JP7161172B2 - Viscosity measuring device and viscosity measuring system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a viscosity measuring device and a viscosity measuring system.

Viscosity is a basic quantity that indicates the properties of a substance, and is a physical quantity that is often used for quality evaluation of industrial products. Therefore, a so-called viscometer is used to measure the viscosity. There are several types of viscometers. For example, a rotational viscometer obtains viscosity by utilizing the resistance force generated when rotating an object immersed in a sample. Capillary viscometers also use the time required for a sample to pass through a capillary to obtain the viscosity. As a technique similar to the capillary viscometer, there is a gas viscosity measuring device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200016.

JP-A-3-269341 JP 2012-154819 A

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, attention has been paid to techniques for obtaining desired evaluation values without touching a sample when performing measurements for evaluating the sample. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a handy hardness measuring device that obtains the hardness of a sample without touching the sample. On the other hand, in the measurement of viscosity, both the above-mentioned rotary viscometer and capillary viscometer have a part of the device in direct contact with the sample.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a viscosity measuring device and a viscosity measuring system capable of obtaining the viscosity of a sample without touching the sample.

A viscosity measuring apparatus, which is one embodiment of the present invention, includes an injection unit that injects gas in a pulsed manner toward the liquid surface of a sample, and a displacement of the liquid surface that is excited by collision of the gas with the liquid surface. a non-contact type displacement acquisition unit obtained by irradiating measurement light onto the sample, and a processing unit for obtaining the viscosity of the sample using measurement information indicating the relationship between the displacement amount and time, wherein the processing unit is , a first information holding unit that holds first sample information indicating the relationship between the coefficient indicating the damping characteristics of the sample and the viscosity; It has a first measurement information acquisition section for obtaining certain first measurement information, and a first conversion section for obtaining viscosity using the first sample information and the first measurement information.

This viscosity measuring device causes a sample to be displaced, and obtains the viscosity of the sample using measurement information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement and time. Here, the viscosity measuring device injects gas in a pulse shape to cause displacement of the liquid surface of the sample. In other words, the sample can be displaced without direct contact with the sample. Therefore, the viscosity measuring device can obtain the viscosity of the sample without touching the sample. Furthermore, according to this configuration, a highly accurate viscosity can be obtained for a sample having a relatively low viscosity.

In one aspect, the processing unit uses a second information holding unit that holds second sample information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface per unit time and the viscosity, and the measurement information to obtain the a second measurement information acquisition unit for obtaining second measurement information indicating the amount of displacement of the liquid surface of the good too. According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate viscosity for a sample having a relatively high viscosity.

In one embodiment, the processing unit determines the number of extreme values of displacement included in the measurement information, and selects either processing by the first conversion unit or processing by the second conversion unit based on the determination result. may According to this configuration, a wide range from relatively high viscosity to relatively low viscosity can be set as a measurable range.

A viscosity measurement system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the viscosity measurement device described above and a container containing a sample. This viscosity measurement system includes the viscosity measurement device described above. Therefore, the sample contained in the container can be displaced without directly contacting the sample. Therefore, the viscosity measurement system can obtain the viscosity of the sample without touching the sample.

In another form, the opening of the container may be circular. According to this shape, it is possible to reduce noise components that may be included in the measurement information, for example, distortion components of the vibration waveform information of the liquid surface to be generated. Therefore, a highly accurate viscosity can be obtained.

A viscosity measuring device, which is still another embodiment of the present invention, comprises an injection unit that injects gas in a pulsed manner toward the liquid surface of a sample, A non-contact type displacement acquisition unit obtained by irradiating a measurement light on a liquid surface, and a processing unit for obtaining the viscosity of a sample using measurement information indicating the relationship between the displacement amount and time, and processing The unit uses a third information holding unit that holds third sample information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface per unit time and the viscosity, and the measurement information to determine the displacement of the liquid surface in the sample per unit time. It has a third measurement information obtaining section for obtaining third measurement information indicating the amount, and a third conversion section for obtaining viscosity using the third sample information and the third measurement information. This viscosity measuring device can obtain the viscosity of a sample without touching the sample. Furthermore, according to this configuration, a highly accurate viscosity can be obtained for a sample having a relatively high viscosity.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the viscosity-measurement apparatus and viscosity-measurement system which can obtain the viscosity of a sample without touching a sample are provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the viscosity measurement system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the processing device. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for measuring viscosity using the viscosity measurement system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of the time history of compressed air injected from a nozzle and the time history of liquid surface displacement excited by the compressed air. FIG. 5 is an example of information indicating the relationship between the displacement amount recovery speed and the viscosity. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a processing device included in the viscosity measurement system of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for measuring viscosity using the viscosity measurement system shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of the time history of liquid level displacement in a low-viscosity sample. FIG. 9 is an example of information indicating the relationship between a coefficient relating to damping characteristics and viscosity. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a processing device included in the viscosity measurement system of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for measuring viscosity using the viscosity measurement system shown in FIG. Part (a) of FIG. 12 is an example of the time history of liquid level displacement including the reflection component, and part (b) of FIG. 12 is an example of the time history of liquid level displacement not including the reflection component.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the viscosity measurement system 1 has a frame unit 2, a container 3, and a viscosity measurement device 4. The viscosity measurement system 1 measures the viscosity of a sample 100 , which is a liquid contained in a container 3 , using a viscosity measurement device 4 . The viscosity measuring device 4 does not come into direct contact with the sample 100 during measurement. The viscosity measuring device 4 excites the displacement of the liquid surface 100a of the sample 100 and obtains the viscosity of the sample 100 based on the displacement.

The frame unit 2 adjusts and maintains the positional relationship between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the sample 100 contained in the container 3 . Specifically, the frame unit 2 adjusts and maintains the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a. The frame unit 2 further has a base 6 , a column 7 and a height adjuster 8 . The base 6 is the base of the frame unit 2 . A container 3 is placed on the main surface 6 a of the base 6 . Note that the base 6 may be provided with a vibration isolator 9 as necessary. The vibration isolator 9 can suppress the occurrence of unintended vibrations of the liquid surface 100a that may cause noise in the viscosity (η) measurement. A column 7 is attached to the main surface 6 a of the base 6 . The column 7 is a so-called pillar member extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface 6a. The column 7 is provided with a height adjuster 8 . The height adjuster 8 can change and maintain its position in the height direction with respect to the column 7 . A viscosity measuring device 4 is attached to the height adjusting section 8 . Therefore, the position of the viscosity measuring device 4 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the height adjusting section 8 .

The container 3 accommodates a sample 100 that is liquid. The container 3 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with an opening. Therefore, the cross section of the sample 100 contained in the container 3 is circular. According to this shape, it is possible to reduce noise components that may be included in the measurement information, such as distortion components of the generated vibration waveform information of the liquid surface 100a. Therefore, a highly accurate viscosity can be obtained.

The viscosity measuring device 4 has an injection device 11 (injection section), a distance sensor 12 (displacement amount acquisition section), a processing device 13 (processing section), and a display 15 as main components. The viscosity measuring device 4 injects compressed air 102 (gas) from the injection device 11 toward the liquid surface 100a. The liquid surface 100a that receives the compressed air 102 is deformed. The state of the liquid surface 100 a gradually converges to the original static state according to the physical properties (viscosity (η)) of the sample 100 . The distance sensor 12 detects changes in the liquid surface 100a until the liquid surface 100a returns to a static state after deformation occurs. Specifically, the distance sensor 12 obtains the time change of the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a. Then, the processing device 13 obtains the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 by using the time change of the distance.

The injection device 11 has a gas tank 11a, an electromagnetic valve 11b, and a nozzle 11c. The gas tank 11a contains compressed air 102 that blows onto the liquid surface 100a. The gas tank 11a is connected to the nozzle 11c through an electromagnetic valve 11b. Accordingly, gas tank 11a provides compressed air 102 to nozzle 11c. The supply and termination of compressed air 102 to nozzle 11c is controlled by solenoid valve 11b. The electromagnetic valve 11 b performs opening/closing control based on a control signal transmitted from the processing device 13 . The injection device 11 having such a configuration switches between supply and stop of the compressed air 102 to the nozzle 11c based on the electromagnetic valve 11b that is controlled to be opened and closed by the processing device 13 . As an example, the injection of the compressed air 102 from the nozzle 11c is pulsed, and the injection duration is 0.1 milliseconds.

The distance sensor 12 is a non-contact sensor having a light emitting element 17 and a light receiving element 18 . The light emitting element 17 irradiates the measurement light L1 onto the liquid surface 100a. The light receiving element 18 receives the reflected light L2 reflected by the liquid surface 100a. Based on the reflected light L2 received by the light receiving element 18, the distance sensor 12 obtains the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a.

The display 15 displays the viscosity (η) of the sample 100, which is the measurement result obtained by the processing device 13. FIG. Note that the display 15 may display information about other measurement results. Also, the display 15 may be a device capable of accepting a touch operation.

The processing device 13 is a so-called computer, and implements the functional components shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2 by executing a program that defines the operations shown in the flow chart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the processing device 13 has a control section 21 and a calculation section 22 . The control unit 21 controls devices such as the distance sensor 12 connected to the processing device 13 . The calculator 22 uses the data received from the distance sensor 12 to obtain the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 .

The control unit 21 has an injection control unit 23 , a sensor control unit 24 and a display control unit 26 . The injection control unit 23 provides a control signal to the solenoid valve 11b, and switches the solenoid valve 11b between an open state (injection) and a closed state (injection stop). A sensor control unit 24 controls the operation of the distance sensor 12 . The display control unit 26 controls operations of the display 15 .

The calculation unit 22 has a data acquisition unit 27 , a static state determination unit 28 , a graph processing unit 29 and a viscosity acquisition unit 31 . The data acquisition unit 27 receives data as measurement results from the distance sensor 12 . The static state determination unit 28 determines whether or not the liquid surface 100a is in a static state (described later). The graph processing unit 29 graphs the data provided from the data acquisition unit 27 . The viscosity acquisition unit 31 uses data provided from the data acquisition unit 27 or the graph processing unit 29 to calculate the viscosity (η). The viscosity acquisition unit 31 further includes, as a high viscosity acquisition unit 32, a displacement amount recovery speed acquisition unit 33 (second measurement information acquisition unit, third measurement information acquisition unit) and a viscosity conversion unit 34 (second conversion unit, third conversion unit) and a conversion information holding unit 36 (second information holding unit, third information holding unit). The displacement recovery speed acquisition unit 33 acquires the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) necessary for calculating the viscosity (η) from data provided from the data acquisition unit 27 or the graph processing unit 29 . A viscosity conversion unit 34 converts the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) into a viscosity (η). The conversion information holding unit 36 holds information for conversion required for the operation of the viscosity conversion unit 34 .

The operation of the processing device 13 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. First, prepare for measurement. Specifically, the sample 100 is placed in the container 3 (step S1). At this time, the sample 100 is preferably put in until it reaches a predetermined depth. Next, the container 3 containing the sample 100 is placed on the main surface 6a of the base 6 (step S2). Next, the gap between the liquid surface 100a of the sample 100 and the viscosity measuring device 4 is adjusted (step S3). In this adjustment, the distance sensor 12 may be operated and the distance to the liquid surface 100a indicated by the distance sensor 12 may be used as a reference. Next, the distance sensor 12 is operated (step S4). In this step S4, the display 15 may display the distance to the liquid surface 100a.

Here, it has already been described that the viscosity (η) is measured using the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a. And the change in the distance used for the measurement is due to the compressed air 102 provided by the injection device 11 . Then, when the liquid surface 100a vibrates due to an unintended factor, the vibration may become noise. Therefore, if necessary, it may be determined whether the sample 100 is in a static state (step S5). This operation is performed by the static state determination unit 28 . Specifically, it may be confirmed that the displacement width of the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a is smaller than a threshold value. In other words, "being in a static state" refers to a state in which the displacement width of the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a is smaller than the threshold value. Then, when it is determined that the sample 100 is in a static state (step S5: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S6. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sample 100 is not in a static state (step S5: NO), step S5 is performed again after a predetermined waiting time.

Next, data acquisition is started (step S6). This step S<b>6 is performed by the sensor control unit 24 and the data acquisition unit 27 . By this step S6, the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a before the start of injection is obtained. That is, the data obtained in step S6 are constant values.

Next, the compressed air 102 is injected (step S7). This step S<b>7 is performed by the injection control section 23 . The injection control unit 23 provides a control signal for opening the valve to the solenoid valve 11b. As a result, compressed air 102 is supplied from the gas tank 11a to the nozzle 11c, and the compressed air 102 is blown from the nozzle 11c toward the liquid surface 100a. For example, the injection control unit 23 opens the solenoid valve 11b for 0.1 milliseconds (see graph G4a in FIG. 4). Then, the injection control unit 23 provides the solenoid valve 11b with a control signal to close the solenoid valve 11b again. By this step S7, the compressed air 102 collides with the liquid surface 100a, thereby exciting the displacement of the liquid surface 100a. Since the acquisition of the distance has already started in step S6 prior to step S7, the state in which the liquid surface 100a is deformed downward by injection from the position of the liquid surface 100a in the static state is also recorded as data. be.

Next, it is determined whether or not the state of the sample 100 has reached a static state (step S8). That is, it is determined whether or not the state in which the displacement was excited by the injection of the compressed air 102 has returned to the state before the injection. This determination can be said to be one of the criteria for determining whether to end the measurement of the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a. This step S8 is the same process as the previously performed step S5. Then, when it is determined that the sample 100 is in a static state (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sample 100 is not in a static state (step S8: NO), step S8 is executed again after a predetermined waiting time.

Next, the data acquisition ends (step S9). This step S<b>9 is performed by the sensor control unit 24 and the data acquisition unit 27 .

Next, a graph showing the relationship between the displacement of the liquid surface 100a and time is obtained (step S10). The displacement of the liquid surface 100a may be the distance between the viscosity measuring device 4 and the liquid surface 100a. This step S<b>10 is performed by the graph processing unit 29 . The graph processing unit 29 outputs, for example, a graph showing a history of displacement amounts as illustrated in FIG. 4 .

Next, a displacement recovery speed (Vdr) is obtained (step S12). This step S<b>12 is performed by the displacement amount recovery speed acquisition section 33 of the viscosity acquisition section 31 . The term "displacement amount recovery speed" as used herein refers to the amount of displacement by which the position of the liquid surface 100a after injection approaches a static state per unit time. For example, in the graph G4b of FIG. 4, if it takes time (Tob) to approach the displacement (P2) from the displacement (P1), the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) is (P1-P2)/ It is Tob. The relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface 100a and time may be treated as the amount of displacement (distance) per unit time, like the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr). Also, the relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface 100a and time may be treated as the reciprocal of the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr). That is, the relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface 100a and time may be defined as the time required for the liquid surface 100a to change by the unit amount of displacement. Arbitrary points may be selected as the start point and the end point. For example, the starting point may be the maximum displacement amount or a displacement amount smaller than the maximum displacement amount. Also, the end point may be the amount of displacement after the stationary state (that is, the amount of displacement smaller than the threshold value) or the amount of displacement before the stationary state. In short, the amount of displacement at the starting point should be larger than the amount of displacement at the end point. For example, the amount of displacement (P1) shown in FIG. 4 may be defined as an amount that is 90% of the peak (maximum value). The amount of displacement (P2) may be defined as the amount that is 5% of the peak.

Next, the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) is converted into viscosity (η) (step S13). This step S<b>13 is performed by the viscosity conversion unit 34 and the conversion information holding unit 36 . The conversion information holding unit 36 holds, for example, second sample information (or third sample information) as shown in graph G5a of FIG. In other words, it is the relationship between the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) and the viscosity (η). Therefore, by applying the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) to the information, the viscosity (η) can be obtained. This information is obtained in advance through preliminary tests. For example, the relationship between the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) and the viscosity (η) is obtained by using a substance whose viscosity (η) is known and whose viscosity (η) can be controlled. Such substances include polyvinyl alcohol. Polyvinyl alcohol can precisely control the viscosity (η) depending on the concentration. Also, the information is not limited to the form of graphs. It may be a numerical formula with the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) as a variable, or a table in which the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) and the viscosity (η) are associated with each other.

Then, the result is displayed (step S20). This step S<b>20 is performed by the display control unit 26 and the display 15 .

Through steps S1 to S20 described above, the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 is obtained. According to the viscosity measuring system 1 and the viscosity measuring device 4 of the first embodiment, a viscosity (η) larger than several hundred milliPa·s (for example, 900 milliPa·s) can be obtained by non-contact inspection.

The viscosity measurement system 1 and the viscosity measurement device 4 cause the sample 100 to be displaced, and obtain the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 using measurement information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement and time. Here, the viscosity measuring device 4 jets the compressed air 102 in a pulse shape to cause the liquid surface 100a of the sample 100 to be displaced. That is, the sample 100 can be displaced without directly contacting the sample 100 . Therefore, the viscosity measurement system 1 and the viscosity measurement device 4 can obtain the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 without touching the sample 100 .

In short, the viscosity measurement system 1 and the viscosity measurement device 4 measure the displacement of the liquid surface 100a of the sample 100 when the compressed air 102 is injected to the sample 100 to measure the viscosity (η). Specifically, the viscosity measurement system 1 and the viscosity measurement device 4 delay the occurrence of dents in the sample 100 when the compressed air 102 is applied to the liquid surface 100a of the sample 100, or stop the supply of the compressed air 102. The viscosity (η) is obtained by using the time delay of the return of the dent when the

According to the viscosity measuring system 1 and the viscosity measuring device 4 having the above effects, non-contact and non-destructive inspection can be performed. And it is not necessary to clean the viscosity measuring device 4 after the measurement. Furthermore, by automating the operation of conveying the sample 100 below the viscosity measuring device 4, it is possible to perform continuous measurement and 100% inspection of the sample 100. FIG.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the viscosity (η) was obtained using the displacement recovery speed (Vdr). This method is effective when the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 is medium to relatively high (for example, several hundred milliPa·s or more). For example, when the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 is small (for example, several tens of milliPa·s or more), when the compressed air 102 is blown onto the liquid surface 100a, the liquid surface 100a vibrates as shown in FIG. In this case, the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) per unit time increases. In short, when the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 is low, the sample 100 undulates, making it difficult to accurately obtain the time delay.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the relationship between a parameter other than the displacement recovery speed (Vdr) and the viscosity (η) is used. Another parameter is, specifically, a coefficient (a) that indicates attenuation characteristics. That is, the viscosity measurement system 1A and the viscosity measurement device 4A of the second embodiment positively generate a vibration waveform on the liquid surface 100a by the compressed air 102 so that the sample 100 with a lower viscosity can be measured. The speed of wave decay is used to obtain the viscosity (η). In short, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in its processing method, and the physical configuration of the viscosity measurement system 1A is common to the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the functional block of a viscosity acquisition section 31A of a calculation section 22A in a processing device 13A. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, focusing on points different from the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6 , in the processing device 13A in the viscosity measurement system 1A of the second embodiment, the viscosity acquisition section 31A has a low viscosity acquisition section 37 instead of the high viscosity acquisition section 32 . The low-viscosity acquisition unit 37 includes an envelope acquisition unit 38, a coefficient acquisition unit 39 (first measurement information acquisition unit), a viscosity conversion unit 41 (first conversion unit), and a conversion information storage unit 42 (first information storage part) and

The operation of the processing device 13A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In particular, the operation of the low-viscosity acquisition unit 37 will be described in detail.

First, steps S1 to S10 are performed. In other words, the operations from preparation for measurement to acquisition of measurement data are common to the operations of the first embodiment. As a result of step S10, a graph G8a showing the liquid level 100a of the sample 100 as illustrated in FIG. 8 is obtained.

Next, an envelope is obtained (step S14). This step S<b>14 is performed by the envelope acquisition unit 38 . Taking the graph G8a of FIG. 8 as an example, an envelope G8b can be defined in this graph G8a. There is no particular limitation on the processing for obtaining this envelope G8b, and any desired algorithm may be used. The envelope G8b is represented by, for example, the function shown in the following formula.
y=C×exp̂(ax) (1)

Next, the coefficient (a) representing the attenuation characteristic is obtained from the envelope G8b (step S15). This step S<b>15 is performed by the coefficient acquisition unit 39 . A coefficient (a) indicating the attenuation characteristic is the coefficient a in the equation (1). In this embodiment, the coefficient (a) in equation (1) is defined as the coefficient (a) that indicates the attenuation characteristic.

Next, the coefficient (a) indicating damping characteristics is converted into viscosity (η) (step S16). This step S<b>16 is performed by the viscosity conversion unit 34 and the conversion information holding unit 36 . The conversion information holding unit 36 holds, for example, the first sample information as shown in the graph G9a of FIG. That is, it is the relationship between the coefficient (a) and the viscosity (η). Therefore, the viscosity (η) is obtained by applying the coefficient (a) to the information. Finally, the results are displayed (step S20).

According to steps S1 to S20 including steps S14, S15, and S16, the sample 100 with relatively low viscosity (η) can be measured. For example, according to the viscosity measurement system 1A and the viscosity measurement device 4A of the second embodiment, good results are obtained when the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 is in the range of several milliPa·s to several hundred milliPa·s. be able to.

By the way, the container 3 for containing the sample 100 may have a circular shape with as large a cross-sectional area as possible so as not to be affected by the reflected wave of the vibration waveform from the wall surface of the container 3 . However, in order to measure the viscosity (η) with a small amount of the sample 100, there are many cases where the container 3 cannot be made so large. Therefore, the wall surface of the container 3 may have a soft structure to reduce reflection of waves. Further, the diameter of the container 3 may be of a dimension such that the phase of the generated vibration waveform and the phase of the vibration waveform reflected from the wall surface of the container 3 are in the same phase. By selecting the diameter of the container 3 together with the adjustment of the height adjuster 8, it becomes easy to make the phases of the original vibration waveform and the reflected vibration waveform the same.

[Third embodiment]
The viscosity measurement system 1B of the third embodiment includes a sample 100 having a relatively high viscosity (η) targeted by the viscosity measurement system 1 of the first embodiment and a comparison target of the viscosity measurement system 1A of the second embodiment. Both samples 100 with relatively low viscosities (η) are of interest. Specifically, the viscosity measurement system 1B of the third embodiment uses the data exemplified in the graph G4b or the graph G8a obtained in step S10 to perform the operation (displacement amount recovery speed is used) shown in the first embodiment. operation) or the operation shown in the second embodiment (operation using a coefficient indicating attenuation characteristics). Therefore, like the second embodiment, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in its processing method, and the physical configuration of the viscosity measurement system 1B is common to the first embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the functional block of the viscosity acquisition unit 31B of the calculation unit 22B in the processing device 13B. A description will be given below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the processing device 13B in the viscosity measuring device 4B of the viscosity measuring system 1B of the third embodiment has a peak determining section 43. As shown in FIG. Further, in the processing device 13B, the viscosity acquisition unit 31B has a high viscosity acquisition unit 32 and a low viscosity acquisition unit 37. FIG.

The operation of the processing device 13B will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operations for obtaining the viscosity (η) in the third embodiment (steps S12, S13) are the same as in the first embodiment, and the operations for obtaining another viscosity (η) (steps S14, S15, S16) are the same as those in the second embodiment. Same as the embodiment. In other words, the operation specific to the third embodiment is the operation of the peak determining section 43 . The operation of the peak determining section 43 will be described in detail below.

First, steps S1 to S10 are performed. In other words, the operations from preparation for measurement to acquisition of measurement data are common to the operations of the first embodiment.

Next, the number of peaks (extreme values) is determined (step S11). When the viscosity (η) is relatively large, there is one peak as the maximum value, as shown in graph G4b. On the other hand, when the viscosity (η) is relatively small, there are two or more peaks as shown in graph G8a. Therefore, the number of peaks included in the graph obtained in step S11 is extracted. Any desired program may be used to extract the number of peaks. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of peaks is two or more. When the number of peaks is 2 or more (step S11: YES), the process using the coefficient (a) indicating the attenuation characteristic shown in the second embodiment is suitable. Therefore, steps S14, S15 and S16 are executed. On the other hand, if the number of peaks is not two or more (that is, one) (step S11: NO), the process using the displacement amount recovery speed (Vdr) shown in the first embodiment is suitable. Therefore, steps S12 and S13 are executed.

That is, the processing device 13B executes either the processing of steps S12 and S13 or steps S14, S15, and S16 according to the result of step S11. Finally, processing device 13B displays the results (step S20).

According to the viscosity measurement system 1B of the third embodiment, the measurable range of viscosity (η) can be expanded.

[Modification]
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. You may change it suitably in the range which does not change the meaning of this invention.

For example, the second and third embodiments may measure a sample 100 having a relatively low viscosity (η). A sample 100 having a low viscosity (η) is easily deformed and is difficult to attenuate. Then, the wave generated by the injection of the compressed air 102 is transmitted to the wall surface of the container 3, and the wave is reflected on the wall surface. Then, the wave (fluctuation in the height of the liquid surface 100a) generated at the measurement point of the distance sensor 12 consists of a component directly caused by the injection of the compressed air 102 (hereinafter referred to as an “excitation component”) and a reflected wave component (hereinafter referred to as an “excitation component”). "reflection component"). If a reflected wave component is included, the waveform may be distorted (see graph G12a in part (a) of FIG. 12). As a result, the viscosity (η) based on the envelope G12b obtained from the turbulent waveform may deviate from the viscosity (η) of the sample 100 .

Therefore, in the second and third embodiments, a preliminary test may be performed and the components may be adjusted so as to obtain a good waveform before measurement. Specifically, the diameter of the container 3 is optimized. For example, the diameter of the container 3 may be set such that no reflected component is returned to the extent that it affects the excited component at the point of measurement. In other words, the distance may be set such that the reflected wave is sufficiently attenuated up to the wall surface of the container 3 or up to the measurement point. Further, even if the reflection component returns to the extent that it affects the excitation component at the measurement point, the viscosity (η) is less affected if the phases of the excitation component and the reflection component match. The matching of the phases here includes the case where the phase difference is 0 degree (the peaks match) and the case where the phase difference is 180 degrees (the maximum peak and the minimum peak match). The phase difference can be controlled by the distance from the position where the compressed air 102 is applied to the wall surface of the container 3 and the distance from the wall surface to the measurement point. Therefore, by setting the position to which the compressed air 102 is applied and the diameter of the container 3 to have a predetermined relationship, it is possible to match the phase of the excitation component and the phase of the reflection component. As a result, a waveform (see graph G12c) in which disturbance of the waveform is suppressed is obtained, and a favorable envelope G12d is obtained from the graph G12c. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy of the viscosity (η).

1, 1A, 1B... Viscosity measuring system, 2... Frame unit, 3... Container, 4, 4A, 4B... Viscosity measuring device, 6... Base, 7... Column, 8... Height adjusting unit, 9... Anti-vibration device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11... Injection apparatus (injection part), 11a... Gas tank, 11b... Solenoid valve, 11c... Nozzle, 12... Distance sensor (displacement amount acquisition part), 13, 13A, 13B... Processing apparatus (processing part), 15... Display, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17... Light emitting element 18... Light receiving element 21... Control part 22, 22A, 22B... Calculation part 23... Injection control part 24... Sensor control part 26... Display control part 27... Data acquisition part 28... Static state determination unit 29 Graph processing unit 31, 31A, 31B Viscosity acquisition unit 32 High viscosity acquisition unit 33 Displacement amount recovery speed acquisition unit (second measurement information acquisition unit, third measurement information acquisition part), 34... Viscosity conversion part (second conversion part, third conversion part), 36... Conversion information storage part (second information storage part, third information storage part), 37... Low viscosity acquisition part, 38... Envelope Line acquisition unit 39 Coefficient acquisition unit (first measurement information acquisition unit) 41 Viscosity conversion unit (first conversion unit) 42 Conversion information storage unit (first information storage unit) 43 Peak determination unit 100...Sample, 100a...Liquid level, 102...Compressed air (gas), L1...Measurement light, L2...Reflected light.

Claims (7)

an injection unit that injects gas in a pulsed manner toward the liquid surface of the sample;
a non-contact type displacement acquisition unit that acquires the amount of displacement of the liquid surface excited by collision of the gas with the liquid surface by irradiating the liquid surface with measurement light;
a processing unit that obtains the viscosity of the sample using measurement information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement and time,
The processing unit is
a first information holding unit holding first sample information indicating the relationship between the coefficient indicating the damping characteristic of the sample and the viscosity;
a first measurement information acquiring unit that obtains first measurement information, which is a coefficient indicating the damping characteristic shown as an envelope of a vibration waveform, using the measurement information;
A viscosity measuring device comprising: a first conversion unit that obtains the viscosity by using the first sample information and the first measurement information. The processing unit is
a second information holding unit holding second sample information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement of the liquid surface per unit time and the viscosity;
a second measurement information acquiring unit that obtains second measurement information indicating the amount of displacement of the liquid surface in the sample per unit time by using the measurement information;
2. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a second conversion unit that obtains said viscosity using said second sample information and said second measurement information. The processing unit determines the number of extreme values of the displacement amount included in the measurement information, and performs either processing by the first conversion unit or processing by the second conversion unit based on the determination result. 3. The viscometer of claim 2, wherein the viscometer is selected. A viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
and a container that houses the sample. 5. The viscosity measurement system of claim 4, wherein the container opening is circular. an injection unit that injects gas in a pulsed manner toward the liquid surface of the sample;
a non-contact type displacement acquisition unit that acquires the amount of displacement of the liquid surface excited by collision of the gas with the liquid surface by irradiating the liquid surface with measurement light;
a processing unit that obtains the viscosity of the sample using measurement information indicating the relationship between the amount of displacement and time,
The processing unit is
the liquid surface per unit timeapproaches the state before the gas is injected toDisplacementDisplacement recovery speedand a third information holding unit holding third sample information indicating the relationship between the viscosity and
Using the measurement information, the samplethe liquid level ofper unit timeapproaches the state before the gas is injected toThird measurement information indicating the amount of displacementDisplacement recovery speeda third measurement information acquisition unit for obtaining
Said third sample informationand the displacement recovery speed obtained in advanceand said third measurement informationand the displacement recovery speed obtained by the measurementand a third conversion unit that obtains the viscosity using and. The processing unit determines the number of extreme values of the displacement amount included in the measurement information. 7. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said viscosity is obtained using measurement information.

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