JP3770545B2 - Heterogeneous liquid detection device and liquid separation equipment provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for accurately separating a liquid discharged from a reaction and purification tank, and it is particularly necessary for an operator to work in a poor and dangerous working environment without causing individual differences in the separation accuracy. In addition, the present invention relates to a foreign liquid detection device that does not require an operator and a liquid separation facility including the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the chemical plant, to extract the target component liquid from the reaction and purification tank after the completion of the reaction and purification (hereinafter referred to as separation operation), use the reaction in the stationary state and the specific gravity difference of the liquid in the purification tank. Then, the reaction and purification are carried out by sequentially flowing out a liquid having a higher specific gravity from the bottom of the refining kettle.
[0003]
Specifically, conventionally, an operator visually observes the flowing liquid through an observation window provided in a transfer pipe connected to the bottom of the reaction and purification kettle. When different types of liquids flow, the operator opens and closes the valves of the branch pipes branched from the transfer pipes and connected to the tanks.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional liquid separation operation is performed visually as described above, there are individual differences in the determination, and there is a problem that uniform and accurate liquid separation cannot be performed. Thus, when liquid separation is performed for a long time, the following vicious circle has been caused.
[0005]
That is, if an operator performs work continuously so as not to cause individual differences, a great burden is placed on the operator. In order to reduce the burden on the operator, when a plurality of operators perform by turns, there is a difference between individuals and accurate liquid separation is not performed.
[0006]
In addition, the conventional liquid separation work is that the operator visually observes the liquid through the observation window, that is, the operator is working in the vicinity of the reaction and purification tank. However, there was a problem that it was inferior and dangerous.
[0007]
The present invention solves the above-described problem, does not cause individual differences in liquid separation accuracy, and does not require an operator to perform work in a poor and dangerous work environment, and does not require the operator itself. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid detection device and a liquid separation facility including the same.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the different type liquid detection device of the present invention detects a different type liquid from the difference in transmitted color that becomes conspicuous depending on the type of liquid when irradiated with light. The separation device of the present invention uses the heterogeneous liquid detection device of the present invention to control opening and closing of the branch pipe valve branched from the transfer pipe connected to the bottom of the reaction and purification vessel. By doing in this way, conventionally, the liquid separation operation which has caused individual differences by visual observation by the operator can be performed with high accuracy without requiring the operator.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The heterogeneous liquid detection device of the present invention includes a transparent window portion provided on the peripheral surface of a pipe through which a liquid flows, and an illumination unit that emits light from one window portion to the other window portion. And an imaging unit provided so as to face the inside of the tube from the other window, and the most emphasized color of the image captured by the imaging unit are extracted, a binarization level is determined, and these setting data are stored When the processing unit and the reference value based on the setting data read from the processing unit are compared with an image obtained by continuously capturing the liquid flowing through the tube by the imaging unit, the value is outside the range of the reference value of the setting data And a comparator that outputs a signal indicating that different types of liquids have circulated.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, the present invention irradiates light from the illumination unit from one side of the window provided at the position facing the peripheral surface of the tube in order to detect that the type of liquid flowing in the tube has changed, An image is taken from the other side of the window. Here, according to the present invention, when a captured image is extracted in advance a color most emphasized in a predetermined liquid, converted into a binarized image with the extracted color, and converted into a binarized image. A binarization level that is a threshold value and a noise cut level that is a value for performing noise processing on the binarized image are respectively set, and setting data with the liquid name as an index is created. .
[0011]
The setting data is stored in the processing unit. When actually detecting the different liquid, the setting data for the liquid described above is selected, or the liquid flowing in the pipe is different based on the plurality of setting data selected according to the liquid and read from the processing unit. Is detected as follows.
[0012]
When the setting data is read out, the comparison unit processes the image data obtained by continuously capturing the liquid flowing in the pipe into the most emphasized color based on the setting data, and sets the binarized value. Performs processing to adjust the level and noise cut level. Then, when the image processing is performed as described above, the comparison unit detects that the different kind of liquid has flowed when the threshold value of the binarization level is exceeded or below, and outputs a signal to that effect.
[0013]
In this way, the captured image is processed, the most emphasized color is extracted, and a binarization level is set for the color. When the threshold of the binarization level is exceeded or below, the dissimilar liquid Therefore, there is no variation in detection accuracy among operators, and the operator itself becomes unnecessary.
[0014]
Further, the liquid separation facility of the present invention includes the above-described different liquid detection device of the present invention and a valve provided on the branch pipe, and each of the branch pipes based on the signal output from the comparison unit of the different liquid detection device. The valve opening / closing control is performed.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, the liquid separation facility of the present invention is provided with the above-described heterogeneous liquid detection device of the present invention in the transfer pipe connected to the bottom of the reaction and purification tank. That is, the window part of the different liquid detection device is provided in the transfer pipe, hereinafter, the illumination part and the imaging part are provided so as to face the inside of the pipe through the window part, and the processing part in a remote place isolated from the reaction and purification kettle, A comparison unit is provided.
[0016]
In the liquid separation equipment of the present invention, as described above, the comparison unit of the different liquid detection device detects that the different liquid has flowed, and outputs a signal to that effect to branch from the transfer pipe and store each liquid. Each valve of the branch pipe connected to the tank is controlled to open and close, and each liquid is stored in a separate tank.
[0017]
By doing in this way, the liquid separation operation | work which accommodates the large amount of different liquid discharged | emitted from a reaction and a refinement | purification kettle in a separate tank can be reliably performed with uniform accuracy. Therefore, even when the reaction and separation operation of the refining kettle takes a long time, an operator is not required. Therefore, the burden on the operator is eliminated, and the operator does not have to work in a poor and dangerous environment.
[0018]
【Example】
In the following, embodiments of the heterogeneous liquid detection device and the liquid separation facility of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a liquid separation facility of the present invention that employs a different liquid detection device of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the procedure of the setting mode and the inspection mode in the liquid separation facility of the present invention that employs the heterogeneous liquid detection device of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the creation status of the setting data. FIG. 4 shows the inspection status.
[0019]
In the present embodiment, the liquid separation device 11 of the present invention that employs the different liquid detection device 1 of the present invention is configured as follows. For example, at the bottom of the reaction kettle 12 in the chemical plant, a transfer pipe 13 for discharging the liquid after completion of the reaction is connected. The transfer pipe 13 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve V0 at a midpoint from the bottom of the reaction kettle 12 to a branch pipe 14 described later.
[0020]
The aforementioned branch pipe 14 is connected to the end of the transfer pipe 13 opposite to the reaction kettle 12. The branch pipe 14 is provided with tanks T <b> 1 to T <b> 3 (for example, three types) for storing the separated liquids at the end opposite to the transfer pipe 13. Valves V1 to V3 are respectively provided in the branch pipes 14 reaching the tanks T1 to T3.
[0021]
The flow control valve V0 and the valves V1 to V3 are controlled to be opened and closed by the valve control unit 14, respectively. The valve control unit 14 is connected to the heterogeneous liquid detection device 1 of the present invention, and the heterogeneous liquid detection device 1 controls the opening / closing timing of the flow rate adjusting valve V0 and the valves V1 to V3.
[0022]
The heterogeneous liquid detection device 1 of the present invention has the following configuration in order to control the valve opening / closing timing with respect to the valve control unit 14 as described above. The transfer pipe 13 immediately below the reaction kettle 12 is provided with a window portion 2. The window portion 2 is provided in an opposing shape in the transfer tube 13 and is made of transparent and transmissive glass.
[0023]
An illumination unit 3 is provided on one side of the window unit 2. The illumination unit 3 is preferably one that irradiates the entire surface of the window unit 2 with uniform illuminance. Moreover, the illumination part 3 may change illumination with the liquid to test | inspect.
[0024]
An imaging unit 4 is provided on the other side of the window unit 2. The imaging unit 4 is a color CCD, and continuously images the liquid in the transfer tube 13 through the window unit 2 illuminated by the illumination unit 3. An image captured by the imaging unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as “raw image”) is output to the processing unit 5, and the image data captured here is continuously subjected to image processing (hereinafter, the image processed image data is referred to as “processed image”). ").
[0025]
The processed image output from the processing unit 5 is output to the comparison unit 6. The comparison unit 6 continuously compares and determines whether the processed image exceeds or falls below a predetermined binarization level (hereinafter referred to as “outside binarization level”) based on setting data to be described later. Further, when the processed image is out of the binarization level, the comparison unit 6 outputs a message to that effect to the valve control unit 14.
[0026]
Specifically, the processing unit 5 and the comparison unit 6 are programs installed in a hard disk of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “personal computer”). A monitor 7 is connected to the personal computer, and is configured to monitor the inspection status and setting status described later.
[0027]
The monitor 7 displays, for example, the program menu, the raw image column D1, the processed image column D2, the inspection image column D3, and the setting data detail column D4 in FIG. 3 in the setting mode to be described later and FIG. 4 in the inspection mode. The In addition, this personal computer is provided in the position away from the reaction kettle 12, for example, a control room.
[0028]
Next, a setting mode and an inspection mode by the heterogeneous liquid detection device 1 and the liquid separation equipment 11 of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
Hereinafter, for example, a case where the inspection is started in a state where no setting data is stored for the liquids L1 to L3 sequentially discharged from the reaction kettle 12 will be described.
[0029]
First, a liquid type is selected from a menu (not shown) displayed on the monitor 7 (# 1). In # 1, now, since no setting data is stored for the liquid L1 discharged from the reaction vessel 12 first, the type name of the liquid L1 is input as an index.
[0030]
Then, when proceeding to the next menu in the menu (not shown), the presence / absence of setting data is determined (# 2). However, since there is no setting data for the liquid L1 (NO in # 2), # 3 to # 8. Go to setting mode. In the initial state, all of the flow rate adjustment valve V0 and the valves V1 to V3 are closed.
[0031]
In # 3 in the setting mode, first, the imaging unit 4 in the state where the raw image of the liquid L1 through the window 4 in the transfer pipe 13 (from the reaction kettle 13 to the flow rate adjustment valve V0) is irradiated by the illumination unit 3 is used. Capture and save.
[0032]
Subsequently, this raw image is displayed in the raw image column D1 on the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. 3A (in the setting mode, the liquid L1 does not flow because the flow rate adjustment valve V0 is closed). For this raw image, the operator first extracts the most emphasized color of the liquid L1 from the three colors of red, green, and blue (# 4).
[0033]
When # 4 is started, the processed image is displayed in the setting image column D2 on the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the operator performs binarization processing on the extracted color while looking at the processed image column D2, and determines the binarization level at that time (# 5). Next, the operator appropriately performs noise cut processing on the processed image while looking at the processed image column D2, and determines the noise cut level at this time (# 6).
[0034]
Note that the setting of # 4 to # 6 is performed by changing the numerical value in the setting data detail column D4 in FIG. After performing the above settings # 4 to # 6, the type of the liquid L1 input in # 1 is used as an index (or the type of the liquid L1 is input again in # 7), and the setting data of the liquid L1 is stored. (# 7).
[0035]
After # 7, when the liquid separation operation is not started (NO in # 8), the process is ended (only when the setting mode is stored and stored), and when the liquid separation operation is performed (YES in # 8), Return to # 2. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the separation operation is performed by returning to # 2.
[0036]
Returning to # 2, since the setting data is present (YES in # 2), the process enters the inspection mode from # 9. In # 9, the flow rate adjustment valve V0 and the valves V1 to V3 are closed, and it is detected that liquid is present from the reaction kettle 13 to the flow rate adjustment valve V0. Subsequently, here, the setting mode for the liquid L1 is read (# 10), and the display shown in FIG. 4 is output on the monitor 7 (the detailed value of the setting data is displayed in the setting data detail column D4). )
[0037]
After # 10, when the type of liquid in the setting data matches the liquid in the transfer tube 13 (YES in # 11), the process proceeds to # 12. Here, if the type of liquid in the setting data does not match the liquid in the transfer pipe 13 in # 11 (NO in # 11), the setting data is changed to # 2 in order to create the setting data again (change of each setting value). Return. When NO at # 11, although not shown in FIG. 2, the processing may be interrupted as an abnormality occurs.
[0038]
After the liquid in the transfer pipe 13 matches the type of liquid in the setting data (YES in # 11), when the process proceeds to # 12, the flow rate adjusting valve V0 and, for example, the valve V1 are opened, and the liquid L1 is directed toward the tank T1. Discharge.
[0039]
At this time, in FIG. 2A, the raw image continuously captured by the imaging unit 4 is processed in the raw image column D1, and the raw image in the raw image column D1 is continuously processed in the inspection image column D3. The processed images processed by the unit 5 are respectively displayed. In the processed image column D2, the processed image set in the setting mode is displayed as a detection reference image of the liquid (L1).
[0040]
When discharging the liquid L1, the comparison unit 6 always determines the binarization level (# 13). When the comparison unit 6 is within the range of the binarization level in the setting data (NO in # 13), the inspection image column D3 becomes white as shown in FIG. 4A, and the discharge of the liquid L1 is continued. However, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the inspection image column D3 is black, for example, when it is out of the binarization level (for example, when the threshold value is exceeded) (YES in # 13), Output to the effect valve controller 14.
[0041]
When receiving the signal from the comparison unit 6, the valve control unit 14 closes the flow rate adjustment valve V0 (# 14), and controls the valve V1 to close after a predetermined timing (# 15). This completes the liquid separation for the liquid L1. After # 15, it is determined whether or not there is a liquid in the transfer pipe 13 (# 16). In this case, since the next liquid L2 exists, the process returns to # 11.
[0042]
When the liquid L2 is separated, since the setting data being read is for the liquid L1, the liquid does not match the setting data in # 11 (NO in # 11), and the process is # 2. Return to. After returning to # 2, setting data is created for the liquid L2 through # 3 to # 6, the type of the liquid L2 is stored as an index (# 7), and the process returns to # 2.
[0043]
After returning to # 2, since there is setting data for the liquid L2 (YES in # 2), the process proceeds to the inspection mode of # 9 to # 16, and the same process as above is now performed for the liquid L2. Do. At this time, in FIG. 2, the above-described valve V1 is the valve V2, and the tank T1 is the tank T2.
[0044]
Then, after # 15, it is determined whether or not there is a liquid in the transfer pipe 13 (# 16). In this case, since the next liquid L3 exists, the process returns to # 11, and the above liquid L2 is used. The performed process is repeated for the liquid L3. At this time, in FIG. 2, the above-described valve V2 is the valve V3, and the tank T2 is the tank T3.
[0045]
As described above, when the liquid separation up to the liquid L3 is completed, it is assumed that the liquid has disappeared in the transfer tube 13 in # 16 (NO in # 16), and the process ends. As described above, the present invention is only necessary when the operator creates the setting data and selects the setting data, and it is only necessary to perform work in the control room. The above work can be performed in a safe environment.
[0046]
Furthermore, the accuracy of liquid detection is not performed by the operator, but is uniformly performed based on the setting data, so that there is no variation in the inspection accuracy for each operator as in the past, and the accuracy is stable. It is possible to perform different kinds of liquid detection and liquid separation operations. In the above embodiment, the reaction kettle 12 has been described, but it goes without saying that the same effect as described above can be obtained even when applied in a refining kettle.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the different type liquid detection device of the present invention detects the flow of different types of liquid from the difference in transmitted color that becomes noticeable depending on the type of liquid when irradiated with light, and the liquid separation device of the present invention. Uses the heterogeneous liquid detection device of the present invention, and controls the opening and closing of the branch pipe valve branched from the transfer pipe connected to the bottom of the reaction and purification tank, resulting in individual differences in the liquid detection accuracy. In addition, the liquid separation operation can be performed with high accuracy and stability, and it is not necessary for the operator to perform work in a poor and dangerous work environment, and the operator itself is also unnecessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a different type liquid detection device of the present invention and a liquid separation facility of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing processing procedures in a setting mode and an inspection mode by the different type liquid detection device of the present invention and the liquid separation equipment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen state in a setting mode.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen state in an inspection mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Different kind | species liquid detection apparatus 2 Window part 3 Illumination part 4 Imaging part 5 Processing part 6 Comparison part 11 Separation equipment 12 Reactor 13 Transfer pipe 14 Branch pipe V0 Flow control valves V1-V3 Valves T1-T3 Tank

Claims (2)

In a device for detecting different types of liquids that are sequentially discharged, light is transmitted from a window portion on one side to a window portion on the other side, and a transparent window portion provided opposite to the peripheral surface of the pipe through which the liquid flows. The illumination unit that emits light, the imaging unit provided so as to face the inside of the tube from the other side window, and the most emphasized color of the image captured by this imaging unit are extracted, binarization levels are determined, and these A processing unit that stores setting data, a reference value based on the setting data read from the processing unit, and an image obtained by continuously imaging the liquid flowing through the tube by the imaging unit are compared, and the reference value of the setting data A heterogeneous liquid detection apparatus comprising: a comparison unit that outputs a signal indicating that different types of liquids have circulated when they are out of range. 2. The liquid separation facility for storing each liquid in a respective tank via a branch pipe branched from a transfer pipe connected to the bottom of the reaction and purification tank, and the dissimilar liquid detection device according to claim 1; And a valve for controlling the opening and closing of each of the branch pipes based on a signal output from the comparison unit of the different liquid detector.

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