DE10200606B4 - Computer system for testing polymer formulations - Google Patents

Abstract

Computer system for testing polymer formulations with at least one server computer (1) with:
Means for inputting a test job into a server database (6, 7), the job containing at least information on the recipe to be tested and the tests to be performed,
First database means (11, 12) for storing a number and / or type of test specimen required for an examination,
First program means (14, 15) for accessing the first database means for determining the number of samples required for the test job,
Second program means (14, 16) for calculating the amount of material required for the preparation of the required test specimen of the recipe,
- Third program means (14, 17) for generating a first part-order for the production of the required amount of material, wherein the first part-order preferably in the server database (6, 8) is stored and a first user or a first user group or a first automation system is assigned,
Fourth program means (14, 18) for generating a second ...

Description

The The invention relates to a computer system for testing polymer formulations and a corresponding computer program, in particular for the purposes a so-called LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

Out The prior art includes various process control systems as well Laboratory information and management systems known for laboratory automation.

One LIMS is a database system tailored to the requirements a laboratory is tailored and the workflow and flow of information in the Laboratory supported. Every sample goes through a "life cycle" in the lab: the job becomes accepted, the samples are drawn and registered and the ones to be performed Analyzes specified. Subsequently Work lists are generated and the analysis results are entered. After all will be a test report (Certificate of Analysis).

This Laboratory-typical information flow has traditionally been made using the sample entry book and laboratory book.

in the automation has been in the laboratory and thus the Amount of accumulating data greatly increased. At the same time the requirements for documentation and quality assurance have increased. The Management of the data is therefore expediently carried out using computer-aided database systems. these can on single-user computers or in local networks (LAN = local area network).

A Networking offers significant advantages: The database can supplemented, changed, saved and queried by each of the connected workstations become. Furthermore, the security of the data, so on the one hand the protection of data from unauthorized access and the other hand Creation of backup copies of the data, with central administration to better guarantee the data stock.

The Workstation (clients) can records complete, retrieve or modify by using the appropriate SQL statements send to the server. This leads the instructions and gives the corresponding results (e.g. all records, that meet a certain criterion) back to the client (Client-server architecture). In addition to the fast availability and the security of the data is another advantage in the Possibility of calculator with different operating systems (for example UNIX, MS Windows NT) to network in a heterogeneous network.

Of the Benefit of a LIMS is primarily in the integration of order entry, Order management, order processing and laboratory administration. In the foreground are next to the rationalization effect all planning transparency and the traceability of the data. Sampling and registration can be done manually or with barcode reader systems respectively. Usually, the analysis results are manually entered into transmit the LIMS. Many devices feature but over standardized Interfaces, e.g. RS-232 (serial interface), transferred directly to the computer with the analysis results can be. Of the Status of the respective analyzes can be changed at any time queried and changed become. Other tasks in the analytical laboratory supported by LIMS are the preparation of time, equipment and activity plans as well as the production of Intermediate and final reports.

One such LIMS is for example from the company Analytik Jena AG, Konrad-Zuse-Strasse 1, 07745 Jena, Germany commercially available.

An overview of LIMS known from the prior art also gives Neitzel, V .: Laboratory data processing with Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS), Weinheim: WILEY-VCH (1992), ISBN 3-527-28439-7 and Nakagawa, A .: LIMS, Implementation and Management, Cambridge, UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry (1994), ISBN 0-85186-824-X as well Noren, J .: Advice for the acquisition of a LIMS, Laboratory Practice 12 (1997), Schuchardt, K .: Market Overview LIMS, Nachrichten der Chemie 44, (1996), Jonak, R .: Market Overview LIMS, CHEManager 6 + 7, (1999), Knoff, F .: System-technical Aspects of a LIMS, GIT Fachz. Lab., 5 (1994). Furthermore, the term LIMS also standardized in ASTM E1578-93 (Reapproved 1999).

Further are known from WO 200070490 and WO 099 603 72 LIMSe as well as from "Integration of Process Control Systems and Laboratory Information Systems into the logistic chain Integration of process control systems ", Wieser, O., Automatisierungstech. Prx. Atp (1997) 39 (2), 26/28, 3 Figure ISSN: 0340-4730; "Network the lab, increase productivity ", Lipinski, D., Chem. Laboratory Betr. (1994) 45 (9), p476-479, 3f, 1t CODEN: CHLBAT ISSN: 009-2835; "The role of LIMS in refining laboratory operations ", Martin, G., Int. Lab. (1992) 22 (2), p. 16, 18, 20, lf CODEN: ILBY A6 ISSN: 0010-2164; "Laboratory information system with a process computer ", Raichle, P., Vogler, G., Regelstech. Prax. (1979) 21 (12), 354/357, 3f 3l CODES: RGPXAZ ISSN: n0340-4730.

From the DE 42 13 116 A1 is a software concept for the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), for the production of motors, known, in which individual operation units can work independently from each other independently. The individual operation units have three units of work in parallel, which are responsible for the control, the planning, as well as the execution of exception handling steps, as this allows, for example, for changes, the execution of a process step can still be done while a new process step in parallel the planning takes place. Such a method for automated order execution is unsuitable for carrying out the testing of polymer formulations, since such tests are carried out according to standardized test methods.

Of the Invention is based on the object to provide a computer system, which the logistical problems in the testing of polymer formulations triggers and thus the exam a large number of polymer formulations for finding improved polymers.

The The object underlying the invention is with the features of the independent Claim solved. Preferred embodiments of Invention are in the dependent claims specified.

The Invention allows the entire process of entering the experimental polymer formulations until the exam the prepared sample body particularly efficient and cost effective How to handle, what an unprecedented number of exams allows different polymer formulations.

at the exams are generally standardized test methods, each one for the implementation necessary for the test procedure Number of specimens assigned. From the chosen test methods then the server side automatically gets the required number of specimens certainly. Depending on the chosen test methods It may also be necessary to use different types of specimens specify.

Out the number and, where appropriate, the type of specimen is then automatically the for the preparation of these specimens necessary amount of material calculated. This calculation forms the basis for the automatic generation of a partial order for the production of the material the ordered recipe in the required quantity. In the case of one Polymers will therefore be a part-order for the compounding of the relevant Polymers generated.

This is assigned to a user or user group who for the Compounding responsible are. The corresponding part order then appears on the "To Do List "of this user or this user group. Alternatively, this sub-order can also be immediate to an automation system for automatic compounding of the Polymers are issued from certain basic materials.

Corresponding will also be a part-order for the Preparation of the required specimens from the specified Material generated and assigned to another user or user group. Alternatively or in addition can also do this part job to an automation system For example, a plastic injection molding machine will be issued.

Further will be another part-order for the exam the test piece generated according to the standardized test methods. This Partial order becomes another user or user group assigned for the implementation the exams responsible is. Alternatively or additionally the part order for the implementation the exams directly to a testing machine be issued. The determined by the test of the specimens test data are then stored in the server database and are for the client available.

To a preferred embodiment of Invention become the part orders automatically generated by the system immediately after the order has been entered. Based on these part orders For example, a cost estimate can then be made and the result of the cost calculation communicated to the client become. The individual part orders The system preferably only after successful processing of the preceding partial order for the following contractor group released, that is one Part-order is for the relevant user or user group after Release visible by the system and then appear in the corresponding To do list.

To a further embodiment of the invention, subsequent partial orders are only generated if the previous partial order has been reported as completed is.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention is for a sub-job generates a print file, the client-side is printed. In this way, for example, labels for the Labeling of the material or specimen printed.

According to another preferred Ausfüh In accordance with the invention, the computer system contains a database for storing quantity parameters. For this purpose, for example, one main formulation component is assigned one or more quantity parameters which represent empirical values for calculating the required amount of compounded material for the production of a desired number of test specimens. This database can also include material-dependent production parameters, that is, for example, production parameters for the plastic injection molding process, as well as test parameters.

in the Other preferred embodiments the invention with reference to the drawings explained in more detail. It demonstrate:

1 a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system according to the invention with a client-server architecture;

2 an embodiment of a method according to the invention for the testing of formulations.

The computer system of 1 includes a server computer 1 to which several client computers 2 . 3 . 4 and 5 are connected.

The server computer 1 includes a server database 6 with database components 7 . 8th . 9 and 10 , The database component 7 is used to store jobs, each job being assigned to a specific user. The database component 8th serves to store partial orders for compounding a polymer, each of the partial orders in turn being assigned to a specific user or user group.

The database component 9 serves to store partial orders for the production of specimens, that is for the plastic injection molding of such specimens, each of the sub-orders is in turn assigned to a user or a user group. The database component 10 Finally, it is used to store partial orders for the testing of test specimens according to defined test methods, whereby each of the partial orders is assigned to a user or a user group.

The server computer 1 also has a database 11 with database components 12 and 13 , The database component 12 Contains an entry for each standardized test procedure. Each standardized test method is assigned one or more approved specimens and the required number of specimens.

In the following, some of such standardized test methods are listed:
IZOD impact according to ISO 180 / 1U
IZOD notch impact according to ISO 180 / 1A
MVR according to ISO 1133
Bending test according to ISO 178
Dielectric constant according to IEC 250
Penetration in accordance with ISO 6603-2
Gloss number according to DIN 67530 1/82
WindowFogging according to DIN 75201

The database component 13 includes an entry for each main recipe component. In general, formulations are formulated based on a main formulation component, that is, the different formulations differ by different additives to the main formulation component.

The manufacturing process of the corresponding polymer is then essentially determined by this main formulation component. Each such main recipe component is included in the database component 13 assigned a quantity parameter. This quantity parameter is used to calculate a required amount of the compounded material of the recipe concerned for the preparation of the required specimens. In this case empirical values in the database component can be used as quantity parameters 13 get saved.

In addition, in the database component 13 Also, default settings for plastic injection molding of the polymer with the main formulation component concerned are stored. Again, it is possible to fall back on empirical values.

Database 11 can with the server database 6 form an integral unit or stored on another server computer on the server computer 1 can be accessed from.

The server computer 1 also includes a server program 14 with the program components 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 and 19 , The program component 15 is used to calculate the number of samples for the execution of a job. The program component evaluates this 15 the selected in an order examiner by the program component 15 to the database component 12 accesses to determine the required number of specimens.

The program component 16 used to calculate the amount of compounded material needed to make the required samples Material. The program component receives this 16 the result of the calculation of the program component 15 and the program component 16 accesses the database component 13 to read the quantity parameter of the main recipe component of the order. Based on these input quantities, the program component calculates 16 then the required amount of compounded polymer.

• a) Auftraggeber Diese Nutzergruppe hat die Berechtigung einen Auftrag in den Server-Computer 1 einzugeben.
• b) Compoundierung Dieser Nutzer oder diese Nutzergruppe hat die Aufgabe Teil-Aufträge für die Compoundierung eines Polymers durchzuführen.
• c) Spritzgießen Dieser Nutzer oder diese Nutzergruppe hat die Aufgabe Teil-Aufträge zur Herstellung von spezifizierten Probekörpern auszuführen.
• d) Prüfen Dieser Nutzer oder diese Nutzergruppe hat die Aufgabe Teil-Aufträge für die Durchführung von standardisierten Prüfverfahren durchzuführen.

The program component 17 generated based on the result of the calculation of the program component 16 a partial order for the compounding of the polymer in the required amount. This task is assigned to a user or a user group, which has the task of performing the compounding. For example, the users of the server computer 1 divided into different groups with different rights and duties:

• a) Customer This user group has the authorization to place an order in the server computer 1 enter.
• b) Compounding This user or user group has the task of performing partial orders for the compounding of a polymer.
• c) Injection molding This user or this user group has the task of executing partial orders for the production of specified test specimens.
• d) Checking This user or user group has the task of carrying out partial orders for carrying out standardized test procedures.

The a role associated with a particular user or his or her affiliation to a user group is preferably stored in a user profile.

The program component 17 So generates a partial order for the compounding and assigns it to a user or a user group with the appropriate user profile. Likewise generates the program component 18 a partial order for the injection molding of the required specimen, which is assigned to a user or a user group with the appropriate user profile. Likewise generates the program component 19 a sub-order for carrying out the test methods on the basis of the specimens, which is assigned to the user or the user group, which has a corresponding user profile.

A preferred embodiment of the computer system of 1 is the process support in the Prüftechnikum. On the other hand, the computer system supports the employees of the product groups responsible for the order definition. For this purpose, functions such as copying and revising of previous orders, cost calculation and similar additional functions are provided.

By the computer system is created a LIMS, which it the client allows to track the passage of his orders. The contractor It provides an overview of upcoming ones Work. The proof of working papers and / or labels is integrated. About that There is also the possibility the integration of the LIMS into the device automation, allowing redundant inputs of test parameters or manufacturing parameters are not required.

preferably, become the orders not deleted after processing but remain in the respective database. completed assignments can can no longer be edited, however, for example, result reports retrieved and orders be copied and the like.

A particularly advantageous application of the computer system of 1 is the testing of new formulations, for example, formulated by a chemist. The chemist answers by means of the client computer 2 at the server computer 1 at. This is done on the screen of the client computer 2 a corresponding login window is displayed, in which the chemist must enter his user and password for authentication.

After that, on the screen of the client computer 2 a job window is displayed which allows the entry of a new job. The prerequisite for this is that the chemist is assigned the right to enter an order in his user profile.

The Job window allows you to enter the recipe to be checked by, for example the percentage composition of the recipe from certain basic substances is entered. Preferably, the input of several recipe variants, this means from so-called approaches, possible. Further The order window allows you to enter a test plan that is made up of different standardized test methods composed.

Depending on the test method, only a specific specimen or different specimens can be used. In the latter case, the user can additionally specify the type of specimen to be used. To assist in the input, the input window may include select lists based on the database component 12 to be generated.

Upon completion of the input, this data is received from the client computer 2 to the Ser ver computer 1 transferred and there in the database component 7 saved. This will be the server program 14 started and in particular its program component 15 , The program component 15 calculated from the order data, that is, from the inspection plan, based on the database component 12 the number of required specimens of a particular species or of different species. Based on this and based on the database component 13 calculates the program component 16 then the required amount of plastic to be compounded.

The program component 17 then generates a partial order for the compounding of the plastic of the formulation specified in the order. This job is in the database component 8th registered and assigned to a user or user group of the corresponding user profile. For example, a user who belongs to the user group "compounding" logs on to the client computer 3 at.

The user then receives a To Do list of jobs to be done and also the new one in the database component 8th registered part order. The user can accept or reject this sub-order. When the user accepts the sub-order, among other things, a print file is generated, for example, for printing out labels on the printer 20 of the client computer 3 serves. The labels contain information for identifying the compounded material and its assignment to the order.

The compounding of the plastic is then carried out at least partially automatically by the user with the aid of corresponding aggregates. The corresponding automation systems preferably have an interface to the server computer 1 So that, for example, the recipe data can be transmitted directly to a sol cal automation system, so that the manual input of the recipe data by the user is avoidable.

The compounded material is then packaged in bags, for example, which are provided with the previously printed labels. The corresponding sub-order is then submitted by the user of the client computer 3 to the computer system 1 reported as done and the corresponding part job in the database component 8th marked as done.

The bags labeled with the labels containing the compounded material are then transported to a plastic injection molding machine. In the computer system 1 is done due to the message of the sub-job as the program component 18 started, which generates a partial order for the plastic injection molding of the required specimen. Such a sub-job is then added to the database component 9 registered and assigned to a corresponding user or user group.

If the user in question from such a user group through the client computer 4 at the server computer 1 logs in, he receives a "To Do List" of sub-jobs to be processed and also the new in the database component 9 registered part order. This can accept or reject the user.

When the sub-order is accepted, a print file is again generated for printing out labels for output to the printer 21 of the client computer 4 ,

The user of the client computer 4 has obtained the compounded material packaged in bags and using this material produces the required test pieces by means of a plastic injection molding system. The plastic injection molding system can have a data interface, which allows data from the computer system 1 to receive, for example, in terms of the type and number of test specimens to be produced as well as plastic injection molding parameters. This allows the manual input of such parameters into the plastic injection molding system by the user to reduce or avoid.

The test specimens produced are then in turn, for example, packed in bags, sorted according to the test to be carried out in each case. These bags will be with the on the printer 21 printed labels, for example, to specify the test procedure to be performed and / or the assignment to the sub-order. The user then enters through the client computer 4 one that the part-order has been done. Then the program component 19 is started, which generates one or more partial orders for the performance of test methods and a corresponding user or a corresponding user group in the database component 10 assigns.

This user or user group has the test pieces needed by the user of the client computer to carry out the test methods 4 receive. When a user of this user group is through the client computer 5 at the server computer 1 logs on, the user receives a To Do list of part orders to be performed and also the new part order. This sub-order can be accepted or rejected by the user.

In the case of an acceptance of the sub-order this will be in the database component 10 marked accordingly. Semi-automatic or fully automatic testing machines with data interfaces can be used to carry out the test, which in turn allow the manual input of data to be completely or partially dispensed with, since these are provided by the server computer 1 to be delivered.

The test data determined on the basis of the test methods become the server computer 1 transferred and stored there with reference to the original order. If the chemist, that is, the user of the client computer 2 , again at the server computer 1 logs in, so he can query the test data. Furthermore, the chemist can also determine at any time in which processing state his order is currently, that is, whether the compounding, injection molding or testing has already been completed.

Alternatively, the client can also enter the server program immediately after entering the order data 14 start without activating the order he has entered. This is followed by the server program 14 a cost estimate based on the program components 15 to 19 generated partial orders. The result of this cost estimate is transmitted to the client, so that he can then decide whether the order should be activated in the entered form or not.

The 2 shows an embodiment of a corresponding method.

In the step 30 a new order is entered. The new order identifies the customer as well as the recipe and the tests to be performed. This order will be in the step 31 transferred to the server computer. There will be in the step 32 the total required number of test specimens of different types is calculated. Based on this, in the step 33 the amount of material required to make these specimens is calculated.

In the step 34 A partial order for compounding a polymer in the required amount is generated and assigned to a corresponding user or a corresponding user group. Alternatively or additionally, the partial order is assigned to an automation system for compounding. This partial order is then processed.

Once the part order has been marked as done, in the step 35 Another part-order for the production of specimens, that is generated for the plastic injection molding of the specimen. Again, this is in turn assigned to a user or a user group or to a corresponding automation system. Once this part order has been marked as done, in the step 36 another sub-order for the implementation of the required test methods generated automatically and in turn assigned to a user or a user group or even an automation component. The in the step 36 obtained test data are in the step 37 transferred to the client.

1

Server computers

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Client computer

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Client computer

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Client computer

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Client computer

6

server Database

7

Database component

8th

Database component

9

Database component

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Database component

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Database

12

Database component

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Database component

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Server program

15

Program component

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Program component

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Program component

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Program component

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Program component

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printer

21

printer

Claims (6)

Computer system for testing polymer formulations with at least one server computer ( 1 ) with: means for entering a check job into a server database ( 6 . 7 ), the order containing at least information on the recipe to be tested and the tests to be carried out, 11 . 12 ) for storing a number and / or type of test specimen required for an examination, - first program means ( 14 . 15 ) for accessing the first database means for determining the number of test pieces required for the test job, second program means ( 14 . 16 ) for the calculation of the quantity of material required for the preparation of the required test specimen, - third program means ( 14 . 17 ) for producing a first part order for producing the required amount of material, the first part order preferably being stored in the server database ( 6 . 8th ) abge is stored and assigned to a first user or a first user group or a first automation system, fourth program means ( 14 . 18 ) for producing a second partial order for producing the required test specimens, wherein the second partial order is preferably stored in the server database ( 6 . 9 ) and is assigned to a second user or a second user group or a second automation system, fifth program means ( 14 . 19 ) for the creation of a third partial order for carrying out the tests, the third partial order preferably being stored in the server database ( 6 . 10 ) and is assigned to a third user or a third user group or to a third automation system, and to a first client computer ( 2 ) for entering the check job in the server database ( 6 . 7 ), a second client computer ( 3 ) for accepting the first partial order for the production of the required amount of material by a user who is assigned to the relevant sub-order, wherein the second client computer means for generating a print file with information for identifying the compounded material and its assignment to the check job expressed as a label on a printer ( 20 ) of the second client computer ( 3 ) with a third client computer ( 4 ) for accepting the second partial order for producing the required sample body by a user who is assigned to the relevant second partial order, with means for generating a print file for specifying the test method to be performed and the assignment to the test job, and with a fourth client computer ( 5 ) for the acceptance of the third sub-contract for the conduct of the tests by a user to whom the third sub-contract is assigned. Computer system according to claim 1 with second database means ( 12 . 13 ) for storing recipe-dependent production parameters and with sixth program means ( 14 . 16 ) for accessing the second database means for accessing the manufacturing parameters for the production of the material of the recipe according to the inspection order, wherein the production parameters are assigned to the first part order. Computer system according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2 with third database means ( 12 . 13 ) for storing parameters for the calculation of the required amount of material and with sixth program means ( 14 . 16 ) for accessing the third database means for determining a parameter for the calculation of the required test specimens for the production of material, wherein the amount of material is assigned to the first part-order. Computer system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the server database is formed so that the second Partial order is only editable when the first part order is done as has been reported. Computer system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the server database is formed so that the third Partial order is only editable when the second part order has been reported as done. Computer system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the formulation is the formulation of a polymer and in the production of the amount of material to a compounding and in the preparation of the specimens to a plastic injection molding is.