Fume hood management system and fume hood management method

Abstract

To provide a fume hood management system where the maximum exhaust gas amount of an exhaust fan installed in a building in which a plurality of fume hoods can be disposed is set to be equal or less to a total exhaust gas quantity of the total fume hoods and an operation of the fume hood during the operation can be strictly managed.SOLUTION: A hood control system 300 calculates a total exhaust gas quantity of the total fume hoods 1 by a gas quantity calculation part 317 whenever the fume hood 1 is operated. A state display part of the finally operated fume hood 1 is controlled so as to emit a warning light emission color by a control unit 319 when the control unit 319 determines that the calculated total exhaust gas quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold A and a use restriction state caused by exhaust capacity shortage of an exhaust fan 202 is reported to a related operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fume hood management system and a fume hood management method for managing the operation of a fume hood. [Background technology]

[0002] Usually, in facilities where various types of work such as experiments and research are carried out, chemical substances (hazardous substances) that are harmful to the human body may be generated during the work process.

[0003] Fume hoods (also called draft chambers or containment devices) are known as devices for preventing the diffusion of these harmful substances into a room and preventing contamination of the human body.

[0004] A typical fume hood, for example, includes an enclosure with an openable and closable sash, and is configured so that a worker can access a working space within the enclosure through an opening (air passage) below the sash.

[0005] In order to prevent workers from being exposed to harmful substances during work, an exhaust duct is connected to the enclosure of the fume hood, so that harmful substances generated during work can be sucked and discharged to the outdoors after being purified through the exhaust duct.

[0006] In addition, in conventional fume hoods, indoor air (outside air) is allowed to flow into the work space through an opening under the sash, thereby preventing harmful substances from diffusing into the room through the opening under the sash.

[0007] Incidentally, for fume hoods capable of preventing the diffusion of harmful substances into a room, various standards are set by laws and regulations from the viewpoint of protecting workers from contamination of the human body.

[0008] For example, the Industrial Safety and Health Act stipulates the "Organic Solvent Poisoning Prevention Regulations" to protect the safety of workers, and the "Specific Chemical Substances and Other Harm Prevention Regulations" to ensure safety when handling chemicals, particularly carcinogenic substances.

[0009] Therefore, when handling certain hazardous substances, it is mandatory to use a fume hood that complies with these laws and regulations in a building equipped with an air conditioning (ventilation) system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-175315 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Here, in order to comply with the above-mentioned "Ordinance for the Prevention of Organic Solvent Poisoning," conventional fume hoods are regulated to have a minimum wind speed (face speed) of, for example, about 0.4 m / s. Also, in order to comply with the above-mentioned "Ordinance for the Prevention of Harm from Specified Chemical Substances," the minimum wind speed (face speed) is regulated to, for example, 0.5 m / s for gaseous matter and 1.0 m / s for particulate matter. In addition, it is necessary to satisfy standard values ​​such as "Concentration observation: concentration measurement outside the enclosure is below the permissible concentration."

[0012] For this reason, in buildings where fume hoods are installed, the suction fan (exhaust fan) of the air conditioning system is operated so that suction is performed at an air volume (maximum air volume) greater than the standard value, with a margin (safety factor) to ensure that the volume does not fall below the above standard value.

[0013] However, while driving the suction fan so that it sucks in air at a volume greater than the standard value ensures safety, it also increases the power consumption of the electric motor (fan motor) that rotates the suction fan.

[0014] In particular, in a building where multiple fume hoods are installed, operating the suction fan so that the airflow is greater than the standard value results in significant running costs, even if the exhaust airflow can be adjusted according to the number of fume hoods in operation.

[0015] That is, in a building where multiple fume hoods can be installed, it is usually desirable to determine the capacity of the suction fan (maximum air volume during suction and exhaust) assuming that all fume hoods will be used simultaneously to work. Therefore, the more fume hoods that can be installed in a building, the larger (higher output) the fan motor for rotating the suction fan will be, and the more expensive it will be. Therefore, even if power saving is attempted by adjusting the exhaust air volume according to the number of fume hoods in operation, the effect is limited.

[0016] Moreover, even in the case of a facility capable of installing multiple fume hoods, it is rare for all fume hoods to be used simultaneously for work. Therefore, preparing high-output fan motors in advance in anticipation of the case where all fume hoods are used simultaneously for work is wasteful in terms of facility investment and construction costs for the building.

[0017] Therefore, in conventional facilities where multiple fume hoods can be installed, for example, the number of hoods that can be in operation simultaneously is specified in advance, and fan motors with an output appropriate to the total exhaust air volume corresponding to that specified number are installed inside the building, and strict control is exercised to ensure that more than the specified number of hoods are not operated simultaneously, and approval is then submitted to the Labor Standards Inspection Office (supervisory agency).

[0018] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fume hood management system and a fume hood management method that can strictly manage fume hoods that can be operated simultaneously in a facility building where multiple fume hoods can be installed, so that the operating rate (total exhaust air volume) is always below the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan, and that is more suitable for reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the fume hood management system of the present invention is characterized in that the maximum air volume of an exhaust fan installed in a building capable of installing multiple fume hoods is set to be less than or equal to a total exhaust air volume which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes of each of the fume hoods, and the system is equipped with an air volume calculation unit which calculates the total exhaust air volume of all operating fume hoods each time the fume hood is operated, and a control device which issues a warning to the fume hood which was operated last when the ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all operating fume hoods calculated by the air volume calculation unit to the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds a first threshold value.

[0020] In addition, a fume hood management method according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when the maximum air volume of exhaust fans installed in a building in which multiple fume hoods can be installed is set to be less than or equal to the total exhaust air volume, which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes of each of the fume hoods, the fume hood management system according to the one aspect is used to control the operation of all fume hoods in operation. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, in a facility in which multiple fume hoods can be installed, the fume hoods that can be in operation simultaneously can be strictly managed so that the operating rate is always below the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan, thereby providing a fume hood management system and fume hood management method that are more suitable for reducing costs.

[0022] Furthermore, there is no need to worry about the total exhaust air volume exceeding the maximum air volume or the administrator having to lock up more than the specified number of hoods, and as a result, fume hoods that can be used at the same time can be strictly controlled, making it easy to obtain approval by filing a report with the supervisory authority. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a fume hood management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fume hood management system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a fume hood applicable to an embodiment of a fume hood management system. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a fume hood applicable to an embodiment of a fume hood management system. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fume hood applicable to a fume hood management system according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a brake unit in a sash lifting unit of a fume hood that can be applied to a fume hood management system of one embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] 7(a) is a top (plan) view of the brake unit in FIG. 6, and (b) is a side view thereof. [Figure 8] 7A is a partially see-through view of the brake unit in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a schematic view seen from the opposite side. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart shown for explaining a method for managing a fume hood according to an embodiment of the fume hood management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fume hood management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, the drawings are merely schematic diagrams of the invention and may differ from the actual one.

[0025] <One embodiment> (Outline of fume hood management system) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fume hood management system according to an embodiment.

[0026] In the fume hood management system according to this embodiment, the maximum exhaust air volume of exhaust fans (suction fans of an air conditioning system) 202 installed in a building 100 capable of installing a plurality of fume hoods (FH) 1 is set to be equal to or less than the total exhaust air volume (required air volume) which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes of all the fume hoods 1. Then, every time a fume hood 1 is operated, the operation of all the operating fume hoods 1 is managed according to the ratio (operation rate) of the total exhaust air volume of all the operating fume hoods 1 to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fans 202.

[0027] That is, the fume hood management system of this embodiment is composed of multiple fume hoods 1 installed in a building 100 of a facility where experiments, research, inspections, etc. are conducted, an air conditioning system 200, and a hood control system 300, as shown in Figure 1, for example.

[0028] The building 100 has, for example, a four-story structure above ground, and is capable of installing a maximum of 30 fume hoods 1 (10 on each of the first to third floors 101 to 103).

[0029] At the entrance / exit 110 of the building 100, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a wing 111 and an opening / closing door 112 are provided, and a surveillance camera 113 for monitoring entry and exit into the building 100 and an authentication device 114 for performing security checks at the time of entry and exit are also provided.

[0030] A hood control system 300 is installed on, for example, the top floor (fourth floor) 104 of the building 100 to centrally manage the inside of the building 100 and to control the air conditioning system 200 and the fume hood 1 (details will be described later).

[0031] Additionally, an exhaust duct 201 and an exhaust fan 202 are disposed within the building 100 as part of an air conditioning system 200. One end of the exhaust duct 201 is connected to each of the fume hoods 1, and is disposed within an exhaust path 106 provided in one area of ​​the building 100, via an attic 105 on each of the floors 101 to 103. The exhaust fans 202 are commonly connected to the other end of the exhaust duct 201 above the exhaust path 106.

[0032] Here, the exhaust fan 202 is used to suck and discharge the exhaust air from each fume hood 1 to the outside (outdoors) of the building 100, and the maximum output of the fan motor 301 that drives the exhaust fan 202 is set to be, for example, about 50% of the required air volume.

[0033] The required air volume is, for example, the amount of air that is sufficient to exhaust the total exhaust air volume, which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes, when all 30 fume hoods 1 are used at the same time and each is working at its standard air volume (controlled air volume).

[0034] In the fume hood management system according to this embodiment, for example, the maximum number of fume hoods 1 that are assumed to be capable of operating simultaneously is set to 15. The maximum output of the fan motor 301 is set so that the exhaust fan 202 can be driven at a total exhaust air volume (for example, the total value of the exhaust air volumes of the 15 units, converted into a standard air volume) corresponding to the specified number. This reduces the capital investment, construction costs, and running costs of the building 100 associated with the installation of the fan motor 301.

[0035] Therefore, in cases where 30 fume hoods 1 are rarely used for work at the same time, it is possible to reduce waste associated with installing a high-output fan motor capable of driving the exhaust fan 202 at the required air volume (total exhaust air volume for 30 units).

[0036] That is, in a fume hood management system, it is desirable to set the maximum output of the fan motor 301 so that the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202 is the required air volume capable of exhausting the total exhaust air volume of all the fume hoods 1. However, it is rare that all the fume hoods 1 are used at the same time to work at the same time. Therefore, setting the maximum output of the fan motor 301 assuming (specifying) the operation of 30 fume hoods 1 will lead to a rise in the capital investment, construction costs, running costs, etc. of the building 100.

[0037] Therefore, the maximum output of the fan motor 301 is set to, for example, 10 m 3 / min, the maximum exhaust volume of the exhaust fan 202 is 150 m 3 It is set to about 1 / min.

[0038] Therefore, in the case of the fume hood management system of this embodiment, details will be described later, but for example, up to the 14th fume hood 1 can be operated normally, but once the operation of the 15th or subsequent fume hoods 1 is confirmed, their use is restricted.

[0039] In this way, by allowing a plurality of fume hoods 1 (for example, 15 fume hoods) 1 to be used simultaneously for work, it is possible to ensure a certain degree of ease of work while reducing costs.

[0040] In this embodiment, "using multiple fume hoods 1 at the same time to work simultaneously" does not mean that 15 fume hoods 1 are operated at the same time, but rather that 15 fume hoods 1 can be set to operate in parallel.

[0041] Furthermore, the building 100 is not limited to a four-story structure, and the number of fume hoods 1 that can be installed and the number of fume hoods 1 that are expected to be able to operate simultaneously are merely examples and are of course not limited.

[0042] (Hood Control System 300) FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fume hood management system according to the present embodiment.

[0043] 2, for example, a fan motor control unit 311, a camera control unit 312, an authentication unit 313, a management unit 314, a door control unit 315, a storage unit 316, an air volume calculation unit 317, and a warning unit 318 are connected to the control device 319. The warning unit 318 may be provided with, for example, a warning device such as a display or a buzzer that warns of an abnormality or the like.

[0044] The control device 319 is also connected to each control unit (described later) of all the fume hoods 1 installed in the building 100.

[0045] The fan motor control unit 311 controls the fan motor 301 that drives the exhaust fan 202 .

[0046] The camera control unit 312 controls the shooting by the surveillance camera 113 .

[0047] The authentication unit 313 performs personal authentication and the like based on the output of the authentication device 114 .

[0048] The management unit 314 centrally manages each piece of equipment in the building 100, such as elevators and lighting (not shown).

[0049] The door control unit 315 controls the opening and closing (locking and unlocking) of the door 112 of the entrance / exit 110 .

[0050] The storage unit 316 stores thresholds (first threshold, second threshold) and the like for managing the operating state, which is the operating rate of the fume hood 1, which will be described later.

[0051] The air volume calculation unit 317 calculates the total exhaust air volume when managing the operating state of the fume hood 1, which will be described later.

[0052] The warning unit 318 issues a warning of an abnormality or the like using an alarm (not shown).

[0053] The control device 319 controls each part within the building 100, and also controls the operating state of the fume hood 1 described below according to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202, and, for example, issues an instruction to the target fume hood 1 to issue a warning (such as insufficient exhaust air volume).

[0054] That is, for example, each time the fume hood 1 is operated, the control device 319 causes the air volume calculation unit 317 to calculate the total exhaust air volume of all operating fume hoods 1. Then, the control device 319 manages (controls) the operation of each fume hood 1 according to the ratio of the calculated total exhaust air volume to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202.

[0055] As an example, when the ratio of the calculated total exhaust air volume to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202 stored in advance in the memory unit 316 exceeds 95% (first threshold), an alarm (described later) of the last operated fume hood 1 is used to notify the operator of the last operated fume hood 1 of insufficient exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202. This prompts the operator of the last operated fume hood 1 to limit use.

[0056] Furthermore, when the ratio of the calculated total exhaust air volume to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202 exceeds 95% (first threshold), the sash (described later) of the last operated fume hood 1 is controlled to be difficult to open. As a result, the rise of the sash of the last operated fume hood 1 is suppressed due to insufficient exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202, and the relevant worker is prompted to limit use.

[0057] Furthermore, when the ratio of the calculated total exhaust air volume to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202 exceeds 98% (second threshold), control is performed to prohibit the opening of the sashes of all operating fume hoods 1. As a result, the raising of the sashes of all operating fume hoods 1 is prohibited due to insufficient exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202, and each worker is prompted to limit their use.

[0058] In this way, all fume hoods 1 in operation can be easily managed according to the ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all fume hoods 1 in operation to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202.

[0059] (Fume hood overview) Next, a basic configuration of the fume hood 1 applicable to the fume hood management system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a front view of the fume hood 1, Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure, and Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram.

[0060] The fume hood 1 is used, for example, by workers such as researchers and experimenters to perform various tasks such as aseptic manipulation of samples such as microorganisms as the object to be treated, or chemical experiments or inspections, using various instruments and chemicals.

[0061] This fume hood 1 has a standard air volume (when the sash is fully opened) of 10 m 3 / min, and the minimum air volume (when the sash is at its smallest opening) is 3 m 3 / min.

[0062] The minimum airflow rate is, for example, the airflow rate when the sash 14 is closed to the lowest home position HP and the size of the front opening 13 forms an air passage 17 with a minimum area.

[0063] The standard air volume is the air volume when the sash 14 is opened as much as 400 mm from the uppermost position, for example, the home position HP, and the size of the front opening 13 forms an air passage 17 with the maximum area.

[0064] In addition, the minimum wind speed (face speed) of this fume hood 1 is specified to comply with the "Organic Solvent Poisoning Prevention Regulations" or the "Specific Chemical Substances and Other Harm Prevention Regulations."

[0065] This fume hood 1 is equipped with an enclosure (main body) 10, which is a box-shaped surrounding part, in which work is carried out while containing the materials to be worked on, chemicals, and in particular the atmosphere containing harmful chemicals, so that they do not leak outside (indoors).

[0066] The enclosure 10 has a draft chamber interior 11 in which a large working space 12 is provided.

[0067] Here, in the work space 12, in order to prevent workers from being affected by the objects to be treated, etc., when processing the objects to be treated, the draft chamber interior 11 has a structure that isolates the atmosphere within the work space 12 from the outside.

[0068] That is, the fume hood 1 is a local exhaust system (enclosure system) intended to protect workers from harmful chemical substances, etc. Therefore, the air volume in the working space 12 is preferably variable, and the working space 12 has a containment performance that can realize smooth ventilation and contain harmful chemical substances, etc., not only in the standard air volume area but also in the low air volume (minimum air volume) area. This ensures the safety of the workers.

[0069] This prevents the atmosphere containing harmful chemical substances from leaking to the outside during work, thereby preventing workers from becoming contaminated by harmful chemical substances.

[0070] In particular, fume hoods known as low air volume types are designed to operate at low running costs in order to reduce energy costs. The exhaust air volume of a low air volume type fume hood can be reduced (reduced air volume) by, for example, 40 to 60% compared to the exhaust air volume of a general (standard) fume hood.

[0071] In other words, a low-airflow fume hood sends a low-airflow draft air into the work space, which allows for less power consumption (more eco-friendly) and less noise during operation (work) compared to sending a standard-airflow draft air into the work space.

[0072] Next, the configuration of the fume hood 1 suitable for use in the fume hood management system according to this embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to Figs.

[0073] For example, an enclosure 10 in the shape of a vertically long box has on its front side a rectangular front opening 13. A sash 14 serving as a movable glass door that moves (moves up and down) in the Z direction shown in the figure is provided below the front opening 13, and a fixed glass portion 15 is provided on the upper side.

[0074] The sash 14 and the fixed glass portion 15 are made of transparent or light-transmitting plates so that the working space 12 can be seen, and preferably made of tempered glass.

[0075] In this embodiment, the fixed glass portion 15 has an area smaller than that of the sash 14, and is fitted into and fixed to the enclosure 10, thereby closing off an upper region that is a part of the front opening 13.

[0076] The opening area of ​​the lower region, which is a part of the front opening 13, changes in response to the raising and lowering movement of the sash 14.

[0077] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, for example, even when the sash 14 is lowered to the lowest end and a large portion of the front opening 13 is closed (home position HP), the upper edge portion 14U of the sash 14 and the lower edge portion 15D of the fixed glass part 15 overlap each other.

[0078] In other words, the contact portion between the upper edge portion 14U of the sash 14 and the lower edge portion 15D of the fixed glass part 15 is designed so that no gap is formed.

[0079] At the home position HP where the sash 14 is lowered to the lowest end, an air passage (opening for air intake) 17 with a minimum area in the front opening 13 is formed between the lower edge portion 14D of the sash 14 and the work surface 16. In this case, the air passage 17 formed at the bottom of the front opening 13 is, for example, 3 m 3 Outside air at a minimum volume of about 1 / min is sent into the working space 12 inside the enclosure 10.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the enclosure 10 has a front surface portion 10F, left and right side surfaces 10L and 10R, a rear surface portion 10B, and a ceiling surface portion 10U.

[0081] The left and right edge portions 14L, 14R of the sash 14 are fitted into the left and right glass guide portions 11L, 11R of the front portion 10F of the enclosure 10, and are capable of moving in the Z direction (up and down) along the glass guide portions 11L, 11R.

[0082] A grip portion 14A is provided at a lower edge portion 14D of the sash 14 for an operator to hold by hand and raise and lower the sash 14.

[0083] (Sash lifting unit) 4, one end of a hanging wire (sash hanging timing belt) 21 is fixed to the upper edge portion 14U of the sash 14. This hanging wire 21 is hung between pulleys 22A and 22B. The other end of the hanging wire 21 is wound up by a winding wheel 23 of an electric motor (motor unit) M for lifting and lowering, so that the sash 14 can be raised to open the front opening 13 or lowered to close the front opening 13.

[0084] The electric motor M can adjust the opening degree of the front opening 13 (the opening area of ​​the air passage 17) by automatically raising and lowering the sash 14 according to the work situation, etc., under the control of the control unit 50 described later.

[0085] The sash 14 can be raised, for example, up to about 400 mm from the home position HP (when the sash is fully opened). In this case, the sash 14 can be raised, for example, up to about 10 mm from the maximum opening of the front opening 13. 3 Outside air at a standard air volume of about 100 sq. ft. / min is blown into the work space 12 inside the enclosure 10 .

[0086] In addition, when the sash 14 is raised, for example, to about 200 mm from the home position HP, the distance from the intermediate opening of the front opening 13 is, for example, 5 m. 3 Outside air at a medium volume of about 100 rpm is blown into the work space 12 inside the enclosure 10.

[0087] Although details will be described later, the sash lifting unit includes a sash opening sensor 58 that detects the opening degree of the sash 14, a brake unit 59 that limits the lifting and lowering movement of the sash 14, and the like.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the sash opening sensor 58 detects the opening degree of the sash 14 by detecting the amount of the suspension wire 21 wound by the winding wheel 23 due to the rotation of the electric motor M (the distance traveled between the pulleys 22A and 22B).

[0089] The brake unit 59 is for suppressing the opening (rising) movement of the sash 14, for example, by applying a brake to the rotation of the pulley 22A. For example, by adjusting the amount of control when applying a brake to the rotation of the pulley 22A, the rising movement of the sash 14 can be slowed down (made heavy) or prohibited (locked).

[0090] 5, a control unit 50 for controlling the operation of the fume hood 1 and a purification device (not shown) are housed inside the enclosure 10. This purification device includes, for example, an exhaust fan (not shown) and a HEPA filter (high efficiency filter) for removing fine particles from the atmosphere, and after purifying the air in the working space 12, continues to exhaust the air to the exhaust duct 201 via an exhaust valve 30 as an air volume control damper.

[0091] This means that, for example, when the sash 14 is at the home position HP, 3 Outside air with a minimum volume of about 1 / min is sent into the working space 12 inside the enclosure 10 through an air passage 17 formed below the front opening 13.

[0092] The air within the work space 12, together with the atmosphere containing the substances to be sealed within the work space 12, enters the rear passage 32 through the exhaust hole 31 on the rear side of the work space 12, and is exhausted to the outside after being filtered by the HEPA filter of the purification device.

[0093] In the draft chamber interior 11 of the enclosure 10, the work space 12 is a closed space of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape formed along the illustrated X direction (left-right direction), the illustrated Y direction (depth direction), and the illustrated Z direction (up-down direction). The work surface 16 corresponds to the bottom of the work space 12.

[0094] The height position of this work surface 16 is set so that an operator can perform the specified work within the work space 12 by inserting his / her hands into the draft chamber 11 through the air passage 17 of the front opening 13 while sitting on a work chair (not shown).

[0095] A space SP is provided below the enclosure 10. A worker sitting on a work chair can place his / her knees in this space SP.

[0096] An operation panel 40 is provided at the top of the space SP in the enclosure 10. The operation panel 40 is provided with a power outlet 41, a switch 42A for raising the sash 14, a switch 42B for lowering the sash 14, and a start switch 43 for operating the fume hood 1.

[0097] The start switch 43 transmits a control signal S to the control unit 50 for setting the fume hood 1 to an ON state when work begins (operates) and to an OFF state when work ends.

[0098] The lift switch 42A, for example, in response to an operator's operation, sends a control signal to the control unit 50 to drive the electric motor M, thereby lifting the sash 14 in the illustrated Z1 direction.

[0099] The lowering switch 42B, for example, in response to an operation by an operator, sends a control signal to the control unit 50 to drive the electric motor M, thereby lowering the sash 14 in the illustrated Z2 direction.

[0100] The enclosure 10 also includes a sash position detector 51 that detects when the sash 14 is located at the home position HP and outputs a control signal HP to the control unit 50 .

[0101] Moreover, the enclosure 10 is provided with a status display unit (alarm) 45 located above the fixed glass portion 15, which displays the operating status of the fume hood 1 by emitting different colors. The status display unit 45 is configured by arranging light-emitting bodies, such as multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes), that can select and emit multiple colors under the control of the control unit 50. The status display unit 45 can visually notify, for example, the operating status of the fume hood 1, such as standby, operating, warning of reduced airflow, abnormality, etc., by emitting different colors.

[0102] In this embodiment, for example, when an increase in exhaust air volume accompanying operation of the fume hood 1 is expected to cause the total exhaust air volume of all operating fume hoods 1 to exceed a first threshold value described below, the illuminated color of the status display unit 45 alerts the operator to the insufficient exhaust air volume.

[0103] 5, the fume hood 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an actuator 53 that controls the opening of the exhaust valve 30, an internal camera 54, a stopper device 55, a monitor display device 56, and a storage medium connection section 57. It also includes a temperature sensor 46, a wind speed detector (pressure sensor) 52, etc.

[0104] The wind speed detector 52 detects the wind speed based on, for example, the amount of pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the exhaust valve 30 , and transmits a detection signal W to the control unit 50 .

[0105] The internal camera 54 captures images of the work situation and the like within the work space 12, and transmits the captured image information P of the work space 12 to the control unit 50. As the internal camera 54, for example, a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera can be used.

[0106] The monitor display device 56 displays, via the control unit 50, on a screen, the photographic information P captured by the internal camera 54, the photographic information P stored in the information storage medium 57A, and the like.

[0107] The storage medium connection unit 57 stores, in the connected information storage medium 57A, photographed information P of the work situation in the work space 12, and reads out the photographed information P stored in the information storage medium 57A. Note that, as the information storage medium 57A, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an SD (Safe Driver) memory card is preferable, but is not particularly limited.

[0108] When the sash 14 is located at the lowest home position HP, the stopper device 55, under the control of the control unit 50, prohibits the sash 14 from rising so that the sash 14 cannot be inadvertently opened by the pin 55A, thereby maintaining security during work.

[0109] Moreover, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to the control device 319 of the hood control system 300 in the fume hood management system described above.

[0110] (Brake unit) Next, the brake unit 59 applied to the sash lifting unit of the fume hood 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the brake unit 59, Fig. 7(a) is a top view of the brake unit 59, and Fig. 7(b) is a side view. Fig. 8(a) is a see-through view of part of the brake unit 59, and Fig. 8(b) is a view seen from the opposite side.

[0111] That is, the brake unit 59 in this embodiment is provided, for example, on at least one inner shaft portion of a pair of pulleys 22A provided on a rotating shaft 24 that constitutes the sash lifting unit.

[0112] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, for example, the brake unit 59 has an approximately L-shaped mounting member 59a fixed to the top plate 60, a resin drum 59b provided on the pulley 22A side of the mounting member 59a, a braking rubber belt 59c stretched around the resin drum 59b, and a solenoid 59d for varying the sliding resistance of the braking rubber belt 59c against the resin drum 59b.

[0113] The resin drum 59b is fixed, for example, coaxially with the rotation shaft 24 of the pulley 22A around which the suspension wire 21 is hung.

[0114] The brake rubber belt 59c has one end fixed and the other end connected to a solenoid 59d via a movable part 59e, and is configured so that the strength of the sliding (amount of pulling) against the resin drum 59b can be changed, for example, when making it difficult to open the sash 14 and when locking it.

[0115] The pulling amount (control amount) of the solenoid 59d is controlled by the control unit 50 in accordance with instructions from the control device 319 (for example, brake control signals S1, S2).

[0116] That is, when the fume hood 1 is in operation, for example, based on the first threshold value, if the control device 319 predicts that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient due to the operation of the fume hood 1 (when the brake control signal S1 is output), the control unit 50 controls the solenoid 59d to gently pull the brake rubber belt 59c. As a result, the resin drum 59b is braked, the lifting and lowering action of the sash 14 is suppressed, and in particular, the movement of the sash 14 becomes heavy and it becomes difficult to lift, thereby alerting the operator of the target fume hood 1 to the exhaust capacity insufficiency.

[0117] On the other hand, when the fume hood 1 is in operation, for example, based on the second threshold value, if the control device 319 predicts that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient due to the operation of the fume hood 1 (when the brake control signal S2 is output), the control unit 50 of all operating fume hoods 1 controls the solenoid 59d to strongly pull the brake rubber belt 59c. As a result, the resin drum 59b is locked, and the lifting and lowering operation of the sash 14 is prohibited. In particular, by making it impossible to lift the sash 14, a warning of the exhaust capacity insufficiency is issued to the workers of all fume hoods 1.

[0118] The brake unit 59 can easily be configured using an electromagnetic brake or the like.

[0119] (Example of using a fume hood) Next, the basic operation of the above-mentioned fume hood 1 will be described.

[0120] When an operator performs a predetermined task using the fume hood 1, for example, the sash 14 is positioned at the lowest home position HP. In this state, when the operator turns on the start switch 43 of the operation panel 40, a control signal S is sent to the control unit 50.

[0121] As a result, the control unit 50 activates the status display unit 45, the internal camera 54, the monitor display device 56, the storage medium connection unit 57, and the actuator 53 of the exhaust valve 30. At that time, the exhaust air volume of the fume hood 1 is set to a minimum air volume (for example, 3 m 3 / min). This puts the fume hood 1 into an operational state where the operator can start the specified work.

[0122] When the start switch 43 is operated, for example, if the worker using the fume hood 1 is recognized by bringing an authentication key such as an ID tag carried by the worker close to an authorization command unit (not shown), the control unit 50 may be configured to accept a control signal S from the start switch 43. In this way, by having the control unit 50 accept the control signal S accompanying the operation of the start switch 43 only when the worker is authenticated, the operational security of the fume hood 1 can be improved.

[0123] In addition, a shielding device (not shown) may be provided on the sash 14 and the fixed glass portion 15 so that the inside of the work space 12 can be concealed during work.

[0124] When the fume hood 1 is in an operable state, a signal from the up switch 42A or a signal from the down switch 42B operated by the worker is sent to the control unit 50. This allows the worker to automatically raise and lower the sash 14.

[0125] However, when the sash 14 is at the lowest home position HP, the control unit 50 protrudes the pin 55A of the stopper device 55 so that the sash 14 cannot be moved (raised) from the home position HP even manually. This makes it possible to prevent the sash 14 from being inadvertently opened by a third party and to prevent the worker from being exposed to air from within the work space 12 during work.

[0126] When the sash 14 is in the lowest home position HP, an operator can insert his or her hands into the draft chamber 11 through the air passage 17, thereby enabling various types of work to be performed within the work space 12.

[0127] In the fume hood 1, for example, when the temperature sensor 46 detects an increase in temperature in the work space 12 during work, the control unit 50 locally increases the exhaust air volume.

[0128] That is, when heat is generated, the control unit 50 controls the stopper device 55 to remove the pin 55A, enabling the sash 14 to rise, and controls the actuator 53 to adjust the exhaust air volume from the exhaust valve 30 to the local exhaust air volume (for example, 10 m 3 Set the fan speed to approximately 1 / min (standard airflow rate).

[0129] In this way, by making it possible to increase the exhaust air volume only when heat is generated, and allowing work to be done with the minimum air volume under normal circumstances (when no heat is generated), it is possible to ensure work safety while reducing costs.

[0130] (How to manage a fume hood) Next, a method for managing a fume hood according to the fume hood management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] First, in the hood control system 300 of the fume hood management system, the maximum air volume (maximum exhaust air volume) for collectively controlling multiple fume hoods 1 by the control device 319 is pre-stored in the memory unit 316 (step ST1).

[0132] Further, in the memory unit 316, for example, the control device 319 sets a threshold A (first threshold) equivalent to 95% of the maximum air volume and a threshold B (second threshold) equivalent to 98% of the maximum air volume (steps ST2, ST3).

[0133] For example, the standard air volume is 10 m 3In the case of a building 100 in which a maximum of 30 fume hoods 1 with a capacity of 100 / min can be installed, the maximum air volume is 150 m 3 / min (1 / 2 of the required air volume) is set. Then, the threshold A is set to, for example, 142.5 m 3 / min, threshold B is, for example, 147m 3 / min are set respectively.

[0134] In this embodiment, although a detailed description is omitted here, for example, the maximum air volume, threshold A, and threshold B can be freely set in advance by the administrator.

[0135] In such a situation, for example, each time a fume hood 1 in the building 100 is operated, the air volume calculation unit 317 of the hood control system 300 calculates the sum of the exhaust air volumes (total exhaust air volume) of all the fume hoods 1 in operation (step ST4).

[0136] Then, the control device 319 compares whether the total exhaust air volume calculated by the air volume calculation unit 317 is greater than the threshold value A (A≦total air volume) (step ST5).

[0137] Here, if the total exhaust air volume calculated by air volume calculation unit 317 is smaller than threshold value A (NO in step ST5), the process in step ST4 is repeated. In other words, if a shortage of the maximum air volume is not predicted, the target fume hood 1 can be used without any restrictions.

[0138] If the total exhaust air volume calculated by air volume calculation unit 317 is equal to or greater than threshold value A (YES in step ST5), the process proceeds to step ST6.

[0139] That is, in step ST6, it is predicted that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient due to the operation of the fume hood 1, and a brake control signal S1 is output, for example, from the control device 319 to the fume hood 1 that was last operated.

[0140] For example, in a situation where 14 fume hoods 1 are already operating at standard airflow, even if the last operated 15th fume hood 1 is operated at the minimum airflow of 3 m 3 / min, the total exhaust air volume (143 m 3 / min) exceeds threshold A.

[0141] Alternatively, for example, in step ST4, each time the sash 14 of an operating fume hood 1 is raised, the air volume calculation unit 317 of the hood control system 300 calculates the sum of the exhaust air volumes of all operating fume hoods 1 (total exhaust air volume).

[0142] For example, in a situation where 14 fume hoods 1 are already operating at the standard air volume, even if the sash 14 of the 15th unit is raised by half (200 mm), the total exhaust air volume (145 m 3 / min) exceeds threshold A.

[0143] In such a case, in the target fume hood 1, the control unit 50 controls the status display unit 45 to light up in a predetermined luminous color and the brake unit 59 to slow down the movement of the sash 14. This allows the total exhaust air volume to be displayed as 142.5 m3 for a worker who is about to work using the target fume hood 1 that was last operated or whose sash 14 was last raised. 3 / min, and a notification is issued that usage is restricted due to insufficient exhaust capacity.

[0144] On the other hand, the control device 319 compares whether the total exhaust air volume calculated by the air volume calculation unit 317 is greater than the threshold value B (B≦total air volume) (step ST7).

[0145] Here, if the total exhaust air volume calculated by air volume calculation unit 317 is smaller than threshold value B (NO in step ST7), the process in step ST4 is repeated. In other words, if a shortage of the maximum air volume is not predicted, all fume hoods 1 in operation can be used without any restrictions.

[0146] If the total exhaust air volume calculated by air volume calculation unit 317 is equal to or greater than threshold value B (YES in step ST7), the process proceeds to step ST8.

[0147] That is, in step ST8, since it is predicted that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient due to the sash 14 being raised, for example, a brake control signal S2 is output from the control device 319 to all fume hoods 1 that are in operation.

[0148] For example, in a situation where 14 fume hoods 1 are already operating at the standard air volume, opening the 15th fume hood 1 fully (raising the sash 14 by 400 mm) will increase the total exhaust air volume (150 m 3 / min) exceeds the threshold B.

[0149] In such a case, in all fume hoods 1, the control unit 50 controls the brake units 59 to lock the movement of the sashes 14. This allows the total exhaust air volume to be set at 147 m3 for all workers working using each fume hood 1. 3 / min and is immediately before the limit of use (dangerous area) due to insufficient exhaust capacity.

[0150] In this way, the operating rate of the fume hood 1 is based on the total exhaust air volume, which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes of all fume hoods 1 that are in operation, and is used to notify of insufficient exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 and to limit the raising operation of the sash 14.

[0151] In other words, if a lack of exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 is predicted due to a new operation of the fume hood 1, the status display unit 45 of the fume hood 1 that was last operated will notify the operator that use is restricted due to insufficient exhaust capacity.

[0152] Incidentally, the notification is not limited to the status display unit 45, but may be made by using a buzzer or the monitor display device 56.

[0153] Alternatively, if it is predicted that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient as the sash 14 rises, the brake unit 59 can be used to make it difficult to open the sash 14 of the target fume hood 1, making the worker aware that use is restricted due to insufficient exhaust capacity.

[0154] Alternatively, if it is predicted that the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 202 will be insufficient as the sash 14 rises, the brake unit 59 can be used to lock the sashes 14 of all fume hoods 1, making each worker aware that the unit is about to reach its usage limit due to insufficient exhaust capacity.

[0155] As described above, according to the fume hood management system of this embodiment, it is possible to strictly manage fume hoods 1 that can be used simultaneously so that the total exhaust air volume of the operating fume hoods 1 is always equal to or less than the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan 202.

[0156] This makes it possible to provide a fume hood management system that is more suitable for reducing costs, even if the maximum exhaust airflow of the exhaust fan 202 is set to less than the total exhaust airflow (required airflow) of all fume hoods 1 in a facility building 100 where multiple fume hoods 1 can be installed.

[0157] Therefore, there is no need for managers to have to go through the hassle of having to lock up hoods that are not in use at the same time or that exceed the specified number, and approval can be easily obtained by filing a report with the supervisory authority.

[0158] In addition, as a fume hood management system that is set up to operate 15 fume hoods 1 simultaneously, it is also possible to allow the 16th and subsequent fume hoods 1 to be used simultaneously until the total exhaust air volume of the fume hoods 1 reaches threshold value A.

[0159] In this embodiment, the standard air volume is set uniformly (for example, 10 m 3Although the above description is based on an example in which multiple fume hoods 1 with a standard airflow rate of 100 / min are installed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fume hoods 1 may be fume hoods known as low airflow types, and the present invention is also applicable to a case in which fume hoods of different standards are installed together.

[0160] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the exhaust air volume can be increased only when heat is generated, eliminating the need to check for an increase in operating rate or the presence or absence of heat generation every time the fume hood 1 is used. It is possible to alert only the relevant workers by the light color of the status display unit 45 or the difficulty of opening the sash 14.

[0161] The above describes one aspect of the present invention by illustrating an embodiment, but this is merely an example, and the scope of the invention described in the claims can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1 Fume hood (FH) 12. Working Space 13 Front opening 14 Sash (movable glass door) 17 Air passage 22A,22B Pulley 30 Exhaust valve (air flow control damper) 45 Status display unit (alarm) 50 Control section 59 Brake unit 59b Plastic drum 59c Brake rubber belt 59d Solenoid 100 Building 200 Air Conditioning System 201 Exhaust duct 202 Exhaust fan 300 Hood Control System 301 Fan motor 316 Storage section 317 Air volume calculation section 319 Control device M Electric motor (motor unit) HP Home Position

Claims

1. A fume hood management system in which a maximum air volume of an exhaust fan installed in a building in which a plurality of fume hoods can be installed is set to be equal to or less than a total exhaust air volume which is a sum of the exhaust air volumes of the fume hoods, An air volume calculation unit that calculates a total exhaust air volume of all fume hoods in operation each time the fume hood is operated; a control device that issues a warning to the fume hood that was last operated when a ratio of a total exhaust air volume of all of the fume hoods in operation calculated by the air volume calculation unit to a maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds a first threshold value; A fume hood management system comprising:

2. Each of the fume hoods has an alarm, The fume hood management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls the alarm of the fume hood that was last operated to notify of insufficient exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan when the ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all of the operating fume hoods to the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds the first threshold value.

3. The fume hoods each have a liftable sash, The fume hood management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device controls the fume hood that was last operated to suppress the rise of its sash when the ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all of the operating fume hoods to the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds the first threshold value.

4. The fume hoods each have a liftable sash, The fume hood management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls the fume hood whose sash was last raised to suppress raising the sash when the ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all of the operating fume hoods to the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds the first threshold value.

5. The fume hoods each have a liftable sash, The fume hood management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls all operating fume hoods to prohibit the raising of their sashes when a ratio of the total exhaust air volume of all operating fume hoods to the maximum air volume of the exhaust fan exceeds a second threshold (second threshold > first threshold).

6. In the case where the maximum air volume of an exhaust fan installed in a building in which multiple fume hoods can be installed is set to be equal to or less than the total exhaust air volume which is the sum of the exhaust air volumes of the fume hoods, 6. A fume hood management method, comprising: controlling the operation of all fume hoods in operation by using the fume hood management system according to claim 1.

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