Suppression method, suppression device, and program

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and program for suppressing the adhesion of dirt more precisely. [Solution] A method for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to target equipment through which a fluid flows, comprising: a first identification step of identifying a first suppression effect of adhesion by the adhesion suppression means in at least three stages; and a first adjustment step of adjusting the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means according to the first suppression effect identified in the first identification step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suppression method, a suppression device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in various plants and the like, suppressing the adhesion of dirt to target equipment through which a fluid flows has been carried out. For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress the adhesion of dirt to the drying section, it is disclosed to quantify the degree of dirt and supply a suppressant for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the raw material storage section only when the quantified value exceeds a predetermined value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in terms of enabling more detailed suppression of dirt adhesion according to, for example, the fluid (such as a product) flowing through the target equipment or the desires of the user.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a suppression method, a suppression device, and a program capable of more finely suppressing the adhesion of dirt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure is a suppression method for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to a target equipment through which a fluid flows by adhesion suppression means, including: a first specifying step of specifying at least three levels of a first suppression effect of the adhesion by the adhesion suppression means; and a first adjustment step of adjusting the adhesion suppression intensity of the adhesion suppression means according to the first suppression effect specified in the first specifying step. The suppression method is characterized by comprising these steps.

[0007] The present disclosure also relates to a suppression device characterized by comprising: a suppression effect identification unit that identifies at least three stages of suppression effects obtained in response to the suppression of dirt adhesion by a dirt adhesion suppression means that suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment; and a suppression strength adjustment unit that adjusts the dirt adhesion suppression strength of the dirt adhesion suppression means according to the identified suppression effects.

[0008] Another disclosure is a program characterized by causing a computer to function as the suppression device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and program for suppressing the adhesion of dirt more precisely. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the equipment through which the fluid flows, and the means for suppressing adhesion. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the suppression device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the suppression method according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A suppression method, a suppression device 3, and a program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The suppression method of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, is a method of suppressing the adhesion of fouling to target equipment 10 through which a fluid flows using adhesion suppression means 2. Target equipment 10 is, for example, piping or heat exchangers installed in various plants. Target equipment 10 is the device to which fouling adhesion is to be suppressed. Target equipment 10 is, for example, a device that manufactures products. The fluid flowing through target equipment 10 may be rephrased as, for example, a process fluid or a product.

[0013] The products manufactured by the equipment 10 include, for example, crude oil, petroleum, chemical raw materials, chemical products, and food and beverages. The contaminants adhering to the equipment 10 include, for example, scale, which is contaminant due to crystallization, and fouling, which is the accumulation of solid matter or burnt-on residue.

[0014] The adhesion suppression means 2 is, for example, an ultrasonic oscillation means 2A or a drug 2B. The ultrasonic oscillation means 2A includes an ultrasonic transducer 20 that emits ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic oscillation device (not shown) connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20 via wiring or the like. In Figure 1, multiple ultrasonic transducers 20 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the target equipment 10. The multiple ultrasonic transducers 20 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the target equipment 10. In the illustrated example, four ultrasonic transducers 20 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction, but this is not limited to this, and they may be arranged at different pitches in the circumferential direction. The multiple ultrasonic transducers 20 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the target equipment 10 by a ring member 21 that surrounds the peripheral wall of the target equipment 10 from the outside.

[0015] In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple ultrasonic transducers 20 are arranged on the outer surface of the target equipment 10 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as parallel arrangement). However, the configuration is not limited to this, and although not specifically shown, for example, multiple ring members 21 may be provided at intervals from each other in the direction in which the target equipment 10 extends (the longitudinal direction of the target equipment 10), and an ultrasonic transducer 20 may be attached to each ring member 21 (hereinafter referred to as series arrangement).

[0016] The ultrasonic generator is configured to allow appropriate settings for, for example, the power of the ultrasonic transducer 20 (ultrasonic energy, acoustic field power), the number of ultrasonic transducers 20 in operation (all ultrasonic transducers 20, or one or more selected to be in operation), and so on.

[0017] The chemical agent 2B is, for example, a scale inhibitor or the like. The chemical agent 2B is configured to be supplied from a tank storing the chemical agent 2B to the target facility 10 via, for example, pipes, pumps, valves, and the like.

[0018] Although not particularly shown, a plurality of sensors are provided in the target facility 10. At least one of the plurality of sensors measures process parameters (process data) and the like at a location where the adhesion suppression means 2 in the target facility 10 is applied. Also, at least one other of the plurality of sensors measures process parameters and the like at a location in the target facility 10 where the adhesion suppression means 2 is not applied (for example, the downstream side of the location where the above is applied). The sensor may also be capable of measuring the flow rate of the fluid, the amount of dissolved oxygen, the concentration, the viscosity, or the like.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the suppression device 3 includes a sensor data acquisition unit 31, a suppression effect identification unit 32, a suppression intensity adjustment unit 33, and a storage unit 39. The storage unit 39 stores the process data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 31, the suppression effect identified by the suppression effect identification unit 32, and the adhesion suppression intensity adjusted by the suppression intensity adjustment unit 33.

[0020] The sensor data acquisition unit 31 acquires process data representing a state quantity (for example, temperature, flow rate, etc.) related to the target facility 10, which is sensor data measured by the sensor. The state quantity of the target facility 10 is used, for example, as a judgment instruction value for estimating the degree of dirt adhesion to the target facility 10.

[0021] The suppression effect identification unit 32 identifies, in at least three stages, the effect (this effect is referred to as the "suppression effect" in this embodiment) obtained as the adhesion of dirt is suppressed by the adhesion suppression means 2 that suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the target facility 10. The suppression effect identification unit 32 identifies the suppression effect, for example, by comparing past process data with current process data. The past process data is stored, for example, in the storage unit 39.

[0022] Note that the storage unit 39 may store the correspondence between the timing information and the suppression effect, and the suppression effect specifying unit 32 may specify the suppression effect based on the correspondence between the timing information and the suppression effect. The timing information is, for example, information on seasons or months. Since the suppression effect may vary depending on environmental conditions, by specifying the suppression effect based on the correspondence between the timing information and the suppression effect, the influence of environmental factors, which are external factors, can be excluded.

[0023] The suppression effect specifying unit 32 specifies one or both of the first suppression effect and the second suppression effect in the suppression method of the present embodiment described later. However, the suppression effect specifying unit 32 may not be used to specify the first suppression effect and the second suppression effect.

[0024] The suppression intensity adjustment unit 33 adjusts the adhesion suppression intensity of the adhesion suppression means 2 according to the suppression effect specified by the suppression effect specifying unit 32. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the suppression intensity adjustment unit 33 adjusts the adhesion suppression intensity of the adhesion suppression means at least in three steps according to the specified suppression effect.

[0025] Here, there may be multiple types of "suppression effects" in the present embodiment, as will be described later. The types of suppression effects may vary depending on the products manufactured by the target equipment 10 and the like.

[0026] The suppression effect is, for example, an effect of reducing the amount of dirt adhering to the inside of the target equipment 10 such as pipes. Specifically, this suppression effect includes, for example, an effect of reducing the adhesion amount of scale adhering to the target equipment 10, and an effect of reducing the adhesion amount due to a change in the nature of the adherent (for example, the adherent becomes soft and easier to clean). The suppression effect is, for example, an effect of reducing the number of cleaning times of the target equipment 10 or an effect of shortening the cleaning time.

[0027] The mitigating effect is, for example, the reduction in cleaning-related costs for cleaning the dirt off the target equipment 10. Another mitigating effect is, for example, the improvement in the operating rate of the target equipment 10 by not performing the cleaning that was previously done. Another mitigating effect is, for example, the reduction in energy required to compensate for the decrease in performance of the target equipment 10 due to the accumulation of dirt on the target equipment 10. Another mitigating effect is, for example, the reduction in carbon price or carbon dioxide-related tax that increases due to the production of supplemental steam required to maintain the heat output when the heat output of the target equipment 10 is required.

[0028] Furthermore, the suppression effect is, for example, the improvement effect of reducing the productivity of the target equipment 10 due to the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10. Furthermore, the suppression effect is, for example, the improvement effect of reducing equipment damage associated with the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10. Equipment damage includes, for example, corrosion and thinning due to cleaning. Furthermore, the suppression effect includes, for example, the improvement effect of reducing the environmental burden associated with suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10. Furthermore, the suppression effect includes, for example, the improvement effect of reducing the yield reduction that occurs when dirt adheres to the target equipment 10, and that dirt peels off and mixes into the product.

[0029] Next, the suppression method of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart in which a user of the target equipment 10 conducts a trial (Proof of Concept: PoC) before introducing the adhesion suppression means 2, and if the trial is successful, it proceeds to full-scale operation (implementation in the target equipment 10 that manufactures the product).

[0030] The suppression method of this embodiment comprises a first identification step of identifying the first suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2 on the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10 in at least three stages, and a first adjustment step of adjusting the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2 according to the first suppression effect identified in the first identification step.

[0031] Specifically, in Figure 3, the first identification step S1 after the start is to identify the suppression effect of the trial. The identification of the first suppression effect by the first identification step S1 may be performed, for example, before the ultrasonic transducer 20 is attached to the target equipment 10 for the trial of the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A. In this case, the first suppression effect is identified in the first identification step S1 based on the size of the target equipment 10 (size of the piping). Alternatively, the first suppression effect may be identified in the first identification step S1 based on the wall thickness of the target equipment 10 (wall thickness of the piping). More specifically, the first suppression effect is identified based on the size and wall thickness of the target equipment 10, for example, by simulation or past implementation results. Furthermore, if the adhesion suppression means 2 is the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A, the first suppression effect may be identified based on the sound pressure, vibration state, and energy amount of the ultrasonic transducer 20. Thus, the first suppression effect does not have to be an effect identified based on the actual suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2 applied to the target equipment 10.

[0032] Next, as the first adjustment step S2, the adhesion suppression strength of the trial is adjusted. In the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength is adjusted in at least three stages in the first adjustment step S2. When the adhesion inhibition means 2 is the agent 2B, the adhesion inhibition strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the concentration of agent 2B, the formulation of agent 2B, and the timing of agent 2B addition. The timing of agent 2B addition corresponds, for example, to the number of times agent 2B is added per unit time, where a predetermined amount is added at one time (this can also be rephrased as the total amount of agent 2B added per unit time).

[0033] Furthermore, if the adhesion suppression means 2 is the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A, the adhesion suppression strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the number of ultrasonic transducers 20 included in the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A that emit ultrasound, and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 20. The number of ultrasonic transducers 20 refers to, for example, the number of operational transducers, meaning how many of the four ultrasonic transducers 20 shown in Figure 1 are operational. The arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 20 refers to, for example, the parallel arrangement or series arrangement described above. The arrangement (series or parallel) of the ultrasonic transducers 20 is determined, for example, by simulation results.

[0034] If the result of the first adjustment step S2 is a pass (Yes) in judgment S3, the system proceeds from trial to actual operation. If judgment S3 is a fail (No), the trial is repeated. Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment further comprises a second identification step that identifies at least three stages of the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, which suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10.

[0035] Specifically, in Figure 3, if the judgment S3 is successful, the second identification step S4 identifies the actual suppression effect. The second suppression effect identified in the second identification step S4 is identified using, for example, process parameters (process data) and filters (checking for clogging, etc.) at the location where the adhesion suppression means 2 is applied, and process parameters and filters at the location where the adhesion suppression means 2 is not applied (for example, downstream of the location where it is applied). In addition to the above, the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step S4 can also be identified by, for example, open inspection (disassembling the piping of the target equipment 10 and checking the inside), fluid properties, and production volume (calculated from the percentage of defective products, etc.). Furthermore, the above second suppression effect can also be identified by, for example, the amount of energy saved by suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10 and thus reducing the performance degradation of the target equipment 10, and the amount of carbon dioxide saved by reducing the amount of supplemental steam required to maintain heat output by suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the second inhibitory effect identified in the second identification step S4 is identified, for example, based on at least one of the flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the fluid flowing through the target equipment 10. Specifically, the second inhibitory effect is identified by decreasing it when the dissolved oxygen content of the fluid is low, and by increasing it when the dissolved oxygen content is high. The second inhibitory effect is identified by decreasing it when the fluid concentration is high, and by increasing it when the concentration is low. The second inhibitory effect is identified by increasing it when the fluid viscosity is high, and by decreasing it when the viscosity is low.

[0037] Thus, in this embodiment, the method used to identify the first inhibitory effect in the first identification step S1 differs from the method used to identify the second inhibitory effect in the second identification step S4.

[0038] On the other hand, if judgment S3 is unsuccessful, the second identification step S11 is performed to identify the suppression effect of the trial (second time). In this case, the second suppression effect in the second identification step S11 is identified based, for example, on the size (past installation record) and wall thickness (past installation record) of the target equipment 10. However, in order to prevent the result of the second trial from being the same as the result of the first trial (unsuccessful), the basis for identifying the second suppression effect in the second identification step S11 may be different from the basis for identifying the first suppression effect in the first identification step S1.

[0039] Thus, the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step S4 (during actual operation after passing the trial) and S11 (during a retrial after failing the trial) is determined based on at least one of the size, wall thickness, flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the target equipment 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment further comprises a second adjustment step, in which the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, is adjusted in at least three steps according to the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, if the second identification step S4 is to identify the actual suppression effect, the second adjustment step S5 adjusts the actual adhesion suppression strength. The adjustment of the adhesion suppression strength in the second adjustment step S5 can be carried out, for example, in the same way as the adjustment of the adhesion suppression strength in the first adjustment step S2 described above.

[0042] Furthermore, if the adhesion suppression means 2 is the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A, the number of ultrasonic transducers 20 used may differ between the trial and the actual operation.

[0043] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step S2, may be adjusted in the second adjustment step S5 in at least three stages, depending on the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step S4 and the cost of the adhesion suppression means 2. In this case, it is preferable to have an estimation means (for example, a price list) for estimating the cost of the adhesion suppression means 2 (operational cost when actually implemented).

[0044] Specifically, even if the trial results in a judgment S3 that fully meets the passing criteria, there may be cases where the user needs to reduce the cost required to obtain the suppression effect due to various circumstances. In such cases, as in the configuration described above, the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2 is adjusted in the second adjustment step S5 to decrease not only the second suppression effect but also the cost.

[0045] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step may be stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step. In other words, the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step may be weaker than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step.

[0046] For more details, for example, when conducting a trial with the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step, the adhesion suppression strength may be set to be as strong as possible to obtain the best possible trial results. However, in this case, the adhesion suppression strength may become unnecessarily strong. In such cases, the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step may be made weaker than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step. In the second adjustment step, for example, the power of the ultrasonic transducer 20 is reduced to reduce the ultrasonic energy (acoustic field power) from 800W to 600W. Conversely, it may also be increased. In other words, the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step may be stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step.

[0047] Furthermore, in Figure 3, if the second identification step S11 identifies the inhibitory effect of the trial, the second adjustment step S12 adjusts the adhesion inhibition strength of the trial. In the second adjustment step S12 of the second trial, the number of ultrasonic transducers 20 may be increased or the power of the ultrasonic transducers 20 may be increased compared to the first adjustment step S2 of the first trial. Also, in the second adjustment step S12 of the second trial, the ultrasonic transducers 20 may be repositioned in the target equipment 10 to a location where the inhibitory effect is likely to be further enhanced. In other words, the adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the second adjustment step may be stronger than the adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the first adjustment step. Furthermore, the adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the first adjustment step and the adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the second adjustment step may be the same.

[0048] Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment may also involve a first identification step S4 in which the actual suppression effect (first suppression effect) is identified, and a first adjustment step S5 in which the actual adhesion suppression strength is adjusted. That is, the first suppression effect may be an effect identified based on the actual suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2 applied to the target equipment 10. In this case, the second identification step S14 identifies the actual suppression effect (second suppression effect), and the second adjustment step S15 adjusts the actual adhesion suppression strength.

[0049] Next, the program according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, part or all of the suppression device 3 may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes the OS and peripheral hardware. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and recording devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. "Computer-readable recording medium" may also include cloud storage. Furthermore, the above program may be for implementing part of the functions described above, and may also be able to implement the above functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. Furthermore, part or all of the suppression device 3 may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In other words, in this embodiment, the program causes the computer to function as the suppression device 3.

[0050] According to the suppression method, suppression device 3, and program of this embodiment described above, the first suppression effect of preventing dirt from adhering to the target equipment 10 can be precisely identified, and the adhesion suppression strength can be adjusted according to the result of that identification. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dirt adhesion more precisely, for example, according to the fluid (product, etc.) flowing through the target equipment 10 or the user's requests.

[0051] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength is adjusted in at least three stages during the first adjustment step. According to this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength can be adjusted more precisely.

[0052] Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment further comprises a second identification step, which identifies at least three stages of the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, which suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10. According to this embodiment, the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted, can be precisely identified.

[0053] Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment further includes a second adjustment step, in which the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, is adjusted in at least three steps according to the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step. According to this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength can be finely adjusted according to the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted.

[0054] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, is adjusted in the second adjustment step in at least three steps, according to the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step and the cost of the adhesion suppression means 2. According to this embodiment, in the second adjustment step, the adhesion suppression strength can be appropriately adjusted according to the second suppression effect and the cost of the adhesion suppression means 2.

[0055] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step is stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step. According to this embodiment, since the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step is stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step, the first suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means 2 adjusted in the first adjustment step can be reliably achieved.

[0056] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, in the first identification step, the first suppression effect is identified based on the size of the target equipment 10. According to this embodiment, the first suppression effect based on the size of the target equipment 10 can be reliably identified.

[0057] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the method based on the identification of the first suppression effect in the first identification step differs from the method based on the identification of the second suppression effect in the second identification step. According to this embodiment, for example, if the first inhibitory effect was identified for the trial, the results of the trial can be included in identifying the second inhibitory effect, allowing for more accurate identification of the second inhibitory effect.

[0058] Furthermore, in the inhibition method of this embodiment, the adhesion inhibition means 2 may be the agent 2B. In this case, the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10 can be reliably suppressed by the agent 2B.

[0059] Furthermore, in the inhibition method of this embodiment, the adhesion inhibition strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the concentration of agent 2B, the formulation of agent 2B, and the timing of addition of agent 2B. According to this embodiment, the adhesion inhibition strength can be adjusted according to the concentration, formulation, and timing of addition of drug 2B.

[0060] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression means 2 may be an ultrasonic oscillation means 2A. In this case, the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A can reliably suppress the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment 10.

[0061] Furthermore, in the suppression method of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the number of ultrasonic transducers 20 that emit ultrasonic waves and are included in the ultrasonic oscillating means 2A, and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 20. According to this embodiment, the adhesion suppression strength by the ultrasonic transducer 20 can be adjusted more reliably based on these factors.

[0062] Furthermore, the suppression method of this embodiment further comprises a second identification step of specifying, in at least three stages, the second suppression effect by the adhesion suppression means 2 whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, and the second suppression effect specified in the second identification step is determined based on at least one of the size, wall thickness, flow rate, dissolved oxygen amount, concentration, and viscosity of the target equipment 10. According to this embodiment, the second inhibitory effect can be identified more reliably and precisely in the second identification step.

[0063] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications to the configuration, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as described below, for example.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, the adhesion suppression means 2 was defined as either a drug 2B or an ultrasonic oscillating means 2A, but it is not limited to these two. The adhesion suppression means 2 may include both the drug 2B and the ultrasonic oscillating means 2A. In this case, the first inhibitory effect of the adhesion inhibitory means 2, which includes both the drug 2B and the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A, can be identified. In the above configuration, it is preferable to adjust the adhesion inhibitory strength of the other of the drug 2B and the ultrasonic oscillation means 2A according to the inhibitory effect of the other.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the second suppression effect is specified based on at least one of the flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the fluid flowing through the target equipment 10. The first suppression effect may also be specified based on at least one of the flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the fluid flowing through the target equipment 10. Furthermore, the space required for installing the ultrasonic oscillator, taking into account the space needed for maintenance of the suppression device 3, is approximately 1.5m (length) x 2.0m (width). Furthermore, the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer 20 cannot be expected to propagate beyond the flange or gasket. Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer 20 can withstand temperatures up to approximately 130°C. Furthermore, within a range of approximately 1 meter from the ultrasonic transducer 20, sounds of approximately 80 dB or higher may be generated. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect identification unit 32 preferably identifies the inhibitory effect in at least three stages, but it may also identify it in two stages. For example, the first inhibitory effect may be identified in two stages in the first identification step. Also, for example, the second inhibitory effect may be identified in two stages in the second identification step. Furthermore, the adhesion suppression strength adjustment unit 33 preferably adjusts the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means 2 in at least three stages, but it may also be adjusted in two stages. For example, the adhesion suppression strength may be adjusted in two stages in the first adjustment step. Alternatively, for example, the adhesion suppression strength may be adjusted in two stages in the second adjustment step.

[0066] This disclosure allows for combinations of the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and configurations can be added, omitted, substituted, or otherwise modified. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, etc., but is limited only by the claims.

[0067] (Note) The suppression method, suppression device, and program according to the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0068] <Aspect 1 of this disclosure> A method for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to target equipment through which a fluid flows, using adhesion suppression means, comprising: a first identification step of identifying a first suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means on the adhesion in at least three stages; and a first adjustment step of adjusting the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means in accordance with the first suppression effect identified in the first identification step.

[0069] According to this disclosure, the first inhibitory effect on the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment can be precisely identified, and the adhesion inhibition strength can be adjusted according to the results of that identification. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dirt adhesion more precisely, for example, according to the fluid (product, etc.) flowing through the target equipment or the user's requirements.

[0070] <Aspect 2 of this disclosure> The suppression method according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the adhesion suppression strength is adjusted in at least three stages in the first adjustment step.

[0071] According to this disclosure, the adhesion inhibition strength can be adjusted more precisely.

[0072] <Aspect 3 of this disclosure> The suppression method according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a second specifying step for specifying the second suppression effect of adhesion by the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, in at least three stages.

[0073] According to this disclosure, the second inhibitory effect of the adhesion inhibitory means, in which the adhesion inhibitory strength is adjusted, can be precisely identified.

[0074] <Aspect 4 of this disclosure> The suppression method according to embodiment 3, further comprising a second adjustment step of adjusting the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, in at least three steps, according to the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step.

[0075] According to this disclosure, the adhesion suppression strength can be finely adjusted according to the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means, which has an adjusted adhesion suppression strength.

[0076] <Aspect 5 of this disclosure> The adhesion suppression method according to embodiment 4, characterized in that the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, is adjusted in the second adjustment step in at least three steps according to the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step and the cost of the adhesion suppression means.

[0077] According to this disclosure, in the second adjustment step, the adhesion suppression strength can be appropriately adjusted according to the second suppression effect and the cost of the adhesion suppression means.

[0078] <Aspect of this disclosure 6> The adhesion suppression method according to embodiment 4 or 5, characterized in that the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step is stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step.

[0079] According to this disclosure, since the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the first adjustment step is stronger than the adhesion suppression strength adjusted in the second adjustment step, the first suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means adjusted in the first adjustment step can be reliably achieved.

[0080] <Aspect 7 of this disclosure> The suppression method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that in the first identification step, the first suppression effect is identified based on the size of the target equipment.

[0081] This disclosure makes it possible to reliably identify the first suppression effect based on the size of the equipment in question.

[0082] <Aspect 8 of this disclosure> The suppression method according to any one of embodiments 3 to 6, characterized in that the method based on the identification of the first suppression effect in the first identification step differs from the method based on the identification of the second suppression effect in the second identification step.

[0083] According to this disclosure, for example, if the first inhibitory effect was identified for the trial, the results of the trial can be included in identifying the second inhibitory effect, allowing for a more accurate identification of the second inhibitory effect.

[0084] <Aspect 9 of this disclosure> The inhibition method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the adhesion inhibition means is a drug.

[0085] According to this disclosure, the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment can be reliably suppressed by chemicals.

[0086] <Aspect 10 of this disclosure> The inhibition method according to embodiment 9, characterized in that the adhesion inhibition strength corresponds to at least one of the concentration of the agent, the formulation of the agent, and the timing of the addition of the agent.

[0087] According to this disclosure, the adhesion inhibition strength can be adjusted depending on the concentration, formulation, and timing of addition of the drug.

[0088] <Aspect 11 of this disclosure> The adhesion suppression method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the adhesion suppression means is an ultrasonic oscillating means.

[0089] According to this disclosure, the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment can be reliably suppressed by ultrasonic oscillation means.

[0090] <Aspect 12 of this disclosure> The adhesion suppression method according to embodiment 11, characterized in that the adhesion suppression strength corresponds to at least one of the number of ultrasonic transducers that emit ultrasonic waves and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic oscillating means.

[0091] According to this disclosure, the adhesion suppression strength by the ultrasonic transducer can be adjusted more reliably based on these factors.

[0092] <Aspect 13 of this disclosure> The method for suppression according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a second identification step of identifying, in at least three stages, the second suppression effect of the adhesion suppression means whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, wherein the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step is determined based on at least one of the size, wall thickness, flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the target equipment.

[0093] According to this disclosure, the second inhibitory effect can be identified more reliably and precisely in the second identification step.

[0094] <Aspect 14 of this disclosure> The adhesion suppression method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the adhesion suppression means includes a drug and an ultrasonic oscillating means.

[0095] According to this disclosure, the first inhibitory effect of adhesion inhibition means, which includes both a drug and an ultrasonic oscillating means, can be identified.

[0096] <Aspect 15 of this disclosure> A suppression device comprising: a suppression effect identification unit that identifies at least three stages of suppression effects obtained in response to the suppression of dirt adhesion by a dirt adhesion suppression means that suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment; and a suppression strength adjustment unit that adjusts the dirt adhesion suppression strength of the dirt adhesion suppression means according to the identified suppression effect.

[0097] <Aspect 16 of this disclosure> A program characterized by causing a computer to function as a suppression device as described in Embodiment 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 2… means of inhibiting adhesion 2A... Ultrasonic oscillation means 2B…Medicine 3…Suppression device 10…Target equipment 20… Ultrasonic transducer 32... Part for identifying the inhibitory effect 33...Suppression strength adjustment section S1 (S4)... First specific step S2 (S5)... First adjustment step S4 (S11, S14)... Second specific step S5 (S12, S15)... Second adjustment step

Claims

1. A method for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to equipment through which a fluid flows, using adhesion suppression means, A first identification step to identify the first inhibitory effect of the adhesion suppression means on the adhesion in at least three stages, A first adjustment step to adjust the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means according to the first suppression effect identified in the first specific step, Equipped with, The first suppression effect is the effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows, The effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows is determined based on the process data of the target equipment. A suppression method characterized by the following.

2. In the first adjustment step, the adhesion suppression strength is adjusted in at least three stages. The suppression method according to feature 1.

3. A second suppression effect by the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step, wherein the second suppression effect of adhesion is specified in at least three stages in a second specification step. The suppression method according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. A second adjustment step is performed to adjust the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, in at least three stages, in accordance with the second suppression effect identified in the second identification step. The suppression method according to claim 3, further comprising the above.

5. The adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means, whose adhesion suppression strength was adjusted in the first adjustment step, is adjusted in the second adjustment step in at least three stages, according to the second suppression effect specified in the second identification step and the cost of the adhesion suppression means. The suppression method according to feature 4.

6. The adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the first adjustment step is stronger than the adhesion inhibition strength adjusted in the second adjustment step. The suppression method according to feature 4.

7. In the first identification step, the first suppression effect is further identified based on the size of the target equipment. The suppression method according to feature 1.

8. The method used when the first inhibitory effect is identified in the first identification step differs from the method used when the second inhibitory effect is identified in the second identification step. The suppression method according to feature 3.

9. The adhesion-inhibiting means is a chemical agent. The suppression method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The adhesion inhibition strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the concentration of the agent, the formulation of the agent, and the timing of the agent's addition. The suppression method according to feature 9.

11. The adhesion suppression means is an ultrasonic oscillation means. The suppression method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The adhesion suppression strength corresponds to at least one of the following: the number of ultrasonic transducers that emit ultrasound and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic oscillating means. The suppression method according to feature 11.

13. A second identification step to identify, in at least three stages, the second inhibitory effect of the adhesion inhibitory means, whose adhesion inhibitory strength has been adjusted in the first adjustment step. Furthermore, The second inhibitory effect identified in the second identification step is determined based on at least one of the size, wall thickness, flow rate, dissolved oxygen content, concentration, and viscosity of the equipment in question. The suppression method according to feature 12.

14. The adhesion suppression means includes a drug and an ultrasonic oscillating means. The suppression method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A means for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment, and a suppression effect identification unit that identifies the suppression effect obtained in accordance with the suppression of the adhesion of the dirt, in at least three stages, A suppression strength adjustment unit adjusts the adhesion suppression strength of the adhesion suppression means according to the identified suppression effect, Equipped with, The aforementioned suppression effect is the effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows. The effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows is determined based on the process data of the target equipment. A suppression device characterized by the following features.

16. It is a program that makes the computer function as a suppression device. A means for suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment, and a function for identifying the suppression effect obtained in accordance with the suppression of the adhesion of the dirt, in at least three stages, A suppression intensity adjustment function adjusts the adhesion suppression intensity of the adhesion suppression means according to the identified suppression effect, Equipped with, The aforementioned suppression effect is the effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows. The effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the target equipment through which the fluid flows is determined based on the process data of the target equipment. A program characterized by the following features.

Images