Diagnostic support device and diagnostic support method

Abstract

To appropriately set a threshold value in diagnosis of a valve.SOLUTION: A diagnosis support device stores a type and specifications of an operation results valve, information on fluid handled by the operation results valve, and a diagnosis threshold of the operation results valve in association with each other, stores a type and specifications of a diagnosis target valve and information on fluid handled by the diagnosis target valve in association with each other, collates the type and specifications of the diagnosis target valve with the type and specifications of the operation results valve, extracts collation results when the type and the specifications match or are similar to each other, collates information of the fluid handled by the diagnosis target valve with information on the fluid handled by the operation results valve, extracts collation results when the information match or are similar to each other, determines a threshold value of diagnosis of the diagnosis target valve on the basis of collation results that can be handled as at least the most coincidence or similarity among the extracted collation results, and presents the determined threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic support device and a diagnostic support method.

Background Art

[0002] Valves used in petrochemical plants and the like require particular attention to safety, and thus are regularly maintained. In order to improve the maintenance work efficiency of valves, for example, a method has been proposed in which a diaphragm hardening index (see Patent Document 1) is used as a diagnostic index when diagnosing valves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the diagnosis of valves as described above, a threshold value for the index is appropriately set. This threshold value affects the accuracy of valve maintenance judgment. Therefore, it is required to set a more appropriate threshold value.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a diagnostic support device and a diagnostic support method capable of appropriately setting a threshold value in the diagnosis of valves.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The diagnostic support device according to the present invention comprises: an operation history information storage unit that stores in association the type and specifications of an operation history valve, information on the fluid handled by the operation history valve, and a diagnostic threshold for the operation history valve; a diagnostic target information storage unit that stores in association the type and specifications of a diagnostic target valve to be diagnosed and information on the fluid handled by the diagnostic target valve; a valve matching extraction unit that compares the type and specifications of the diagnostic target valve with the type and specifications of an operation history valve and extracts matching results when they match or are similar; a fluid matching extraction unit that compares the information on the fluid handled by the diagnostic target valve with the information on the fluid handled by the operation history valve and extracts matching results when they match or are similar; a threshold determination unit that determines a diagnostic threshold for the diagnostic target valve based on at least the matching result that can be treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit and the fluid matching extraction unit; and a threshold presentation unit that presents the determined threshold.

[0007] In the above-described diagnostic support device, the threshold determination unit inputs the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold value of the valve to be diagnosed.

[0008] The above-mentioned diagnostic support device includes a threshold for diagnosing damage to the internal valve of the valve as a diagnostic threshold.

[0009] The above-mentioned diagnostic support device includes a threshold for diagnosing the deterioration of the valve's heat cycle as a diagnostic threshold.

[0010] The diagnostic support method according to the present application includes: an operation history information storage step that stores in association the type and specifications of an operation history valve, information on the fluid handled by the operation history valve, and a diagnostic threshold for the operation history valve; a diagnostic target information storage step that stores in association the type and specifications of a diagnostic target valve to be diagnosed and information on the fluid handled by the diagnostic target valve; a valve matching extraction step that compares the type and specifications of the diagnostic target valve with the type and specifications of an operation history valve and extracts matching results when they match or are similar; a fluid matching extraction step that compares the information on the fluid handled by the diagnostic target valve with the information on the fluid handled by the operation history valve and extracts matching results when they match or are similar; a threshold determination step that determines a diagnostic threshold for the diagnostic target valve based on at least the matching result that can be treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit and the fluid matching extraction unit; and a threshold presentation step that presents the determined threshold.

[0011] In the above diagnostic support method, the threshold determination step involves inputting the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputting the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold value of the valve to be diagnosed.

[0012] The above diagnostic support method includes a threshold for diagnosing internal valve damage of the valve as a diagnostic threshold.

[0013] The above diagnostic support method includes a threshold for diagnosing the deterioration of the valve's heat cycle as a diagnostic threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the diagnostic support device and diagnostic support method described above, the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed are compared with the type and specifications of the valve with a history of operation, and the information of the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed is compared with the information of the fluid handled by the valve with a history of operation. If the two can be treated as matching or similar, the diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed is determined based on the comparison result, so that the threshold for valve diagnosis can be set appropriately.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a valve for which a threshold value is set in the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an inner valve portion of a valve. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of equipment provided with a diagnostic support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a diagnostic support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation result information and diagnostic target information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of a diagnostic support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation mode of a threshold value. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a diagnostic support device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the common components in each embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0017] [Principle] In the diagnosis of valves, threshold values for various indicators are appropriately set. The valve for which the threshold value is to be set is assumed to have little operation history, and thus it is difficult to judge the appropriateness of the threshold value. Therefore, by using data and information of valves of the same type and the same specifications as the valve for which the threshold value is to be set and having operation history (valves for which the threshold value has been set), it is possible to improve the validity of at least the initial threshold value setting.

[0018] At this time, the inventor noticed that there was internal valve damage (erosion and corrosion) as damage on the liquid contact side of the valve. That is, in addition to the type and specifications of the valve, the similarity of the fluid handled by the valve should be considered, and it was conceived that by incorporating the similarity of the fluid handled by the valve into the valve selection judgment, the appropriateness of the threshold value can be improved.

[0019] Regarding the fact that the similarity of the fluid handled by the valve should be considered according to the content of the diagnosis, representative examples will be described regarding internal valve damage (influence of fluid viscosity, foreign matter ratio) and heat cycle (influence of temperature difference, heat capacity).

[0020] [Examples of Valves] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a valve 2 for which a threshold value is set in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal valve portion of the valve 2. The valve 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a control valve capable of continuously changing the opening degree. The valve 2 includes a valve body 201, a positioner 202, and an operator 203. The operator 203 adjusts the opening degree of the valve (the distance between the valve body and the seat ring) by moving the stem 204 up and down according to the air output pressure Po supplied from the positioner 202.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the gland portion 208 holds the stem 204 slidably. A gland packing 209 is provided on the gland portion 208. The gland packing 209 is provided so as to close the gap between the inner wall of the bonnet 211 provided on the upper part of the valve box 210 andthe stem 204. The gland packing 209 prevents the fluid inside the valve box 210 from leaking through the gap between the bonnet 211 and the stem 204.

[0022] A valve body (plug) 205 is provided at the tip of the stem 204. A partition wall 214 is positioned between the inlet 212 and outlet 213 of the valve body 210. A seat ring 206 is provided on the partition wall 214. When the plug 205 sits on the seat surface of the seat ring 206, the valve 2 is fully closed. When the plug 205 moves away from the seat surface of the seat ring 206, fluid flows through the gap between the plug 205 and the seat ring 206 towards the outlet 213. The plug 205 and the seat ring 206 constitute an internal valve.

[0023] [Regarding internal valve damage] When the plug 205 undergoes erosion as a result of damage to the internal valve, the wetted area widens, making it more susceptible to greater fluid reaction force (force acting to open valve 2) at certain opening angles than under normal conditions. Similarly, when the seat ring 206 undergoes erosion as a result of damage to the internal valve, the port diameter widens, again making it more susceptible to greater fluid reaction force (force acting to open valve 2) at certain opening angles than under normal conditions. Thus, changes in fluid reaction force lead to changes in the feedback control characteristics of valve opening adjustment, which can result in malfunctions such as hunting. As an example of changes in feedback control characteristics, the reproducibility of the actuator air pressure measurement value during opening angle setting can be used as a diagnostic indicator, and a method of judgment can be considered in which a threshold (e.g., ±1.0%) is set for the amount of deviation from the reference pressure value.

[0024] [Regarding heat cycle degradation] When a valve handles the flow control of a high-temperature fluid, when valve 2 is fully closed, a temperature drop occurs, particularly at the fluid outlet side, due to a reduction in the thermal influence of the high-temperature fluid. The more frequently these high and low temperature states occur, the more likely component degradation due to effective heat cycling will progress, potentially leading to problems such as zero-point shifts due to loosening of the seat ring 206.

[0025] Regarding the temperature measurement value on the outlet side of valve 2, when a temperature rise or fall exceeding a specified temperature change rate (e.g., ±5°C / sec) is observed, the cumulative value of the most recent minimum and maximum temperature (e.g., a temperature difference of 312°C) can be used as a diagnostic index, and a method of judgment can be considered in which a threshold value (e.g., 3,000,000°C) is set for this cumulative value.

[0026] [Embodiment] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of equipment equipped with the diagnostic support device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the diagnostic support device 100 sets a diagnostic threshold for a valve 2 provided in the equipment 1. The hardware configuration of the diagnostic support device 100 will be described later. Equipment 1 is provided, for example, in a petrochemical plant and handles a predetermined fluid process. Equipment 1 includes a tank 3 that contains the fluid. Pipes 4 through which the fluid flows are connected to the tank 3. Equipment 1 may be configured to be heated by a steam trace (not shown) or the like. One or more valves 2 are provided in the pipes 4. As valves 2, for example, the control valves described above are used.

[0027] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a diagnostic support device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the diagnostic support device 100 includes an operation history information storage unit 10, a diagnostic target information storage unit 20, a valve matching and extraction unit 30, a fluid matching and extraction unit 40, a threshold determination unit 50, and a threshold presentation unit 60.

[0028] The operation history information storage unit 10 stores the type and specifications of the valve 2 that has a proven track record of operation, information about the fluid handled by the valve, and the diagnostic threshold for the valve, in association with each other. Hereinafter, the information stored in the operation history information storage unit 10 may be referred to as operation history information. The valve with a proven track record of operation is a valve 2 that has already had an appropriate threshold set and has a proven track record of being installed and used in the piping 4.

[0029] The diagnostic target information storage unit 20 stores the type and specifications of the valve 2 to be diagnosed, and the information of the fluid handled by the valve, in association with each other. Hereinafter, the information stored in the diagnostic target information storage unit 20 may be referred to as the diagnostic target information. The valve to be diagnosed is, for example, a valve 2 whose threshold value is initially set, and which is the target for which an appropriate threshold value will be set.

[0030] Regarding the valves with operational records and those to be diagnosed as described above, the valve type and specifications include items such as valve type, connection port diameter, pressure rating, connection type, operating temperature range, seat leak performance, CV value range, and rangeability. Information about the fluid handled by the valve includes items such as fluid type, maximum temperature change rate, maximum temperature difference, and maximum flow velocity. Regarding diagnostic thresholds, for example, a threshold for diagnosing internal valve damage might be a pressure deviation threshold indicating the amount of deviation from the reference pressure value. For example, a threshold for diagnosing heat cycle degradation might be a temperature difference integration threshold indicating the accumulation of temperature differences.

[0031] The valve matching and extraction unit 30 compares the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed with the type and specifications of the valve with a history of operation, and determines whether they match or are similar. The valve matching and extraction unit 30 extracts the matching results if it determines that they match or are similar. The similarity of valve types and specifications is not limited to simple similarity of names or expressions, but can be determined appropriately based on specialized knowledge of valves, etc. The similarity of valve types and specifications can be set in advance using numerical values, etc.

[0032] The fluid matching and extraction unit 40 compares the fluid information handled by the valve to be diagnosed with the fluid information handled by the valve with a history of operation, and determines whether they match or are similar. The fluid matching and extraction unit 40 extracts the matching results if they match or are similar. Regarding the similarity of fluid information, for example, in the case of numerical data, the similarity can be determined not only by the simple proximity of the numbers, but also by normalized numerical values.

[0033] The threshold determination unit 50 determines the diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed based on the matching result that is determined to be the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the fluid matching extraction unit 40. As a method for determining the threshold, for example, it can be a simple average, a weighted average, etc., of the threshold for the best match or similar result in the type and specification matching and the threshold for the best match or similar result in the fluid matching.

[0034] The threshold determination unit 50 can input, for example, the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit 40 into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and output the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold value of the valve to be diagnosed.

[0035] In this case, the threshold calculation formula could be, for example, the formula for calculating the simple average, i.e., (Threshold) = (First threshold + Second threshold) / 2 ... (Equation 1) These are some examples.

[0036] Furthermore, as a threshold calculation formula, for example, a formula for calculating a weighted average, that is, (Threshold) = (X * 1st threshold + Y * 2nd threshold) / (X + Y) ... (Equation 2) These are some examples.

[0037] The threshold calculation formula is not limited to formulas 1 and 2 above; other types of calculation formulas may also be used.

[0038] Furthermore, the threshold determination unit 50 is not limited to the matching result that is determined to be the best match or similar. For example, if there are multiple matching results that are determined to be similar, the threshold may be determined based on the top-ranking matching results.

[0039] The threshold value presentation unit 60 presents the determined threshold value. The threshold value presentation unit 60 makes the threshold value viewable by the operator by displaying it on a display unit 5, for example, in the control center of the equipment 1. The threshold value presentation unit 60 may also display the results of the type and specification verification that formed the basis for determining the threshold value, as well as the results of the fluid information verification.

[0040] Next, an example of the operation of the diagnostic support device 100 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation history information and diagnostic target information. In Figure 5, operation history information is shown for three operation history valves 2A, 2B, and 2C. Also in Figure 5, diagnostic target information is shown for one diagnostic target valve 2D. The valve type and specifications included in the operation history information and diagnostic target information include items such as valve ID, valve type, connection port diameter, pressure rating, connection type, operating temperature range, seat leak performance, CV value range, and rangeability. In addition, information on the fluid handled by the valve includes items such as fluid type, maximum temperature change rate, maximum temperature difference, and maximum flow velocity. In addition, as diagnostic thresholds, a pressure deviation threshold indicating the amount of deviation from the reference pressure value is included as a threshold for diagnosing internal valve damage. In addition, a temperature difference integration threshold indicating the accumulation of temperature differences is included as a threshold for diagnosing heat cycle degradation.

[0041] The following explanation will use the example of operation history information and diagnostic target information shown in Figure 5. Note that the operation history information and diagnostic target information shown in Figure 5 is just an example, and the number of valves with operation history and valves to be diagnosed may differ from those shown above. In addition, some of the items listed above may be omitted from the operation history information and diagnostic target information, and items of a different type may be included.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the diagnostic support device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the operation record information storage unit 10 stores operation record information, for example, as shown in Figure 5 (step S10). The diagnostic target information storage unit 20 stores diagnostic target information, for example, as shown in Figure 5 (step S20).

[0043] With the above operational performance information and diagnostic target information stored, the valve matching and extraction unit 30 compares the type and specifications of the diagnostic target valve with the type and specifications of the operational performance valve and determines whether they match or are similar (step S30). If the valve matching and extraction unit 30 determines that they match or are similar (Yes in step S30), it extracts the matching result (step S40). If the valve matching and extraction unit 30 does not determine that they match or are similar (No in step S30), it skips the process in step S40, that is, it does not extract the matching result.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 5, for steps S30 and S40, the type and specifications of the valve 2D to be diagnosed match those of the valve 2B that has been in operation. Therefore, the valve matching and extraction unit 30 determines that the type and specifications of the valve 2D to be diagnosed match those of the valve 2B that has been in operation, and extracts the matching result.

[0045] Furthermore, with the above-mentioned operational performance information and diagnostic target information stored, the fluid matching and extraction unit 40 compares the information of the fluid handled by the diagnostic target with the information of the fluid handled by the operational performance valve and determines whether they match or are similar (step S50). If the fluid matching and extraction unit 40 finds that they match or are similar (Yes in step S50), it extracts the matching result (step S60). If the fluid matching and extraction unit 40 does not determine that they match or are similar (No in step S50), it skips the process in step S60, that is, it does not extract the matching result.

[0046] Regarding steps S50 and S60, in the example shown in Figure 5, the fluid information of the valve to be diagnosed 2D does not match any of the three operating valves 2A, 2B, and 2C. On the other hand, the fluid information of the valve to be diagnosed 2D is most similar to the fluid information of, for example, the operating valve 2C. Therefore, the fluid matching extraction unit 40 determines that the fluid information of the valve to be diagnosed 2D and the fluid information of the operating valve 2C are most similar and extracts the matching result.

[0047] The threshold determination unit 50 determines the diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed based on the matching result that is determined to be the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the fluid matching extraction unit 40 (step S70).

[0048] In step S70, in the example shown in Figure 5, the first threshold is the pressure deviation threshold (±1.3%) and the integrated temperature difference threshold (3,400,000°C) of the operating valve 2B. The second threshold is the pressure deviation threshold (±1.7%) and the integrated temperature difference threshold (4,000,000°C) of the operating valve 2C. The threshold determination unit 50 inputs the first and second thresholds into a predetermined threshold calculation formula and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold for the valve 2D to be diagnosed. For example, if the threshold calculation formula is formula 1 above, which shows a simple average, a value of ±1.5% is output as the pressure deviation threshold. Also, a value of 3,700,000°C is output as the integrated temperature difference threshold. The threshold determination unit 50 determines the pressure deviation threshold to be ±1.5% and the integrated temperature difference threshold to be 3,700,000°C as the diagnostic threshold for the valve 2D to be diagnosed. In step S70, if no matching result is extracted by either the valve matching extraction unit 30 or the fluid matching extraction unit 40, the threshold determination unit 50 may, for example, maintain the threshold value of the valve 2D to be diagnosed at its initial setting.

[0049] The threshold value presentation unit 60 presents the determined threshold value (step S80). Figure 7 shows an example of how the threshold value is presented. As shown in Figure 7, the threshold value presentation unit 60 can display the pressure deviation threshold and the temperature difference cumulative threshold, which are the threshold values ​​determined for the valve to be diagnosed, on the display unit 5. The operator can easily grasp the determined threshold value by looking at the display unit 5.

[0050] As described above, the diagnostic support device 100 according to this embodiment includes: an operation history information storage unit 10 that stores the specifications of the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C that have a history of operation, information on the fluids handled by the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the diagnostic thresholds for the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C as operational history information; a diagnostic target information storage unit 20 that stores the specifications of the diagnostic target valve 2D that is to be diagnosed and information on the fluids handled by the diagnostic target valve 2D as diagnostic target information; and a diagnostic support device 100 that compares the specifications of the diagnostic target valve 2D with the specifications of the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C. The system includes a valve matching extraction unit 30 that extracts matching results when they match or are similar, a fluid matching extraction unit 40 that compares information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed 2D with information about the fluid handled by the valves with operating records 2A, 2B, and 2C, and extracts matching results when they match or are similar, a threshold determination unit 50 that determines a diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed 2D based on at least the matching result that can be treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the fluid matching extraction unit 40, and a threshold presentation unit 60 that presents the determined threshold.

[0051] Furthermore, the diagnostic support method according to this embodiment includes: an operation history information storage step that stores the specifications of the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C that have a history of operation, information on the fluids handled by the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the diagnostic thresholds for the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C as operational history information; a diagnostic target information storage step that stores the specifications of the diagnostic target valve 2D that is to be diagnosed and information on the fluids handled by the diagnostic target valve 2D as diagnostic target information; and a comparison of the specifications of the diagnostic target valve 2D with the specifications of the operational valves 2A, 2B, and 2C, and if they match or The system includes a specification matching extraction step that extracts matching results in similar cases; a fluid matching extraction step that compares information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed 2D with information about the fluid handled by the valves with operating records 2A, 2B, and 2C, and extracts matching results in cases where they match or are similar; a threshold determination step that determines a diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed 2D based on at least the matching result that can be treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the fluid matching extraction unit 40; and a threshold presentation step that presents the determined threshold.

[0052] With this configuration, the type and specifications of the valve 2D to be diagnosed are compared with the types and specifications of the valves 2A, 2B, and 2C that have been in operation. Additionally, the fluid information handled by the valve 2D to be diagnosed is compared with the fluid information handled by the valves 2A, 2B, and 2C that have been in operation. If the two are found to match or be similar, the diagnostic threshold for the valve 2D to be diagnosed is determined based on the comparison result, thereby allowing for the appropriate setting of the diagnostic threshold for valve 2.

[0053] Furthermore, in the diagnostic support device 100 described above, the threshold determination unit 50 inputs the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit 40 into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold value of the valve 2D to be diagnosed.

[0054] Furthermore, in the diagnostic support method described above, the threshold determination step inputs the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit 30 and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit 40 into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the threshold value of the valve 2D to be diagnosed.

[0055] With this configuration, a threshold calculation formula is set in advance, and the threshold is output based on the threshold calculation formula from the first and second thresholds extracted as a result of the matching, so that the threshold of the valve 2D to be diagnosed can be set appropriately. Furthermore, by using a formula that calculates a simple average, a weighted average, etc. as the threshold calculation formula, the validity of the initial threshold setting of the valve 2D to be diagnosed can be improved, for example.

[0056] In the diagnostic support device 100 and diagnostic support method described above, the diagnostic thresholds include a threshold for diagnosing damage to the internal valve of valve 2 and a threshold for diagnosing heat cycle deterioration of valve 2.

[0057] This configuration allows for the diagnosis of internal valve damage and thermal cycle degradation of valve 2 based on appropriate thresholds.

[0058] [Hardware configuration] Figure 8 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a diagnostic support device. Since the diagnostic support device 100 has a similar hardware configuration, it will be described here as the information processing device 300. As shown in Figure 9, the information processing device 300 has a communication device 300a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 300b, memory 300c, and a processor 300d. Furthermore, the various parts shown in Figure 8 are interconnected by a bus or the like.

[0059] The communication device 300a is a network interface card or similar, and is used for communication with other devices. The HDD 300b stores programs and databases that operate the functions of each of the above-mentioned parts.

[0060] The processor 300d operates the processes that perform the above-described functions by reading programs that perform the same processing as the above-described processing units from the HDD 300b or the like and loading them into the memory 300c. For example, using the diagnostic support device 100 as an example, this process performs the same functions as the processing units that the diagnostic support device 100 has. Specifically, the processor 300d reads programs that have the same functions as the valve matching and extraction unit 30, the fluid matching and extraction unit 40, the threshold determination unit 50, the threshold presentation unit 60, etc., from the HDD 300b or the like. Then, the processor 300d executes a process that performs the same processing as the valve matching and extraction unit 30, the fluid matching and extraction unit 40, the threshold determination unit 50, and the threshold presentation unit 60. In addition, the HDD 300b is provided with storage areas corresponding to the operation history information storage unit 10 and the diagnostic target information storage unit 20. When executing the above program, the processor 300d accesses the memory areas corresponding to the HDD300b's operational performance information storage unit 10 and the diagnostic target information storage unit 20 as needed, and reads the data stored in those memory areas.

[0061] Thus, the information processing device 300 operates as an information processing device that performs various information processing methods by reading and executing a program. Furthermore, the information processing device 300 can also achieve the same functionality as the embodiment described above by reading the program from a recording medium using a media reader and executing the read program. It should be noted that the program referred to in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the information processing device 300. For example, the above embodiment may also be applied to cases where another computer or server executes the program, or where these computers or servers cooperate to execute the program.

[0062] This program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, this program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO (Magneto-Optical disk), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

[0063] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0064] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0065] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuits." For example, a modification section can be replaced with a modification means or a modification circuit.

[0067] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 equipment 2 valves 2A, 2B, 2C valves with proven operating history 2D diagnostic target valves 3 tanks 4 Piping 5 Display section 10 Operation History Information Storage Unit 20. Information storage unit for diagnosis 30 Valve matching and extraction unit 40 Fluid matching and extraction unit 50 Threshold determination unit 60 Threshold indication unit 100 Diagnostic support devices 201 Valve body 202 Positioner 203 Controller 204 Stem 205 Valve body, plug 206 Seat Ring 208 Grounds Department 209 Gland Packing 210 valve box 211 Hood 212 Inlet 213 Outlet 214 Bulkhead 300 Information Processing Devices 300a communication equipment 300b HDD 300c memory 300d processor

Claims

1. An operation history information storage unit stores the type and specifications of a valve with a history of operation, information about the fluid handled by the valve, and a diagnostic threshold for the valve in operation, in association with each other. A diagnostic target information storage unit stores the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed and information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed in association with each other. A valve matching extraction unit compares the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed with the type and specifications of the valve with a history of operation, and extracts matching results when they match or are similar. A fluid matching extraction unit compares information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed with information about the fluid handled by the valve with a history of operation, and extracts matching results when they match or are similar. A threshold determination unit determines a diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed based on a diagnostic threshold for the operating valve corresponding to at least the matching result that is treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the valve matching extraction unit, and a diagnostic threshold for the operating valve corresponding to at least the matching result that is treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit. A threshold presentation unit that presents the determined threshold, A diagnostic support device equipped with the following features.

2. The threshold determination unit inputs the first threshold value of the first matching result extracted by the valve matching extraction unit and the second threshold value of the second matching result extracted by the fluid matching extraction unit into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the diagnostic threshold value for the valve to be diagnosed. The diagnostic support device according to claim 1.

3. The threshold for the diagnosis includes a threshold for diagnosing damage to the internal valve of the valve. A diagnostic support device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The threshold for the diagnosis includes a threshold for diagnosing the deterioration of the valve's heat cycle. A diagnostic support device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A step for storing operational history information involves associating the type and specifications of an operational history valve with operational history information, information about the fluid handled by the operational history valve, and a diagnostic threshold for the operational history valve with operational history information. A diagnostic target information storage step involves storing the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed in association with information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed. A valve matching extraction step involves comparing the type and specifications of the valve to be diagnosed with the type and specifications of the valve with a history of operation, and extracting matching results if they match or are similar. A fluid matching extraction step involves comparing information about the fluid handled by the valve to be diagnosed with information about the fluid handled by the valve with a history of operation, and extracting matching results when they match or are similar. A threshold determination step in which a diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed is determined based on a diagnostic threshold for the operating valve corresponding to at least the matching result that is treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted in the valve matching extraction step, and a diagnostic threshold for the operating valve corresponding to at least the matching result that is treated as the best match or similar among the matching results extracted in the fluid matching extraction step, A threshold presentation step that presents the determined threshold, and Diagnostic support methods including those mentioned above.

6. The threshold determination step inputs the first threshold of the first matching result extracted in the valve matching extraction step and the second threshold of the second matching result extracted in the fluid matching extraction step into a predetermined threshold calculation formula, and outputs the value calculated by the threshold calculation formula as the diagnostic threshold for the valve to be diagnosed. The diagnostic support method according to claim 5.

7. The threshold for the diagnosis includes a threshold for diagnosing damage to the internal valve of the valve. The diagnostic support method according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The threshold for the diagnosis includes a threshold for diagnosing the deterioration of the valve's heat cycle. The diagnostic support method according to claim 5 or claim 6.

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