Process adjusting device, particle size distribution measuring system, process adjusting method, and process adjusting program

Abstract

A process adjustment device adjusts the process of 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. The process adjustment device comprises: a sampling interval receiving unit for receiving 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 a process time adjustment unit for adjusting 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 for sampling the sample, the measurement process for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning the particle size distribution measurement unit or the sample supply unit, and the standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventional particle size distribution measurement systems involve sampling a sample and measuring its particle size distribution. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a conventional particle size distribution measurement system includes the following steps: a sampling step, in which a sample is taken and supplied to a sensor for measuring particle size distribution via a flow path; a measurement step, in which the particle size distribution of the sample is measured by the sensor; and a cleaning step, in which the flow path is cleaned. Furthermore, if the cleaning step is completed and a predetermined standby time has elapsed, the particle size distribution measurement system begins the next sampling step. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-65874 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] Here, in the conventional particle size distribution measurement system, a sampling interval is set, which is the interval from the start of the first sampling step to the start of the next sampling step. Previously, users determined the specified value of the sampling interval based on the time required for the cleaning fluid or sample to fill the flow path, and set the sampling interval to a value larger than the specified value. As a result, for example, in the process of a particle size distribution measurement system where the sample state changes rapidly, it is necessary to shorten the sampling interval to follow the changes in the sample state, but it is impossible to measure the particle size distribution of the sample with a sampling interval below the specified value.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to follow the changes in the state of the sample and shorten the sampling interval in the process adjustment device of the process of adjusting the particle size distribution measurement system. Methods for solving problems

[0006] That is, the process adjustment apparatus of the present invention includes: a sampling interval receiving unit for receiving a sampling interval, the sampling interval being the time from the start of the sampling process to the start of the next sampling process; and a process time adjustment unit for adjusting the process time of at least one of the sampling process, the measurement process for measuring 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, when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value.

[0007] With this structure, when the sampling interval is below a specified value, the process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one of the processes in the particle size distribution measurement system, thus enabling the particle size distribution measurement system to perform processes with sampling intervals below the specified value. As a result, even in processes of the particle size distribution measurement system where, for example, the state of the sample changes rapidly, by shortening the process time through the process time adjustment unit, the particle size distribution measurement system can follow changes in the state of the sample to measure the particle size distribution.

[0008] Preferably, the cleaning process is omitted when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value.

[0009] With this structure, the process time adjustment unit can omit the cleaning process when the sampling interval is below a specified value, thus shortening the time of the omitted cleaning process by reducing the sampling interval.

[0010] The specified value for the sampling interval can be given as the time required from the start of the sampling process before adjustment to the end of the cleaning process before adjustment.

[0011] In this configuration, the specified value for the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the sampling process to the end of the cleaning process. Therefore, if the sampling interval is less than the specified 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 simply by comparing the specified value of the sampling interval with the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit.

[0012] In a particle size distribution measurement system, a set value, such as the particle size, is assigned to the sampled specimen. Furthermore, as the particle size of the specimen gradually approaches the set value, the variation in particle size decreases; therefore, it is necessary to gradually shorten the sampling interval to determine the particle size distribution of the specimen. Therefore, it is preferable to use the process adjustment device to adjust the process of the particle size distribution determination system in which the sampling interval gradually shortens.

[0013] In a particle size distribution measurement system, 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 to follow the change in particle size. Therefore, it is preferable to use the process adjustment device to adjust the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the particle size of the sample gradually increases.

[0014] The particle size distribution measurement procedure is characterized by comprising: the process adjustment device; 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 path for the sampled sample to flow; and an arrival time calculation unit for calculating the arrival time based on the flow path information, i.e., flow path information, the arrival time being the time from when the sample is sampled to when it arrives at the particle size distribution measurement unit.

[0015] In such a particle size distribution measurement system, since the arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information, the arrival time can be calculated automatically without the need for complex calculations by the user. As a result, the burden on the user to calculate the arrival time can be reduced, and the sampling period can be easily calculated based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit.

[0016] To calculate the arrival time more accurately, the flow path information is preferably at least one of the following: the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow path, the length of the flow path (i.e., the flow path length), and the flow rate of the sample flowing in the flow path.

[0017] Here, for example, when the concentration of the sample is high, the sample is sometimes pretreated in order to determine the particle size distribution of the sample with high accuracy. In this case, the sample is pretreated during the period from sampling to measurement, thus extending the sample pretreatment time. Therefore, the particle size distribution measurement system may also include a pretreatment unit, which is provided in the flow path and performs pretreatment on the sampled specimen. The arrival time calculation unit includes the device information constituting the pretreatment unit, i.e., device information, in the flow path information to calculate the arrival time.

[0018] If the structure is like this, the arrival time calculation unit will include the device information of the pretreatment unit in the flow path information to calculate the arrival time, and the arrival time can be automatically calculated even when sampling samples that require pretreatment, such as high-concentration samples.

[0019] Preferably, the particle size distribution measurement system further includes: an arrival time display unit that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit; and a measurement plan display unit that displays the measurement plan for the sample, i.e., the measurement plan, wherein the arrival time display unit and the measurement plan display unit are set on the same screen.

[0020] With this structure, the arrival time and measurement plan are displayed on the same screen, allowing the user to see both simultaneously. As a result, compared to structures where the arrival time and measurement plan are displayed on separate screens, this reduces the burden on users when creating measurement plans based on arrival time.

[0021] Preferably, the particle size distribution determination system further includes a sampling process time setting unit. The sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process, i.e. the process time, for sampling the sample based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit. The sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to be longer than the determination time.

[0022] With this structure, the sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to be longer than the arrival time, thus preventing situations where the sample replacement in the flow path is not timely. Furthermore, the lower limit of the sampling process time is the arrival time, so the lower limit of the sampling process time can be automatically calculated by the arrival time calculation unit.

[0023] A process adjustment method for adjusting the process of a particle size distribution measurement system, characterized in that the particle size distribution measurement system comprises: 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. In the process adjustment method, a sampling interval is received, 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. If the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, the process time of at least one of the sampling process, the particle size distribution measurement process for measuring the sample, a cleaning process for cleaning the particle size distribution measurement unit or the sample supply unit, and a standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process is adjusted.

[0024] If such a structure is used, it can achieve the same effect as the process adjustment device mentioned above.

[0025] A process adjustment program for adjusting the processes of a particle size distribution measurement system, characterized in that the particle size distribution measurement system comprises: 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. The process adjustment program enables a computer to function as a sampling interval receiving unit and as a process time adjustment unit. The sampling interval receiving unit receives a sampling interval, which is the time from the start of the sampling process to the start of the next sampling process. When the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one of the following: the sampling process for sampling the sample, the particle size distribution measurement process for measuring the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning the particle size distribution measurement unit or the sample supply unit, and the standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

[0026] If such a structure is used, it can achieve the same effect as the process adjustment device mentioned above. Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention configured in this way, in the process adjustment device of the process of adjusting the particle size distribution measurement system, it is possible to follow the changes in the state of the sample and shorten the sampling interval. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a particle size distribution measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of a computing device with the same implementation. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a display section with the same implementation. Figure 4 (a) is a graph showing the particle size change over time in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system of the same embodiment, where the particle size gradually increases. (b) is a graph showing the particle size change over time in the case where the absolute value of the particle size gradually increases in the same process. Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the process of a particle size distribution measurement system according to the same embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the process of a conventional particle size distribution measurement system. Detailed Implementation

[0029] <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, some drawings shown below may be appropriately omitted or depicted schematically with exaggerated reference numerals. The same reference numerals are used to label the same constituent elements, and descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0030] <Particle Size Distribution Measurement System> In order to periodically observe the state of the generated sample, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of this embodiment samples the sample from the generation flow path P through which the generated sample flows and measures the particle size distribution of the sample.

[0031] 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 path 11; a pretreatment unit 20, provided in the flow path 11, for pretreatment of the sampled sample; a particle size distribution measurement unit 30 for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample; a calculation and 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 process 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.

[0032] The sample supply unit 10 supplies a sample from the generation flow path P to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 via the flow path 11. Specifically, the sample supply unit 10 includes: a flow path 11 connected to the generation flow path P and the particle size distribution measuring unit 30, for supplying the sample from the generation flow path P to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30; a pump 12 for sampling the sample from the generation flow path P; and a sampling switching valve 13 for sampling the sample from the generation flow path P to the flow path 11 and stopping the sampling. In this embodiment, the flow path 11 includes: a sampling flow path 11a connecting the generation flow path P to the pretreatment unit 20; and a post-pretreatment flow path 11b connecting the pretreatment unit 20 to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the sample supply unit 10 also includes: a pump 14, which supplies the sample pretreated in the pretreatment unit 20 to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30; a mixer on / off valve 15, which opens and closes the outlet of liquid from the mixer 23 (described later); and a flow cell on / off valve 16, which opens and closes the inflow of liquid into the flow cell 31 (described later). However, the pump 14, the mixer on / off valve 15, and the flow cell on / off valve 16 are not essential structures.

[0033] For example, when a high-concentration sample with a high concentration of sample is sampled, the pretreatment unit 20 dilutes the high-concentration sample. Specifically, the pretreatment unit 20 includes: a diluent storage unit 21 for storing the diluent for diluting the sample; 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 and the sample sampled by the pump 12; a diluent discharge flow path 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 flow path 24 and stopping the discharge.

[0034] The upstream side of mixer 23 is connected to diluent outlet flow path 24, which supplies diluent discharged by diluent outlet pump 22, and sampling flow path 11a. Diluent and the sampled specimen are introduced into mixer 23. Furthermore, the downstream side of mixer 23 is connected to pretreatment flow path 11b, from which pretreatment specimens are discharged. In this embodiment, mixer 23 is, for example, a static stirrer, but it is not limited to this; for example, mixing can also be done using a container.

[0035] The particle size distribution measuring unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of a sample diluted in the mixer 23. Specifically, the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 includes: a flow cell 31 for the diluted sample to flow through; a light irradiation unit 32 for irradiating the sample in the flow cell 31 with light via a lens R1; and a light detection unit 33 for detecting light diffracted or scattered from the sample via a lens R2. After the particle size distribution measurement is completed, the sample is discharged into a flow path 11 downstream of the flow cell 31. A flow cell outlet valve 34 is provided in the flow path 11 downstream of the flow cell 31, but the flow cell outlet valve 34 is not a necessary structure.

[0036] In this embodiment, the particle size distribution measuring unit 30 measures the particle size distribution when there is no sample flow in the flow cell 31, but it can also measure the particle size distribution when there is sample flow in the flow cell 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 32 is, for example, a laser light source, but it is not limited to this. Additionally, the light detection unit 33 is, for example, a photomultiplier tube, but it is not limited to this.

[0037] The arithmetic control unit 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 a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, thereby performing the functions of a particle size distribution calculation unit 41 that calculates particle size distribution based on the light intensity signal obtained by the light detection unit 33, and a control unit 42 that controls various devices constituting the particle size distribution measurement system 100, such as pumps, valves, or particle size distribution measurement units 30.

[0038] 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 a program stored in a specified 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 can be a separate computer from the computer constituting the arithmetic control device 40, or it can be the same computer.

[0039] Here, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 includes at least 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 particle size distribution measurement system 100 is performed in the order of sampling step, measurement step, cleaning step, and standby step.

[0040] Specifically, the process adjustment device 50 functions as a flow path information receiving unit 51, an arrival time calculation unit 52, a sampling process time setting unit 53, a sampling interval receiving unit 54, and a process time adjustment unit 55. The flow path information receiving unit 51 acquires information about the flow path 11, i.e., flow path information. The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measuring unit 30, i.e., the arrival time. The sampling process time setting unit 53 sets the period for sampling the sample, i.e., the sampling process time. The sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the time from the start of the sampling process to the start of the next sampling process, i.e., the sampling interval. The process time adjustment unit 55 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.

[0041] The flow path information receiving unit 51 acquires flow path information input by the user. In this embodiment, the flow path information includes the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow path 11, the flow path length of the flow path 11 from the connection point with the generation flow path 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 path 11, the set value of the flow rate discharged by at least one of pump 12, pump 14, and diluent discharge pump 22, the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the diluent discharge flow path 24, the flow path length of the diluent discharge flow path 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, which is the time from the introduction of the sample and diluent into the mixer 23 to the discharge from the mixer 23. In addition, if the mixer 23 is a container, the device information of the mixer 23 may be the mixing time required until the sample reaches a specified dilution rate.

[0042] The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information obtained by the flow path information receiving unit 51. The arrival time referred to here is the time it takes for the sampled sample to reach the position, i.e., the measurement position, within the flow cell 31 irradiated by light from the light irradiation unit 32, from the connection point A between the generation flow path P and the flow path 11.

[0043] Specifically, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the piping diameter and flow path length of the flow path 11 from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the flow path 11. Then, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and / or the set value of the flow rate discharged by at least one of the pumps 12, 14, and diluent discharge pump 22 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. Based on the volume of the flow path 11 and the measured flow rate, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time it takes for the sample to reach the position, i.e., the measurement position, within the flow cell 31 irradiated by light from the light irradiation unit 32, from the connection point A between the generation flow path P and the flow path 11. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the device information of the mixer 23 from the flow path 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.

[0044] 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 time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52 is the time it takes for the diluent to reach the measurement position in the flow cell 31 from the outlet of the diluent storage unit 21.

[0045] More specifically, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter and flow path length of the diluent outlet flow path 24 from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the diluent outlet flow path 24. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter and flow path length of the pre-treatment flow path 11b from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the pre-treatment flow path 11b. Then, the arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and the device information of the pre-treatment unit 20 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. Using the volume of the diluent outlet flow path 24, the volume of the pre-treatment flow path 11b, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and the device information of the pre-treatment unit 20, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time from the diluent outlet to its arrival at the flow tank 31.

[0046] 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 is the sum of the time it takes for the sampled specimen to arrive at the measurement position from the connection point A and the device information of the mixer 23.

[0047] In this embodiment, the sampling process time refers to the time from the start of pump 12 to the arrival of the sampled specimen at the measurement position in flow cell 31. More specifically, the sampling process time is: (1) the time from the start of pump 12 after opening sampling switching valve 13 and diluent outlet valve 25, until the sampled specimen and diluent arrive at the measurement position in flow cell 31 and sampling switching valve 13 and diluent outlet valve 25 are closed; or (2) the time from the start of pump 12 after opening sampling switching valve 13, until the sampled specimen arrives at mixer 23 and sampling switching valve 13 is closed, and diluent outlet valve 25 is opened, until the sampled specimen and diluent arrive at the measurement position in flow cell 31 and diluent outlet valve 25 is closed. In addition, in the sampling process time of (2), the opening timing of sampling switching valve 13 and diluent outlet valve 25 can also be the same.

[0048] The sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the sampling interval input by the user via the computer's input unit. In this embodiment, the user can input any sampling interval.

[0049] When the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit 54 is below 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. Specifically, the measurement process time is the time 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 for cleaning the mixer 23, the pretreatment post-flow path 11b, and the flow cell 31, calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52, up to the time when the diluent reaches the flow cell 31. In addition, the cleaning process time may include not only the time until the diluent reaches the flow cell 31, but also the time after the diluent reaches the flow cell 31 to remove substances adhering to the inner surface of the flow cell 31 by the diluent.

[0050] 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.

[0051] On the other hand, the process time adjustment unit 55 performs the cleaning process when the sampling interval is greater than a specified value. Specifically, after the measurement process is completed, the process time adjustment unit 55 outputs a command signal to the control unit 42 to drive the diluent discharge pump 22.

[0052] 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. Furthermore, the process time adjustment unit 55 calculates the cleaning process time based on the time until the diluent reaches the flow cell 31, calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52. Then, 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.

[0053] The display unit 60, for example, is a monitor, and includes: an arrival time display unit 61 that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52; a measurement plan display unit 62 that displays the measurement plan for the sample, i.e., the measurement plan; 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 plan display unit 62, and the sampling interval input unit 63 are arranged on the same screen of the display.

[0054] In this embodiment, the measurement plan 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.

[0055] In addition, the sampling interval input section 63 displays the sampling interval input by the user through the computer's input unit.

[0056] <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 is a process in which the change in particle size of the sample gradually increases. 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 in the generation flow path P. Furthermore, for samples with a particle size larger than the set value flowing in the generation flow path P, the particle size gradually increases over time, and the particle size of the sample flowing in the generation flow path 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.

[0057] When a user inputs flow path information through the computer's input unit, the flow path information receiving unit 51 receives the flow path information.

[0058] The arrival time calculation unit 52 obtains the pipe diameter of the flow path 11, the length of the flow path 11, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and the device information of the preprocessing unit 20 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. Then, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information obtained from the flow path information receiving unit 51.

[0059] When calculating the arrival time, the arrival time display unit 61 displays the arrival time, and the measurement plan 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] When the arrival time is displayed on the screen, the user inputs multiple sampling intervals into the sampling interval input unit 63 to gradually shorten the sampling interval. When the user inputs a sampling interval, the sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the sampling interval.

[0062] Next, the process time adjustment unit 55 determines whether the sampling interval is below a specified value. If the sampling interval is below the specified value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 to omit the cleaning process. On the other hand, if the sampling interval is greater than the specified value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 to perform the cleaning process.

[0063] When 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 input unit. This drives the pump 12 to begin the sampling process. The time when the user outputs the command signal to start the sampling process is displayed on the measurement plan display unit 62.

[0064] The control unit 42 controls the pump 12 based on the sampling process time, thereby the pump 12 samples the sample from the generation flow path P. When the sampling process time ends, the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of the sample based on the measurement time displayed on the measurement plan display unit 62.

[0065] If the measurement time ends and the sampling interval is below the specified value, the cleaning process is omitted and the standby process begins.

[0066] On the other hand, the cleaning process begins when the measurement time ends and the sampling interval is greater than the specified value. Then, when the preset cleaning process time ends, the standby process begins.

[0067] When the sampling interval input by the user ends, the standby process ends. When the standby process ends, the next sampling process begins, and the above-described process of the particle size distribution determination system 100 is repeated.

[0068] <Example> Next, refer to Figure 5 A comparison will be provided between the process adjustment in the embodiment using the process adjustment device 50 of this embodiment and the process adjustment in the conventional example. Furthermore, in both the embodiment and the conventional example, the process time for the sampling process, the process time for the measurement process, and the process time for the cleaning process are preset.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the user inputs a sampling interval greater than the specified value, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 performs the process in the order of sampling process, measurement process, cleaning process and standby process.

[0070] And, as Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the user inputs a sampling interval below a specified value, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process. As a result, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 is performed in the order of sampling, measurement, and standby. As a result, even when the sampling interval is below a specified value, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can still be performed.

[0071] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown in (b), in the existing example, since the cleaning process is not omitted, the sampling interval needs to be greater than a specified value. Furthermore, in the existing example, if a sampling interval shorter than the previously input sampling interval is entered, the processing time of the sampling process, the processing time of the measurement process, and the processing time of the cleaning process are preset, so only the processing time of the standby process can be shortened. Therefore, even if the user inputs a sampling interval below the specified value, the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 cannot be performed in the existing example.

[0072] <Effects of this implementation method> According to the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of this embodiment, since the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on flow path information, the arrival time can be automatically calculated without the need for complex calculations by the user. 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.

[0073] Furthermore, since the arrival time calculation unit 52 includes the device information of the pretreatment unit 20 in the flow path information to calculate the arrival time, the arrival time can also be automatically calculated for samples that require pretreatment, such as high-concentration samples.

[0074] Furthermore, since the arrival time display unit 61 and the measurement plan display unit 62 are located on the same screen, the user can see the arrival time and the measurement plan simultaneously. As a result, compared to a structure where the arrival time and the measurement plan are displayed on different screens, the display unit 60 of this embodiment can reduce the burden on the user when creating a measurement plan based on the arrival time.

[0075] Furthermore, the sampling process time setting unit 53 sets a sampling process time that is longer than the arrival time, thus preventing the situation where the sample replacement is not timely within the flow path 11.

[0076] 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 even 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 user can perform the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 by adjusting the process time to a shorter value through the process time adjustment unit 55.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the sampling interval is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process, thus allowing the next sampling process to begin earlier by shortening the time of the omitted cleaning process. As a result, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can perform its processes even when the user inputs a sampling interval below a predetermined value.

[0078] Furthermore, the specified value for 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. Therefore, if the sampling interval is less than the specified 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 specified value of the sampling interval.

[0079] <Other Implementation Methods> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0080] 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 shorten or omit the process time of the standby process. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 can output a command signal to the drive circuit of the drive pump 12 to increase the output of the pump 12, thereby adjusting the process time of the sampling process. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 can also adjust the process time of the measurement process so that the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution while the sample is flowing in the flow cell 31.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the specified 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 specified value of the sampling interval can be set by the user or the computer to any value.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 is a process in which the particle size of the sample flowing in the generation flow path P gradually increases over time, but it is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown in (b), the process adjustment device 50 can also 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, and can also adjust the process of other particle size distribution measurement systems 100.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the process adjustment device 50 is a structure included in the particle size distribution measurement system 100, but the process adjustment device 50 can also be provided independently of the particle size distribution measurement system 100. Furthermore, in order for the process adjustment device 50 to adjust the process time, the process adjustment device 50 only needs to include at least a sampling interval receiving unit 54 and a process time adjustment unit 55.

[0084] 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 path information, but it may also calculate the arrival time without including the device information of the preprocessing unit 20 in the flow path information.

[0085] 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, but it may not be necessary 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 at least the arrival time.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the arrival time display unit 61 and the measurement plan display unit 62 are set on the same screen, but they may also be set on different screens.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the user inputs multiple sampling intervals into the sampling interval input unit 63 at one time, but is not limited to this. For example, before the standby process ends, the user may also input the sampling intervals for the next particle size distribution measurement plan into the sampling interval input unit 63. In this case, the user may also input a sampling interval shorter than the previous sampling interval into the sampling interval input unit 63.

[0088] 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, the process time adjustment unit 55 may also notify the user of an error on the display unit 60 when the sampling interval input to the sampling interval input unit 63 is below a predetermined value.

[0089] Furthermore, various modifications and combinations of embodiments are possible as long as they do not violate the spirit of this invention. Industrial applicability

[0090] According to the present invention, in the process adjustment device of the process of adjusting the particle size distribution determination system, it is possible to follow the changes in the state of the sample and shorten the sampling interval. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0091] 100: Particle size distribution measurement system; 10: Sample supply unit; 11: Flow path; 11a: Sampling flow path; 11b: Post-pretreatment flow path; 20: Pretreatment unit; 30: Particle size distribution measurement unit; 40: Calculation and control device; 50: Process adjustment device; 51: Flow path information receiving unit; 52: Arrival time calculation unit; 53: Sampling period setting unit; 54: Sampling interval receiving unit; 55: Process time adjustment unit; 60: Display unit; 61: Arrival time display unit; 62: Measurement plan display unit; P: Generation flow path.

Claims

1. A process adjustment device for adjusting the process of a particle size distribution measurement system, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system includes: 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. 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 for sampling the sample, the measurement process for measuring 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.

2. The process adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, If the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a specified value, the process time adjustment unit omits the cleaning process.

3. The process adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein, The specified value for 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.

4. The process adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The process of adjusting the particle size distribution measurement system so that the sampling interval is gradually shortened.

5. The process adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The process of adjusting the particle size distribution measurement system to gradually increase the change in particle size of the sample.

6. A particle size distribution measurement system, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system includes: The process adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The particle size distribution measuring unit measures the particle size distribution of the sample. The sample supply unit takes a sample and supplies it to the particle size distribution measuring unit via a flow path for the sampled sample; and The arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information, i.e., the flow path information, which is the time from when the sample is taken to when it arrives at the particle size distribution measurement unit.

7. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 6, wherein, The flow path information is at least one of the following: the pipe diameter of the piping constituting the flow path, the length of the flow path (i.e., the flow path length), and the flow rate of the sample flowing in the flow path.

8. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The sample supply unit further includes a pretreatment unit, which is disposed in the flow path and performs pretreatment on the sample to be sampled. The arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time by including the device information, i.e., the device information, of the apparatus constituting the preprocessing unit in the flow path information.

9. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system also features: Arrival time display unit displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit; and The measurement plan display unit displays the measurement plan, i.e., the measurement schedule, for the sample. The arrival time display and the measurement plan display are located on the same screen.

10. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system also includes a sampling process time setting unit, which sets the sampling process time, i.e., the sampling process time, based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit. The sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to a time longer than the arrival time.

11. A process adjustment method, wherein adjusting the process of a particle size distribution measurement system, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system includes: 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. In the process adjustment method described above, The sampling interval is the time from the start of the first sampling step to the start of the next sampling step. When the sampling interval is below a specified value, the process time of at least one of the following is adjusted: the sampling process for sampling the sample, the measurement process for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning the particle size distribution measurement unit or the sample supply unit, and the standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

12. A process adjustment procedure for adjusting a particle size distribution measurement system, wherein, The particle size distribution measurement system includes: 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. The process adjustment program enables the computer to function as both a sampling interval receiving unit and a process time adjustment unit. The sampling interval receiving unit receives the sampling interval, which is the time from the start of the sampling process to the start of the next sampling process. When the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is below a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one of the following: the sampling process for sampling the sample, the measurement process for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning the particle size distribution measuring unit or the sample supply unit, and the standby process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

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