GB2456295A - Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2456295A
GB2456295A GB0723695A GB0723695A GB2456295A GB 2456295 A GB2456295 A GB 2456295A GB 0723695 A GB0723695 A GB 0723695A GB 0723695 A GB0723695 A GB 0723695A GB 2456295 A GB2456295 A GB 2456295A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
item
chamber
volatile substance
identifying
volatile
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0723695A
Other versions
GB0723695D0 (en
Inventor
Martin Bentham
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Montfort Services Sdn Bhd
Original Assignee
Montfort Services Sdn Bhd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montfort Services Sdn Bhd filed Critical Montfort Services Sdn Bhd
Priority to GB0723695A priority Critical patent/GB2456295A/en
Publication of GB0723695D0 publication Critical patent/GB0723695D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2008/004017 priority patent/WO2009071900A1/en
Publication of GB2456295A publication Critical patent/GB2456295A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/36—Textiles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/08—Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface area of porous materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
    • G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
    • G01N33/0036—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector specially adapted to detect a particular component
    • G01N33/0047—Organic compounds
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
    • G01N33/0011—Sample conditioning
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
    • G01N33/0011—Sample conditioning
    • G01N33/0021—Sample conditioning involving the use of a carrier gas for transport to the sensor

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

A method of identifying one or more characteristics (such as the amount of water vapor or volatile adsorbed) of an item (14) comprises the steps of: ```placing the item (14) within a hollow chamber (12); ```introducing a volatile substance to the item (14) whereby the item (14) retains at least a portion of the volatile substance; and ```detecting the presence of the volatile substance within the chamber (12) to identify a characteristic of the item. An apparatus, for identifying one or more characteristics of an item, comprises one or more hollow chambers (12) for receiving the item (14). At least one hollow chamber (12) has an inlet (16) arranged in fluid communication with a volatile substance source (20) to selectively introduce the volatile substance to an item (14) received in the or each said chamber (12) whereby the item (14) retains at least a portion of the volatile substance. At least one chamber (12) has an outlet (24) arranged in fluid communication with a detector (28) to detect the presence of the volatile substance within the or each said chamber .(12) in order to identify a characteristic of the item (14). The detector may be a chemical sensor array or electronic nose or mass spectrometer to provide more reproducible results than human volunteers. The device may be used to in the quantitative analysis of odour reduction of textile treatments.

Description

9 2456295 I1\fPROVEMENTS U OR RELATThG TO THE
IDENTIFICATION OF ONE OR MORE CHARACTERISTICS
OFAN ITEM
This invention relates to a method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item, and an apparatus for identifying one or more characteristics of an item.
It is often desirable to identify one or more characteristics of an item in order to evaluate the suitability of the item for a particular function.
For example, a fabric may include features such as a chemical additive that is designed to improve the odour characteristics of the fabric and a garment made therefrom, i.e. improve the retention of any foul odours within the fabric, or to exude a pleasant odour from the fabric.
* .* -* S *b * ..
*.* Conventionally the odour characteristics of a fabric under various environmental S...
conditions, or the relative characteristics of different fabrics, are assessed by a S.....
* panel of human testers.
*::: One drawback with such an approach is that human testers have a limited :. olfaction capability, i.e. sense of smell, and so are able only to detect a relatively limited range of odours.
A further drawback is that reliance on human testers introduces a subjective element to the assessment of, e.g fabric odour characteristics, and thercby makes it difficult to replicate, and so standardise, the testing of such characteristics.
There is, therefore, a need for an improved method and apparatus for identifying one or more characteristics of an item in a reliable and repeatable manner which is devoid of any subjective, human factors.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item comprising the steps of:
I
placing the item within a hollow chamber; introducing a volatile substance to the item whereby the item retains at least a portion of the volatile substance; and detecting the presence of the volatile substance within the chamber to identify a characteristic of the item, the foregoing steps being carried out in any order.
Detecting the presence of volatile substance within the chamber allows, for example, the magnitude of the portion of the volatile substance retained by the item to be determined. This permits a determination of a physical characteristic of the item, i.e. an absorption characteristic or adsorption characteristic of the item.
Such steps can, therefore, be used to determine the ability of the item to retain, i.e. absorb, for example, a foul odour.
The method of the invention provides for the determination of such a * . characteristic in a quantitative manner that is without subjective human factors, S...
and so is readily repeatable. As a result the method of the invention permits, for *..
* example, the comparison of the odour absorption characteristics of one item with another, or the relative odour absorbing performance of a given item in relation to :::.o differing foul odours. a S..
Furthermore the method of the invention provides the aforementioned determination quickly, and without the need to subject the item to further processing steps. I..,
Optionally the step of detecting the presence of the volatile substance within the chamber includes determining the quantity of the volatile substance within the chamber. Such a determination assists in identifying a further range of physical characteristics of the item.
Preferably the method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item further includes the step of driving off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item before detecting the presence of volatile substance within the chamber. r
The inclusion of such a step allows for a determmation of a desorption characteristic of an item, i.e. the ability of an item to release a substance from or through its surface. Such a characteristic is important when comparing, for S example, the ability of an item, e.g. a fabric, to exude a pleasant odour.
Optionally the step of driving off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item includes one or more of: heating the item; and driving a gas through or over the item.
Such steps are readily implemented, and follow closely environmental conditions that an item may be subjected to. For example, a fabric garment worn by an athlete may become warmer and have air blown through or over it while being * ** * * *15 worn. * *. I.., * .
In a preferred embodiment of the method the step of introducing the volatile *.S*** * substance to the item includes causing the volatile substance to permeate the item.
*::: Such a step ensures that a porous item is saturated with the volatile substance so as :. to provide for the identification of a meaningful and representative characteristic of the item.
Another preferred embodiment of the method further includes the step of controlling the environment within the ehamber. This step provides for consistency between tests of one item and another, and also allows for the simulation of differing environmental conditions within the chamber, either within a given test cycle, or across a given regime of test cycles.
Optionally controlling the environment within the chamber includes one or more of: controlling the temperature within the chamber; and controlling the humidity within the chamber.
Such steps are able to readily simulate a wide range and variety of environmental conditions within the chamber.
Preferably the volatile substance is or includes water. This allows for a determination of an item's, so-called "wicking", or absorptionldesorption characteristic, i.e. the ability of an item to absorb moisture and subsequently release moisture from its surface. Such a characteristic is important when comparing, for example, the ability of different fabrics to absorb moisture generated during the physical exertion of a wearer, and subsequently disperse this moisture to the surrounding environment so as to keep the wearer dry.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method the volatile substance is or includes at least one volatile organic compound. Such compounds readily vaporise in a known and reliable manner. * * S...
The or each volatile organic compound may be selected from butan-2-ol, propan-*.** .* * 2-ol and butyric acid.
*:::0 In a still further preferred embodiment of the method the volatile substance is or :. includes: 25% v/v water: 75% v/v butan-2-ol; 33.3% v/v water: 33.3% v/v butan-2-ol: 33.3% v/v propan-2-ol; or 50% v/v water: 50% v/v butyric acid.
The foregoing features of the method permit the accurate simulation of the transmission characteristics of odours such as Sweat without the associated foul smell. As a result such features allow for the accurate identification of the performance characteristics of an item in relation to such odours, without subjecting test operatives to a foul smell.
Preferably detecting the presence of the volatile substance in the chamber includes using a mass spectrometer or a chemical sensor array These items are readily able to detect the presence of the volatile substance in the chamber.
Optionally the chemical sensor array is or includes an electronic nose.
An electronic nose provides a convenient and compact way of detecting the presence of volatile substance in the chamber.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus, for identifying one or more characteristics of an item, comprising one or more hollow chambers for receiving the item, at least one hollow chamber having an inlet arranged in fluid communication with a volatile substance source to selectively introduce the volatile substance to an item received in the or each said chamber e,.,,1P15 whereby the item retains at least a portion of the volatile substance, and at least * one hollow chamber having an outlet arranged in fluid communication with a detector to detect the presence of the volatile substance within the or each said S.....
chamber in order to identify a characteristic of the item.
:"o The apparatus of the invention shares the advantages of the corresponding steps of :. the method of the invention.
Preferably the or each inlet is further arranged in fluid communication with a gas source.
Optionally the apparatus further includes at least one environmental control element arranged in communication with the or each chamber to control the environment within the or each chamber.
In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus the or each environmental control element is or includes one of: a heater; a cooler; and a water vapour source.
The detector may be a mass spectrometer or a chemical sensor array.
In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus the chemical sensor array is or includes an electronic nose.
There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a chamber shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an arrangement for controlling the *:::* apparatus showninFigure 1.
* .IS..
* An apparatus for identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral * I * I *
I
The apparatus 10 includes a hollow chamber 12 for receiving the item 14.
Optionally the hollow chamber 12 includes a perforated cylinder 13 to support the item 14 within the chamber 12. h.)
The chamber 12 has an inlet 16 which is arranged in fluid communication, via a first fluid conveying conduit 18, with a volatile substance source 20. A first valve 22 lies between the volatile substance source 20 and the chamber 12 to permit the selective introduction of the volatile substance to the item 14.
The chamber 12 also includes an outlet 24 that is arranged in fluid communication via a second fluid conveying conduit 26, with a detector 28.
Other embodiments of the apparatus of the invention (not shown) may include a first hollow chamber having an inlet that is arranged in fluid communication with a volatile substance source 20, and a second hollow chamber having an outlet which is arranged in fluid communication with a detector 28.
In the embodiment shown the detector 28 is a chemical sensor array 30 in the form of an electronic nose 32. One example of a suitable electronic nose 32 is Scensive Technologies Limited's ST214 electronic nose.
In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the detector 28 may be a mass spectrometer, or another form of chemical sensor array.
The mlet 16 is further arranged in fluid communication with a gas source 34 which, in the embodiment shown, is a source of dry air.
* *e -* * *b * ** *::* The gas source 34 may pass through a regulator 36 to set the pressure of the gas at a desired level. The gas source 34 may also pass through a flow meter 37 to S.....
* provide feedback to an operative of the apparatus 10.
*.::0 Preferably a main valve 38 lies between the gas source 34 and other elements of the apparatus 10 to permit the selective isolation of the gas source 34 from these other elements.
The apparatus 10 may also include a second valve 40 to control the flow of gas to the chamber 12.
The apparatus 10 shown includes three environmental control elements 42 in the form of a heater 44, a cooler 46, and a water vapour source 48.
The heater 44 includes a heater element (not shown) which is arranged adjacent to a base 50 of the chamber 12, and a temperature sensor 52 to monitor the temperature within the chamber 12.
I
The cooler 46 includes a hollow jacket 54 arranged around the chamber 12. The jacket 54 includes a cool air inlet 56 and a cool air outlet 58 to permit the circulation of cool air around the chamber 12. Other embodiments of the invention may employ different forms of cooling.
The water vapour source 48 is arranged in fluid communication with the chamber 12 via the first fluid conveying conduit 18. A third valve 60 controls the mtroduction of water vapour to the chamber 12 to help regulate the humidity therein.
As shown in Figure 1, the gas source 34 is arranged to pass through each of the volatile substance source 20, and the water vapour source 48, to facilitate the transfer of volatile substance and water vapour to the chamber 12. * .i is * * I. S...
The apparatus 10 shown further includes a circulatory pump 62 arranged in fluid communication with each of the first and second fluid conveying conduits 18, 26 sill's * to ensure desirable flow into and out of the chamber 12.
* : : The apparatus 10 may also include an exhaust valve 64 to permit ready evacuation of the chamber 12, and a pressure release valve 66 to help prevent pressure within the apparatus 10 rising to an undesirable level.
The apparatus 10 may also include a control arrangement 68 to control operation of the apparatus. h.)
One suitable control arrangement 68 is shown in Figure 3, and includes a controller 70 which interfaces a computer 72 with relays 74 to selectively operate the first, second and third valves 22, 40, 60, the main valve 38, and the exhaust valve 64. The exhaust valve 64 and the main valve 38 may be activated at the same time to at least partially flush the chamber 12. The controller 70 also interfaces with switching circuits 76 to control the environmental control elements 42.
The computer 72 interfaces directly with the detector 28, i.e. the electronic nose 1...
In a first embodiment of the method of the invention, an item 14 is placed in the chamber 12 and a known amount of volatile substance is introduced to the item 14 such that the item 14 retains at least a portion of the volatile substance. In this first embodiment the item 14 retains at least a portion of the volatile substance by absorbing the volatile substance.
In other embodiments of the method of the invention the item 14 may retain a portion of the volatile substance in a different manner, such as by adsorbing the volatile substance, i.e. accumulating the volatile substance on its surface in a thin film. * ** ** . * ** S...
The item 14 may be a product or substance of interest, such as a textile product * : including, for example, a fabric portion or a garment.
The volatile substance may be one of the following mixtures: 25% v/v water *:: 75% v/v butan-2-ol; 33.3% v/v water: 33.3% v/v butan-2-ol: 33.3% v/v propan- 2-01; or 50% v/v water: 50% v/v butyric acid.
Another prefened composition of the volatile substance is 25% v/v water 74.99% v/v butan-2-ol: 0.01 % v/v butyric acid.
2.) 111 OLL1L CIIIUUUUUI)LILb LIIC VUJ4U1 SULJLOUL iiiay L?c auuuii sULrnaijt.. ui &uuuii mixture of substances.
Following the introduction of the volatile substance to the item 14, the electronic nose 32 detects the presence of volatile substance within the chamber 12.
The quantity of volatile substance remaining within the chamber 12 is determined by monitoring the response of one or more sensors in the electronic nose 32 to the presence of the volatile substance and deriving the quantity of volatile substance present.
The amount of volatile substance absorbed by the garment is then determined by calculating the difference between the amount of volatile substance introduced to the item 14 and the quantity of volatile substance remaining in the chamber 12, i.e. the amount of volatile substance not absorbed by the item 14.
In other embodiments of the method of the invention another form of chemical o sensor array or mass spectrometer may be used to detect the quantity of volatile substance remaining within the chamber 12.
An absorption characteristic of the item 14 is then determined. This may be done with reference to the absorption characteristic of a reference item such as, for *... 15 example, a cotton fabric under room temperature environmental conditions.
S
* The steps of introducing the volatile substance to the item 14 and detecting the quantity of volatile substance remaining within the chamber 12 may be repeated a S... . . . . . : plurality of times within a given test cycle in order to identify, for example, whether the absorption characteristic of the item 14 varies as the item 14 becomes increasingly saturated with the volatile substance.
In a second embodiment of the method of the invention, an item 14 is placed in the chamber 12, and a volatile substance is introduced to the item 14. The volatile substance is introduced such that the item 14 retains the volatile substance by absorbing at least a portion of the volatile substance. The volatile substance permeates the item 14 so as to saturate the item 14.
The volatile substance may be one of the following mixtures: 25% v/v water 75% v/v butan-2-ol; 33.3% v/v water: 33.3% v/v butan-2-ol: 33. 3% v/v propan- 2-ol; or 50% v/v water: 50% v/v butyric acid.
Another preferred composition of the volatile substance is 25% V/v water 74.99% v/v butan-2-ol: 0.01% v/v butyric acid.
In other embodjmens the volatile substance may be another substance or another mixture of substances.
Air is then introduced into the chamber 12 and passes through the item 14 to drive off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item 14. In other embodiments of the method of the invention the air, or another gas, may be driven overthe item 14.
In further embodiments of the method of the invention the item 14 may be heated to drive off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item 14. S...
is In still further embodiments of the invention at least a portion of the volatile substance may be driven off by vibrating the item 14, irradiating the item 14 with S.....
* microwaves, x-rays, and/or other radio waves, and/or electrostatically charging the item 14. *5S* * S * S. S
The electronic nose 32 detects the presence of volatile substance that is driven off of the item 14 and into the chamber 12. The quantity of volatile substance driven off into the chamber 12 is derived by monitoring the response of one or more sensors within the electronic nose 32 to the presence of the volatile substance.
A desorption characteristic of the item 14 is then determined. As with the first embodiment of the method of the invention, this may be done with reference to the desorption characteristic of a reference item.
The steps of driving off a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item 14, detecting the presence of the volatile substance in the chamber 12, and determining the quantity of volatile substance driven off into the chamber 12 may be repeated a plurality of times within a given test cycle. This permits, for example, the identification of whether the desorption characteristic of the item 14 varies as the item 14 becomes less saturated with the volatile substance.
In a third embodiment of the method of the invention, an item 14 is placed within the chamber 12, and a volatile substance is introduced to the item 14 such that the item 14 retains at least a portion of the volatile substance by absorbing some of the volatile substance. The volatile substance is water.
Followmg such introduction of water to the item 14, the electronic nose 32 detects the presence of any water remaining within the chamber 12.
The quantity of water remaining within the chamber 12 is determined by monitoring the response of one or more sensors within the electronic nose 32 to the presence of water. * . -
*... 1.
* The amount of water absorbed by the item is then determined to identify an * absorption characteristic of the item 14. ****
* : Air is then introduced into the chamber 12 and passes through the item 14 to drive *: 20 off at least a portion of the water absorbed by the item 14. In other embodiments of the method of the invention the item 14 may be heated to drive off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item 14.
The electronic nose 32 detects the presence of water that is driven off of the item 14 and into the chamber 12, the quantity of water that is driven off into the chamber 12 is determined, and a desorption characteristic of the item 14 is determined.
The aforementioned absorption and desorption characteristics are representative of the wicking properties of the item 14.
The steps of introducing water to the item 14, detecting the presence of water within the chamber, determining the quantity of water in the chamber, driving off at least a portion of the water absorbed by the item 14, detecting the presence of r water that is driven off of the item 14, and determining the quantity of water driven off of the item 14 may be repeated a plurality of times within a given test cycle in order to identify, for example, whether the absorption and desorption characteristics, i.e. the wicking properties, of the item 14 vary as the extent to which the item 14 is saturated with water varies.
Each of the aforementioned embodiments of the method of the invention may include the step of controlling the environment within the chamber 12.
This step may include controlling the temperature within the chamber 12 by selectively operating the heater 44 and/or the cooler 46.
Controlling the environment within the chamber 12 may also include selectively I..... introducing air, or another gas, to the chamber 12, together with water vapour to S...
*.**15 alter the humidity within the chamber 12.
S
I..... * S *..*
S S S ** S
S 5.
S

Claims (21)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item comprising the steps of: placing the item within a hollow chamber; introducing a volatile substance to the item whereby the item retains at least a portion of the volatile substance; and detecting the presence of the volatile substance within the chamber to identify a characteristic of the item, the foregoing steps being carried out in any order.
  2. 2. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 1 wherein the step of detecting the presence of the volatile substance within the chamber includes determining the quantity of volatile substance within **"15 the chamber.
    *
  3. 3. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 1 further including the step of driving off at least a portion of the volatile S..
    * : substance absorbed by the item before detecting the quantity of volatile substance 20 within the chamber.
  4. 4. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 3 wherein the step of driving off at least a portion of the volatile substance absorbed by the item includes one or more of: heating the item; and driving a gas through or over the item.
  5. 5. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to any preceding claim wherein the step of introducing the volatile substance to the item includes causing the volatile substance to permeate the item. r
  6. 6. A method of identif,'ing one or more characteristics of an item according to any preceding claim further including the step of controlling the environment within the chamber.
  7. 7. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 6 wherein controlling the environment within the chamber includes one or more of: controllmg the temperature within the chamber; and controlling the humidity within the chamber.
  8. 8. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to any preceding claim wherein the volatile substance is or includes water. * .*
  9. 9. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according S...
    to any preceding claim wherein the volatile substance is or includes at least one volatile organic compound.
  10. 10. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 9 wherein the or each volatile organic compound is selected from butan- 20 2-ol, propan-2-ol and butyric acid.
  11. 11. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to any of Claims 8 to 10 wherein the volatile substance is or includes: 25% v/v water: 75% v/v butan-2-ol; 33.3% v/v water: 33.3% v/v butan-2-oI: 33.3% v/v propan-2-oi; or 50% v/v water: 50% v/v butyric acid.
  12. 12. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to any preceding claim wherein detecting the quantity of volatile substance in the chamber includes using a mass spectrometer or a chemical sensor array.
  13. 13. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item according to Claim 12 wherein the chemical sensor array is or includes an electronic nose. r
  14. 14. An apparatus, for identifying one or more characteristics of an item, comprismg one or more hollow chambers for receiving the item, at least one hollow chamber having an inlet arranged in fluid communication with a volatile substance source to selectively introduce the volatile substance to an item received in the or each said chamber whereby the item retains at least a portion of the volatile substance, and at least one hollow chamber having an outlet arranged in fluid communication with a detector to detect the presence of the volatile substance within the or each said chamber in order to identify a characteristic of the item.
  15. 15. An apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein the or each inlet is further arranged in fluid communication with a gas source.
  16. 16. An apparatus according to Claim 14 or Claim 15 further including at least one environmental control element arranged in communication with the or each chamber to control the environment within the or each chamber.
    *.. * :
  17. 17. An apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein the or each environmental * 20 control element is or includes one of: a heater; a cooler; and a water vapour source.
  18. 18. An apparatus according to any of Claims 14 to 17 wherein the detector is a mass spectrometer or a chemical sensor array.
  19. 19. An apparatus according to Claim 18 wherein the chemical sensor array is or includes an electronic nose.
  20. 20. A method of identifying one or more characteristics of an item generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. r
  21. 21. An apparatus for identifying one or more characteristics of an item generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
    D * a. * . a * S. *.S. * a **.
    S
    * S.... * S * . a *5 *
    S
GB0723695A 2007-12-04 2007-12-04 Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound Withdrawn GB2456295A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0723695A GB2456295A (en) 2007-12-04 2007-12-04 Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound
PCT/GB2008/004017 WO2009071900A1 (en) 2007-12-04 2008-12-04 Improvements in or relating to the identification of one or more vapour retention/release characteristics of a textile item

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0723695A GB2456295A (en) 2007-12-04 2007-12-04 Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0723695D0 GB0723695D0 (en) 2008-01-16
GB2456295A true GB2456295A (en) 2009-07-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0723695A Withdrawn GB2456295A (en) 2007-12-04 2007-12-04 Method and apparatus for measuring the absorption of a volatile compound

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GB (1) GB2456295A (en)
WO (1) WO2009071900A1 (en)

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EP3066448B1 (en) * 2013-11-05 2021-03-03 Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa Method to monitor odorous emissions
ITBO20130608A1 (en) * 2013-11-05 2015-05-06 Ativa METHOD FOR THE MONITORING OF SMELLY EMISSIONS
CN106885879A (en) * 2017-01-16 2017-06-23 杭州码客信息技术有限公司 Device for testing smell and its detection method
EP3812740B1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2024-01-24 National Institute for Materials Science Receptor response modulation method, and measuring device employing receptor response modulation
CN111272822B (en) * 2020-03-04 2022-11-11 浙江理工大学 Electronic nose technology-based fabric fragrance retention lasting performance quantitative characterization method
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