Inspection method and inspection kit

Abstract

This reduces the effort required from users when inspecting particle size distribution analyzers. [Solution] A blank measurement is performed by irradiating the solvent with light while the solvent is contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the solvent. Using an inspection container containing standard particles of known particle size and a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell, the dispersant and the standard particles are introduced into the cell. A sample measurement is performed by irradiating the standard particles with light while the standard particles are contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the standard particles. Based on the blank measurement and the sample measurement, the particle size distribution of the standard particles is calculated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for inspecting a particle size distribution measuring device and an inspection kit used for inspecting the particle size distribution measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device that uses the diffraction phenomenon and the Mie scattering phenomenon to measure the particle size distribution of particles.

[0003] This type of laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device includes, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a cell through which particles flow, a laser light source that irradiates laser light onto the particles flowing through the cell, and a detector that detects transmitted light and scattered light generated from the particles by the laser light irradiated from the laser light source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in order to inspect whether an abnormality has occurred in the above particle size distribution measuring device, conventionally, a standard particle with a known particle size is used to measure the particle size distribution of the standard particle, thereby inspecting the particle size distribution measuring device. In this inspection method, in order to prevent the standard particles from aggregating, a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell may be used.

[0006] When inspecting a particle size distribution analyzer using standard particles and a dispersant, first, a blank measurement is performed by introducing the solvent and dispersant into the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the solvent by irradiating the solvent with light. Then, standard particles are introduced into the cell, and after confirming the concentration and dispersion state of the standard particles in the cell, a sample measurement is performed by irradiating the standard particles with light and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the standard particles. Finally, the particle size distribution of the standard particles is calculated by subtracting the blank data obtained from the blank measurement from the sample data obtained from the sample measurement.

[0007] The inventors of this application realized that since the dispersant only needs to disperse the standard particles during sample measurement, the dispersant is not necessarily required during blank measurement. However, in conventional inspection methods for particle size distribution analyzers, the user had to prepare not only the solvent but also the dispersant during blank measurement, requiring the dispersant and standard particles to be prepared separately.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main objective is to reduce the effort required of the user when inspecting a particle size distribution measuring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In other words, the inspection method of the present invention is an inspection method for a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device that measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted light and / or scattered light generated by irradiating particles in a cell with laser light, characterized in that a blank measurement is performed by irradiating the solvent with light while the solvent is contained in the cell and detecting diffracted light and / or scattered light from the solvent; an inspection container containing standard particles of known particle size and a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell is used to introduce the dispersant and the standard particles into the cell; a sample measurement is performed by irradiating the standard particles with light while the standard particles are contained in the cell and detecting diffracted light and / or scattered light from the standard particles; and the particle size distribution of the standard particles is calculated based on the blank measurement and the sample measurement.

[0010] With this configuration, after the blank measurement, the standard particles and dispersant are introduced into the cell using the inspection container, eliminating the need for the user to prepare the dispersant during the blank measurement. Furthermore, since the inspection container contains both the standard particles and the dispersant, they can be prepared together. Consequently, when inspecting the particle size distribution analyzer, the user no longer needs to prepare the standard particles and dispersant separately, saving them time and effort.

[0011] The dispersant is soluble in the solvent, and after the standard particles and the dispersant are introduced into the cell, the dispersant dissolves in the solvent and the standard particles are dispersed by the dispersant.

[0012] With this configuration, the dispersant dissolves in the solvent, so the particle size distribution of the standard particles can be accurately measured even if the dispersant is not contained within the cell before the standard particles are contained within the cell.

[0013] The inspection container contains one dose of the standard particles and the dispersant, which is the amount of the standard particles and the dispersant that allows the particle size distribution of the standard particles to be calculated, and it is preferable to use the inspection container to introduce one dose of the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell.

[0014] With this configuration, the inspection container holds enough standard particles and dispersant for one inspection, eliminating the need to readjust the amounts of standard particles and dispersant during each inspection, further reducing the user's workload. Furthermore, the standard particles and dispersant contained in the inspection container can be used up in a single inspection.

[0015] The particle size distribution measuring device accepts an inspection sequence in which the blank measurement, the introduction of the standard particles into the cell, the sample measurement, and the calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles are performed in that order. When the inspection sequence is started, the particle size distribution measuring device performs the blank measurement, the sample measurement, and the calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles, and it is preferable that the user introduces the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell using the inspection container.

[0016] With this configuration, once the inspection sequence is initiated, the particle size distribution analyzer performs blank measurement, sample measurement, and calculates the particle size distribution of the standard particles. Therefore, the user only needs to introduce the standard particles and dispersant from the inspection container into the cell. This further reduces the effort required of the user during inspection.

[0017] The inspection method includes placing the inspection container containing the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell.

[0018] With this configuration, the inspection container containing the standard particles and dispersant is placed into the cell, eliminating the need to remove the standard particles and dispersant from the inspection container and introduce them into the cell. Therefore, the user can simply place the inspection container directly into the cell, further reducing their workload.

[0019] The inspection container is soluble in the solvent, and it is preferable that the inspection container containing the standard particles and the dispersant is placed into the cell so that the inspection container dissolves in the solvent.

[0020] With this configuration, the inspection container dissolves in the solvent, so even if the inspection container is directly added to the cell, the particle size distribution of the standard particles can be accurately measured.

[0021] The inspection container is configured to suppress the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface, and examples thereof include taking out the standard particles and the dispersant from the inspection container and introducing the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell.

[0022] With such a configuration, since it is difficult for the standard particles and the dispersant to adhere to the wall surface of the inspection container, the error when taking out the standard particles and the dispersant from the inspection container can be reduced, and the particle size distribution of the standard particles can be accurately measured.

[0023] As a specific aspect of the inspection container configured to suppress the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface, examples thereof include coating the surface of the inner wall surface with an adhesion suppression portion that suppresses the adhesion of particles, or an adhesion suppression member that suppresses the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface.

[0024] An inspection kit used when inspecting a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device that measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted light and / or scattered light generated by irradiating the particles in the cell with laser light, comprising standard particles with a known particle size, a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell, and an inspection container that houses the standard particles and the dispersant and does not house a solvent.

[0025] With such a configuration, the same operational effects as those of the inspection method of the above particle size distribution measuring device can be obtained. In addition, since the inspection container does not contain a liquid such as a solvent, the inspection kit is easy to store.

[0026] The inspection container preferably houses the standard particles and the dispersant for one measurement, which is the amount of the standard particles and the dispersant capable of calculating the particle size distribution of the standard particles.

[0027] With this configuration, similar to the inspection method for the particle size distribution analyzer described above, the inspection container holds enough standard particles and dispersant for one inspection. Therefore, there is no need to readjust the amounts of standard particles and dispersant during inspection, further reducing the user's workload. Furthermore, the standard particles and dispersant contained in the inspection container can be used up in a single inspection.

[0028] Another aspect of the inspection method for a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measuring device, which measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted and / or scattered light generated by irradiating particles in a cell with laser light, is to perform a blank measurement by irradiating the solvent with light while the solvent is contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the solvent; to introduce the dispersant and the standard particles into the cell using a first inspection container containing a single dose of standard particles with a known particle size, which is the amount of the standard particles that can be used to calculate the particle size distribution, and a second inspection container containing a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell, which is the amount of the dispersant and the standard particles that can be used to calculate the particle size distribution of the standard particles; to perform a sample measurement by irradiating the standard particles with light while the standard particles are contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the standard particles; and to calculate the particle size distribution of the standard particles based on the blank measurement and the sample measurement.

[0029] With this configuration, the same effects and benefits as the inspection method described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, the user's effort is reduced when inspecting a particle size distribution measuring device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a particle size distribution analyzer in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram of the arithmetic control unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the display content shown on the display unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the inspection kit in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the inspection method for the particle size distribution measuring device in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The particle size distribution measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for the sake of clarity, some parts of the following diagrams may be omitted or exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The same reference numerals are used for identical components, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0033] <Device configuration> The particle size distribution analyzer 100 of this embodiment is a laser diffraction / scattering type analyzer that measures the particle size distribution of a sample based on diffracted and / or scattered light generated by irradiating the sample with light. In this embodiment, the sample consists of at least particles and a liquid solvent, and may include a dispersant to disperse the particles in the solvent. Specifically, the sample includes, for example, pharmaceuticals, food and / or chemical products, and samples used to inspect the particle size distribution analyzer 100. The particles include particles that constitute pharmaceuticals, food and / or chemical products, and standard particles with known particle sizes.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the particle size distribution analyzer 100 comprises a cell 2 through which a sample or solvent flows, a light irradiation unit 3 that irradiates the sample or solvent in the cell 2 with laser light, a detector 4 that detects diffracted and / or scattered light generated from the irradiated sample or solvent, a dispersion bath 5 in which the sample or solvent is stored, and a calculation and control device 6 that performs various calculations and controls based on the light intensity signal obtained from the detector 4. The configuration of each part will be described below.

[0035] Cell 2 is a circulating flow cell. Specifically, Cell 2 comprises an inlet port (not shown) into which the sample or solvent is supplied, an outlet port (not shown) into which the sample or solvent is discharged, and an internal flow path connected to the inlet and outlet ports through which the sample or solvent flows.

[0036] The light irradiation unit 3 irradiates light onto the sample or solvent flowing through the internal channel of the cell 2. Examples of light irradiation units 3 include semiconductor lasers and / or LEDs. The light irradiation unit 3 may also irradiate light through optical elements such as lenses. In addition to a high-intensity light source such as a laser light source, the light irradiation unit 3 may also include a low-intensity light source such as an LED light source.

[0037] Detector 4 detects the light intensity of diffracted and / or scattered light generated by light irradiation according to the angle of spread. Specifically, Detector 4 has multiple detectors that detect the light intensity of diffracted and / or scattered light according to the angle of spread.

[0038] The dispersion bath 5 stores the sample or solvent. In this embodiment, the dispersion bath 5 is connected to the cell 2 via a circulation channel L, which circulates the sample or solvent between the cell 2 and the dispersion bath 5. The dispersion bath 5 may also be equipped with a stirring device (not shown) or the like for stirring particles in the solvent.

[0039] The arithmetic control unit 6 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, memory, input / output interface, etc., and by coordinating the CPU and peripheral devices according to a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of ​​memory, it performs at least the functions of an inspection sequence reception unit 61, an equipment control unit 62, and a particle size distribution calculation unit 63.

[0040] The inspection sequence reception unit 61 receives an inspection sequence for performing an inspection of the particle size distribution measuring device 100 in a predetermined order. The inspection sequence refers to the following steps performed in this order: (1) blank measurement, in which diffracted and / or scattered light is detected when the standard particles K1 (described later) are not contained in cell 2; (2) introduction of the standard particles K1 into cell 2; (3) sample measurement, in which diffracted and / or scattered light is detected when the standard particles K1 are contained in cell 2; and (4) calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles K1. A step of dispersing the standard particles K1 within cell 2 may be added after introducing the standard particles K1 into cell 2 and before the sample measurement. The details of the step of dispersing the standard particles K1 within cell 2 are stored in the program that executes the inspection sequence. In addition, the inspection sequence reception unit 61 accepts the inspection sequence during the first inspection, but does not need to accept the inspection sequence during subsequent inspections. Specifically, the inspection sequence received during the initial inspection is stored in a predetermined memory of the arithmetic control unit 6, and in subsequent inspections, the inspection sequence stored in the predetermined memory is read out.

[0041] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the user selects inspection sequence D1 (indicated as "Inspection Particle Measurement" in Figure 3) on a display unit D, such as a display screen, and the inspection sequence reception unit 61 accepts the selected inspection sequence. The user then starts the inspection sequence by selecting the sequence start button D2 on the display unit D. Once the inspection sequence is started, the equipment control unit 62 controls the various devices that make up the particle size distribution measuring device 100 based on that inspection sequence. Note that various conditions in the inspection sequence are set in advance, and when an inspection sequence is selected, the equipment control unit 62 may control the devices based on those conditions.

[0042] The particle size distribution calculation unit 63 calculates the particle size distribution based on the light intensity signals output from the detectors 4. Specifically, it calculates the particle size distribution corresponding to the scattering pattern based on the scattering pattern, which is formed by the scattering angle and the intensity of the scattered light at that scattering angle, as indicated by the light intensity signals output from each detector 4, and theoretical calculation formulas such as the Mie scattering theory. The particle size distribution is stored in a predetermined memory and is also displayed on the display unit D.

[0043] <Inspection kit for particle size distribution analyzer> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the inspection kit K is used to inspect the particle size distribution analyzer 100. Inspection of the particle size distribution analyzer 100 here means checking whether there are any abnormalities in the particle size distribution analyzer 100, such as contamination of cell 2, malfunction of light irradiation unit 3 and / or detector 4. Specifically, the inspection of the particle size distribution analyzer 100 is performed by measuring the particle size distribution of a standard particle K1 whose particle size is known, and then the user confirms the measured particle size distribution of the standard particle K1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the inspection kit K comprises standard particles K1, a dispersant K2 for dispersing the standard particles K1 in cell 2, and an inspection container K3. The inspection container K3 contains the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2, but does not contain a solvent. In Figure 4, the standard particles K1 are shown in black, and the dispersant K2 is shown in white. The components of each part of the inspection kit K will be described below.

[0045] Standard particles K1 are solid particles having a known particle size. In this embodiment, multiple standard particles K1 are contained in an inspection container K3, and these multiple standard particles K1 constitute a particle group having a predetermined distribution width, but the particle sizes of the multiple standard particles K1 may all be the same. Examples of standard particles K1 include polyethylene latex, glass beads, alumina, silica, etc.

[0046] The dispersant K2 is a solid particle that disperses the standard particle K1 within cell 2. In this embodiment, the dispersant K2 is soluble in the solvent. The dispersant K2 is, for example, sodium hexametaphosphate and / or sodium pyrophosphate.

[0047] The inspection container K3 is a bottomed cylindrical container that holds the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 in its internal space. In this embodiment, the inspection container K3 contains solid particles such as the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2, and does not contain any liquids such as solvents. Furthermore, before the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 are introduced into cell 2, the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 are sealed in the internal space of the inspection container K3 by a cap.

[0048] Specifically, inspection container K3 contains one dose of standard particles K1 and dispersant K2, which is the amount required to obtain the particle size distribution of standard particles K1. Here, "one dose" refers to the amount that allows for sample measurement after blank measurement to calculate the particle size distribution of standard particles K1. Note that the amount of dispersant K2 is not limited to one dose, as long as it prevents the standard particles K1 from agglomerating in cell 2 and does not affect the sample measurement.

[0049] <Inspection method for particle size distribution analyzers> Next, we will explain the inspection method for inspecting the particle size distribution analyzer 100 using the inspection kit K, with reference to Figures 3 and 5.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, when the user selects inspection sequence D1 (indicated as "Inspection Particle Measurement" in Figure 3) on the display unit D, the inspection sequence reception unit 61 accepts the inspection sequence. The user then starts the inspection sequence by selecting the sequence start button D2 on the display unit D.

[0051] When the inspection sequence is initiated, the equipment control unit 62 controls various devices to introduce the solvent into cell 2 (S1). Specifically, the equipment control unit 62 drives a pump (not shown) located in the circulation channel L to introduce the solvent into cell 2.

[0052] With the solvent contained in cell 2, the instrument control unit 62 drives the light irradiation unit 3 and the detector 4 to perform a blank measurement (S2). In the blank measurement, only the solvent is contained in cell 2; the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 are not present. Blank data is then created showing the light intensity of the diffracted and / or scattered light detected by the detector 4 during the blank measurement, and this blank data is stored in a predetermined memory of the arithmetic control unit 6.

[0053] Once the blank measurement is complete, the display unit D shows a message D3 prompting the user to introduce the standard particles K1 (Figure 3, "Please add the sample."). Note that, after the blank measurement is complete and before the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 are introduced into cell 2, the inspection container K3 contains one dose of standard particles K1 and dispersant K2.

[0054] Then, the user introduces the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 into cell 2 using the inspection container K3 (S3). In this embodiment, the user mixes the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 with the solvent in the inspection container K3 using a dropper P, and then puts the entire contents of the inspection container K3 into the dispersion bath 5. Alternatively, the user may directly add the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 to the dispersion bath 5. Alternatively, the user may directly add the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 to cell 2.

[0055] Once the introduction of standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 into cell 2 is complete, the user selects button D4 on the display unit D to advance the inspection sequence to the next step (the "Next" button in Figure 3). Selecting the "Next" button triggers the execution of the step in which standard particles K1 are dispersed within cell 2. With the standard particles K1 contained within cell 2, the instrument control unit 62 drives the light irradiation unit 3 and the detector 4 to perform a sample measurement (S4). During the sample measurement, cell 2 contains standard particles K1 and solvent, and the dispersant K2 is dissolved in the solvent. Sample data is then created showing the light intensity of the diffracted and / or scattered light detected by the detector 4 during the sample measurement, and this sample data is stored in a predetermined memory of the arithmetic control unit 6.

[0056] Once blank data and sample data are obtained, the particle size distribution calculation unit 63 calculates the particle size distribution of the standard particle K1 (S5). Specifically, by subtracting the blank data from the sample data, data showing the light intensity of only the standard particle K1 is generated, and the particle size distribution of the standard particle K1 is calculated based on that data.

[0057] Once the particle size distribution of standard particle K1 is calculated, the user confirms the particle size distribution of standard particle K1 (S6). Specifically, the particle size distribution of standard particle K1 is displayed on the display unit D, and the user confirms the measurement results, such as the shape of the particle size distribution of standard particle K1, the median diameter, and a representative particle diameter such as D90, to determine whether there is any abnormality in the particle size distribution measuring device 100.

[0058] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the inspection method for the particle size distribution analyzer 100 in this embodiment, after blank measurement, standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 are introduced into cell 2 using the inspection container K3. Therefore, the user does not need to prepare the dispersant K2 during the blank measurement. Furthermore, since the inspection container K3 contains both the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2, they can be prepared together. Consequently, when inspecting the particle size distribution analyzer 100, the user does not need to prepare the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 separately, thus saving the user time and effort. In addition, according to the inspection method of the particle size distribution measuring device 100 in this embodiment, since the inspection container K3 contains one set of standard particles and dispersant, all of the standard particles and dispersant can be added to the dispersion bath 5 at once during a single inspection, thus saving the user time and effort.

[0059] <Other Embodiments> However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0060] In the above embodiment, when the inspection container K3 containing the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 is directly added to the dispersion bath 5, the inspection container K3 may be made of a material that is soluble in the solvent, such as an edible film, capsule, or ice. In this case, when the inspection container K3 is added to the dispersion bath 5, the inspection container K3 dissolves in the solvent. In this case, since the inspection container K3 dissolves in the solvent, the inspection container K3 containing the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 may be directly added to the dispersion bath 5 or cell 2.

[0061] Alternatively, in the above embodiment, when the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 are taken out of the inspection container K3 and put into the dispersion bath 5, the inspection container K3 may be configured to suppress the adhesion of particles to its inner wall surface. Specifically, the inspection container K3 may be one in which an adhesion-suppressing part that suppresses the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface is coated on the surface of the inner wall surface, or one in which an adhesion-suppressing member that suppresses the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface is made of, for example, glass.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the inspection container K3 contained standard particles K1 and dispersant K2, but in addition to the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2, the inspection container K3 may also contain additives for, for example, adjusting the refractive index or pH, as long as they are in solid form.

[0063] In the above embodiment, all of the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 contained in the inspection container K3 were introduced into cell 2, but a portion of the standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 contained in the inspection container K3 may be introduced.

[0064] In the above embodiment, once the inspection sequence was started, the user only had to introduce standard particles K1 and dispersant K2 into cell 2. However, the user may also perform blank measurements, sample measurements, and / or calculate particle size distributions.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the user checked measurement results such as the shape of the particle size distribution of standard particle K1, the median diameter, and representative particle size such as D90, but is not limited to these. The user may also check inspection items such as transmittance and its threshold, and singularity of scattered light intensity.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the inspection container K3 contained the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2, but the standard particles K1 and the dispersant K2 may be contained in separate containers. For example, a first inspection container containing a single dose of standard particles K1 and a second inspection container containing a single dose of dispersant K2 may be used to introduce a single dose of standard particles K1 and a single dose of dispersant K2 into cell 2 and perform inspection of the particle size distribution measuring device 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways, as long as it does not contradict its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 100...Particle size distribution measuring device 2 ···Cell 3. Light irradiation section 4... Detector 5 ···Distributed buses 6 ···Calculation control unit K ···Inspection Kit K1...Standard particle K2 · Dispersant K3... Inspection container

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device, which measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted and / or scattered light generated by irradiating particles in a cell with laser light, A blank measurement is performed by irradiating the solvent with light while the solvent is contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the solvent. Using an inspection container containing standard particles of known particle size and a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell, the dispersant and the standard particles are introduced into the cell. With the standard particles contained in the cell, a sample measurement is performed by irradiating the standard particles with light and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the standard particles. An inspection method for calculating the particle size distribution of the standard particles based on the blank measurement and the sample measurement.

2. The dispersant is soluble in the solvent, The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein after introducing the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell, the dispersant dissolves in the solvent and the standard particles are dispersed by the dispersant.

3. The inspection container contains one dose of the standard particles and dispersant, which is the amount of the standard particles and dispersant that can be used to calculate the particle size distribution of the standard particles. The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inspection container is used to introduce the single dose of the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell.

4. The particle size distribution measuring device accepts an inspection sequence in which the blank measurement, the introduction of the standard particles into the cell, the sample measurement, and the calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles are performed in this order. When the aforementioned inspection sequence is initiated, The particle size distribution measuring device performs the blank measurement, the sample measurement, and the calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user introduces the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell using the inspection container.

5. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection container containing the standard particles and the dispersant is placed into the cell.

6. The inspection container is soluble in the solvent, The inspection method according to claim 5, wherein the inspection container containing the standard particles and the dispersant is placed into the cell so that the inspection container dissolves in the solvent.

7. The inspection container is configured to prevent particles from adhering to the inner wall surface. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising taking the standard particles and the dispersant from the inspection container and introducing the standard particles and the dispersant into the cell.

8. The inspection method according to claim 7, wherein the inspection container has an adhesion suppression portion coated on the surface of the inner wall surface to suppress the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface, or an adhesion suppression member that suppresses the adhesion of particles to the inner wall surface.

9. This is an inspection kit used when inspecting a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution analyzer, which measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted and / or scattered light generated by irradiating particles in a cell with laser light. Standard particles with known particle size, A dispersant for dispersing the standard particles within the cell, An inspection kit comprising the standard particles and the dispersant, and an inspection container that does not contain a solvent.

10. The inspection kit according to claim 9, wherein the inspection container contains a single dose of the standard particles and the dispersant, which is an amount of the standard particles and the dispersant that allows for the calculation of the particle size distribution of the standard particles.

11. A method for inspecting a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device, which measures the particle size distribution of particles based on diffracted and / or scattered light generated by irradiating particles in a cell with laser light, A blank measurement is performed by irradiating the solvent with light while the solvent is contained in the cell and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the solvent. Using a first inspection container containing a single dose of standard particles with a known particle size, which is the amount of standard particles that can be used to calculate the particle size distribution, and a second inspection container containing a dispersant for dispersing the standard particles in the cell, which is the amount of dispersant that can be used to calculate the particle size distribution of the standard particles, the dispersant and the standard particles are introduced into the cell. With the standard particles contained in the cell, a sample measurement is performed by irradiating the standard particles with light and detecting the diffracted and / or scattered light from the standard particles. An inspection method for calculating the particle size distribution of the standard particles based on the blank measurement and the sample measurement.

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