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

Abstract

This particle size distribution measurement system comprises: a particle size distribution measurement unit that measures the particle size distribution of specimens; a specimen supply unit that samples the specimens and supplies the sampled specimens to the particle size distribution measurement unit through a flow path through which the sampled specimens flow; and an arrival time calculation unit that calculates, on the basis of flow path information that is information about the flow path, an arrival time that is the period of time from when the specimens are sampled to when the specimens reach the particle size distribution measurement unit.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to a particle size distribution measurement system, a particle size distribution measurement method, and a particle size distribution measurement program.

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a particle size distribution measurement system in which a sampled sample is diluted and the particle size distribution of the diluted sample is measured. Specifically, in this system, a pipe through which the sampled sample flows and a pipe through which a diluent flows are connected to a mixing section such as a static mixer, and the liquid mixed in the mixing section flows to a sensor. Then, after measurement of the particle size distribution is completed, the mixing section and its downstream side are washed with the diluent. After the washing is completed, the sample is sampled again and the particle size distribution is measured.

[0003] JP 2016-65874 A

[0004] Here, if the sampling interval becomes short, the sampling process time, which is the process time for the sampling process to sample a sample, becomes shorter than the arrival time, which is the time it takes for the sample to reach the sensor that measures the particle size distribution, and measurement will start before the sampled sample reaches the sensor, resulting in mixing with the previously sampled sample, making it impossible to measure the desired sample. For this reason, the sampling process time is set longer than the arrival time.

[0005] Conventionally, a user calculates the arrival time to set the sampling process time. However, when a user calculates the arrival time, the user needs to perform complex calculations using flow path information such as the flow path pipe diameter, flow path length, flow path specifications, or the flow rate of the sample flowing through the flow path. This places a burden on the user when calculating the arrival time, and it takes time to calculate the sampling process time.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its main object to easily calculate the sampling process time in a particle size distribution measurement system in which a sampled sample is supplied via a flow path to a location where particle size distribution is measured.

[0007] That is, the particle size distribution measurement system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a particle size distribution measurement unit that measures the particle size distribution of a sample; a sample supply unit that samples the sample and supplies the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow path through which the sampled sample flows; and an arrival time calculation unit that calculates an arrival time, which is the time taken for the sample to reach the particle size distribution measurement unit after being sampled, based on flow path information that is information about the flow path.

[0008] In such a particle size distribution measurement system, the arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information, so the arrival time is calculated automatically without the user having to perform complex calculations. As a result, the burden on the user required to calculate the arrival time can be reduced, and the sampling process time can be easily calculated based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit.

[0009] In order to calculate the arrival time more accurately, it is desirable that the flow path information be at least one of the pipe diameter of the pipe that constitutes the flow path, the flow path length which is the length of the flow path, and the flow rate of the sample flowing through the flow path.

[0010] For example, when the concentration of a sample is high, the sample may be pretreated to accurately measure the particle size distribution of the sample. In this case, the sample is pretreated between sampling and measurement, and the arrival time is increased by the amount of sample pretreatment. Therefore, the particle size distribution measurement system may further include a pretreatment unit that is provided in the flow path and pretreatments the sampled sample, and the arrival time calculation unit may calculate the arrival time by including device information, which is information about the device that constitutes the pretreatment unit, in the flow path information.

[0011] With this configuration, the arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time by including the device information of the pretreatment unit in the flow path information, so that the arrival time can be automatically calculated even when sampling a sample that requires pretreatment, such as a high-concentration sample.

[0012] It is preferable that the device further comprises an arrival time display unit that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit, and a measurement schedule display unit that displays a measurement schedule, which is a schedule for measuring the sample, and that the arrival time display unit and the measurement schedule display unit are provided on the same screen.

[0013] With this configuration, the arrival times and the measurement schedule are displayed on the same screen, allowing the user to see both the arrival times and the measurement schedule at once. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the arrival times and the measurement schedule are displayed on separate screens, the burden on the user when creating a measurement schedule based on the arrival times can be reduced.

[0014] It is desirable that the particle size distribution measurement system further includes a sampling process time setting unit that sets a sampling process time for sampling the sample based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit, and that the sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to be longer than the arrival time.

[0015] With this configuration, the sampling step time setting unit sets the sampling step time to be longer than the arrival time, thereby preventing a situation in which the replacement of the sample in the flow path is not completed in time. Furthermore, since the lower limit of the sampling step time is the arrival time, the arrival time calculation unit can automatically calculate the lower limit of the sampling step time.

[0016] The particle size distribution measurement system may further include a process adjustment device that adjusts processes of the particle size distribution measurement system, and the process adjustment device may include a sampling interval receiving unit that receives a sampling interval, which is the time from when a sampling process of sampling the sample is started until the next sampling process is started, and a process time adjustment unit that, when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is equal to or shorter than a predetermined value, adjusts a process time for at least one of the sampling process, the measurement process of measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process of cleaning at least one of the particle size distribution measurement unit and the sample supply unit, or the standby process of waiting until the start of the next sampling process.

[0017] With this configuration, when the sampling interval is equal to or shorter than a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit adjusts the process time of at least one of the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system, so that the process of the particle size distribution measurement system can proceed even when the sampling interval is equal to or shorter than the predetermined value. As a result, even in a process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the state of the sample changes rapidly, the process time adjustment unit shortens the process time, so that the particle size distribution measurement system can measure the particle size distribution while keeping up with changes in the state of the sample.

[0018] It is preferable that the process time adjusting unit omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval accepted by the sampling interval accepting unit is equal to or shorter than a predetermined value.

[0019] With this configuration, the process time adjustment unit omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value, so that the sampling interval can be shortened by the amount of the omitted cleaning process.

[0020] The predetermined value of the sampling interval may be the time required from the start of the measurement step before adjustment to the end of the cleaning step before adjustment.

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

[0022] In a particle size distribution measurement system, a set value, for example, of the particle diameter of a sample to be sampled may be given. In this case, since the change in particle diameter of the sample decreases as the particle diameter of the sample approaches the set value, it is necessary to measure the particle size distribution of the sample by gradually shortening the sampling interval. Therefore, it is preferable that the process adjustment device adjusts the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the sampling interval is gradually shortened.

[0023] In a particle size distribution measurement system, when the change in particle size of a sample, such as the absolute value of the particle size or the range of change in particle size per unit time, gradually increases, the sampling interval gradually shortens to follow the change in particle size. Therefore, it is preferable that the process adjustment device adjusts the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the change in particle size of the sample gradually increases.

[0024] A particle size distribution measurement method using a particle size distribution measurement unit that measures the particle size distribution of a sample includes sampling the sample and supplying the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit through a flow path through which the sample flows, and calculating an arrival time, which is the time from when the sample is sampled until when the sample reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit, based on flow path information that is information about the flow path.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the particle size distribution measuring system described above.

[0026] The particle size distribution measurement program used in a particle size distribution measurement system includes a particle size distribution measurement unit that measures the particle size distribution of a sample, and a sample supply unit that samples the sample and supplies the sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a flow path through which the sampled sample flows. The program causes a computer to function as an arrival time calculation unit that calculates an arrival time, which is the time it takes for the sample to reach the particle size distribution measurement unit after being sampled, based on flow path information that is information about the flow path.

[0027] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the particle size distribution measuring system described above.

[0028] According to the present invention configured as described above, in a particle size distribution measurement system in which a sampled sample is supplied via a flow path to a location where the particle size distribution is measured, the sampling process time can be easily calculated.

[0029] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a particle size distribution measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing functional blocks of a calculation device in the same embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display unit in the same embodiment; FIG. 4 is a graph showing (a) a change in particle size when the change in particle size over time gradually increases, and (b) a graph showing a change in particle size when the absolute value of the particle size gradually increases, in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in the same embodiment; (a) a schematic diagram showing the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in the same embodiment; and (b) a schematic diagram showing the process of a conventional particle size distribution measurement system.

[0030] <Present Embodiment> A particle size distribution measurement system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in all of the drawings shown below, some parts may be omitted or exaggerated as appropriate for ease of understanding. Identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0031] <Particle Size Distribution Measurement System> The particle size distribution measurement system 100 in this embodiment samples the generated sample from the generation flow path P through which the generated sample flows, and measures the particle size distribution of the sample, in order to periodically observe the state of the generated sample.

[0032] Specifically, particle size distribution measurement system 100 includes a sample supply unit 10 that samples a sample and supplies the sample via flow path 11, a preprocessing unit 20 that is provided in flow path 11 and performs preprocessing of the sampled sample, a particle size distribution measurement unit 30 that measures the particle size distribution of the sample, an arithmetic and control device 40 that controls and performs calculations on various devices that make up particle size distribution measurement system 100, a process adjustment device 50 that adjusts the process of particle size distribution measurement system 100, and a display unit 60 that displays various data. The configuration of each unit will be described below.

[0033] The sample supply unit 10 supplies a sample from the production flow path P to the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 via a flow path 11. Specifically, the sample supply unit 10 includes a flow path 11 that is connected to the production flow path P and the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 and through which the sample flows from the production flow path P to the particle size distribution measurement unit 30, a pump 12 that samples the sample from the production flow path P, and a sampling switching valve 13 that samples the sample from the production flow path P to the flow path 11 and closes the sampling. In this embodiment, the flow path 11 includes a sampling flow path 11a that connects the production flow path P and the pre-treatment unit 20, and a post-pre-treatment flow path 11b that connects the pre-treatment unit 20 and the particle size distribution measurement unit 30. In this embodiment, the sample supplying unit 10 further includes a pump 14 that supplies the sample pretreated in the pretreatment unit 20 to the particle size distribution measuring unit 30, a mixer on-off valve 15 that opens and closes the outflow of liquid from a mixer 23 (described later), and a flow cell on-off valve 16 that opens and closes the inflow of liquid into a flow cell 31 (described later). However, the pump 14, the mixer on-off valve 15, and the flow cell on-off valve 16 are not essential components.

[0034] The pretreatment unit 20 dilutes the high-concentration sample when, for example, a high-concentration sample is sampled. Specifically, the pretreatment unit 20 includes a diluent reservoir 21 that stores a diluent for diluting the sample, a diluent outlet pump 22 that discharges the diluent from the diluent reservoir 21, a mixer 23 that mixes the diluent discharged from the diluent outlet pump 22 with the sample sampled by the pump 12, a diluent outlet path 24 through which the diluent discharged by the diluent outlet pump 22 flows, and a diluent outlet valve 25 that discharges the diluent from the diluent reservoir 21 to the diluent outlet path 24 and stops the discharge.

[0035] The upstream side of the mixer 23 is connected to a diluent outlet path 24, through which the diluent discharged by the diluent discharge pump 22 flows, and to the sampling flow path 11a, so that the diluent and the sampled sample are introduced into the mixer 23. The downstream side of the mixer 23 is connected to the post-pretreatment flow path 11b, so that the pre-treated sample is discharged from the mixer 23. In this embodiment, the mixer 23 is, for example, a static mixer, but the mixer 23 is not limited to this and may be, for example, a tank for performing mixing.

[0036] The particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of the sample diluted in the mixer 23. Specifically, the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 includes a flow cell 31 through which the diluted sample flows, a light irradiation unit 32 that irradiates the sample in the flow cell 31 with light via a lens R1, and a light detection unit 33 that detects light diffracted or scattered from the sample via a lens R2. After the measurement of the particle size distribution is completed, the sample is discharged into the flow path 11 downstream of the flow cell 31. A flow cell outlet valve 34 is provided in the flow path 11 downstream of the flow cell 31, but the flow cell outlet valve 34 is not an essential component.

[0037] In this embodiment, the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution when there is no sample flow in the flow cell 31, but it may also measure the particle size distribution when there is a sample flow in the flow cell 31. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 32 is, for example, a laser light source, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the light detection unit 33 is, for example, a photomultiplier tube, but is not limited to this.

[0038] The arithmetic and control device 40 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. Specifically, the arithmetic and control device 40 functions as a particle size distribution calculation unit 41 that calculates a particle size distribution based on a light intensity signal obtained by the light detection unit 33, and as a control unit 42 that controls various devices that constitute the particle size distribution measurement system 100, such as each pump, each valve, or the particle size distribution measurement unit 30, by the CPU and its peripheral devices working together in accordance with a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory.

[0039] The process adjustment device 50 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc., and the CPU and its peripheral devices cooperate in accordance with a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory to adjust the process of the particle size distribution measuring system 100. The computer constituting the process adjustment device 50 may be a computer separate from the computer constituting the arithmetic and control device 40, or may be the same computer.

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

[0041] Specifically, the process adjustment device 50 functions as a flow path information receiving unit 51 that acquires flow path information, which is information about the flow path 11, an arrival time calculation unit 52 that calculates the arrival time, which is the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit 30, a sampling process time setting unit 53 that sets the sampling process time, which is the period during which the sample is sampled, a sampling interval receiving unit 54 that receives the sampling interval, which is the time from when a sampling process starts until when the next sampling process starts, and a process time adjustment unit 55 that adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100. The configuration of each unit of the process adjustment device 50 will be described below.

[0042] The flow path information receiving unit 51 acquires flow path information input by a user. In this embodiment, the flow path information includes the pipe diameter of the pipe constituting the flow path 11, the flow path length of the flow path 11 from the connection point with the production flow path P to the connection point with the flow cell 31, the fluid flow rate measured by a flow sensor (not shown) provided in the flow path 11, the set value of the flow rate discharged by at least one of the pump 12, the pump 14, and the diluent outlet pump 22, the pipe diameter of the pipe constituting the diluent outlet path 24, the flow path length of the diluent outlet path 24, or device information indicating information about the device constituting the pretreatment unit 20. The device information of the pretreatment unit 20 is, for example, the device information of the mixer 23, and in this case, indicates the mixing time, which is the time from when the sample and diluent are introduced into the mixer 23 to when they are discharged. Note that if the mixer 23 is a tank, the device information of the mixer 23 may also indicate the mixing time required for the sample to reach a predetermined dilution ratio.

[0043] The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information acquired by the flow path information receiving unit 51. The arrival time here refers to the time it takes for the sampled sample to arrive from the connection point A between the production flow path P and the flow path 11 to the measurement position, which is the position in the flow cell 31 where light from the light irradiation unit 32 is irradiated.

[0044] Specifically, the arrival time calculation unit 52 acquires the piping diameter and length of the flow path 11 from the flow path information receiving unit 51 and calculates the volume of the flow path 11. Then, the arrival time calculation unit 52 acquires from the flow path information receiving unit 51 the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and / or the set value of the flow rate discharged by at least one of the pump 12, the pump 14, and the diluent outlet pump 22. Based on the volume of the flow path 11 and the measured flow rate, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time it takes for the sample to reach the measurement position, which is the position in the flow cell 31 where light from the light irradiation unit 32 is irradiated, from the connection point A between the production flow path P and the flow path 11. Furthermore, the arrival time calculation unit 52 acquires device information about the mixer 23 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time using the time it takes for the sample to reach the measurement position from the connection point A and the device information about the mixer 23.

[0045] In this embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 further calculates the time from when the diluent is discharged until the diluent reaches the flow cell 31. The time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52 here is the time it takes for the diluent to reach the measurement position in the flow cell 31 from the outlet of the diluent reservoir 21.

[0046] More specifically, the arrival time calculation unit 52 acquires the pipe diameter and the flow path length of the diluent outlet path 24 from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the diluent outlet path 24. The arrival time calculation unit 52 also acquires the pipe diameter and the flow path length of the post-pretreatment flow path 11b from the flow path information receiving unit 51, and calculates the volume of the post-pretreatment flow path 11b. The arrival time calculation unit 52 then acquires the flow rate measured by the flow sensor and device information about the pretreatment unit 20 from the flow path information receiving unit 51. The arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the time from when the diluent is discharged until it reaches the flow cell 31, using the volume of the diluent outlet path 24, the volume of the post-pretreatment flow path 11b, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and the device information about the pretreatment unit 20.

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

[0048] In this embodiment, the sampling process time refers to the time from when the pump 12 starts to operate until the sampled sample reaches the measurement position in the flow cell 31. More specifically, the sampling process time refers to (1) the time from when the sampling switch valve 13 and the diluent outlet valve 25 are opened and the pump 12 starts to operate until the sampled sample and diluent reach the measurement position in the flow cell 31 and the sampling switch valve 13 and the diluent outlet valve 25 are closed, or (2) the time from when the sampling switch valve 13 is opened and the pump 12 starts to operate until the sampled sample reaches the mixer 23, which closes the sampling switch valve 13 and opens the diluent outlet valve 25, and the sampled sample and diluent reach the measurement position in the flow cell 31 and the diluent outlet valve 25 is closed. Note that in the sampling process time (2), the timing at which the sampling switch valve 13 and the diluent outlet valve 25 are opened may be the same.

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

[0050] The process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of at least one of the sampling process, measurement process, cleaning process, and standby process when the sampling interval accepted by the sampling interval acceptance unit 54 is equal to or shorter than a predetermined value. Here, the measurement process time specifically refers to the time it takes for the light detection unit 33 to detect light diffracted or scattered from the sample, and is set in advance in the process adjustment device 50. Furthermore, the cleaning process time refers to the time it takes for the mixer 23, the post-pretreatment flow path 11b, and the flow cell 31 to be cleaned, and is calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52, and is the time it takes for the diluent to reach the flow cell 31. The cleaning process time may include not only the time it takes for the diluent to reach the flow cell 31, but also the time it takes for the diluent to remove substances adhering to the inner surface of the flow cell 31 after reaching the flow cell 31.

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

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

[0053] In this embodiment, the predetermined value of the sampling interval is, for example, the time required from the start of the sampling step before adjustment to the end of the cleaning step before adjustment. Here, the process time adjustment unit 55 acquires the sampling step time from the sampling step time setting unit 53. Also, it acquires the measurement step time that is preset in the process adjustment device 50. Furthermore, the process time adjustment unit 55 calculates the cleaning step time based on the time it takes for the diluent to reach the flow cell 31, which is calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52. Then, the process time adjustment unit 55 adds up the sampling step time, measurement step time, and cleaning step time to calculate the predetermined value of the sampling interval.

[0054] The display unit 60 is, for example, a display, and includes an arrival time display unit 61 that displays the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52, a measurement schedule display unit 62 that displays a measurement schedule that is a schedule for measuring the sample, and a sampling interval input unit 63 through which the user inputs the sampling interval. As shown in Fig. 3, the arrival time display unit 61, the measurement schedule display unit 62, and the sampling interval input unit 63 are provided on the same screen of the display.

[0055] In this embodiment, the measurement schedule display unit 62 displays the start time when sampling of the sample started, the end time when measurement of the particle size distribution ended, and the measurement time of the particle size distribution. Here, the start time is the time when the user outputs a command signal to start driving the pump 12 to the control unit 42 via the input means of the computer. The measurement time of the particle size distribution is a time set in advance by the user or the computer. Note that the start time, end time, and measurement time may also be set by the user.

[0056] Furthermore, the sampling interval input section 63 displays the sampling interval input by the user via the input means of the computer.

[0057] <Particle Size Distribution Measurement Method> Next, a particle size distribution measurement method using the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 is a process in which the change in particle size of the sample gradually increases. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4( a), in the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100, a set value of particle size is set for the sample flowing through the production flow path P. Then, a sample with a particle size larger than the set value flows through the production flow path P, and the change in particle size over time gradually increases, until the particle size of the sample flowing through the production flow path P asymptotically approaches the set value. In addition, in FIG. 4( a), S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 indicate the times at which the sampling process is started, and the intervals between adjacent times indicate sampling intervals.

[0058] When a user inputs flow path information via an input means of the computer, the flow path information receiving unit 51 receives the flow path information.

[0059] The arrival time calculation unit 52 acquires from the flow path information receiving unit 51, among the flow path information received by the flow path information receiving unit 51, the piping diameter of the flow path 11, the length of the flow path 11, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor, and device information of the pre-processing unit 20. Then, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information acquired from the flow path information receiving unit 51.

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

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

[0062] When the arrival time is displayed on the screen, the user inputs a plurality of sampling intervals into the sampling interval input unit 63 so that the sampling intervals become gradually shorter. When the user inputs the sampling intervals, the sampling interval receiving unit 54 receives the sampling intervals.

[0063] Next, the process time adjustment unit 55 determines whether the sampling interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the sampling interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 so as to omit the cleaning process. On the other hand, if the sampling interval is greater than the predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 so as to perform the cleaning process.

[0064] When the process time adjustment unit 55 has finished adjusting the process time of the particle size distribution measurement system 100, the user outputs a command signal to start the sampling process to the control unit 42 via the computer's input means. This drives the pump 12 and starts the sampling process. The time when the user outputs the command signal to start the sampling process is displayed on the measurement schedule display unit 62.

[0065] The control unit 42 controls the pump 12 based on the sampling process time, causing the pump 12 to sample the sample from the production flow path P. When the sampling process time ends, the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution of the sample based on the measurement time displayed on the measurement schedule display unit 62.

[0066] When the measurement time has elapsed and the sampling interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the cleaning step is omitted and the standby step is started.

[0067] On the other hand, if the measurement time has elapsed and the sampling interval is greater than the predetermined value, the cleaning process is initiated. Then, when the preset process time for the cleaning process has elapsed, the standby process is initiated.

[0068] When the sampling interval time input by the user has elapsed, the standby process ends. After the standby process ends, the next sampling process starts, and the above-described process of the particle size distribution measuring system 100 is repeated.

[0069] Next, a comparison of process adjustment in an example using the process adjustment device 50 of this embodiment and process adjustment in a conventional example will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In both the example and the conventional example, the process times for the sampling process, the measurement process, and the cleaning process are set in advance.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5( a ), when the user inputs a sampling interval greater than a predetermined value, the particle size distribution measuring system 100 proceeds in the order of a sampling step, a measuring step, a cleaning step, and a waiting step.

[0071] 5A, when the user inputs a sampling interval equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process. As a result, the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 proceed in the order of the sampling process, the measurement process, and the standby process. As a result, even when a sampling interval equal to or less than the predetermined value is input, the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can proceed.

[0072] 5(b), in the conventional example, the cleaning step cannot be omitted, so the sampling interval must be greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, in the conventional example, if a sampling interval shorter than the previously input sampling interval is input, the process time for the sampling step, the process time for the measurement step, and the process time for the cleaning step are all preset, so the process time for the standby step can only be shortened. Therefore, in the conventional example, even if the user inputs a sampling interval shorter than the predetermined value, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 cannot proceed.

[0073] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the particle size distribution measuring system 100 of this embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time based on the flow path information, so that the arrival time is automatically calculated without the user having to perform complex calculations. As a result, the burden on the user required to calculate the arrival time can be reduced, and the sampling process time can be easily calculated based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 52.

[0074] Furthermore, since the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time by including the device information of the pretreatment unit 20 in the flow path information, the arrival time can be automatically calculated even for samples that require pretreatment, such as high-concentration samples.

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

[0076] In addition, since the sampling step time setting unit 53 sets a sampling step time that is longer than the arrival time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the replacement of the sample in the flow channel 11 is not completed in time.

[0077] Furthermore, when the sampling interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time of at least one of the processes of the particle size distribution measurement system 100, so that the user can proceed with the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 even when the sampling interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value. As a result, even in a process in which the state of the sample changes rapidly, for example, the user can proceed with the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 by shortening the process time with the process time adjustment unit 55.

[0078] In this embodiment, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval is equal to or shorter than a predetermined value, so that the next sampling process can be started earlier by the amount of the skipped cleaning process. As a result, even if the user inputs a sampling interval equal to or shorter than the predetermined value, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 can proceed.

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

[0080] Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0081] In order for the process adjustment device 50 to calculate the arrival time, it is sufficient for the process adjustment device 50 to include at least a flow path information receiving unit 51 and an arrival time calculating unit 52, and the sampling process time setting unit 53, the sampling interval receiving unit 54, and the process time adjustment unit 55 may be provided in a computer different from the process adjustment device 50. Furthermore, in order to calculate the arrival time, the particle size distribution measuring system 100 does not need to include the preprocessing unit 20 and the display unit 60.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival time by including the device information of the pre-processing unit 20 in the flow path information, but it may also calculate the arrival time without including the device information of the pre-processing unit 20 in the flow path information.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 52 further calculates the time from when the diluent is dispensed until when the diluent reaches the flow cell 31, but it is not necessary to calculate the time from when the diluent is dispensed until when the diluent reaches the flow cell 31. In other words, the arrival time calculation unit 52 only needs to calculate at least the arrival time.

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

[0085] In the above embodiment, the process time adjustment unit 55 omits the cleaning process when the sampling interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value, but it may also adjust the time of other processes. Specifically, the process time adjustment unit 55 may shorten or omit the process time of the standby process when the sampling interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 may adjust the process time of the sampling process by outputting a command signal to a drive circuit that drives the pump 12 to increase the output of the pump 12. Alternatively, the process time adjustment unit 55 may adjust the process time of the measurement process so that the particle size distribution measurement unit 30 measures the particle size distribution while the sample is flowing through the flow cell 31.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the predetermined value of the sampling interval is the time required from the start of the pre-adjustment measurement process to the end of the pre-adjustment cleaning process, but is not limited to this. The predetermined value of the sampling interval may be set to any value by a user or a computer.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 is one in which the change in particle size of the sample flowing through the production flow path P gradually increases over time, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the process adjustment device 50 may adjust the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 in which the absolute value of the particle size of the sample gradually increases. Note that the process adjustment device 50 is not limited to adjusting the process of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 in which the change in particle size of the sample gradually increases, and may also adjust the process of other particle size distribution measurement systems 100.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the user inputs multiple sampling intervals at once into the sampling interval input unit 63, but this is not limiting. For example, before the waiting step ends, the user may input the sampling interval in the next particle size distribution measurement schedule into the sampling interval input unit 63. In this case, the user may input into the sampling interval input unit 63 a sampling interval that is shorter than the previous sampling interval.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the process time adjustment unit 55 adjusts the process time when the sampling interval input to the sampling interval input unit 63 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, but this is not limiting. For example, the process time adjustment unit 55 may notify the user of an error on the display unit 60 when the sampling interval input to the sampling interval input unit 63 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0090] In addition, various modifications and combinations of the embodiments may be made as long as they do not go against the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] According to the present invention, in a particle size distribution measurement system in which a sampled sample is supplied via a flow path to a location where particle size distribution is measured, the sampling process time can be easily calculated.

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Particle size distribution measurement system 10 Sample supply unit 11 Flow path 11a Sampling flow path 11b Post-pretreatment flow path 20 Pretreatment unit 30 Particle size distribution measurement unit 40 Arithmetic and control device 50 Process adjustment device 51 Flow path information reception unit 52 Arrival time calculation unit 53 Sampling process time setting unit 54 Sampling interval reception unit 55 Process time adjustment unit 60 Display unit 61 Arrival time display unit 62 Measurement schedule display unit P Production flow path

Claims

1. A particle size distribution measuring unit that measures the particle size distribution of a sample, A sample supply unit that samples the sample and supplies the sampled sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a channel through which the sampled sample flows, A particle size distribution measurement system comprising: a flow path information unit that calculates an arrival time based on the flow path information, which is the information of the flow path, the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit.

2. The particle size distribution measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the flow path information is at least one of the pipe diameter of the pipe constituting the flow path, the flow path length which is the length of the flow path, and the flow rate of the sample flowing through the flow path.

3. The flow path is provided with a preprocessing unit that performs preprocessing on the sampled sample, The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the arrival time calculation unit calculates the arrival time by including device information, which is information of the device constituting the preprocessing unit, in the flow path information.

4. A time arrival display unit that displays the arrival time calculated by the time arrival calculation unit, The system further includes a measurement schedule display unit that displays a measurement schedule, which is the measurement schedule for the aforementioned sample. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the arrival time display unit and the measurement schedule display unit are provided on the same screen.

5. The system further includes a sampling process time setting unit that sets the sampling process time, which is the process time for the sampling process in which the sample is sampled, based on the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the sampling process time setting unit sets the sampling process time to be longer than the arrival time.

6. The system further includes a process adjustment device for adjusting the process of the particle size distribution measurement system, The aforementioned process adjustment device is A sampling interval receiving unit that receives a sampling interval which is the time from the start of one sampling step to the start of the next sampling step, The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a process time adjustment unit that adjusts the time of at least one of the following processes: the sampling process, the measurement process for measuring the particle size distribution of the sample, the cleaning process for cleaning at least one of the particle size distribution measuring unit and the sample supply unit, or the waiting process for waiting until the start of the next sampling process, when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

7. The particle size distribution measurement system according to claim 6, wherein the process time adjustment unit omits the washing step when the sampling interval received by the sampling interval receiving unit is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

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

9. The particle size distribution measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the process adjustment device adjusts the process of the particle size distribution measurement system in which the sampling interval is gradually shortened.

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

11. A particle size distribution measurement method using a particle size distribution measuring unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample, The sample is sampled, and the sample is supplied to the particle size distribution measuring unit via a channel through which the sampled sample flows. A particle size distribution measurement method, which calculates the arrival time, which is the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit, based on the flow path information, which is the information of the flow path.

12. A particle size distribution measurement program used in a particle size distribution measurement system comprising a particle size distribution measurement unit for measuring the particle size distribution of a sample, and a sample supply unit for sampling the sample and supplying the sampled sample to the particle size distribution measurement unit via a channel through which the sampled sample flows, A particle size distribution measurement program that causes a computer to function as a arrival time calculation unit, which calculates the arrival time, which is the time from when the sample is sampled until it reaches the particle size distribution measurement unit, based on the flow path information, which is the information of the flow path.