Liquid composition manufacturing method, liquid composition manufacturing device, control device, and program

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method and manufacturing device for a liquid composition capable of accurately determining the end of a process.SOLUTION: A liquid composition manufacturing device 1 comprises a container 10 in which process liquid is to be treated, and a plurality of sensors (turbidity meter 21, viscometer 22, conductivity meter 23 and pH meter 24) that measure physical properties of the process liquid. The liquid composition manufacturing device executes a procedure of setting an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a holding time according to the treatment of the process liquid, and a procedure in which the target sensor measures the physical properties of the process liquid being treated and it is determined whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a liquid composition. 、 Liquid composition manufacturing equipment , control device and program Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Agitation devices are used to produce liquid compositions such as cosmetics.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a batch production system that can reduce the production costs of GMP-controlled products such as cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and foods, and realize inexpensive market supply. Patent Document 1 also describes the use of stirring and heating during the production process.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid raw material lot management system that manages the supply of liquid raw material to a production line in lot units.

[0005] Patent document 3 discloses a method for monitoring a manufacturing process of an extrusion product by a manufacturing facility, in which measurements are determined by sensors and the obtained measurements are compared with predefined target values ​​of the measurements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-041125 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-185800 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2019-537783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a method for producing a liquid composition having multiple steps, the completion of each step has been judged based on the time elapsed since the start of the step or by visual inspection by an operator. However, it is not clear whether the judgment of completion is correct, and it has depended on the experience of the operator.

[0008] Patent Document 1 describes that the batch manufacturing system detects the establishment of the stepping condition based on the time measured by a timer and the physical properties measured by a sensor. In Patent Document 1, the physical properties listed are temperature, weight, pressure, liquid level, etc. However, the batch manufacturing system described in Patent Document 1 does not detect the state of the physical properties of the product itself, and cannot determine whether the product itself has the desired physical properties.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not disclose the conditions for ending the process in the manufacturing vessel, and it is not possible to determine whether the end of the process is correct.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses that the geometric characteristics of an extrusion product are tested in-line by an automated method, and if there is a deviation in the geometric characteristics, an operator is alerted so that the operator can adjust the setting parameters of the manufacturing equipment. However, the method described in Patent Document 3 can determine the quality of the final product, but cannot determine the quality of the end of the process.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid composition manufacturing method and a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus that can accurately determine the end of a process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The method for producing a liquid composition disclosed herein is a method for producing a liquid composition using a production apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and measure physical properties of the process liquid, and includes the steps of setting upper and lower limit values ​​and a retention time for a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors in accordance with the treatment of the process liquid, measuring a physical property of the process liquid during treatment by the target sensor, and determining whether the physical property value measured by the target sensor is maintained between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the retention time. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the liquid composition manufacturing method and liquid composition manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure, the end of the process can be accurately determined. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of a control unit of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting table of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the liquid composition manufacturing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a production method using the liquid composition production apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an execution result of the liquid composition manufacturing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0016] In addition, to facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale. Directions such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up / down, left / right, etc. are allowed to have deviations to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the embodiment. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles, and may be rounded in an arch shape. Parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right angle, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical.

[0017] First Embodiment <Liquid composition manufacturing device 1> 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, which is an example of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 is a manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a liquid composition, for example, a cosmetic such as a lotion. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 is a batch-type manufacturing apparatus, that is, a batch-type manufacturing apparatus. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a container 10, a plurality of sensors, a first stirring unit 30 and a second stirring unit 40, a control unit 50, and a display unit 60.

[0018] [Container 10] The container 10 is a container that holds a process liquid P that is a raw material for the liquid composition. The raw material liquid is charged into the container 10. The raw material to be charged is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid, a powder, or the like. The raw material liquid (process liquid P) charged into the container 10 is processed to produce the liquid composition. The processing carried out in the container 10 includes at least one of, for example, a stirring processing, a dispersion processing, a vacuum processing, a heating processing, and a cooling processing. In the liquid composition production apparatus 1, a case where a stirring processing is carried out will be described.

[0019] The container 10 has a capacity capable of holding the process liquid P of, for example, 50 liters.

[0020] The container 10 is provided with an outer jacket 15 for heat retention or heating in order to retain or heat the container 10. The liquid composition producing apparatus 1 is provided with a plurality of sensors in the container body of the container 10.

[0021] [Sensor] The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of sensors for measuring the physical properties of the process liquid P. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 includes, as sensors, a turbidity meter 21, a viscometer 22, a conductivity meter 23, and a pH meter 24. In the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24 are installed in the container body of the container 10.

[0022] The turbidity meter 21, viscometer 22, conductivity meter 23 and pH meter 24 measure the physical properties of the process liquid P in the vessel 10, namely, the turbidity, viscosity, conductivity and hydrogen ion exponent (pH), respectively.

[0023] The types and number of sensors are not limited to the above examples. For example, sensors for measuring density, refractive index, absorbance, particle size, etc. may be provided as sensors for measuring the physical properties of the process liquid P. Also, a plurality of each sensor may be provided.

[0024] [First mixing section 30] The first stirring unit 30 slowly stirs the process liquid P in the container 10 with the entire container 10. The first stirring unit 30 is, for example, an anchor mixer. The first stirring unit 30 includes a stirring blade 31 and a motor 32 that rotates the stirring blade 31. The stirring blade 31 has a shape that fits the bottom and side of the container 10. The stirring blade 31 stirs the process liquid P in the container 10 by being rotated by the motor 32.

[0025] The rotation speed of the motor 32 in the first stirring unit 30 is an example of the stirring rotation speed.

[0026] [Second stirring section 40] The second stirring unit 40 stirs the process liquid P in the container 10 at high speed. The second stirring unit 40 is, for example, a high-speed dispersing machine such as a homomixer or a disperser mixer. The second stirring unit 40 includes a stirring blade 41 and a motor 42 that rotates the stirring blade 41. The stirring blade 41 has a smaller blade compared to the stirring blade 31. The stirring blade 41 is rotated by the motor 42 and stirs the process liquid P in the container 10 at high speed, for example, to promote emulsification of the process liquid P.

[0027] The rotation speed of the motor 42 in the second stirring unit 40 is an example of the dispersion rotation speed.

[0028] [Control unit 50] The control unit 50 controls the entire liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 50 acquires the measurement results of each of the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. The control unit 50 also controls the first stirring unit 30 and the second stirring unit 40. Furthermore, the control unit 50 controls the display of the display unit 60.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit 50 which is an example of the control unit of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] The control unit 50 acquires data from a plurality of sensors and controls devices related to processing. The control unit 50 is, for example, a computer or a programmable logic controller. The control unit 50 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a read only memory (ROM). The control unit 50 may also include a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory in order to store large amounts of data.

[0031] The control unit 50 includes an overall control unit 51, a data acquisition unit 52, an end determination unit 53, an equipment control unit 54, a storage unit 55, a sensor interface 56, and an equipment interface 57. The overall control unit 51, the data acquisition unit 52, the end determination unit 53, and the equipment control unit 54 realize their functions by, for example, executing a program stored in a ROM by a CPU.

[0032] (General control unit 51) The overall control unit 51 controls the entire control unit 50. The overall control unit 51 also controls the display of the display unit 60.

[0033] (Data Acquisition Unit 52) The data acquiring unit 52 acquires data from a plurality of sensors. In the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, the data acquiring unit 52 acquires data from the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. In addition, the data acquiring unit 52 transfers the data acquired from the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24 to, for example, the end determination unit 53.

[0034] The data acquiring unit 52 acquires data from each of the turbidity meter 21, viscometer 22, conductivity meter 23, and pH meter 24 via the sensor interface 56. The sensor interface 56 inputs the output of each sensor and outputs it to the data acquiring unit 52. The sensor interface 56 converts the signals output from each of the turbidity meter 21, viscometer 22, conductivity meter 23, and pH meter 24, for example, analog signals such as current signals and voltage signals, into digital signals and outputs them to the data acquiring unit 52.

[0035] The turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24 may output digital signals. When the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24 output digital signals, the sensor interface 56 converts the signals into a form that the data acquisition unit 52 can acquire.

[0036] Furthermore, if the data acquisition unit 52 can acquire data directly from each of the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24, the sensor interface 56 may be omitted.

[0037] (End determination unit 53) The end determination unit 53 determines whether to end the ongoing process based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 52. Specifically, the end determination unit 53 determines whether the physical property value measured by a designated target sensor among the multiple sensors is within a range between a preset upper limit value and a preset lower limit value, that is, whether it is included in the range. If the physical property value measured by the designated target sensor is within the range between the set upper limit value and the set lower limit value, the end determination unit 53 measures the time within the range and determines whether the physical property value has been held for the set retention time. Then, when the end determination unit 53 determines that the physical property value has been held for the set retention time for all of the designated target sensors, it determines that the condition for ending the ongoing process is satisfied.

[0038] (Device control unit 54) The equipment control unit 54 controls the equipment that processes the process liquid P. In the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, the equipment control unit 54 controls the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30 and the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40.

[0039] The device control unit 54 is connected to the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30 and the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40 via a device interface 57. The device interface 57 converts data and converts control signals into drive signals.

[0040] (Storage unit 55) The memory unit 55 stores setting values ​​and the like for the treatment of the process liquid P executed by the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1. The memory unit 55 records a table (setting table T) that stores the step number of the treatment of the process liquid, a flag indicating whether each sensor is to be subjected to judgment, and respective setting values ​​of the upper limit value, the lower limit value, and the retention time for each sensor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the setting table T of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, which is an example of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Note that the setting values ​​stored in the memory unit 55 are not limited to those described above, and for example, a flag indicating whether or not raw materials are added from outside may be recorded.

[0041] In the setting table T, predetermined operating conditions of devices and setting conditions of sensors for each step in the batch processing carried out by the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 are stored.

[0042] 3, the first and second rows of the setting table T indicate the field names of the setting table T. The fields of the setting table T include a process number, and the operating conditions of the equipment and the setting conditions of the sensors in the process indicated by the process number.

[0043] Column A of setting table T includes process numbers. The process numbers are numbers that are assigned in order from the first process in the manufacturing process, for example. In the example of FIG. 3, process numbers 1 to 5 are shown, but the numbers are not limited to those in the example of FIG. 3 and may be determined appropriately depending on the liquid composition to be manufactured. In addition, in setting table T, the processes are identified by process numbers, but the processes may also be identified by character strings or codes, such as process A and process B.

[0044] Column B of the setting table T indicates the operating conditions of the first stirring unit 30 in the process indicated by each process number, specifically, the rotation speed of the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30. Column C of the setting table T indicates the operating conditions of the second stirring unit 40 in the process indicated by each process number, specifically, the rotation speed of the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40. The rotation speed is expressed, for example, in rotations per minute. The unit of the rotation speed may be changed as appropriate.

[0045] Column D of the setting table T indicates the setting conditions of the turbidimeter 21 in the process indicated by each process number. Specifically, column D has four columns: column D1, column D2, column D3, and column D4.

[0046] Column D1 indicates a flag that sets whether or not to perform an end determination, described later, of the currently executing process using the physical property value (turbidity) measured by the turbidimeter 21. For example, if the end determination of the currently executing process is to be performed using the physical property value (turbidity) measured by the turbidimeter 21, the record of the corresponding process in column D1 is set to "1," and if the end determination is not to be performed, it is set to "0." Note that the setting is not limited to the above, and "0" and "1" may be reversed, and numbers, letters, or character strings may be used instead of "0" and "1."

[0047] Columns D2 and D3 are setting values ​​that define a reference range for determining the end of a currently executed process when the end of the process is determined using the physical property value (turbidity) measured by the turbidimeter 21. For example, the range defined by the upper limit value indicated in the record in column D2 and the lower limit value indicated in the record in column D3 indicates the range to which the physical property value (turbidity) measured by the turbidimeter 21 will ultimately converge.

[0048] Column D4 is a retention time setting value that determines how long the physical property value (turbidity) measured by the turbidimeter 21 must be maintained within the range indicated in columns D2 and D3 before it is determined that the currently executing process can be terminated.

[0049] Columns E, F, and G respectively indicate the setting conditions of the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24 in the steps indicated by the respective step numbers. Like column D, columns E, F, and G respectively include columns E1, E2, E3, E4, F1, F2, F3, F4, and G1, G2, G3, and G4.

[0050] Columns E1, F1, and G1 indicate flags that set whether or not to perform an end determination for the currently executing process, which will be described later, using physical property values ​​measured by the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24, respectively.

[0051] Columns E2, F2, and G2, as well as columns E3, F3, and G3, are setting values ​​that determine the range that serves as the criteria for determining the end of the currently executing process when the end of the process is determined using the physical property values ​​measured by the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24, respectively.

[0052] Columns E4, F4, and G4 are setting values ​​of retention times that determine how long the physical property values ​​measured by the viscometer 22, conductivity meter 23, and pH meter 24, respectively, must be maintained within the set range before it is determined that the currently executing process can be terminated.

[0053] In addition, when determining whether to terminate the process currently being executed for the selected multiple sensors, it is determined that the process currently being executed is to be terminated if the measurement values ​​for all of the selected multiple sensors are maintained within the set range for the set retention time.

[0054] [Display section 60] The display unit 60 displays the operating state and the like of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 61 displayed by the display unit 60.

[0055] The screen 61 of the display unit 60 has a name display area 61a, a status display area 61b, and a setting display area 61c. The name display area 61a is an area that displays, for example, the name of the liquid composition currently being produced.

[0056] The status display area 61b displays, for example, the actual rotation speed of each of the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30 and the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40 of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, and the measured values ​​of each of the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. In addition, the retention time is displayed for the sensor that is the target of the termination judgment among the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24.

[0057] For example, in the status display area 61b, the color of the portion displaying the sensor for which the end judgment is performed may be changed. For example, in process number 3, the end judgment is performed for the turbidity meter 21, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. Also, it is assumed that the turbidity meter 21 satisfies the end judgment, but the conductivity meter 23 and the pH meter 24 do not satisfy the end condition.

[0058] Under the above conditions, as shown in Fig. 4, the display area 61bg of the turbidity meter 21 may be colored green, and the display areas 61bn of the conductivity meter 23 and pH meter 24 may be colored red. The color of the display area of ​​the viscometer 22 for which the end determination is not performed is not changed. The color may be changed as appropriate.

[0059] In the setting display area 61c, the currently executed process is shown in the center, with the immediately preceding process shown above and the process to be executed next shown below. For example, for the first stirring unit 30 and the second stirring unit 40, the setting values ​​of the rotation speeds of the motors 32 and 42 are shown. Also, for the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23 and the pH meter 24, the setting values ​​of the upper limit, lower limit, retention time and flag indicating whether or not to judge whether the process is to be terminated are shown.

[0060] <Production method using liquid composition production apparatus 1> FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for producing a liquid composition using the liquid composition production apparatus 1, which is an example of the liquid composition production apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0061] When the process starts, the control unit 50 initializes the entire liquid composition production apparatus 1 (step S10, procedure for initializing the apparatus).

[0062] When the initialization is completed, the control unit 50 produces the liquid composition based on the setting table T corresponding to the liquid composition to be produced. The control unit 50 performs each process in the order of the process numbers in the setting table T.

[0063] The overall control unit 51 of the control unit 50 refers to a setting table T corresponding to the process for which processing is to be performed, and performs settings for the sensor that is the object of judgment based on the object flag (object sensor). The overall control unit 51 of the control unit 50 reads and sets the upper and lower limit values ​​of the physical property value measured by the object sensor and the retention time from the setting table T (step S20, procedure for setting the upper and lower limit values ​​of the physical property value and the retention time).

[0064] Then, the overall control unit 51 of the control unit 50 controls the equipment control unit 54 based on the operating conditions of the first stirring unit 30 and the second stirring unit 40 in the setting table T to start the processing of the process liquid P (step S30, procedure for starting the processing of the process liquid). Specifically, the equipment control unit 54 operates each of the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30 and the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40 with the setting value of the corresponding process in the setting table T.

[0065] After starting the processing of the process liquid P, the physical properties of the process liquid P being processed are measured by at least the target sensors (step S40, a procedure for measuring the physical properties of the process liquid being processed). Specifically, the data acquisition unit 52 acquires data from the turbidity meter 21, the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. Note that the data to be acquired may be limited to data from the target sensors, or may be acquired from all the sensors.

[0066] Then, for all the sensors that are the target sensors, it is determined whether the measured physical property value is held within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value set in the setting table T for the holding time set in the setting table T (step S50). Specifically, the end determination unit 53 determines whether the measured physical property value is within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value based on the physical property value of the target sensor acquired by the data acquisition unit 52. Furthermore, if the measured physical property value is within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, the end determination unit 53 calculates the time during which the state within the range is held, and determines whether the state is held for the holding time. Note that step S50 is an example of a procedure for determining whether the measured physical property value is held within the range for the holding time.

[0067] If the measured physical property value is not held within the range between the upper limit and lower limit values ​​set in the setting table T for the holding time set in the setting table T (No in step S50), the process returns to step S40 and is repeated. Note that, for the measured physical property value, data from the sensor may be processed as is, or data obtained by performing statistical processing such as moving average on the data from the sensor may be processed.

[0068] It should be noted that step S40 and step S55, which repeats step S50, are an example of a procedure for continuing the treatment of the process liquid until the process liquid is held for the set holding time.

[0069] When the measured physical property value is held within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value set in the setting table T for the holding time set in the setting table T (Yes in step S50), the control unit 50 ends the processing of the process liquid P (step S60). Specifically, the equipment control unit 54 stops the motor 32 of the first stirring unit 30 and the motor 42 of the second stirring unit 40. Note that step S60 is an example of a procedure for ending the processing of the process liquid.

[0070] The control unit 50 determines whether all the steps set in the setting table T have been completed (step S70). If a step remains (No in step S70), the control unit 50 returns to step S20 and proceeds to the next process to repeat the process. If all the steps have been completed (Yes in step S70), the control unit 50 ends the process. Note that step S70 is an example of a procedure for proceeding to the next process or for ending the process.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0072] The vertical axis of Fig. 6 represents the physical property value (sensor value) measured by the target sensor. The horizontal axis of Fig. 6 represents the processing time. Line M in Fig. 6 represents the result measured by the target sensor.

[0073] For example, when mixing two raw material liquids, if the mixture is not mixed sufficiently, the measured value will vary greatly due to the influence of the physical properties of each of the two raw material liquids. As shown in Figure 6, it is expected that the measured value, which is lower than the target value, will pass the target value and increase over time, eventually converging to the vicinity of the target value.

[0074] The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment ends the process when the state where the sensor value is between the set upper limit value and the set lower limit value is maintained for the set retention time. In Fig. 6, the process of the process liquid ends at the process time Tr1 when the time T1 becomes the set retention time. By ending the process at the process time Tr1, the process of the process liquid can be ended in a stable state where the physical property values ​​have sufficiently converged, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0075] On the other hand, when the processing of the process liquid is terminated using the sensor value reaching the target value as a trigger, the processing ends at processing time Tr2 in Fig. 6. When the processing ends at processing time Tr2, the processing ends in a state where the liquid is not sufficiently stirred.

[0076] <Actions and Effects> The end of a process can be accurately determined according to the liquid composition manufacturing method using the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present disclosure and the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1. For example, when a plurality of raw material liquids are mixed, the end of the process can be accurately determined.

[0077] If the end judgment is made based on the time from the start of the process, the processing time may be too short and the processing may not be performed sufficiently. Also, if the end judgment is made based on the time from the start of the process, the processing time may be set too long and the processing may be performed excessively. According to the liquid composition manufacturing method using the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present disclosure and the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1, the processing is terminated on the condition that the physical property value of the process liquid P is within a desired range during the retention time determined by the setting, so that the end judgment can be performed correctly.

[0078] Conventionally, the completion of processing has been determined by visual inspection by an operator. According to the liquid composition manufacturing method using the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 and the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, the control unit 50 of the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 determines the completion, so that it is possible to suppress variation due to individual differences regardless of the operator's experience.

[0079] Second Embodiment <Liquid composition manufacturing device 2> 7 is a schematic diagram of a liquid composition production apparatus 2, which is an example of the liquid composition production apparatus according to the second embodiment. The liquid composition production apparatus 2 includes a circulation pipe 11 on the outside of a container 10.

[0080] Both ends of the circulation pipe 11 are connected to different locations of the container 10. For example, one end of the circulation pipe 11 is connected to the bottom of the container 10. The other end of the circulation pipe 11 is connected to the side of the container 10.

[0081] The circulation pipe 11 includes a circulation pump 12. The circulation pump 12 sends the process liquid in the vessel 10 to the circulation pipe 11. The circulation pump 12 sends the process liquid to the circulation pipe 11, thereby circulating the process liquid in the vessel 10.

[0082] The liquid composition production apparatus 2 is provided with a turbidity meter 21, a viscometer 22, a conductivity meter 23, and a pH meter 24 in the circulation pipe 11. By providing the circulation pipe 11 with sensors, the degree of freedom in the design of the apparatus can be increased.

[0083] An optical sensor for measuring optical properties, such as the turbidity meter 21 installed in the circulation pipe 11, is desirably provided between the container 10 and other sensors installed downstream of the circulation pump 12, such as the viscometer 22, the conductivity meter 23, and the pH meter 24. By installing the optical sensor as far away as possible from the circulation pump 12, the effects of cavitation and flow rate disturbances generated in the circulation pump 12, for example, can be suppressed.

[0084] Third Embodiment <Liquid composition manufacturing device 3> 8 is a schematic diagram of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3, which is an example of a liquid composition manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 performs vacuum treatment and heating / cooling treatment in addition to stirring treatment for the process liquid. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 also includes a discharge valve for discharging the produced liquid composition. Instead of the control unit 50, the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 includes a control unit 150 that has additional functions added to the control unit 50.

[0085] The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 includes a lid 110 for changing the pressure inside the container 10. For example, when the process liquid P is subjected to vacuum treatment, the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 closes the upper part of the container 10 with the lid 110 to keep the inside of the container 10 airtight.

[0086] The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 includes a vacuum pump 120 and a pressure regulating valve 121. The vacuum pump 120 is a pump for discharging air from the container 10 to reduce the pressure inside the container 10. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 performs a vacuum treatment of the process liquid P by reducing the pressure inside the container 10.

[0087] The pressure regulating valve 121 is a valve that regulates the pressure inside the container 10 to a set pressure. The pressure regulating valve 121 is controlled by the control unit 150.

[0088] The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 further includes a heating / cooling device 130 and a temperature control valve 131. The heating / cooling device 130 supplies a heat medium, for example, water or brine, at a predetermined temperature to the jacket 15. The supplied heat medium heats and cools the container 10 by circulating inside the jacket 15. The temperature control valve 131 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium supplied from the heating / cooling device 130. The heating / cooling device 130 and the temperature control valve 131 are controlled by the control unit 150. The control unit 150 controls the heating / cooling device 130 and the temperature control valve 131, so that the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 brings the container 10 to a predetermined temperature and performs heating and cooling treatment of the process liquid P.

[0089] Furthermore, the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 includes a discharge valve 140. The liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 3 discharges the manufactured liquid composition by opening the discharge valve 140. The discharge valve 140 is controlled by a control unit 150. The discharge valve 140 may also be provided in the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 and the liquid composition manufacturing apparatus 2 in FIG. 7.

[0090] When the end determination unit 53 determines that the treatment of the current process liquid has ended, the control unit 150 may control the drain valve 140, the temperature control valve 131, the pressure adjustment valve 121, and the circulation pump 12. Furthermore, when the end determination unit 53 determines that the treatment of the current process liquid has ended, the control unit 150 may control the opening and closing of the lid 110.

[0091] It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0092] For example, the liquid composition granule manufacturing method and liquid composition manufacturing device according to the present embodiment can be applied to the manufacture of various liquid compositions, such as not only cosmetics but also foods, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1, 2, 3 Liquid composition manufacturing equipment 10 containers 11 Circulation piping 12 Circulation pump 15 Jacket 21 Turbidity meter 22 Viscometer 23 Conductivity meter 24 pH meter 30 First mixing section 31 Mixing blade 32 Motor 40 Second mixing section 41 Mixing blade 42 Motor 50, 150 Control section 51 Overall control unit 52 Data Acquisition Section 53 End Judgment Section 54 Equipment control section 55 Storage section 56 Sensor Interface 57 Device Interface 60 Display section 110 Lid 120 Vacuum Pump 121 Pressure Regulating Valve 130 Heating and cooling equipment 131 Temperature control valve 140 Exhaust valve

Claims

1. A method for producing a liquid composition using a production apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and measure physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: a step of setting upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; a step of measuring a physical property of the process liquid during processing by the target sensor; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Including, A method for producing a liquid composition.

2. A method for producing a liquid composition using a production apparatus including a vessel in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors that are installed in the vessel or in a circulation pipe connected to the vessel and measure physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: a step of setting upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; a step of measuring a physical property of the process liquid during processing by the target sensor; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Including, The treatment of the process liquid is a stirring treatment, In the stirring process, at least one of a stirring rotation speed and a dispersion rotation speed is set. A method for producing a liquid composition.

3. A method for producing a liquid composition using a production apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and measure physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: a step of setting upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; a step of measuring a physical property of the process liquid during processing by the target sensor; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Including, The manufacturing apparatus further includes a discharge valve, a temperature control valve, a pressure control valve, a circulation pump, and a control unit; The container comprises a lid; the control unit controls opening and closing of the discharge valve, the temperature control valve, and the pressure control valve, controls driving of the circulation pump, and controls opening and closing of the lid, during the treatment of the process liquid. A method for producing a liquid composition.

4. A method for producing a liquid composition using a production apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and measure physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: a step of setting upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; a step of measuring a physical property of the process liquid during processing by the target sensor; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Including, The plurality of sensors includes at least an optical sensor; The optical sensor is provided between the container and another sensor provided downstream of the circulating pump. A method for producing a liquid composition.

5. continuing to treat the process liquid until the physical property value measured by the target sensor is maintained between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the retention time. A method for producing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the treatment of the process liquid includes a plurality of treatments, and includes a step of moving to a next treatment or a step of terminating a treatment when a physical property value measured by the target sensor in a predetermined treatment is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time. A method for producing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The liquid composition is a cosmetic. A method for producing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The physical properties measured by the plurality of sensors are at least one of viscosity, turbidity, hydrogen ion exponent, conductivity, density, refractive index, absorbance, and particle size. A method for producing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The treatment of the process liquid is any one of a stirring treatment, a vacuum treatment, and a heating / cooling treatment. A method for producing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a vessel in which the process liquid is treated; a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and that measure physical properties of the process liquid; a control unit that sets an upper limit and a lower limit of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with the treatment of the process liquid, measures a time during which the physical property value measured by the target sensor is between the upper limit and the lower limit, and controls the treatment to be continued until the measured time reaches the retention time. Liquid composition manufacturing device.

11. A vessel in which a process liquid is treated; a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and that measure physical properties of the process liquid; a control unit that sets upper and lower limit values ​​and a retention time for a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors in accordance with treatment of the process liquid, measures a time during which the physical property value measured by the target sensor is between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and controls the treatment to be continued until the measured time reaches the retention time, The treatment of the process liquid is a stirring treatment, The control unit sets at least one of a stirring rotation speed and a dispersion rotation speed in the stirring process. Liquid composition manufacturing device.

12. A vessel in which a process liquid is treated; a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and that measure physical properties of the process liquid; a control unit that sets upper and lower limit values ​​and a retention time for a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors in accordance with treatment of the process liquid, measures a time during which the physical property value measured by the target sensor is between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and controls the treatment to be continued until the measured time reaches the retention time, Further comprising a discharge valve, a temperature control valve, a pressure control valve, and a circulation pump; The container comprises a lid; the control unit controls opening and closing of the discharge valve, the temperature control valve, and the pressure control valve, controls driving of the circulation pump, and controls opening and closing of the lid, during the treatment of the process liquid. Liquid composition manufacturing device.

13. A vessel in which a process liquid is treated; a plurality of sensors that are installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and that measure physical properties of the process liquid; a control unit that sets upper and lower limit values ​​and a retention time for a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors in accordance with treatment of the process liquid, measures a time during which the physical property value measured by the target sensor is between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and controls the treatment to be continued until the measured time reaches the retention time, The plurality of sensors includes at least an optical sensor; The optical sensor is provided between the container and another sensor provided downstream of the circulating pump. Liquid composition manufacturing device.

14. A control device for controlling a manufacturing apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and for measuring physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: acquiring settings of upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; controlling the target sensor to measure a physical property of the process liquid during processing; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Execute Control device.

15. A control device for controlling a manufacturing apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and for measuring physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: acquiring settings of upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; controlling the target sensor to measure a physical property of the process liquid during processing; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Run The treatment of the process liquid is a stirring treatment, and in the stirring treatment, a step of acquiring at least one of a stirring rotation speed and a dispersion rotation speed is executed. Control device.

16. A control device for controlling a manufacturing apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and for measuring physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: acquiring settings of upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; controlling the target sensor to measure a physical property of the process liquid during processing; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Run The manufacturing apparatus further includes a discharge valve, a temperature control valve, a pressure control valve, and a circulation pump; The container comprises a lid; and further executing a procedure of controlling opening and closing of the discharge valve, the temperature control valve, and the pressure control valve, controlling the operation of a circulation pump, and controlling the opening and closing of the lid during the treatment of the process liquid. Control device.

17. A control device for controlling a manufacturing apparatus including a container in which a process liquid is treated, and a plurality of sensors installed in the container or in a circulation pipe connected to the container and for measuring physical properties of the process liquid, comprising: acquiring settings of upper and lower limits of a physical property value measured by at least one target sensor among the plurality of sensors and a retention time in accordance with a treatment of the process liquid; controlling the target sensor to measure a physical property of the process liquid during processing; a step of determining whether or not the physical property value measured by the target sensor is held between the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the holding time; Run The plurality of sensors includes at least an optical sensor; The optical sensor is provided between the container and another sensor provided downstream of the circulating pump. Control device.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as a control device described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

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