of the structure, the ceiling 102b of the structure of the floor below, the ceiling 106 of the room below, or the ceiling and wall of the room below. Based on the positions of the liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124, it is not possible to confirm whether the water leakage occurs in the piping set 111 or the piping set 112. Furthermore, even if the water leakage occurs in the piping set 111, it is not possible to confirm which part of the piping set 111 has the water leakage hole based on the positions of the liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124. In the following explanation, the puddle 121 refers to puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124, or any other puddle caused by water leakage, including puddles that are difficult to find. Also, the explanation is based on the premise that if fluorescent liquid leaks from any of the leakage holes, puddle 121 will necessarily occur, and if fluorescent liquid does not leak from any of the leakage holes, puddle 121 will necessarily not occur.

[0022] A plumbing contractor who is notified by a resident or the like who has discovered a water leak inspects the piping set 111 and the piping set 112 before repairing the leak, and identifies the location of the leak hole in the pipe that is causing the water leak.

[0023] In this embodiment, the piping contractor inspects the piping set 111 using a piping inspection method in accordance with the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, this inspection may be performed by someone other than the piping contractor. For example, it may be performed by a person who specializes in inspection. In the following description, the piping set 111 will be simply referred to as piping 111, and the piping set 112 will be simply referred to as piping 112.

[0024] This piping inspection method includes an injection step (S203) of injecting fluorescent liquid having a different fluorescent color (e.g., red, green and blue) for each inlet into the piping 111 through multiple inlets Ei (e.g., E1, E2 and E4) of the piping 111, and a partial piping identification process step (S206) of identifying a partial piping Sj (e.g., S1) that has a leakage hole Hj (e.g., H1) among multiple partial pipings Sk (e.g., S1 to S7) included in the piping 111 based on the fluorescent color (e.g., red) of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leakage hole Hj (e.g., H1) in the piping 111.

[0025] When the fluorescent liquid leaks from the leak hole Hj of the pipe 111, for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid is generated. A plumber irradiates the liquid pool 121 with a black light to confirm the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid.

[0026] 2, in S201, the plumbing contractor determines which drain outlets will be used to pour fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color into the piping 111. Here, as will be described later, for example, it is determined that red fluorescent liquid, green fluorescent liquid, and blue fluorescent liquid will be poured into three upstream drain outlets out of the four drain outlets, respectively.

[0027] Next, in S202, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S201, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0028] Next, in S203, the plumbing worker pours fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color determined based on the color assignment information into the pipe 111 from a drain outlet determined based on the color assignment information recorded in S201.

[0029] Next, in S204, the plumbing worker checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked. Here, the plumbing worker does not check by directly inspecting the pipe 111, but checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked based on whether a new puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid has appeared, for example. Here, as described above, it is difficult to identify the position of the leak hole from the position where the puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid exists.

[0030] When it is confirmed in S204 that the fluorescent liquid has leaked, the plumbing worker checks the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid in S205.

[0031] If it is confirmed in S204 that no fluorescent liquid has leaked, the plumbing worker omits S205.

[0032] Next, in S206, the plumbing technician executes a partial pipe identification process. Here, the partial pipe identification process is basically a process for identifying a partial pipe where a water leak exists, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0033] Next, in S207, the plumbing engineer determines whether or not the partial plumbing was identified in S206.

[0034] If it is confirmed in S207 that the partial piping was identified in S206, the process ends. In this case, the piping worker records the identification information of the partial piping that was identified in S206, which was executed immediately before, in, for example, a workbook.

[0035] If it is confirmed in S207 that a partial piping could not be identified in S206, the plumbing contractor determines in S208 which drain outlet and which color of fluorescent liquid will be poured into the piping 111 next time. Here, as will be described later, for example, it is determined that a red fluorescent liquid and a green fluorescent liquid will be poured into the two downstream drain outlets out of the four drain outlets, respectively.

[0036] If the result in S207 is NO, depending on the situation, the process may be interrupted without proceeding to S208. For example, if it is found that there is a high probability that there are multiple leak holes, the process may be interrupted. Also, if it is not possible to narrow down the partial pipe to one, but it is possible to narrow down the partial pipe to two partial pipes, the process may be interrupted.

[0037] Next, in S209, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S208, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0038] Next, the puddle 121 and the like are wiped off so that they do not mix with the fluorescent liquid leaking from the pipe 111 in the next and subsequent steps. In addition to this, or instead of this, it is also possible to wait for a predetermined time, because by doing so, the puddle 121 may become smaller or disappear.

[0039] From S210, the process returns to S203, and the processes from S203 are repeated.

[0040] Next, the partial pipe identification process (S206) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0041] First, in S301, the plumbing worker obtains color allocation information. As described above, the color allocation information is information on which drain outlet a fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the piping 111, and is recorded in, for example, a workbook in S202 or in S209 executed immediately before.

[0042] Next, in S302, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying a partial pipe in which a leak hole exists, based only on the color allocation information and the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0043] Next, in S303, the plumbing engineer determines whether or not the partial piping in which the leak hole exists has been uniquely identified in S302.

[0044] If it is confirmed in S303 that the partial piping in which the leak hole exists has been uniquely identified in S302, the piping contractor records, in S310, the identification information of the partial piping in which the leak hole exists that was identified in S302, for example, in a workbook, and concludes in S311 that the partial piping has been identified.

[0045] If it is confirmed in S303 that a partial piping having a leak hole could not be uniquely identified in S302, the plumbing contractor obtains in S304 a list of partial piping for which it has been uniquely confirmed that no leak holes exist (also called a "white list").

[0046] Here, a partial piping for which it has been uniquely confirmed that there is no leak hole is a partial piping that falls under (a) or (b) below.

[0047] (a) (a1) Since fluorescent liquid of a specified fluorescent color flows only in that portion of the piping, (a2) It is a partial pipe in which the presence of a leak hole in the partial pipe can be confirmed only by the fact that the fluorescent color of the leaked fluorescent liquid is a specified fluorescent color. (a3) A portion of the piping where the fluorescent color of the leaked fluorescent liquid was a different fluorescent color, or where the fluorescent liquid did not leak and therefore could not be confirmed. (b) (b1) A fluorescent liquid of a predetermined fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe and one or more other partial pipes, The fact that the fluorescent color of the leaked fluorescent liquid is the specified fluorescent color alone does not confirm the existence of a leak hole in that part of the piping, (b2) A partial pipe in which it is possible to confirm that a leak hole exists in the partial pipe by deleting the partial pipe registered in the white list from two or more partial pipes that are identified as candidates for a partial pipe having a leak hole because the fluorescent color of the leaked fluorescent liquid is a predetermined fluorescent color, (b3) A portion of the piping where the fluorescent color of the leaked fluorescent liquid was a different fluorescent color, or where the fluorescent liquid did not leak and therefore could not be confirmed. Next, in S305, the plumbing technician executes a process of uniquely identifying a partial pipe having a leak hole based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the white list.

[0048] Next, in S306, the plumbing engineer determines whether or not the partial piping in which the leak hole exists has been uniquely identified in S305.

[0049] If it is confirmed in S306 that the partial piping in which the leak hole exists has been uniquely identified in S305, the plumbing worker records, in S310, the identification information of the partial piping in which the leak hole exists that was identified in S305, for example, in a work book, and concludes in S311 that the partial piping has been identified.

[0050] If it is confirmed in S306 that the partial piping in which the leak hole exists could not be uniquely identified in S305, the plumbing technician checks in S307 whether there is any partial piping in which the leak hole could not be uniquely identified based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole in the partial piping.

[0051] If there is a partial pipe that the plumber has not been able to uniquely confirm as having a leak hole, in S308, the plumber adds such a partial pipe to the whitelist.

[0052] Next, in S309, the court concludes that the plumber failed to identify the partial plumbing.

[0053] Next, the pipe inspection method will be described using several examples. It is assumed that a resident or the like reports that there is actually a water leak, and that there is one water leak hole in the pipe 111. This is because the probability that one water leak hole occurs in the pipe is very low, and the probability that multiple water leak holes occur simultaneously in the pipe is even lower.

[0054] [Example 1] 4(a) and 4(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 1. In Example 1, first, as shown in FIG. 4(a), fluorescent liquids having red, green and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from three drain outlets E1, E2 and E4 on the upstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe, and then, as shown in FIG. 4(b), fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E4 and E6 on the downstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. The pipe inspection method shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b).

[0055] In S201, the plumbing contractor determines from which drain outlet a fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color is to be poured into the piping 111. Here, as shown in Fig. 4(a), the plumbing contractor determines that a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is to be poured into the piping 111 from the drain outlet E1, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is to be poured into the piping 111 from the drain outlet E2, and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is to be poured into the piping 111 from the drain outlet E4.

[0056] Next, in S202, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S201, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0057] Next, in S203, the plumbing worker pours fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color determined based on the color assignment information into the pipe 111 from a drain outlet determined based on the color assignment information recorded in S201.

[0058] In this case, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7, and no fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipe S6.

[0059] Here, by mixing a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color with a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color can be obtained. Also, by mixing a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color with a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color with a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color can be obtained. Or, it can be said that by mixing a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color with a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color can be obtained.

[0060] In Fig. 4(a), a drain outlet E6 into which no fluorescent liquid is poured and a partial pipe H6 through which no fluorescent liquid flows are marked with an "X". This is the same in other similar drawings referred to in the following description.

[0061] Next, in S204, the plumber checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked.

[0062] Here, if a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H1, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0063] If a leak hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0064] If a leak hole H3 exists in the partial piping S3, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H3, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0065] If a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H4, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0066] If a water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H5, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0067] If a leak hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H7, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0068] In the above six cases, a YES determination is made in S204, and the plumbing worker checks the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid that constitutes the liquid pool 121 in S205.

[0069] On the other hand, if the water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6, no water leakage will occur. In this case, the result of S204 is NO, and the plumbing worker is not required to check the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121.

[0070] In this example, if the answer is NO in S204, it can be inferred by a process of elimination that there is a leak hole in partial pipe S6. In other words, if there is a leak hole in any of partial pipes S1 to S7, and fluorescent liquid is flowing from partial pipes S1 to S5 and S7 but no fluorescent liquid is leaking out, this means that there is no leak hole in partial pipes S1 to S5 and S7, so by a process of elimination, it can be inferred that there is a leak hole in partial pipe S6. Therefore, the inspection method may be ended here.

[0071] Next, the piping engineer executes a partial piping identification process (S206).

[0072] The partial piping identification process (S206) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0073] First, in S301, a plumbing worker acquires color allocation information, which is recorded in, for example, a workbook in S202.

[0074] Next, in S302, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying a partial pipe in which a leak hole exists, based only on the color allocation information and the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0075] Here, if a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1 based on the color assignment information and the fluorescent color red of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0076] Furthermore, if a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2 based on the color assignment information and the green color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0077] Furthermore, if a water leakage hole H3 exists in the partial piping S3, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H3 exists in the partial piping S3 based on the color assignment information and the yellow color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0078] Furthermore, if a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4 based on the color assignment information and the color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, which is blue.

[0079] In the above four cases, the determination in S303 is YES, and in S310 the plumbing contractor records the identification information of the partial piping identified in S302, for example, in a workbook, and in S311 concludes that the partial piping has been identified.

[0080] On the other hand, when a leak hole H5 exists in partial pipe S5 and when a leak hole H7 exists in partial pipe S7, it is possible to determine that the leak hole H5 is in partial pipe S5 or that the leak hole H7 is in partial pipe S7 based on the color assignment information and the color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, which is white, but it is not possible to determine which is which.

[0081] In this case, the determination in S303 is NO, and in S304, the plumber acquires a whitelist. Next, in S305, the plumber executes a process for uniquely identifying a portion of the pipe where a leak hole exists, based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the whitelist. However, since the whitelist does not register a portion of the pipe that has been uniquely confirmed as having no leak hole, S305 executed here is substantially the same as S302 executed immediately before. Therefore, the determination result in S306 is NO, just like the determination result in S303, and the plumber advances the piping inspection method to S307.

[0082] In S307, the plumber checks whether there is a partial pipe for which it has been uniquely confirmed that there is no leak hole. In this case, it has been uniquely confirmed that there is no leak hole in the partial pipes S1, S2, S3, and S4. Therefore, the determination in S307 is YES, and the plumber adds the partial pipes S1, S2, S3, and S4 to the white list in S308. Next, the plumber concludes in S309 that the partial pipes could not be identified.

[0083] Returning to Fig. 2, after S206, the process proceeds to S207. If a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1, if a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial pipe S2, if a water leakage hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3, or if a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial pipe S4, the determination in S207 becomes YES, and the pipe inspection method ends.

[0084] On the other hand, if there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, if there is a leak hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, or if there is a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, the determination in S207 will be NO, and the plumbing technician will proceed to the inspection in S208.

[0085] If the partial piping S7 has a water leak hole H7, it can be identified by the process of elimination. However, if the identification by the process of elimination has not been done, and if the partial piping S7 has a water leak hole H7, the determination in S207 is NO, and the plumbing technician proceeds to the inspection in S208.

[0086] In S208, the plumbing worker determines from which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color is to be poured into the pipe 111.

[0087] In S208, the plumbing contractor determines from which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color will be poured into the pipe 111. Here, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the plumbing contractor determines that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color will be poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E4, and that the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E6. The reason for this determination is that it is necessary to check which of the partial pipes H5, H6, and H7 has a leak hole.

[0088] Next, in S209, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S208, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0089] Next, in S203, the plumbing worker pours fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color determined based on the color assignment information into the pipe 111 from a drain outlet determined based on the color assignment information recorded in S209.

[0090] In this case, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S1 to S3.

[0091] Next, in S204, the plumber checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked.

[0092] Here, if a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H1, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is generated on the floor 102a. However, in reality, if a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, the piping inspection method has already been terminated by determining YES in S207. Therefore, such an event does not occur.

[0093] If a water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H5, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0094] If a leak hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H6, and for example, a pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0095] If a leak hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H7, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0096] In reality, if a leak hole exists in any of the partial pipings S5 to S7, the process proceeds to S204, which is to be executed for the second time, via S209, and the determination in S204 is always YES.

[0097] In S205, the plumbing worker checks the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid that constitutes the liquid pool 121.

[0098] Next, the piping engineer executes a partial piping identification process (S206).

[0099] The partial piping identification process (S206) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0100] First, in S301, the plumbing worker acquires color allocation information, which is recorded in, for example, a workbook in S209.

[0101] Next, in S302, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying a partial pipe in which a leak hole exists, based only on the color allocation information and the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0102] Here, if a water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6 based on the color assignment information and the green fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0103] Furthermore, if a water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7 based on the color assignment information and the yellow color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0104] In the above two cases, the determination in S303 is YES, and in S310, the plumbing worker records the identification information of the partial piping identified in S302, for example, in a workbook, and in S311 concludes that the partial piping has been identified.

[0105] On the other hand, if a leak hole H5 exists in partial piping S5, the color assignment information and the color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, which is red, can determine whether the leak hole H4 is in partial piping S4 or whether the leak hole H5 is in partial piping S5, but it cannot determine which it is.

[0106] In this case, the determination in S303 is NO, and the piping installer advances the piping inspection method to S304.

[0107] In S304, the plumbing contractor acquires a whitelist. In the whitelist, the partial plumbing S1, S2, S3, and S4 are registered as partial plumbing that have been uniquely confirmed to have no leak holes.

[0108] In Figure 4(b), the partial piping registered in the white list is marked with a "☆" mark. The same applies to other similar figures referred to in the following description.

[0109] Next, in S305, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the white list. Here, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid is red, and it is not possible to identify whether the leak hole exists in partial pipe S4 or partial pipe S5 based on the fluorescent color alone. However, partial pipe S4 is registered in the white list as a pipe that has been uniquely confirmed to have no leak hole. Therefore, it is possible to uniquely identify partial pipe S5 in which the leak hole H5 exists based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color red of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and partial pipe S4 registered in the white list.

[0110] Therefore, the determination result in S306 is YES, and the piping installer advances the piping inspection method to S310. In S310, the piping installer records the identification information of the partial piping identified in S305, for example, in a workbook, and concludes in S311 that the partial piping has been identified. Therefore, the determination result in S207 is YES, and the piping inspection method ends.

[0111] Next, only some of the main steps will be described.

[0112] 4(a), in the first piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from three upstream drainage outlets E1, E2, and E4 (S203), fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipe S6.

[0113] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H1 is present in the partial piping S1 (S302, S303: YES).

[0114] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0115] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H3 is present in the partial piping S3 (S302, S303: YES).

[0116] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is blue, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0117] Therefore, in these four cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0118] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is white, it is found that there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Partial pipes are not registered in the white list. Therefore, even if the white list is referred to, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0119] Here, it is known that a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S5 and S7 based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is white, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is the partial pipe S5 or the partial pipe S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is white, the partial pipes S5 and S7 are not registered in the white list.

[0120] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is white, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is white, the partial pipe S1 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is white, the partial pipes S2 to S4 are added to the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is white, the partial pipes S1 to S4 are added to the white list.

[0121] Also, it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipe S6 based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipe). Therefore, even if the partial pipe S6 has a leak hole H6, it is not possible to identify the presence of the leak hole H6 in the partial pipe S6 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. Therefore, the partial pipe S6 is not registered in the white list.

[0122] From the above, if the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is white, partial piping S1 to S4 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 4(b).

[0123] If no water leakage occurs, there should be a water leakage hole i (i = 1 to 7) in one of the partial piping S1 to S7, but it can be confirmed that there is no water leakage hole Hj (j = 1 to 5, 7) in any of the partial piping S1 to S5 and S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it can be identified that there is a water leakage hole H6 in the partial piping S6. Therefore, if no water leakage occurs, only the first piping inspection method may be performed and then terminated.

[0124] However, since it has not been confirmed that the partial pipe S6 has a water leak hole H6, a second pipe inspection method may be performed. In this case, a white list is created similar to the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is white. In other words, for the partial pipes S1 to S4, where the liquid puddle 121 would have been present and the color red, green, yellow, or blue, it would have been possible to identify the presence of a water leak hole, but since the liquid puddle 121 does not exist, such identification cannot be made, and therefore the partial pipes S1 to S4 are added to the white list.

[0125] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is white in the first piping inspection method. Also, the piping technician may perform the second piping inspection method even when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0126] 4(b), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from the two downstream drainage outlets E4 and E6, respectively (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S1 to S3.

[0127] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H6 is present in the partial piping S6 (S302, S303: YES).

[0128] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H7 is present in the partial piping S7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0129] Therefore, in these two cases, the partial pipe in which a water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0130] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 to S4 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S4 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S4 and S5 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a water leakage hole, it is possible to identify that the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5 (S305, S306: YES).

[0131] Although some fluorescent liquid will be wasted, fluorescent liquids having red, green and blue fluorescent colors, for example, may be flowed into the pipe 111 from the drainage outlets E2, E4 and E6 in the second inspection. Since it has been confirmed that there are no leak holes in the partial pipes S2 to S4, even in this case, fluorescent liquid will leak from a leak hole present in any of the partial pipes S5 to S7 in the second inspection.

[0132] [Example 2] In the first embodiment, when the steps from S203 are executed again, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are injected from the drainage outlets E4 and E6, respectively, but the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is not used, and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is not produced.

[0133] Therefore, at the same time as re-executing steps from S203, a water leak inspection can be performed on partial pipe S8 included in pipe 112 using fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, as shown in Fig. 4(c). For example, if a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color appears on the floor, it can be detected that there is a water leak hole in partial pipe S8.

[0134] Also, at the same time as re-executing the steps from S203, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is sprayed in the washing area 114 as shown in FIG. 4(d). For example, if a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color appears on the floor 102a of the building structure, it can be detected that there is a hole or crack in the washing area 114 that may cause a water leak. In this case, care is taken to prevent fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color from entering the piping 111 from a drain provided in the washing area 114. This is an inspection for water leaks that does not pass through the piping 111.

[0135] Note that the above "simultaneous" does not mean strictly simultaneous. It is not used in the sense that it must be simultaneous, but rather that it is okay if it is simultaneous. For example, a time included in a predetermined period (for example, a few minutes to a few tens of minutes) centered on the time when S203 is performed is included in "simultaneous".

[0136] [Example 3] 5(a) and 5(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 3. In Example 3, first, as shown in FIG. 5(a), fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E1 and E2 on the upstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe, and then, as shown in FIG. 5(b), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from three drain outlets E2, E4, and E6 on the downstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. The pipe inspection method shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b).

[0137] In S201, the plumbing contractor determines from which drain outlet a fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color is to be poured into the pipe 111. Here, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the plumbing contractor determines that a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is to be poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E1, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is to be poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E2.

[0138] Next, in S202, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S201, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0139] Next, in S203, the plumbing worker pours fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color determined based on the color assignment information into the pipe 111 from a drain outlet determined based on the color assignment information recorded in S201.

[0140] In this case, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S7.

[0141] No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0142] Next, in S204, the plumber checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked.

[0143] Here, if a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H1, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0144] If a leak hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0145] If a leak hole H3 exists in the partial piping S3, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H3, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0146] If a leak hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H5, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0147] If a leak hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H7, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0148] In the above five cases, a YES determination is made in S204, and the plumbing worker checks the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid that constitutes the liquid pool 121 in S205.

[0149] On the other hand, if there is a water leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 and if there is a water leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, no water leakage will occur. In this case, NO is determined in S204, and the plumbing worker is not required to check the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121.

[0150] Next, the piping engineer executes a partial piping identification process (S206).

[0151] The partial piping identification process (S206) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0152] First, in S301, a plumbing worker acquires color allocation information, which is recorded in, for example, a workbook in S202.

[0153] Next, in S302, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying a partial pipe in which a leak hole exists, based only on the color allocation information and the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0154] Here, if a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1 based on the color assignment information and the fluorescent color red of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0155] Furthermore, if a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2 based on the color assignment information and the green color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0156] In the above two cases, the determination in S303 is YES, and in S310, the plumbing worker records the identification information of the partial piping identified in S302, for example, in a workbook, and in S311 concludes that the partial piping has been identified.

[0157] On the other hand, if there is a leak hole H3 in partial pipe S3, if there is a leak hole H5 in partial pipe S5, and if there is a leak hole H7 in partial pipe S7, it is possible to determine, based on the color assignment information and the yellow color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, that the leak hole H3 is in partial pipe S3, that the leak hole H5 is in partial pipe S5, or that the leak hole H7 is in partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to determine which it is.

[0158] In this case, the determination in S303 is NO, and in S304, the plumber acquires a whitelist. Next, in S305, the plumber executes a process for uniquely identifying a portion of the pipe where a leak hole exists, based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the whitelist. However, since the whitelist does not register a portion of the pipe that has been uniquely confirmed as having no leak hole, S305 executed here is substantially the same as S302 executed immediately before. Therefore, the determination result in S306 is NO, just like the determination result in S303, and the plumber advances the piping inspection method to S307.

[0159] In S307, the plumbing engineer checks whether any partial piping has arisen in which it has not been possible to uniquely confirm that there is a leak hole.

[0160] Here, the partial pipe S1, which could have been uniquely identified as having a leak hole by the red fluorescent liquid, could not be identified, and the partial pipe S2, which could have been uniquely identified as having a leak hole by the green fluorescent liquid, could not be identified, leading to S307. Therefore, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are partial pipes in which it was not possible to uniquely identify the presence of a leak hole. Therefore, the determination in S307 is YES, and the plumbing technician adds the partial pipes S1 and S2 to the white list.

[0161] The plumber then concludes that he failed to identify the partial plumbing under S309.

[0162] 2, after S206, the process proceeds to S207. If the water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1 and if the water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, the determination in S207 becomes YES, and the piping inspection method ends.

[0163] On the other hand, if a water leakage hole Hn (n=3 to 7) exists in any of the partial piping S3 to S7, the determination in S207 is NO, and the plumbing worker advances the inspection to S208.

[0164] In S208, the plumbing worker determines from which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color is to be poured into the pipe 111.

[0165] In S208, the plumbing contractor determines from which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which fluorescent color should be poured into the pipe 111. Here, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the plumbing contractor determines that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E2, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E4, and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is poured into the pipe 111 from the drain outlet E6. The reason for this determination is that it is necessary to check which of the partial pipes H3 to H7 has a leak hole.

[0166] Next, in S209, the plumbing worker records the information, determined in S208, regarding which drain outlet the fluorescent liquid of which color is to be poured into the pipe 111, as color allocation information, for example, in a workbook.

[0167] Next, in S203, the plumbing worker pours fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color determined based on the color assignment information into the pipe 111 from a drain outlet determined based on the color assignment information recorded in S209.

[0168] In this case, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, and fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4. Fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipe S1.

[0169] Next, in S204, the plumber checks whether the fluorescent liquid has leaked.

[0170] Here, if a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H2, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is generated on the floor 102a. However, in reality, if a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2, the piping inspection method has already been terminated by determining YES in S207. Therefore, such an event does not occur.

[0171] If a water leakage hole H3 exists in the partial piping S3, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H3, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0172] If a leak hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H5, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0173] If a leak hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H5, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0174] If a water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6, the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole H6, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0175] If a leak hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H7, and for example, a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is formed on the floor 102a.

[0176] In reality, if a leak hole exists in any of the partial pipings S3 to S7, the process proceeds to S204, which is to be executed for the second time, via S209, and therefore the determination in S204 is always YES.

[0177] In S205, the plumbing worker checks the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid that constitutes the liquid pool 121.

[0178] Next, the piping engineer executes a partial piping identification process (S206).

[0179] The partial piping identification process (S206) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0180] First, in S301, the plumbing worker acquires color allocation information, which is recorded in, for example, a workbook in S209.

[0181] Next, in S302, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying a partial pipe in which a leak hole exists, based only on the color allocation information and the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0182] Here, if a water leakage hole H4 exists in the partial piping S4, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H4 is located in the partial piping S4 based on the color assignment information and the green fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0183] When the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5 based on the color assignment information and the yellow fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0184] When a water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6 based on the color assignment information and the fluorescent color of blue of the leaking fluorescent liquid.

[0185] When the water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7, it is possible to uniquely identify that the water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7 based on the color assignment information and the color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, which is white.

[0186] In the above four cases, the determination in S303 is YES, and the piping contractor records in S302, for example, the identification information of the partial piping identified in S305 in a workbook, and concludes in S311 that the partial piping has been identified.

[0187] On the other hand, if a leak hole H3 exists in partial piping S3, the color assignment information and the color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, which is red, can determine whether the leak hole H2 is in partial piping S2 or whether the leak hole H3 is in partial piping S3, but it cannot determine which it is.

[0188] In this case, the determination in S303 is NO, and the piping installer advances the piping inspection method to S304.

[0189] In S304, the plumbing contractor obtains the whitelist. In the whitelist, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are registered as partial pipes that have been uniquely confirmed to have no leak holes. In FIG. 5(b), the partial pipes registered in the whitelist are marked with a "☆" mark.

[0190] Next, in S305, the plumbing technician executes a process for uniquely identifying the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the white list. Here, the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid is red, and it is not possible to identify whether the leak hole exists in the partial pipe S2 or the partial pipe S3 based on the fluorescent color alone. However, the partial pipe S2 is registered in the white list as a partial pipe that has been uniquely confirmed to have no leak hole. Therefore, it is possible to uniquely identify the partial pipe S3 in which the leak hole H3 exists based on the color allocation information, the fluorescent color red of the leaking fluorescent liquid, and the partial pipe S2 registered in the white list.

[0191] Therefore, the determination result in S306 is YES, and the piping installer advances the piping inspection method to S310. In S310, the piping installer records the identification information of the partial piping identified in S305, for example, in a workbook, and concludes in S311 that the partial piping has been identified. Therefore, the determination result in S207 is YES, and the piping inspection method ends.

[0192] Next, only some of the main steps will be described.

[0193] 5(a), in the first piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from two upstream drainage outlets E1 and E2 (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0194] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H1 is present in the partial piping S1 (S302, S303: YES).

[0195] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0196] Therefore, in these two cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0197] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). Partial pipes are not registered in the white list. Therefore, even if the white list is referenced, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0198] Here, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is known that it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is the partial pipe S3, the partial pipe S5, or the partial pipe S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 are not registered in the white list.

[0199] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S1 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S2 is added to the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list.

[0200] Furthermore, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipes S4 and S6. Therefore, even if there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, it is not possible to identify the presence of the leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. The same is true for the partial pipe H6. Therefore, the partial pipes S4 and S6 are not registered in the whitelist.

[0201] From the above, when the fluorescent color of the puddle 121 examined by shining a black light thereon is yellow, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 5(b).

[0202] If no water leakage occurs, there should be a leak hole i (i = 1 to 7) in one of the partial pipes S1 to S7, but it can be confirmed that there is no leak hole Hj (j = 1 to 3, 5, 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, even if the elimination method is used, it is not possible to determine whether there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or whether there is a leak hole H6 in the partial pipe S6.

[0203] Even when no water leakage occurs, a white list is created similar to the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow. In other words, for the partial pipes S1 and S2, which would have been identified as having a water leakage hole if the liquid puddle 121 had occurred and its color had been red or green, such identification was not possible because the liquid puddle 121 did not occur, and therefore the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list.

[0204] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is yellow in the first piping inspection method. The piping technician also performs the second piping inspection method when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0205] 5(b), in the second piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from the three downstream drainage outlets E2, E4, and E6 (S203), fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S2, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S3, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S4, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S5, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S6, and fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial piping S1.

[0206] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0207] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H5 is present in the partial piping S5 (S302, S303: YES).

[0208] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is blue, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H6 is present in the partial piping S6 (S302, S303: YES).

[0209] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is white, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S7 has leakage hole H7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0210] Therefore, in these four cases, the partial pipe where a water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0211] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 and S2 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S2 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S2 and S3 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a leak hole, it is possible to identify that the leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3 (S305, S306: YES).

[0212] [Example 4] 6(a) and 6(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 4. In Example 4, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a fluorescent liquid having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors is poured into the pipe 111 from three drainage outlets E2, E4, and E6 on the downstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors is poured into the pipe 111 from two drainage outlets E1 and E2 on the upstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. In Example 4, the pipe inspection method described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is also performed, as in Example 1 and Example 3. Therefore, detailed explanations of each step are omitted, and only some steps are described.

[0213] 6(a), in the first piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from the three downstream drainage outlets E2, E4, and E6 (S203), fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipe S1.

[0214] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0215] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H5 is present in the partial piping S5 (S302, S303: YES).

[0216] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is blue, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H6 is present in the partial piping S6 (S302, S303: YES).

[0217] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is white, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S7 has leakage hole H7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0218] Therefore, in these four cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0219] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). The whitelist does not register partial pipes for which it has not been uniquely confirmed that there is a leak hole. Therefore, even if the whitelist is referenced, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0220] Here, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S2 and S3 based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is the partial pipe S2 or the partial pipe S3. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipes S2 and S3 are not registered in the white list.

[0221] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S4. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S4. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipe S4 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipes S5 to S7 are added to the white list.

[0222] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipe), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipe S1. Therefore, even if the partial pipe S1 has a water leakage hole H1, it is not possible to identify the water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. Therefore, the partial pipe S1 is not registered in the whitelist.

[0223] From the above, if the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is red, partial piping S4 to S7 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 6(b).

[0224] If no water leakage occurs, it can be confirmed that there is no water leakage hole Hj (j = 2 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S2 to S7, although there should be a water leakage hole i (i = 1 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1. Therefore, in this case, only the first pipe inspection method is performed, and it is not necessary to perform the second pipe inspection method. However, the second pipe inspection method may be performed just to be sure. In this case, a white list similar to that in the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red is created. In other words, for the partial pipes S4 to S7, where it would have been possible to identify the presence of a water leakage hole if the liquid puddle 121 had occurred and its color had been green, yellow, blue, or white, the liquid puddle 121 did not occur, and therefore such identification could not be performed, so the partial pipes S4 to S7 are added to the white list.

[0225] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is red in the first piping inspection method. The piping technician may also perform the second piping inspection method when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0226] 6(b), in the second piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from two upstream drainage outlets E1 and E2 (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0227] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H1 is present in the partial piping S1 (S302, S303: YES).

[0228] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0229] Therefore, in these two cases, the partial pipe in which a water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0230] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S4 to S7 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipes S5 and S7 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a leak hole, it is possible to identify that the leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3 (S305, S306: YES).

[0231] [Example 5] 7(a) and 7(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 5. In Example 5, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 7(a), fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from two drainage outlets E4 and E6 on the downstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 7(b), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from three drainage outlets E1, E2, and E4 on the upstream side, respectively, to inspect the pipe. In Example 5, the pipe inspection method described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is also performed, as in Example 1 and Example 3. Therefore, detailed explanations of each step are omitted, and only some steps are described.

[0232] 7(a), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the pipe 111 from two downstream drainage outlets E4 and E6 (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S1 to S3.

[0233] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H6 is present in the partial piping S6 (S302, S303: YES).

[0234] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H7 is present in the partial piping S7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0235] Therefore, in these two cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0236] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). The whitelist does not register partial pipes for which it has not been possible to uniquely confirm the presence of a leak hole. Therefore, even if the whitelist is referenced, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0237] Here, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S4 and S5 based on the color allocation information and the structure of pipe 111 (connection relationship of partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is red, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is partial pipe S2 or partial pipe S3. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 is red, partial pipes S4 and S5 are not registered in the white list.

[0238] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S6. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S6. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipe S6 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipe S7 is added to the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list.

[0239] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow from the partial pipes S1 to S3. Therefore, even if there is a leak hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3, it is not possible to identify the presence of the leak hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. Therefore, the partial pipes S1 to S3 are not registered in the whitelist.

[0240] From the above, if the fluorescent color of the puddle 121 examined by shining a black light thereon is red, the partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 7(b).

[0241] If no water leakage occurs, it is possible to confirm that there is no water leakage hole Hj (j = 2 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S4 to S7, although there should be a water leakage hole i (i = 1 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3. However, it is not possible to identify which of these three partial pipes S1 to S3 has a water leakage hole. In this case, a white list similar to that in the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red is created. In other words, with regard to the partial pipes S6 and S7, which would have been identified as having a water leakage hole if the liquid puddle 121 had occurred and its color had been green or yellow, the liquid puddle 121 did not occur, so such identification could not be made, and therefore the partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list.

[0242] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is red in the first piping inspection method. Also, the piping technician performs the second piping inspection method even when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0243] 7(b), in the second piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from two upstream drainage outlets E1, E2, and E4 (S203), fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S1, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S2, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S3, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S4, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S5, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial piping S6.

[0244] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H1 is present in the partial piping S1 (S302, S303: YES).

[0245] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0246] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H3 is present in the partial piping S3 (S302, S303: YES).

[0247] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is blue, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0248] Therefore, in these four cases, the partial pipe where a water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0249] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is white, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S6 and S7 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S7 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S5 and S7 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a water leakage hole, it is possible to identify that the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5 (S305, S306: YES).

[0250] [Example 6] 8(a), 8(b) and 8(c) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 6. In Example 6, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E1 and E2 on the upstream side, respectively. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E2 and E4 on the midstream side, respectively. Furthermore, a third pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the third pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 8(c), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E4 and E6 on the downstream side, respectively. In Example 6, the pipe inspection method described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is also performed as in Examples 1 and 3. Therefore, detailed explanations of each step will be omitted, and only some of the steps will be explained.

[0251] 8(a), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from the two upper drainage outlets E1 and E2, respectively (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0252] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H1 is present in the partial piping S1 (S302, S303: YES).

[0253] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0254] Therefore, in these two cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0255] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). No partial pipes are registered in the white list. Therefore, even if the white list is referred to, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0256] Here, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is known that it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is the partial pipe S3, the partial pipe S5, or the partial pipe S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 are not registered in the white list.

[0257] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S1. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S1 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S2 is added to the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list.

[0258] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipes S4 and S6. Therefore, even if there is a leak hole Hi (i=4, 6) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S6, it is not possible to identify that there is a leak hole Hi (i=4, 6) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S6 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S4 and S6 are not registered in the whitelist.

[0259] From the above, when the fluorescent color of the puddle 121 examined by shining a black light thereon is yellow, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 8(b).

[0260] When no water leakage occurs, it is possible to confirm that there is no water leakage hole Hi (i = 1 to 3, 5, 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S7, although there should be a water leakage hole i (i = 1 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, by the process of elimination, it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 4, 6) in any of the partial pipes S4 and S6. However, it is not possible to identify which of these two partial pipes S4 and S6 has a water leakage hole. In this case, a white list similar to that in the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by irradiating a black light is yellow is created. In other words, with respect to the partial pipes S1 and S2, which would have been identified as having a water leakage hole if the liquid puddle 121 had occurred and its color had been red or green, the liquid puddle 121 did not occur, so such identification could not be made, and therefore the partial pipes S1 and S2 are added to the white list.

[0261] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is yellow in the first piping inspection method. The piping technician also performs the second piping inspection method when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0262] 8(b), in the second piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from two midstream drainage outlets E2 and E4 (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S2, fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S3, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S4, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial piping S1 and S6.

[0263] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0264] Therefore, in this case, the partial pipe where the water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0265] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 and S2 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S2 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S2 and S3 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a leak hole, it is possible to identify that the leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3 (S305, S306: YES).

[0266] Furthermore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 and S2 are registered in the white list, but neither the partial pipes S5 nor S7 are registered. Therefore, even if the white list is referred to, it is not possible to identify whether there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7 (S305, S306: NO).

[0267] Here, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S5 and S7 based on the color allocation information and the structure of pipe 111 (connection relationship of partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is yellow, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is partial pipe S5 or partial pipe S7. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 is yellow, partial pipes S5 and S7 are not registered in the white list.

[0268] On the other hand, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows only in partial pipe S4 based on the color allocation information and the structure of pipe 111 (connection relationship of partial pipes). Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which a water leak hole exists is not partial pipe S4. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 is yellow, partial pipe S4 is registered in the white list.

[0269] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S2 and S3. It is also known that the partial pipes S1 and S2 are registered in the white list. Therefore, based on the color allocation information, the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes), and the white list, if a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color occurs, it is known that it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the water leakage hole exists is not the partial pipe S3. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S3 is registered in the white list.

[0270] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipes S1 and S6. Therefore, even if there is a water leakage hole Hi (i=1, 6) in either of the partial pipes S1 and S6, it is not possible to identify which of the partial pipes S1 and S6 has the water leakage hole Hi (i=4, 6) based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light. However, the partial pipe S1 has already been registered in the white list. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, it can be confirmed that there is no water leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipe S6 may be registered in the white list. In the following, a description will be given assuming that the partial pipe S6 is registered in the white list.

[0271] Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes S3, S4, and S6 are registered in the white list (S308). Here, the partial pipes S1 and S2 are already registered in the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is yellow, the partial pipes already registered in the white list are the partial pipes S1, S2, S3, S4, and S6, as indicated by ☆ in FIG. 8(c).

[0272] If no water leakage occurs, there should be a leak hole i (i = 1 to 7) in one of the partial pipes S1 to S7, but it can be confirmed that there is no leak hole Hj (j = 2 to 5, 7) in any of the partial pipes S2 to S5 and S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it can be determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i = 4, 6) in one of the partial pipes S1 and S6. Here, the partial pipe S1 is registered in the whitelist. Therefore, it can be determined that there is a leak hole H6 in the partial pipe S6.

[0273] The plumbing worker performs the third pipe inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is yellow in the second pipe inspection method.

[0274] 8(c), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from the two downstream drainage outlets E4 and E6, respectively (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S1 to S3.

[0275] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H7 is present in the partial piping S7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0276] Therefore, in this case, the partial pipe where the water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the third pipe inspection method.

[0277] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 to S4 and S6 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S4 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S4 and S5 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a water leakage hole, it is possible to identify that the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5 (S305, S306: YES).

[0278] In the third piping inspection method, if the fluorescent color of the puddle 121 inspected by irradiating it with a black light is green, it is possible to uniquely identify that the partial piping S6 has a water leakage hole H6 (S302, S303: YES). However, if the partial piping S6 has a water leakage hole H6, this has already been identified in the second piping inspection method as described above.

[0279] [Example 7] 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 7. In Example 7, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 9(a), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E4 and E6 on the downstream side, respectively. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 9(b), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E2 and E4 on the midstream side, respectively. Furthermore, a third pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the third pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 9(c), a pipe is inspected by pouring fluorescent liquid having red and green fluorescent colors into the pipe 111 from two drain outlets E1 and E2 on the upstream side, respectively. In Example 7, the pipe inspection method described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is also performed as in Examples 1 and 3. Therefore, detailed explanations of each step will be omitted, and only some of the steps will be explained.

[0280] 9(a), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from the two lower drainage outlets E4 and E6, respectively (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S6, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S1 to S3.

[0281] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H6 is present in the partial piping S6 (S302, S303: YES).

[0282] When the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it can be uniquely identified that the water leakage hole H7 is present in the partial piping S7 (S302, S303: YES).

[0283] Therefore, in these two cases, only the first pipe inspection method is performed.

[0284] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is found that there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). No partial pipes are registered in the white list. Therefore, even if the white list is referred to, it is not possible to identify whether there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4 or a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 (S304, S305, S306: NO).

[0285] Here, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S4 and S5 based on the color allocation information and the structure of pipe 111 (connection relationship of partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is red, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is partial pipe S4 or partial pipe S5. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 is red, partial pipes S4 and S5 are not registered in the white list.

[0286] On the other hand, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows only in the partial pipe S6. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is not the partial pipe S6. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipe S6 is registered in the white list. Similarly, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipe S7 is added to the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 is red, the partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list.

[0287] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow from the partial pipes S1 to S3. Therefore, even if there is a leak hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3, it is not possible to identify the presence of the leak hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3 based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it. Therefore, the partial pipes S1 to S3 are not registered in the whitelist.

[0288] From the above, if the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by shining a black light thereon is red, partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list (S308), as indicated by the star in FIG. 9(b).

[0289] When no water leakage occurs, it is possible to confirm that there is no water leakage hole Hi (i = 4 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S4 to S7, although there should be a water leakage hole i (i = 1 to 7) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1 to 3) in any of the partial pipes S1 to S3. However, it is not possible to identify which of these three partial pipes S1 to S3 has a water leakage hole. In this case, a white list similar to that in the case where the fluorescent color of the liquid puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red is created. In other words, with regard to the partial pipes S6 and S7, where it would have been possible to identify the presence of a water leakage hole if the liquid puddle 121 had occurred and its color had been green or yellow, the liquid puddle 121 did not occur, so such identification could not be made, and therefore the partial pipes S6 and S7 are added to the white list.

[0290] The piping technician performs the second piping inspection method when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is red in the first piping inspection method. Also, the piping technician performs the second piping inspection method even when the liquid pool 121 does not occur in the first piping inspection method.

[0291] 9(b), in the second piping inspection method, when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are respectively poured into the piping 111 from two midstream drain outlets E2 and E4 (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S2, fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S3, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S4, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial piping S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial piping S1 and S6.

[0292] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S4 has leakage hole H4 (S302, S303: YES).

[0293] Therefore, in this case, the partial pipe where the water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the second pipe inspection method.

[0294] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 or a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S6 and S7 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipe S7 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S5 and S7 that are candidates for the partial pipe having a water leakage hole, it is possible to identify that the water leakage hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5 (S305, S306: YES).

[0295] Furthermore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light on it is red, it is found that there is a water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a water leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S6 and S7 are registered in the white list, but neither the partial pipes S2 nor S3 are registered. Therefore, even if the white list is referred to, it is not possible to identify whether there is a water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 or a water leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3 (S305, S306: NO).

[0296] Here, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipes S2 and S3 based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (the connection relationship of the partial pipes). Therefore, it is known that when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it is not possible to identify whether the partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is the partial pipe S2 or the partial pipe S3. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipes S2 and S3 are not registered in the white list.

[0297] On the other hand, it is known that fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows only in partial pipe S4 based on the color allocation information and the structure of pipe 111 (connection relationship of partial pipes). Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 examined by shining a black light is red, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which a leak hole exists is not partial pipe S4. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of liquid pool 121 is red, partial pipe S4 is registered in the white list.

[0298] It is also known that fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S5 and S7 based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes). It is also known that the partial pipes S6 and S7 are registered in the white list. Therefore, it is known that if a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color occurs based on the color allocation information, the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes), and the white list, it is possible to identify that there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is red, it is possible to identify that the partial pipe in which the water leakage hole exists is not the partial pipe S5. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipe S5 is registered in the white list.

[0299] Also, based on the color allocation information and the structure of the pipe 111 (connection relationship of the partial pipes), it is known that the fluorescent liquid does not flow into the partial pipes S1 and S6. Therefore, even if there is a water leakage hole Hi (i=1, 6) in either of the partial pipes S1 and S6, it is not possible to identify which of the partial pipes S1 and S6 has the water leakage hole Hi (i=4, 6) based on the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light. However, the partial pipe S6 has already been registered in the white list. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, it can be confirmed that there is no water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1. Therefore, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipe S1 may be registered in the white list. In the following, a description will be given assuming that the partial pipe S1 is registered in the white list.

[0300] Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipes S1, S4, and S5 are registered in the white list (S308). Here, the partial pipes S6 and S7 are already registered in the white list. Therefore, when the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 is red, the partial pipes already registered in the white list are the partial pipes S1, S4, S5, S6, and S7, as indicated by ☆ in FIG. 9(c).

[0301] If no water leakage occurs, there should be a leak hole i (i = 1 to 7) in one of the partial pipes S1 to S7, but it can be confirmed that there is no leak hole Hj (j = 2 to 5, 7) in any of the partial pipes S2 to S5 and S7. Therefore, by a process of elimination, it can be determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i = 4, 6) in one of the partial pipes S1 and S6. Here, the partial pipe S6 is registered in the whitelist. Therefore, it can be determined that there is a leak hole H1 in the partial pipe S1.

[0302] If the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid constituting the liquid pool 121 is red in the second piping inspection method, the plumbing worker performs the third piping inspection method.

[0303] 9(c), when fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 111 from two upstream drainage outlets E1 and E2, respectively (S203), fluorescent liquid having red fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S5, and fluorescent liquid having yellow fluorescent color flows in the partial pipe S7. No fluorescent liquid flows in the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0304] When the fluorescent color of puddle 121 examined by irradiating it with black light is green, it can be uniquely identified that partial piping S2 has leakage hole H2 (S302, S303: YES).

[0305] Therefore, in this case, the partial pipe where the water leak hole exists can be identified without using a white list in the third pipe inspection method.

[0306] On the other hand, if the fluorescent color of the liquid pool 121 examined by irradiating it with a black light is yellow, it is found that there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, or a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, but it is not possible to identify which one it is (S302, S303: NO). Therefore, a white list is obtained (S304). The partial pipes S1 and S4 to S7 are registered in the white list. Here, by removing the partial pipes S5 and S7 registered in the white list from the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 that are candidates for the partial pipe with a leak hole, it is possible to identify that there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S3 (S305, S306: YES).

[0307] In the third piping inspection method, if the fluorescent color of the puddle 121 inspected by irradiating it with a black light is red, it is possible to uniquely identify that the partial piping S1 has a water leakage hole H1 (S302, S303: YES). However, if the partial piping S1 has a water leakage hole H1, this has already been identified in the second piping inspection method as described above.

[0308] [Example 8] 10(a) and 10(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 8. In Example 8, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 10(a), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 131 from three drain outlets Ea, Ec, and Ee, respectively, to inspect the pipe. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 10(b), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 131 from three drain outlets Ee, Eg, and Ei, which are shifted two outlets downstream, respectively, to inspect the pipe 131. Thereafter, the pipe inspection method is continued as necessary while shifting the drain outlets through which the fluorescent liquids to be poured into the pipe 131 pass by two outlets downstream in the same manner.

[0309] In the first piping inspection method, as shown in FIG. 10(a), when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from piping 131 is green, yellow, or blue, partial piping Sc, Sd, or Se can be uniquely identified as the partial piping having a leak hole, respectively.

[0310] When the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the pipe 131 is white, or when no fluorescent liquid leaks from the pipe 131, it is not possible to identify the partial pipe having the leak hole. In these cases, the second pipe inspection method is carried out.

[0311] In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in Fig. 10(b), when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the pipe 131 is red, green, yellow, or blue, the partial pipe Sf, Sg, Sh, or Si can be uniquely identified as the partial pipe having a leak hole, respectively. Note that the partial pipe Sf is identified by utilizing the fact that the partial pipe Se is registered in the white list. Also, in relation to this, if the partial pipe Se has a leak hole, the second pipe inspection method is not executed.

[0312] In order to independently check whether or not there is a water leakage hole Hf in the partial pipe Sf without using a white list, fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are respectively flowed into the drain outlets Ec, Ee, and Eg, and it is checked whether fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out. Fluorescent liquids having red, blue, and green fluorescent colors may be respectively flowed into the drain outlets Ec, Ee, and Eg, and it is checked whether fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color leaks out. Fluorescent liquids having green, blue, and red fluorescent colors may be respectively flowed into the drain outlets Ec, Ee, and Eg, and it is checked whether fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color leaks out. Any colors may be selected as the three colors, but it is preferable to select three colors so that the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid flowing in the partial pipe Sf can be easily distinguished from the fluorescent colors flowing in other partial pipes.

[0313] To independently check whether or not there is a leak hole Hg in the partial pipe Sg without using a white list, fluorescent liquids having red and green fluorescent colors are allowed to flow from the drain outlets Ee and Eg, respectively, and it is checked whether or not fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color leaks out. Fluorescent liquids having blue and green fluorescent colors may also be allowed to flow from the drain outlets Ee and Eg, respectively, and it is checked whether or not fluorescent liquid having green fluorescent color leaks out. Any colors may be selected as the two colors, but it is preferable to select two colors so that the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid flowing in the partial pipe Sg can be easily distinguished from the fluorescent colors flowing in other partial pipes.

[0314] [Example 9] 11(a) and 11(b) are conceptual diagrams for explaining Example 9. In Example 9, in a first pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 11(a), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 131 from three drain outlets Ee, Eg, and Ei, respectively, to inspect the pipe. Then, a second pipe inspection method is performed as necessary. In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in FIG. 11(b), fluorescent liquids having red, green, and blue fluorescent colors are poured into the pipe 131 from three drain outlets Ea, Ec, and Ee, which are shifted two outlets upstream, respectively, to inspect the pipe 131. Thereafter, in the same manner, the pipe inspection method is continued as necessary while shifting the drain outlets through which the fluorescent liquids are poured into the pipe 131 are passed downstream by two outlets at a time. Note that the partial pipe Hj is the most downstream partial pipe.

[0315] In the first piping inspection method, as shown in FIG. 11(a), when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from piping 131 is green, yellow, blue, or white, partial piping Sg, Sh, Si, or Sj can be uniquely identified as the partial piping having a leak hole, respectively.

[0316] If the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the pipe 131 is red, or if no fluorescent liquid leaks from the pipe 131, it is not possible to identify the partial pipe having the leak hole. In these cases, the second pipe inspection method is carried out.

[0317] In the second pipe inspection method, as shown in Fig. 11(b), when the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the pipe 131 is green, yellow, blue, or white, the partial pipe Sc, Sd, Se, or Sf can be uniquely identified as the partial pipe having a leak hole, respectively. Note that the partial pipes Sh and Sj are registered in the white list to identify the partial pipe Sf.

[0318] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, red and green are mixed first to produce yellow, and yellow and blue are mixed to produce white, but this order may be reversed. For example, red and blue may be mixed first to produce magenta, and magenta and green may be mixed to produce white. Alternatively, green and blue may be mixed first to produce cyan, and cyan and red may be mixed to produce white.

[0319] If it is possible to determine that there is a leak hole in any of the n partial pipes, operation may be performed without narrowing down the search any further. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4(a), if the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid is white, it is possible to determine that there is a leak hole in the partial pipes S5 or S7, but operation may be performed without narrowing down the search any further.

[0320] It is also conceivable to pour separate fluorescent liquids having four or more separate fluorescent colors into the pipe from separate drains. However, even if the partial pipe where the leak hole exists is different, the fluorescent liquid having the same fluorescent color close to white will leak out. This is particularly noticeable for the downstream partial pipe, where the fluorescent liquids of multiple colors are mixed. Therefore, in such a case, it becomes difficult to identify the partial pipe where the leak hole exists based on the fluorescent color of the leaking fluorescent liquid. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the number of colors is limited to three, especially assuming that the colors will be identified visually. However, if the color spectrum distribution can be determined using, for example, a spectroscope or a measuring device capable of spectrum analysis, such a limitation will not apply.

Claims

1. an injection step of injecting fluorescent liquid having a different fluorescent color from each other into a plurality of inlets of a pipe through the plurality of inlets of the pipe; a step of identifying a partial pipe in which the leakage hole exists among a plurality of partial pipes included in the piping based on a fluorescent color of a fluorescent liquid leaking from the leakage hole of the piping; having the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leakage hole of the piping is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing a plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via a plurality of the inlets; Piping inspection methods.

2. In the identifying step, information regarding which partial pipe the fluorescent liquid having which fluorescent color flows is referred to. The piping inspection method according to claim 1 .

3. information regarding which partial pipe the fluorescent liquid having which fluorescent color flows through, based on information regarding which inlet of the pipe the fluorescent liquid having which fluorescent color is injected into the pipe, information regarding which inlet of the pipe is the inlet of which partial pipe, and information regarding which partial pipe merges with which partial pipe; The piping inspection method according to claim 2 .

4. a number of inlets through which the fluorescent liquid is injected into the piping is less than a number of inlets provided in the piping; In the injection step, the fluorescent liquid is injected into the pipe without passing through some of the multiple inlets of the pipe; The method further includes a second type identification step of identifying a partial pipe having the leak hole based on the fact that the fluorescent liquid does not leak from the leak hole of the pipe. The piping inspection method according to claim 1 .

5. a number of inlets through which the fluorescent liquid is injected into the piping is less than a number of inlets provided in the piping; re-executing the injection step and the identification step while selecting a combination of inlets through which the fluorescent liquid is passed from a plurality of inlets provided in the piping, the combination being different from the combination in the injection step previously executed; The piping inspection method according to claim 1 .

6. When the partial pipe having the leak hole cannot be identified in the first identification step, the method further includes a registration step of registering in a whitelist the partial pipe that could have been identified as the partial pipe having the leak hole in the first identification step if the partial pipe actually has a leak hole, In the second identification step, a partial pipe in which the leak hole exists is identified among a plurality of partial pipes included in the pipe based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe and the white list. The piping inspection method according to claim 5 .

7. a spraying step of spraying a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from the fluorescent colors of any of the fluorescent liquids injected into the piping in the injection step, onto a portion of the building in which the piping is installed that is suspected of having a water leak; a step of confirming whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from all the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping in the injection step flows out from a portion of the building suspected of having a water leak; Further comprising The piping inspection method according to claim 1 .

8. The time when the scattering step is performed is included in a predetermined period centered on the time when the injection step is performed. The piping inspection method according to claim 7.

9. The fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the piping flows to a ceiling, a wall, or a floor of a building in which the piping is installed, and in the identifying step, a partial piping in which the leak hole exists is identified among a plurality of partial pipings included in the piping, based on a fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid that has flowed to the ceiling, the wall, or the floor. The piping inspection method according to claim 1 .

10. the first partial pipe and the second partial pipe join a third partial pipe; A piping inspection method for inspecting a piping having a configuration in which the third partial piping and the fourth partial piping join a fifth partial piping, comprising: pouring a first fluorescent liquid having a first fluorescent color into the first partial pipe; pouring a second fluorescent liquid having a second fluorescent color into the second partial pipe; pouring a third fluorescent liquid having a third fluorescent color into the fourth partial pipe; inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the third partial pipe based on whether or not there is leakage of fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color obtained by mixing the first fluorescent liquid and the second fluorescent liquid; Piping inspection methods.

11. inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the first partial pipe based on whether or not the fluorescent liquid having the first fluorescent color is leaking; The piping inspection method according to claim 10.

12. inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the second partial pipe based on whether or not the fluorescent liquid having the second fluorescent color leaks; The piping inspection method according to claim 10.

13. inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the fourth partial pipe based on whether or not the fluorescent liquid having the third fluorescent color is leaking; The piping inspection method according to claim 10.

14. inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the fifth partial pipe based on whether or not there is leakage of fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color obtained by mixing the first fluorescent liquid, the second fluorescent liquid, and the third fluorescent liquid; The piping inspection method according to claim 10.

15. A piping inspection method for inspecting a piping having a configuration in which a first partial piping and a second partial piping join a third partial piping, comprising: pouring a first fluorescent liquid having a first fluorescent color into the first partial pipe; pouring a second fluorescent liquid having a second fluorescent color into the second partial pipe; inspecting whether or not there is a leak hole in the third partial pipe based on whether or not there is leakage of fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color obtained by mixing the first fluorescent liquid and the second fluorescent liquid; Piping inspection methods.

16. A piping inspection method for inspecting a piping having a configuration in which a first partial piping and a second partial piping join a third partial piping, comprising: pouring a first fluorescent liquid having a first fluorescent color into the first partial pipe; pouring a second fluorescent liquid having a second fluorescent color into the second partial pipe; Inspect whether there is a leak hole in the first partial pipe based on whether the fluorescent liquid having the first fluorescent liquid leaks; Piping inspection methods.

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