KR20050087453A - Fume hood management system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fume hood management system, wherein the exhaust box management system of the present invention includes a collecting unit and a server device. The collector collects data indicative of operating conditions from the plurality of exhaust boxes. The server device includes a computing unit. The calculating unit calculates the co-usage rate based on the number of co-exhaust bins and the total number of co-exhaust bins. The number of co-exhaust bins is obtained from the data collected by the collector and represents the number of bins in use.

According to the present invention, since the utilization rate and safety margin can be obtained for an exhaust system including a plurality of exhaust boxes, quantitative numerical data related to the safety of the operator can be obtained and the safety of the system can be evaluated. have.

Description

FUME HOOD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fume hood for locally exhausting toxic gases harmful to an operator or a product generated in an environment such as a research facility, a plant, or a hospital. An exhaust box management system that can be obtained.

In chemical experiments, harmful gases or dust are often generated during the experiment. One of the devices that prevent these harmful substances from spreading in the room and to prevent contamination of the human body is the fume hood. Generally, the exhaust box has an envelope (enclosure) with a sash door that can be opened or closed vertically or horizontally. Workers in the laboratory can access the enclosure through the chassis door.

In order to prevent workers working in the exhaust box from being exposed to harmful gases or dust, the enclosure is connected to an exhaust device for removing harmful substances.

As an exhaust control method for such an airflow control system having an exhaust box and an exhaust device, a VAV (Variable Air Volume) method is known, which exhausts according to the aperture ratio of the chassis. To change the ship's exhaust airflow. UBC (Usage Based Controls) method is also known, which detects the presence of an operator, increases the exhaust airflow only when there is an operator, and reduces the exhaust airflow when there is no operator. .

In recent air flow control systems, "diversity" has been introduced as a technique for optimizing the system. "Diversity" is a system based on the fact that the statistical value, i.e. the simultaneous utilization ratio of the exhaust boxes (the ratio of the number of in-use compartments to the total number of exhaust compartments) converges to a certain value. Design concept.

According to this "diversity" concept, the design maximum exhaust flow, i.e., the maximum air flow that can be exhausted by the exhaust devices, can be reduced based on the statistical value. Thus, energy costs can be effectively reduced while the laboratory is running safely.

However, the conventional airflow control system has no means for measuring the simultaneous utilization rate in actual operation. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm the difference in actual operation with respect to the simultaneous utilization at the design stage.

Simultaneous utilization rates during actual operation will vary depending on the installation where the exhaust box is installed. In fact, the utilization rate also varies with the size of the facility and the number of workers. Thus, if the system is designed based only on statistical concurrency, it is not possible to determine whether the design is reasonable. To ensure sufficient safety, the design margin must be large.

In addition, the conventional airflow control system has no means for measuring the sum of the maximum exhausts, i.e., the instantaneous exhausts of the exhaust box, and no means for measuring the safety margin, i.e., the difference between the maximum design and the maximum exhausts. Therefore, the safety level or allowance of the facility cannot be confirmed.

As a result, in the conventional airflow control system, it is not possible to obtain data related to the safety of the worker, including the utilization rate and safety margin in actual operation. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the safety of the system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust box management system capable of obtaining data relating to the safety of the operator.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a collecting means for collecting data indicative of an operational state from a plurality of exhaust boxes, and a concurrently used exhaust box indicating the number of exhaust boxes that are obtained and in use from the data collected by the collecting means. An exhaust box management system is provided that includes a server apparatus that includes arithmetic means for calculating the number of concurrent uses based on the number and the total number of exhaust boxes.

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

As shown in Fig. 1, an exhaust box management system according to the present invention is used as a collection means for collecting field data indicating an operating state from a plurality of exhaust boxes 1, each exhaust box 1; And a server device (3) used as a calculation means for calculating the concurrent utilization rate or safety margin based on the collected field data.

The exhaust box management system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 4 displaying data transmitted from the server device 3, a router 5 connecting the exhaust box 1 to a network, and It also includes a gateway apparatus 6 that connects the network to the data collection module 2.

The exhaust box management system according to the present embodiment further includes an intranet connected to the terminal device 4 and a router 8 connecting the server device 3 to the intranet 7.

As shown in FIG. 2A, each exhaust box 1 includes a transceiver 1a for transmitting and receiving field data indicating an operating state, and a controller 1d connected to the transceiver 1a and controlling the respective parts. do.

The exhaust box 1 also includes an aperture ratio sensor section 1b connected to the control section 1d and detecting and monitoring the aperture ratio of the chassis door provided in the enclosure 1c (described later). The exhaust box 1 also includes an enclosure 1c which is connected to the aperture rate sensor part 1b and has an envelope with, for example, a movable chassis door. The exhaust box 1 also includes an operator detection section 1e which is connected to the control section 1d and detects an operator (operator) in front of the exhaust box 1. The controller 1d is also connected to the air flow control valve 12.

As the detector 1e, various means such as an infrared sensor or a camera can be used.

To determine if the chassis is open, a method can be used that allows the chassis aperture ratio sensor to directly detect the aperture ratio of the chassis. Alternatively, the open state of the chassis can be determined by arithmetically acquiring the aperture ratio of the chassis based on the maximum height of the chassis and the position of the chassis detected by the chassis position sensor attached to the predetermined position.

When the control signal to the exhaust valve of the exhaust box is equal to or greater than a predetermined set value (the value at which a predetermined or more air flow is to be exhausted) or the measured value of the airflow sensor attached to the predetermined position is set to the predetermined minimum exhaust flow rate. You can also decide that the chassis is open when you exceed it.

At least one of the aperture ratio sensor section 1b and the detection section 1e is sufficient.

In the present invention, "safety margin" means the safety of the operator and the allowable amount of the facility.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the data collection module 2 is connected to a transceiver 2a for receiving field data indicating an operational state, and a collector 2d connected to the transceiver 2a and collecting field data. And a storage unit 2c connected to the control unit 2b and storing the received data.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the server apparatus 3 is connected to the transceiver 3a for receiving data from the exhaust box 1 and the data collection module 2, and is connected to the transceiver 3a and controls the respective parts. And a control unit 3b. The server device 3 also includes a storage unit 3c which is connected to the control unit 3b and stores the calculation result. The server device 3 is connected to the control unit 3b and includes a simultaneous utilization calculation unit 3e for calculating the simultaneous utilization rate (to be described later), a maximum exhaust flow calculation unit 3f for calculating the maximum discharge flow rate, and safety margins. Also includes a calculation unit (3d) including a safety margin calculation unit (3g) for calculating the.

The terminal device 4 includes a transceiver 4a for receiving data from the server device 3, and a controller 4b connected to the transceiver 4a and controlling the respective parts. The terminal device 4 also includes a display unit 4d connected to the control unit 4b for displaying the received data and a storage unit 4c for storing the received data.

The operation of the exhaust box management system is described below.

When the VAV method is used as the exhaust control method, the control unit (control unit) 1d of each exhaust box 1 changes the exhaust airflow by adjusting the airflow control valve 12 in accordance with the opening ratio of the chassis 11. . For example, when the aperture ratio of the chassis 11 is 20% or less, the controller 1d sets the minimum exhaust flow rate. When the aperture ratio is 50%, the exhaust air flow is set to 50%. When the aperture ratio is 100%, the exhaust air flow is set to 100%.

When the UBC method is used as the exhaust control method, the control unit (control unit) 1d of each exhaust box 1 causes a detector (detection sensor) 1e installed in the exhaust box 1 to be operated by an operator (operator). Make sure you are in front of the exhaust box (1). When there is an operator (operator), the exhaust airflow is increased by adjusting the airflow control valve 12. In the absence of an operator, the exhaust stream is reduced to a safe atmospheric level.

The data collection module 2 periodically collects field data indicating the operating state of each exhaust box 1 from the control unit of the exhaust box 1 through the gateway device 6 and the router 5.

The field data may include only the instantaneous exhaust airflow, but also the instantaneous exhaust airflow and the chassis opening ratio, or the instantaneous exhaust airflow and the chassis opening ratio, and the detection result (with or without operator) of the detection sensor. Collectable field data changes depending on the shape of the exhaust compartment 1.

The server device 3 stores the field data collected by the data collection module 2 of the internal storage unit (storage device) 3c. The server device 3 also calculates the number of simultaneous discharge bins, the simultaneous utilization rate, the maximum discharge amount, and the safety margin based on the field data every predetermined time.

All exhaust boxes 1 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to a single exhaust system 9 to perform exhaust. An exhaust blower 10 is attached to the end of the exhaust system 9.

The number of concurrently used exhaust bins is the number of exhaust bins 1 in use from the total number n (n is a natural number) of the exhaust bins 1 connected to the exhaust system 9.

The method of determining whether each exhaust box 1 is in use depends on the type of field data that can be collected in the exhaust box 1. The exhaust box 1 can be determined to be in use, with an aperture ratio of the chassis 11 equal to or greater than the set value. Alternatively, it may be determined that the exhaust box 1 is using an exhaust air stream equal to or greater than the set value.

Simultaneous utilization can be obtained by dividing the number of co-exhaust bins by the total number n of exhaust bins 1.

The maximum exhaust stream is the sum of the instantaneous exhaust streams of the exhaust compartment 1 connected to the exhaust system 9. The safety margin is the difference between the maximum exhaust stream and the design maximum exhaust stream, which is the maximum value of the air stream that can be exhausted by the exhaust system 9.

The design maximum exhaust is, of course, a known value.

The server device 3 stores the calculated values of the number of simultaneous use exhaust boxes, the simultaneous use rate, the maximum exhaust flow rate, and the safety margin in the internal storage unit (storage device) 3c as actual values.

The server device 3 also calculates the ideal values together with the actual values and stores the ideal values in the internal storage (storage) 3c. The ideal values can be obtained when each exhaust box 1 has a detector 1e as a detection sensor.

The ideal values are the number of simultaneous exhaust boxes, assuming that the exhaust boxes 1 with the chassis 11 open are the ones with the least amount of exhaust, not in use, even though the detection sensor does not detect any operator. , Utilization, maximum emissions, and safety margins.

The server device (3) is designed for the maximum exhaust type, the actual value and the ideal value of the maximum exhaust type, the actual value and the ideal value of the safety margin, the actual value and the ideal value of the number of simultaneous exhaust boxes, and the actual value and the ideal value of the simultaneous utilization rate. The value is transmitted to the terminal device 4 via the router 8 and the intranet 7.

The server device 3 also includes a target exhaust air flow that is preset as a reduction target value of the maximum design of the exhaust gas, a target value of the target safety margin that is preset as a target value of the safety margin, and an ideal value, and a target value of the number of simultaneous exhaust boxes. The actual value and the ideal value of the target number of the coin box used in advance are transmitted to the terminal device 4 through the router 8 and the intranet 7.

The actual value of the target safety margin (target number of concurrently used exhaust boxes) is, as described above, using the exhaust box 1 in which the chassis opening ratio is equal to or greater than the set value or the exhaust airflow is equal to or greater than the set value. Obtained by definition.

Ideal values are obtained by defining that the exhaust bins 1 with the chassis 11 open have minimal exhaust airflow, even though the detection sensor does not detect any operator.

Each terminal device 4 connected to the intranet 7 is used by an administrator who operates the exhaust box management system shown in FIG. Each terminal device 4 displays the data received from the server device 3 on the display unit 4d. 3 shows an example of data displayed on the screen of the terminal device 4.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the design maximum exhaust, the actual value and the ideal value of the maximum exhaust, the actual value and the ideal value of the safety margin, the actual value and the ideal value of the number of simultaneous exhaust boxes, the actual value and ideal The value, the target exhaust air stream, the actual value and the ideal value of the target safety margin, and the target value of the concurrently used exhaust box are displayed as numerical values representing safety indicators.

The maximum discharge amount, safety margin, number of simultaneous use exhaust boxes, and simultaneous use rate are calculated and transmitted every predetermined time by the server device 3. For this reason, the display values of the terminal device 4 are updated at any time.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the actual value and the ideal value of the maximum exhaust stream which change over time are shown graphically. When the actual value of the safety margin exceeds the actual value of the target safety margin, the server device 3 calculates the time elapsed from when the excess starts to the end as the actual value of the target safety margin excess time. When the ideal value of the safety margin exceeds the ideal value of the target safety margin, the server device 3 calculates the elapsed time as the ideal value of the target safety margin excess time as in the case of the actual value.

When the actual value of the number of co-exhaust bins exceeds the actual value of the target co-occupancy rate obtained from the actual value of the target number of co-exhaust bins, the server apparatus 3 targets the time elapsed from when the overrun begins to the end. Calculate the actual value of the concurrent utilization over time.

When the ideal value of the number of co-exhaust bins exceeds the ideal value of the target co-occupancy rate obtained from the ideal value of the target number of co-exhaust bins, the server apparatus 3 targets the time at which the excess has elapsed, as in the case of the actual value. Calculate the ideal value of utilization over time.

The server device 3 transmits the calculated value of the actual value and the ideal value of the target safety margin excess time and the calculated value of the actual value and the ideal value of the target concurrent utilization excess time to the terminal device 4. Each terminal device 4 displays the received data.

In the present embodiment, the data collection module 2 and the server device 3 are configured separately. However, they can be integrated into one management device. The router 5, the gateway device 6, and the router 8 are not always necessary. These configurations can be changed according to the network condition of each facility.

As described above, in the present embodiment, field data is collected in each exhaust box 1, and the utilization rate and safety margin are obtained. Thus, quantitative numerical data relating to the safety of the operator can be obtained, and the safety of the system can be evaluated.

Moreover, the margin of the system with respect to the rated current of the exhaust blower 10 can be confirmed based on the data. Thus, it may be appropriately determined how many exhaust boxes 1 can be added in changing the facility, or whether the number of exhaust blowers 10 should also be increased when the exhaust boxes need to be added.

According to the invention, data indicative of operating conditions are collected from each exhaust box 1. The number of co-exhaust bins, i.e. the number of bins in use, is calculated based on the data. If the number of co-exhaust bins is divided by the number of co-exhausts, the co-occupancy rate can be calculated. Data can be used to determine whether the design is appropriate or quantitative numerical data related to operator safety. Numerical data can be used to determine whether each exhaust box is operating safely.

Measures necessary for safer operation can be identified quantitatively, and quantitative numerical data can be provided to workers using the exhaust box as a basis for safety training. In addition, the calculated utilization rates can be used as baseline data in changing facilities.

Simultaneous utilization is calculated by defining an exhaust box with no sensors in use and a chassis with no chassis open, in use. By using this calculated utilization rate as the ideal value, it is possible to confirm the decrease of the utilization rate when closing the chassis of the unused exhaust box, and quantitative numerical data can be provided to the operator as a basis for safety training. have.

Data representing the operational state is collected from each exhaust box 1. The maximum exhaust stream, ie the sum of the instant exhaust streams of the exhaust compartment, is calculated based on the data. Therefore, the safety margin, that is, the difference between the design maximum exhaust flow and the maximum exhaust flow can be calculated, and quantitative numerical data related to the safety of the operator can be obtained. It is also possible to confirm from numerical data whether each exhaust box is operating safely.

Moreover, measures necessary for safer operation can be identified quantitatively, and quantitative numerical data can be provided to workers using the exhaust box, etc. as a basis for safety training. In addition, the safety margin calculations can be used as basic data in changing facilities.

The safety margin is calculated by assuming that the exhaust airflows of the exhaust boxes with no detection by any detector and the chassis open are equal to a predetermined minimum exhaust airflow. By using the calculated safety margin as an ideal value, it is possible to confirm the increase in safety margin when closing the chassis of an unused exhaust box and to provide the operator with numerical data as a basis for safety training. Can be.

As described above, according to the exhaust box management system of the present invention, field data is collected in each exhaust box 1, and at the same time, the utilization rate and safety margin are obtained. Thus, there is an advantage that quantitative numerical data relating to the safety of the operator can be obtained, and the safety of the system can be evaluated.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an exhaust box management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2a is a block diagram showing the configuration of the exhaust box of the exhaust box management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2b is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data collection module of the exhaust box management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2C is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server apparatus of an exhaust box management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2d is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal apparatus (terminal apparatus) of the exhaust box management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data displayed on a screen of the terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1.

Claims (9)

Collecting means (2d) for collecting data indicative of operating conditions from a plurality of fume hood (1); And A server apparatus including calculation means 3d for calculating the co-usage ratio based on the number of co-exhaust bins and the total number of bins obtained from the data collected by the collecting means 2d and indicating the number of exhaust bins in use ( Exhaust box management system, including 3). The exhaust box management system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of exhaust boxes (1) each comprising monitoring means (1b, 1e) for monitoring operating conditions. 2. An exhaust box management system according to claim 1, wherein the computing means (3d) calculates the utilization rate by dividing the number of the concurrently used exhaust boxes by the total number of exhaust boxes. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said monitoring means (1b, 1e) comprise operator detecting means (1e) for detecting the presence of an operator, The calculating means 3d calculates the coincidence rate by defining an exhaust box in which the operator detecting means 1e does not detect any operator and the chassis is open and is not in use, and calculates the coincidence rate as an ideal value. Exhaust box management system. The method according to claim 1, wherein said calculating means (3d) Maximum exhaust flow calculation means 3f for calculating the maximum exhaust flow as the sum of the instantaneous exhaust streams of the exhaust compartment 1 based on the collected data, and A safety margin calculation means (3g) for calculating the safety margin as a difference between the maximum exhaust stream and a design maximum exhaust stream representing the maximum exhaust stream that can be exhausted by the exhaust system 9 connected to the plurality of exhaust boxes 1; Including exhaust box management system. The safety means according to claim 5, wherein the calculating means (3d) calculates safety margin by assuming that the operator detection means (1e) detects no operator and that the exhaust air flows in the exhaust box in which the chassis is open is equal to a predetermined minimum exhaust flow rate, Exhaust box management system that sets the calculated safety margin to an ideal value. The terminal device (4) according to claim 1, further comprising a display means (4d) connected to said server device (3) via a communication network (7) and displaying a calculation result by said calculation means (3d). The exhaust box management system further including. 2. An exhaust box management system according to claim 1, wherein said server device (3) comprises said data collection device (2) and said computing means (3d). The method of claim 2, wherein the exhaust box (1) An enclosure 1c having a removable chassis, and An exhaust box management system comprising an aperture ratio sensor (1b) for detecting the aperture ratio of the chassis.