JPH0727676A - Sample conveying method for sample component automatic analyzing equipmen - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To exhibt maximum capacity of an apparatus and to prepare and analyze a sample in the shortest time by conveying primarily processed sample to supply to an analyzer selected based on specific selecting conditions. CONSTITUTION:A cutting processor 1 which can process in a shortest time is selected by an integral control of a storing, calculating and driving controller 17 when a sample conveyed by a gas feed tube 7 arrives at a sample distributor 8, and the sample is conveyed, and supplied. Then, an analyzer 2 which can process a component analysis in a short time is selected when a sample adjustment by a processor 1a or 1b is completed. A spectrally analyed sample Sa is conveyed to the analyzer 2. Simultaneously, a punching processor 7 which can process in the shortest time is selected, and a sliced sample Sb is conveyed. If one side analyzer 2 becomes impossible to analyze due to such a reason as maintaining, etc., it is conveyed to the other analyzer 2. If both the analyzers are impossible, the sample is dislodged to a facility 18 out of this system by a conveyor 13. Thus, the sample is conveyed and processed by the analyzers in the shortest time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a method of transporting a sample in a steel material or a product sample automatic component analysis facility.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in the steel industry, a plurality of analyzers are used due to the diversification of the analytical components of steel products, and a processing machine from one sample to a plurality of samples having different shapes suitable for each analyzer is used. The complex work such as preparing and using and performing component analysis is widely performed. This analysis work is usually performed mainly by manual work, and it is extremely important to take measures against an analysis error due to the skill of the analysis worker, a delay in processing, and an increase in work personnel.

For the above problems, attempts have been made to automate the analysis work. For example, JP-A-59-56165
And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-236167. The disclosed technology is a system in which a processing machine for preparing a sample and an analyzer are directly connected to a single process to carry out unified sample transportation. As is well known, although the analysis device varies depending on the device specifications, a normal sample analysis is performed with a cycle time of 60 to 600 seconds.
It takes 30 minutes and a lot of time is required for maintenance work for accuracy control. Therefore, during this period, the entire equipment stops the automatic operation, and the support work by the human is frequently generated, and the processing capacity and speed of the analysis are significantly deteriorated.

On the other hand, in recent years, as the quality of steel products has become higher quality and stricter, the sampling place and sampling time have been subdivided, and the analysis quantity has become enormous, and the analysis results are fed back. There is a growing demand for faster processing, and in addition, the above-mentioned conventional automation method is not sufficient as a current countermeasure in view of the task of reducing the number of analysis personnel.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-259574 discloses a method of selectively supplying a sample to an analyzer when supplying the sample to a particular analyzer. However, in the manufacturing process, for example, when a large number of equipment used as control data for analysis results are operated in parallel, as seen in a converter steelmaking plant, most samples have the same priority. It is essential to establish a sample analysis system that does not disturb the refining cycle time, and if analysis is delayed due to the prioritization by the above disclosed method, it is fatal to both the progress of the delayed process and the product quality. Trouble occurs. In this respect, this method is also insufficient as a current countermeasure.

[0006]

As described above, since the conventional automatic analysis method is a system in which the sample processing, preparation, and analysis steps are directly connected to a single step to carry out a unified sample transfer, This means that a unit device in the process fails or the entire process is stopped for a long time during the calibration operation of the analyzer.
In addition, it is extremely difficult to set a standard that gives priority to a large number of analytical samples that require high-precision analysis results in seconds, and if a strict standard is set, it will be removed from the automatic line and manual support work will be performed. Is inherent in the problem of frequent occurrence.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of low reliability caused by the defect of the sample transfer method of the sample component automatic analysis equipment and the great damage caused by it, which are found in the above-mentioned conventional automated methods. To provide a method.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to carry out component analysis by a plurality of kinds of analyzers, one sample is divided into a plurality of samples having different shapes suitable for each analyzer, and each sample is prepared. In a sample component automatic analysis facility that carries the sample to the analyzer and analyzes the components, a plurality of delivery pipes, a primary processing machine, a secondary processing machine, and an analysis apparatus for each pneumatic sample are provided and multiple processing machines and analysis are performed. At least one transfer device is installed between the device and each of the above pneumatic sample delivery pipes and processing machines, and between each processing device, transfer device and analysis device, a sample acceptance / reception device is installed to collect from each sampling site. The air-delivered sample is supplied to the selected primary processing machine by setting one pneumatic sample delivery pipe based on the selection conditions of the sample receiving and receiving device and the primary processing machine, and then the primary processing is performed. The sample is transferred between the sample receiving and receiving device and the transport device. Which is a sample transporting method of sample components automated analysis equipment and supplying to convey to the selected analyzer based on the selection conditions of the analysis device.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned primary processed sample, for a sample which requires secondary processing, one secondary processing selected based on the selection conditions of the sample receiving / accepting device, the transfer device and the secondary processing machine. A sample according to the above invention, which is conveyed and supplied to a processing machine, and a sample which has been subjected to secondary processing is conveyed and supplied to an analysis device selected based on selection conditions of a sample acceptance / reception device and an analysis device. This is a method of transporting a sample in automatic component analysis equipment.

Further, in the present invention, in order to carry out component analysis by a plurality of types of analyzers, one sample is divided and prepared into a plurality of samples having different shapes suitable for each analyzer, and the sample is analyzed by each analyzer. In the sample component automatic analysis equipment for carrying the component analysis by carrying the
A primary processing machine, a secondary processing machine, and an analysis device are provided, and at least one transfer device is provided between the plurality of processing machines and the analysis device, and the delivery pipe and the processing machine for each of the above pneumatic samples and each processing machine and the transfer are provided. A sample accepting device is installed between the analyzer and the analyzer,
Samples sent from each sampling site and sent by air are selected and delivered by selecting one air-delivery sample delivery pipe based on the selection conditions of each unit combination up to the analyzer after each processing machine. It is a sample transportation method of automatic sample component analysis equipment, characterized in that it is transported and supplied through a selected route.

Further, the present invention is intended for each of the above-mentioned primary processing machine, secondary processing machine, analysis apparatus, transfer apparatus and sample acceptance / reception apparatus, and the state of the apparatus is classified into sample waiting, operating, calibrating and servicing. The sample transportation method of the sample component automatic analysis equipment according to each of the above-mentioned inventions is characterized in that waiting for a sample is a priority selection condition, operation is a selection condition, and calibration and maintenance are non-selection conditions.

[0012]

According to the present invention, a plurality of delivery pipes for a pneumatic sample, a primary processing machine, a secondary processing machine, and an analyzer are provided, and at least one transfer device is provided between the plurality of processors and the analyzer. A sample acceptance / reception device is provided between each of the above-mentioned pneumatic sample delivery pipes and processing machines, and between each processing machine / transportation device / analysis device. For example, a sample acceptance / reception device for samples air-fed from each sample collection site. Based on the selection conditions of the primary processing machine and one pneumatic sample dispensing pipe, the route is sequentially selected based on the selection conditions of the unit device of the next process of the relevant unit device so as to be dispensed and supplied. The unit device can be selected with the minimum waiting time with a high degree of freedom.

Further, according to the present invention, in the case of the sample subjected to the primary processing, the route is selected based on the selection condition of the unit device in the next process of the unit device, similarly to the above, also for the sample requiring the secondary processing. With this, various sample shapes suitable for the type of analyzer can be processed, the range of applicable analyzers is expanded, and various analyzes can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, a sample sent from each sampling site and sent by air is delivered as one air-borne sample on the basis of selection conditions in combination with each unit device up to an analysis device after each processing machine. Since the tubes are selected and dispensed and then conveyed and supplied through the selected route, sample preparation and route selection, which is the shortest waiting time of the analyzer, can be determined by one setting process.

Further, according to the present invention, the state of each unit device is classified into a sample waiting state, an operating state, a calibrating state and a servicing state, for each of the above-equipped processing machines, analysis devices, transporting devices and sample acceptance / reception devices. Since waiting is a priority selection condition, operating is a selection condition, and calibration and maintenance are non-selection conditions, it is possible to ensure that a device that can be used and that can be processed with the shortest waiting time is selected in the analysis work process device selection. It is selectable and the maximum performance of the arranged unit device can be exhibited.

As described above, the analysis device has different functions and configurations depending on what component of the sample is analyzed. Further, in the calibration operation for maintaining the analysis accuracy of the analyzer, the timing of the calibration operation varies depending on the frequency of use of the apparatus, the content of the calibration operation also varies depending on the analysis target component, and naturally the operation time also varies. For example, an analyzer for nitrogen in a steel sample can be completed in 160 seconds because one standard sample is used. Further, since the calibration operation of the emission spectroscopic analyzer for analyzing the carbon content is performed using 10 standard samples, it takes 30 minutes. If these calibration operations occur in a plurality of analyzers that perform the same analysis, it becomes impossible to reply the analysis results in a timely manner.

The present invention is equipped with a plurality of analyzers capable of performing the same analysis. For example, when two emission spectroscopic analyzers for analyzing the amount of carbon in a steel sample are installed,
The calibration operation timing of each analyzer is adjusted in consideration of the analysis frequency of the analyzer and the manufacturing process schedule of the product so that the calibration operations of the two analyzers are not performed simultaneously. If one of the units is undergoing calibration operation and the other needs maintenance due to a failure, etc., the supplied sample falls under the non-selection condition, is removed from the automatic line, and is analyzed manually. Becomes

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment device shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the present invention. The sample component automatic analysis equipment 16 includes two cutting machines 1a and 1b of the same kind, two punching machines 4a and 4b, and two emission spectroscopy machines. The analyzers 2a and 2b and two nitrogen analyzers 3a and 3b are arranged. The processing machine and the analyzer can temporarily place samples to be processed thereafter, for example, 10 samples, while the samples are being processed. The above-mentioned analyzer can be equipped with an analyzer having a function corresponding to the type of component in the sample.

The cutting processing machine 1 is a primary processing machine and cuts the supplied sample into a block sample having one cutting surface and a slice sample having two cutting surfaces. The cutting adjusting means is usually performed in a step of cutting with a grinder device and then polishing the cut surface, and the above-mentioned ordinary sample cutting preparing means can be applied to the present invention. It is preferable to use a metal circular saw as the sample because the polishing step after cutting can be omitted to prepare the sample. The punching machine 4 is a secondary processing machine,
Prepare a small piece sample by punching from the sliced sample.
This secondary processing machine may be a mode in which a cutting piece is cut out from a slice sample or another one of the block samples having a cut surface on the one surface by a drill.

Further, the samples collected at each sampling site of the product manufacturing factory are conveyed to the sample component automatic analysis equipment 16 by a plurality of pneumatic tube devices 6. In the region 16 for automatic analysis of sample components, pneumatic sample discharge pipes 9a, 9b, 10 provided with a sample distributor 8 in the middle of the pneumatic pipe, and sample receipt / receipt for receipt / receipt of a sample from a unit device to another unit device. Device 11a,
11b, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 1
The sample is conveyed by 5b, 6a, and 6b and a conveying device 13 that conveys the sample to a target position at a predetermined speed and stops the sample, and the sample is supplied and discharged to a processing machine or an analyzer.

The sample accepting / receiving device 11 has a function of gripping the sample supplied and stopped at a fixed position and placing it on another fixed position. Usually, a device known as a robot hand is applied. . In addition, the sample is a sample component automatic analysis facility 1
Since the shape is changed by being processed and adjusted by various kinds of processing machines by advancing through the inside of 6, the grip portion of the sample accepting / receiving device 11 uses one suitable for the sample shape.

The transfer device 13 is provided with, for example, a method of transferring a sample placed on a belt conveyor to a desired position at a predetermined speed and stopping it at a fixed position, or a sample plate on which the sample is placed. A method in which the moving table is moved along the guide rail at a predetermined speed to be conveyed and stopped at a fixed position can be applied. Since the transport speed of the sample depends on the analysis preparation time, assuming that the sample can be stopped at a fixed position, the faster the transport speed is, the more the sample can be transported and supplied to the selected unit device.

Further, the processing machines 1 and 4, the analysis devices 2 and 5,
Sample distribution device 8, sample acceptance / reception devices 1, 6, 12, 14, 1
5. The storage / calculation / drive control device 1 for grasping the operating, non-operating and standby states of the transfer device 13 and controlling the drive of each unit independently and the overall control.
7 is provided.

In the present invention, when the route is selected based on the selection condition of the unit device of the next process of the unit device, first, the storage / calculation / drive control device 17 causes the cutting processing machines 1a, 1b and Check the current operating, non-operating and standby states of the sample acceptance / reception devices 11a, 11b on the input side of the processing machine 1 and divide them into preset sample waiting, operating, calibrating and servicing, and sample waiting Is selected as a priority selection condition, operating is a selection condition, and calibration and maintenance are non-selection conditions, and when either the processing machine 1a or 1b is selected, the air feeding corresponding to the processing machine 1 is selected. Sample dispensing tube 9a,
One step route is selected and execution controlled by a procedure of driving and controlling the sample distribution device 8 so as to dispense the sample to any of 9b.

When the primary processing of the sample is completed, the analyzer 2 required for the component analysis required for the sample is subsequently obtained.
Or the secondary processing machine 4 required for secondary processing preparation is executed, the next one-step route is selected, and execution control is performed to obtain the analysis content required for the component analysis required for the sample. Based on the selection of processing machines and analyzers, routes are determined and samples are efficiently transported and supplied.

Further, in the present invention, when the route is selected based on the selection condition in the combination of each unit device from the cutting processing machine 1 to the analysis device 2 or 5, the storage / calculation / drive control device is selected. 17 checks the current operating, non-operating and standby states of each unit device, compares them with preset selection conditions, and based on the processing preparation and analysis contents required for the component analysis required for the sample. Each processing machine,
An analyzer is selected to determine a route, and the sample is conveyed and supplied to each of the selected processing machines 1 and 4 and analyzers 2 and 5.

Next, transfer of the sample in the above equipment 16,
The supply method will be described. The method described below is performed by the integrated control of the storage / calculation / drive control device 17. First, when the sample conveyed from the factory through the pneumatic tube 7 reaches the sample distributor 8, the cutting machine 1 that can process the sample in the shortest time is selected, and the sample is conveyed and supplied to the cutting machine 1. It That is, one of the processing machines 1 or the sample acceptance / reception apparatus 11 for the processing machine 1 is transported in the sample waiting state, and if the other is in operation, it is transported in the sample waiting state route. If both the processing machines 1 are in operation, they are temporarily placed in one of the processing machines 1. If one cannot be cut due to maintenance or other reasons, it is transferred to the other processing machine. When both cannot be cut, as an emergency measure, the sample is discharged to the outside 18 of the automated equipment by the pneumatic sample discharge pipe 10. In this case, the subsequent treatment of the sample is manually performed by a preliminary treatment, or a treatment such as requesting an emergency countermeasure to the manufacturing process is performed.

Next, when the adjustment of the sample prepared by the processing machine 1a or 1b is completed, the analyzer 2 which can process the target component analysis in a short time is selected, and the emission spectroscopic analysis sample Sa is sent to the analyzer 2. Is transported. At the same time, the punching machine 4 which is a secondary processing machine capable of processing the sliced sample Sb in the shortest time is selected, and the sliced sample Sb is conveyed to the punching machine 4. That is, the emission spectroscopic analysis sample Sa is transferred to one of the analyzers 2 or the transfer device system to the analysis device 2 is in the sample waiting state and the other is in the sample waiting state when the other analyzing device is in the waiting state. If it is in operation, it is temporarily placed in one of the analyzers 2.

When one of the analyzers 2 cannot be analyzed due to calibration or maintenance, it is transferred to the other analyzer 2. If neither can analyze, the sample is sent out to the outside 18 of the automated equipment by the transport device 13 as an emergency measure. In this case, the subsequent treatment of the sample is the same as above. As described above, the sample is transported to the analyzer in the shortest time, and even if the cutting machine in the automated equipment system or a part of the analyzer stops functioning, a route with a high degree of freedom can be selected to continue. Then, automatic sample analysis can be performed.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a part of a modification of the sample component automatic analysis equipment 16, and FIG. 2 shows punching processing machines 4a and 4b in the nitrogen analyzers 5a and 5b series shown in FIG. The transfer device 19 is arranged between the nitrogen analyzers 5a and 5b, and the sample accepting and receiving devices 6c and 6d are added. The nitrogen analysis sample Sc prepared by the punching machine 4 includes two nitrogen analyzers 5a. , 5b can be selected and supplied, the degree of freedom in route selection is increased, and rapid analysis is possible.

[0031]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, the maximum capacity of the device possessed by the automatic analysis equipment can be exhibited and the sample preparation and analysis can be performed in the shortest time. In addition, it is possible to minimize the influence on the entire equipment due to the breakdown of each device or the function stop due to maintenance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of conveyance and supply of a sample of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a modified example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Cutting machine 2 Emission spectroscopy analyzer 3 Nitrogen analyzer system 4 Punching machine 5 Nitrogen analyzer 6 Sample accepting device 7 Air feeding pipe 8 Sample distributing device 9 Air feeding sample dispensing pipe 10 Air feeding sample for discharging outside the system Discharge pipe 6,11,12,14,15 Sample receiving / accepting device 13,19 Sample transport device 16 Automatic sample component analysis equipment 17 Storage / calculation / drive control device 18 External equipment

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Zenichi Meguro 5-3 Tokai-cho, Tokai-shi, Aichi New Nippon Steel Co., Ltd. Nagoya Steel Works

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In order to carry out component analysis by a plurality of types of analyzers, one sample is divided into a plurality of samples having different shapes suitable for each analyzer, and the sample is conveyed to each analyzer. In a sample component automatic analysis equipment that conducts component analysis by using a sample pipe for each pneumatic sample, a primary processing machine,
A secondary processing machine and an analysis device are provided, and at least one transfer device is provided between the plurality of processing machines and the analysis device. A sample receiving / delivering device is installed between each of the sample collecting and delivering devices, and samples sent from each sampling site are sent by air by setting one pneumatic sample delivery pipe based on the selection conditions of the sample receiving / delivery device and the primary processing machine. A sample characterized by being supplied to a selected primary processing machine, and then carrying the primary processed sample to an analysis device selected based on the selection conditions of the sample acceptance / reception device, the transfer device and the analysis device. Sample transportation method for automatic component analysis equipment. 2. Among the samples that have been subjected to the primary processing, for the samples that require the secondary processing, one of the secondary processing machines selected based on the selection conditions of the sample acceptance / reception device, the transport device, and the secondary processing machine is used. The sample that has been transported and supplied and that has been subjected to secondary processing is
2. The sample is transferred to and supplied to the analyzer selected based on the selection conditions of the sample acceptance / reception device and the analyzer.
A method for transporting a sample in the automatic analyzer for the described sample components. 3. In order to carry out component analysis by a plurality of kinds of analyzers, one sample is divided into a plurality of samples having different shapes suitable for each analyzer, and the sample is conveyed to each analyzer. In a sample component automatic analysis equipment that conducts component analysis by using a sample pipe for each pneumatic sample, a primary processing machine,
A secondary processing machine and an analysis device are provided, and at least one transfer device is provided between the plurality of processing machines and the analysis device. A sample receiving and receiving device is provided between each of the samples, and the sample collected from each sample collection site and sent by air is based on the selection conditions of the combination of each unit device up to the analysis device after each processing machine,
A method for transporting a sample in an automatic sample component analysis facility, which comprises selecting and delivering one air-borne sample delivery pipe, and then delivering and delivering it through the selected route. 4. The samples of the above-mentioned primary processing machine, secondary processing machine, analysis apparatus, transfer apparatus and sample acceptance / rejection apparatus are classified into the states of sample waiting, operating, calibrating and servicing. Wait is the priority selection condition, and operating is the selection condition.
The sample transportation method of the sample component automatic analysis equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that non-selection conditions are set during calibration and maintenance.