Estimation device, estimation method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for thickness of precipitate

An estimation device comprising a controller that:

• acquires a first pipe surface temperature and a second pipe surface temperature, wherein the first pipe surface temperature is an outer surface temperature of a pipe at a precipitate generation position at which a precipitate is adhered to an inner surface of the pipe through which a fluid flows, and the second pipe surface temperature is the outer surface temperature of the pipe at a reference position different from the precipitate generation position,
• calculates an in-pipe fluid temperature that is a temperature of the fluid at the precipitate generation position based on the second pipe surface temperature,
• estimates a thickness of the precipitate based on the in-pipe fluid temperature and the first pipe surface temperature,
• further acquires a heat insulating material surface temperature that is an outer surface temperature of a heat insulating material that covers the pipe,
• further calculates the in-pipe fluid temperature based on the second pipe surface temperature, the heat insulating material surface temperature, and thermal resistance of each of the fluid, the pipe, and the heat insulating material, and
• further estimates the thickness of the precipitate at the precipitate generation position based on a thickness distribution of the precipitates that are associated with the in-pipe fluid temperature and the first pipe surface temperature.

An estimation method comprising:

• acquiring a first pipe surface temperature and a second pipe surface temperature, wherein the first pipe surface temperature is an outer surface temperature of a pipe at a precipitate generation position at which a precipitate is adhered to an inner surface of the pipe through which a fluid flows, and the second pipe surface temperature is the outer surface temperature of the pipe at a reference position different from the precipitate generation position;
• calculating an in-pipe fluid temperature that is a temperature of the fluid at the precipitate generation position based on the second pipe surface temperature;
• estimating a thickness of the precipitate based on the in-pipe fluid temperature and the first pipe surface temperature;
• further acquiring a heat insulating material surface temperature that is an outer surface temperature of a heat insulating material that covers the pipe;
• further calculating the in-pipe fluid temperature based on the second pipe surface temperature, the heat insulating material surface temperature, and thermal resistance of each of the fluid, the pipe, and the heat insulating material;
• and
• further estimating the thickness of the precipitate at the precipitate generation position based on a thickness distribution of the precipitates that are associated with the in-pipe fluid temperature and the first pipe surface temperature.