Estimation device, estimation method, and estimation program

Abstract

To enable accurate determination of precipitate thickness inside piping.SOLUTION: An estimation device 10 is provided, comprising: a first acquisition unit 15a configured to acquire first temperature data at a position corresponding to a piping outer surface at a first position of piping having a fluid flowing therein; a second acquisition unit 15b configured to acquire second temperature data at a position corresponding to a piping outer surface at a second position of the piping having a different heat transfer-related condition from that of the first position; and an estimation unit 15c configured to compute thermal resistivity of precipitate adhered to an inner surface of the piping on the basis of the first temperature data and the second temperature data to estimate the thickness of the precipitate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an estimation device, an estimation method, and an estimation program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in oil and gas pipelines, deposits such as hydrate, wax, asphaltene, and scale are generated depending on conditions such as temperature and pressure. Therefore, countermeasures have been taken to remove these deposits, such as injecting chemicals called inhibitors to suppress the generation of these deposits or by passing a tool called a pig through the pipeline. However, currently, there is no means to measure the thickness of these deposits (referred to as "deposit thickness" as appropriate), and therefore countermeasures such as inhibitors and pigging cannot be optimally implemented. Therefore, there is a demand for technology to estimate the thickness of deposits in pipes, and examples of such technology include Patent Documents 1 to 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133596 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0059505 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,960,305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is difficult to accurately estimate the thickness of deposits inside a pipe using the above-mentioned techniques. This is because the techniques have the following problems. First, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for estimating the shape of deposits using multiple temperature sensors installed on the circumferential surface of a pipe. However, this technique cannot accurately estimate the shape of deposits unless the temperature of the fluid inside and outside the pipe can be accurately estimated or measured. For example, if the estimated value of the fluid temperature inside and outside the pipe is incorrect, this technique will estimate the shape of the deposit to be thicker or thinner than it actually is.

[0005] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, if the fluid temperature is given based on experience or analysis using a flow simulator or the like, the value may differ significantly from the actual value. If these values ​​are estimated based on past measurement results, the difference between the estimated value and the actual value will increase over time due to phenomena such as changes in the temperature inside and outside the pipe over time.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes a technology for monitoring deposits by measuring the surface temperature of oil or gas pipelines using an array temperature sensor. However, this technology cannot accurately estimate the shape of deposits unless it can accurately estimate or measure the temperature of the fluid inside and outside the pipe.

[0007] Patent Document 3 describes a technology for monitoring the overall condition of a pipeline by measuring the temperature, vibration, pressure, and strain distribution in the axial direction of the pipeline using a DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensor) and calibrating a pipeline model such as a flow assurance simulator. This technology cannot accurately estimate the fluid temperature inside the pipe, and therefore cannot accurately estimate the deposit thickness. For these reasons, there is a demand for an estimation device that can accurately estimate the deposit thickness inside a pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides an estimation device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of a pipe through which a fluid flows; a second acquisition unit that acquires second temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a second position of the pipe that has different heat transfer conditions from the first position; and an estimation unit that calculates the thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimates the thickness of the deposit.

[0009] The present invention also provides an estimation method in which a computer executes a process of acquiring first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of a pipe through which a fluid flows, acquiring second temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a second position of the pipe that has different heat transfer conditions from the first position, calculating the thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimating the thickness of the deposit.

[0010] The present invention also provides an estimation program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of a pipe through which a fluid flows, acquiring second temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a second position of the pipe that has different heat transfer conditions from the first position, calculating the thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimating the thickness of the deposit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to estimate the thickness of deposits in a pipe with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an estimation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an estimation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a first acquisition process according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a second acquisition process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a deposit thickness estimation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a process for estimating a fluid temperature in a pipe according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first specific example of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second specific example of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 3 of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth specific example of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth specific example of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth specific example of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a seventh specific example of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing specific example 8 of the pipe and temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 9 of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 10 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 11 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 12 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 13 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 14 of the pipe and the temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An estimation device, an estimation method, and an estimation program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0014] [Embodiment] The configuration of the estimation system 100 according to this embodiment, the configuration of the estimation device 10, etc., the flow of each process, and specific examples of piping and temperature sensors will be described below, and finally the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0015] [Configuration of estimation system 100] The configuration of an estimation system 100 according to this embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as this system, as appropriate) will be described in detail using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the estimation system according to this embodiment. Below, an example of the overall configuration of this system 100 will be shown, and then the processing of this system 100 will be described. Note that this embodiment will be described using an oil or gas pipeline as an example, but this is not limited to this, and the system can be applied to pipes through which various fluids flow, such as pipes that carry cooling water to a power plant or pipes that carry hot spring water to a predetermined location.

[0016] (Example of overall system configuration) The system 100 includes an estimation device 10 and temperature sensors 40 (40A-1, 40A-2, 40B-1, 40B-2). The estimation device 10 and the temperature sensors 40 are connected to each other via a predetermined communication network (not shown) in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. The estimation system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of estimation devices 10.

[0017] Here, temperature sensor 40A-1 is installed on the outer surface of pipe 20 of an oil or gas pipeline, and temperature sensor 40A-2 is installed on the outer surface of insulation 30A that covers pipe 20. Similarly, temperature sensor 40B-1 is installed on the outer surface of pipe 20 of an oil or gas pipeline, and temperature sensor 40B-2 is installed on the outer surface of insulation 30B that covers pipe 20 and has a different thickness from insulation 30A. Furthermore, fluid 50 such as oil or gas flows inside pipe 20. Furthermore, deposits 60 such as hydrate, wax, asphaltene, scale, etc. are generated on the inner surface of pipe 20.

[0018] (System-wide processing) An example of estimating the thickness of a deposit inside a pipe in the above-described system will be described. First, estimation device 10 acquires the pipe surface temperature from temperature sensor 40A-1 and the insulator surface temperature from temperature sensor 40A-2 outside the pipe at a position where deposit 60 adheres to the inner surface of pipe 20 (appropriately referred to as the "first deposit occurrence position") (step S1). Furthermore, estimation device 10 acquires the pipe surface temperature from temperature sensor 40B-1 and the insulator surface temperature from temperature sensor 40B-2 outside the pipe at a position where deposit 60 adheres to the inner surface of pipe 20, different from the first deposit occurrence position (appropriately referred to as the "second deposit occurrence position") (step S2).

[0019] Here, the temperature sensors 40 (40A, 40B) are, for example, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, DTS, thermal cameras, etc. Temperature sensor 40A measures the surface temperature of the pipe and the insulation material at the location where the first deposit occurs. Temperature sensor 40B measures the surface temperature of the pipe and the insulation material at the location where the second deposit occurs. In FIG. 1, two temperature sensors 40A, 40B are installed, but three or more sensors can also be installed throughout the pipe or the insulation material.

[0020] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 using the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensors 40A and 40B, and estimates the deposit thickness (step S3). The process of estimating the deposit thickness will be described in detail later in [Process Flow] (4. Process Flow for Estimating Deposit Thickness). Furthermore, the estimation device 10 can also estimate the fluid temperature inside the pipe using the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensors 40A and 40B. The process of estimating the fluid temperature inside the pipe will be described in detail later in [Process Flow] (5. Process Flow for Estimating the Fluid Temperature inside the Pipe).

[0021] By performing the above-described steps S1 to S3, the thickness of deposits occurring inside an oil or gas pipeline can be estimated inexpensively, non-invasively, and accurately without measuring the fluid temperature inside the pipeline.

[0022] [Configuration of the estimation device 10, etc.] The functional configuration of each device included in the system 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described using Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an estimation system according to an embodiment. Below, the configuration of the estimation device 10, the configuration of the temperature sensor 40, and the configuration of other devices according to this embodiment will be described in order.

[0023] (1. Configuration of Estimation Device 10) The estimation device 10 has an input unit 11, an output unit 12, a communication unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15. The input unit 11 controls the input of various information to the estimation device 10. For example, the input unit 11 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and accepts input of setting information, etc. to the estimation device 10. The output unit 12 controls the output of various information from the estimation device 10. For example, the output unit 12 is realized by a display, etc., and outputs setting information, etc. stored in the estimation device 10.

[0024] The communication unit 13 controls data communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 13 performs data communication with each device via a network device (not shown). The communication unit 13 can also perform data communication with an operator's terminal (not shown).

[0025] The storage unit 14 stores various pieces of information referenced when the control unit 15 operates and various pieces of information acquired when the control unit 15 operates. Here, the storage unit 14 can be realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Note that, in the example of FIG. 2, the storage unit 14 is installed inside the estimation device 10, but it may be installed outside the estimation device 10, or multiple storage units may be installed.

[0026] Here, the storage unit 14 stores information used in the estimation process by the estimation unit 15c. For example, the storage unit 14 stores the thermal conductivity k p , k i (k i1 , k i2 ), k deposit and the outer radius of the pipe (= inner radius of the insulation) r po and the inner radius of the pipe, r pi and the outer radius r of the insulation i (r i1 , r i2 The storage unit 14 also stores information about the pipes, such as the thickness, material, shape, and number of layers of the heat insulating material, the arrangement of the temperature sensor 40, and the structure of the pipes, as well as the heat transfer coefficients h outer1 , h outer2 Measured and estimated values ​​such as the flow rate of the fluid in the pipe, the ambient temperature, and the presence or absence of wind are stored.

[0027] The control unit 15 controls the entire estimation device 10. The control unit 15 has a first acquisition unit 15a, a second acquisition unit 15b, and an estimation unit 15c. Here, the control unit 15 can be realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0028] (1st acquisition part 15a) The first acquisition unit 15a acquires first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of the piping 20 through which the fluid 50 flows. Here, the first temperature data is one or more pieces of temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of an arbitrary position of the piping 20 through which the fluid 50 flows, such as a piping surface temperature, a thermal insulation surface temperature, a temperature inside the thermal insulation, an air temperature, or a fluid temperature outside the piping.

[0029] Regarding the first position, for example, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires, as the first temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the first position where the deposit 60 is attached to the inner surface of the pipe 20. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires, as the first temperature data, one or more temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the first position where the pipe 20 is coated with a coating material. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires, as the first temperature data, one or more temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the first position where the pipe 20 is not coated with a coating material such as the thermal insulation material 30. Here, the coating material refers to a thermal insulation material, a protective material, a buffer material, etc. that is coated around the periphery of the pipe 20.

[0030] 1, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires first temperature data in a pipe (pipeline) 20 that transports oil or gas produced from a well. Note that the processing by the first acquisition unit 15a is not limited to the above example, and for example, the first acquisition unit 15a can also acquire the pipe surface temperature, the insulation surface temperature, etc. in a pipe that transports cooling water to a power plant, a pipe that transports hot spring water to a predetermined location, etc.

[0031] Regarding the temperature data to be acquired, for example, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires, as the first temperature data, temperature data of the pipe surface and the coating material surface outside the pipe at the first position. At this time, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires a first pipe surface temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe 20 at the first position, and a first coating material surface temperature, which is the temperature of the coating material surface located radially outward from the first position on the pipe 20. The first acquisition unit 15a also acquires, as the first temperature data, two temperature data of the inside of the coating material located radially outward from the first position on the pipe 20. That is, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires temperature data T1 (T5), which is the pipe surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulation near the pipe surface, and T3, which is the insulation material surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulation near the insulation surface. The first acquisition unit 15a also acquires, as the first temperature data, the air temperature or the outside-pipe fluid temperature outside the pipe at the first position. That is, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires temperature data T6, which is the air temperature or the outside-pipe fluid temperature. Further, regarding the acquisition of data other than temperature data, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires first heat flux data used to calculate the amount of heat transfer Q1 from the fluid 50 to the outside of the piping at the first position.

[0032] (Second acquisition part 15b) The second acquisition unit 15b acquires second temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at a second position on the pipe 20 where the conditions related to heat transfer are different from those at the first position. Here, the conditions related to heat transfer are conditions related to the amount of heat transfer, such as the thermal resistance and thermal conductivity of the insulating material, and the heat transfer coefficient of the pipe surface. That is, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, one or more temperature data at positions corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the thermal resistance is different from that at the first position due to at least one of the thickness, material, shape, and number of layers of the coating material being different.

[0033] Further, with regard to the second position, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the deposit 60 is attached. At this time, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the deposit 60 is attached under the same conditions as at the first position. That is, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the same type of deposit 60 is attached to the same thickness as at the first position. Furthermore, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, one or more temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the pipe 20 is coated with a coating material such as the thermal insulation 30. On the other hand, the second acquisition unit 15b may acquire, as the second temperature data, one or more temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the pipe 20 is not coated with a coating material such as the thermal insulation 30.

[0034] 1, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires second temperature data in a pipe (pipeline) 20 that transports oil or gas produced from a well. Note that the processing by the second acquisition unit 15b is not limited to the above example, and for example, the second acquisition unit 15b can also acquire the pipe surface temperature, the insulation surface temperature, etc. in a pipe that transports cooling water to a power plant, a pipe that transports hot spring water to a predetermined location, etc.

[0035] Regarding the temperature data to be acquired, for example, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, temperature data of the pipe surface and the coating material surface outside the pipe at the second position. At this time, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires, as the second temperature data, a second pipe surface temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe 20 at the second position, and a second coating material surface temperature, which is the temperature of the coating material surface located radially outward from the second position on the pipe 20. The second acquisition unit 15b also acquires two second temperature data points inside the coating material located radially outward from the second position on the pipe 20. That is, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires temperature data T2, which is the pipe surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulation near the pipe surface, and T4, which is the insulation material surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulation near the insulation surface. The second acquisition unit 15b also acquires, as the second temperature data, the air temperature or the external fluid temperature outside the pipe at the second position. That is, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires temperature data T6, which is the air temperature or the external fluid temperature. Further, regarding the acquisition of data other than temperature data, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires second heat flux data used to calculate the amount of heat transfer Q2 from the fluid 50 to the outside of the piping at the second position.

[0036] (Estimation part 15c) The estimation unit 15c calculates the thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 attached to the inner surface of the pipe 20 based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data. deposit and estimates the thickness δ of the deposit 60. For example, the estimation unit 15c calculates temperature difference data using the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and calculates the thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 based on the temperature difference data. deposit and estimates the thickness δ of the deposit 60. Furthermore, the estimation unit 15c calculates the thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 using the temperature difference data and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the pipe 20, and the covering materials such as the heat insulating material 30. deposit and estimates the thickness δ of the deposit 60. At this time, the estimation unit 15c calculates the thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 using the temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the first coating material surface temperature, the temperature difference between the second pipe surface temperature and the second coating material surface temperature, the temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the second pipe surface temperature, and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the pipe 20, and the coating material. depositis calculated to estimate the thickness of the deposit 60. In addition, the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 is calculated using the temperature difference between the two first temperature data, the temperature difference between the two second temperature data, the temperature difference between the first temperature data and the second temperature data selected from the two first temperature data and the two second temperature data based on the acquired positions, and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the piping 20, and the coating material, to estimate the thickness of the deposit 60.

[0037] That is, the estimation unit 15c uses T1 (T5) and T3 as the first temperature data, T2 and T4 as the second temperature data, and calculates values ​​such as T1-T3, T2-T4, and T2-T1 as the temperature difference data, and R as the thermal resistance of the fluid 50. innht The thermal resistance of pipe 20 is R pipe The thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 is calculated using the values ​​of R1 and R2 as the thermal resistances of the insulating materials 30A and 30B. deposit The thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 60 in the storage unit 14 is calculated. deposit The estimated thickness δ of the precipitate 60 is calculated by referring to the above equation.

[0038] The estimation unit 15c estimates the thermal resistance R of the deposit 60 using the air temperature or fluid temperature outside the pipe or the heat transfer coefficient of the surface of the coating material such as the heat insulating material 30. deposit The estimation unit 15c calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 60 based on the temperature T6 as the air temperature and the fluid temperature outside the pipe, the heat transfer coefficient h outer1 , h outer2 Using the value of the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 deposit The thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 60 in the storage unit 14 is calculated. deposit The estimated thickness δ of the precipitate 60 is calculated by referring to the above equation.

[0039] The estimation unit 15c estimates the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 using the first temperature data, the second temperature data, the first heat flux data, and the second heat flux data. depositand estimates the thickness δ of the precipitate 60. That is, the estimation unit 15c calculates the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 using the value of T1 (T5) as the first temperature data, the value of T2 as the second temperature data, the value of the heat transfer amount Q1 obtained from the first heat flux data, and the value of the heat transfer amount Q2 obtained from the second heat flux data. deposit The thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 60 in the storage unit 14 is calculated. deposit The estimated thickness δ of the precipitate 60 is calculated by referring to the above equation.

[0040] 1, the estimation unit 15c estimates the thickness of hydrate, wax, asphaltene, or scale based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data. That is, the estimation unit 15c estimates the thermal resistance R of hydrate, wax, asphaltene, scale, etc., which are deposits in the pipeline, using the first temperature data T1, T3 and the second temperature data T2, T4 acquired from the piping (pipeline) 20 that transports oil or gas produced from the well. deposit The thermal conductivity k of each precipitate is calculated in the memory unit 14. deposit The estimated thickness δ of the pipeline deposit is calculated by referring to

[0041] Further, to explain estimation other than the thickness of the deposit, the estimation unit 15c estimates the temperature of the fluid 50 flowing through the pipe 20 based on the temperature difference data. That is, the estimation unit 15c estimates the fluid temperature T inner Further, under the condition that the deposit 60 is not attached to the pipe 20, the estimation unit 15c calculates the estimated value of T1-T3, T2-T4, T2-T1, etc. as the temperature difference data, and R pipe The thermal resistance R of the fluid 50 is calculated by using the values ​​of R1 and R2 as the thermal resistances of the insulating materials 30A and 30B. innht It is also possible to calculate an estimate of

[0042] (2. Configuration of Temperature Sensor 40) The temperature sensors 40 (40A-1, 40A-2, 40B-1, 40B-2) have functional units such as a measuring unit (not shown) that measures temperature and a transmitting / receiving unit (not shown) that controls the transmission and reception of various data to and from other devices.

[0043] (Measurement part) The measurement unit of temperature sensor 40A-1 acquires, from the first temperature data, temperature data on the pipe surface outside the pipe at the first position, temperature data inside the insulating material, air temperature, etc. That is, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40A-1 acquires temperature data T1 (T5), which is the pipe surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulating material near the pipe surface, and T6, which is the air temperature and the fluid temperature outside the pipe. Furthermore, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40A-2 acquires, from the first temperature data, temperature data on the coating material surface outside the pipe at the first position, temperature data inside the insulating material, and air temperature, etc. That is, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40A-2 acquires temperature data T3, which is the insulating material surface temperature and the temperature inside the insulating material near the insulating material surface, and T6, which is the air temperature and the fluid temperature outside the pipe.

[0044] The measurement unit of temperature sensor 40B-1 acquires, from the second temperature data, temperature data on the pipe surface outside the pipe at the second position, temperature data inside the insulating material, air temperature, etc. That is, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40B-1 acquires temperature data such as the pipe surface temperature, T2 which is the temperature inside the insulating material near the pipe surface, air temperature, and the fluid temperature outside the pipe. Furthermore, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40B-2 acquires, from the second temperature data, temperature data on the coating material surface outside the pipe at the second position, temperature data inside the insulating material, and air temperature, etc. That is, the measurement unit of temperature sensor 40B-2 acquires temperature data such as T4 which is the insulating material surface temperature, T4 which is the temperature inside the insulating material near the insulating material surface, and T6 which is air temperature and the fluid temperature outside the pipe.

[0045] (Transmitter / Receiver) The transmitting / receiving units of temperature sensors 40 (40A-1, 40A-2, 40B-1, 40B-2) transmit the temperature data measured by each measuring unit to estimation device 10. That is, the transmitting / receiving units of temperature sensors 40 transmit the measured temperature data T1 to T6 to estimation device 10.

[0046] (3. Other equipment configuration) Heat flux meters (not shown) are installed inside the thermal insulation materials 30A and 30B, respectively. Alternatively, the heat flux meters may be installed on the surface of the piping 20 without thermal insulation. The heat flux meters have functional units such as a measurement unit that measures heat flux data and a transmission / reception unit that controls transmission and reception of various data with other devices. The measurement unit of the heat flux meter measures heat flux data and temperature data of the thermal insulation materials 30A and 30B and the piping 20 without thermal insulation. The transmission / reception unit of the heat flux meter transmits the heat flux data and temperature data measured by the measurement unit to the estimation device 10.

[0047] [Flow of each process] The flow of each process according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 3 to 7. Below, the overall process flow according to this embodiment, the flow of the first acquisition process, the flow of the second acquisition process, the flow of the deposit thickness estimation process, and the flow of the in-pipe fluid temperature estimation process will be described in that order.

[0048] (1. Overall processing flow) The overall flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of processing according to this embodiment. First, the first acquisition unit 15a of the estimation device 10 executes a first acquisition process, which is a temperature acquisition process for first temperature data (step S101). Next, the second acquisition unit 15b of the estimation device 10 executes a second acquisition process, which is a temperature acquisition process for second temperature data (step S102). Then, the estimation unit 15c of the estimation device 10 executes a deposit thickness estimation process (step S103). Furthermore, the estimation unit 15c executes a fluid temperature estimation process in the pipe (step S104), and ends the processing.

[0049] In this case, the processes of steps S101 and S102 may be executed simultaneously, or step S101 may be executed after step S102. Similarly, the processes of steps S103 and S104 may be executed simultaneously, or step S103 may be executed after step S104. Furthermore, some of the processes of steps S103 and S104 may be omitted.

[0050] (2. First Acquisition Process Flow) The flow of the first acquisition process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first acquisition process according to this embodiment. First, the first acquisition unit 15a of the estimation device 10 acquires a pipe surface temperature T1 from a temperature sensor 40A-1 installed on the surface of the pipe 20 corresponding to a deposit occurrence position (first deposit occurrence position) where the deposit 60 is deposited (step S201). Next, the first acquisition unit 15a acquires a pipe surface temperature T3 from a temperature sensor 40A-2 installed on the surface of the thermal insulation 30A covering the pipe 20 corresponding to the deposit occurrence position where the deposit 60 is deposited (step S202), and then ends the process. At this time, the processes of steps S201 and S202 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S201 may be performed after the process of step S202.

[0051] (3. Second Acquisition Process Flow) The flow of the second acquisition process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second acquisition process according to this embodiment. First, the second acquisition unit 15b of the estimation device 10 acquires a pipe surface temperature T2 from a temperature sensor 40B-1 installed on the surface of the pipe 20 corresponding to a deposit occurrence position (second deposit occurrence position) where the deposit 60 is deposited and which is different from the first deposit occurrence position (step S301). Next, the second acquisition unit 15b acquires a pipe surface temperature T4 from a temperature sensor 40B-2 installed on the surface of the thermal insulation 30B covering the pipe 20 corresponding to the deposit occurrence position where the deposit 60 is deposited (step S302), and then ends the process. At this time, the processes of steps S301 and S302 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S301 may be performed after the process of step S302.

[0052] (4. Flow of deposit thickness estimation process) The flow of the deposit thickness estimation process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the deposit thickness estimation process according to this embodiment. Below, the deposit thickness estimation method according to this embodiment will be explained using mathematical expressions, and then the flow of the deposit thickness estimation process according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0053] (Precipitate thickness estimation method) An example of a method for estimating the thickness of a deposit from the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature at a deposit occurrence position where the insulation thickness is different is shown below. If the pipe surface temperature acquired by first acquisition unit 15a is T1, the insulation surface temperature of insulation 30A is T3, and the pipe surface temperature acquired by second acquisition unit 15b is T2, and the insulation surface temperature of insulation 30B is T4, the amounts of heat transfer Q1 and Q2 from fluid 50 inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at the respective positions of insulation 30A and 30B can be expressed as in the following equations (1) and (2) by considering the transfer of heat from fluid 50 inside the pipe to the pipe surface.

[0054]

number

[0055]

number

[0056] where T inner is the fluid temperature inside the pipe, and R deposit is the thermal resistance of the precipitate 60, and R pipe is the thermal resistance of the pipe 20, and R innht is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer of the fluid 50 inside the pipe. Also, by considering the transfer from the pipe surface to the insulation surface, the relationships of the following equations (3) and (4) can be obtained for the heat transfer amounts Q1 and Q2.

[0057]

number

[0058]

number

[0059] Here, R1 and R2 are the thermal resistances of the heat insulating materials 30A and 30B, respectively. From the above formulas (1) to (4), the thermal resistance R deposit can be calculated as shown in the following equation (5).

[0060]

number

[0061] Similarly, from the above equations (1) to (4), the fluid temperature inside the pipe T inner can be calculated as shown in the following equation (6).

[0062]

number

[0063] Here, the thermal resistances R1 and R2 of the heat insulating materials 30A and 30B are calculated based on the thermal conductivity k i1 , k i2 , each outer radius r i1 , r i2 , outer radius of the pipe r po and the length L in the tube axis direction of the region where heat transfer is considered, it can be calculated as shown in the following equations (7) and (8). Note that "ln" in the equations is the natural logarithm.

[0064]

number

[0065]

number

[0066] The values ​​of R1 and R2 may be recorded in the memory unit 14. pipeis the inner radius of the pipe r pi , thermal conductivity k in the pipe p Using this, it can be calculated as shown in the following equation (9). Note that "ln" in the equation is the natural logarithm.

[0067]

number

[0068] Furthermore, the thermal resistance R due to the heat transfer of the fluid 50 inside the piping innht is the heat transfer coefficient in the pipe h inner Using this, it can be calculated as shown in the following equation (10).

[0069]

number

[0070] At this time, the thickness of the precipitate δ and the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 deposit There is a relationship between the following equation (11): where the inner radius of the pipe, r pi corresponds to the outer radius of the precipitate 60, and r pi -δ corresponds to the inner radius of the precipitate 60. In addition, according to the following formula (11), as the value of the precipitate thickness δ increases, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 deposit The value of becomes larger. Note that "ln" in the formula is the natural logarithm.

[0071]

number

[0072] From the above, the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 60 of the memory portion 14 deposit By using the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 deposit The thickness of the precipitate 60 can be calculated from

[0073] (Flow of estimation process) An example of the flow of the deposit thickness estimation process will be shown below with reference to FIG. 6. First, the estimation unit 15c of the estimation device 10 receives input of the pipe surface temperature T1 and the insulation surface temperature T3 corresponding to the first deposit occurrence position (step S401). Second, the estimation unit 15c receives input of the pipe surface temperature T2 and the insulation surface temperature T4 corresponding to the second deposit occurrence position (step S402). Third, the estimation unit 15c receives input of R1 and R2 as the numerical values ​​of the thermal resistance of the insulation materials 30A and 30B (step S403). Fourth, the estimation unit 15c receives input of R1 and R2 as the numerical value of the thermal resistance of the fluid 50. innht Fifth, the estimation unit 15c receives the input of R as the value of the thermal resistance of the pipe 20 (step S404). pipe (Step S405). Sixth, the estimation unit 15c receives the input of the thermal conductivity k deposit , inner radius of the pipe r pi Seventh, the estimation unit 15c receives the input of the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 60 (step S406). deposit From the value of δ, the value of the precipitate thickness δ is output (step S407).

[0074] The estimation unit 15c executes the processes of steps S401 to S407 and ends the deposit thickness estimation process. Note that the order and execution timing of the input reception processes of steps S401 to S406 can be changed dynamically or statically.

[0075] (5. Flow of the process for estimating the fluid temperature inside the pipe) The flow of the pipe internal fluid temperature estimation process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the pipe internal fluid temperature estimation process according to this embodiment. First, the estimation unit 15c of the estimation device 10 receives input of the pipe surface temperature T1 and the insulation surface temperature T3 corresponding to the first deposit occurrence position (step S501). Second, the estimation unit 15c receives input of the pipe surface temperature T2 and the insulation surface temperature T4 corresponding to the second deposit occurrence position (step S502). Third, the estimation unit 15c receives input of R1 and R2 as the numerical values ​​of the thermal resistances of the insulation materials 30A and 30B (step S503). Fourth, the estimation unit 15c receives input of the temperature T of the fluid 50 in the pipe 20.inner The numerical value of the fluid temperature T inner In the estimation process, the calculation is performed using the above-mentioned equation (6).

[0076] The estimation unit 15c executes the processes of steps S501 to S504 described above and ends the deposit thickness estimation process. Note that the order and execution timing of the input reception processes of steps S501 to S503 can be changed dynamically or statically.

[0077] [Example of piping and temperature sensor] Specific examples of the arrangement and use of pipes and temperature sensors will be described using Figures 8 to 21. Specific examples 1 to 10 describe the estimation process for pipes equipped with temperature sensors that measure temperatures at at least four points, and specific examples 11 to 14 describe the estimation process for pipes equipped with temperature sensors that measure temperatures at at least three points.

[0078] (1. Example 1) FIG. 8 illustrates an example of estimation processing in a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 1 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 also illustrates a cross-section in the pipe axis direction of a pipe 21 covered with thermal insulators 31A and 31B of different thicknesses. As a fluid 51 flows, deposits 61 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 21. Temperature sensors 41A (41A-1, 41A-2) are installed in the thermal insulator 31A, and temperature sensors 41B (41B-1, 41B-2) are installed in the thermal insulator 31B. Temperature sensors 41A-1 and 41A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 21, and temperature sensors 41B-1 and 41B-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 21 at a different position from temperature sensor 41A on the pipe 21.

[0079] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having different thicknesses and thermal resistances, as shown in Figure 8. That is, first, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T1 measured by temperature sensor 41A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 31A, and temperature T3 measured by temperature sensor 41A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 31A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 41B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 31B, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 41B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 31B.

[0080] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data T1 to T4 obtained and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 51 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of the pipe 21 pipe , and the thermal resistances R1 and R2 of the heat insulating materials 31A and 31B, respectively, from the above-mentioned equation (5), the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 61 is calculated. deposit Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 61 to be stored. deposit The estimation device 10 also uses the temperature data of T1 to T4 and the thermal resistances R1 and R2 of the heat insulating materials 31A and 31B to calculate the temperature T inner may be estimated.

[0081] (2. Example 2) FIG. 9 illustrates an example of estimation processing in a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which three or more pairs of temperature data are acquired. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a second specific example of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 also illustrates a radial cross-section of a pipe 22 covered with a thermal insulator 32 and another thermal insulator (not shown) of a different thickness from the thermal insulator 32, in which deposits 62 are unevenly deposited inside the pipe 22 due to the flow of fluid 52. Temperature sensors 42a (42a-1, 42a-2), temperature sensors 42b (42b-1, 42b-2), temperature sensors 42c (42c-1, 42c-2), and temperature sensors 42d (42d-1, 42d-2) are installed at different radial positions of the thermal insulator 32.

[0082] The estimation device 10 can accurately estimate the deposit thickness even when deposits are unevenly attached in the circumferential direction by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature at multiple points on the circumference, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, if the estimation device 10 measures only one surface temperature at multiple points, it is sufficient to measure the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature of the other insulation at only one point each. That is, the estimation device 10 can acquire paired temperature data T1 and T3 measured by temperature sensor 42a (42a-1, 42a-2) installed in the insulation 32, for example, as well as paired temperature data T1 and T3 measured by temperature sensor 42c (42c-1, 42c-2), and use either of these as the first temperature data. In this case, the estimation device 10 can use paired temperature data T2 and T4 measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in an insulation (not shown) with a thickness different from that of the insulation 32 as the second temperature data. The estimation device 10 can also obtain the second temperature data from temperature data at multiple points.

[0083] Next, the estimation device 10, in the same manner as in the above-mentioned specific example 1, calculates the temperature data T1 to T4 employed, the thermal resistance R of the fluid 52 to be stored, and innht , the thermal resistance R of the pipe 22 pipe , and the thermal resistances R1 and R2 of the heat insulating material 32, etc., are used to calculate the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 62 from the above-mentioned equation (5). depositCalculate and memorize the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 62. deposit The estimation device 10 also uses the temperature data T1 to T4 and the thermal resistances R1 and R2 of the heat insulating material 32, etc., to calculate the temperature T inner may be estimated.

[0084] (3. Example 3) FIG. 10 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired inside the thermal insulation. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a third specific example of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 also illustrates a cross-section of a pipe 23 covered with thermal insulation materials 33A and 33B of different thicknesses, taken along the pipe axis. Due to the flow of fluid 53, deposits 63 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 23. Temperature sensors 43A (43A-1, 43A-2) are installed in the thermal insulation material 33A, and temperature sensors 43B (43B-1, 43B-2) are installed in the thermal insulation material 33B. Temperature sensors 43A-1 and 43A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 23, and temperature sensors 43B-1 and 43B-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 23 but at a different position from temperature sensor 43A on the pipe 23.

[0085] The estimation device 10 can estimate the thickness of the deposit by measuring temperature data at multiple points inside the insulation, each of which has a different thickness and thermal resistance, as shown in FIG. 10 . That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 43A-1, which is the temperature inside the insulation 33A near the pipe surface, and a temperature T3 measured by a temperature sensor 43A-2, which is the temperature inside the insulation 33A near the pipe surface. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 43B-1, which is the temperature inside the insulation 33B near the pipe surface, and a temperature T4 measured by a temperature sensor 43B-2, which is the temperature inside the insulation 33B near the pipe surface. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 63 and the temperature T of the fluid 53 in the same manner as in the above-described specific example 1.inner Estimate.

[0086] (4. Example 4) FIG. 11 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from insulating materials made of different materials. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth specific example of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 also illustrates a cross-section of a pipe 24 covered with insulating materials 34A (34A-1, 34A-2) and 34B made of different materials, taken along the pipe axis. Due to the flow of fluid 54, deposits 64 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 24. Temperature sensors 44A (44A-1, 44A-2) are installed in the insulating material 34A, and temperature sensors 44B (44B-1, 44B-2) are installed in the insulating material 34B. Temperature sensors 44A-1 and 44A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 24, and temperature sensors 44B-1 and 44B-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 24 but at a different position from temperature sensor 44A.

[0087] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for insulation materials made of different materials and with different thermal resistances, as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, the insulation materials 34A and 34B may be different in both thickness and material. Furthermore, the insulation materials 34A and 34B may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as plastic or metal, and the insulation materials 34A and 34B do not have to be made of a single material. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the insulation materials 34A and 34B may have a two-layer structure, with one layer made of a different material from the insulation material 34B.

[0088] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 44A may be installed between two layers of insulating material. The insulating material may have a multi-layer structure of three or more layers, and the layers may contain materials with high thermal conductivity, such as plastic or metal, and may contain circuit boards and power sources for temperature measurement and communication. The insulating material may be partially or entirely enclosed in a container such as a metal container, and the temperature sensor 44A may be installed inside the container.

[0089] 11, the estimation device 10 first acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 44A-1, which is the piping surface temperature of the thermal insulation material 34A (34A-1), and a temperature T3 measured by a temperature sensor 44A-2, which is the thermal insulation surface temperature of the thermal insulation material 34A (34A-2).The estimation device 10 also acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 44B-1, which is the piping surface temperature of the thermal insulation material 34B, and a temperature T4 measured by a temperature sensor 44B-2, which is the thermal insulation surface temperature of the thermal insulation material 34B.

[0090] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data T1 to T4 obtained and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 54 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of pipe 24 pipe , the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 64 is calculated from the above-mentioned equation (5) using R1 corresponding to the thermal resistance of the entire thermal insulator 34A and R2 corresponding to the thermal resistance of the thermal insulator 34B. deposit Calculate and memorize the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 64. deposit The estimation device 10 also uses the temperature data T1 to T4, R1 corresponding to the thermal resistance of the entire thermal insulator 34A, and R2 corresponding to the thermal resistance of the thermal insulator 34B to calculate the temperature T inner may be estimated.

[0091] (5. Example 5) FIG. 12 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from insulating materials made of different materials at the same position in the pipe axis direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth specific example of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 also illustrates a radial cross-section of a pipe 25 covered with insulating materials 35A and 35B of different thicknesses at the top and bottom of the pipe at the same position in the pipe axis direction. Fluid 55 flows through the pipe 25, causing deposits 65 to adhere uniformly to the inside of the pipe 25. The insulating materials 35A and 35B are made of different thicknesses and materials. Temperature sensors 45A (45A-1 and 45A-2) are installed in insulating material 35A, and temperature sensors 45B (45B-1 and 45B-2) are installed in insulating material 35B. Moreover, the temperature sensors 45A-1 and 45A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 25, and the temperature sensors 45B-1 and 45B-2 are also installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 25.

[0092] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having different thickness, material, shape, number of layers, etc., and different thermal resistance, even if the positions are not different in the pipe axial direction as shown in Figure 12. That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T1 measured by temperature sensor 45A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 35A at the bottom of the pipe 25, and temperature T3 measured by temperature sensor 45A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 35A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 45B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 35B at the top of the pipe 25, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 45B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 35B. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 65 and the temperature T of the fluid 55 in the same manner as in the above specific example 1. inner Estimate.

[0093] (6. Example 6) FIG. 13 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from insulating materials made of different materials at the same position in the pipe axis direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth specific example of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 also illustrates a radial cross-section of a pipe 26 in which a portion of insulating material 36A has been replaced with insulating material 36B made of a different material at the same position in the pipe axis direction. Due to the flow of fluid 56, deposits 66 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 26. The insulating materials 36A and 36B are made of different materials. Temperature sensors 46A (46A-1 and 46A-2) are installed in insulating material 36A, and temperature sensors 46B (46B-1 and 46B-2) are installed in insulating material 36B. Furthermore, the temperature sensors 46A-1 and 46A-2 are installed on the same radial side of the pipe 26, and the temperature sensors 46B-1 and 46B-2 are also installed on the same radial side of the pipe 26.

[0094] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having different thickness, material, shape, number of layers, etc., and different thermal resistance, even if the positions are not different in the pipe axial direction as shown in Figure 13. That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T1 measured by temperature sensor 46A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 36A covering the entire pipe 26, and temperature T3 measured by temperature sensor 46A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 36A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 46B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 36B covering a portion of the pipe 26, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 46B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 36B. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 66 and the temperature T of the fluid 56 in the same manner as in the above specific example 1. inner Estimate.

[0095] (7. Example 7) FIG. 14 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from an added insulation at the same position in the pipe axis direction. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 7 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 also illustrates a radial cross-section of a pipe 27 in which an insulation 37B is added to a portion of a uniform insulation 37A at the same position in the pipe axis direction. Due to the flow of fluid 57, deposits 67 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 27. Temperature sensors 47A-1, 47A-2, and 47B-1 are installed in the insulation 37A, and temperature sensor 47B-2 is installed in the insulation 37B. Temperature sensors 47A-1 and 47A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 27, and temperature sensors 47B-1 and 47B-2 are also installed on the same radial direction of the pipe 27.

[0096] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having different thickness, material, shape, number of layers, etc., and different thermal resistance, even if the positions are not different in the pipe axial direction as shown in Figure 14. That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T1 measured by temperature sensor 47A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 37A covering the entire pipe 27, and temperature T3 measured by temperature sensor 47A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 37A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 47B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature at the position where insulation 37B is added, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 47B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature at the position where insulation 37B is added. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 67 and the temperature T of the fluid 57 in the same manner as in the above specific example 1. inner Estimate.

[0097] (8. Example 8) FIG. 15 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from a thermal insulator covering a portion of the pipe at the same position in the pipe axis direction. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 8 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 also illustrates a radial cross-section of a pipe 28 in which a portion of the pipe 28 is covered with thermal insulators 38A and 38B at the same position in the pipe axis direction. Due to the flow of fluid 58, deposits 68 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 28. The thermal insulators 38A and 38B are thermal insulators with different thicknesses and materials. Temperature sensors 48A (48A-1 and 48A-2) are installed in the thermal insulator 38A, and temperature sensors 48B (48B-1 and 48B-2) are installed in the thermal insulator 38B. Temperature sensors 48A-1 and 48A-2 are installed on the same radial direction of pipe 28, and temperature sensors 48B-1 and 48B-2 are installed on pipe 28 at positions different from temperature sensor 48A on the same radial direction.

[0098] The estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having different thickness, material, shape, number of layers, etc., and different thermal resistance, even if the positions are not different in the pipe axial direction as shown in FIG. 15 . That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 48A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulation 38A covering a part of the pipe 28, and a temperature T3 measured by a temperature sensor 48A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of the insulation 38A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 48B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulation 38B covering a part of the pipe 28, and a temperature T4 measured by a temperature sensor 48B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of the insulation 38B. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 68 and the temperature T of the fluid 58 in the same manner as in the above-described specific example 1. inner Estimate.

[0099] (9. Example 9) FIG. 16 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from an insulating material of varying thickness. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 9 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 also illustrates a cross-section of a pipe 29 covered with an insulating material 39 of varying thickness in the pipe axis direction, in which deposits 69 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 29 due to the flow of fluid 59. Temperature sensors 49A (49A-1, 49A-2) and temperature sensors 49B (49B-1, 49B-2) are installed at positions in the pipe axis direction where the insulating material 39 has different thicknesses. Temperature sensors 49A-1 and 49A-2 are installed on the same radial side of the pipe 29, and temperature sensors 49B-1 and 49B-2 are installed on the same radial side of the pipe 29 but at a different position from temperature sensor 49A on the pipe 29.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16 , the estimation device 10 can estimate the thickness of a deposit by measuring the pipe surface temperature and the insulation surface temperature for each insulation having a different thickness, shape, and thermal resistance, even if the insulation is a single insulation. That is, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 49A-1, which is the pipe surface temperature at a position where the insulation 39 is thin, and a temperature T3 measured by a temperature sensor 49A-2, which is the insulation surface temperature at a position where the insulation 39 is thin. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 49B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature at a position where the insulation 39 is thick, and a temperature T4 measured by a temperature sensor 49B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature at a position where the insulation 39 is thick. Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thickness δ of the deposit 69 and the temperature T of the fluid 59 in the same manner as in the above-described specific example 1. inner Estimate.

[0101] (10. Example 10) FIG. 17 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at four points, in which two pairs of temperature data are acquired from positions not covered by a thermal insulator. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example 10 of a pipe and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 also illustrates a cross-section of a pipe 210, part of which is covered by a thermal insulator 310, in the pipe axis direction. As a fluid 510 flows, deposits 610 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 210. Temperature sensor 410A is installed in a part of the pipe 210 that is not covered by the thermal insulator 310, temperature sensors 410B (410B-1, 410B-2) are installed in the thermal insulator 310, and temperature sensor 410C is installed outside the pipe and does not come into contact with the pipe 210 or the thermal insulator 310. Temperature sensors 410B-1 and 410B-2 are installed in the same radial direction of the pipe 210. In the following, the deposit thickness estimation method according to the embodiment of the tenth specific example will be explained using mathematical expressions, and then the deposit thickness estimation process according to the tenth specific example will be explained in detail.

[0102] (Precipitate thickness estimation method) Below is an example of a method for estimating the deposit thickness according to specific example 10. If the pipe surface temperature at a position where there is no insulation material 310 acquired by first acquisition unit 15a of estimation device 10 is T5, the pipe surface temperature acquired by second acquisition unit 15b is T2, the insulation surface temperature of insulation material 310 is T4, and the air temperature around the pipe is T6, the amount of heat transfer Q1 from the fluid inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at a position where there is no insulation material can be expressed as in equation (12) below, by considering the transfer of heat from the fluid inside the pipe to the pipe surface and the transfer of heat from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0103]

number

[0104] where T inner is the fluid temperature of the fluid 510 in the pipe, and R deposit is the thermal resistance of the precipitate 610, and R pipe is the thermal resistance of the piping 210, and R innhtis the thermal resistance due to heat transfer of the fluid 510 inside the pipe, and R outht1 is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0105] On the other hand, the amount of heat transfer Q2 from the fluid inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at the position of the insulation 310 can be expressed as the following equation (13) by considering the heat transfer from the fluid inside the pipe to the piping surface, the heat transfer from the pipe surface to the insulation surface, and the heat transfer from the insulation surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0106]

number

[0107] where R2 is the thermal resistance of the insulation 310, and R outht2 is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulating material 310 to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0108] R outht1 is the outer radius of the pipe, r po , heat transfer coefficient on the pipe surface h outer1 Using this, it can be calculated as shown in the following equation (14).

[0109]

number

[0110] R outht2 is the outer radius r of the thermal insulation material 310 i2 , the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation surface h outer2 Using this, it can be calculated as shown in the following equation (15).

[0111]

number

[0112] Furthermore, from the above equation (15) and the measured temperature, R outht2 is calculated as shown in the following equation (16).

[0113]

number

[0114] Therefore, from the above equations (15) and (16), the heat transfer coefficient h of the insulation surface is outer2 can be calculated from the measured temperature. Furthermore, the heat transfer coefficient h outer1 and the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation surface h outer2 If we consider that the same, then from the above equation (14), R outht1 is required.

[0115] Then, the above equations (12) and (13) and the calculated R outht1 From this, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 610 deposit and the fluid temperature T of the fluid 510 in the pipe inner The relationships of the following equations (17) and (18) are obtained.

[0116]

number

[0117]

number

[0118] From the above, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 610 is calculated from the above equation (17). deposit is calculated, and the thermal conductivity k deposit The thickness δ of the precipitate 610 can be calculated from the above equation (11) by using the above equation. Also, from the above equation (18), the temperature of the fluid 510, which is the fluid temperature T inner can be calculated.

[0119] (Estimation process) 17, the estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature without insulation, the air temperature, the pipe surface temperature with insulation, and the insulation surface temperature. Specifically, the estimation device 10 first acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T5 measured by temperature sensor 410A, which is the pipe surface temperature without insulation 310, and temperature T6 measured by temperature sensor 410C, which is the air temperature around the pipe 210. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 410B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of insulation 310, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 410B-2, which is the insulation surface temperature of insulation 310.

[0120] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data of T2, T4, T5, and T6 acquired, and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 510 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of the piping 210 pipe , thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe outht1 , and the thermal resistance R2 of the heat insulating material 310, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 610 is calculated from the above-mentioned equation (17). deposit Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 610 to be stored. deposit The thickness δ of the deposit 610 is estimated from the above-mentioned equation (11) using the temperature data of T2, T4, T5, and T6, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , and the thermal resistance R2 of the insulating material 310, the temperature T inner may be estimated.

[0121] (11. Example 11) FIG. 18 illustrates an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at three points, in which temperature data is acquired around the pipe. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of specific example 11 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 also illustrates a cross-section of a pipe 211, part of which is covered with a thermal insulator 311, in the pipe axis direction. Due to the flow of fluid 511, deposits 611 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 211. Temperature sensor 411A is installed in the pipe 211 that is not covered with the thermal insulator 311, temperature sensor 411B is installed in the thermal insulator 311, and temperature sensor 411C is installed outside the pipe, not in contact with the pipe 211 or the thermal insulator 311. Below, the deposit thickness estimation method according to specific example 11 is explained using mathematical expressions, and then the deposit thickness estimation processing according to specific example 11 is explained in detail.

[0122] (Precipitate thickness estimation method) Below is an example of a method for estimating the deposit thickness according to an embodiment of specific example 11. If the pipe surface temperature at a position where there is no insulation material 311 acquired by the first acquisition unit 15a of the estimation device 10 is T5, the pipe surface temperature acquired by the second acquisition unit 15b is T2, and the air temperature around the pipe is T6, the amount of heat transfer Q1 from the fluid inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at a position where there is no insulation material can be expressed as in the following equation (19) by considering the transfer of heat from the fluid inside the pipe to the pipe surface and the transfer of heat from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0123]

number

[0124] where T inner is the fluid temperature inside the pipe of the fluid 511, and R deposit is the thermal resistance of the precipitate 611, and R pipe is the thermal resistance of the pipe 211, and R innht is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer of the fluid 511 inside the pipe, and R outht1 is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0125] On the other hand, the amount of heat transfer Q2 from the fluid inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at the position of the insulation 311 can be expressed as the following equation (20) by considering the heat transfer from the fluid inside the pipe to the pipe surface and the heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0126]

number

[0127] where R2 is the thermal resistance of the insulation 311, and R outht2 is the thermal resistance due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulating material 311 to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0128] At this time, the heat transfer coefficient h of the pipe surface can be calculated based on the wind strength outside the pipe and the type of fluid outside the pipe (if it is not air, such as in a submerged pipe). outer1 and the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation surface h outer2 You can measure the wind strength with an anemometer and make a prediction based on that, or if the environment is one where the wind strength does not fluctuate greatly, you can set the heat transfer coefficient value in advance. For example, if the environment is almost windless, h outer1 =h outer2 =5W / m 2 K. Then, the heat transfer coefficient h can be calculated by the above equations (14) and (15). outer1 , h outer2 From the thermal resistance R outht1 , R outht2 can be calculated.

[0129] Then, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 611 is calculated using the calculated thermal resistance, the measured temperature, and the above equations (19) and (20). deposit , and the fluid temperature T inner The relationships of the following equations (21) and (22) are obtained.

[0130]

number

[0131]

number

[0132] From the above, the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 611 of the memory portion 14 deposit By using the above equation (21), the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 611 can be calculated. deposit The thickness of the precipitate 611 can be calculated from the above equation (22). In addition, the temperature of the fluid 511 in the pipe, T inner can be calculated.

[0133] (Estimation process) 18, the estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness by measuring the pipe surface temperature without insulation, the air temperature, and the pipe surface temperature with insulation. That is, the estimation device 10 first acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, temperature T5 measured by temperature sensor 411A, which is the pipe surface temperature without insulation 311, and temperature T6 measured by temperature sensor 411C, which is the air temperature around the pipe 211. The estimation device 10 also acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 411B, which is the pipe surface temperature with insulation 311.

[0134] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data of T2, T5, and T6 obtained, and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 511 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of the piping 211 pipe , thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe outht1 , the thermal resistance R2 of the insulation 311, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the insulation surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht2 Using the above equation (21), the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 611 is calculated. deposit Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 611 to be stored. deposit The estimation device 10 estimates the thickness δ of the deposit 611 using the temperature data of T2, T5, and T6, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , the thermal resistance R2 of the insulation 311, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the insulation surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht2Using the above equation (22), the temperature T inner may be estimated.

[0135] (12. Example 12) FIG. 19 will be used to describe an example of estimation processing in a pipe equipped with temperature sensors that measure temperatures at three points, which, unlike specific example 11, does not acquire temperature data around the pipe. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing specific example 12 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 also shows a cross section in the pipe axis direction of a pipe 212 in which a portion of the pipe 212 is covered with a thermal insulator 312, and precipitates 612 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 212 due to the flow of fluid 512. Temperature sensor 412A is installed in the pipe 212 that is not covered with the thermal insulator 312, and temperature sensor 412B is installed in the thermal insulator 312.

[0136] Even if only a part of the heat insulating material is installed as shown in FIG. 19 and the air temperature is not measured or estimated, the estimation device 10 can measure the pipe surface temperature without the heat insulating material, the pipe surface temperature with the heat insulating material, and the surface temperature of the heat insulating material, and then calculate the heat transfer coefficient h outer1 and the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation surface h outer2 If this can be predicted, the thickness of the deposit can be estimated. That is, first, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T5 measured by the temperature sensor 412A, which is the surface temperature of the pipe without the insulating material 312. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by the temperature sensor 412B-1, which is the surface temperature of the pipe with the insulating material 312, and a temperature T4 measured by the temperature sensor 412B-2, which is the surface temperature of the insulating material 312. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires the heat transfer coefficient h of the pipe surface. outer1 , and the heat transfer coefficient of the insulation surface h outer2 The estimated value of R is calculated based on the thermal resistance due to heat transfer from the pipe surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the insulation surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe outht2 Calculate.

[0137] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data of T2, T4, and T5, and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 512 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of the piping 212 pipe , the calculated thermal resistance R outht1 , R outht2 , and the thermal resistance R2 of the heat insulating material 312, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 612, which is an unknown, is calculated by solving the simultaneous equations from the above-mentioned equations (12) and (13). deposit , the ambient temperature of the pipe T6, and the fluid temperature T inner Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 612 to be stored. deposit is used to estimate the thickness δ of the precipitate 612.

[0138] (13. Example 13) Using Fig. 20, an example of estimation processing for a pipe equipped with temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at three points will be described, in which temperature data around the pipe is acquired but the surface temperature of the insulation is not acquired. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing specific example 13 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. Fig. 20 also shows a cross section in the axial direction of a pipe 213 covered with insulation materials 313A and 313B of different thicknesses, in which precipitates 613 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 213 due to the flow of fluid 513. Temperature sensor 413A is installed in insulation material 313A, and temperature sensor 413B is installed in insulation material 313B.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 20, the estimation device 10 does not measure and estimate the surface temperature of the cross-section material, but measures the pipe surface temperature and air temperature for each insulation material with different thermal resistance, and then calculates the heat transfer coefficient h outer1 and the heat transfer coefficient h of the insulation 313B surface outer2If this can be predicted, the thickness of the deposit can be estimated. That is, first, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 413A, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulating material 313A, and a temperature T6 measured by a temperature sensor 413C, which is the air temperature around the pipe 213. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 413B, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulating material 313B. At this time, the estimation device 10 may acquire, as second temperature data at the second position, a temperature T6 measured by a temperature sensor 413C, which is the air temperature around the pipe 213. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 calculates the heat transfer coefficient h of the surface of the insulating material 313A. outer1 , and the heat transfer coefficient h of the insulation 313B surface outer2 The predicted value of R is calculated based on the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation 313A to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation 313B to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht2 Calculate.

[0140] At this time, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 613 is calculated using the calculated thermal resistance, the measured temperature, and the equations (21) and (22) in the above-mentioned specific example 11. deposit , and the fluid temperature T inner The relationships of the following equations (23) and (24) are obtained.

[0141]

number

[0142]

number

[0143] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data T1, T2, and T6 acquired and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 513 to be stored. innht , thermal resistance R of piping 213 pipe , the thermal resistance R1 of the insulation material 313A, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation material 313A to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1, the thermal resistance R2 of the insulation material 313B, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation material 313B to the atmosphere outside the piping. outht2 Using the above equation (23), the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 613 is calculated. deposit Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 613 to be stored. deposit The thickness δ of the deposit 613 is estimated using the temperature data of T1, T2, and T6, the thermal resistance R1 of the heat insulating material 313A, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the heat insulating material 313A to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , the thermal resistance R2 of the insulation material 313B, and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation material 313B to the atmosphere outside the piping. outht2 Using the above equation (24), the temperature T of the fluid 513 inner may be estimated.

[0144] (14. Example 14) Using FIG. 21, we will explain an example of estimation processing in a pipe equipped with temperature sensors that measure temperatures at three points, which, unlike Specific Example 13, does not acquire temperature data around the pipe. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing Specific Example 14 of a pipe and temperature sensors according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 also shows a cross section in the pipe axis direction of a pipe 214 covered with insulating materials 314A and 314B of different thicknesses, in which precipitates 614 are uniformly deposited inside the pipe 214 due to the flow of fluid 514. Temperature sensor 414A is installed in insulating material 314A, and temperature sensors 414B (414B-1, 414B-2) are installed in insulating material 314B.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 21, the estimation device 10 does not measure and estimate the air temperature, but measures the pipe surface temperature for each heat insulating material with different thermal resistance and the surface temperature of at least one of the heat insulating materials, and then calculates the heat transfer coefficient h of the heat insulating material 314A surface. outer1 and the heat transfer coefficient h of the insulation 314B surface outer2If this can be predicted, the thickness of the deposit can be estimated. That is, first, the estimation device 10 acquires, as first temperature data at a first position, a temperature T1 measured by a temperature sensor 414A, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulating material 314A. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires, as second temperature data at a second position, a temperature T2 measured by a temperature sensor 414B-1, which is the pipe surface temperature of the insulating material 314B, and a temperature T4 measured by a temperature sensor 414B-2, which is the insulating material surface temperature of the insulating material 314B. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 acquires the heat transfer coefficient h of the surface of the insulating material 314A. outer1 , and the heat transfer coefficient h of the insulation 314B surface outer2 The predicted value of R is calculated based on the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation 314A to the atmosphere outside the pipe. outht1 , and the thermal resistance R due to heat transfer from the surface of the insulation 314B to the air outside the piping outht2 Calculate.

[0146] Next, the estimation device 10 calculates the temperature data T1, T2, and T4 obtained, and the thermal resistance R of the fluid 514 to be stored. innht , the thermal resistance R of the piping 214 pipe , the calculated thermal resistance R outht1 , R outht2 By solving simultaneous equations from the following equations (25) and (26) using the thermal resistance R1 of the heat insulating material 314A and the thermal resistance R2 of the heat insulating material 314B, the thermal resistance R of the precipitate 614, which is an unknown, can be calculated. deposit , the ambient temperature T6 of the pipe, and the fluid temperature T of the fluid 514 in the pipe. inner Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k of the precipitate 614 to be stored. deposit is used to estimate the thickness δ of the precipitate 614.

[0147]

number

[0148]

number

[0149] Furthermore, the amount of heat transfer Q1 from the fluid inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe at the position of the insulation 314A can be expressed as the following equation (27) by considering the heat transfer from the fluid inside the pipe to the piping surface, the heat transfer from the pipe surface to the insulation surface, and the heat transfer from the insulation surface to the atmosphere outside the pipe.

[0150]

number

[0151] Therefore, by using the above formula (27), it is possible to further determine the thermal insulator surface temperature T3 of the thermal insulator 314A that has not been measured.

[0152] (15. Other specific examples) Specific examples other than the above-mentioned specific examples 1 to 14 will be described below. The following describes, in order, the process of estimating the deposit thickness based on heat flux measurement, the process of estimating the fluid velocity inside the pipe, and the process of estimating the deposit thickness when a heat insulating material is installed at a remote position.

[0153] (Precipitate thickness estimation process based on heat flux measurements) First, in a configuration having two types of insulating materials with different thermal resistances, the estimation device 10 installs a heat flux meter inside each insulating material and measures the heat flux and temperature inside each insulating material. Next, since the estimation device 10 can directly measure Q1 in the above equation (1) and Q2 in the above equation (2) using the heat flux meter, it solves the simultaneous equations of equations (1) and (2) to obtain the unknown thermal resistance R of the precipitate. deposit , and the fluid temperature inside the pipe T inner Then, the estimation device 10 calculates the thermal conductivity k deposit is used to estimate the thickness δ of the precipitate.

[0154] In addition, in a configuration in which there is only one type of insulation, the estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness using a similar procedure when heat flux meters are installed on the pipe surface without insulation and inside the insulation, and the pipe surface temperature and heat flux without insulation and the pipe surface temperature and heat flux inside the insulation are used.

[0155] (Processing for estimating fluid velocity in pipes) Sensors that estimate the internal fluid temperature from the measured temperature outside the pipe are used in plants. However, this measurement method requires estimating the effect of heat transfer between the fluid and the pipe in order to estimate the internal fluid temperature. The effect of this heat transfer is small for fluids with low viscosity such as water, but it is large for fluids with high viscosity such as oil. This effect can be estimated if the viscosity and flow velocity of the fluid are known, but if the flow velocity of the fluid changes, the effect of heat transfer also changes.

[0156] By measuring the temperatures inside and outside the insulating materials of different thicknesses, the estimation device 10 can estimate the fluid temperature by taking into account the influence of heat transfer even under conditions where the influence is unknown, using the above-mentioned equation (6). Furthermore, if there are no precipitates, the following equation (28) holds true from the above-mentioned equation (5).

[0157]

number

[0158] Therefore, the estimation device 10 uses the above equation (28) to calculate the thermal resistance R due to the heat transfer of the fluid. innht can be estimated, and from this the fluid flow velocity in the pipe can be estimated and output.

[0159] (Processing for estimating deposit thickness when insulation is installed at a distance) Even when two types of heat insulating materials with different thermal resistances are installed at different locations, as long as there is no significant difference between the fluid temperature inside the pipe and the thickness of the deposit at each location, the estimation device 10 can estimate the thickness of the deposit δ and the fluid temperature T inside the pipe in the same way as in the above-mentioned specific example 1. inner In addition, the estimation device 10 can estimate the deposit thickness δ and the fluid temperature T inner can also be estimated.

[0160] [Effects of the embodiment] First, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, first temperature data is acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of the piping 20 through which the fluid 50 flows, and second temperature data is acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of a second position of the piping 20 under heat transfer conditions different from those at the first position, and the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 adhering to the inner surface of the piping 20 is calculated based on the first and second temperature data, thereby estimating the thickness of the deposit 60. Therefore, this process can accurately estimate the thickness of the deposit inside the piping.

[0161] Second, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, first temperature data is acquired at a position outside the pipe corresponding to a first position where deposit 60 adheres to the inner surface of pipe 20, second temperature data is acquired at a position outside the pipe corresponding to a second position where deposit 60 adheres, temperature difference data is calculated using the first temperature data and the second temperature data, the thermal resistance of deposit 60 is calculated based on the temperature difference data, the thickness of deposit 60 is estimated, and the temperature of fluid 50 flowing through pipe 20 is estimated based on the temperature difference data. Therefore, in this process, the thickness of the deposit in the pipe can be accurately estimated by using temperature difference data between multiple points.

[0162] Third, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, one or more temperature data are acquired as first temperature data at a position outside the pipe at a first position where the pipe 20 is coated with a coating material, and one or more temperature data are acquired as second temperature data at a position outside the pipe at a second position where the thermal resistance of the coating material differs from that at the first position, and the calculated temperature difference data and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the pipe 20, and the coating material are used to calculate the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 and estimate the thickness of the deposit 60. Therefore, in this process, the temperature difference data between multiple points on insulating materials with different thermal resistances is used to accurately estimate the thickness of the deposit in the pipe.

[0163] Fourth, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, the first temperature data are acquired as a first pipe surface temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe 20 at a first position, and a first cladding surface temperature, which is the temperature of the cladding surface radially from the first position; the second temperature data are acquired as a second pipe surface temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe 20 at a second position, and a second cladding surface temperature, which is the temperature of the cladding surface radially from the second position; and the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 is calculated using the temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the first cladding surface temperature, the temperature difference between the second pipe surface temperature and the second cladding surface temperature, the temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the second pipe surface temperature, and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the pipe 20, and the cladding, to estimate the thickness of the deposit 60. Therefore, in this process, the temperature difference data in the heat transfer direction is used to accurately estimate the thickness of the deposit in the pipe.

[0164] Fifth, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, temperature data inside multiple cladding materials in the radial direction from the first position is acquired as the first temperature data, and temperature data inside multiple cladding materials in the radial direction from the second position is acquired as the second temperature data. Therefore, in this process, it is possible to install temperature sensors in the insulation material in advance, and to accurately and efficiently estimate the thickness of deposits inside the pipe.

[0165] Sixth, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, one or more pieces of temperature data are acquired as first temperature data at a first position corresponding to the outside of the pipe 20 where the pipe is not coated with a coating material, and one or more pieces of temperature data are acquired as second temperature data at a second position corresponding to the outside of the pipe where the pipe is coated with a coating material, and the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 is calculated using the calculated temperature difference data and the thermal resistances of the fluid 50, the pipe 20, and the coating material, thereby estimating the thickness of the deposit 60. Therefore, this process can accurately estimate the thickness of the deposit inside the pipe 20 even when the pipe 20 is only partially insulated.

[0166] Seventh, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 is calculated using the air temperature or fluid temperature outside the pipe or the heat transfer coefficient on the surface of the coating material, and the thickness of the deposit 60 is estimated. Therefore, in this process, even in a pipe 20 in which insulation is installed only in a portion, the thickness of the deposit inside the pipe can be estimated more accurately and effectively.

[0167] Eighth, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, first heat flux data is further acquired to be used in calculating the amount of heat transfer from the fluid 50 at a first position to the outside of the pipe, and second heat flux data is further acquired to be used in calculating the amount of heat transfer from the fluid 50 at a second position to the outside of the pipe, and the first temperature data, second temperature data, first heat flux data, and second heat flux data are used to calculate the thermal resistance of the deposit 60 and estimate the thickness of the deposit 60. Therefore, in this process, the amount of heat transfer is directly calculated, thereby enabling the thickness of the deposit in the pipe to be accurately estimated.

[0168] Ninth, in the process according to the present embodiment described above, first and second temperature data are acquired in the pipe 20 transporting oil or gas produced from a well, and the thickness of hydrate, wax, asphaltene, or scale is estimated based on the first and second temperature data. Therefore, this process can accurately estimate the thickness of deposits in the pipe in an oil or gas pipeline.

[0169] 〔system〕 The information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified.

[0170] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. In other words, all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0171] Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0172] [Hardware] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the estimation device 10 will be described. Note that other devices may also have a similar hardware configuration. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration. As shown in FIG. 22, the estimation device 10 includes a communication device 10a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 10b, a memory 10c, and a processor 10d. The components shown in FIG. 22 are connected to each other via a bus or the like.

[0173] The communication device 10a is a network interface card or the like, and communicates with other servers. The HDD 10b stores programs and DBs that operate the functions shown in FIG.

[0174] The processor 10d reads out a program that executes the same processes as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 2 from the HDD 10b or the like and loads it into the memory 10c, thereby operating a process that executes each function described in FIG. 2 or the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as the respective processing units of the estimation device 10. Specifically, the processor 10d reads out a program having the same functions as the first acquisition unit 15a, the second acquisition unit 15b, the estimation unit 15c, or the like from the HDD 10b or the like. Then, the processor 10d executes a process that executes the same processes as the first acquisition unit 15a, the second acquisition unit 15b, the estimation unit 15c, or the like.

[0175] In this way, the estimation device 10 operates as an information processing device that executes various processing methods by reading and executing a program. The estimation device 10 can also realize functions similar to those of the above-described embodiment by reading the program from a recording medium using a medium reading device and executing the read program. Note that the program in these other embodiments is not limited to being executed by the estimation device 10. For example, the present invention can also be applied in a similar manner to cases where another computer or server executes the program, or where these execute the program in cooperation with each other.

[0176] This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, this program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 10 Estimation device 11 Input section 12 Output section 13 Communications Department 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 15a 1st acquisition part 15b 2nd Acquisition Part 15c Estimation part 20 Piping 30 Heat insulation material (covering material) 40 Temperature Sensor 50 fluid 60 Precipitate 100 Estimation System

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of a first position of a pipe through which a fluid flows; a second acquisition unit that acquires second temperature data at a position corresponding to an outside of the pipe at a second position on the pipe where a condition related to heat transfer differs from that at the first position; an estimation unit that calculates a thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimates a thickness of the deposit; Equipped with The first acquisition unit As the first temperature data, temperature data at a position outside the pipe corresponding to the first position where the deposit adheres to the inner surface of the pipe is acquired; The second acquisition unit As the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the second position outside the pipe where the deposit is attached is acquired; The estimation unit calculating temperature difference data using the first temperature data and the second temperature data, calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit based on the temperature difference data, estimating a thickness of the deposit, and estimating a temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe based on the temperature difference data; Estimation device.

2. The first acquisition unit As the first temperature data, one or more temperature data are acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the first position where the pipe is coated with a coating material; The second acquisition unit As the second temperature data, one or more temperature data are acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the thermal resistance of the coating material is different from that at the first position; The estimation unit calculating the thermal resistance of the deposit using the temperature difference data and the thermal resistances of the fluid, the piping, and the coating material, and estimating the thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 1 .

3. The first acquisition unit As the first temperature data, a first pipe surface temperature, which is the temperature of an outer surface of the pipe at the first position, and a first coating material surface temperature, which is the temperature of a coating material surface located radially outward of the pipe from the first position, are acquired; The second acquisition unit acquiring, as the second temperature data, a second pipe surface temperature which is the temperature of the outer surface of the pipe at the second position, and a second coating material surface temperature which is the temperature of the coating material surface located radially outward of the pipe from the second position; The estimation unit calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit using a temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the first cladding surface temperature, a temperature difference between the second pipe surface temperature and the second cladding surface temperature, a temperature difference between the first pipe surface temperature and the second pipe surface temperature, and the thermal resistances of the fluid, the pipe, and the cladding material, and estimating a thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 2 .

4. The first acquisition unit As the first temperature data, two first temperature data are acquired inside the cladding material located radially outward from the first position of the pipe; The second acquisition unit As the second temperature data, two second temperature data are acquired inside the cladding material located radially outward from the second position of the pipe; The estimation unit calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit using a temperature difference between the two first temperature data, a temperature difference between the two second temperature data, a temperature difference between a first temperature data and a second temperature data selected from the two first temperature data and the two second temperature data based on the acquired positions, and the thermal resistances of the fluid, the piping, and the coating material, and estimating a thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 2 .

5. The first acquisition unit As the first temperature data, one or more temperature data are acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the first position where the pipe is not coated with a coating material; The second acquisition unit As the second temperature data, one or more temperature data are acquired at a position corresponding to the outside of the pipe at the second position where the coating material is coated; The estimation unit calculating the thermal resistance of the deposit using the temperature difference data and the thermal resistances of the fluid, the piping, and the coating material, and estimating the thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 1 .

6. The estimation unit calculating the thermal resistance of the deposit using the air temperature or fluid temperature outside the pipe or the heat transfer coefficient on the surface of the coating material, and estimating the thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 2 or 5.

7. The first acquisition unit further acquiring first heat flux data used to calculate a heat transfer amount from the fluid to an outside of the pipe at the first position; The second acquisition unit Further, second heat flux data is acquired to be used for calculating the amount of heat transfer from the fluid to the outside of the pipe at the second position; calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit using the first temperature data, the second temperature data, the first heat flux data, and the second heat flux data, and estimating a thickness of the deposit; The estimation device according to claim 1 .

8. The first acquisition unit acquiring the first temperature data in the piping transporting oil or gas produced from a well; The second acquisition unit acquiring the second temperature data in the pipe transporting the oil or the gas; The estimation unit estimating a thickness of hydrate, wax, asphaltenes, or scale based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data; The estimation device according to claim 1 .

9. The computer acquiring first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the first position of the pipe through which the fluid flows; acquiring second temperature data at a position in the piping that corresponds to a second position outside the piping, the second position having a different heat transfer condition from the first position; calculating a thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimating a thickness of the deposit; Execute the process, As the first temperature data, temperature data at a position outside the pipe corresponding to the first position where the deposit adheres to the inner surface of the pipe is acquired; As the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the second position outside the pipe where the deposit is attached is acquired; calculating temperature difference data using the first temperature data and the second temperature data, calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit based on the temperature difference data, estimating a thickness of the deposit, and estimating a temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe based on the temperature difference data; Estimation method.

10. On the computer, acquiring first temperature data at a position corresponding to the outside of the first position of the pipe through which the fluid flows; acquiring second temperature data at a position in the piping that corresponds to a second position outside the piping, the second position having a different heat transfer condition from the first position; calculating a thermal resistance of a deposit attached to the inner surface of the pipe based on the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and estimating a thickness of the deposit; Execute the process, As the first temperature data, temperature data at a position outside the pipe corresponding to the first position where the deposit adheres to the inner surface of the pipe is acquired; As the second temperature data, temperature data at a position corresponding to the second position outside the pipe where the deposit is attached is acquired; calculating temperature difference data using the first temperature data and the second temperature data, calculating a thermal resistance of the deposit based on the temperature difference data, estimating a thickness of the deposit, and estimating a temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe based on the temperature difference data; Estimation program.

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