Physical property measuring equipment

Abstract

To provide a physical property measuring device that can quantitatively measure the physical property of aggregation substance.SOLUTION: The physical property measuring device according to an embodiment includes a double cylinder, a rotation driving machine, an imaging unit, and an analyzer. The double cylinder includes: a cylindrical outer pipe; an inner pipe with a smaller diameter than that of the outer pipe, the inner pipe and the outer pipe sharing an axis; and a transparent unit from which a sample sealed between the outer pipe and the inner pipe can be observed. The rotation driving machine rotates the double cylinder around the axis. The imaging unit obtains image data by taking images of a sample observed from the transparent unit. The analysis unit analyzes the image data and calculates the physical property value of the aggregation substance contained in the sample.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a physical property measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Flocculation is a technique that is widely used in the industrial world, including various manufacturing industries such as cosmetics manufacturers, and water treatment businesses. To flocculate particles dispersed in a solvent such as water, chemicals such as flocculants, pH adjusters, and salts are added to neutralize the charge on the particle surface. This makes it easier for the particles to come into contact with each other. Furthermore, the medium (sample) containing the particles is stirred to apply shear force, causing the particles to collide and coalesce, coarsening the particles and growing them into larger aggregates.

[0003] Aggregation is a complex phenomenon. If the aggregation conditions, such as the rate of addition of the drug to the sample, the stirring strength, and the stirring time, are different, the physical properties (particle size, density, shape) of the aggregates formed will also differ. It is necessary to select the aggregation conditions according to the purpose of aggregation and appropriately control the physical properties of the aggregates. At present, the relationship between the aggregation conditions and the physical properties of the aggregates formed is only understood qualitatively, and many aspects have not been quantitatively clarified.

[0004] In the industrial world, this lack of information is currently being supplemented by experimental fitting and the experience of skilled engineers. However, there are issues with scale-up design that changes the processing volume and with technology transfer, and there is a need to quantitatively formulate the relationship between the flocculation conditions and the physical properties of the flocs.

[0005] One of the challenges in quantitatively understanding the relationship between the aggregation conditions and the physical properties of aggregates is the difficulty of properly measuring the physical properties of aggregates. One of the reasons why it is difficult to measure the physical properties of aggregates is that aggregates easily change in quality. Aggregates that exist in water have an irregular mesh-like shape, and retain moisture in the gaps between the bonds between the particles. For this reason, they change in quality in air, making it impossible to measure their physical properties correctly. In addition, aggregates collide with each other and coalesce into coarse particles, or conversely, they are broken down by the water flow and become finer, so they cannot maintain a constant shape and change in the short time it takes to measure them.

[0006] Regarding the measurement of the physical properties of flocs, a technique is known for measuring the flocculation strength, which is one of the physical properties of flocculated sludge flocs. Flocculated sludge flocs need to maintain not only proper flocculation but also proper strength so that they do not break in the downstream sludge dewatering machine. This technique measures the strength of sludge flocs from the integrated value of a power consumption meter due to the rotation of a drive motor equipped with an agitator blade.

[0007] Alternatively, a technique for setting appropriate coagulation conditions in solid-liquid separation processes has also been announced. According to this technique, flocs are placed in a container filled with water, rotated on a rotor, and the strength of the flocs can be calculated from the change in particle size distribution before and after rotation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6453143 specification [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5284242 specification [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Yasuhisa Adachi and Moriya Kamiko; Sedimentation of polystyrene latex floc, Power Technology,78(1994),129-135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] As mentioned above, it is difficult to measure the physical properties of aggregates present in water. The technology for measuring aggregate strength only measures the strength of the entire group of aggregates as a whole, and does not take into account the distribution of the aggregates (i.e., the physical properties and time changes of each individual aggregate). In other words, the particle size, shape, and density of the aggregates are not measured, making it difficult to quantitatively grasp the relationship between the aggregation conditions and the physical properties of the aggregates.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a physical property measuring device capable of quantitatively measuring the physical properties of an aggregate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to an embodiment, the physical property measuring device includes a double cylinder, a rotary drive, an imaging unit, and an analysis unit. The double cylinder includes a cylindrical outer cylinder, an inner cylinder that shares an axis with the outer cylinder and has a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder, and a transparent part that allows observation of a sample sealed in a gap between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The rotary drive rotates the double cylinder around the axis. The imaging unit captures an image of the sample observed through the transparent part to obtain image data. The analysis unit analyzes the image data to calculate physical property values ​​of aggregates contained in the sample. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a property measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an external view of the double cylinder 1 as seen from the position (A) in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the shear force generated in a sample inside the rotating double cylinder 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the rotation speed and the shear force. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure related to the calculation of the physical property values ​​of the aggregate by the analysis unit 7. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the force acting on a particle in a liquid and the settling velocity of the particle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a property measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the shear force when the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 are rotated in opposite directions. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the shear force when the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 are rotated in the same direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a property measuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a property measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a backlight method for comparison. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a property measuring apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having similar functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals. If necessary, the description will be repeated. The technical ideas of the embodiments can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0015] In the embodiment, a technique for measuring the physical properties of aggregates or changes in physical properties over time using an image capture method is disclosed. Aggregates are generated when particles dispersed in a medium aggregate. Aggregation can be achieved by mixing a sample with a chemical such as an aggregant, a pH adjuster, or salts, or by stirring the sample.

[0016] [First embodiment] (composition) 1A is a diagram showing an example of a physical property measuring device according to a first embodiment. The physical property measuring device includes a double cylinder 1, a rotary driver 4, a light source 5, an imaging unit 6, and an analyzing unit 7.

[0017] The double cylinder 1 comprises a cylindrical outer cylinder 2 and an inner cylinder 3 that shares an axis with the outer cylinder 2 and has a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder 2. The gap between the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 is sealed by lids 1a and 1b provided at both ends of the double cylinder 1. This allows the sample to be agglutinated and chemicals such as agglutinants to be injected (sealed) into the gap between the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3. The double cylinder 1 has a transparent part that transmits light so that the sample in the gap can be observed from the outside. The rotary driver 4 rotates the double cylinder 1 around its axis by means of an electric motor or the like. The rotation axis of the double cylinder 1 is assumed to be in the horizontal or vertical direction.

[0018] A light source 5 irradiates light toward the double cylinder 1 so that an image of the sample can be captured by an imaging unit 6. The imaging unit 6 captures an image of the sample observed through the transparent part of the double cylinder 1 to obtain image data. An analysis unit 7 analyzes the image data obtained by the imaging unit 6 to calculate the physical property values ​​of the aggregates contained in the sample.

[0019] Figure 1B is an external view of the double cylinder 1 as seen from the position (A) in Figure 1A. The double cylinder 1 is placed between a light source 5 and an imaging unit 6, and the optical axis of the light source 5 is adjusted so as to illuminate the sample. The outer tube 2 of the double cylinder 1 is preferably made of a transparent material such as synthetic resins such as transparent acrylic, transparent vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polystyrene, or reinforced glass, so that the sample in the gap can be photographed from the outside.

[0020] Here, it is not necessary for all parts of the outer cylinder 2 to be transparent; in short, it is sufficient that a transparent part is provided so that the sample can be photographed. For example, the outer cylinder 2 may be made of a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) or brass, and only the part where the photographing is performed may be made of a transparent material. In this way, durability can be improved and deformation due to wear caused by rotation and temperature rise caused by the water temperature of the sample or the light source can be prevented. The inner cylinder 3 may be painted, for example, on its outer wall so that the aggregates can be photographed clearly. For example, it may be painted black with anodized aluminum. In this case, since the light from the light source does not pass through the double cylinder 1, the positional relationship between the double cylinder 1, the light source 5, and the photographing unit 6 is appropriately adjusted.

[0021] 1A is assumed to have a rotation speed (number of rotations per unit time) of, for example, 0 to 3,000 rpm. A motor with an appropriate output is selected according to the weight of the double cylinder 1 and the desired rotation speed. A motor and a reducer may be used in combination.

[0022] It is preferable that the light source 5 has adjustable illuminance. Examples of this type of light source include a light emitting diode (LED) light source, a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, and a light source having a light emitting part such as an optical fiber. A device for switching the light source or output may be provided so that the wavelength and illuminance of the output light can be selected and adjusted according to the particle concentration and color of the measurement target.

[0023] The shape of the light source 5 may be a line light source in which light sources are arranged horizontally, or a surface light source that irradiates light with a certain width. If necessary, a diffusion plate may be used in combination to make the illuminance uniform and expand the irradiation range.

[0024] The photographing unit 6 may be, for example, a high-speed camera, a web camera, an industrial monitoring camera, or a machine vision camera. Alternatively, it may be an image sensor that is incorporated into a device, such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor or a Complementary MOS (CMOS) image sensor. Here, the photographing position of the photographing unit 6 may be from the side direction, the top, or the bottom rotation axis direction of the double cylinder 1. The image data obtained by the photographing unit 6 is transferred to the analysis unit 7, for example, via a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0025] The analysis unit 7 is a computer having a processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a memory.

[0026] (action) FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the shear force generated in a sample inside a rotating double cylinder 1. When the double cylinder 1 is rotated around its axis, the enclosed sample also rotates following it due to viscosity. Then, due to viscosity, a velocity distribution is generated between the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2. The shear flow generated by this velocity distribution applies a shear force to the object to be aggregated (sample) between the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2. If the shear force is continued to be applied, the objects to be aggregated collide with each other and coalesce, and grow into even larger aggregates.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the shear force [Newton: N] generated in the gap between the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2 increases almost in proportion to the rotation speed [rpm] of the double cylinder 1 (laminar flow region). If the rotation speed is increased too much, Taylor vortices are generated, disturbing the flow and interfering with measurement (transition region to turbulent flow region). As the rotation speed is increased, a stirring effect occurs in the laminar flow region, but if the rotation speed is increased further, it is assumed that the entire sample will rotate together and move as a single mass.

[0028] Shear force also changes depending on the size of the gap. (1) in Figure 3 shows the case where the gap between the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2 is standard. In (1), the shear force increases linearly with increasing rotation speed in the laminar flow region, passes through the transition region and the turbulent flow region, and converges at a certain value. This is due to the effects of Taylor vortices, etc. In contrast, (2) shows the case where the gap is narrower than (1), where the shear force increases rapidly and then converges early. (3) shows the case where the gap is wider than (1), where the shear force increases more gradually with respect to the rotation speed.

[0029] The timing of photographing by the photographing unit 6 may be continuous photographing at a fixed frequency while continuing the rotation of the double cylinder 1. Alternatively, the rotation may be temporarily stopped when photographing. Alternatively, a light receiving element or the like may be provided separately to detect the change in the amount of light and determine the photographing timing.

[0030] Analysis unit 7 analyzes the image data captured by imaging unit 6, and calculates, for example, the particle size and shape of the aggregates and their distribution.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for calculating physical property values ​​of an aggregate by analysis unit 7. In Fig. 4, analysis unit 7 binarizes the captured image (image data) transferred from imaging unit 6 (step S1), then numbers the aggregates (step S2), and calculates the projected area of ​​each particle (aggregate) (step S3).

[0032] Next, the analysis unit 7 calculates the circle equivalent diameter from the projected area of ​​the particle, and calculates the value as the particle diameter of each particle. Furthermore, the analysis unit 7 calculates the particle size distribution from the particle diameters of the observed particle group (step S4).

[0033] Next, the analysis unit 7 calculates a numerical value representing the particle shape (step S5). Examples of numerical values ​​representing the shape include major axis, minor axis, perimeter, envelope perimeter, circumscribed rectangle major axis, circumscribed rectangle minor axis, skeleton length, thickness, etc. Furthermore, values ​​such as circularity, aspect ratio, and irregularity calculated from these shape values ​​are also examples of numerical values ​​representing the shape.

[0034] Next, the analysis unit 7 calculates the shape distribution from the value representing the shape of the observed particle group (step S6). Next, the analysis unit 7 calculates the density of the aggregate (step S7). The density can be obtained by calculating the particle weight based on the volume roughly calculated from the projected area of ​​the aggregate and the specific gravity and projected area of ​​the particles contained in the aggregate. Alternatively, the density can be calculated from the rate at which the aggregates settle due to gravity when the rotation of the double cylinder 1 is stopped, and the particle size and particle size distribution calculated in step S4.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, the settling velocity v of a particle in a liquid is determined by the balance of gravity, buoyancy, and drag forces acting on the particle. There is a certain relationship among the settling velocity v, drag coefficient Cd, aggregate radius d, aggregate density ρs, and liquid density ρw, and the aggregate density ρs can be calculated based on the equation expressing this relationship.

[0036] The number of particles can be measured by counting the number of particles from the captured image. The total number of particles can be calculated by adding up the number of particles in each image data captured during one rotation of the double cylinder 1. The analysis unit 7 then calculates a value representing the particle structure based on the sum of the number of aggregates, i.e., the total number of particles. According to the research of the inventors, the total number of particles N (0) If this can be calculated, the value D, which indicates the complexity of the particle structure, is calculated by dividing the initial particle size d0 by the maximum particle size D max From this relationship, it can be calculated using formula (1).

[0037]

number

[0038] (effect) According to the first embodiment, by sealing a sample in a rotating double cylinder 1, the sample can be exposed to a constant shear flow field. Then, the change in the sample in such an environment can be photographed by the photographing unit 6. The photographing frequency and duration of photographing by the photographing unit 6 can be appropriately and freely adjusted, so that the state of the aggregate can be photographed until the target aggregation reaction is completed. This makes it possible to obtain the change in the physical property values ​​of the aggregate over time in a constant shear flow field. Therefore, it is possible to measure the physical property values ​​and the change over time of each aggregate particle of the aggregation target, which was difficult with existing technology.

[0039] It is known that the speed of the aggregation reaction varies depending on the strength of the shear force. This is one of the important factors in terms of grasping the physical properties of the aggregate. According to the first embodiment, the double cylinder 1 is rotated at a predetermined speed by the rotary drive 4 to generate the target shear force in the gap between the inner and outer cylinders, and the image capturing unit 6 can capture the time-dependent change in the reaction between the aggregate object and the aggregate agent.

[0040] Furthermore, since the outer tube 2 of the double cylinder 1 is transparent and images are taken from the outside, the aggregates in the water can be photographed, and the physical properties of the aggregates in the water can be calculated from the analysis results of the images. That is, according to the first embodiment, the changes in the physical properties of the aggregates due to stirring in the medium can be measured using an image capturing technique, with respect to the physical properties (particle size, density, shape) of each aggregate.

[0041] From these factors, it is possible to provide a physical property measuring device capable of quantitatively measuring the physical properties of aggregates.

[0042] [Second embodiment] (composition) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a physical property measuring device according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 6, the rotary driver 4a rotates the outer cylinder 2 around its axis. The rotary driver 4b rotates the inner cylinder 3 around its axis. That is, the rotary shaft of the rotary driver 4a is connected to the outer cylinder 2, so that the rotary driver 4a rotates the outer cylinder 2. The rotary shaft of the rotary driver 4b is connected to the inner cylinder 3, so that the rotary driver 4b rotates only the inner cylinder 3 separately from the outer cylinder 2.

[0043] Furthermore, an adjustment unit 9 is provided to vary the rotation speed of each of the rotary drivers 4a and 4b. The adjustment unit 9 controls the rotation speed of each motor by controlling the power applied to the rotary drivers 4a and 4b from, for example, an AC power source. For example, the function of the adjustment unit 9 can be realized by adjusting the AC frequency with a frequency converter or adjusting the power with a controller such as a variac.

[0044] The shear force applied to the enclosed sample can be adjusted by varying the rotation speed of the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3. The outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 may rotate in the opposite directions or in the same direction. Alternatively, one may be stationary while the other rotates.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 7A, the shear force can be increased by rotating the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 in opposite directions, whereas as shown in Fig. 7B, the shear force can be decreased by rotating the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 in the same direction. Furthermore, the width of the gap can be adjusted by adjusting the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 3, thereby changing the shear force. The diameters of the inner and outer cylinders can be changed by separately preparing cylinders of different diameters and replacing the parts, or by attaching cylindrical parts.

[0046] (action) The shear force generated in the gap between the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3 is expressed by the formula (2).

[0047]

number

[0048] As shown in formula (2), the moving speed U of the wall surface of the cylinder is determined according to the difference in rotation speed between the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2. The larger the speed difference between the inner and outer cylinders, the larger the shear force τ.

[0049] In addition, the distance from the moving wall surface can be adjusted by adjusting the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the magnitude of the shear force generated in the gap between the inner and outer cylinders differs depending on whether the gap is wide or narrow. In other words, even if the rotation speed of the double cylinder 1 driven by the rotary driver 4 (4a, 4b) is constant, the magnitude of the shear force generated in the gap can be adjusted.

[0050] (effect) According to the second embodiment, it is possible to generate a desired shear force by adjusting the rotation speed of the inner and outer cylinders and using formula (2). The desired shear force can also be generated by adjusting the diameter of the inner and outer cylinders. In cases where the rotation speed or torque of the rotary driver 4 is insufficient for the desired shear force, where the inner and outer cylinders are too large or too small to be manufactured, or where the gap is too small to be clogged with aggregates, the desired shear force can be obtained by adjusting both the rotation speed of the inner and outer cylinders and the diameter of the inner and outer cylinders.

[0051] [Third embodiment] (composition) In the third embodiment, the rotation axis of the double cylinder 1 is horizontal, that is, the rotary driver 4 rotates the double cylinder 1 around a horizontal axis.

[0052] (action) According to the third embodiment, each physical quantity can be measured without causing vertical distribution of aggregates due to gravity.

[0053] (effect) If there is vertical distribution of aggregates inside the double cylinder 1, it becomes difficult to accurately measure changes in physical properties because the entire sample will not be mixed. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the rotation axis is oriented horizontally, making it possible to mix the entire sample more uniformly and to accurately measure physical property values ​​and their changes.

[0054] [Fourth embodiment] (composition) In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of photographing units 6 are provided on the double cylinder 1 from different directions. The analysis unit 7 measures the physical properties of the aggregate by combining the images photographed by each photographing unit 6. In other words, by combining and using images photographed from multiple directions, it becomes possible to measure the physical properties of the aggregate more accurately.

[0055] (action) The captured image is two-dimensional, whereas the actual aggregate exists in three dimensions. The image data acquired by each of the imaging units 6 captures the state of a surface of the aggregate. Therefore, by aligning these multiple image data on the time axis and aligning the timestamps for integration processing, the shape of the aggregate can be captured three-dimensionally.

[0056] (effect) According to the fourth embodiment, the shape of the aggregate can be captured three-dimensionally by photographing the aggregate from multiple directions, and the physical properties of the aggregate can be measured more accurately.

[0057] [Fifth embodiment] (composition) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a physical property measuring device according to a fifth embodiment. The physical property measuring device shown in Fig. 8 includes a light source 5 and an optical system that irradiate light from various positions onto the double cylinder 1, and an imaging unit 6 that images the double cylinder 1 from various positions. In other words, a plurality of light sources 5 and imaging units 6 are provided from different directions relative to the double cylinder 1. The optical system guides the transmitted light, reflected light, or side scattered light from the double cylinder 1 of the light emitted from the light source 5 to the imaging unit 6. A half mirror 8 is used as an example of a light source.

[0058] In Fig. 8, part of the light from the light source is transmitted through a half mirror 8 and travels along optical path (1) to be irradiated onto a double cylinder 1 as a subject. Scattered light (reflected light) reflected on the surface of the double cylinder 1 is reflected by the half mirror 8 and travels along optical path (2)-1 to be received by the imaging unit 6.

[0059] The side scattered light from the double cylinder 1 follows the optical path (2)-2 and is received by another imaging unit 6. Furthermore, the transmitted light from the double cylinder 1 follows the optical path (2)-3 and is received by another imaging unit 6 provided behind the double cylinder 1.

[0060] The irradiation position of the light source 5 can be above, below, or on the side of the double cylinder 1, a position symmetrical to the image capturing unit 6 across the double cylinder 1, or a combination of these positions. This makes it possible to capture transmitted light, scattered light, or reflected light.

[0061] (action) 8, it is possible to select the type of light (transmitted light, reflected light, or side-scattered light) detected by the imaging unit 6. This makes it possible to image with the optimal type of light, taking into consideration, for example, the wavelength and light intensity of the light source 5, the particle size distribution, shape, and type of the aggregate, the absorption wavelength and its size that change depending on the ratio of the particle portion to the transparent gel portion, and the interference action that occurs depending on the number concentration of the aggregate.

[0062] (effect) Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, it becomes possible to photograph various aggregates and improve the measurement accuracy.

[0063] [Sixth embodiment] (composition) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a physical property measuring device according to the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 9, a light source 50 is provided in a hollow portion 100 inside an inner cylinder 3. The inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2 are made of a transparent material. Thus, light from the light source 50 passes through the inner cylinder 3 and the outer cylinder 2 from inside the inner cylinder 3 and reaches the imaging unit 6.

[0064] (action) According to the above configuration, it is possible to irradiate light only to the photographing area (the focal range of the photographing unit 6). Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary image (broken line) from appearing in the photographed image capturing the subject (aggregate).

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the backlight method for comparison. The backlight method, which irradiates light from behind the subject, has the property of easily capturing the contour of the subject. However, since light is irradiated from the back of the double cylinder 1, aggregates that are outside the focal range and should not be captured may be captured. For example, there is a risk that aggregates that exist near 180° from the center of the double cylinder 1 as viewed from the shooting unit 6 may be captured. Since the aggregates that are erroneously photographed are farther away from the shooting area than the actual subject by more than the diameter of the inner cylinder 3, they tend to appear smaller than they actually are. If unnecessary images are captured in this way, image analysis will be adversely affected.

[0066] (effect) According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent aggregates existing outside the target photographing region from being captured in the image, so that more accurate measurement data can be obtained. In addition, there is an effect that the internal space (hollow portion) of the inner tube 3 of the double cylinder 1 can be effectively utilized, and the installation space for the light source 5 can be reduced.

[0067] [Seventh embodiment] (composition) In the seventh embodiment, after the desired flocculation state is reached, the rotation of the double cylinder 1 is stopped, the double cylinder 1 is changed from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction, and the particle size and movement speed (settling speed) of the flocculation are measured. That is, in the process of generating the flocculation, the double cylinder 1 is rotated around the horizontal axis. Then, when it is confirmed by image analysis or the like that the flocculation has been generated, the rotary driver 4 is stopped and the axis of the double cylinder 1 is changed to a vertical direction. The photographing unit 6 photographs the sample observed in this state. The axis can be changed from horizontal to vertical by hand, or a suitable rotary driving mechanism can be provided.

[0068] By making the axis of the double cylinder 1 vertical, the aggregates start to settle due to gravity. As shown in Figure 5, the density of the aggregates can be calculated from the size (radius) and settling speed of the aggregates. The analysis unit 7 refers to the timestamps and movement amounts of the multiple images taken by the imaging unit 6, and calculates the settling speed from the rate of change in the position of the aggregates.

[0069] (effect) The size (radius), shape value and density of the aggregates can be measured.

[0070] [Eighth embodiment] (composition) 11 is a diagram showing an example of a physical property measuring device according to the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the optical system compensates for the influence on the light incident on the image capturing unit 6 from the light source 5. Examples of the influence on the light include a refractive index difference in the optical path, or distortion aberration of the double cylinder 1. The optical system compensates for the influence on the captured image of at least one of these influences.

[0071] One example of the optical system is a water tank 10. The water tank 10 is filled with water, and the double cylinder 1 is submerged in its entirety. In other words, the optical system is a transparent container that holds the double cylinder 1 together with the transparent solvent. Here, it is preferable to fill the water tank 10 with the same solvent (e.g., water) as that enclosed in the double cylinder 1, from the viewpoint of minimizing the difference in refractive index. Also, it is preferable for the water tank to be a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, from the viewpoint of minimizing optical aberration.

[0072] (action) When the double cylinder 1 exists in air, the shape of the captured image changes depending on the location of the aggregate due to the influence of distortion aberration because the double cylinder 1 has a cylindrical shape. Also, due to the difference in refractive index between air and the solvent, the captured image shows a shape that deviates from the actual size. According to the eighth embodiment, such influences can be reduced.

[0073] (effect) According to the eighth embodiment, imaging errors associated with distortion aberration and refractive index difference can be reduced, and the properties of the aggregate can be measured more accurately.

[0074] [Ninth embodiment] (composition) In the ninth embodiment, a laser light source that generates coherent light is used as the light source 5. That is, in the ninth embodiment, a first light source that generates coherent light, a second light source that generates incoherent light, and a switching unit are provided. The switching unit switches the light source, and the illumination light irradiated to the subject is switched to either coherent light or incoherent light.

[0075] Furthermore, information from the analysis unit 7 may be passed to the switching unit to switch between coherent light and incoherent light based on the physical property values ​​of the aggregates. In other words, laser light is irradiated in the early stage of aggregation to make it easier to capture the presence of fine particles, and in the middle to late stages, the light is switched to incoherent light to capture the shape of the aggregates correctly.

[0076] (action) For example, it is known that coherent light output from a laser light source that emits single mode light has a uniform phase and is highly rectilinear without diffusion. Therefore, by using coherent light, it is possible to capture very small particles. However, since coherent light has poor diffusion, it is not suitable for accurately capturing information about the shape. To obtain information about the shape, it is preferable to use incoherent light, which has high diffusion. Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, by making it possible to irradiate multiple lights with different properties, more information can be captured.

[0077] (effect) According to the ninth embodiment, since an appropriate light source can be switched and operated depending on each stage of aggregation, the physical properties of the aggregate can be measured more accurately.

[0078] As described above, the physical property measuring device of each embodiment makes it possible to quantitatively measure the physical properties of an aggregate.

[0079] However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the ninth embodiment, not only the properties of light but also the wavelength itself may be switched. A plurality of light emitting elements that emit light at a fixed wavelength may be provided, or the wavelength of one light source may be changed.

[0080] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are appended below. [1] a double cylinder including a cylindrical outer cylinder, an inner cylinder sharing an axis with the outer cylinder and having a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder, and a transparent portion through which a sample sealed in a gap between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder can be observed; a rotary drive that rotates the double cylinder around the axis; an imaging unit that captures an image of the sample observed through the transparent unit to obtain image data; and an analysis unit that analyzes the image data and calculates physical property values ​​of aggregates contained in the sample. [2] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix [1], wherein the analysis unit calculates at least one of the particle size of the agglomerate, a numerical value representing the shape of the agglomerate, the density of the agglomerate, or a value representing the particle structure of the agglomerate as the physical property value. [3] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix [2], wherein the analysis unit calculates a value representing the particle structure based on the sum of the number of the agglomerates. [4] The physical property measuring device described in appendix [1], further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts the shear force applied to the sample in the gap by varying the rotation speed of the double cylinder. [5] The physical property measuring device described in appendix [1], wherein the rotary drive rotates the double cylinder around a horizontal axis. [6] The physical property measuring device described in appendix [1], wherein the rotary drive rotates the double cylinder around a vertical axis. [7] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix [1], wherein the rotary driver includes a first driver that rotates the outer cylinder about the axis and a second driver that rotates the inner cylinder about the axis. [8] The physical property measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is provided in a plurality of positions from different directions relative to the double cylinder. [9] The physical property measuring apparatus according to claim [1], further comprising a light source that irradiates the double cylinder with light.

[10] The physical property measuring device described in appendix [9], further comprising an optical system that guides the transmitted light, reflected light, or side scattered light from the double cylinder to the imaging unit.

[11] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix [9], wherein the light source is provided in a hollow portion inside the inner tube.

[12] The physical property measuring apparatus according to claim [5], wherein the photographing unit photographs the sample observed while stopping the rotation of the double cylinder and keeping the axis of the double cylinder vertical.

[13] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix

[12] , wherein the analysis unit measures at least one of the particle size of the agglomerate or the movement speed of the agglomerate.

[14] The physical property measuring device described in appendix [9], further comprising an optical system that compensates for the effects of at least one of a refractive index difference in the optical path of the light incident on the imaging unit or a distortion aberration of the double cylinder.

[15] The physical property measuring apparatus according to claim

[14] , wherein the optical system is a transparent container that holds the double cylinder together with a transparent solvent.

[16] The physical property measuring apparatus according to claim [9], wherein the light source is a laser light source that generates coherent light.

[17] The light source includes a first light source that generates coherent light and a second light source that generates incoherent light; The physical property measuring device described in Appendix [9], further comprising a switching unit that switches the irradiated light to either the coherent light or the incoherent light.

[18] The physical property measuring device described in Appendix

[17] , wherein the switching unit switches the irradiated light based on a physical property value of the aggregate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1...double cylinder, 1a...lid portion, 1b...lid portion, 2...outer cylinder, 3...inner cylinder, 4...rotary drive mechanism, 4a...rotary drive mechanism, 4b...rotary drive mechanism, 5...light source, 6...imaging unit, 7...analysis unit, 8...half mirror, 9...adjustment unit, 10...aquarium, 50...light source, 100...hollow portion.

Claims

1. a double cylinder including a cylindrical outer cylinder, an inner cylinder sharing an axis with the outer cylinder and having a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder, and a transparent portion through which a sample sealed in a gap between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder can be observed; a rotary drive that rotates the outer cylinder about the axis while stopping the inner cylinder, thereby rotating the double cylinder about the axis with the axis kept horizontal; an imaging unit that stops the rotation of the double cylinder and captures an image of the sample observed through the transparent unit in a state where the axis of the double cylinder is vertical, thereby obtaining image data; and an analysis unit that analyzes the image data and calculates physical property values ​​of aggregates contained in the sample.

2. The physical property measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit calculates at least one of a particle size of the agglomerate, a numerical value representing a shape of the agglomerate, a density of the agglomerate, or a value representing a particle structure of the agglomerate as the physical property value.

3. The physical property measuring device according to claim 2 , wherein the analysis unit calculates the value representing the particle structure based on a sum of the numbers of the aggregates.

4. 2. The physical property measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts the shear force applied to the sample in the gap by varying the rotation speed of the double cylinder.

5. The physical property measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotary driver comprises a first driver that rotates the outer cylinder about the axis, and a second driver that stops the inner cylinder.

6. The physical property measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging unit is provided in a plurality of positions from different directions with respect to the double cylinder.

7. A physical property measuring device as described in claim 1, further comprising a light source that irradiates light onto the double cylinder.

8. A physical property measuring device as described in claim 7, further comprising an optical system that guides the transmitted light from the double cylinder of the light to the imaging unit.

9. A physical property measuring device as described in claim 7, wherein the light source is provided in a hollow portion inside the inner tube.

10. A physical property measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein the analysis unit measures at least one of the particle size of the agglomerate or the movement speed of the agglomerate.

11. A physical property measuring device as described in claim 7, further comprising an optical system that compensates for the effects of at least one of the refractive index difference in the optical path of the light incident on the imaging section or the distortion aberration of the double cylinder.

12. The physical property measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the optical system is a transparent container that holds the double cylinder together with a transparent solvent.

13. The physical property measuring device of claim 7, wherein the light source is a laser light source that generates coherent light.

14. The light source comprises a first light source that generates coherent light and a second light source that generates incoherent light; The physical property measuring apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising a switching unit that switches the irradiated light to either the coherent light or the incoherent light.

15. A physical property measuring device as described in Claim 14, wherein the switching unit switches the irradiated light based on the physical property value of the aggregate.

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