JP3220024B2 - Method and apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration in an aqueous solution, for example, an alcohol concentration suitable for measuring an alcohol concentration of a fermented product in a brewing process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a method for measuring the alcohol concentration in an aqueous solution, a fixed volume chamber is heated to about 70 to 80 ° C., a fixed amount of a sample alcohol aqueous solution is injected into the chamber, and The alcohol is evaporated, and the alcohol in the gas phase is detected by a contact combustion type gas sensor.

[0003] The sensor output at this time is applied to a calibration curve prepared with an alcohol aqueous solution for calibration having a known concentration, and the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase is measured.

For example, as an aqueous alcohol solution for calibration,
Using a 5 vol% alcohol aqueous solution, 50 μl of an alcohol aqueous solution is injected into a heated chamber to evaporate the alcohol content in the aqueous solution, and the alcohol content in the gas phase is detected by a contact combustion type gas sensor to obtain a sensor output of 15 mV. Thereafter, the sensor output (15 mV) and the alcohol concentration (25 Vol%) are displayed as points in a graph in which the vertical axis represents the sensor output and the horizontal axis represents the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase (Vol%). A calibration curve is obtained by connecting the specified points.

[0005] A sample alcohol aqueous solution of unknown concentration is similarly treated, and the alcohol concentration in the gas phase is measured as the sensor output of a catalytic combustion type gas sensor, and the sensor output is applied to a calibration curve to determine the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase. Measure the concentration.

As described above, the concentration of alcohol in the liquid phase and the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase are determined as a relative ratio using an aqueous alcohol solution for calibration having a known concentration.

When such a calibration aqueous alcohol solution or a general alcohol aqueous solution is used, most of the alcohol aqueous solution evaporates almost 100% in about one minute measurement, so that the alcohol concentration in the gas phase is reduced. Based on this, the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase can be accurately measured.

As described above, when the calibration aqueous alcohol solution is used, the measurement time is about 1 as shown in FIG.
It was a constant time, from a minute to just under two minutes.

[0009]

However, when measuring substances that are difficult to evaporate, such as high-viscosity, low-alcohol-containing drinking water and cosmetics, the measurement time is less than one to two minutes. Alcohol does not evaporate completely,
In order for the alcohol to completely evaporate, a measurement time of about 2 minutes and 30 seconds is required as shown in FIG.

For example, a substance such as a high-viscosity product that prevents diffusion on filter paper in an alcohol concentration measuring device delays the evaporation of alcohol in a sample. For this reason, since the alcohol content has not completely evaporated, there has been a problem that the measurement of the alcohol concentration in the gas phase by the gas sensor becomes impossible or the error of the alcohol concentration in the gas phase becomes large. .

On the other hand, as a conventional apparatus for measuring the alcohol concentration of this kind, there is one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-181153. In the apparatus described in this publication, a gas detector such as a contact combustion type gas sensor and a liquid evaporator such as a heater are accommodated in a measurement chamber forming a closed space, and the temperature of the liquid evaporator is raised to 80 ° C to 115 ° C. And a peak detector for detecting the maximum value of the output from the gas detector.

According to such an apparatus, when the sample from which the solid components have been removed is injected into the liquid evaporating means, the sample is heated at 80 ° C. to 115 ° C., and only the water and alcohol except the extract are forcibly forced. It is almost simultaneously vaporized and fills the enclosed space.

The concentration of alcohol in this space is detected by a gas detector and its peak value is measured. This allows
The alcohol concentration can be measured without being influenced by the extract.

[0014] However, the apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration described in the above publication does not have means for measuring the measurement time according to the substance to be measured, and thus has the above-mentioned problem. Was.

According to the present invention, even if the substance is difficult to evaporate,
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration which can accurately measure the alcohol concentration.

[0016]

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. The invention of claim 1 is
The alcohol content contained in the sample is evaporated in the chamber forming the closed space, and the gas sensor detects the sensor output in the gas phase. In a method for measuring the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase of the sample by applying the calibration curve created by the output, the sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor is read every predetermined time, The maximum value of the sensor output value is obtained by comparing the magnitude of the sensor output value read every predetermined time, and from when the reading of the sensor output value is started to when the sensor output value reaches the maximum value. By measuring the time, you can measure the optimal measurement time.
And the summary.

According to the present invention, the sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor is read every predetermined time, and the magnitudes of the read sensor output values every predetermined time are compared to thereby obtain the sensor output value. Calculate the maximum value and measure the time from when the reading of the sensor output value starts to when the sensor output value reaches the maximum value to obtain the optimum
Since the measurement time is measured , the alcohol concentration can be measured at the time when the alcohol content contained in the sample is completely evaporated. That is, even if the sample is a substance that is difficult to evaporate, the alcohol concentration can be measured accurately with an optimum measurement time according to the substance.

The gist of the present invention is that the sensor output value is stored at every predetermined time, and the stored sensor output value at every predetermined time is printed.

According to the present invention, the sensor output value is stored every predetermined time, and the stored sensor output value is printed every predetermined time. Therefore, the measurement time at which the sensor output value takes the maximum value can be determined, and manually The measurement time can be input to the measurement device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch having a closed space.
The alcohol content in the sample is evaporated in the chamber, the sensor output in the gas phase is detected by a gas sensor, and this sensor output is calibrated based on the sensor output in the gas phase of an alcohol aqueous solution for calibration with a known concentration in advance. A sensor output reading unit that reads a sensor output in a gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor every predetermined time, in an alcohol concentration measuring device that measures an alcohol concentration in a liquid phase of the sample by applying a line, A comparison unit that obtains the maximum value of the sensor output value by comparing the magnitude of the sensor output value read by the sensor output reading unit every predetermined time; and when the sensor output reading unit starts reading the sensor output value. from a time measuring unit that measures the time until when the sensor output value becomes the maximum value determined by the comparison unit, the time measuring unit Automatic or manual measurement on the basis of an output
And a means for setting a time .

According to the present invention, the sensor output reading section includes:
The sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor is read at predetermined time intervals, and the comparison unit compares the sensor output values at predetermined time intervals read by the sensor output reading unit to obtain a sensor output. Determine the maximum value of the value, the time measurement unit, the time from when the sensor output reading unit starts reading the sensor output value, the time from when the sensor output value becomes the maximum value obtained by the comparison unit Measure ,
Automatically or manually set the measurement time based on the output of the time measurement
Since ur boss, can be measured alcohol concentration at the time alcohol content contained in the sample was completely evaporated. That is, even if the sample is a substance that is difficult to evaporate, the alcohol concentration can be measured accurately with an optimum measurement time according to the substance.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing a sensor output value for each predetermined time, and a printing unit for printing the sensor output value for each predetermined time stored in the storage unit. And

According to the present invention, the storage unit stores the sensor output value every predetermined time, and the printing unit prints the sensor output value every predetermined time stored in the storage unit. The measurement time at which the maximum value is obtained is known, and the measurement time can be input to the measuring device manually or automatically.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a method and an apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an alcohol concentration measuring device, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the alcohol concentration measuring device, and FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the alcohol concentration measuring device.

The measuring device, alcohol-containing sample such as a sample aqueous alcohol solution or high viscosity is accommodated in an enclosure of a low alcohol-containing beverage (hereinafter, referred to as sample.) A sensor chamber 2 to form a closed space for evaporating, A filter paper holding unit 1 provided in the sensor chamber 2 for holding a sample.
2, heating means 9 for heating the sample held in the filter paper holder 12 to a predetermined temperature to evaporate the alcohol,
A fan 5 for stirring the gas in the sensor chamber 2 that has been overheated by the heating means 9 and a gas detecting means 10 for detecting the concentration of alcohol in the gas stirred by the fan 5 and outputting an alcohol concentration signal are provided. It is composed.

The sensor chamber 2 is closed by an upper lid 3 whose upper opening is openably and closably formed to form a sealed space. Inside the heater chamber 4, a temperature sensor 8 constituting a heating means 9, and a gas The gas sensor 7 constituting the detection means 10 is provided.

The upper lid 3 is provided with a sample injecting section 13, and a cylinder member, for example, a needle of a syringe 14 is inserted through the sample injecting section 13 to inject a sample. After the syringe 14 is pulled out, it is sealed with a certain amount of ventilation.

The gas sensor 7 is, for example, a catalytic combustion type gas sensor, and outputs a highly accurate sensor output in response to the alcohol concentration in the gas phase in the chamber 2 accurately.

The fan 5 is installed at the center of the bottom of the sensor chamber 2 corresponding directly below the filter paper holding section 12.

The sensor chamber 2 and the sample injection section 1
A heat insulating member 11 is provided in a peripheral portion of 3. Further, as shown in FIG.
A CD display unit 24 and a key switch 26 as an input unit are provided.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the main part of the apparatus for measuring the alcohol concentration. The gas detection means 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes a gas sensor 7 and a sensor detection circuit 18 that detects a sensor output during vaporization in the sensor chamber 2 based on a detection output of the gas sensor 7.

The heating means 9 comprises a heater 4, a temperature sensor 8 for detecting the temperature in the sensor chamber 2, a temperature control circuit 16
Consists of The temperature control circuit 16 supplies power to the heater 4, compares a previously input set value with a temperature signal detected based on the output of the temperature sensor 8, and controls power supply based on the comparison value. Then, the temperature in the sensor chamber 2 is maintained at the set value.

The counter 19 counts time. The sensor output reading unit 20 reads the sensor output from the sensor detection circuit 18 every predetermined time (for example, every 5 seconds to 10 seconds) based on the time information from the counter 19.

The memory 21 stores each sensor output read by the sensor output reading section 20 at predetermined time intervals in correspondence with each predetermined time. The printer 23 prints each predetermined time stored in the memory 21 in correspondence with each sensor output.

The central processing unit (CPU) 22 includes a counter 19, a sensor output reading unit 20, a memory 21, and a printer 2.
3 is controlled. Further, the CPU 22 compares the previous sensor output value stored in the memory 21 with the current sensor output value output from the sensor output reading unit 20, and
If the current sensor output value is larger than the previous sensor output value, the sensor output reading unit 20 continues reading the sensor output value.

If the current sensor output value is smaller than the previous sensor output value, the CPU 22 stops reading the sensor output value, and the previous sensor output value and the sensor output value when the sensor output value is the maximum value. Is stored in the memory 21 until the time when the maximum value is reached.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of key switches are used to input information on measurement conditions for the alcohol concentration of the sample and other information. The auxiliary memory 25 stores a processing program for performing processing required for measuring the alcohol concentration of the sample.

The CPU 22 obtains the alcohol concentration in the liquid phase of the sample from the alcohol concentration in the gas phase of the sample by executing the processing program stored in the auxiliary memory 25. The display unit 24 displays input information, alcohol concentration in the liquid phase of the sample, and the like.

Next, a description will be given of a method for measuring the alcohol concentration which is realized by the apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration configured as described above.

[0041] First, for example, with reference to FIG. 5, evaporated difficult samples, such as highly viscous degree low-alcohol containing water (substance)
The calculation of the optimal measurement time will be described. here,
First, the inside of the sensor chamber 2 is sufficiently ventilated, and the gas detecting means 10 is operated to confirm that no alcohol is detected.

Then, the heating means 9, the fan 5, and the gas detecting means 10 are operated to set the set temperature to, for example, 60 ° C. to 80 ° C.
Perform warm-up operation at about 20 minutes at ° C. And the syringe 14
Injecting high viscosity low alcohol content beverage of a predetermined amount on the Kararoshi pressing portion 12 (step S1).

[0043] When the alcohol content of the high viscosity low alcohol content drinking water evaporates over time, the contact type gas sensor 7 is a properly respond to the sensor output to the alcohol concentration in the gas phase in the chamber 2 The sensor detection circuit 18 detects the sensor output during the vaporization in the sensor chamber 2 based on the detection output of the gas sensor 7.

Then, the sensor output reading section 20 reads the sensor output from the sensor detection circuit 18 based on the time information from the counter 19, for example, every 5 seconds (step S3).

Next, the CPU 22 reads the sensor output reading unit 2
At 0, each sensor output read every 5 seconds is stored in the memory 21 corresponding to each predetermined time. That is,
The relationship between the sensor output of a substance that is difficult to evaporate and time is stored. Then, each predetermined time and each sensor output stored in the memory 21 are printed on the printer 23 as shown in FIG.

The CPU 22 compares the previous sensor output value stored in the memory 21 with the current sensor output value output from the sensor output reading unit 20, and
If the current sensor output value is larger than the previous sensor output value, the sensor output reading unit 20 continues reading the sensor output value (step S5).

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the sensor output increases with time. Then, for example, when the measurement time is about 4 minutes 30 seconds, the sensor output becomes the maximum value. That is, the alcohol is completely evaporated and vaporized. Further, when the measurement time exceeds about 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the sensor output value gradually decreases.

Therefore, when the current sensor output value is smaller than the previous sensor output value, the CPU 22 stops reading the sensor output value, and determines the previous sensor output value at which the sensor output value is the maximum value and the previous sensor output value. The measurement time until the time is stored in the memory 21.

It should be noted that the magnitude comparison of the sensor outputs is not determined once but is determined based on a plurality of data.

[0050] That is, stores the measurement time of about 4 minutes and 30 seconds the sensor output value takes the maximum value, in the memory 21 as the optimum measurement time of high viscosity <br/> low-alcohol containing water is evaporated difficult materials I do.

[0051] As an experimental example, showing the relationship between time and the sensor output of highly viscous degree low-alcohol content beverages aqueous FIG.
NO. The curve indicated by No. 1 is the first measurement, and NO. 2
The curve indicated by is the second measurement. In the first measurement, the optimal measurement time is about 160 seconds, and the sensor output is about 376 mV. In the second measurement, the optimal measurement time is about 150 seconds, and the sensor output is about 385 mV. Thus, optimal measurement time of the high viscosity low alcohol-containing beverages aqueous solution of about 160 seconds, i.e., 2 minutes 40
Seconds.

As an experimental example, FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the time of an aqueous alcohol solution having an alcohol concentration of 2.97 Vol% and the sensor output. In the first measurement, the optimal measurement time is about 100 seconds, and the sensor output is about 1057.
mV. In the second measurement, the optimal measurement time is about 110 seconds, and the sensor output is about 1044 mV.
Therefore, the optimal measurement time of the alcohol aqueous solution is about 110 seconds.

As described above, the optimum measurement time for completely evaporating the alcohol according to the substance to be measured is measured, and the alcohol concentration of the unknown sample is measured at the optimum measurement time.

Next, a method for measuring the alcohol concentration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG.
The processing indicated by 0 is performed by the CPU 22 executing the processing program.

First, a switch (not shown) of the measuring device 1 is turned on (step S11), the warm-up operation is performed for about 20 minutes, and a calendar is displayed on the display unit 24 (step S13).

Next, setting of measurement conditions for the alcohol concentration of the sample, setting of standard values of the measurement conditions, and an advance key (not shown) in FIG. Is selected (step S15).

Here, the advance key is selected, and the advance key is set to 1
When the button is pressed once, either the measurement of the alcohol concentration or the advance key is selected (step S17). If the measurement is selected, the alcohol concentration in the gas phase of the sample is measured (step S17). Step S19).

On the other hand, if the measurement is not selected and the advance key is pressed once more, either the data search or the advance key is selected (step S21), and if the data search is selected, Data is searched (step S2
3).

Further, when the advance key is further pressed once without selecting the data search, either the data communication by the RS-232C or the advance key is selected (step S25), and the data communication is selected. If so, data communication is performed (step S27).

If the data communication is not selected and the advance key is pressed once more, it is determined whether or not to measure the alcohol concentration measurement time (step S29).
The measurement time is measured (Step S31).

That is, the processing shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the above processing, and the optimum measurement time of the alcohol concentration in the gas phase of the sample is measured. Then, selection of manual input or automatic input of the measurement time is performed (step S3).
3) When the measurement time is manually input, step S
It returns to the process of 13. When the automatic input of the measurement time is selected, the process proceeds to step S35.

On the other hand, when the setting of the measurement condition is selected in step S15, the setting, the standard value set, the advance key, and the return key are shown next to rounding of data (<is inserted in the square). Is selected (step S35).

If the advance key and the standard value set have been selected, the process proceeds to step S39. When the setting for rounding the data is selected, the alcohol concentration is set to 0.01 Vol% as the rounding of the data (step S37).

Next, one of setting, standard value setting, advance key and return key is selected for the measurement time (step S39).

When the return key is selected, the process returns to the step S35, and when the advance key is selected,
Proceeding to step S47, if the standard value set is selected, proceed to step S47. When the setting of the measurement time is selected, the measurement time is, for example, 2 minutes and 40 minutes.
Seconds are set (step S41).

[0066] The measurement time, as described above, the optimal measurement time of highly viscous degree <br/> low alcohol content beverages aqueous, i.e., 2 minutes 40 seconds.

If the automatic input is selected in step S33 and the process proceeds to step S35, the data is rounded in step S37, and the process proceeds to step S47 without setting the measurement time. . That is, the measurement time is automatically input. When the automatic input is selected in step S33 and the process proceeds to step S35, the process proceeds to step S47.

Then, the adjustment constant a is set to 1.05,
The adjustment constant b is set to 0.05 Vol%. When the measurement conditions set as described above are printed on the printer 23 (step 47), they are represented as shown in FIG.

Further, the range is set, for example, to 5.00 Vol%
(Step 49). When the advance key is pressed, the measurement in step S17 is performed. In step S19, if there is no calibration data, or if there is calibration data and the measurement time is changed halfway, the process proceeds to step S49.

In step S15, if the measurement condition is the standard value, the flow goes directly to step S49.
Proceed to processing.

Next, an alcohol concentration is inputted (step 51), and a preliminary calibration is selected (step 53). When the selection of the preliminary calibration is performed, the preliminary calibration is performed (step 55). In this case, the upper lid 3 is closed, the air is warmed, and 100 μl of alcohol is injected, for example, to perform preliminary calibration.

Then, the upper cover 3 is opened and the filter paper is replaced.
Further, the upper lid 3 is closed to warm up,
Inject 00 μl and set the measurement time, ie, 2 minutes 4
Calibration is performed for 0 seconds (step 57).

Next, measurement is performed (step 59), and the measured value is printed on the printer 23, for example, as shown in FIG.

Further, it is determined whether or not to continue the measurement (step 61). If the measurement is to be continued, the process returns to step 59. If the measurement is not to be continued, it is determined whether or not to end the process (step 63). If the process is not to be ended, the process returns to step S13.

As described above, the optimum measurement time for the alcohol to completely evaporate according to the substance to be measured is automatically measured, and the alcohol concentration of the unknown sample is measured at the optimum measurement time. Measurement can be performed with high accuracy even on a substance that does not easily evaporate.

[0076]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor is read every predetermined time, and the magnitude of the read sensor output value every predetermined time is compared. The maximum value of the sensor output value is obtained by measuring the time from when the reading of the sensor output value starts to when the sensor output value reaches the maximum value .
Since the optimal measurement time is measured , the alcohol concentration can be measured at the time when the alcohol content contained in the sample is completely evaporated. That is, even if the sample is a substance that is difficult to evaporate, the alcohol concentration can be measured accurately with an optimum measurement time according to the substance.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the sensor output value is stored every predetermined time, and the stored sensor output value is printed every predetermined time, so that the measurement time when the sensor output value takes the maximum value is obtained. The measurement time can be manually input to the measuring device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the sensor output reading section reads the sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor at predetermined time intervals, and the comparing section reads
The maximum value of the sensor output value is obtained by comparing the magnitude of the sensor output value for each predetermined time read by the sensor output reading unit, and the time measuring unit starts reading the sensor output value by the sensor output reading unit. From time, the time until the sensor output value reaches the maximum value obtained by the comparison unit is measured, and automatically or manually based on the output of the time measurement unit.
Since the measurement time can be set , the alcohol concentration can be measured at the time when the alcohol content contained in the sample is completely evaporated. That is, even if the sample is a substance that is difficult to evaporate, the alcohol concentration can be measured accurately with an optimum measurement time according to the substance.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the sensor output value at predetermined time intervals, and the printing unit prints the sensor output value at predetermined time intervals stored in the storage unit. The measurement time at which the sensor output value takes the maximum value is known, and the measurement time can be manually input to the measurement device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram showing a main part of an apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating an optimal measurement time for an alcohol-containing substance that is difficult to evaporate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating printing of a sensor output every predetermined time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing sensor outputs over time.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an experimental example of a sensor output over time of an alcohol aqueous solution.

9 is a diagram showing an experimental example of the sensor output over time of highly viscous degree low-alcohol containing water.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for measuring an alcohol concentration according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a print example of measurement conditions of alcohol concentration.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a print example of a measured value of alcohol concentration.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the measurement time of the calibration aqueous alcohol solution and the substance that hardly evaporates, and the output of the solution.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Sensor Chamber 3 Top Cover 7 Gas Sensor 16 Temperature Control Circuit 18 Sensor Detection Circuit 19 Counter 20 Sensor Output Reading Unit 21 Memory 22 CPU 23 Printer 24 Display Unit 25 Auxiliary Memory 26 Input Unit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-181153 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 27/00-27/24 G01N 33 / 14

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An alcohol contained in a sample is evaporated in a chamber forming a closed space, and a sensor output in a gas phase is detected by a gas sensor. A method for measuring an alcohol concentration in a liquid phase of the sample by applying to a calibration curve created by a sensor output in a gas phase, wherein a sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor is determined. The maximum value of the sensor output value is obtained by reading the sensor output value at each time and comparing the sensor output values at predetermined read time intervals. to measure the time until when it was
A method for measuring alcohol concentration, characterized by measuring an optimum measurement time . 2. The method for measuring an alcohol concentration according to claim 1, wherein the sensor output value is stored every predetermined time, and the stored sensor output value is printed every predetermined time. 3. An alcohol content contained in a sample is evaporated in a chamber forming a closed space, and a sensor output in a gas phase is detected by a gas sensor. An alcohol concentration measuring device that measures an alcohol concentration in a liquid phase of the sample by applying the calibration curve created by a sensor output in the gas phase to a sensor output in the gas phase of the sample detected by the gas sensor; A sensor output reading unit that reads every time, a comparison unit that obtains the maximum value of the sensor output value by comparing the magnitude of the sensor output value read every predetermined time read by the sensor output reading unit, and the sensor output reading unit The time from when the reading of the sensor output value starts to when the sensor output value reaches the maximum value obtained by the comparing section is counted. And time measuring unit for automatic or manual measurement time based on an output of the time measuring unit
Means for setting an alcohol concentration. 4. A storage unit for storing a sensor output value every predetermined time, and a printing unit for printing the sensor output value every predetermined time stored in the storage unit. 3. An apparatus for measuring alcohol concentration according to 3.