Particle size distribution measuring system, particle size distribution measuring method, and particle size distribution measuring program

Abstract

The present invention provides a particle size distribution measurement system, comprising: a particle size distribution measurement unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample; a sample supply unit for sampling the sample and supplying the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow channel for sample flow; and an arrival time calculation unit for calculating the arrival time based on flow channel information, wherein the flow channel information is information about the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is sampled to when it arrives at the particle size distribution measurement unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a particle size distribution measurement system, a particle size distribution measurement method, and a particle size distribution measurement procedure. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional particle size distribution measurement systems, as shown in Patent Document 1, involve diluting a sample and measuring the particle size distribution of the diluted sample. Specifically, in this system, a pipe supplying the sample and a pipe supplying the diluent are connected to a mixing unit such as a static mixer, where the mixed liquid flows to a sensor. Furthermore, once the particle size distribution measurement is complete, the mixing unit and its downstream side are cleaned with the diluent. After cleaning, the sample is sampled again and the particle size distribution is measured. Existing technical documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-65874

[0004] Here, if the sampling interval is shortened, the sampling process time, which is the process time for sampling the sample, will be less than the arrival time, which is the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the sensor for measuring particle size distribution. Measurement will begin before the sampled sample reaches the sensor, resulting in mixing with previously sampled samples and preventing the measurement of the desired sample. Therefore, the sampling process time is set to be longer than the arrival time.

[0005] Previously, users calculated arrival times to set sampling time. However, this required complex calculations using flow channel information such as pipe diameter, flow channel length, flow channel specifications, and sample flow rate. Therefore, calculating arrival times was a burden on users, and calculating sampling time was time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the problems described above, the main objective of the present invention is to simply calculate the sampling process time in a particle size distribution measurement system in which the sampled specimen is supplied to the part where the particle size distribution is measured via a flow channel.

[0007] That is, the particle size distribution measurement system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a particle size distribution measurement unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample; a sample supply unit for sampling the sample and supplying the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow channel for sample flow; and an arrival time calculation unit for calculating the arrival time based on flow channel information, wherein the flow channel information is information about the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is sampled to when it arrives at the particle size distribution measurement unit.

[0008] In this particle size distribution measurement system, the arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time based on the flow channel information, so the user does not need to perform complex calculations and can automatically calculate the arrival time. As a result, the user's burden of calculating the arrival time is reduced, and the sampling process time can be easily calculated based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit.

[0009] To calculate the arrival time more accurately, the flow channel information is preferably at least one of the following: the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow channel, the flow channel length as the length of the flow channel, and the flow rate of the sample flowing through the flow channel.

[0010] Here, for example, when the sample concentration is high, pretreatment of the sample is sometimes necessary for high-precision determination of the particle size distribution. In this case, the sample is pretreated from the time it is sampled until it is measured, so the arrival time is extended to the portion corresponding to the sample pretreatment. Here, it can be listed that the particle size distribution measurement system also includes a pretreatment unit, which is disposed in the flow channel and performs pretreatment on the sample. The arrival time calculation unit includes device information in the flow channel information to calculate the arrival time. The device information is information about the device constituting the pretreatment unit.

[0011] With this structure, the arrival time calculation unit incorporates the device information of the pretreatment unit into the flow channel information to calculate the arrival time, so that even when sampling samples that require pretreatment, such as high-concentration samples, the arrival time can be automatically calculated.

[0012] Preferably, the particle size distribution determination system further comprises: an arrival time display unit that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit; and a determination time schedule display unit that displays a determination time schedule, wherein the determination time schedule is a time schedule for the determination of the sample, and the arrival time display unit and the determination time schedule display unit are arranged on the same screen.

[0013] With this structure, since arrival time and measurement schedule are displayed on the same screen, users can see both at once. As a result, compared to a structure where arrival time and measurement schedule are displayed on separate screens, the burden on users when creating measurement schedules based on arrival time is reduced.

[0014] Preferably, the particle size distribution determination system further includes a sampling process time setting unit, which sets the sampling process time for sampling the sample based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit, and sets the sampling process time to a time longer than the arrival time.

[0015] With this structure, since the sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to be longer than the arrival time, it can prevent the sample from being unable to be replaced in time within the flow channel. Furthermore, since the lower limit of the sampling process time is the arrival time, the lower limit of the sampling process time can be automatically calculated using the arrival time calculation unit.

[0016] The particle size distribution measurement system may also include a process adjustment device, which adjusts the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system. The process adjustment device includes: a sampling interval receiving unit that receives a sampling interval, the sampling interval being the time from the start of a sampling process of sampling the sample to the start of the next sampling process; and a process time adjustment unit that, when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value, adjusts the process time of at least one of the sampling process, the measurement process of measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process of cleaning at least one of the particle size distribution measurement unit and the sample supply unit, and the standby process of waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

[0017] With this structure, when the sampling interval is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one step in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system. Therefore, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system can be performed even with a sampling interval less than or equal to the predetermined value. As a result, even in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system where, for example, the state of the sample changes rapidly, the process time adjustment unit shortens the process time, thereby enabling the particle size distribution measurement system to follow changes in the state of the sample and measure the particle size distribution.

[0018] Preferably, if the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value, the cleaning process is omitted by the process time adjustment unit.

[0019] With this structure, the process time adjustment unit omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, so the sampling interval can be shortened to the extent corresponding to the omitted cleaning process.

[0020] The predetermined value of the sampling interval can be listed as the time required from the start of the measurement process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment.

[0021] With this structure, since the predetermined value of the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the measurement process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment, if the sampling interval is less than the predetermined value, it indicates that there is not enough time for the cleaning process. As a result, the process time adjustment unit can easily determine whether to omit the cleaning process based on the predetermined value of the sampling interval.

[0022] In particle size distribution measurement systems, there are cases where the sampled specimens are given a set particle size. In this case, since the particle size variation of the specimen decreases as it gradually approaches the set value, it is necessary to measure the particle size distribution of the specimen by gradually shortening the sampling interval. Therefore, the process adjustment device is suitable for adjusting the process of the particle size distribution determination system as the sampling interval gradually shortens.

[0023] In particle size distribution measurement systems, for example, when the particle size of a sample gradually increases, such as the absolute value of the particle size or the magnitude of the particle size change per unit time, the sampling interval is gradually shortened in order to follow the change in particle size. Therefore, the process adjustment device is suitable for adjusting the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the particle size of the sample gradually increases.

[0024] Examples of particle size distribution measurement methods include using a particle size distribution measuring unit to measure the particle size distribution of a sample, wherein the sample is sampled and supplied to the particle size distribution measuring unit via a flow channel for sample flow, and the arrival time is calculated based on flow channel information, wherein the flow channel information is the information of the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is sampled to when it arrives at the particle size distribution measuring unit.

[0025] With this structure, the same effect as the particle size distribution measurement system described above can be achieved.

[0026] The particle size distribution measurement program of the present invention is used in a particle size distribution measurement system, the particle size distribution measurement system comprising: a particle size distribution measurement unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample; and a sample supply unit for sampling the sample and supplying the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow channel for sample flow. The particle size distribution measurement program is characterized in that a computer functions as an arrival time calculation unit, the arrival time calculation unit calculating the arrival time based on flow channel information, the flow channel information being information about the flow channel, and the arrival time being the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit.

[0027] With this structure, the same effect as the particle size distribution measurement system described above can be achieved.

[0028] According to the present invention with the above structure, the sampling process time can be easily calculated in a particle size distribution measurement system in which the sampled sample is supplied to the part where the particle size distribution is measured via a flow channel. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a particle size distribution measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the computing device in the same embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the display unit in the same embodiment. Figure 4 The diagrams are (a) a particle size variation curve showing the gradual increase in particle size over time and (b) a particle size variation curve showing the gradual increase in the absolute value of particle size in the particle size distribution measurement system of the same embodiment. Figure 5 (a) A schematic diagram of the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in the same embodiment and (b) A schematic diagram of the process of the existing particle size distribution measurement system. Detailed Implementation

[0030] (This implementation method) Hereinafter, a particle size distribution measurement system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, all the drawings shown below have been appropriately omitted or exaggerated for schematic representation. The same reference numerals are used to label the same structural components, and descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0031] (Particle size distribution measurement system) In this embodiment, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 takes a sample from the generation channel P through which the generated sample flows in order to periodically observe the state of the generated sample and measures the particle size distribution of the sample.

[0032] Specifically, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 includes: a sample supply unit 10 for sampling a sample and supplying the sample via a flow channel 11; a pretreatment unit 20 provided in the flow channel 11 for pre-treating the sampled sample; a particle size distribution measurement unit 30 for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample; a calculation control device 40 for controlling and calculating the various devices constituting the particle size distribution measurement system 100; a process adjustment device 50 for adjusting the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100; and a display unit 60 for displaying various data. The structure of each part will be described below.

[0033] The sample supply unit 10 supplies a sample from the generation channel P to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 via a flow channel 11. Specifically, the sample supply unit 10 includes: a flow channel 11 connected to the generation channel P and the particle size distribution measuring unit 30, allowing the sample to flow from the generation channel P to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30; a pump 12 for sampling the sample from the generation channel P; and a sampling switching valve 13 for sampling the sample from the generation channel P to the flow channel 11 and shutting off the sampling. In this embodiment, the flow channel 11 includes: a sampling flow channel 11a connecting the generation channel P and the pretreatment unit 20; and a pretreatment flow channel 11b connecting the pretreatment unit 20 and the particle size distribution measuring unit 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the sample supply unit 10 also includes: a pump 14 for supplying the sample pretreated in the pretreatment unit 20 to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30; a mixer switch valve 15 for switching the discharge of liquid from the mixer 23 (described later); and a flow cell switch valve 16 for switching the inflow of liquid into the flow cell 31 (described later). However, the pump 14, the mixer switch valve 15, and the flow cell switch valve 16 are not essential components.

[0034] For example, when the sampled specimen is a high-concentration specimen, the pretreatment unit 20 is used to dilute the high-concentration specimen. Specifically, the pretreatment unit 20 includes: a diluent storage unit 21 for storing the diluent for diluting the specimen; a diluent discharge pump 22 for discharging the diluent from the diluent storage unit 21; a mixer 23 for mixing the diluent discharged from the diluent discharge pump 22 with the specimen sampled by the pump 12; a diluent discharge channel 24 for supplying the diluent discharged by the diluent discharge pump 22; and a diluent discharge valve 25 for discharging the diluent from the diluent storage unit 21 to the diluent discharge channel 24 and stopping the discharging.

[0035] The upstream side of mixer 23 is connected to a diluent outlet channel 24 for diluent supplied by the diluent outlet pump 22 and a sampling channel 11a, through which the diluent and the sampled specimen are introduced into mixer 23. Furthermore, the downstream side of mixer 23 is connected to a pre-treatment channel 11b, through which the pre-treated specimen is discharged from mixer 23. In this embodiment, mixer 23 is, for example, a static mixer; however, mixer 23 is not limited to this, and for example, a tank may be used for mixing.

[0036] The particle size distribution measuring unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of the sample diluted in the mixer 23. Specifically, the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 includes: a flow cell 31 for the flow of the diluted sample; a light irradiation unit 32 that irradiates light onto the sample in the flow cell 31 using a lens R1; and a light detection unit 33 that detects the light diffracted or scattered from the sample using a lens R2. After the particle size distribution measurement is completed, the sample is discharged into a flow channel 11 downstream of the flow cell 31. A flow cell outlet valve 34 is provided in the flow channel 11 downstream of the flow cell 31, but the flow cell outlet valve 34 is not an essential structure.

[0037] In this embodiment, the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 measures the particle size distribution when the sample is not flowing in the flow cell 31. However, it can also measure the particle size distribution when the sample is flowing in the flow cell 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 32 is, for example, a laser light source, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the light detection unit 33 is, for example, a photomultiplier tube, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] The computing control device 40 is a general-purpose or special-purpose computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. Specifically, the CPU and its peripheral devices work together according to the program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, thereby enabling the computing control device 40 to function as a particle size distribution calculation unit 41 that calculates the particle size distribution based on the light intensity signal obtained from the light detection unit 33, and as a control unit 42 for controlling various devices constituting the particle size distribution measurement system 100, such as pumps, valves, and particle size distribution measurement unit 30.

[0039] The process adjustment device 50 is a general-purpose or special-purpose computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. The CPU and its peripheral devices work together according to the program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, thereby adjusting the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100. In addition, the computer constituting the process adjustment device 50 and the computer constituting the computing control device 40 can be independent computers or the same computer.

[0040] Here, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 includes at least the following steps: a sampling step for taking a sample, a measurement step for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, a cleaning step for cleaning at least one of the sample supply unit 10 and the particle size distribution measurement unit 30, and a standby step for waiting until the start of the next sampling step. In this embodiment, the steps of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 are performed in the order of sampling step, measurement step, cleaning step, and standby step.

[0041] The specific process adjustment device 50 functions as follows: a flow channel information receiving unit 51, which acquires flow channel information, specifically information about the flow channel 11; an arrival time calculation unit 52, which calculates the arrival time from when the sample is taken until it reaches the particle size distribution measuring unit 30; a sampling process time setting unit 53, which sets the sampling process time, which is the period during which the sample is taken; a sampling interval receiving unit 54, which receives the sampling interval, which is the time from the start of the sampling process to the start of the next sampling process; and a process time adjustment unit 55, which adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measuring system 100. The structure of each part of the process adjustment device 50 will be described below.

[0042] The flow channel information receiving unit 51 acquires flow channel information input by the user. In this embodiment, the flow channel information includes the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow channel 11, the flow channel length of the flow channel 11 from the connection point with the generating flow channel P to the connection point with the flow tank 31, the flow rate of the fluid measured by a flow sensor (not shown) installed in the flow channel 11, a set value for the flow rate discharged from at least one of the pumps 12, 14, and diluent discharge pump 22, the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the diluent discharge channel 24, the flow channel length of the diluent discharge channel 24, or device information indicating information about the apparatus constituting the pretreatment unit 20. The device information of the pretreatment unit 20 is, for example, the device information of the mixer 23, which here indicates the mixing time from the time the sample and diluent are introduced into the mixer 23 until they are discharged. In addition, if the mixer 23 is a tank, the device information of the mixer 23 may also be the mixing time required until the sample reaches a predetermined dilution rate.

[0043] The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow channel information obtained by the flow channel information receiving unit 51. The arrival time referred to here is the time from the point A where the sampled sample moves from the connection point between the generation flow channel P and the flow channel 11 to the measurement position, which is the position within the flow cell 31 that is irradiated by light from the light irradiation unit 32.

[0044] The arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter and flow length of the flow channel 11 from the flow channel information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the flow channel 11. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains from the flow channel information receiving unit 51 the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and / or the set value of the flow rate discharged from at least one of the pumps 12, 14, and diluent discharge pump 22. Based on the volume of the flow channel 11 and the measured flow rate, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time it takes for the sample to reach the measurement position from the connection point A between the generation flow channel P and the flow channel 11, where the measurement position is the position within the flow cell 31 irradiated by light from the light irradiation unit 32. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the device information of the mixer 23 from the flow channel information receiving unit 51. The arrival time calculation unit 52 uses the time it takes for the sample to reach the measurement position from the connection point A and the device information of the mixer 23 to calculate the arrival time.

[0045] In this embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 also calculates the time from when the diluent is discharged to when the diluent reaches the flow cell 31. Here, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time from when the diluent reaches the measurement position in the flow cell 31 from the outlet of the diluent storage unit 21.

[0046] More specifically, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter and flow path length of the diluent outlet channel 24 from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the diluent outlet channel 24. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter and flow path length of the pretreated flow path 11b from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the pretreated flow path 11b. Moreover, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and the device information of the pretreatment unit 20 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. Using the volume of the diluent outlet channel 24, the volume of the pretreated flow path 11b, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and the device information of the pretreatment unit 20, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time from when the diluent is discharged to when it reaches the flow tank 31.

[0047] The sampling process time setting unit 53 sets the sampling process time based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52. Specifically, the sampling process time setting unit 53 sets the sampling process time to a time longer than the arrival time. Here, the arrival time when setting the sampling process time refers to the total time from when the sampled sample arrives at the measurement position from the connection point A to the total time of the device information of the mixer 23.

[0048] In this embodiment, the sampling process time refers to the time from the start of pump 12 operation to the time when the sampled specimen reaches the measurement position in flow cell 31. More specifically, the sampling process time refers to (1) the time from when the sampling switching valve 13 and diluent outlet valve 25 are opened and pump 12 operation begins, until the sampled specimen and diluent reach the measurement position in flow cell 31 and the sampling switching valve 13 and diluent outlet valve 25 are closed, or (2) the time from when the sampling switching valve 13 is opened and pump 12 operation begins, the sampled specimen reaches mixer 23, the sampling switching valve 13 is closed and diluent outlet valve 25 is opened, the sampled specimen and diluent reach the measurement position in flow cell 31 and the diluent outlet valve 25 is closed. In addition, in the sampling process time of (2), the timing of opening the sampling switching valve 13 and the timing of opening the diluent outlet valve 25 can be the same.

[0049] The sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the sampling interval input by the user via the input unit of the computer. In this embodiment, the user can input any sampling interval.

[0050] When the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit 54 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of at least one of the sampling process, measurement process, cleaning process, and standby process. Here, the measurement process time specifically refers to the time it takes for the light detection unit 33 to detect light diffracted or scattered from the sample, which is preset in the process adjustment device 50. Furthermore, the cleaning process time is the time it takes to clean the mixer 23, the pre-treated flow channel 11b, and the flow cell 31, calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52, and is the time until the diluent reaches the flow cell 31. Additionally, the cleaning process time, based on the time until the diluent reaches the flow cell 31, may include the time after the diluent reaches the flow cell 31, during which the substance adhering to the inner surface of the flow cell 31 is detached by the diluent.

[0051] In this embodiment, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit 54 is below a predetermined value. Specifically, when the sampling interval is below the predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 outputs a command signal to the control unit 42 to put the diluent discharge pump 22 into standby mode after the measurement process is completed.

[0052] On the other hand, the process time adjustment unit 55 performs a cleaning process when the sampling interval is greater than a predetermined value. Specifically, the process time adjustment unit 55 outputs a command signal to the control unit 42 to drive the diluent discharge pump 22 after the measurement process is completed.

[0053] In this embodiment, the predetermined value of the sampling interval is, for example, the time required from the start of the sampling process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment. Here, the process time adjustment unit 55 obtains the sampling process time from the sampling process time setting unit 53. In addition, it obtains the measurement process time preset in the process adjustment device 50. Moreover, the process time adjustment unit 55 calculates the cleaning process time based on the time until the diluent arrives at the flow cell 31, calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52. Furthermore, the process time adjustment unit 55 adds the sampling process time, the measurement process time, and the cleaning process time to calculate the predetermined value of the sampling interval.

[0054] The display unit 60, for example, is a display screen, and includes: an arrival time display unit 61 that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52; a measurement time schedule display unit 62 that displays the measurement time schedule for the sample; and a sampling interval input unit 63 for the user to input the sampling interval. Figure 3 As shown, the arrival time display unit 61, the measurement time display unit 62, and the sampling interval input unit 63 are arranged on the same screen of the display.

[0055] In this embodiment, the measurement time display unit 62 displays the start time of sample collection, the end time of particle size distribution measurement, and the measurement time of particle size distribution. Here, the start time is the moment when the user outputs a command signal to the control unit 42 to start driving the pump 12 via the computer's input unit. The particle size distribution measurement time is a time preset by the user or the computer. Alternatively, the start time, end time, and measurement time can also be set by the user.

[0056] In addition, the sampling interval input section 63 displays the sampling interval input by the user using the computer's input unit.

[0057] (Methods for determining particle size distribution) Next, the particle size distribution measurement method using the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 involves a gradual increase in the particle size of the sample. Specifically, as follows... Figure 4 As shown in (a), in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100, a set value for the particle size is set for the sample flowing through the generation channel P. Furthermore, when a sample with a particle size larger than the set value flows through the generation channel P, the change in particle size over time gradually increases, thereby the particle size of the sample flowing through the generation channel P gradually approaches the set value. In addition, in Figure 4 In (a), S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 represent the start time of the sampling process, and the time interval between adjacent times represents the sampling interval.

[0058] If the user inputs flow channel information using the computer's input unit, the flow channel information receiving unit 51 receives the flow channel information.

[0059] The arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter of the flow channel 11, the length of the flow channel 11, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and the device information of the preprocessing unit 20 from the flow channel information receiving unit 51. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow channel information obtained from the flow channel information receiving unit 51.

[0060] If the arrival time is calculated, the arrival time display unit 61 displays the arrival time, and the measurement time display unit 62 displays the measurement time of the particle size distribution. As a result, the arrival time and the measurement time of the particle size distribution are displayed on the same screen of the display unit 60.

[0061] Furthermore, the sampling process time setting unit 53 obtains the arrival time from the arrival time calculation unit 52 and sets the sampling process time to a time longer than the arrival time. The set sampling process time is then output to the control unit 42.

[0062] If the arrival time is displayed on the screen, the user inputs multiple sampling intervals into the sampling interval input unit 63 in a manner that gradually shortens the sampling interval. If the user inputs a sampling interval, the sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the sampling interval.

[0063] Next, the process time adjustment unit 55 determines whether the sampling interval is below a predetermined value. If the sampling interval is below the predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 by omitting the cleaning process. On the other hand, if the sampling interval is greater than the predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 by performing a cleaning process.

[0064] If the process time adjustment unit 55 finishes adjusting the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100, the user outputs a command signal to the control unit 42 to start the sampling process via the computer's input unit. This drives the pump 12 to begin the sampling process. The time at which the user outputs the command signal to start the sampling process is displayed on the measurement time display unit 62.

[0065] The control unit 42 controls the pump 12 according to the sampling process time, thereby the pump 12 samples the sample from the generation channel P. When the sampling process time ends, the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of the sample according to the measurement time displayed on the measurement time display unit 62.

[0066] If the measurement time ends and the sampling interval is below the predetermined value, the cleaning process is omitted and the standby process begins.

[0067] On the other hand, the cleaning process begins when the measurement time ends and the sampling interval is greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, if the preset cleaning process time ends, the standby process begins.

[0068] If the sampling interval input by the user expires, the standby process ends. If the standby process ends, the next sampling process begins, thus repeating the above-described process of the particle size distribution determination system 100.

[0069] (Example) Next refer to Figure 5 This section explains a comparison between the process adjustment in the embodiment of the process adjustment device 50 using this method and the process adjustment in existing examples. Furthermore, in both the embodiment and existing examples, the process time for the sampling process, the process time for the measurement process, and the process time for the cleaning process are preset.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), if the user inputs a sampling interval greater than a predetermined value, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 will proceed in the order of sampling, measurement, cleaning and standby.

[0071] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown in (a), if the user inputs a sampling interval below a predetermined value, the cleaning step is omitted by the process time adjustment unit 55. As a result, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 is performed in the order of sampling step, measurement step, and standby step. As a result, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can be performed even when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value.

[0072] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown in (b), in the existing example, since the cleaning step is not omitted, the sampling interval needs to be greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, in the existing example, if a sampling interval shorter than previously entered is input, the process time for the sampling step, the process time for the measurement step, and the process time for the cleaning step are preset, so only the process time for the standby step can be shortened. Therefore, even if the user inputs a sampling interval below the predetermined value, the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 cannot be performed in the existing example.

[0073] (Effects of this implementation method) According to the particle size distribution measurement system 100 in this embodiment, since the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow channel information, the user does not need to perform complex calculations, and the arrival time can be automatically calculated. As a result, the burden on the user to calculate the arrival time can be reduced, and the sampling process time can be easily calculated based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52.

[0074] Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 includes the device information of the pretreatment unit 20 in the flow channel information to calculate the arrival time, so even for samples that require pretreatment, such as high-concentration samples, the arrival time can be automatically calculated.

[0075] Furthermore, since the arrival time display unit 61 and the measurement time schedule display unit 62 are located on the same screen, the user can see the arrival time and measurement time schedule at once. As a result, compared with a structure where the arrival time and measurement time schedule are displayed on separate screens, the display unit 60 of this embodiment can reduce the burden on the user when creating a measurement time schedule based on the arrival time.

[0076] Furthermore, since the sampling process time setting unit 53 sets a sampling process time that is longer than the arrival time, it is possible to prevent the situation where the sample cannot be replaced in time within the flow channel 11.

[0077] Furthermore, when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of at least one of the processes in the particle size distribution measurement system 100, so that the user can perform the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 with a sampling interval below the predetermined value. As a result, even in processes where, for example, the state of the sample changes rapidly, the process time adjustment unit 55 shortens the process time, thereby enabling the user to perform the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the sampling interval is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process, so the next sampling process can start earlier for the portion corresponding to the omitted cleaning process. As a result, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can perform its processes even when the sampling interval is less than or equal to a predetermined value input by the user.

[0079] Furthermore, since the predetermined value of the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the measurement process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment, if the sampling interval is less than the predetermined value, it indicates that there is not enough time for the cleaning process. As a result, the process time adjustment unit 55 can easily determine whether to omit the cleaning process based on the predetermined value of the sampling interval.

[0080] (Other implementation methods) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0081] In order for the process adjustment device 50 to calculate the arrival time, the process adjustment device 50 only needs to have at least a flow channel information receiving unit 51 and an arrival time calculation unit 52. The sampling process time setting unit 53, the sampling interval receiving unit 54, and the process time adjustment unit 55 can be installed on a computer different from the process adjustment device 50. In addition, in order to calculate the arrival time, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 may not have a pretreatment unit 20 and a display unit 60.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time by including the device information of the preprocessing unit 20 in the flow channel information, but it can also calculate the arrival time by not including the device information of the preprocessing unit 20 in the flow channel information.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 also calculates the time from when the diluent is discharged to when the diluent arrives at the flow cell 31. However, it is also possible not to calculate the time from when the diluent is discharged to when the diluent arrives at the flow cell 31. That is, the arrival time calculation unit 52 only needs to calculate the arrival time.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the arrival time display unit 61 and the measurement time display unit 62 are provided on the same screen, but they can also be provided on separate screens.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, but it can also adjust the time of other processes. Specifically, when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 can also shorten or omit the process time of the standby process. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 can adjust the process time of the sampling process by outputting a command signal to the drive circuit of the drive pump 12 to increase the output of the pump 12. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 can adjust the process time of the measurement process by having the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measure the particle size distribution while the sample is flowing in the flow cell 31.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the predetermined value of the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the measurement process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment, but it is not limited to this. The predetermined value of the sampling interval can also be set by the user or the computer to any value.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the particle size of the sample flowing through the generation channel P in the particle size distribution measurement system 100 gradually increases over time, but it is not limited to this. For example... Figure 4As shown in (b), the process adjustment device 50 can adjust the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 in which the absolute value of the particle size of the sample gradually increases. In addition, the process adjustment device 50 is not limited to adjusting the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 in which the change of the particle size of the sample gradually increases, but can also adjust the process of other particle size distribution measurement systems 100.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the user inputs multiple sampling intervals into the sampling interval input unit 63 at once, but is not limited to this. For example, before the standby process ends, the user can input the sampling intervals for the next particle size distribution measurement schedule into the sampling interval input unit 63. In this case, the user can input a sampling interval shorter than the previous sampling interval into the sampling interval input unit 63.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time when the sampling interval input to the sampling interval input unit 63 is below a predetermined value, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the process time adjustment unit 55 inputs the sampling interval input to the sampling interval input unit 63 below a predetermined value, it may also notify the user of an error on the display unit 60.

[0090] Furthermore, various modifications and combinations of implementation methods can be implemented without departing from the inventive concept of this invention. Industrial applicability

[0091] According to the present invention, the sampling process time can be easily calculated in a particle size distribution measurement system in which the sampled sample is supplied to the part where the particle size distribution is measured via a flow channel. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0092] 100 Particle Size Distribution Measurement System 10. Sample Supply Department 11 Flow channels 11a Sampling Channel 11b Pre-treated flow channel 20 Pre-processing Department 30 Particle Size Distribution Measurement Section 40. Computational control device 50 Process Adjustment Device 51 Flow channel information receiving unit 52 Arrival Time Calculation Department 53 Sampling Process Time Setting Department 54 Sampling Interval Receiving Unit 55 Process Time Adjustment Department 60 Display Section 61 Arrival Time Display 62 Measurement Time Display Section P generates the flow channel.

Claims

1. A particle size distribution measurement system, wherein, have: Particle size distribution measuring unit, used to measure the particle size distribution of the sample; A sample supply unit that samples the sample and supplies it to the particle size distribution measuring unit via a flow channel for sample flow; and The arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time based on the flow channel information, where the flow channel information is the information of the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is taken until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit.

2. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The flow channel information is at least one of the following: the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow channel, the flow channel length as the length of the flow channel, and the flow rate of the sample flowing through the flow channel.

3. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a pretreatment unit, which is disposed in the flow channel and performs pretreatment on the sample taken from the flow channel. The arrival time calculation unit includes device information in the flow channel information to calculate the arrival time, and the device information is information about the devices constituting the preprocessing unit.

4. The particle size distribution determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It also has: Arrival time display unit displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit; and The measurement timetable display unit displays the measurement timetable, which is a schedule for the measurement of the sample. The arrival time display and the measurement time display are located on the same screen.

5. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, It also includes a sampling process time setting unit, which sets the sampling process time based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit. The sampling process time is the process time for the sampling process of taking samples from the specimen. The sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to a time longer than the arrival time.

6. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, It also includes a process adjustment device, which adjusts the process of the particle size distribution measurement system. The process adjustment device includes: A sampling interval receiving unit receives a sampling interval, the sampling interval being the time from the start of a sampling process for sampling the sample to the start of the next sampling process; and The process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one of the following when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value: the sampling process, the measurement process for determining the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning at least one of the particle size distribution measuring unit and the sample supply unit, and the standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

7. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 6, wherein, If the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit omits the cleaning process.

8. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 7, wherein, The predetermined value of the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the sampling process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment.

9. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The process adjustment device adjusts the process of the particle size distribution determination system by gradually shortening the sampling interval.

10. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The process adjustment device adjusts the process of the particle size distribution determination system, which gradually increases the change in particle size of the sample.

11. A method for determining particle size distribution, comprising using a particle size distribution measuring unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample, wherein, The sample is taken and supplied to the particle size distribution measuring unit via a flow channel for sample flow. The arrival time is calculated based on the flow channel information, where the flow channel information is the information of the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is taken until it reaches the particle size distribution measuring unit.

12. A particle size distribution measurement procedure for use in a particle size distribution measurement system, the particle size distribution measurement system comprising: a particle size distribution measurement unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample; and a sample supply unit for sampling the sample and supplying the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow channel for sample flow, wherein... The particle size distribution measurement program enables the computer to function as an arrival time calculation unit, which calculates the arrival time based on flow channel information, where the flow channel information is the information of the flow channel, and the arrival time is the time from when the sample is taken until it arrives at the particle size distribution measurement unit.

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