Measurement system, control method for the measurement system, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a measurement system, a control method for the measurement system, and a program that can more accurately measure the state of corrosion. [Solution] A measurement system 1 comprising a tubular portion 10, a plurality of electrodes included in the tubular portion 10 and each having one end located outside the tubular portion 10, an ultrasonic sensor 30 for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10, a measuring means, and a control means for controlling the measuring means, wherein the measuring means performs a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair of the plurality of electrodes, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the first pair and the second pair are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measurement system, a control method for the measurement system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, corrosion rates have been measured. Patent Document 1 discloses a corrosion rate measurement sensor composed of a pair of metal rod-shaped electrodes, an electrode holder, and lead wires. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that the electrodes do not necessarily have to be a pair, and generally, there may be a plurality of them, and it is sufficient to select a pair from the plurality of electrodes for measurement, measure using a plurality of combinations, and average these values to use the resistance value. Patent Document 2 discloses a monitoring probe including a cylindrical outer cylinder portion having a cavity formed inside, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the inner wall side of the outer cylinder portion for measuring the wall thickness of the outer cylinder portion by the reflected wave of ultrasonic waves from the outer wall of the outer cylinder portion, a two-electrode sensor provided on the outer cylinder portion for measuring the current value between two electrodes generated by the melting of adhering ash, and a thermocouple provided on the outer cylinder portion for measuring the temperature of the outer cylinder portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the mode of measuring using a plurality of combinations was not specific. Further, in Patent Document 2, although it is disclosed to provide two-electrode sensors at a plurality of locations on the outer cylinder portion, the measurement method of the two-electrode sensors was not specific.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a measurement system, a control method for the measurement system, and a program that can more accurately measure the corrosion state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A measurement system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a tubular portion, a plurality of electrodes included in the tubular portion and each having one end located outside the tubular portion, an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion, a measuring means, and a control means for controlling the measuring means, wherein the measuring means performs a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair of the plurality of electrodes, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the first pair and the second pair are different. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides a measurement system, a control method for the measurement system, and a program that can more accurately measure the corrosion state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a boiler equipped with the measurement system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the measurement system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part III. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a two-electrode sensor. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of section V shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the connection configuration between a two-electrode sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, and the first and second processing units via a switch. [Figure 7]This is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a connection configuration between a two-electrode sensor and an ultrasonic sensor and a first processing unit. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the connection configuration between a two-electrode sensor and an ultrasonic sensor and the first processing unit. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the connection configuration between a two-electrode sensor and an ultrasonic sensor and the first processing unit. [Figure 10] This is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is the first example of a screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 12] This is a second example of the screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the measurement method according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows a schematic example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device applied to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A measurement system and measurement method according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The measurement system according to this embodiment is placed, for example, in a corrosive environment. In this configuration, the measurement system derives the corrosion rate of a metal in a corrosive environment.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a boiler BO equipped with the measurement system 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the corrosive environment is, for example, the flue BS of a boiler BO installed in a waste incinerator. As shown in Figure 1, the boiler BO is equipped with, for example, a superheater tube BP and a measurement system 1.

[0011] The superheater tubes BP include, for example, superheater tubes, water tubes, and evaporator tubes. In these superheater tubes, problems include low-temperature corrosion due to condensation of acids in the exhaust gas and high-temperature corrosion due to high-temperature molten salts from ash contained in the exhaust gas. In this embodiment, the measurement system 1 is used to grasp the corrosion situation at the installation location (the flue BS of the boiler BO) of the tube BP of the superheater. As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement system 1 is arranged such that its tip is in the flue BS which is the passage of the flue S of the boiler BO, and its base is connected to the outer wall BW of the boiler BO. At this time, a manhole BF for connecting the tubular part 10 described later may be provided on the outer wall BW of the boiler BO.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the measurement system 1 includes a tubular part 10, a two-electrode sensor 20, an ultrasonic sensor 30, a conductor 40, a conducting wire 41, a thermocouple 50, an insulating holder 60, a metal holder 70, a cable 80, a measuring means 90, a switch A, an earthing means B, and a terminal device C.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tubular part 10 is a cylindrical member whose base side is connected to the wall of the boiler BO and whose tip extends toward the flue BS of the boiler BO. A dust-proof box DB is connected to the end on the base side of the tubular part 10 via a purge pipe P. In this embodiment, the tubular part 10 is cylindrical. Further, the tubular part 10 includes a boiler flange 11 and a purge pipe flange 12.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the boiler flange 11 is a flange fixed to the manhole BF provided on the outer wall BW of the boiler BO by bolts BL. The manhole BF is provided on the base side of the tubular part 10. Thus, the base of the tubular part 10 is connected to the boiler BO. In this embodiment, an insulating member I is provided between the boiler flange 11 of the tubular part 10 and the manhole BF provided on the outer wall BW of the boiler BO. In other words, the measurement system 1 and the boiler BO are connected via the insulating member I. For the insulating member I, for example, a known insulating gasket is preferably used.

[0015] The purge piping flange 12 is provided at the base end of the tubular section 10. As shown in Figure 2, the purge piping flange 12 is used to connect to the purge piping P located at the base end of the tubular section 10.

[0016] Figure 4 is a plan view of the two-electrode sensor 20. The two-electrode sensor 20 is contained within the tubular section 10 and used for electrochemical measurements. In this embodiment, multiple two-electrode sensors 20 are contained within the tubular section 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the two-electrode sensor 20 includes a first electrode unit 21, a second electrode unit 22, a third electrode unit 23, and a fourth electrode unit 24. In this embodiment, the first electrode unit 21, the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24 each have a similar configuration. In the following description, when these electrode units are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as electrode units. Each of these electrode units is distinguished as a working electrode or a counter electrode depending on its application in electrochemical measurements. In this embodiment, the two-electrode sensor 20 functions as any two combinations of the first electrode unit 21, the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24.

[0017] Specifically, the two-electrode sensor 20 can measure, for example, the polarization resistance between two of the electrode units included in the two-electrode sensor 20, and the resistance of deposits attached to the outer surface of the tubular portion 10. This allows the two-electrode sensor 20 to understand the corrosion status of the tubular portion 10 in the measurement system 1. In this embodiment, the corrosion status refers to, for example, the presence or absence of ash melting at the installation site of the measurement system 1, the presence or absence of an oxide film on the surface of the tubular portion 10, whether or not the oxide film formed on the tubular portion 10 is a highly corrosion-resistant oxide film, and the corrosion rate of the tubular portion 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, it is preferable that each electrode unit included in the two-electrode sensor 20 is made of the same material as the superheater tube BP whose corrosion status is to be assessed. Furthermore, in order to reproduce the corrosive environment at the installation location of the superheater tube BP, each electrode unit included in the two-electrode sensor 20 may be temperature-controlled, for example, by hot air. In this case, the hot air used to adjust the temperature of the electrode unit may be, for example, around 500°C. The hot air may be generated, for example, by blowing air (not shown) with a heater (not shown) to adjust its temperature. In this case, the temperature of the hot air may be determined using the temperature of each electrode unit included in the two-electrode sensor 20 as the control variable. The temperature of the electrode unit may be measured by a thermocouple 50, as will be described later.

[0019] The following explanation will use the first electrode unit 21 as an example. For the second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24, only the differences from the first electrode unit 21 will be explained, and the same aspects will be omitted.

[0020] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of section V shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the first electrode unit 21 comprises an electrode section 2a (electrode), a retaining block 2b, a sensor fixing section 2c, and a conductor fixing plate 2d. The electrode portion 2a is the part that ensures the function of the electrode in the first electrode unit 21. In this embodiment, the electrode included in the two-electrode sensor 20 refers to the electrode portion 2a. For example, the electrode portion 2a included in the first electrode unit 21 may be called the first electrode. Similarly, the electrode portion 2a included in the second electrode unit 22 may be called the second electrode, the electrode portion 2a included in the third electrode unit 23 may be called the third electrode, and the electrode portion 2a included in the fourth electrode unit 24 may be called the fourth electrode. In this embodiment, the electrode portion 2a includes a held portion 2a1, an exposed portion 2a2, and an intermediate portion 2a3, as shown in Figure 5. The electrode portion 2a, including these components, may be formed integrally by, for example, machining.

[0021] The held portion 2a1 is the part of the electrode portion 2a that includes the end that does not face the retaining block 2b. As shown in Figure 5, the held portion 2a1 is located inside the insulating holder 60. In this way, the electrode portion 2a is held by the insulating holder 60. The end of the electrode portion 2a that does not face the retaining block 2b is exposed and does not come into contact with the insulating holder 60. The part to be held 2a1 may be cylindrical or prismatic, for example. In the example shown in Figure 5, the part to be held 2a1 is cylindrical.

[0022] The exposed portion 2a2 is the part of the electrode portion 2a that includes the end facing the retaining block 2b. As shown in Figure 5, the exposed portion 2a2 is exposed to the outside of the insulating holder 60 in the electrode portion 2a. The exposed portion 2a2 may be cylindrical or prismatic, for example. In the example shown in Figure 5, the exposed portion 2a2 is cylindrical.

[0023] The intermediate portion 2a3 is located between the held portion 2a1 and the exposed portion 2a2. As shown in Figure 5, the intermediate portion 2a3 is located inside the insulating holder 60. The intermediate portion 2a3 may be cylindrical or prismatic, for example. In the example shown in Figure 5, the intermediate portion 2a3 is cylindrical.

[0024] Thus, the electrode portion 2a has a shape in which three cylindrical or rectangular prisms with different cross-sectional areas are integrally formed along the axial direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of these parts is such that the held portion 2a1 has the smallest cross-sectional area and the exposed portion 2a2 has the largest cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 2a3 is larger than that of the held portion 2a1 and smaller than that of the exposed portion 2a2.

[0025] In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the two-electrode sensor 20 is greater than the wall thickness of the superheater tube BP included in the boiler BO. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the wall thickness of the two-electrode sensor 20 (for example, the wall thickness of the first electrode unit 21) refers to the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a provided in the electrode unit of the two-electrode sensor 20 (for example, the first electrode unit 21). Furthermore, the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a refers to the axial dimension of the cylindrical or prismatic shape of the holding portion 2a1 provided in the electrode portion 2a.

[0026] The retaining block 2b is a member located at the end of the electrode portion 2a on the exposed portion 2a2 side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the retaining block 2b is a cylindrical or prismatic member having the same cross-sectional area as the exposed portion 2a2 of the electrode portion 2a. In the example shown in Figure 5, the outer shape of the retaining block 2b is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the retaining block 2b is preferably conductive, and preferably made of the same material as the electrode portion 2a, for example. As shown in Figure 5, the retaining block 2b has a recess 2b1 that opens on the side facing the electrode portion 2a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the retaining block 2b has a flat portion 2b2 on its side perpendicular to the axial direction of the electrode portion 2a, for which the conductor 40 and the conductor fixing plate 2d are provided. The flat portion 2b2 corresponds to the bottom of a groove formed on the side of the retaining block 2b, for example, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the flat portion 2b2 is formed by providing a groove on the side of the retaining block 2b.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the retaining block 2b is fixed to the exposed portion 2a2 of the electrode portion 2a by bolts BL. This creates a space between the retaining block 2b and the electrode portion 2a by a recess 2b1. An ultrasonic sensor 30 (i.e., the first ultrasonic sensor 31 described later), which is attached to the first electrode unit 21, is provided in this space.

[0028] In this embodiment, the general shape of the first electrode unit 21 is formed by an electrode portion 2a and a retaining block 2b. At this time, one end of the first electrode unit 21 is located outside the tubular portion 10. The other end of the first electrode unit 21 is located inside the tubular portion 10. That is, as shown in Figure 3, in the first electrode unit 21, the end of the electrode portion 2a that does not face the retaining block 2b is located outside the tubular portion 10 and is exposed to the outside of the tubular portion 10. Also, in the first electrode unit 21, the retaining block 2b is located inside the tubular portion 10 and is not exposed to the outside of the tubular portion 10. Furthermore, in the first electrode unit 21, as shown in Figure 5, a through hole 2H communicating with the electrode portion 2a and the retaining block 2b is provided in a direction along the axial direction of the electrode portion 2a. A thermocouple 50 is provided in the through hole 2H.

[0029] The sensor fixing part 2c has the function of fixing the first ultrasonic sensor 31 to the first electrode unit 21. Specifically, the sensor fixing part 2c fixes the first ultrasonic sensor 31 by pressing it against the end face of the exposed portion 2a2 of the electrode portion 2a of the first electrode unit 21.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor fixing section 2c comprises a fixing block 2c1 and a fixing bolt 2c2. The fixed block 2c1 is a block-shaped member that contacts the first ultrasonic sensor 31. Specifically, the fixed block 2c1 contacts the side of the first ultrasonic sensor 31 that does not face the electrode portion 2a of the first electrode unit 21. In this way, the fixed block 2c1 sandwiches the first ultrasonic sensor 31 (ultrasonic sensor 30) between itself and the other end portion of the first electrode unit 21. In this embodiment, the other end portion of the first electrode unit 21 refers to the end face of the exposed portion 2a2 of the electrode portion 2a of the first electrode unit 21. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the end face of the exposed portion 2a2 will be referred to as the portion of the first electrode unit 21 that is on the other end side.

[0031] In this embodiment, the fixing block 2c1 is housed inside the space formed by the recess 2b1 of the retaining block 2b, as shown in Figure 5. The fixing block 2c1 may have a recess 2c1a for receiving the tip of the fixing bolt 2c2, which will be described below.

[0032] The fixing bolt 2c2 presses the fixing block 2c1 against the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The axial direction of the fixing bolt 2c2 is approximately parallel to the direction perpendicular to the tube axis of the tubular portion 10 when the two-electrode sensor 20 is attached to the tubular portion 10. In this embodiment, "approximately parallel" means that the intersection angle of the two lines is 5° or less.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the fixing bolt 2c2 can be screwed into the female threaded portion 2bS provided on the retaining block 2b and rotated to move closer to and further away from the first ultrasonic sensor 31. The female threaded portion 2bS may be formed on a separate component such as a bushing (not shown) and attached to the retaining block 2b. The fixing bolt 2c2 moves in a direction approaching the first ultrasonic sensor 31, bringing it into contact with the fixing block 2c1, and then moves in a way that presses the fixing block 2c1 against the first ultrasonic sensor 31. As a result, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 is sandwiched and fixed between the electrode portion 2a and the fixing block 2c1.

[0034] Here, when the fixing bolt 2c2 rotates and the fixing block 2c1 is pressed against the first ultrasonic sensor 31, the fixing block 2c1 may rotate along with the rotation of the fixing bolt 2c2. This may cause the first ultrasonic sensor 31, which is in contact with the fixing block 2c1, to rotate. For this reason, for example, a rotation prevention member (not shown) may be provided to prevent the fixing block 2c1 from rotating.

[0035] The conductor fixing plate 2d is a flat plate-shaped member provided to fix the conductor 40 to the retaining block 2b. As shown in Figure 5, the conductor fixing plate 2d is fixed to the retaining block 2b by countersunk bolts CB with the conductor 40 sandwiched between the flat portion 2b2 of the retaining block 2b and the conductor fixing plate 2d.

[0036] Each of the second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24 has the same configuration as the first electrode unit 21. That is, each of the second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24 comprises an electrode portion 2a, a retaining block 2b, a sensor fixing portion 2c, and a conductor fixing plate 2d. And, similar to the first electrode unit 21, one end of each of the second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24 (i.e., the side with the electrode portion 2a) is located outside the tubular portion 10, and the other end (i.e., the side with the retaining block 2b) is located inside the tubular portion 10. That is, the other end of one of the multiple two-electrode sensors 20 contained in the tubular portion 10 is located inside the tubular portion 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the first electrode unit 21, the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24 may be different from each other. That is, in this embodiment, the first electrode unit 21, the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24 may be identical in all other respects, differing only in the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a. If the wall thickness of each of these electrode units (i.e., the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a of each electrode unit) is different from each other, for example, the first electrode unit 21 may be the thickest, followed by the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24 in decreasing order, with the fourth electrode unit 24 being the thinnest.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first electrode unit 21, the second electrode unit 22, the third electrode unit 23, and the fourth electrode unit 24 are arranged to be close to each other. That is, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 10, the first electrode unit 21 and the third electrode unit 23 are concentrated on one side in the direction perpendicular to the tube axis of the tubular portion 10. The second electrode unit 22 and the fourth electrode unit 24 are arranged similarly. Also, in the axial direction of the tubular portion 10, the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22, and the third electrode unit 23 and the fourth electrode unit 24 may be positioned at the same distance as the distance between the first electrode unit 21 and the third electrode unit 23, or the distance between the second electrode unit 22 and the fourth electrode unit 24, in the circumferential direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the distance between electrodes arranged in close proximity to each other is, for example, 0.5 mm at the closest point. Specifically, the distance between the exposed portions 2a2 of the electrode portions 2a of each electrode, and the distance between the retaining blocks 2b, is 0.5 mm. In this case, the distance between the held portions 2a1 of the electrode portions 2a of each electrode may be, for example, 3 mm.

[0040] In this embodiment, as described above, two of the four dual-electrode sensors 20 included in the tubular section 10 are used as a working electrode and a counter electrode pair to perform electrochemical measurements. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 will be referred to as the first pair PA1, the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the third electrode unit 23 as the second pair PA2, the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the fourth electrode unit 24 as the third pair PA3, the pair of the third electrode unit 23 and the fourth electrode unit 24 as the fourth pair PA4, the pair of the second electrode unit 22 and the fourth electrode unit 24 as the fifth pair PA5, and the pair of the second electrode unit 22 and the third electrode unit 23 as the sixth pair PA6.

[0041] Thus, in this embodiment, the combinations of the two-electrode sensors 20 in each of the first pair PA1 to the sixth pair PA6 are different from each other. Furthermore, by performing electrochemical measurements using multiple pairs in this manner, the detection range for electrochemical measurements can be widened compared to, for example, a two-electrode sensor where the electrodes cannot be switched.

[0042] The ultrasonic sensor 30 is provided to measure the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 30 measures the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 using reflected ultrasonic waves. In this embodiment, a known piezoelectric element is preferably used for the ultrasonic sensor 30. In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 may refer to the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20 included in the tubular portion 10. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 30 is arranged by forming a film on each portion of the electrode unit of the two-electrode sensor 20, specifically on the other end of each electrode unit (i.e., the end face of the exposed portion 2a2 of the electrode portion 2a). Hereinafter, the process of forming the ultrasonic sensor 30 on the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20 will be referred to as "arranging the ultrasonic sensor 30."

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the ultrasonic sensor 30 includes a first ultrasonic sensor 31, a second ultrasonic sensor 32, a third ultrasonic sensor 33, and a fourth ultrasonic sensor 34. These ultrasonic sensors 30 all have the same configuration, but differ in the electrode units to which they are attached. Hereinafter, the first ultrasonic sensor 31, the second ultrasonic sensor 32, the third ultrasonic sensor 33, and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34 will be referred to as ultrasonic sensor 30 without distinction.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 30 is provided on one part of the plurality of two-electrode sensors 20, specifically on the other end. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 5, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 is located on the part of the first electrode unit 21, specifically on the other end. The same applies to the second ultrasonic sensor 32, the third ultrasonic sensor 33, and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0045] The first ultrasonic sensor 31 measures the thickness of the first electrode unit 21. As shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 is positioned on the part of the first electrode unit 21 that is on the other end side of the first electrode unit 21. The second ultrasonic sensor 32 measures the thickness of the second electrode unit 22. As shown in Figure 3, the second ultrasonic sensor 32 is positioned on the part of the second electrode unit 22 that is on the other end side of the second electrode unit 22.

[0046] The third ultrasonic sensor 33 measures the thickness of the third electrode unit 23. Similar to the first ultrasonic sensor 31 and the second ultrasonic sensor 32, the third ultrasonic sensor 33 is positioned on the part of the third electrode unit 23 that is on the other end side of the third electrode unit 23. The fourth ultrasonic sensor 34 measures the thickness of the fourth electrode unit 24. Similar to the first ultrasonic sensor 31 and the second ultrasonic sensor 32, the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34 is positioned on the portion of the fourth electrode unit 24 that is on the other end of the fourth electrode unit 24.

[0047] The conductor 40 transmits, for example, the measurement signal from the two-electrode sensor 20 and the measurement signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30. The conductor 40 is in contact with the retaining block 2b of the first electrode unit 21 and the retaining block 2b of the second electrode unit 22, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5. As described above, the retaining block 2b is conductive, so the conductor 40 and the retaining block 2b are electrically connected by being in contact with each other. The conductor 40 is also electrically connected to the electrode portion 2a via the retaining block 2b. In this embodiment, the conductor 40 is the outer conductor of the cable 80, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the conductor 40 is substantially parallel to the direction perpendicular to the tube axis of the tubular portion 10 when the two-electrode sensor 20 is attached to the tubular portion 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the conductor 40 is fixed by the conductor fixing plate 2d to the flat portion 2b2 of the retaining block 2b provided on each of the electrode units of the two-electrode sensor 20.

[0048] The conductor 41 is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 30, which is attached to the electrode portion 2a of the electrode unit (for example, the first electrode unit 21), by being pressed against the ultrasonic sensor 30 by the fixing block 2c1, as shown in Figure 5, for example. In this embodiment, the conductor 41 is the internal conductor of the cable 80, which will be described later. The conductor 40 and the wire 41 are similarly connected to the third ultrasonic sensor 33 and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34.

[0049] The thermocouple 50 is provided, for example, to measure the temperature of the tubular section 10 and the electrode unit of the two-electrode sensor 20. The temperature information measured by the thermocouple 50 is used, for example, to correct the sound velocity of the measured wall thickness of the tubular section 10 measured by the ultrasonic sensor 30. Here, when measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 with the ultrasonic sensor 30, if the temperature of the electrode portion 2a changes due to the temperature at the installation location of the measurement system 1, the speed at which ultrasonic waves propagate inside the electrode portion 2a changes, which may cause the measurement result of the wall thickness of the electrode portion 2a by the ultrasonic sensor 30 to change. Therefore, by using the thermocouple 50 to determine the temperature of each electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20, the thickness measurement result obtained by the ultrasonic sensor 30 can be appropriately corrected.

[0050] Furthermore, if the two-electrode sensor 20 is placed in a high-temperature environment, the tubular portion 10 and the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20 will expand due to thermal expansion. As a result, the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 and the electrode portion 2a will change, which may alter the measurement results of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 and the electrode portion 2a by the ultrasonic sensor 30. Therefore, in order to make a fair comparison with the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 and the electrode portion 2a at room temperature, the temperature information measured by the thermocouple 50 may be used, for example, to correct for the effects of thermal expansion of the tubular portion 10 and the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20.

[0051] In this embodiment, one thermocouple 50 is provided for each ultrasonic sensor 30. That is, at least four thermocouples 50 are provided, corresponding to the four ultrasonic sensors described above: the first ultrasonic sensor 31, the second ultrasonic sensor 32, the third ultrasonic sensor 33, and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34. This is preferable as it allows for individual correction of the measurement results of each of these ultrasonic sensors 30. In this embodiment, the thermocouples 50 are provided such that their tips are positioned in the through-holes 2H of the electrode portion 2a and the retaining block 2b of each electrode unit of the two-electrode sensor 20, as shown in Figure 5, for example. In this way, the thermocouples 50 measure the temperature of the two-electrode sensor 20.

[0052] Furthermore, thermocouples 50 may be provided to measure the temperature of the air inside the tubular section 10. Hereinafter, thermocouples 50 that measure the temperature of the air inside the tubular section 10 will be referred to as air temperature measuring thermocouples 51. The tip of the air temperature measuring thermocouple 51 is located in the internal space of the tubular section 10 in order to measure the temperature of the air inside the tubular section 10. In this embodiment, three air temperature measuring thermocouples 51 are provided inside the tubular section 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, one air temperature measuring thermocouple 51 is provided near the installation location of the two-electrode sensor 20 in the tubular section 10, and two are provided in the intermediate section 2a3 of the tubular section 10.

[0053] The insulating holder 60 is provided to hold the two-electrode sensor 20 and to insulate the two-electrode sensor 20 from the tubular portion 10. This contributes to enabling more accurate electrochemical measurements by the two-electrode sensor 20. In this embodiment, the insulating holder 60 is preferably made of ceramic, for example.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insulating holder 60 is preferably cylindrical. By making the insulating holder 60 cylindrical, stress concentration is less likely to occur, which makes it easier to suppress damage to the ceramic forming the insulating holder 60.

[0055] In this embodiment, one insulating holder 60 is provided for each ultrasonic sensor 30. That is, an insulating holder 60 is provided for each of the first electrode unit 21, second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24, to which the ultrasonic sensors 30 are attached. Therefore, in this embodiment, the measurement system 1 comprises four insulating holders 60.

[0056] As mentioned above, each of the four electrode units is in close proximity to the others. Therefore, the four insulating holders 60 are also in close proximity to each other. However, in this embodiment, the insulating holders 60 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other. The following explanation will use the first electrode unit 21 as an example, but the same applies to other electrode units.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cylindrical insulating holder 60 houses the held portion 2a1 and the intermediate portion 2a3 of the electrode portion 2a of the first electrode unit 21, as shown in Figure 3. At this time, in the radial direction of the electrode portion 2a, the exposed portion 2a2 is not located outside the outer peripheral edge of the insulating holder 60. As described above, the thermocouple 50 is positioned in the electrode portion 2a of the first electrode unit 21 and in the through hole 2H of the retaining block 2b.

[0058] Therefore, when the first electrode unit 21 is attached to the tubular portion 10, the first electrode unit 21 and the thermocouple 50 are located inside the insulating holder 60 when viewed along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the tubular portion 10. Also, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 provided on the first electrode unit 21 is located inside the insulating holder 60 when viewed along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the tubular portion 10.

[0059] The metal holder 70 is located between the tubular portion 10 and the insulating holder 60. As shown in Figure 3, the metal holder 70 is a cylindrical member that houses the insulating holder 60 inside. In this embodiment, the metal holder 70 houses all four insulating holders 60 provided in the measurement system 1 as described above. In this way, the metal holder 70 may have the function of positioning the four insulating holders 60 relative to each other.

[0060] In this embodiment, the metal holder 70 is fixed to the tubular portion 10, for example, by welding. In this way, each electrode unit of the two-electrode sensor 20 is attached to the tubular portion 10 via the insulating holder 60 and the metal holder 70. With the two-electrode sensor 20 attached to the tubular portion 10 in this state, the insulating holder 60 is located inside the metal holder 70 when viewed along the direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular portion 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, one end of the two-electrode sensor 20 protrudes from the metal holder 70. That is, the end of the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20 (for example, the first electrode unit 21) that does not face the retaining block 2b protrudes from the metal holder 70.

[0061] The cable 80 is positioned inside the tubular section 10 and transmits the measurement signals from the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the two-electrode sensor 20 to the measuring means 90. In other words, the cable 80 transmits signals related to the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the measurement signals for electrochemical measurements by the two-electrode sensor 20 from the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the two-electrode sensor 20, respectively, to the measuring means 90.

[0062] Here, as shown in Figure 5, the cable 80 is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 30 (first ultrasonic sensor 31 in the example shown in Figure 5) via the conductor 40 (outer conductor of cable 80) and the wire 41 (inner conductor of cable 80). In this way, the electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor 30 is transmitted to the measuring means 90 via the cable 80.

[0063] Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor 30 is located in the portion of the two-electrode sensor 20, specifically on the other end side of the two-electrode sensor 20 (in the example shown in Figure 5, the first ultrasonic sensor 31 is located in the portion of the first electrode unit 21, specifically on the other end side of the first electrode unit 21). In other words, the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the two-electrode sensor 20 are electrically connected to each other.

[0064] In this embodiment, one cable 80 is provided for each ultrasonic sensor 30. In this embodiment, one end of the cable 80 is connected to the conductor 40 connected to the first ultrasonic sensor 31 and the second ultrasonic sensor 32, respectively, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. The same applies to the third ultrasonic sensor 33 and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34. Thus, in this embodiment, four cables 80 are arranged inside the tubular section 10.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a known coaxial cable is preferably used for the cable 80. This allows, for example, a single cable 80 connected to a combination of a two-electrode sensor 20 and an ultrasonic sensor 30 to share part of the path for transmitting the measurement signal from the two-electrode sensor 20 and part of the path for transmitting the measurement signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the cable 80 is positioned on the opposite side of the ultrasonic sensor 30, straddling the axis of the tubular portion 10. This is preferable because it allows the hot air used to adjust the temperature of the electrodes of the two-electrode sensor 20 and recreate a corrosive environment to easily hit the electrodes.

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the connection configuration of the combination of the two-electrode sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 30, and the first processing unit 91 and the second processing unit 92 via the switch A. The measuring means 90 receives the measurement signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the measurement signal from the two-electrode sensor 20. For this reason, as described above, the other end of the cable 80, one end of which is connected to the conductor 40, is connected to the measuring means 90 via the switch A. In this embodiment, the measuring means 90 includes a first processing unit 91, a second processing unit 92, and a third processing unit 93, as shown in Figure 1.

[0068] The first processing unit 91 is a device that processes the measurement signal from the two-electrode sensor 20. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 91 is a known potentiostat (electrochemical measuring device). That is, the first processing unit 91 performs electrochemical measurements using two of the first electrode unit 21, second electrode unit 22, third electrode unit 23, and fourth electrode unit 24 as a combination of working electrode and counter electrode. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 91 does not have to be installed at the base of the tubular section 10. In this case, the first processing unit 91 may be located outside the dustproof box DB, as shown in Figure 1. The first processing unit 91 may be connected to the switch A via the cable 80.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first processing unit 91 of the measuring means 90 performs a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair PA1 of a plurality of two-electrode sensors 20, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair PA2 of a plurality of two-electrode sensors 20, and after the second measurement process, performs a third measurement process to measure the current flowing between a third pair PA3 of a plurality of two-electrode sensors 20.

[0070] In other words, the first processing unit 91 sequentially measures the current flowing through the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the second electrode unit 22 (first pair PA1), the current flowing through the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the third electrode unit 23 (second pair PA2), and the current flowing through the pair of the first electrode unit 21 and the fourth electrode unit 24 (third pair PA3).

[0071] In this embodiment, the first processing unit 91 may measure the current flowing through the third electrode unit 23 and the fourth electrode unit 24 (fourth pair PA4) at the same time as measuring the current flowing through the first pair PA1, measure the current flowing through the second pair PA2 and the fourth electrode unit 24 (fifth pair PA5) at the same time as measuring the current flowing through the second pair PA2, and measure the current flowing through the second electrode unit 22 and the third electrode unit 23 (sixth pair PA6) at the same time as measuring the current flowing through the third pair PA3. In order to simultaneously measure the current flowing through multiple pairs in this manner, the first processing unit 91 in this embodiment is provided with two channels. That is, as shown in Figure 6, the first processing unit 91 includes a 1-1 channel 91a and a 1-2 channel 91b.

[0072] The second processing unit 92 is a device that receives and processes the measurement signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30. In this embodiment, the second processing unit 92 is a known pulse receiver (ultrasonic thickness measuring device). That is, the second processing unit 92 causes the ultrasonic sensor 30 to emit ultrasonic waves via the cable 80 for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10. The second processing unit 92 then receives the reflected ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic sensor 30 via the cable 80. In this way, the second processing unit 92 performs a wall thickness measurement process to measure the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10. Furthermore, the second processing unit 92 may appropriately correct the measurement result of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 based on the temperature of the electrode unit measured by the third processing unit 93, which will be described next, using the thermocouple 50 provided in the electrode unit. In this embodiment, the second processing unit 92 may be installed at the base of the tubular section 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the second processing unit 92 may be provided at the end of the tubular section 10 on the side of the connection to the boiler BO. This reduces the impact of the heat of the boiler BO on the second processing unit 92 while keeping the distance between the two-electrode sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the second processing unit 92. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, the second processing unit 92 may be placed inside a dustproof box DB attached to the base of the tubular section 10 via a purge pipe P. The second processing unit 92 may be connected to the switch A via a cable 80.

[0073] As described above, four ultrasonic sensors 30 are provided in this embodiment. Therefore, the second processing unit 92 is provided with channels for receiving measurement signals individually from each of the four ultrasonic sensors 30. That is, as shown in Figure 6, the second processing unit 92 includes a 2-1 channel 92a, a 2-2 channel 92b, a 2-3 channel 92c, and a 2-4 channel 92d.

[0074] The third processing device 93 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a device that measures temperature using a thermocouple 50. In this embodiment, the third processing device 93 is a known thermometer. That is, the third processing device 93 in the measuring means 90 performs a voltage measurement process to measure the voltage generated by the thermocouple 50. This allows the third processing device 93 to measure the temperature and correct the measured value of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 for sound velocity correction. In this embodiment, the third processing device 93 does not have to be installed at the base of the tubular portion 10. In this case, the third processing device 93 may be placed outside the dustproof box DB, as shown in Figure 1.

[0075] Switcher A switches the signal transmitted by cable 80 from one of the first processing unit 91 and the second processing unit 92 to the other. Alternatively, switcher A may switch the signal transmitted by cable 80 from one of the 1-1 channel 91a and 1-2 channel 91b in the first processing unit 91 to the other. As a result of the above switching performed by switch A, in this embodiment, the measuring means 90 includes a first channel CH1 and a second channel CH2, as shown in Figure 6.

[0076] The first channel CH1 is a channel through which electrical signals from the first pair PA1 and from the second pair PA2 pass. The first channel CH1 may also pass through electrical signals from the third pair PA3 to the sixth pair PA6. In other words, the first channel CH1 is the channel through which signals from cable 80 are transmitted to the first processing unit 91, among the channels switched by switch A. The second channel CH2 is the channel through which the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30 passes. In other words, the second channel CH2 is the channel through which the signal from cable 80 is transmitted to the second processing unit 92, among the channels that can be switched by switch A.

[0077] In this embodiment, the switch A is installed at the base of the tubular section 10. Specifically, the switch A may be placed together with the second processing device 92 of the measuring means 90 in a dustproof box DB connected to the base end of the tubular section 10. In this embodiment, the switch A is placed inside the dustproof box DB, as shown in Figure 1.

[0078] In this embodiment, the switch A includes a first switch A1, a second switch A2, and a third switch A3, as shown in Figure 6. In the following description, the combination of the first electrode unit 21 and the first ultrasonic sensor 31 may be referred to as the first set P1, the combination of the second electrode unit 22 and the second ultrasonic sensor 32 as the second set P2, the combination of the third electrode unit 23 and the third ultrasonic sensor 33 as the third set P3, and the combination of the fourth electrode unit 24 and the fourth ultrasonic sensor 34 as the fourth set P4.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, the first switch A1 is a switch that is directly connected to each of the first group P1, second group P2, third group P3, and fourth group P4 via cable 80. As shown in Figure 6, the first switch A1 switches whether each of the first group P1 to the fourth group P4 is connected to the first processing unit 91 or the second processing unit 92. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first switch A1 is in a state where each of the first group P1 to the fourth group P4 is connected to the second processing unit 92.

[0080] As described above, by connecting each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 to the second processing unit 92, it is possible to measure the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 using the ultrasonic sensors 30 provided on each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4. Furthermore, if the cable 80 connecting each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 to the second processing unit 92 is a coaxial cable, then, for example, an internal conductor (wire 41) not shown in one cable 80 can be connected to the ultrasonic sensor 30, and an external conductor (conductor 40) can be connected to the two-electrode sensor 20, thereby forming a circuit that travels back and forth between the ultrasonic sensor 30, the two-electrode sensor 20, and the second processing unit 92.

[0081] In other words, for example, the inner conductor of the cable 80 can be used as the positive electrode for transmitting the measurement signal of the ultrasonic sensor 30 to the measuring means 90, and the outer conductor can be used as the negative electrode, which is the return path for the measurement signal of the ultrasonic sensor 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the first group P1 to the fourth group P4 may be individually connected via cable 80 to each of the multiple channels provided by the second processing unit 92. That is, the first group P1 may be connected to the 2-1 channel 92a, the second group P2 may be connected to the 2-2 channel 92b, the third group P3 may be connected to the 2-3 channel 92c, and the fourth group P4 may be connected to the 2-4 channel 92d.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the second switch A2 is a switch that connects the first switch A1, which is connected to each of the second group P2 to the fourth group P4, to the first processing unit 91. As shown in Figure 6, the second switch A2 switches whether each of the second group P2 to the fourth group P4 is connected to either the 1-1 channel 91a or the 1-2 channel 91b of the first processing unit 91. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second switch A2 is in a state where each of the second group P2 to the fourth group P4 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-1 channel 91a. Furthermore, since the second switch A2 is not provided between the first switch A1, which is connected to the first set P1, and the first processing unit 91, the first set P1 may always be connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-1 channel 91a.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, the third switch A3 is a switch that connects the second switch A2, which is connected to the third set P3, and the first-to-second channel 91b of the first processing unit 91. As shown in Figure 6, the third switch A3 switches whether the third set P3 is connected to the positive (+) side or the negative (-) side of the first-to-second channel 91b. In the example shown in Figure 6, the third switch A3 is in the state where the third set P3 is connected to the positive (+) side of the first-to-second channel 91b.

[0084] With the above-described configuration, the switch A can switch the connection between each of the first group P1 to the fourth group P4 and the 1-1 channel 91a or 1-2 channel 91b of the first processing unit 91 as follows.

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the connection configuration between the two-electrode sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the first processing unit 91. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the connection configuration between the two-electrode sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the first processing unit 91. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the connection configuration between the two-electrode sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the first processing unit 91. In Figures 7 to 9, the switch A is not shown, and only the connections between each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 and the 1-1 channel 91a or 1-2 channel 91b of the first processing unit 91 are schematically shown. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 91 may simultaneously measure the current using the 1-1 channel 91a and the current using the 1-2 channel 91b.

[0086] In the first example shown in Figure 7, the first set P1 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-1 channel 91a, and the second set P2 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-1 channel 91a. Then, the third set P3 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-2 channel 91b, and the fourth set P4 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-2 channel 91b. In other words, in the first example shown in Figure 7, the current measurement by the first pair PA1 is possible on channel 1-1 91a, and the current measurement by the fourth pair PA4 is possible on channel 1-2 91b.

[0087] In the second example shown in Figure 8, the first set P1 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-1 channel 91a, and the third set P3 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-1 channel 91a. Then, the second set P2 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-2 channel 91b, and the fourth set P4 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-2 channel 91b. In other words, in the second example shown in Figure 8, the current measurement by the second pair PA2 is possible on the 1st-1 channel 91a, and the current measurement by the fifth pair PA5 is possible on the 1st-2 channel 91b.

[0088] In the third example shown in Figure 9, the first set P1 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-1 channel 91a, and the fourth set P4 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-1 channel 91a. The second set P2 is connected to the positive (+) side of the 1-2 channel 91b, and the third set P3 is connected to the negative (-) side of the 1-2 channel 91b. In other words, in the third example shown in Figure 9, the current measurement by the third pair PA3 is possible on channel 1-1 91a, and the current measurement by the sixth pair PA6 is possible on channel 1-2 91b.

[0089] As described above, by connecting each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 as a pair to the 1-1 channel 91a or the 1-2 channel 91b of the first processing unit 91, it is possible to perform electrochemical measurements by measuring the current flowing between the pairs. Here, when performing electrochemical measurements using the two-electrode sensor 20, a circuit is formed to measure the current by designating the cable 80 connected to one of the two-electrode sensor pairs as the positive side and the cable 80 connected to the other as the negative side. In this case, the circuit can be formed using only the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 80, eliminating the need for an internal conductor to transmit signals from the ultrasonic sensor 30 to the second processing unit 92. Therefore, when electrochemical measurements are performed by connecting each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 to the first processing device 91, the internal conductors of the cables 80 connected to each of the first set P1 to the fourth set P4 may be insulated as shown in the insulating section 80I in Figure 6. The insulating section 80I may be provided, for example, by ensuring that the internal conductors of the cables 80 are not connected to any point. By preventing the internal conductors of the cables 80 from being connected to ground in this way, it is preferable to suppress the influence of noise from the internal conductors of the cables 80 on the electrochemical measurements.

[0090] The switching of signals transmitted by cable 80 by switch A may be performed as appropriate by, for example, the user of measurement system 1, or it may be performed automatically as time passes. In this embodiment, a known coaxial switch is preferably used as switch A.

[0091] Grounding means B is a functional unit that grounds the circuits used for ultrasonic thickness measurement and electrochemical measurement in this embodiment. Specifically, grounding means B removes the charge accumulated in, for example, the two-electrode sensor 20, ultrasonic sensor 30, conductor 40, cable 80, and switch A. Here, if charge is accumulated in the circuits used for ultrasonic thickness measurement and electrochemical measurement, it can cause noise to be generated when the ultrasonic sensor 30 measures the wall thickness of the tubular part 10. By removing the charge accumulated in the circuits with grounding means B, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise when measuring current.

[0092] In this embodiment, the grounding means B may ground the circuit based on instructions from the control means C51 (see Figure 10) of the terminal device C, which will be described later. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 6, when the control means C51 issues an instruction to ground the circuit, the grounding means B may be electrically connected to the second processing unit 92 of the measuring means 90, thereby grounding the circuit via the second processing unit 92.

[0093] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of terminal device C according to the embodiment. Terminal device C communicates with measuring means 90, for example, to perform current measurement using the aforementioned current pairs by measuring means 90, and wall thickness measurement of tubular portion 10 using ultrasonic sensor 30. Terminal device C may also display information regarding various measurements performed by measuring means 90 to the user in a visually accessible manner.

[0094] In this embodiment, the terminal device C and the measuring means 90 are connected to each other via a network N. The network N may be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. The network N may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network N may be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0095] In this embodiment, the terminal device C is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. The terminal device C comprises a communication unit C1, an input unit C2, a display unit C3, a storage unit C4, and a control unit C5.

[0096] The communication unit C1 is a communication device. The communication unit C1 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit C1 communicates data with other devices (e.g., measuring means) via the network N in accordance with the control of the control unit C5. The communication unit C1 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0097] The input unit C2 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit C2 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the terminal device C. The input unit C2 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the terminal device C. In this case, the input unit C2 inputs the input signal generated in response to the user's input in the input device to the terminal device C. The input unit C2 may also be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit C2 acquires the acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs speech recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs the recognized string information to the terminal device C. The speech recognition process may be performed by the control unit C5. The input unit C2 may be configured in any way that allows user instructions to be input to the terminal device C.

[0098] The display unit C3 outputs information in a format that the user can recognize. The display unit C3 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit C3 may also be an interface for connecting an image display device to terminal device C. In this case, the display unit C3 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it. The display unit C3 may also be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker. The display unit C3 may also be an interface for connecting an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones to terminal device C. In this case, the display unit C3 generates an audio signal for playing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to it. The display unit C3 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit C2.

[0099] The storage unit C4 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit C4 stores data used by the control unit C5. The storage unit C4 stores data necessary when the control unit C5 performs processing.

[0100] The control unit C5 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (main memory). The control unit C5 functions as a control means C51, an identification means C52, a first memory control means C53, a first display control means C54, a second memory control means C55, a second display control means C56, a third memory control means C57, a third display control means C58, a fourth memory control means C59, a fourth display control means C5A, a fifth memory control means C5B, and a fifth display control means C5C, as the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit C5 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0101] The control unit C5 may, for example, execute an application installed on its own device (terminal device C). The program installed on terminal device C may cause the computer to function as the measurement system 1 according to this embodiment. A specific example of such an application is an application provided to terminal device C as a dedicated application for the measurement system 1. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on terminal device C, or it may be downloaded each time a judgment process is executed. For example, if it is implemented as a web browser application, terminal device C may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (for example, the web server itself or another server) when terminal device C connects to a specific web server. The control unit C5 operates according to the program of the application being executed.

[0102] The control unit C5 controls the terminal device C in accordance with user operations and information received from the measuring means 90. For example, the control unit C5 transmits information input by the user through the operation of the input unit C2 to the measuring means 90 using the communication unit C1. For example, when the control unit C5 receives information transmitted from the measuring means 90 via the network N to the communication unit C1, it generates screen data based on the received information and displays the screen data on the display unit C3. Such screen data includes images and characters that represent the information transmitted from the measuring means 90. For example, when the control unit C5 receives information transmitted from the measuring means 90 via the network N to the communication unit C1, it generates audio data based on the received information and outputs the audio data from the display unit C3.

[0103] The control means C51 is, for example, a functional unit that controls the measuring means 90. That is, the control means C51, for example, instructs the measuring means 90 to start and end the various measurements described above, via the communication unit C1 and the network N. Specifically, for example, the control means C51 instructs the first processing unit 91 to start and end the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and the third measurement process. The control means C51 may also instruct the second processing unit 92 to start and end the wall thickness measurement process, and the third processing unit 93 to start and end the voltage measurement process.

[0104] In this embodiment, the time required for each of the first, second, and third measurement processes is, for example, 15 minutes. Specifically, for example, the measurement of current in the first measurement process is performed for 3 minutes from the start of the first measurement process. A 12-minute interval is provided between the end of the current measurement in the first measurement process and the start of the second measurement process. The second and third measurement processes are performed similarly.

[0105] As described above, after the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and the third measurement process are performed, the second processing device 92 performs a wall thickness measurement process. After the wall thickness measurement process is performed, the first measurement process is performed again. For this reason, in this embodiment, the interval between the first measurement process and the second measurement process is set to be shorter than the interval between multiple wall thickness measurement processes. In other words, the interval between one wall thickness measurement process and the next wall thickness measurement process is set to be longer than the interval between the first measurement process and the second measurement process. These processing intervals may be set, for example, by the user, or they may be set automatically by the first processing device 91, the second processing device 92, or the control means C5.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control means C51 may ground the circuits used for ultrasonic thickness measurement and electrochemical measurement to the grounding means B between the first measurement process or the second measurement process and the thickness measurement process. However, the control means C51 is not limited to this and may ground the circuits to the grounding means B at any timing.

[0107] The identification means C52 is a functional unit that identifies measurement results from multiple thickness measurement processes that deviate from the moving average of the respective measurement results. Details of the moving average will be described later. In the wall thickness measurement process performed by the third processing device 93, the wall thickness measurement result may be affected by noise caused by heat or other factors at the installation location of the measurement system 1. Therefore, the identification means C52 performs the above identification using the results of the wall thickness measurement process repeatedly performed by the third processing device 93, thereby enabling the appropriate removal of wall thickness measurement results that have been affected by noise.

[0108] The first memory control means C53 is a functional unit that associates the first channel identification information with impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information and stores them in the memory unit C4. More specifically, in addition to storing the first channel identification information in the memory unit C4, the first memory control means C53 also stores either the impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information in the memory unit C4. At this time, the first memory control means C53 stores these various pieces of information in the memory unit C4 as a single piece of information that is related to each other.

[0109] The first channel identification information is information that identifies the first channel CH1 included in the measuring means 90. As described above, the first channel CH1 is the channel to which the signal from cable 80 is transmitted to the first processing unit 91, among the channels switched by switch A. Therefore, the first channel identification information may be information indicating that the measurement system 1 performs electrochemical measurements using the first processing device 91. In this embodiment, the first channel identification information may be, for example, string information.

[0110] In this embodiment, the impedance information that the first memory control means C53 stores in the memory unit C4 includes first impedance information, second impedance information, third impedance information, fourth impedance information, fifth impedance information, and sixth impedance information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as impedance information.

[0111] The first impedance information indicates the impedance between the first pair of PA1s. The second impedance information indicates the impedance between the second pair PA2. The third impedance information indicates the impedance between the third pair of PA3s. The fourth impedance information indicates the impedance between the fourth pair of PA4s. The fifth impedance information indicates the impedance between the fifth pair of PA5s. The sixth impedance information indicates the impedance between the sixth pair of PA6s. In this embodiment, this impedance information may be numerical information calculated based on current measurement information from the first processing unit 91. In this embodiment, the unit of this impedance information may be, for example, kΩ (kilohms).

[0112] In this embodiment, the frequency information that the first memory control means C53 stores in the memory unit C4 includes first frequency information, second frequency information, third frequency information, fourth frequency information, fifth frequency information, and sixth frequency information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as frequency information.

[0113] The first frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair. The second frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair. The third frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the third pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the third pair.

[0114] The fourth frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the fourth pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the fourth pair. The fifth frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the fifth pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the fifth pair. The sixth frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the sixth pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the sixth pair.

[0115] In this embodiment, this frequency information may be numerical information indicating the frequency of the current or voltage when the first processing unit 91 performs electrochemical measurements. In this embodiment, the unit of this frequency information may be, for example, Hz (Hertz).

[0116] In this embodiment, the phase difference information that the first memory control means C53 stores in the memory unit C4 includes first phase difference information, second phase difference information, third phase difference information, fourth phase difference information, fifth phase difference information, and sixth phase difference information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as phase difference information.

[0117] The first phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair of PA1s and the voltage applied between the first pair of PA1s. The second phase difference information indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair of PA2s and the voltage applied between the second pair of PA2s. The third phase difference information indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the third pair of PA3s and the voltage applied between the third pair of PA3s.

[0118] The fourth phase difference information indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the fourth pair of PA4s and the voltage applied between the fourth pair of PA4s. The fifth phase difference information indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the fifth pair PA5 and the voltage applied between the fifth pair PA5. The sixth phase difference information indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the sixth pair of PA6 and the voltage applied between the sixth pair of PA6.

[0119] In this embodiment, this phase difference information may be numerical information calculated based on current measurement information from the first processing unit 91 and voltage information applied by a power supply (not shown). In this embodiment, the unit of this phase difference information may be, for example, degrees (°).

[0120] In this embodiment, the first memory control means C53 stores in the memory unit C4, for example, a first channel identification information associated with a first impedance information, a first frequency information, or a first phase difference information, and also stores in the memory unit C4, a second impedance information, a second frequency information, or a second phase difference information associated with the first channel identification information.

[0121] Furthermore, the first memory control means C53 may store the first channel identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the third impedance information, the third frequency information, or the third phase difference information; or it may store the first channel identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the fourth impedance information, the fourth frequency information, or the fourth phase difference information; or it may store the first channel identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the fifth impedance information, the fifth frequency information, or the fifth phase difference information; or it may store the first channel identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the sixth impedance information, the sixth frequency information, or the sixth phase difference information.

[0122] The first display control means C54 is a functional unit that associates the first channel identification information, impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information, which are stored in the storage unit C4 as described above by the first storage control means C53, with the display unit C3 and displays them. More specifically, in addition to displaying the first channel identification information on the display unit C3, the first display control means C54 also displays either the impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information on the display unit C3. Furthermore, the first display control means C54 may, for example, display these information on the display unit C3 as numerical values ​​associated with each other, or it may display these information on the display unit C3 as a graph or table of data.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first display control means C54, for example, displays on the display unit C3 a first channel identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with first impedance information, first frequency information, or first phase difference information, and also displays on the display unit C3 a second impedance information, second frequency information, or second phase difference information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit C4.

[0124] Furthermore, the first display control means C54 may display the first channel identification information in association with the third impedance information, the third frequency information, or the third phase difference information on the display unit C3; or it may display the first channel identification information in association with the fourth impedance information, the fourth frequency information, or the fourth phase difference information on the display unit C3; or it may display the first channel identification information in association with the fifth impedance information, the fifth frequency information, or the fifth phase difference information on the display unit C3; or it may display the first channel identification information in association with the sixth impedance information, the sixth frequency information, or the sixth phase difference information on the display unit C3.

[0125] The second memory control means C55 is a functional unit that associates the first channel identification information and the current value information and stores them in the memory unit C4. In other words, the second memory control means C55 stores the first channel identification information and the current value information in the memory unit C4 as a single piece of information that is related to each other. In this embodiment, the current value information includes first current value information, second current value information, third current value information, fourth current value information, fifth current value information, and sixth current value information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as current value information.

[0126] The first current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the first pair PA1. The second current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the second pair PA2. The third current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the third pair PA3. The fourth current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the fourth pair PA4. The fifth current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the fifth pair PA5. The sixth current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the sixth pair PA6. In this embodiment, this current value information may be numerical information based on the measurement results of the current by the first processing unit 91. In this embodiment, the unit of this current value information may be, for example, mA (milliamperes). The information corresponding to the value of the current may be, for example, numerical information of the current, or it may be an image that indirectly indicates the magnitude of the current by the size of the shape.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second memory control means C55 stores, for example, the first channel identification information and the first current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4, and also stores the first channel identification information and the second current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4.

[0128] Furthermore, the second memory control means C55 may store the first channel identification information and the third current value information in the memory unit C4 in association with each other, or the first channel identification information and the fourth current value information in association with each other, or the first channel identification information and the fifth current value information in association with each other, or the first channel identification information and the sixth current value information in association with each other.

[0129] The second display control means C56 is a functional unit that associates the first channel identification information and current value information, which are stored in the storage unit C4 as described above by the second storage control means C55, and displays them on the display unit C3. That is, the second display control means C56 may, for example, display these information on the display unit C3 as numerical values ​​associated with each other, or it may display these information on the display unit C3 as a graph or table with data.

[0130] In this embodiment, the second display control means C56, for example, displays the first channel identification information and the first current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, and also displays the first channel identification information and the second current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3.

[0131] Furthermore, the second display control means C56 may also display the first channel identification information and the third current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the first channel identification information and the fourth current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the first channel identification information and the fifth current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the first channel identification information and the sixth current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3.

[0132] The third memory control means C57 is a functional unit that associates the second channel identification information and the wall thickness information and stores them in the memory unit C4. In other words, the third memory control means C57 stores the second channel identification information and the wall thickness information in the memory unit C4 as a single piece of information that is related to each other. The second channel identification information is information that identifies the second channel CH2 included in the measuring means 90. As described above, the second channel CH2 is the channel to which the signal from cable 80 is transmitted to the second processing unit 92, among the channels switched by switch A. Therefore, the second channel identification information may be information indicating that the measurement system 1 will measure the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 using the second processing device 92. In this embodiment, the second channel identification information may be, for example, string information.

[0133] The wall thickness information is information corresponding to the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10, specifically the wall thickness corresponding to the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30. In this embodiment, the wall thickness information may be, for example, the measurement result of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 by the second processing device 92. The measurement result of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 may be, for example, a moving average of the results of repeated wall thickness measurement processing by the second processing device 92. It is preferable that the moving average is one in which noise-affected data is identified and appropriately removed by the identification means C52 described above.

[0134] Here, as described above, the second processing unit 92 includes four channels corresponding to the four ultrasonic sensors 30 provided as described above. In this embodiment, the thickness information that the third memory control means C57 stores in the storage unit C4 may be, for example, the latest value among the measurement results of each of the four channels by the second processing unit 92, any one of the measurement results, the average value of these measurement results, or the maximum or minimum value. Alternatively, the measurement results of each of the four channels by the second processing unit 92 may be stored in the storage unit C4 as a single piece of thickness information. In this embodiment, the unit of wall thickness information may be, for example, mm (millimeters).

[0135] The third display control means C58 is a functional unit that associates the second channel identification information stored in the storage unit C4 with the thickness information stored in the storage unit C4 and displays them on the display unit C3. That is, the third display control means C58 may, for example, display these information on the display unit C3 as numerical values ​​associated with each other, or it may display these information on the display unit C3 as a graph or table with data.

[0136] The fourth memory control means C59 is a functional unit that associates pair identification information with impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information and stores them in the memory unit C4. More specifically, in addition to storing pair identification information in the memory unit C4, the fourth memory control means C59 also stores either impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information in the memory unit C4. Then, the fourth memory control means C59 stores these various pieces of information in the memory unit C4 as a single piece of information that corresponds to each other. In this embodiment, the pair identification information includes the first pair identification information, the second pair identification information, the third pair identification information, the fourth pair identification information, the fifth pair identification information, and the sixth pair identification information.

[0137] The first pair identification information is the information that identifies the first pair PA1. The second pair identification information is the information that identifies the second pair PA2. The third pair identification information is the information that identifies the third pair PA3. The fourth pair identification information is the information that identifies the fourth pair PA4. The fifth pair identification information is the information that identifies the fifth pair PA5. The sixth pair identification information is the information that identifies the sixth pair PA6. In this embodiment, these pair identification information may be, for example, string information indicating a combination of two of the four two-electrode sensors 20 included in the tubular portion 10 as described above.

[0138] In this embodiment, the impedance information that the fourth memory control means C59 stores in the memory unit C4 includes 1-1 impedance information, 2-1 impedance information, 3-1 impedance information, 4-1 impedance information, 5-1 impedance information, and 6-1 impedance information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as impedance information.

[0139] The 1-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the first pair of PA1s. The 2-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the second pair PA2. The 3-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the third pair of PA3s. The 4-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the 4th pair of PA4s. The 5-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the 5th pair of PA5s. The 6-1 impedance information indicates the impedance between the 6th pair of PA6s. In this embodiment, this impedance information may be numerical information calculated based on current measurement information from the first processing unit 91. In this embodiment, the unit of this impedance information may be, for example, kΩ (kilohms).

[0140] In this embodiment, the frequency information that the fourth memory control means C59 stores in the memory unit C4 includes 1-1 frequency information, 2-1 frequency information, 3-1 frequency information, 4-1 frequency information, 5-1 frequency information, and 6-1 frequency information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as frequency information.

[0141] The first-instance frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair. The 2-1 frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair. The third-order frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the third pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the third pair.

[0142] The 4-1 frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the 4th pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the 4th pair. The 5-1 frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the 5th pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the 5th pair. The 6-1 frequency information is information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the 6th pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the 6th pair.

[0143] In this embodiment, this frequency information may be numerical information indicating the frequency of the current or voltage when the first processing unit 91 performs electrochemical measurements. In this embodiment, the unit of this frequency information may be, for example, Hz (Hertz).

[0144] In this embodiment, the phase difference information that the fourth memory control means C59 stores in the memory unit C4 includes 1-1 phase difference information, 2-1 phase difference information, 3-1 phase difference information, 4-1 phase difference information, 5-1 phase difference information, and 6-1 phase difference information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as phase difference information.

[0145] The 1-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair of PA1s and the voltage applied between the first pair of PA1s. The 2-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair PA2 and the voltage applied between the second pair PA2. The 3-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the third pair of PA3s and the voltage applied between the third pair of PA3s.

[0146] The 4-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the 4th pair PA4 and the voltage applied between the 4th pair PA4. The 5-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the 5th pair PA5 and the voltage applied between the 5th pair PA5. The 6-1 phase difference information is information that indicates the phase difference between the current flowing between the 6th pair PA6 and the voltage applied between the 6th pair PA6.

[0147] In this embodiment, this phase difference information may be numerical information calculated based on current measurement information from the first processing unit 91 and voltage information applied by a power supply (not shown). In this embodiment, the unit of this phase difference information may be, for example, degrees (°).

[0148] In this embodiment, the fourth memory control means C59 stores in the memory unit C4, for example, the first pair identification information in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information, and stores in the memory unit C4, the second pair identification information in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information.

[0149] Furthermore, the first memory control means C53 may store the third pair identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the third-first impedance information, the third-first frequency information, or the third-first phase difference information; it may store the fourth pair identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the fourth-first impedance information, the fourth-first frequency information, or the fourth-first phase difference information; it may store the fifth pair identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the fifth-first impedance information, the fifth-first frequency information, or the fifth-first phase difference information; and it may store the sixth pair identification information in the memory unit C4 in association with the sixth-first impedance information, the sixth-first frequency information, or the sixth-first phase difference information.

[0150] The fourth display control means C5A is a functional unit that associates the pair identification information stored in the storage unit C4 as described above by the fourth storage control means C59 with impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information and displays them on the display unit C3. More specifically, in addition to displaying the pair identification information on the display unit C3, the fourth display control means C5A also displays either the impedance information, frequency information, or phase difference information on the display unit C3. Furthermore, the fourth display control means C5A may, for example, display these information on the display unit C3 as numerical values ​​associated with each other, or it may display these information on the display unit C3 as a graph or table with data.

[0151] In this embodiment, the fourth display control means C5A, for example, displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the first-first impedance information, the first-first frequency information, or the first-first phase difference information on the display unit C3, and also displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the second-first impedance information, the second-first frequency information, or the second-first phase difference information on the display unit C3.

[0152] Furthermore, the fourth display control means C5A may display the third pair identification information in association with the third-first impedance information, the third-first frequency information, or the third-first phase difference information on the display unit C3; it may display the fourth pair identification information in association with the fourth-first impedance information, the fourth-first frequency information, or the fourth-first phase difference information on the display unit C3; it may display the fifth pair identification information in association with the fifth-first impedance information, the fifth-first frequency information, or the fifth-first phase difference information on the display unit C3; or it may display the sixth pair identification information in association with the sixth-first impedance information, the sixth-first frequency information, or the sixth-first phase difference information on the display unit C3.

[0153] The fifth memory control means C5B is a functional unit that associates pair identification information and current value information and stores them in the memory unit C4. In other words, the fifth memory control means C5B stores the pair identification information and current value information in the memory unit C4 as a single piece of information that is related to each other. In this embodiment, the current value information includes 1-1 current value information, 2-1 current value information, 3-1 current value information, 4-1 current value information, 5-1 current value information, and 6-1 current value information. Hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they will be referred to as current value information.

[0154] The 1-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the first pair PA1. The 2-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the second pair PA2. The 3-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the third pair PA3. The 4-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the 4th pair PA4. The 5-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the 5th pair PA5. The 6-1 current value information corresponds to the value of the current flowing between the 6th pair PA6. In this embodiment, this current value information may be numerical information based on the current measurement results by the first processing unit 91. In this embodiment, the unit of this current value information may be, for example, mA (milliamperes).

[0155] In this embodiment, the fifth memory control means C5B stores, for example, the first pair identification information and the first-1 current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4, and also stores the second pair identification information and the second-1 current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4.

[0156] Furthermore, the fifth memory control means C5B may store the third pair identification information and the third-1 current value information in the memory unit C4 in association with each other, or the fourth pair identification information and the fourth-1 current value information in association with each other, or the fifth pair identification information and the fifth-1 current value information in association with each other, or the sixth pair identification information and the sixth-1 current value information in association with each other.

[0157] The fifth display control means C5C is a functional unit that associates the first pair identification information and current value information, which are stored in the storage unit C4 as described above by the fifth storage control means C5B, and displays them on the display unit C3. That is, the fifth display control means C5C may, for example, display this information on the display unit C3 as numerical values ​​associated with each other, or it may display this information on the display unit C3 as a graph or table with data.

[0158] In this embodiment, the fifth display control means C5C, for example, displays the first pair identification information and the 1-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, and also displays the second pair identification information and the 2-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3.

[0159] Furthermore, the fifth display control means C5C may also display the third pair identification information and the third-first current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the fourth pair identification information and the fourth-first current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the fifth pair identification information and the fifth-first current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, or the sixth pair identification information and the sixth-first current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3.

[0160] Next, two examples of screens displayed on the display unit C3 by the means described above will be explained in this embodiment. Figure 11 shows a first example of the screen displayed on the display unit C3. The screen shown in Figure 11 is displayed on the display unit C3, for example, when the first processing unit 91 measures current using a pair of two-electrode sensors 20. The screen shown in Figure 11 may be displayed by, for example, the first display control means C54 or the fourth display control means C5A. As shown in Figure 11, the screen for the first example displays the first impedance graph DA1, the second impedance graph DA2, and the phase difference graph DA3.

[0161] The first impedance graph DA1 shown in Figure 11 is a graph in which the resistance value of the real part of the impedance (kΩ) is shown on the horizontal axis and the resistance value of the imaginary part of the impedance (kΩ) is shown on the vertical axis. In this embodiment, in the first impedance graph DA1, the semicircular plots shown on the graph indicate that the electrical resistance increases in proportion to the size of the semicircle. The first impedance graph DA1 allows for visual confirmation of the findings obtained from the second impedance graph DA2 and the phase difference graph DA3. For example, the first impedance graph DA1 shows the resistance component of the current measurement circuit by the first processing unit 91 using the real impedance portion on the horizontal axis, and the reactance component of the current measurement circuit using the imaginary impedance portion on the vertical axis. In this case, for example, if the reactance component (imaginary impedance portion) is large, i.e., if the phase is lagging, it indicates that the surface of the tubular portion 10 is roughened due to the progression of corrosion, or that an oxide film has been formed on the surface of the tubular portion 10. Also, if the resistance component (real impedance portion) is large, it indicates that the corrosion reaction is less likely to occur, or that a highly corrosion-resistant oxide film has been formed on the surface of the tubular portion 10.

[0162] The second impedance graph DA2 shown in Figure 11 is a graph in which the horizontal axis shows frequency (Hz) and the vertical axis shows impedance value (kΩ). The second impedance graph DA2 allows evaluation of the resistance and polarization resistance of the molten attached ash and the oxide film formed on the surface of the tubular section 10 at the installation site of the measurement system 1, based on the impedance at each frequency. In the second impedance graph DA2, the resistance of the molten attached ash is predominantly present in the high-frequency region, while the influence of the oxide film resistance and polarization resistance associated with the corrosion reaction tends to be predominant in the low-frequency region. When a clear inflection point is observed in the change in impedance with respect to frequency, each effect can be evaluated individually.

[0163] The phase difference graph DA3 shown in Figure 11 is a graph in which the horizontal axis shows frequency (Hz) and the vertical axis shows the phase difference (°). The phase difference graph DA3 allows for the evaluation of the presence or absence of melting of the ash adhering to the surface of the tubular section 10, the progression of adhesion, and the formation of an oxide film, based on the phase lag. In the phase difference graph DA3, a phase lag is observed on the high-frequency side of the horizontal axis, indicating that the ash adhering to the surface of the tubular section 10 has not melted. When the adhering ash melts and changes to a liquid state, the resistance decreases sharply and the phase difference approaches 0°. On the low-frequency side of the horizontal axis, the phase difference increases as corrosion of the tubular section 10 progresses and an oxide film is formed on the surface of the tubular section 10.

[0164] In this embodiment, these graphs may display information corresponding to any of the first impedance information to the sixth impedance information described above, or any of the 1-1 impedance information to the 6-1 impedance information. The user may visually check the screen shown in Figure 11 to estimate, for example, the state of ash melting at the installation site of the measurement system 1, the state of the oxide film on the surface of the tubular part 10, and the corrosion rate of the tubular part 10. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the information that forms the basis of each graph displayed in the display unit C3 may be stored in, for example, the storage unit C4 and made available for output as a file.

[0165] Figure 12 shows a second example of the screen displayed on the display unit C3. The screen shown in Figure 12 is displayed on the display unit C3, for example, when the second processing unit 92 measures the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 using the ultrasonic sensor 30. The screen shown in Figure 12 is displayed, for example, by the third display control means C58. However, it is not limited to this, and the screen shown in Figure 12 may also be displayed by the second display control means C56 or by the fifth display control means C5C. As shown in Figure 12, the screen for the second example includes an all-channel setting screen S1, individual channel setting screens S2, schedule measurement setting screen S3, reception setting screen S4, display calculation setting screen S5, exit button S6, amplitude display screen DB1, thickness change display screen DB2, thickness numerical display screen DB3, first amplitude magnification screen Z1, and second amplitude magnification screen Z2.

[0166] The all-channel settings screen S1 is a screen (for example, an image) for setting the number of channels, etc., when performing the wall thickness measurement processing by the second processing device 92. As shown in Figure 12, the all-channel settings screen S1 includes a channel usage setting unit S1a, a power setting unit S1b, and a frequency setting unit S1c.

[0167] The channel usage setting unit S1a is the part that sets the number of channels used when performing the wall thickness measurement process. In the example shown in Figure 12, the channel usage setting unit S1a displays "4," indicating that the wall thickness measurement process is set to be performed using the four channels provided by the second processing unit 92. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, four ultrasonic sensors 30 are provided, so the example shown in Figure 12 indicates that the wall thickness measurement is performed using all four ultrasonic sensors 30.

[0168] The power setting unit S1b is responsible for setting the magnitude of the pulse output from the second processing unit 92, that is, the magnitude of the input wave input from the ultrasonic sensor 30 to the tubular section 10, when performing the wall thickness measurement process. The pulse magnitude set in the power setting unit S1b is reflected in the input waveform DB1A on the amplitude display screen DB1, which will be described later.

[0169] The frequency setting unit S1c is responsible for setting the frequency (MHz) of the pulses output from the second processing unit 92 when performing the wall thickness measurement process. The frequency set in the frequency setting unit S1c is reflected in the wall thickness measurement process performed by the second processing unit 92.

[0170] Each channel setting screen S2 is a screen for making various settings when displaying the results of the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing device 92. As shown in Figure 12, each channel setting screen S2 includes a gain setting unit S2a, a sound velocity setting unit S2b, a first enlargement area setting unit S2c, a first enlargement threshold setting unit S2d, a second enlargement area setting unit S2e, a second enlargement threshold setting unit S2f, a setting reflection unit S2g, a setting storage unit S2h, and a setting reading unit S2i.

[0171] The gain setting section S2a is the part that sets the gain (dB) when the second processing unit 92 amplifies the received voltage. The gain set in the gain setting section S2a is reflected in the thickness measurement process performed by the second processing unit 92.

[0172] The sound velocity setting unit S2b is the part that sets the sound velocity (m / s) inside the object whose thickness is to be measured (for example, the electrode portion 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20). The sound velocity setting unit S2b receives input from the user regarding the sound velocity inside the object whose thickness is to be measured at room temperature. Furthermore, the wall thickness may be measured based on the sound velocity set in the sound velocity setting unit S2b, and then later corrected for sound velocity based on temperature information. The sound velocity correction may be performed by calculation by the user, or it may be performed automatically by the second processing unit 92 or the control means C51 of the terminal device C.

[0173] The first magnification area setting unit S2c is the part that sets the time range (μs) corresponding to the first magnification area DBZ1 of the amplitude display screen DB1, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the waveform obtained by magnifying the area set in the first magnification area setting unit S2c is displayed on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1 (details will be described later).

[0174] The first magnification threshold setting unit S2d is the part that sets the threshold (%) for the first threshold image Z1A in the first amplitude magnification screen Z1, which will be described later. The threshold (%) represents the ratio to the part with the largest amplitude among the waveforms displayed on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1. In this embodiment, the threshold set in the first magnification threshold setting unit S2d may be reflected in the threshold on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1. In the example shown in Figure 12, "20" is displayed in the first magnification threshold setting unit S2d, indicating that the threshold on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1 is set to 20%.

[0175] The second magnification area setting unit S2e is the part that sets the time range (μs) corresponding to the second magnification area DBZ2 of the amplitude display screen DB1, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the waveform obtained by magnifying the area set in the second magnification area setting unit S2e is displayed on the second amplitude magnification screen Z2 (details will be described later).

[0176] The second magnification threshold setting unit S2f is the part that sets the threshold (%) for the second threshold image Z2A in the second amplitude magnification screen Z2, which will be described later. The threshold (%) represents the ratio to the part with the largest amplitude among the waveforms displayed on the second amplitude magnification screen Z2. In this embodiment, the threshold set in the second magnification threshold setting unit S2f may be reflected in the threshold on the second amplitude magnification screen Z2. In the example shown in Figure 12, "15" is displayed in the second magnification threshold setting unit S2f, indicating that the threshold on the second amplitude magnification screen Z2 is set to 15%.

[0177] The setting reflection unit S2g is a button pressed to reflect the various settings in S2 to the wall thickness measurement process. The user can reflect the various settings in S2 to the wall thickness measurement process by selecting the setting reflection unit S2g via the input unit C2, for example, by clicking or tapping it.

[0178] The setting save unit S2h is a button pressed to save various settings from S2 to the memory unit C4. The user saves various settings from S2 to the memory unit C4 by selecting the setting save unit S2h, for example, via the input unit C2, by clicking or tapping it.

[0179] The setting loading unit S2i is a button that is pressed when loading existing information about various settings in S2 from the memory unit C4. The user can load various settings for S2 from the memory unit C4 by selecting the setting loading unit S2i, for example, via the input unit C2, by clicking or tapping it.

[0180] The schedule measurement setting screen S3 is a screen for setting the schedule for the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92. As shown in Figure 12, the schedule measurement setting screen S3 includes a time setting unit S3a, an acquisition count setting unit S3b, an acquisition interval setting unit S3c, a wall thickness threshold setting unit S3d, and a wall thickness value reference count setting unit S3e.

[0181] The time setting unit S3a is responsible for setting the start time and time interval of the wall thickness measurement process. In the example shown in Figure 12, the time setting unit S3a displays "11:00" and "1 hour," indicating that the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is set to start at 11:00 and be repeated at 1-hour intervals. As described above, in this embodiment, four ultrasonic sensors 30 are provided. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the start time and time interval of the wall thickness measurement process are set for each of the four channels corresponding to the four ultrasonic sensors 30. Also, as shown in Figure 12, eight channels are shown in the time setting unit S3a. This indicates that the second processing unit 92 can handle wall thickness measurement processing using eight ultrasonic sensors 30.

[0182] The acquisition count setting unit S3b is the part that sets the number of times the wall thickness is measured in one thickness measurement process. In the example shown in Figure 12, the acquisition count setting unit S3b displays "10," indicating that it is set to measure the wall thickness 10 times in one thickness measurement process.

[0183] The acquisition interval setting unit S3c is a screen for setting the time interval (s) when taking measurements the number of times set in the acquisition count setting unit S3b. In the example shown in Figure 12, "10" is displayed in the acquisition interval setting unit S3c, indicating that the thickness measurement is set to be taken once every 10 seconds.

[0184] The wall thickness threshold setting unit S3d is the part where the identification means C52 sets the threshold (mm) for identifying wall thickness measurement results that have been affected by noise. In the example shown in Figure 12, the wall thickness threshold setting unit S3d displays "0.3", indicating that it is set to identify the latest wall thickness measurement result as being affected by noise if the difference from the moving average value of previous wall thickness measurement results is 0.3 mm or more.

[0185] The thickness value reference number setting unit S3e is the part that sets the reference number used when calculating the moving average of the thickness measurement results. In the example shown in Figure 12, the display of "10" in the thickness value reference number setting unit S3e indicates that it is set to calculate the moving average using the average of the most recent 10 thickness measurement results.

[0186] The reception settings screen S4 is a screen that shows the status of the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing device 92. As shown in Figure 12, the reception settings screen S4 includes a temporary measurement setting unit S4a, a measurement start setting unit S4b, a stop setting unit S4c, and a file save destination setting unit S4d.

[0187] The temporary measurement setting unit S4a is a screen for setting that the wall thickness measurement process be performed as a temporary measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10. In this embodiment, a temporary measurement refers to performing a wall thickness measurement only once in order to correct the sound velocity of the wall thickness measurement result by the ultrasonic sensor 30. For example, when the user selects the temporary measurement setting unit S4a by clicking or tapping via the input unit C2, the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is performed as a temporary measurement. Also, when the temporary measurement setting unit S4a is selected, the display unit C3 may highlight the temporary measurement setting unit S4a to indicate that a temporary measurement is being performed. Note that the temporary measurement of wall thickness may be performed, for example, to adjust the time range displayed on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1 and the second amplitude magnification screen Z2, the threshold values ​​related to the first threshold image Z1A and the second threshold image Z2A, and the gain when the second processing unit 92 amplifies the received voltage. The waveform and wall thickness information related to the results of the temporary measurement of wall thickness do not need to be stored in the storage unit C4.

[0188] The measurement start setting unit S4b is a screen for setting the start of the wall thickness measurement process. For example, if the user selects the measurement start setting unit S4b via the input unit C2 while the wall thickness measurement process is stopped, the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 will start according to the settings on the scheduled measurement setting screen S3. In the example shown in Figure 12, the measurement start setting unit S4b displays "Measuring," indicating that the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is currently running. If the wall thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is stopped, the measurement start setting unit S4b may display, for example, "Start," and be highlighted. This may indicate that the wall thickness measurement process can be started by selecting the measurement start setting unit S4b.

[0189] The stop setting unit S4c is a screen for setting the thickness measurement process to be stopped. For example, if the user selects the stop setting unit S4c by clicking or tapping via the input unit C2, the thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is stopped. In the example shown in Figure 12, the stop setting unit S4c displays "Stopped" and is highlighted, indicating that the thickness measurement process can be stopped by selecting the stop setting unit S4c. In other words, it indicates that the thickness measurement process is currently running. Note that if the thickness measurement process by the second processing unit 92 is stopped, the measurement start setting unit S4b may display, for example, "Stopped" and may not be highlighted.

[0190] The file save location setting unit S4d is a button for setting the save location when the results of the wall thickness measurement process are output as a file. The user may set the file save location as appropriate by selecting the file save location setting unit S4d, for example, via the input unit C2 by clicking or tapping.

[0191] The display calculation settings screen S5 is used to configure the format of the information displayed on the amplitude display screen DB1, the thickness change display screen DB2, and the thickness numerical display screen DB3. In the following description, the amplitude display screen DB1, the thickness change display screen DB2, and the thickness numerical display screen DB3 may be collectively referred to as the information display screen. As shown in Figure 12, the display calculation setting screen S5 includes a display channel setting unit S5a, an upsampling setting unit S5b, and a wall thickness calculation method setting unit S5c.

[0192] The display channel setting unit S5a is the part that sets the channel to be displayed on the information display screen. In the example shown in Figure 12, "Ch3" is displayed in the display channel setting unit S5a. This indicates that the various information displayed on the information display screen is based on the signal received by the third ultrasonic sensor 33, which corresponds to the second-to-third channel 92c of the second processing unit 92.

[0193] The upsampling setting unit S5b is the part that sets the magnification factor to interpolate the sampling interval. In other words, the upsampling setting unit S5b is the part that sets the magnification factor to interpolate the interval between one thickness measurement process and the next thickness measurement process. In the example shown in Figure 12, "10 times" is displayed in the upsampling setting unit S5b. This indicates that the setting is to interpolate the thickness measurement results so that it corresponds to the case where the thickness measurement process has been performed 10 times between one thickness measurement process and the next thickness measurement process.

[0194] The wall thickness calculation method setting unit S5c is the part that sets the calculation method for calculating the wall thickness based on the electrical signal received by the second processing unit 92. In this embodiment, the wall thickness calculation method can be selected from the R-B1 method and the Bm-Bn method. The R-B1 method calculates the wall thickness based on the time from the time (0 seconds) when the second processing unit 92 outputs a pulse for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 to the time when the first reflected wave (first reflected wave) is received from the tubular section 10. The Bm-Bn method calculates the wall thickness based on the time elapsed between the reception of any one reflected wave (the mth reflected wave) from the tubular section 10 and the reception of the next reflected wave (the nth reflected wave). In the example shown in Figure 12, the thickness calculation method setting unit S5c displays "Bm-Bn". This indicates that the thickness calculation is set to be performed using the Bm-Bn method described above.

[0195] The end button S6 is a button that indicates the termination of the measurement process according to this embodiment using the measurement system 1. When the user selects the end button S6 via the input unit C2 by clicking or tapping it, the various measurements performed by the measurement system 1 are terminated.

[0196] The amplitude display screen DB1 is a graph showing elapsed time (s) on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis. The amplitude on the vertical axis may be shown in any unit. The amplitude display screen DB1 is a graph that displays the waveforms of the input wave to the tubular section 10 and the reflected wave from the tubular section 10, received by the ultrasonic sensor 30. In the example shown in Figure 12, "Ch3" is displayed on the amplitude display screen DB1. This indicates that the waveform shown on the amplitude display screen DB1 is based on the signal received by the third ultrasonic sensor 33, which corresponds to the second-to-third channel 92c of the second processing unit 92. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the amplitude display screen DB1 shows the input waveform DB1A, the first magnified region DBZ1, and the second magnified region DBZ2.

[0197] The input waveform DB1A is the portion of the waveform that corresponds to the pulse magnitude set in the power setting unit S1b. In other words, the input waveform DB1A is the portion that shows the magnitude of the input wave to the tubular section 10, which is oscillated from the second processing unit 92 toward the ultrasonic sensor 30. For this reason, the input waveform DB1A is displayed in the portion where the time shown on the horizontal axis is close to 0 (zero). In the amplitude display screen DB1, all waveforms except the input waveform DB1A display the waveform of the reflected wave from the tubular section 10.

[0198] The first magnified region DBZ1 corresponds to the colored area labeled "Zoom1" on the amplitude display screen DB1. The area related to the first magnified region DBZ1 is displayed magnified on the first amplitude magnification screen Z1. The second magnification region DBZ2 corresponds to the colored area labeled "Zoom2" in the amplitude display screen DB1. The area related to the second magnification region DBZ2 is displayed magnified in the second amplitude magnification screen Z2.

[0199] The thickness change display screen DB2 is a graph with the date on the horizontal axis and the thickness (mm) of the tubular section 10 on the vertical axis. The thickness change display screen DB2 shows the change in the measured thickness of the tubular section 10 over time using a line graph. The wall thickness change display screen DB2 may show the measurement results of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 received by the ultrasonic sensor 30 for each channel of the second processing device 92. As described above, in this embodiment, four ultrasonic sensors 30 are provided, so for example, the wall thickness measurement results from four channels may be displayed.

[0200] The wall thickness numerical display screen DB3 is a screen that displays the measurement results of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 received by the ultrasonic sensor 30 as numerical values ​​for each channel. In this embodiment, since four ultrasonic sensors 30 are provided, the example shown in Figure 12 shows the wall thickness measurement results for each of the four channels. The numerical values ​​displayed on the wall thickness numerical display screen DB3 may be, for example, a moving average of the most recent measurement results calculated based on the number of measurements set in the scheduled measurement setting screen S3. Also, as shown in Figure 12, eight channels are shown on the wall thickness numerical display screen DB3. This indicates that the second processing unit 92 is capable of handling wall thickness measurement processing using eight ultrasonic sensors 30.

[0201] The first amplitude magnification screen Z1 is a graph showing elapsed time (s) on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis. The first amplitude magnification screen Z1 is a graph that shows an enlarged view of the area corresponding to the first magnification area DBZ1 of the amplitude display screen DB1. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first amplitude magnification screen Z1 shows the waveform, as well as the first threshold image Z1A and the first intersection point Z1B.

[0202] The first threshold image Z1A is a linear image showing the threshold set by the first augmented threshold setting unit S2d. As described above, the threshold for the first threshold image Z1A is set to 20% of the portion of the waveform with the largest amplitude displayed on the first amplitude augmentation screen Z1. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the first threshold image Z1A is displayed at the position corresponding to the aforementioned 20%.

[0203] The first intersection point Z1B is a point-like image indicating the intersection of the waveform of the reflected wave displayed on the first amplitude-enlarged screen Z1 and the first threshold image Z1A. The first intersection point Z1B is used by the second processing unit 92 to determine the time when the reflected pulse wave was received from the tubular section 10. That is, the time corresponding to the portion of the horizontal axis of the first amplitude-enlarged screen Z1 where the first intersection point Z1B is located is considered to be the time when the reflected wave was received.

[0204] The second amplitude magnification screen Z2 is a graph showing elapsed time (s) on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis. The second amplitude magnification screen Z2 is a graph that shows an enlarged view of the area corresponding to the second magnification area DBZ2 of the amplitude display screen DB1. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first amplitude magnification screen Z1 shows the waveform, as well as the second threshold image Z2A and the second intersection point Z2B.

[0205] The second threshold image Z2A is a linear image showing the threshold set by the second augmented threshold setting unit S2f. As described above, the threshold for the second threshold image Z2A is set to 15% of the portion of the waveform with the largest amplitude displayed on the second amplitude augmentation screen Z2. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the second threshold image Z2A is displayed at the position corresponding to the aforementioned 15%.

[0206] The second intersection point Z2B is a point-like image indicating the intersection of the waveform of the reflected wave displayed on the second amplitude-enlarged screen Z2 and the second threshold image Z2A. The second intersection point Z2B is used by the second processing unit 92 to determine the time when the reflected pulse wave was received from the tubular section 10. That is, the time corresponding to the portion of the horizontal axis of the second amplitude-enlarged screen Z2 where the second intersection point Z2B is located is considered to be the time when the reflected wave was received.

[0207] For example, when calculating the wall thickness using the R-B1 method described above, the wall thickness may be calculated based on the time from the time (0 seconds) when the pulse for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 is output to the time at the location of the first intersection Z1B. Furthermore, when calculating the wall thickness using the Bm-Bn method described above, the wall thickness may be calculated based on the time from the point where the first intersection Z1B is located to the point where the second intersection Z2B is located.

[0208] (Measurement method) Next, the measurement method according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the measurement method according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the measurement method according to this embodiment includes a first measurement process S101, a second measurement process S102, a third measurement process S103, a wall thickness measurement process S104, a voltage measurement process S105, and a completion confirmation step S106.

[0209] The first measurement process S101 is a process in which the first processing unit 91 measures the current flowing between the first pair PA1 of the multiple two-electrode sensors 20. In the first measurement process S101, the first processing unit 91 may simultaneously measure the current flowing between the fourth pair PA4. In this embodiment, the first measurement process S101 may be started, for example, by a user inputting an instruction via the input unit C2.

[0210] The second measurement process S102 is a process in which the first processing unit 91 measures the current flowing between the second pair PA2 of the plurality of two-electrode sensors 20. In the second measurement process S102, the first processing unit 91 may simultaneously measure the current flowing between the fifth pair PA5. In this embodiment, the second measurement process S102 may be started, for example, by the user inputting an instruction via the input unit C2, or it may be started so as to transition automatically from the first measurement process S101 over time.

[0211] The third measurement process S103 is a process in which the first processing unit 91 measures the current flowing between the third pair PA3 of the plurality of two-electrode sensors 20. In the third measurement process S103, the first processing unit 91 may simultaneously measure the current flowing between the sixth pair PA6. In this embodiment, the third measurement process S103 may be started, for example, by the user inputting an instruction via the input unit C2, or it may be started by automatically transitioning from the second measurement process S102 as time progresses.

[0212] The wall thickness measurement process S104 is a process in which the second processing unit 92 measures the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 using the ultrasonic sensor 30. In the wall thickness measurement process S104, the second processing unit 92 measures the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 by measuring the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30. In this embodiment, the wall thickness measurement process S104 may be started, for example, by the user inputting an instruction via the input unit C2. Specifically, for example, it may be started by selecting the measurement start setting unit S4b displayed on the display unit C3 shown in Figure 12 by clicking or tapping using the input unit C2. Alternatively, the wall thickness measurement process S104 may be started, for example, by automatically transitioning from the third measurement process S103 as time progresses.

[0213] Voltage measurement process S105 is a process in which the third processing unit 93 measures temperature using a thermocouple 50. In voltage measurement process S105, the third processing unit 93 may measure the temperature of each of the multiple two-electrode sensors 20, or it may measure the temperature of the space inside the tubular part 10 using a thermocouple 51 for measuring ambient temperature. In this embodiment, voltage measurement process S105 may be started, for example, by the user inputting an instruction via the input unit C2, or it may be started by automatically transitioning from wall thickness measurement process S104 as time progresses.

[0214] The termination confirmation step S106 is a step to confirm whether the user has entered an instruction to terminate the flow. That is, in the termination confirmation step S106, for example, it is confirmed whether the user has selected the termination button S6 displayed on the display unit C3 shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the button that instructs the user to terminate the flow may be displayed on the display unit C3 shown in Figure 11, for example. If the user selects the end button S6 (S106:YES), the flow according to this embodiment ends. If the user does not select the end button S6 (S106:NO), the flow returns to the first measurement process S101. In this way, the measurement means 90 repeatedly executes the first measurement process S101, the second measurement process S102, the third measurement process S103, the wall thickness measurement process S104, and the voltage measurement process S105. Notwithstanding the above, the flow according to this embodiment may also end when the user inputs an instruction to end the flow. Furthermore, the temperature measurement by the voltage measurement process S105 may be performed at any time, regardless of the above flow.

[0215] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device AA applied to the embodiment. The information processing device AA comprises a processor AA1, a main memory AA2, a communication interface AA3, an auxiliary storage device AA4, an input / output interface AA5, and an internal bus AA6. The processor AA1, the main memory AA2, the communication interface AA3, the auxiliary storage device AA4, and the input / output interface AA5 are connected to each other via the internal bus AA6 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The information processing device AA may be applied to, for example, a terminal device C. In this case, for example, the communication unit C1 may be configured using the communication interface AA3. For example, the storage unit C4 may be configured using the auxiliary storage device AA4. Furthermore, the control unit C5 may be configured using the processor AA1 and the main memory AA2.

[0216] As described above, according to the measurement system 1 of this embodiment, the measurement means 90 performs a first measurement process S101 to measure the current flowing between a first pair PA1 of a plurality of dual-electrode sensors 20 included in the tubular portion 10, and after the first measurement process S101, performs a second measurement process S102 to measure the current flowing between a second pair PA2 of a plurality of dual-electrode sensors 20. The first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 are different. That is, the measurement means 90 measures the current flowing between a first pair PA1 consisting of two of the plurality of dual-electrode sensors 20, and then measures the current flowing between a second pair PA2 consisting of two dual-electrode sensors 20 that are different from the first pair PA1.

[0217] This allows for accurate identification of the location of the ash deposits, for example, when ash deposits are present between the two electrode portions 2a in the first pair PA1, but not between the two dual-electrode sensors 20 in the second pair PA2, by individually measuring the current flowing between the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2. Therefore, even if the ash deposits are scattered across the locations of the multiple dual-electrode sensors 20 in the tubular section 10, the corrosion state of the tubular section 10 due to the melting of such ash can be measured more accurately.

[0218] Furthermore, the measuring means 90 repeatedly performs the following: a first measurement process S101 which measures the current flowing between a first pair PA1 consisting of two of the plurality of dual-electrode sensors 20 included in the tubular portion 10; a second measurement process S102 which measures the current flowing between a second pair PA2 consisting of two different dual-electrode sensors 20 from the first pair PA1; and a wall thickness measurement process S104 which measures the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor 30.

[0219] This allows, for example, the measurement of the current flowing between the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 in the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102, and the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular part 10 in the wall thickness measurement process S104, to be repeated the same number of times. Therefore, the measured current value and the wall thickness of the tubular part 10 at the time the current value was measured can be recorded in correspondence with each other. Thus, for example, the results of the first measurement process S101, the second measurement process S102, and the wall thickness measurement process S104 can be easily managed as data. Furthermore, since the measurement results of the current in the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102 and the measurement results of the wall thickness of the tubular part 10 (for example, the wall thickness of the electrode part 2a of the two-electrode sensor 20 included in the tubular part 10) in the wall thickness measurement process S104 can be compared for each corresponding number of repetitions, it becomes easier to more accurately grasp the changes in the corrosion state of the tubular part 10 over time.

[0220] For example, if the first measurement process S101, the second measurement process S102, and the wall thickness measurement process S104 are repeatedly executed in this order, the next wall thickness measurement process S104 will be performed after the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102 have been completed. Therefore, the interval between the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102 is shorter than the interval between multiple thickness measurement processes. This ensures that, for example, the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102 can be reliably performed between one thickness measurement process S104 and the next thickness measurement process S104.

[0221] However, depending on the installation location of measurement system 1, the measurement results obtained by measurement system 1 may be affected by noise caused by heat, etc. Therefore, the measurement system 1 further includes an identification means C52. The identification means C52 identifies measurement results from each of the multiple thickness measurement processes that deviate from the moving average of the respective measurement results. This allows, for example, measurements that deviate from the moving average of the measurement results to be identified as being affected by noise. Thus, the influence of noise can be appropriately removed from the measurement results obtained by the measurement system 1.

[0222] In this case, depending on the first measurement process S101 or the second measurement process S102, an electric charge may remain on the two-electrode sensor 20 included in the tubular portion 10. The electric charge remaining on the two-electrode sensor 20 can cause the measurement results in the wall thickness measurement process S104 to be affected by noise. Therefore, the control means C51 grounds the ultrasonic sensor 30 to the grounding means B between the first measurement process S101 or the second measurement process S102 and the wall thickness measurement process S104. Alternatively, for example, the circuits used for ultrasonic thickness measurement and electrochemical measurement may be grounded to the grounding means B. This makes it possible to appropriately remove the charge generated in the two-electrode sensor 20 during the first measurement process S101 or the second measurement process S102. Consequently, the measurement results of the wall thickness measurement process S104 can be suppressed from being affected by noise.

[0223] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a thermocouple 50 for measuring the temperature of the tubular section 10. The measuring means 90 performs a voltage measurement process S105 to measure the voltage generated by the thermocouple 50. This allows, for example, the measurement result of the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 to be corrected for sound velocity based on the temperature measurement result of the thermocouple 50 in the voltage measurement process S105. Therefore, the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 can be performed more accurately.

[0224] Here, depending on the environment of the installation location of the measurement system 1 (for example, inside a boiler or furnace), an oxide film may form on the outer surface of the tubular section 10. In this case, when the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 is measured using the ultrasonic sensor 30, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 30 during measurement are reflected by the oxide film. Therefore, when the measured wall thickness changes, it becomes unclear whether the change in the measured value is due to an actual change in the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 or to the effect of the oxide film.

[0225] Therefore, one of the two electrode sensors 20 contained in the tubular section 10 is located inside the tubular section 10. The ultrasonic sensor 30 is provided on one of the two electrode sensors 20, specifically on the other end portion. That is, the ultrasonic sensor 30 is positioned to overlap with the two electrode sensors 20 in the direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular section 10. This allows, for example, current measurement by the two electrode sensors 20 and wall thickness measurement of the tubular section 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 to be performed at the same location in the tubular section 10 in the direction of the tubular axis.

[0226] By measuring the current using the two-electrode sensor 20 and measuring the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 using the ultrasonic sensor 30 at the same location on the tubular section 10, it is possible to determine from the impedance of the two-electrode sensor 20 whether an oxide film has formed on the tubular section 10 when measuring the current using the two-electrode sensor 20, while simultaneously measuring the wall thickness of the tubular section 10 using the ultrasonic sensor 30. Therefore, in addition to accurately measuring changes in the wall thickness of the tubular section 10, it is possible to easily grasp the corrosion status of the installation location of the measurement system 1.

[0227] Furthermore, the current flowing through the first pair PA1, which consists of two of the multiple two-electrode sensors 20 contained in the tubular section 10, flows to the measuring means 90 via the cable 80. The electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor 30 is also transmitted to the measuring means 90 via the cable 80. In other words, the circuit for transmitting the current flowing through the first pair PA1 to the measuring means 90 and the circuit for transmitting the electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor 30 are shared by a single cable 80. This reduces the number of cables 80 that need to be installed inside the tubular section 10.

[0228] Furthermore, the first memory control means C53 stores the first channel identification information in association with the first impedance information, the first frequency information, or the first phase difference information in the memory unit C4, and also stores the first channel identification information in association with the second impedance information, the second frequency information, or the second phase difference information in the memory unit C4. This allows, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 to be appropriately stored in the memory unit C4.

[0229] Furthermore, the first display control means C54 displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the first impedance information, first frequency information, or first phase difference information on the display unit C3, and also displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the second impedance information, second frequency information, or second phase difference information on the display unit C3. This allows the user to properly understand information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement using the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2.

[0230] Furthermore, the second memory control means C55 stores the first channel identification information and the first current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4, and also stores the first channel identification information and the second current value information in association with each other in the memory unit C4. As a result, for example, information on the current value regarding the measurement of the current by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 can be appropriately stored in the storage unit C4.

[0231] Further, the second display control means C56 causes the display unit C3 to display the first channel identification information stored in the storage unit C4 and the first current value information in association with each other, and causes the display unit C3 to display the first channel identification information stored in the storage unit C4 and the second current value information in association with each other. As a result, for example, information on the current value regarding the measurement of the current by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 can be appropriately grasped by the user.

[0232] Further, the third storage control means C57 stores the second channel identification information and the wall thickness information in the storage unit C4 in association with each other. As a result, for example, information regarding the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 can be appropriately stored in the storage unit C4.

[0233] Further, the third display control means C58 causes the display unit C3 to display the second channel identification information stored in the storage unit C4 and the wall thickness information stored in the storage unit C4 in association with each other. As a result, for example, information regarding the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10 by the ultrasonic sensor 30 can be appropriately grasped by the user.

[0234] Further, the fourth storage control means C59 stores the first pair identification information and the first - 1 impedance information, the first - 1 frequency information, or the first - 1 phase difference information in the storage unit C4 in association with each other, and stores the second pair identification information and the second - 1 impedance information, the second - 1 frequency information, or the second - 1 phase difference information in the storage unit C4 in association with each other. As a result, for example, information on the impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage regarding the measurement of the current by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 can be appropriately stored in the storage unit C4 while being identified for each pair.

[0235] Furthermore, the fourth display control means C5A displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information on the display unit C3, and also displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information on the display unit C3. This allows the user to appropriately understand, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2, while identifying each pair.

[0236] Furthermore, the fifth memory control means C5B stores the first pair identification information and the first-1 current value information in the memory unit C4 in association with each other, and stores the second pair identification information and the second-1 current value information in the memory unit C4 in association with each other. This allows, for example, information on the current values ​​related to the measurement of current by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2 to be appropriately stored in the storage unit C4 while identifying each pair.

[0237] Furthermore, the fifth display control means C5C displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 and the first-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3, and also displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit C4 and the second-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit C3. This allows, for example, the user to appropriately understand information about the current values ​​related to current measurement by the first pair PA1 and the second pair PA2, while identifying each pair.

[0238] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the two-electrode sensor 20 (electrodes) does not necessarily have to be included in the tubular portion 10. The current measurements related to the first measurement process S101, the second measurement process S102, and the third measurement process S103 described above may be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the number of two-electrode sensors 20 provided in the measurement system 1. In other words, the measurement processes from the fourth measurement process onward may be performed using pairs of two-electrode sensors 20 other than those described above.

[0239] The measuring means 90 does not need to repeatedly perform the first measurement process S101, the second measurement process S102, and the wall thickness measurement process. The interval between the first measurement process S101 and the second measurement process S102 may be longer than the interval between multiple thickness measurement processes. The measurement system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with identification means C52. The control means C51 may ground the ultrasonic sensor 30 to the grounding means B at a timing other than between the first measurement process S101 or the second measurement process S102 and the wall thickness measurement process. The measurement system 1 does not necessarily need to be equipped with grounding means B.

[0240] The measurement system 1 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a thermocouple 50. The other end of the two-electrode sensor 20 (electrode) does not necessarily have to be located inside the tubular portion 10. The ultrasonic sensor 30 does not necessarily have to be located on one end of the two-electrode sensor 20 (electrode). Specifically, for example, the ultrasonic sensor 30 may be located on the inner wall of the tubular portion 10. This allows the ultrasonic sensor 30 to measure the wall thickness of the tubular portion 10. The current flowing through the pair of two-electrode sensors 20 and the electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor 30 do not necessarily have to flow to the measuring means 90 via the cable 80.

[0241] In this embodiment, the first memory control means C53, the second memory control means C55, the third memory control means C57, the fourth memory control means C59, and the fifth memory control means C5B may appropriately store any information other than the information described above in the memory unit C4. Furthermore, the first memory control means C53, the second memory control means C55, the third memory control means C57, the fourth memory control means C59, and the fifth memory control means C5B do not necessarily store information in the memory unit C4, but may store it in an external storage medium such as a server or cloud.

[0242] In addition to storing the first channel identification information in the storage unit C4, the first memory control means C53 may also store multiple or all of the impedance information, frequency information, and phase difference information in association with each other in the storage unit C4. In addition to displaying the first channel identification information on the display unit C3, the first display control means C54 may also display multiple or all of the impedance information, frequency information, and phase difference information on the display unit C3 in association with each other.

[0243] In addition to storing pair identification information in the storage unit C4, the fourth memory control means C59 may also store multiple or all of the impedance information, frequency information, and phase difference information in association with each other in the storage unit C4. In addition to displaying pair identification information on the display unit C3, the fourth display control means C5A may also display multiple or all of the impedance information, frequency information, and phase difference information on the display unit C3 in association with each other.

[0244] In this embodiment, the first display control means C54, the second display control means C56, the third display control means C58, the fourth display control means C5A, and the fifth display control means C5C may appropriately display any information other than the information described above on the display unit C3.

[0245] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0246] (Note) The measurement system, control method for the measurement system, and program according to the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0247] <1>A measurement system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tubular portion, a plurality of electrodes included in the tubular portion and each having one end located outside the tubular portion, an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion, a measuring means, and a control means for controlling the measuring means. The measuring means performs a first measurement process of measuring a current flowing between a first pair of the plurality of electrodes, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process of measuring a current flowing between a second pair of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the first pair and the second pair are different from each other.

[0248] According to the above measurement system, the measuring means performs a first measurement process of measuring a current flowing between a first pair of a plurality of electrodes included in the tubular portion, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process of measuring a current flowing between a second pair of the plurality of electrodes. The first pair and the second pair are different from each other. That is, after measuring the current flowing between a first pair consisting of two of the plurality of electrodes, the measuring means measures the current flowing between a second pair consisting of two different from the first pair among the plurality of electrodes.

[0249] Thus, for example, when there is adhering ash between the two electrodes included in the first pair and there is no adhering ash between the two electrodes included in the second pair, by individually measuring the currents flowing between the first pair and the second pair, the location where the adhering ash adheres can be accurately specified. Therefore, even when the adhering ash is variably adhered to the locations where the plurality of electrodes in the tubular portion are located, the corrosion state of the tubular portion due to the melting of such adhering ash can be measured more accurately.

[0250] <2>In the measurement system according to <1> above, the measuring means may adopt a configuration in which the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and a wall thickness measurement process of measuring an electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor are repeatedly executed.

[0251] According to the measurement system described above, the measurement means repeatedly performs a first measurement process that measures the current flowing between a first pair of two electrodes from among a plurality of electrodes contained in the tubular part, a second measurement process that measures the current flowing between a second pair of electrodes different from the first pair, and a wall thickness measurement process that measures the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor.

[0252] This allows, for example, the measurement of the current flowing between the first and second pairs in the first and second measurement processes, and the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular section in the wall thickness measurement process, to be repeated the same number of times. Therefore, the measured current value and the wall thickness of the tubular section at the time the current value was measured can be recorded in correspondence with each other. Thus, for example, the results of the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and the wall thickness measurement process can be easily managed as data. In addition, since the measurement results of the current in the first and second measurement processes and the measurement results of the wall thickness of the tubular section in the wall thickness measurement process can be compared for each corresponding number of repetitions, it becomes easier to more accurately grasp the changes in the corrosion state of the tubular section over time.

[0253] <3> the above <2> In the measurement system relating to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the interval between the first measurement process and the second measurement process is shorter than the interval between the multiple thickness measurement processes.

[0254] For example, if the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and the wall thickness measurement process are repeatedly performed in this order, the next wall thickness measurement process will occur after the first and second measurement processes have been completed. Therefore, according to the above measurement system, the interval between the first measurement process and the second measurement process is shorter than the interval between multiple thickness measurement processes. This ensures that, for example, the first and second measurement processes can be reliably performed between one thickness measurement process and the next thickness measurement process.

[0255] <4> the above <1> from <3> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include an identification means for identifying any measurement result from each of the multiple thickness measurement processes that deviates from the moving average of the respective measurement results.

[0256] In this case, depending on the installation location of the measurement system, the measurement results from the system may be affected by noise caused by heat, etc. Therefore, the above measurement system further includes an identification means. The identification means identifies measurement results from each of the multiple wall thickness measurement processes that deviate from the moving average of the respective measurement results. This allows, for example, measurements that deviate from the moving average of the measurement results to be identified as being affected by noise. Thus, the influence of noise can be appropriately removed from the measurement results obtained by the measurement system.

[0257] <5> the above <2> from <4> In any one embodiment of the measurement system, the system further comprises a grounding means for grounding the ultrasonic sensor, and the control means may be configured to ground the ultrasonic sensor to the grounding means between the first measurement process or the second measurement process and the wall thickness measurement process.

[0258] In this case, depending on the first or second measurement process, an electric charge may remain on the electrodes contained in the tubular section. This remaining charge on the electrodes can cause the measurement results in the wall thickness measurement process to be affected by noise. Therefore, according to the above measurement system, the control means grounds the ultrasonic sensor to the grounding means between the first measurement process or the second measurement process and the wall thickness measurement process. Alternatively, for example, the circuits used for ultrasonic thickness measurement and electrochemical measurement may be grounded to the grounding means. This makes it possible to appropriately remove the charge generated on the electrodes during the first measurement process or the second measurement process. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise on the measurement results of the wall thickness measurement process.

[0259] <6> the above <1> from <5> A measurement system according to any one embodiment may further include a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the tubular portion, and the measurement means may employ a configuration characterized by performing a voltage measurement process to measure the voltage generated by the thermocouple.

[0260] The measurement system described above further includes a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the tubular section. The measurement means performs a voltage measurement process to measure the voltage generated by the thermocouple. This allows, for example, the measurement result of the wall thickness of the tubular section by the ultrasonic sensor to be corrected for sound velocity based on the temperature measurement result of the thermocouple in the voltage measurement process. Therefore, the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular section by the ultrasonic sensor can be performed more accurately.

[0261] <7> the above <1> from <6> In any one embodiment of the measurement system, the other end of one of the plurality of electrodes is located inside the tubular portion, and the ultrasonic sensor is provided on one of the plurality of electrodes, specifically on the other end portion.

[0262] In this case, depending on the environment where the measurement system is installed (for example, inside a boiler or furnace), an oxide film may form on the outer surface of the tubular section. When the wall thickness of the tubular section is measured using an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor during measurement are reflected by the oxide film. Therefore, when the measured wall thickness changes, it becomes unclear whether the change in the measured value is due to an actual change in the wall thickness of the tubular section or to the effect of the oxide film.

[0263] Therefore, according to the measurement system described above, the other end of one of the multiple electrodes contained in the tubular section is located inside the tubular section. The ultrasonic sensor is provided on one of the multiple electrodes, specifically on the other end. That is, the ultrasonic sensor is positioned so as to overlap with the electrode in the direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular section. This allows, for example, the measurement of current by the electrodes and the measurement of the wall thickness of the tubular section by the ultrasonic sensor to be performed at the same location in the tubular section along the tubular axis.

[0264] By measuring the current using electrodes and measuring the wall thickness of the tubular section using an ultrasonic sensor at the same location on the tubular section, it is possible to determine whether an oxide film has formed on the tubular section from the impedance of the electrodes while measuring the wall thickness of the tubular section using the ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, in addition to accurately measuring changes in the wall thickness of the tubular section, it is also possible to easily understand the corrosion status of the installation site of the measurement system.

[0265] <8> the above <1> from <7> In a measurement system according to any one of the embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which the current flowing through the first pair flows to the measurement means via the cable, and the electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor is transmitted to the measurement means via the cable.

[0266] According to the measurement system described above, the current flowing through the first pair of electrodes, consisting of two of the multiple electrodes contained in the tubular section, flows to the measuring means via a cable. The electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor is also transmitted to the measuring means via a cable. In other words, the circuit for transmitting the current flowing through the first pair to the measuring means and the circuit for transmitting the electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor are shared by a single cable. This reduces the number of cables that need to be installed inside the tubular section.

[0267] <9> the above <1> from <8> A measurement system according to any one embodiment of the above may further include a first memory control means, the measurement means including a first channel through which electrical signals from the first pair and electrical signals from the second pair pass, the first memory control means stores in a memory unit, in association with first channel identification information for identifying the first channel, first impedance information indicating the impedance between the first pair, first frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair, or first phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair and the voltage applied between the first pair, and the first channel identification information is also stored in the memory unit, in association with second impedance information indicating the impedance between the second pair, second frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair, or second phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair and the voltage applied between the second pair.

[0268] According to the measurement system described above, the first memory control means stores in the memory unit the first channel identification information in association with the first impedance information, the first frequency information, or the first phase difference information, and also stores in the memory unit the first channel identification information in association with the second impedance information, the second frequency information, or the second phase difference information. This allows, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first and second pairs to be appropriately stored in the memory unit.

[0269] <10> the above <9> The measurement system may further include a first display control means that displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first impedance information, the first frequency information, or the first phase difference information on the display unit, and displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second impedance information, the second frequency information, or the second phase difference information on the display unit.

[0270] According to the measurement system described above, the first display control means displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first impedance information, the first frequency information, or the first phase difference information on the display unit, and also displays the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second impedance information, the second frequency information, or the second phase difference information on the display unit. This allows the user to properly understand, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first and second pairs.

[0271] <11> the above <1> from <10> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include a second memory control means, the measurement means including a first channel through which electrical signals from the first pair and electrical signals from the second pair pass, the second memory control means storing in a memory unit a first channel identification information that identifies the first channel and first current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the first pair in association with each other, and storing in a memory unit a second current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the second pair in association with each other.

[0272] According to the measurement system described above, the second memory control means stores the first channel identification information and the first current value information in association with each other in the memory unit, and also stores the first channel identification information and the second current value information in association with each other in the memory unit. This allows, for example, information on the current values ​​related to the measurement of current by the first pair and the second pair to be appropriately stored in the memory unit.

[0273] <12> the above <11> The measurement system may further include a second display control means that displays the first channel identification information and the first current value information stored in the storage unit in association with each other on the display unit, and also displays the first channel identification information and the second current value information stored in the storage unit in association with each other on the display unit.

[0274] According to the measurement system described above, the second display control means displays the first channel identification information and the first current value information stored in the memory unit in association with each other on the display unit, and also displays the first channel identification information and the second current value information stored in the memory unit in association with each other on the display unit. This allows users to properly understand, for example, information about the current values ​​related to the measurement of current by the first pair and the second pair.

[0275] <13> the above <1> from <12> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include a third memory control means, the measurement means including a second channel through which an electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor passes, and the third memory control means may store in a memory unit, in association with second channel identification information that identifies the second channel and thickness information corresponding to the wall thickness of the tubular portion corresponding to the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor.

[0276] According to the measurement system described above, the third memory control means stores the second channel identification information and the wall thickness information in association with each other in the memory unit. This allows, for example, information regarding the measurement of the wall thickness of a tubular section using an ultrasonic sensor to be properly stored in the memory unit.

[0277] <14> the above <13> The measurement system may further include a third display control means that causes the second channel identification information stored in the storage unit and the thickness information stored in the storage unit to be displayed on the display unit in association with each other.

[0278] According to the measurement system described above, the third display control means displays the second channel identification information stored in the memory unit and the thickness information stored in the memory unit in association with each other on the display unit. This allows users to properly understand information related to the measurement of the wall thickness of a tubular section using an ultrasonic sensor, for example.

[0279] <15> the above <1> from <14> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include a fourth storage control means which stores in a storage unit, in association with first pair identification information for identifying the first pair, first-1 impedance information indicating the impedance between the first pair, first-1 frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair, or first-1 phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair and the voltage applied between the first pair, and stores in the storage unit, in association with second pair identification information for identifying the second pair, second-1 impedance information indicating the impedance between the second pair, second-1 frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair, or second-1 phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair and the voltage applied between the second pair.

[0280] According to the measurement system described above, the fourth memory control means stores the first pair identification information in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information in the memory unit, and stores the second pair identification information in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information in the memory unit. This allows, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first pair and the second pair to be appropriately stored in the memory unit while identifying each pair.

[0281] <16> the above <15> The measurement system may further include a fourth display control means that displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information on the display unit, and displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information on the display unit.

[0282] According to the measurement system described above, the fourth display control means displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information on the display unit, and also displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information on the display unit. This allows the user to appropriately understand, for example, information such as impedance, frequency, and phase difference between current and voltage related to current measurement by the first and second pairs, while identifying each pair.

[0283] <17> the above <1> from <16> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include a fifth storage control means that stores in a storage unit, in association with first pair identification information for identifying the first pair and first-1 current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the first pair, and stores in the storage unit, in association with second pair identification information for identifying the second pair and second-1 current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the second pair.

[0284] According to the measurement system described above, the fifth memory control means stores the first pair identification information and the first-1 current value information in association with each other in the memory unit, and also stores the second pair identification information and the second-1 current value information in association with each other in the memory unit. This allows, for example, information on the current values ​​related to current measurement by the first pair and the second pair to be appropriately stored in the memory unit while identifying each pair.

[0285] <18> the above <15> from <17> A measurement system according to any one of the embodiments may further include a fifth display control means that causes the first pair identification information stored in the storage unit and the 1-1 current value information to be displayed on the display unit in association with each other, and causes the second pair identification information stored in the storage unit and the 2-1 current value information to be displayed on the display unit in association with each other.

[0286] According to the measurement system described above, the fifth display control means displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit and the first-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit, and also displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit and the second-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit. This allows, for example, the user to appropriately understand information about the current values ​​related to current measurement by the first pair and the second pair, while identifying each pair.

[0287] <19> A control method for a measurement system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a measurement system comprising a tubular portion, a plurality of electrodes included in the tubular portion and each having one end located outside the tubular portion, and an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion, further comprising a measurement step of performing a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair of the plurality of electrodes, and after the first measurement process, performing a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the first pair and the second pair are different.

[0288] <20> The program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is the above <1> from <18> The measurement system is characterized by having a computer function as one of the embodiments thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0289] 1. Measurement System 10 Tubular part 11 Boiler flange 12 Flanges for purging piping 20 Two-electrode sensor 20a Electrode part (electrode) 21 First electrode unit 22 Second Electrode Unit 23 Third Electrode Unit 24. Fourth electrode unit 30 Ultrasonic Sensors 31. First ultrasonic sensor 32. Second ultrasonic sensor 33 Third Ultrasonic Sensor 34. Fourth ultrasonic sensor 40 Conductors 41 Conductor 50 Thermocouples 51 Thermocouple for measuring temperature 60 Insulating Holder 70 Metal holder 80 Cables 80I Insulation 90 Measurement means A Switch A1 First Switch A2 2nd switch A3 Third Switch B. Grounding method C Terminal device C1 Communications Department C2 Input Section C3 display section C4 storage section C5 Control Unit C51 Control Means C52 Identification means C53 First memory control means C54 First display control means C55 Second memory control means C56 Second display control means C57 Third memory control means C58 Third Display Control Means C59 Fourth memory control means C5A Fourth Display Control Means C5B Fifth Memory Control Means C5C Fifth Display Control Means PA1 1st Pair PA2 2nd pair PA3 3rd pair PA4 4th Pair PA5 5th Pair PA6 Pair 6

Claims

1. Tubular part, A plurality of electrode portions are included in the tubular portion, and each electrode portion has one end located outside the tubular portion, An ultrasonic sensor for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion, Measurement means and A control means for controlling the measuring means, A measuring system comprising, The measuring means performs a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair, which includes two of the plurality of electrode portions, and after the first measurement process, performs a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair, which includes two of the plurality of electrode portions. The combination of the two electrode portions included in the first pair and the combination of the two electrode portions included in the second pair are different. A measurement system characterized by the following features.

2. The measuring means repeatedly performs the first measurement process, the second measurement process, and the thickness measurement process which measures the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor. The measurement system according to feature 1.

3. The interval between the first measurement process and the second measurement process is shorter than the interval between the multiple thickness measurement processes. The measurement system according to claim 2, characterized by the features described above.

4. An identification means for identifying any measurement result from a plurality of the aforementioned thickness measurement processes that deviates from the moving average of the respective measurement results, The measurement system according to claim 2, further comprising the following:

5. Grounding means for grounding the ultrasonic sensor, Furthermore, The control means grounds the ultrasonic sensor to the grounding means between the first measurement process or the second measurement process and the wall thickness measurement process. The measurement system according to claim 2, characterized by the features described above.

6. A thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the tubular portion, Furthermore, The measuring means performs a voltage measurement process to measure the voltage generated by the thermocouple. The measurement system according to claim 2, characterized by the features described above.

7. One of the multiple electrode portions, at the other end, is located inside the tubular portion. The ultrasonic sensor is provided on one of the multiple electrode portions, on the other end portion. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The current flowing through the first pair flows to the measuring means via the cable. The electrical signal flowing from the ultrasonic sensor is transmitted to the measuring means via the cable. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. First memory control means, Furthermore, The measuring means includes a first channel through which electrical signals from the first pair and electrical signals from the second pair pass, The first memory control means stores in the memory unit, in association with first channel identification information that identifies the first channel, first impedance information indicating the impedance between the first pair, first frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair, or first phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair and the voltage applied between the first pair, and also stores in the memory unit, in association with second impedance information indicating the impedance between the second pair, second frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair, or second phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair and the voltage applied between the second pair. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A first display control means that displays on the display unit the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first impedance information, the first frequency information, or the first phase difference information, and displays on the display unit the first channel identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second impedance information, the second frequency information, or the second phase difference information. The measurement system according to claim 9, further comprising the following:

11. Second memory control means, Furthermore, The measuring means includes a first channel through which electrical signals from the first pair and electrical signals from the second pair pass, The second memory control means stores in the memory unit a first channel identification information that identifies the first channel and first current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the first pair, and stores in the memory unit a second current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the second pair, the first channel identification information and second current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the second pair, in association with each other. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. A second display control means that causes the first channel identification information stored in the storage unit and the first current value information to be displayed on the display unit in association with each other, and the first channel identification information stored in the storage unit and the second current value information to be displayed on the display unit in association with each other. The measurement system according to claim 11, further comprising the following:

13. Third memory control means, Furthermore, The measurement means includes a second channel through which the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor passes. The third memory control means stores in the memory unit, in association with second channel identification information for identifying the second channel and thickness information corresponding to the wall thickness of the tubular portion, which corresponds to the wall thickness corresponding to the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A third display control means that displays the second channel identification information stored in the storage unit and the thickness information stored in the storage unit in association with each other on the display unit. The measurement system according to claim 13, further comprising the following:

15. A fourth storage control means that stores in the storage unit, in association with first pair identification information for identifying the first pair, first-1 impedance information indicating the impedance between the first pair, first-1 frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the first pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the first pair, or first-1 phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the first pair and the voltage applied between the first pair, and stores in the storage unit, in association with second pair identification information for identifying the second pair, second-1 impedance information indicating the impedance between the second pair, second-1 frequency information indicating the frequency of the current flowing between the second pair or the frequency of the voltage applied between the second pair, or second-1 phase difference information indicating the phase difference between the current flowing between the second pair and the voltage applied between the second pair. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the above.

16. A fourth display control means that displays the first pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the first-1 impedance information, the first-1 frequency information, or the first-1 phase difference information on the display unit, and displays the second pair identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the second-1 impedance information, the second-1 frequency information, or the second-1 phase difference information on the display unit. The measurement system according to claim 15, further comprising the following:

17. A fifth storage control means that stores in the storage unit, in association with first pair identification information for identifying the first pair and first-1 current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the first pair, and stores in the storage unit, in association with second pair identification information for identifying the second pair and second-1 current value information corresponding to the value of the current flowing between the second pair. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the above.

18. A fifth display control means that displays the first pair identification information stored in the storage unit and the 1-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit, and displays the second pair identification information stored in the storage unit and the 2-1 current value information in association with each other on the display unit. The measurement system according to claim 17, further comprising the following:

19. Tubular part, A plurality of electrode portions are included in the tubular portion, and each electrode portion has one end located outside the tubular portion, An ultrasonic sensor for measuring the wall thickness of the tubular portion, A control method for a measuring system comprising, A measurement step comprising: performing a first measurement process to measure the current flowing between a first pair including two of the plurality of electrode parts; and after the first measurement process, performing a second measurement process to measure the current flowing between a second pair including two of the plurality of electrode parts. Furthermore, The combination of the two electrode portions included in the first pair and the combination of the two electrode portions included in the second pair are different. A method for controlling a measurement system characterized by the following:

20. A measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which includes a computer for functioning A program characterized by the following features.

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