JP6428381B2 - Fluid leak detection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid leakage detection device that detects leakage of a specific type of fluid contained in a detection region.

  In factories, power plants, etc., a large amount of gas is used as a chemical material or fuel. The gas used as the chemical material or fuel is flammable or toxic, and if it leaks to the outside, it may cause air pollution, fire or explosion. Or Even if the toxicity is low, if the concentration is high, the oxygen concentration may decrease, leading to accidents such as suffocation.

  Therefore, in the facility using the gas, an operator periodically circulates the piping and the device through which the gas flows in the facility to monitor gas leakage. In addition, a plurality of detection devices are attached to the piping to synchronize all the detection devices, and the leakage position on the piping is specified based on the time when the detection device detects the leakage (for example, JP 2000-266626 A). Issue gazette).

  Furthermore, an optical gas leak detection system using the heat of gas has been proposed (for example, JP 2009-192469 A). In an optical gas leak detection system, an attachment including a heat receptor is attached to a flange, which is a part where gas leakage is likely to occur in an infrared camera. When the heat receptor is heated due to gas leakage, infrared rays are emitted from the heat receptor. Gas leakage is detected by imaging infrared rays emitted from the heat receptor with an infrared camera.

  In addition, an optical gas detection device using an optical absorption characteristic specific to gas has been proposed (for example, Japanese Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2010-522317). In the optical gas detection device, a space for detecting gas leakage is imaged by an image sensor, an increase / decrease due to the influence of gas of black body radiation generated by an object constituting the landscape is detected, and the presence or absence of gas leakage is determined.

JP 2000-266626 A JP 2009-192469 A Special table 2010-522317

  In the measuring apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-266626, a detection device is attached to a pipe, and leakage from the pipe can be detected. However, it is difficult to detect leaks from parts other than piping. Further, in order to increase the accuracy of estimating the leak position, it is necessary to increase the number of detectors installed, which complicates the configuration of the device and increases the installation cost. Moreover, it is necessary to synchronize all the detection devices, and synchronization control becomes difficult when the number of detection devices increases.

  Moreover, in the gas leak detection system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-192469, it is possible to confirm that there is a leak from the flange, but it is difficult to detect a gas leak from a portion other than the flange. However, it is difficult to estimate the exact position of the gas leak. Furthermore, since it is the structure which images the infrared rays emitted from the heat receptor heated with the leaked gas, the temperature of the gas must be high, and the low temperature gas cannot be detected.

  In addition, the optical gas detection device described in JP-T-2010-522317 takes an image with an angle of view so that the entire space for detecting gas leakage enters, and the exact position of the gas leakage is determined from the gas image. It is difficult to determine. Note that, by narrowing the angle of view, it becomes possible to determine the exact position of the gas leak from the gas image, but the monitoring area of the gas leak becomes narrow and the convenience is deteriorated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid leakage detection device that can reduce the danger of an operator and accurately detect a fluid leakage state.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fluid leak detection device for detecting a fluid leak inside a detection area, the entire detection area being an imaging range and a wavelength including an absorption wavelength of the fluid. An imaging unit that acquires an image of a leaked fluid formed by light in the region, a detection unit that is provided in a plurality in the detection region and detects the leakage of the fluid as a physical quantity, and the leakage received from the imaging unit And a processing unit that creates a leak detection diagram based on the fluid image and the detection result received from the detection unit.

  According to this configuration, since the leaked fluid image by the imaging unit and the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit are used in combination, it is possible to easily adjust the accuracy of fluid detection. Moreover, since it is the structure which produces a leak detection figure, it is possible to detect the leak state of a fluid correctly.

  In the above configuration, the detection unit may include at least one of a concentration sensor that detects a fluid concentration or a vibration sensor that detects a fluid leak as vibration.

  In the above configuration, the processing unit creates an isoline map based on a physical quantity from the detection unit, and creates the leak detection diagram based on the image of the leaked fluid and the isoline diagram. May be.

  In the above configuration, the fluid may be a gaseous substance.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said imaging part may be provided with the image pick-up element which can receive infrared light.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said detection part may identify a leaking fluid. By doing in this way, it is possible to accurately detect a leak even with a fluid that is erroneously detected in a captured image of the imaging unit.

  The said structure WHEREIN: What has the said some detection part arranged in the said to-be-detected area | region at predetermined intervals can be mentioned.

  The said structure WHEREIN: You may make it arrange | position the said some detection part in the vicinity of the part estimated that the leak of a fluid is easy to generate | occur | produce.

  In the above configuration, at least one of the plurality of detection units is arranged in the detection area and detects a state quantity at the arranged position and transmits the state quantity to the processing unit. The processing unit may add the influence of the state quantity when creating the leak detection diagram. By adding state quantities in this way, an accurate leak detection diagram can be created. Examples of the state quantity include at least one of environmental temperature, environmental humidity, environmental pressure, fluid flow direction and flow velocity, sunshine duration, amount of sunshine, rain condition, and snow condition.

  In the above configuration, the plurality of detection units include a fixed detection unit fixed at a predetermined position and a movable movable detection unit.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said detection part may output the detection result of a detected or undetected binary.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said process part estimates the position where the said fluid is leaking based on the said leak detection figure.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the danger of an operator can be reduced and the fluid leak detection apparatus which can detect the fluid leak state correctly can be provided.

It is the schematic of the fluid leak detection apparatus concerning this invention. It is the schematic which shows the state which is detecting the fluid leak of the to-be-detected area | region with the fluid leak detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging data of the to-be-detected area | region acquired with the imaging part. It is an isoline diagram generated from detection data from a detection unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a leak detection figure. It is the schematic which shows the other example of a leak detection figure. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the other example of the fluid leak detection apparatus concerning this invention. It is the schematic which shows the leak detection figure using a density | concentration. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the further another example of the granular material leak detection apparatus concerning this invention. It is the schematic of the leak detection figure using a state quantity. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the further another example of the fluid leak detection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a top view of the to-be-detected area | region of the state by which the detection system is arrange | positioned.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid leak detection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a fluid leak in a detection area is detected by the fluid leak detection apparatus shown in FIG. The fluid leak detection device A according to the present invention is a detection device that detects fluid leaked from a pipe or a machine in a detection area. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the detection unit is displayed so as to be superimposed on the pipe, but in some cases, it may be attached to a place that is actually hidden behind the pipe.

  The fluid detected by the fluid leak detection apparatus A according to the present invention is a gaseous chemical substance or a gas in which fine particles are suspended (these are collectively referred to as a gaseous substance), and specifically methane gas. That is, methane gas leaked into the atmosphere is detected in the detection area Re (part of the city gas plant).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid leak detection device A is arranged at a position away from the detected region Re by a certain distance (for example, 100 m), and the entire detected region Re can be within the angle of view. An imaging unit 100 that can perform the detection, a detection system 200 including a plurality of detection units 201 arranged in the detection area Re, and a processing unit 300 (processing unit).

  The imaging unit 100 includes an imaging optical system 110, an imaging sensor 120, a filter 130, an image generation unit 140, and a connection interface 150. The imaging unit 100 includes a casing 160 that constitutes an exterior. The imaging optical system 110, the imaging sensor 120, the filter 130, the image generation unit 140, and the connection interface 150 are arranged inside the casing 160. The imaging unit 100 is a so-called digital camera that images the detected area Re.

The imaging optical system 110 is an optical system for forming an image of the detection area Re on the light receiving surface of the imaging sensor 120, and includes one or a plurality of lenses. Here, the imaging optical system 110 employs a fixed focal point and fixed aperture so that the entire detected area Re is within the angle of view. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be one that can change the angle of view of the imaging range or perform focusing.

  The lens used for the imaging optical system 110 selects a material so as to transmit the absorption wavelength of the fluid to be detected. For example, when there is an absorption wavelength in the wavelength range from the visible light range to the near infrared light range, optical glass is used. In addition, when there is an absorption wavelength in the wavelength range from the mid-infrared region to the far-infrared region, an infrared light transmitting material such as Ge, Si, or chalcogenide glass is used. Moreover, in order to improve the transmittance | permeability of a predetermined wavelength range, the coating may be given to the surface. In the fluid leak detection apparatus A of the present embodiment, the leak of methane gas is detected, and the light absorption wavelength of methane gas is about 3.3 μm (light in the infrared region: hereinafter referred to as infrared light). The lenses constituting the imaging optical system 110 are made of an infrared light transmitting material.

  When methane gas is leaking, light is absorbed by the methane gas. The portion absorbed by this absorption is imaged as a shadow (image). In order to capture such an image due to light absorption of methane gas, the imaging unit 100 uses an image sensor having a high light receiving rate of the absorption wavelength of methane gas. Since the light absorption wavelength of methane gas is about 3.3 μm, the image sensor 120 is a sensor that can capture light in this wavelength region, that is, an infrared light image. The imaging sensor 120 has a configuration in which photoelectric elements that convert infrared light into electrical signals are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface. Then, the image sensor 120 receives the infrared light from the detection region Re by each photoelectric element and photoelectrically converts the infrared light from the detection region Re, thereby acquiring an image of the infrared light (black body radiation) from the detection region Re. As a material of the photoelectric element, indium antimony (InSb) having high infrared light receiving sensitivity around a wavelength of 3.3 μm can be given.

  In the imaging unit 100, a filter 130 is disposed between the imaging optical system 110 and the imaging sensor 120. The filter 130 transmits light having a wavelength suitable for acquiring a methane gas image out of light (infrared light) incident on the imaging optical system 110. In other words, the filter 130 cuts light having a wavelength unnecessary for acquiring the methane gas image. To do. The filter 130 is, for example, a band pass filter that transmits light having a wavelength of about 3.2 μm to about 3.4 μm.

  The imaging sensor 120 receives infrared light having a wavelength of about 3.2 μm to about 3.4 μm that has passed through the filter 130, and sends an electrical signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the received infrared light to the image generation unit 140. The image generation unit 140 performs processing for converting the electrical signal sent from the imaging sensor 120 into imaging data. In the present embodiment, the image generation unit 140 performs processing for generating captured image data of 30 fps moving images. The electrical signal output from the imaging sensor 120 indicates the luminance of light in gradation, and the imaging data generated by the image generator 140 is imaging data (monochrome image of a monochrome image) indicating gradation from white to black. Data). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and color image data may be used.

  The image generation unit 140 is configured to output moving image data based on an electrical signal from the image sensor 120, but is not limited thereto, and a still image is captured at regular intervals. Data may be output. In addition, the image generation unit 140 may perform preprocessing (for example, gamma correction or luminance correction) for acquiring an image of methane gas on the generated imaging data, or perform processing for detecting an image of methane gas. You may go. The image generation unit 140 of the present embodiment is configured to generate imaging data and transmit it to the external processing unit 300 via the connection interface 150.

  The connection interface 150 is an interface for connecting the optical detection device A to an external device. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 300 is connected. Examples of the connection interface 150 include a terminal for wired connection such as a USB or an optical cable. Further, an interface (antenna) for performing wireless communication such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

  The imaging optical system 110, the imaging sensor 120, the filter 130, the image generation unit 140, and the connection interface 150 are disposed inside the housing 160. In addition, since the imaging optical system 110 causes the infrared rays from the processing region Re to enter the imaging sensor 120, a part of the imaging optical system 110 is exposed to the outside of the casing. Also, a part of the connection interface 150 is exposed outside the housing in order to connect the cable. Since these members are members that dislike foreign matters such as moisture, dust, and dust, the housing 160 has a hermetically sealed structure so that foreign matters such as moisture, dust, and dust do not enter. Moreover, it has a structure that can withstand external impacts and vibrations.

  In the imaging unit 100, blackbody radiation (infrared light) from the detection region Re enters from the imaging optical system 110. When the incident black body radiation passes through the filter 130, wavelength components other than wavelengths of about 3.2 μm to about 3.4 μm are cut. Thereby, infrared light having a wavelength of about 3.2 μm to about 3.4 μm is incident on the image sensor 120, and image data is generated by the image generation unit 140 based on the electrical signal from the image sensor 120. Thereby, the imaging unit 100 acquires imaging data of infrared light in the detection area Re. When methane gas exists (is leaking) in the detection region Re, light having a wavelength of about 3.3 μm is absorbed by the methane gas. Therefore, the portion where methane gas is present in the imaging data is darker (the gradation is lower) than the other portions. The darker part than the other part is an image of methane gas.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the detection system 200 has a configuration in which a sensor mesh is assumed in the detection area Re from the imaging unit 100 and the detection unit 201 is arranged at the intersection of the sensor mesh.

  The plurality of detection units 201 arranged in the detection area Re are connected to the processing unit 300, and the detection unit 201 sends the physical quantity detected by the built-in sensor to the processing unit 300 as numerical data. The detection unit 201 includes a physical quantity sensor that detects the physical quantity of methane gas leaking from the pipe. Here, as the physical quantity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor 202 that detects vibration of the pipe when methane gas leaks is employed. In addition to this, a detection sensor capable of detecting the physical quantity of methane gas itself or the flow of methane gas may be provided. A plurality of sensors may be provided. Then, the detection unit 201 transmits the vibration intensity of the pipe detected by the ultrasonic sensor 202 to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data.

  The detection system 200 is configured such that a plurality of detection units 201 are individually connected to the processing unit 300 and transmit numerical data of vibration intensity, but is not limited thereto. For example, the detection system 200 is provided with an aggregation unit that aggregates vibration intensity data, which is a physical quantity from each detection unit 201, and the aggregation unit provides information such as the position of the detection unit 201 and the detection time to the processing unit. You may make it send to 300.

  As the ultrasonic sensor 202, a known semiconductor sensor is employed. Then, the detection unit 201 sends a detection result (physical quantity data) to the processing unit 300 at regular intervals (for example, every several seconds to several tens of seconds).

  In the above-described plant, many pipes are often attached to buildings, devices, and the like. In some cases, vibrations from buildings and devices (vibrations from outside) propagate to the piping. If such external vibration is detected and the vibration intensity is transmitted as a physical quantity, the detection accuracy of the fluid leak detection device A is lowered. Therefore, the detection unit 201 stores a vibration pattern (frequency, etc.) of vibration generated when methane gas leaks in advance, and the vibration detected by the ultrasonic sensor 202 matches or is similar to the stored vibration pattern. In this case, the vibration intensity is transmitted as physical quantity data. Even if other vibrations are detected, the physical quantity data is transmitted with no vibration detected or with a vibration intensity of “0”.

  In general, when the concentration of methane gas in the atmosphere (in the air) is low, ignition, explosion, and the like are difficult to occur, and itself has low toxicity to the living body. Therefore, when the concentration of methane gas is low, the danger is said to be low. And it is difficult to completely stop the leakage of methane gas from the piping in the existing plant, and if the leakage is completely stopped, the cost increases. Therefore, in a plant that uses methane gas, when the amount of methane gas leaked per hour is a certain amount or less (a trace amount), the methane gas may be allowed to leak. Therefore, when the vibration intensity is less than a predetermined numerical value (threshold value), the detection unit 201 transmits a signal indicating that methane gas is not detected (for example, a signal of “0”). The vibration intensity detected in (1) is sent to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data.

  This utilizes the fact that the intensity of vibration generated by the leakage of methane gas increases as the amount of methane gas leaking increases, thereby allowing a slight amount of methane gas leakage.

  Note that the vibration intensity (threshold) that the detection unit 201 transmits the vibration intensity as physical quantity data may be fixed or variable. For example, by setting the threshold value to 0 or as close to 0 as possible, it can be used in plants that do not allow any methane gas leakage, and by increasing the threshold value to some extent, a plant that allows a certain amount of methane gas leakage But it can be used.

  The processing unit 300 includes a data processing unit 310, a storage unit 320, a display unit 330, and a connection interface 340. The connection interface 340 is an interface for connecting to the imaging unit 100 and the detection system 200 described above. The connection interface 340 is connected to the imaging unit 100 and the detection system 200 by wire or wireless. In the fluid leak detection apparatus A according to the present invention, since a large amount of imaging data is often transmitted from the imaging unit 100, wired connection is used, and there are a plurality of detection apparatuses 201 and a wide area to be detected Re. Since they are arranged in a distributed manner, wiring is difficult to wire, and wireless connection is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The processing unit 300 receives imaging data from the imaging unit 100 via the connection interface 340 and receives physical quantity (vibration intensity) data at the location from each detection unit 201 of the detection system 200. The fluid leak detection device A according to the present invention is a detection device that detects a fluid leak and also serves as a monitoring device for the detected region Re. Therefore, the imaging data from the imaging unit 100 and the physical quantity data from each detection unit 201 are all stored in the storage unit 320 regardless of whether or not methane gas leaks. In addition, the operator may check the fluid leak detection device A constantly or at regular intervals. In preparation for such a case, the processing unit 300 may display the sent imaging data and / or physical quantity data on the display unit 330. Examples of the display unit 330 include, but are not limited to, a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an organic EL display device.

  The storage unit 320 is a memory for storing data sent to the processing unit 300, data processed by the processing unit 300 (data processing unit 310), and the like. The storage unit 320 includes a recording medium such as a read-only ROM, a readable / writable RAM, a flash memory, and a hard disk. In addition, when the processing unit 300 activates a program and performs various processes, a program for performing each process is also stored in the storage unit 320. In this embodiment, the storage unit 320 stores imaging data sent from the imaging unit 100, physical quantity data sent from each detection unit 201, data such as a later-described leak detection diagram generated by the data processing unit 310, and the like. To do.

  Based on the imaging data sent from the imaging unit 100 and the physical quantity (vibration intensity) data sent from the plurality of detection units 201, the data processing unit 310 leaks methane gas from the pipe Pp into the detection area Re. Check if exists. When the methane gas is leaked, the data processing unit 310 detects the detected data based on the imaging data sent from the imaging unit 100 and the physical quantity (vibration intensity) data sent from the plurality of detection units 201. A leak detection diagram showing the state (leakage state) of methane gas in the region Re is created. And the data processing part 310 estimates the leak generation | occurrence | production position of methane gas from a leak detection figure. The leak detection diagram and the methane gas leak occurrence position are displayed on the display unit 330.

  As described above, the detected area Re is a part of the city gas plant, and includes an alarm device Cr that warns a person such as an operator with sound and / or light in preparation for an emergency. In the fluid leak detection device A, the processing unit 300 is connected to the alarm device Cr via the connection interface 340. When the data processing unit 310 determines that methane gas is leaking into the detection area Re, the processing unit 300 sends an instruction to perform an alarm to the alarm device Cr.

  The fluid leak detection apparatus A captures the entire detected region Re as one image by the imaging unit 100. In order to suppress the distortion of the imaging data and fit the entire detected area Re in one image, the imaging unit 100 can image the detected area Re on a pole Po extending in a direction perpendicular to the detected area Re. It is fixed. In the present embodiment, the pole Po for attaching the imaging unit 100 is cited, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection area Re of the plant building, device, etc. can be overlooked, that is, You may make it attach the imaging part 100 to the place which can catch the to-be-detected area | region Re within an angle of view.

  The fluid leak detection apparatus A according to the present invention has the above-described configuration. Next, an operation when the leakage of methane gas is detected by the fluid leakage detection apparatus A according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of imaging data of a detection area acquired by the imaging unit, FIG. 4 is an isoline diagram generated from detection data from the detection unit, and FIG. 5 is an example of a leak detection diagram. FIG.

  When the detection unit 201 is viewed from the imaging unit 100 side, the detection unit 201 is separated by a certain distance (here, distance X1) in the horizontal direction by seven rows and a certain distance (here, distance Y1) in the vertical direction. Five rows are arranged apart. Then, when describing the position of each detection unit 201, with reference to FIG. 4, the i-th (1 to 7) position from the left to the right and the j-th (1 to 5) position from the bottom to the top are displayed as Rij. For example, the position of the fourth detection unit 201 from the left and the third from the bottom will be described as R43. Moreover, although the vibration intensity which the detection part 201 detects is shown in ten steps of 0-9, in the detection part 201 actually used, a detection numerical value is output and a process is performed based on a detection numerical value. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the physical quantity (vibration intensity) of the detection unit 201 at the position R53 is “5”.

  Vibration due to leakage of methane gas propagates to other parts (for example, the pipe and the support) through the pipe and the support that supports the pipe. This detection is also detected by the detection unit 201 (the ultrasonic sensor 202) other than the detection unit 201 disposed near the leak position. As described above, the detection unit 201 is two-dimensionally arranged at equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions in the detection area Re, and the processing unit 300 accurately determines the position of the detection unit 201 in order to accurately grasp the leakage state of methane gas. Need to figure out. Therefore, the physical quantity data transmitted from each detection unit 201 includes information for grasping the position of the detection unit 201 (information corresponding to the above-described position Rij) and information on a measurement time (time when the data is transmitted). Contains.

  By including such information for grasping the position, the processing unit 300 can accurately acquire the position where the vibration intensity due to the leakage of methane gas in the detection region Re is detected. In addition, by including the information of the measurement time, the processing unit 300 can arrange the vibration intensity distribution of the detection area Re in time series and check the state of methane gas (diffusion, flow, etc.). Is possible.

  And then. The processing unit 300 creates an isoline diagram Ct1 as shown in FIG. 4 from the physical quantity data acquired from each detection unit 201 of the detection system 200. The isoline diagram Ct1 is an isointensity line obtained by connecting the same vibration intensity with a line. The isoline diagram Ct1 interpolates the physical quantity (vibration intensity) transmitted (detected) from the plurality of detection units 201, thereby causing a portion between the detection units 201 (a portion where the detection unit 201 is not disposed). ) Is calculated. And it produces | generates by connecting the part of an equal value with a line (curve or straight line). For example, in the diagram shown in FIG. 4, the vibration intensity of the detection unit 201 at the position R53 is “5”, which is the highest value. In addition, there is a detection unit 201 that transmits “4” or “3” in the vicinity thereof, and a detection unit that transmits “2”, “1”, and “0” further outside. The data processing unit 310 creates an isoline diagram Ct1 by calculation based on the data of these physical quantities.

  On the other hand, imaging data using infrared light from the detection area Re is transmitted from the imaging unit 100 to the processing unit 300. In the imaging data with infrared light of the detection area Re, if methane gas exists in the detection area Re, an image (image Gi of methane gas) formed by absorption of infrared light by the methane gas is formed (FIG. 3). The data processing unit 310 performs image processing on the transmitted imaging data, determines whether or not a methane gas image (Gi) is included, and if included, specifies the boundary of the methane gas image (Gi). . In the present embodiment, the boundary of the methane gas image (Gi) is displayed by line drawing. Examples of image processing performed by the data processing unit 310 include edging processing and smoothing processing, but are not limited thereto.

  Further, when the concentration of methane gas leaking into the detection area Re is low, the image of methane gas is also thinned. Therefore, when the difference in gradation between the methane gas image and other portions is smaller than a predetermined gradation difference, the data processing unit 310 does not include or ignore the image of the methane gas in the imaging data. Judge the concentration.

  As described above, the data processing 301 specifies the methane gas image Gi from the imaging data sent from the imaging unit 100 (see FIG. 3), and is equivalent to the physical quantity data sent from the detection system 200. A diagram Ct1 is created (see FIG. 4). Then, the isoline diagram Ct1 is corrected so that the image of the sensed region Re of the imaging data and the sensed region Re assumed in the isoline diagram Ct1 have the same shape and size, and A leak detection diagram Si1 (see FIG. 5) is created by superimposing an isoline diagram Ct1 on the imaging data.

  The data processing unit 310 estimates the leak position P1 based on the leak detection diagram Si1. Then, the data processing unit 310 displays the leakage detection diagram Si1 and the leakage position P1 on the display unit 330 and transmits an instruction to perform an alarm to the alarm device Cr. This also serves as a constant monitoring device that notifies the operator of methane gas leaks.

  And since leak detection figure Si1 and leak position P1 are displayed on the display part 330, since the operator can know the approximate position of the position where methane gas is leaking, repair of the part where methane gas is leaking safely and quickly It can be performed. Further, when the operation of a valve for stopping the flow of methane gas flowing in the pipe Pp is possible at a place where the processing unit 300 is installed, it is adjacent to a portion where gas leakage has occurred (estimated). In other words, the flow in the pipe Pp can be partially blocked by closing the valve connected by the pipe Pp. Thereby, a small-scale operation is sufficient as compared with the case where the methane gas flowing into all the pipes Pp in the detected region Re where the methane gas has leaked is stopped. Even after the valve is operated, in order to detect the methane gas in the detection area Re (monitoring the detection area Re) by the fluid leak detection device A, whether or not the methane gas leakage is stopped by closing the valve. It is also possible to confirm.

  In the fluid leak detection apparatus A according to the present invention, the isoline diagram Ct1 is created based on the vibration intensity detected by the detection unit 201 arranged two-dimensionally in the detection region Re. By increasing the accuracy of the contour diagram Ct1, it is also possible to accurately estimate the leak position of methane gas. However, in the fluid leak detection apparatus A, the detection units 201 are normally arranged at a pitch of 5 m to 10 m, and it is difficult to increase the accuracy with the current number of detection units 201. Further, the holes through which methane gas leaks are often holes having a diameter of about 0.1 mm, and in order to estimate the positions of holes of this size, it is necessary to considerably increase the number of detection units 201. Increasing the number of detection units 201 complicates the configuration of the apparatus, increases the number of physical quantities, complicates the process for creating the isoline diagram Ct1, and increases the cost. Depending on the detection area Re, it may be difficult to increase the number of detection units 201 because there is no place to install the detection unit 201, which is not realistic.

  Further, in the fluid leak detection apparatus A, the imaging data is acquired by the imaging unit 100. When the concentration of methane gas is high, it is possible to estimate the position of a certain amount of gas leakage from the imaging data. However, if the concentration of methane gas is low, the image of methane gas may not be clear, and it is difficult to estimate the position of gas leakage. In addition, it is possible to obtain a clearer methane gas image by increasing the resolution of the imaging data, but in order to increase the resolution with the angle of view adjusted so that the entire detected area Re is included. Further, it is necessary to use high-performance imaging optical system 110 and imaging sensor 120, which increases the cost of the apparatus. Moreover, although it is possible to increase the resolution by reducing the imaging area and simultaneously capturing images with a plurality of imaging units, a plurality of imaging units are required and the cost is also increased. Further, when the imaging sensor 120 is enlarged or the number of imaging units is increased, the number of pixels of the imaging data of the entire detection area Re increases, so that it takes time for image processing.

  In the fluid leak detection device A according to the present invention, a leak detection diagram is created by complementing the imaging data acquired by the imaging unit 100 and the physical quantity data of the vibration intensity detected by each detection unit 201 of the detection system 200, The state of methane gas and the methane gas leak position are estimated from the leak detection chart. For this reason, the fluid leak detection apparatus A according to the present invention is an accurate methane gas with a small number of elements (a plurality of detection units 201 arranged at wide intervals with respect to the diameter of the leak hole of the pipe Pp assumed to be the imaging unit 100). It is possible to estimate the information and the leak position.

  In the present embodiment, methane gas is used as the fluid in the detection area Re, but it is also possible to detect a gas or other gas mixed with particulate matter. Further, the leakage of fluid other than water in the detection region in which liquid (fluid) other than water leaks into liquid such as water may be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 100 acquires imaging data using infrared light in the detection area Re, but is not limited thereto. The range of wavelengths that can be imaged may be determined in accordance with the light absorption characteristics of the fluid to be detected. For example, when there is an absorption wavelength in the visible light region (wavelength of about 400 nm to 800 nm), an imaging unit that employs an imaging sensor with high light receiving sensitivity in the visible light region and a filter that transmits wavelengths near the absorption wavelength in the visible light region. Is adopted.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which detects the gas leak of the area | region which has arrange | positioned the some to-be-detected area | region Re side by side, and is equipped with an imaging part and a detection system for every to-be-detected area, and each imaging part and a detection system are 1 unit | set. These processing units or a set of processing systems may be connected, and all regions may be integrated with these processing units or processing systems to detect gas leaks. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the imageable range of the imaging unit to some extent and to detect the gas image with high accuracy.

(Second Embodiment)
Another example of the fluid leak detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another example of a leak detection diagram. In the first embodiment, the detection unit 201 transmits the intensity of vibration (vibration intensity) generated by leakage of methane gas to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 201 is configured to transmit the presence or absence of vibration to the processing unit 300 as a physical quantity. In addition, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment except operation | movement of the detection part 201, it demonstrates as the fluid leak detection apparatus A. FIG.

  In the fluid leak detection apparatus A of the present embodiment, the physical quantity sent from the detection unit 201 to the control apparatus 300 is a signal “1” indicating that there is vibration due to leakage of methane gas, and “0” indicating that there is no vibration. ”Signal. Therefore, the detection unit 201 compares the vibration intensity detected by the ultrasonic sensor 202 with a predetermined threshold value, and transmits a signal “1” when the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value and a signal “0” when the value is less than the threshold value. . That is, the detection unit 201 binarizes the vibration intensity with a predetermined threshold as a reference, and transmits the result to the processing unit 300. When the detection unit 201 performs such an operation, the data processing unit 310 generates a leak detection diagram Si2 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, data of a physical quantity of “0” (no detection) or “1” (detection) is transmitted from the detection unit 201 distributed in the detection area Re. By creating a leak detection diagram by combining the isoline map Ct2 generated from the physical quantity data and the imaging data from the imaging unit 100, the leakage state of the methane gas and the position P2 where the leakage has occurred can be accurately detected. It is possible to obtain. As described above, when the physical quantity is binarized, the data quantity of the physical quantity data from the detection unit 201 is reduced, and the arithmetic processing can be performed quickly. For example, even when the detection area Re is vast and the number of detection units 201 increases or when a plurality of imaging units 100 are provided to secure an imaging range, the amount of data required for processing can be reduced. The burden on the processing unit 300 can be reduced.

  Further, the detection unit 201 transmits information on the detection position and information on the detection time. Further, the imaging data is an image (moving image) accompanied by a change with time. As described above, the detection unit 201 detects the vibration that has propagated through the pipe, the support, and the like, and therefore the propagation of the vibration changes in time series. Therefore, the data processing unit 310 may create an isoline map using the time at which the vibration is detected as a variable, and superimpose the vibration propagation state at each time on the captured image data. By doing in this way, it is also possible to improve the accuracy of estimation of the leak occurrence position.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the detection unit 201 detects the intensity of vibration generated by leakage of methane gas. Then, the detection unit 201 compares the vibration patterns to determine whether or not the detected vibration is due to leakage of methane gas. In this vibration pattern comparison, it is possible to determine whether the vibration is due to gas leakage or any other vibration, but if the characteristics of the leaking gas (specific gravity, viscosity, etc.) are close, the vibration pattern will be similar, so methane gas In some cases, a gas that is not is erroneously detected as methane gas.

  The imaging unit 100 can also determine the type of gas, but it may be difficult to determine with a gas (gaseous substance) having a near absorption wavelength. For example, since water vapor has a characteristic of absorbing infrared light in the vicinity of the absorption wavelength of methane gas, if water vapor is generated in the detection area Re, the image of the water vapor is captured in the imaging data. It is generated in the same way as an image. If a different gas (gaseous substance) is detected as a gas, the reliability of the fluid leak detection device decreases.

  The fluid leak detection device of the present embodiment has a configuration that suppresses the influence of such a gas (gaseous substance) different from the detection target. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the fluid leak detection apparatus according to the present invention. The fluid leak detection device B shown in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as the fluid leak detection measure A except that the detection system 210 is different. For this reason, in the fluid leak detection device B, substantially the same parts as the fluid leak detection device A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same portions is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fluid leak detection device B includes an imaging unit 100, a detection system 210, and a processing unit 300. The detection system 210 includes a plurality of detection units 211 arranged two-dimensionally in the detection area Re. Note that the arrangement state (arrangement direction, dimensions, etc.) of the detection unit 211 is the same as that of the detection unit 201. The detection unit 211 includes a concentration sensor 212 that detects the concentration of methane gas.

  A known semiconductor sensor is employed as the concentration sensor. The concentration sensor is a sensor that detects only the concentration of methane gas, and does not detect a change in the concentration of a gas other than methane gas or a gaseous substance. Here, only methane gas is used, but when there are a plurality of fluids to be detected, a configuration capable of detecting the concentration of the gas to be detected may be employed. Moreover, you may use together the sensor which detects only each fluid.

  Then, the detection unit 211 sends the detection result to the processing unit 300 at regular intervals (for example, every several seconds to several tens of seconds). At this time, when the concentration of methane gas is less than a predetermined concentration (threshold value), the detection unit 211 transmits a signal indicating that methane gas is not detected (for example, a signal of “0”), and is equal to or greater than the threshold value. At this time, the density detected by the density sensor is sent to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data. This is to allow leakage of methane gas in the detection area Re within a certain range, as in the fluid leak detection apparatus A, by performing this operation. In addition, it is the same as the fluid leak detection apparatus A in that the threshold value can be changed and the threshold value is set to 0 or a value close to 0 so that the leakage of methane gas is not allowed or the allowable range can be narrowed.

  In the detection system 210, the detection unit 211 periodically transmits the presence / absence of detection of methane gas at a predetermined concentration (threshold) or higher or the concentration of methane gas as physical quantity data to the processing unit 300. For example, even if methane gas is leaking, if the concentration of methane gas in the detection area Re is less than the threshold, the detection unit 211 transmits a “0” signal indicating that no methane gas is detected to the processing unit 300. When the concentration of methane gas becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value, the detection unit 211 transmits the numerical value of the methane gas concentration detected by the concentration sensor to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data.

  Here, physical quantity data sent from the detection unit 211 to the processing unit 300 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a leak detection diagram using concentration. FIG. 8 shows the methane gas concentration in 10 levels from 0 to 9 for convenience, but actually uses a measured concentration value (for example, ppm).

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processing unit 300 can acquire the concentration distribution of methane gas in the detection region Re. Further, by including the information of the measurement time, the processing unit 300 can arrange the methane gas concentration distribution in the detection area Re in time series, and can check the state of methane gas (diffusion, flow, etc.). It is. Then, an isoline diagram Ct3 is created using the concentration of methane gas as a physical quantity. The isoline diagram Ct3 is an isoconcentration line of methane gas. The isoline diagram is the same as the isointensity diagram, and is generated by performing an interpolation process.

  In the example of the present embodiment, methane gas is generated in the detection area Re and water vapor is also generated. The imaging data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 100 includes an image Gi of methane gas, and A steam image Sti is shown. Since the imaging data is gradation data, it is difficult to distinguish between methane gas and water vapor when viewed as an image.

  The detection unit 211 of the fluid leak detection device B detects methane gas and does not detect water vapor. Using this characteristic, the data processing unit 310 deviates from the isoline diagram Ct3 when the imaging data and the isoline diagram Ct3 of the methane gas are overlapped, in other words, the gas in the portion where no methane gas is detected. The image is judged not to be an image of methane gas, and is ignored in the leakage detection diagram Si3. Then, the data processing unit 310 estimates the leakage position P3 from the contour diagram Ct3 and the leak detection diagram Si3 using the image Gi of the methane gas overlapping therewith.

  As described above, by using the detection unit 211 that detects the concentration of the detection target (here, methane gas), it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy of fluid leakage due to reflection of a gaseous substance other than methane gas. .

  Moreover, as detection, you may employ | adopt what binarizes the density | concentration of methane gas and transmits as physical quantity data. Also in this case, methane gas can be detected in the same manner as when the vibration intensity is binarized, and the influence of gaseous substances other than methane gas can be suppressed. In addition, as a method of binarizing the concentration of methane gas, a sensor that detects the presence of methane gas may be used, or a binary value is used by using a threshold value when transmitting using the concentration sensor as described above. You may make it make it.

(Fourth embodiment)
Still another example of the fluid leakage detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of still another example of the granular material leakage detection apparatus according to the present invention. The fluid leak detection device C shown in FIG. 9 has substantially the same configuration as the fluid leak detection device B except that the detection system 210 includes a state detection unit 400 that detects the state of the detected region Re. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  As described above, the fluid leak detection device C detects methane gas in the plant, and often detects gas leak to the outdoors. In that case, the methane gas leaked by the external wind is caused to flow, and the accuracy of estimation of the state of the methane gas and the leak position may be lowered. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the fluid leak detection apparatus C, the detection system 210 includes a plurality (three in this case) of state detection units 400 that detect the wind direction and the wind speed as the state of the installation location. Note that the state detection unit 400 may be replaced with the detection unit 211, or may be newly installed separately.

  The state detection unit 400 includes a known sensor for detecting the wind direction and the wind speed, and periodically transmits the wind direction and the wind speed to the processing unit 300 as state quantity data of the installation location. Note that the timing of transmission of the state quantity data of the state detection unit 400 is preferably the same as that of the detection unit 211, but is not limited thereto. For example, each time the detection unit 211 performs physical quantity data transmission a plurality of times, the state detection unit 400 may transmit the state quantity data once.

  Creation of a leak detection diagram in the fluid leak detection apparatus C according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection diagram using state quantities. In FIG. 10, the arrow indicates the wind direction and the wind speed, the direction of the arrow indicates the wind direction, and the length of the arrow indicates the wind speed. As shown in FIG. 10, three air flow directions and wind directions in the detection area Re are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the leak detection diagram Si4, since there is an air flow, methane gas is flowed and the isoline Ct4 of the concentration of methane gas extends long. Similarly, the image Gi2 of the methane gas has a long shape. If there is no information on wind direction or wind speed, the methane gas leakage position is estimated to be near the center of the isoline. However, since there is information on the wind direction or the wind speed, the data processing unit 310 estimates the leak position of the methane gas by giving the influence of the leaked methane gas being flowed to the wind. Therefore, it is possible to accurately estimate the leak position of methane gas. Moreover, since there is information on the wind direction and wind speed, the accuracy of estimation of the future behavior of methane gas can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the wind direction and the wind speed are listed as the state quantities, but not limited thereto. For example, the environmental temperature, the environmental humidity, the environmental pressure (atmospheric pressure), the sunshine duration, the sunshine amount, the rainfall state, The snow condition can be mentioned. Of these, a plurality may be used in combination. It is considered that detection errors of various sensors included in the detection unit occur due to the change in the state quantities. Also, it is considered that an error occurs in the captured image data due to these state quantities. Therefore, the processing unit 300 corrects the physical quantity data detected by the detection unit and the imaging data from the imaging unit using the state quantity.

  Thus, by providing the state detection part 400, a highly accurate leak detection figure can be created and the state of methane gas leakage can be detected accurately.

(Fifth embodiment)
Still another example of the fluid leakage detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of still another example of the fluid leak detection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of a detection area in a state where the detection system is arranged. The fluid leakage detection device D shown in FIG. 11 is arranged as a detection system 220 so as to be movable in the detection area Re and a fixed detection unit 221 fixed at a predetermined location in the detection area Re. And a movable detection unit 223. Other parts are the same as those of the fluid leak detection device B, and substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  The stationary detection unit 221 and the movable detection unit 223 include concentration sensors 222 and 224 that detect the concentration of methane gas, respectively. Further, the movable detection unit 223 includes a drive unit 225 for moving in the detected region Re. The drive unit 225 may include a pedestal with wheels, but is not limited to this. For example, the drive unit 225 may be one having an endless track or floating in a space in the detection area Re. It may be a thing. The movable detection unit 223 has a configuration capable of outputting position information and time information when the concentration of methane gas is detected. The movable detection unit 223 transmits the methane gas concentration to the processing unit 300 as physical quantity data in synchronization with the fixed detection unit 221.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the fluid leak detection device D, a plurality of fixed detection units 221 are arranged dispersed in the detection area Re. The fixed detection unit 221 is a position determined according to a predetermined condition. Conditions for deciding the position of the fixed detection unit 221 include a position that does not hinder the movement of work equipment such as workers and cranes, a position where gas leakage is likely to occur at the joints of piping and equipment, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Conditions for quickly detecting gas leaks can be widely adopted while reducing the risk of gas leaks.

  The movable detection unit 223 detects the concentration of methane gas while moving in the detected region Re. In addition, the driving unit 225 of the movable detection unit 223 may move according to an instruction from the processing unit 300, or may move on a predetermined course. In the present embodiment, the movable detection unit 223 detects the concentration of methane gas while periodically moving on a predetermined course Cs. By detecting the concentration of methane gas while the movable detection unit 223 is moving, the concentration of methane gas at a location that cannot be covered or difficult to cover by the fixed detection unit 221 can be acquired. From this, the movable type detection unit 223 can be a fixed type detection unit 221 in the detection area Re that moves in a portion where detection is difficult or impossible.

  By using the movable detection unit 223, it is possible to detect the methane gas concentration in a place where it is difficult to always install the fixed detection unit 221 in the detection area Re (for example, a road on which a truck or the like moves). Is possible. In addition to this, in the case of a place where the detection frequency of the methane gas concentration can be lowered due to a wide allowable range with respect to the leakage amount of the methane gas, sufficient detection is performed with the methane gas concentration detected by the movable detection unit 223. Therefore, the number of fixed detection units 221 can be reduced. The configuration of the apparatus can be reduced, and maintenance work can be saved. Further, the cost of the fluid leakage device D can be reduced depending on the number of reductions of the fixed detection unit 221.

  In the present embodiment, the movable detection unit 223 is cited as being capable of autonomous navigation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operator holds and moves (so-called portability). It may be a thing, and an operator may push by hand. Further, it may be attached to an appliance (for example, work clothes, a helmet, a safety belt, etc.) worn when the worker enters the detected area Re.

  In the fluid leak detection device D, the fixed detection unit 221 is arranged at a portion where methane gas is assumed to leak easily. However, like the fluid leak detection device B, it is arranged in two dimensions at equal intervals. May be. Furthermore, in the fluid leak detection device D, the movable detection unit 223 detects a physical quantity (the concentration of methane gas) in the same manner as the fixed detection unit 221, but is not limited thereto. For example, the state quantity as shown by the fluid leak detection device C may be detected.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this content. The embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A Fluid leak detection device 110 Imaging optical system 120 Imaging sensor 130 Filter 140 Image generation unit 150 Connection interface 160 Case 200 Detection system 201 Detection unit 202 Ultrasonic sensor 210 Detection system 211 Detection unit 212 Concentration sensor 300 Processing unit 310 Data processing unit 320 storage unit 330 display unit 340 connection interface 400 state detection unit

Claims (12)

A fluid leakage detection device for detecting fluid leakage inside a detection area,
An imaging unit that obtains an image of a leaked fluid formed with light in a wavelength region including the absorption wavelength of the fluid, with the entire detected region as an imaging range;
A plurality of detectors provided in the detection area and detecting a fluid leak as a physical quantity;
A processing unit that creates a leak detection diagram based on the image of the leaked fluid received from the imaging unit and the detection result received from the detection unit ;
The processing unit creates a contour diagram based on a physical quantity from the detection unit, and creates a leak detection diagram in which the contour diagram is superimposed on an image of the leaked fluid .   The fluid leak detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes at least one of a concentration sensor that detects a fluid concentration or a vibration sensor that detects a fluid leak as vibration. The fluid leak detection apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a gaseous substance . The fluid leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging unit includes an imaging device capable of receiving infrared light . The fluid leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects a physical quantity of only the fluid to be detected . The fluid leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of detection units are arranged in the detection area at a predetermined interval . The fluid leakage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of detection units are arranged in the vicinity of a portion where fluid leakage is likely to occur . At least one of the plurality of detection units is a state detection unit that detects a state quantity of a position that is disposed in the detected region,
8. The fluid leak detection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit adds the influence of the state quantity when creating the leak detection diagram . The fluid leakage detection device according to claim 8 , wherein the state quantity includes at least one of an environmental temperature, an environmental humidity, an environmental pressure, a fluid flow direction and a flow velocity, a sunshine duration, a sunshine amount, a rainy state, and a snow cover state . The fluid leakage detection according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of detection units include a fixed detection unit fixed at a predetermined position and a movable movable detection unit. apparatus. The fluid leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the detection unit outputs a detection result of detection or non-detection as a binary value . The fluid leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the processing unit estimates a position where the fluid is leaking based on the leak detection diagram .

Images