JPH10227777A - Expiration analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a smaller and inexpensive device, by passing a expiration sample stored in a sample weighing tube and another expiration sample which is desorbed in concentration introducing part and gathered into a collecting tube using carrier gas through a column, and detecting them. SOLUTION: Expiration A in an expiration sampling bag 14 is sucked by a pump 22 through a sample weighing tube 16 and expiration suction path 30 or through a collecting tube 18 and another expiration suction path. Exhalation sample a1 stored in a sample weighing tube 16 is passed through a column 24 with carrier gas, and expiration sample a2 desorbed in concentration introducing part 20 is passed through the column 24 with carrier gas. The column 24 separates each component contained in the expiration sample a1 and a detector 26 detects them lately, and the column 24 separates each component contained in the expiration sample a2 and the detector 26 detects them lately. Thus, direct analysis and concentration analysis can be performed using the column 24 and the detector 26 commonly. Therefore, entire device is smaller and more inexpensive.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a breath analyzer for analyzing components contained in breath using gas chromatography in the medical field, the health industry, the control of drunk driving, the investigation of narcotics, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in, for example, JP-A-6-58919, a breath analyzer for collecting and analyzing the breath of a subject has been developed. Breath analyzers are, for example, breath analysis for clinical tests in the medical field and monitoring of patient condition, measurement of work environment and indoor environment in the industrial field, drunk driving control and drug control in the police field, and firefighting field. It is used in a wide range of fields such as fire cause investigation and health care in the health industry field.

[0003] This breath analyzer uses gas chromatography. The breath analyzer is attached to the main body of the breath analyzer and has an outer peripheral portion covered with a heater. Two carrier gas flow paths respectively connected via a four-way electromagnetic valve, an air cylinder connected to the four-way electromagnetic valve, and a sample measuring section provided in a part of each carrier gas flow path. I have.

[0004] On the downstream side of each sample measuring section, a breathing introduction pump (suction pump) connected via a three-way electromagnetic valve and an exhaust pipe is provided. In addition, two separate columns and the like are connected to the three-way electromagnetic valves described above in parallel and independently of each other.

[0005] In the case of collecting and analyzing exhaled breath from a subject, when the subject exhales into the exhalation collection tube, the exhaled breath is discharged into the exhalation collection tube by the exhalation introduction pump. While being discharged to the outside of the device, a part of the breath fills each sample measuring section as a breath sample. Next, when carrier gas is sent from an air cylinder to each sample measuring section, after the breath sample filled in each measuring section is sent to each separation column, each breath sample is separated by a difference in the retention time of each component gas. Separated. Thereafter, the breath analysis is performed by a predetermined calculation process.

[0006]

For example, in the case of diabetes, arteriosclerosis, etc., the concentration of pentane in the breath is increased by lipid peroxidation, but the concentration is at most pg / mL. However, in a conventional breath analyzer, for example, since the limit of a component that can be analyzed is on the order of ng / mL, pg of pentane or the like is used.
There is a problem that low-concentration components on the order of / mL cannot be analyzed.

In order to solve this problem, the present inventor has
A new breath analyzer that concentrates and analyzes a breath sample (hereinafter referred to as “concentration analysis”) has been devised. In this breath analyzer, the breath in the breath collection container is concentrated as a breath sample in a collection tube, and then the collection tube is heated and desorbed to analyze the breath sample. However, this new breath analyzer also has the following problems.

[0008] It cannot be used as a conventional direct injection type (hereinafter referred to as "direct analysis") due to its structure. For this reason, two types of breath analyzers are required, resulting in an increase in size and cost as a whole. In addition, since the direct analysis and the enrichment analysis require different operations, it takes time and effort to perform both.

[0009] In the concentration analysis, since the concentration step and the analysis step are performed by different devices, it takes time to attach and detach the collection tube.

[0010] In the concentration analysis, one collection tube is required for each sample. Therefore, a large number of collection tubes are required. In addition, since the state of filling of the adsorbent is slightly different for each collection tube, noise caused by the state of filling lowers the analysis accuracy. Further, in order to reuse the used collecting tube, a step of flowing a carrier gas while heating the collecting tube (hereinafter, referred to as “removing the collecting tube”) in order to remove the residue of the adsorbent.
It is called "conditioning." )Is required. Conditioning a large number of collection tubes takes a great deal of time, including removing and attaching the collection tubes.

[0011] In the concentration analysis, noise called a ghost peak generated only from the adsorbent appears differently for each collection tube. Therefore, in order to improve the analysis accuracy, it is desired to perform heating and desorption for each collection tube (hereinafter, referred to as “blank test”). However, the blank test requires a lot of trouble, including the removal and attachment of a large number of collection tubes, so it is difficult to actually perform the test.

[0012]

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a breath analyzer which can be used as a conventional direct analysis and can solve various problems in concentration analysis.

[0013]

A breath analyzer according to the present invention comprises a breath collection container into which breath is blown, a sample measuring tube capable of storing breath as a breath sample, and a breath sample. A collection tube capable of being adsorbed therein, a concentration introduction unit for adsorbing a breath sample in the collection tube and desorbing the breath sample, a pump for sucking breath in the breath collection container, and a breath sample And a column for separating components contained in the breath sample, a detector for detecting the components separated by the column, and a pump for sucking the breath in the breath collection container through the sample measuring tube with the pump. One breath suction channel, a second breath suction channel for sucking the breath in the breath collection container through the collection tube with the pump, and a breath sample stored in the sample measuring tube A first carrier gas flow path through which the carrier gas passes through the column, a second carrier gas flow path through which the breath sample desorbed in the concentration introduction section is passed through the column with the carrier gas, and a residue of the column. A third carrier gas flow path for removing the carrier gas, a fourth carrier gas flow path for removing the residue of the collection tube with the carrier gas, the first and second breath suction flow paths, and A flow path switching unit that allows at least one of the first to fourth carrier gas flow paths to be selected.

When performing direct analysis. When the first exhalation suction flow path is selected by the flow path switching unit, the exhaled breath in the exhalation collection container is sucked by the pump through the sample measuring tube, and the exhaled breath sample is stored in the sample measuring tube. Subsequently, when the first carrier gas flow path is selected, the breath sample stored in the sample measuring tube passes through the column together with the carrier gas.

When performing concentration analysis. When the first exhalation suction flow path is selected by the flow path switching unit, the exhalation in the exhalation collection container is suctioned by the pump through the collection tube,
The breath sample is adsorbed to the collection tube by the action of the concentration introducing section. Subsequently, when the second carrier gas flow path is selected, the breath sample adsorbed in the collection tube is desorbed by the action of the concentration introducing section, and passes through the column together with the carrier gas.
The concentration of the breath sample with respect to the carrier gas is much higher than when the non-concentrated breath component is flowed together with the carrier gas. That is, in the detector,
A high peak detection value is obtained. Therefore, even low-concentration components that are slightly contained in the breath can be sufficiently analyzed.

When conditioning the collection tube. When the fourth carrier gas flow path is selected by the flow path switching unit, the residue of the collection tube is removed by the carrier gas. At this time, when the third carrier gas flow path is selected by the flow path switching unit, the analysis can be continued by removing the residue of the column by the carrier gas.

When performing a blank test on the collection tube. When the second carrier gas flow path is selected, the component caused by the adsorbent in the collection tube is desorbed at the concentration introducing section, and passes through the column together with the carrier gas.

As described above, by selecting at least one of the first and second breath suction channels and the first to fourth carrier gas channels, all of the direct analysis and the concentration analysis can be performed. Can be performed. Further, the column, the detector and the piping around them are common parts used for both the concentration analysis and the direct analysis.

[0019]

1 to 4 show the configuration of a first embodiment of a breath analyzer according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a first breath suction channel and a third carrier gas channel. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the second exhalation suction channel and the first carrier gas channel have been switched, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the second carrier gas channel has been switched. Reference numeral 4 denotes a state in which the flow is switched to the third and fourth carrier gas flow paths. 1 to 4, a thick solid line indicates a pipe, and a broken line indicates a flow of an electric signal. Hereinafter, description will be made based on these drawings.

The breath analyzer 12 according to the present embodiment has a breath A
, A breath collection bag 14 serving as a breath collection container into which breath is blown, a sample measuring tube 16 capable of storing breath A as a breath sample a1 (not shown), and a breath sample a2 (shown in FIG. And a concentration introducing section 20 for adsorbing the breath sample a2 into the collection tube 18 and desorbing the breath sample a2.
And the pump 2 for sucking the breath A in the breath collection bag 14
2 and the breath samples a1 and a2
a column 24 for separating the components contained in a2,
A detector 26 for detecting the components separated by the air flow 4 and a first breath suction flow path 30 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) for sucking the breath A in the breath collection bag 14 by the pump 22 through the sample measuring tube 16. ), A second exhalation suction flow path 32 (FIG. 2) for aspirating the exhalation A in the exhalation collection bag 14 through the collection tube 18 by the pump 22, and the exhalation sample a1 stored in the sample measuring tube 16 as a carrier. Column 2 by gas C1
4 through which the first carrier gas flows (FIG. 2)
A second carrier gas flow path 36 (FIG. 3) for passing the breath sample a2 desorbed in the concentration introducing section 20 by the carrier gas C2 to the column 24, and a second carrier gas C3 for removing the residue of the column 24 by the carrier gas C3. A third carrier gas flow path 38 (FIGS. 1 and 4) and a fourth carrier gas flow path 40 for removing the residue of the collection tube 18 with the carrier gas C4.
(FIG. 4), first and second expiratory suction channels 30, 32 and first to fourth carrier gas channels 34, 36, 3
And a flow path switching unit 42 that allows at least one of the channels 8 and 40 to be selected.

The breath collection bag 14 is a resin container for storing the breath A discharged by the subject, and is commercially available as trade names "Tedra bag" and "Saran bag". The sample measuring tube 16 stores a fixed amount (for example, 1 mL) of the breath sample a to be introduced into the column 24. The column 24 is a capillary column or a glass column, and is exchangeable according to an analysis target. The detector 26 is a FID (flame ionization detector) or TCD
(Thermal conductivity detector). The data obtained from the detector 26 is processed by the data processor 261.

The flow path switching unit 42 includes a sampling valve 421, a four-way valve 422, and three-way valves 423, 424
And a main controller 42 for controlling the energization of these solenoids and the like.
5 and a flow rate controller 426 for controlling the flow rate of each flow path. The main controller 425 may be of any type including a manual switch, a relay and a timer, and a microcomputer and its program. Further, a gas cylinder 441 filled with the carrier gas C is connected to the flow controller 426 via pressure regulating valves 442, 443, a manual opening / closing valve 444, and the like. As the carrier gas C, an inert gas such as helium and nitrogen is generally used.

Sampling valve 421, four-way valve 422
The three-way valves 423 and 424 are, for example, rotary valves each having a plurality of ports. The sampling valve 421 has ten ports 1 to 10,
2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 are connected (FIG. 2) and ports 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9,
10-1 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) can be selected. Further, a gate valve 427 that is always “closed” is connected to the port 8.
The four-way valve 422 has a port,
-Connection (Figs. 1 and 2) and port-
,-(FIGS. 3 and 4) can be selected. The three-way valve 423 has a port and can be selected from a case where a port is connected (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) and a case where a port is connected (FIG. 4). The three-way valve 424 is
And a connection between the ports (FIG. 3) and a connection between the ports (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) can be selected.

The sample measuring tube 16, the sampling valve 421, and piping around the sample measuring tube 16 are housed in a thermostat 46. The column 24 and the detector 26 are housed in a thermostat 48. Concentration introduction section 20 and constant temperature baths 46 and 48
Are in close contact with each other via a heat insulating material (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the concentration introducing section 20 in the breath analyzer 12. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the collection tube 18 and its surroundings in an enlarged manner than other portions. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. However, in FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG.

The concentration introducing section 20 passes through the incubator 50 for keeping the temperature T of the collection tube 18 constant, a pressure gauge 201 for measuring the pressure p of the exhalation A in the exhalation collection bag 14, and the collection tube 18. Flow control valve 202 for keeping the flow rate f of exhaled air A constant
And the pressure p measured by the pressure gauge 201 and the flow control valve 20
The sub-controller 203 controls the thermostat 50 and the pump 22 based on the flow rate f measured in 1 and the control signal from the main controller 425.

The collection tube 18 is filled with an adsorbent 181 that adsorbs the breath sample a. The pressure gauge 201 uses, for example, a piezoelectric effect that generates a voltage when a pressure is applied to a piezoelectric element, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the pressure p to the sub-controller 203. The flow control valve 202 is a mass flow meter or the like, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the flow rate f to the sub controller 203. The sub-controller 203, for example,
It comprises a microcomputer comprising U, ROM, RAM, input / output interface and the like, and a computer program stored in ROM and the like. Operation of the sub-controller 203, the pump when the pressure p is the integrated value of the constant value if a p _F or less, or the flow rate f is equal to or greater than a predetermined value f _F 22
Is stopped, and a buzzer, a lamp, and the like for notification (not shown) are driven.

The thermostat 50 includes a heat transfer material 501 sandwiching the collection tube 18, cooling / heating means 502 for cooling or heating the heat transfer material 501, and a heat insulating material 503 surrounding the heat transfer material 501.
And the radiation fins 5 attached to the cooling and heating means 502
04, the thermocouple 505 embedded in the heat transfer material 501, and the collection tube 18 via the thermocouple 505 and the cooling / heating means 502.
And a joint 507, 508 for mounting the collection tube 18. The heat transfer material 501 and the radiation fins 504 are made of aluminum. The cooling and heating means 502 is, for example, a combination of a Peltier element for cooling and an electric heater for heating.
The thermocouple 505 outputs a voltage corresponding to the temperature T of the heat transfer material 501, that is, the temperature of the collection tube 18, to the temperature controller 506. The temperature controller 506 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,
The microcomputer includes a microcomputer including an input / output interface and the like, a temperature control computer program stored in a ROM or the like, and a DC voltage power supply. The operation of the temperature controller 506 is based on the collection tube 1 output from the thermocouple 505.
As the temperature T of the 8 becomes constant value T _C, cooling and heating means 5
02 to control the energization. An O-ring 509 is fitted into a portion of the joints 507 and 508 in contact with the collection tube 18.

When the pump 22 operates, the exhalation A is sucked from the exhalation collection bag 14 through the collection tube 18. Thus, the breath sample a2 is concentrated and collected by the adsorbent 181 of the collection tube 18. At this time, the pressure p during suction is measured by the pressure gauge 201, and the flow rate f is measured by the flow control valve 202. When the inside of the breath collection bag 14 becomes empty, the pressure p
Reaches a fixed value p _F or when the integrated value of the flow rate f is equal to or more than the fixed value f _F , the sub-controller 203 stops the pump 22. The integrated value of the flow rate f at the end of suction is determined by the sub controller 203.
Thus, the amount of the breath sample a2 concentrated and collected in the collection tube 18 is also known.

Next, the operation of the breath analyzer 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. The following operation is performed by the main controller 22.
5 can be performed automatically by a sequence program incorporated in the program, or can be performed by an operator manually operating the main controller 225.

[Operation 1 of Direct Analysis (Expiratory Suction)]

First, the breath collection bag 14 is attached to the pipe connected to the port 1. Subsequently, the flow path switching unit 4
2 to select the first expiratory suction channel 30 (FIG. 1),
The pump 22 is operated. At this time, the exhalation A flows from the exhalation collection bag 14 → ports 1 and 10 → the sample measuring tube 16 → ports 5 and 4 → the flow control valve 202 → the pump 22 → discharge (exhalation A1). As a result, the exhalation A becomes the exhalation sample a1
Is stored in the sample measuring tube 16. At this time, the third carrier gas flow path 38 (FIG. 1) is also selected by the flow path switching unit 42. Therefore, the carrier gas C flows from the flow controller 426 to the ports 7 and 6 to the column 24.
→ Detector 26 → discharge (carrier gas C3). As a result, the residue in the column 24 can be removed or the column 2 can be removed.
4 can be prevented.

[Operation 2 of Direct Analysis (Analysis)]

Subsequently, the first carrier gas flow path 34 (FIG. 2) is selected by the flow path switching section 42. At this time, the carrier gas C flows from the flow controller 426 to the port 9,
10 → sample measuring tube 16 → port 5, 6 → column 24
→ Detector 26 → discharge (carrier gas C1). The breath sample a1 stored in the sample measuring tube 16 also flows together with the carrier gas C1 and passes through the column 24 and the detector 26. Each component contained in the breath sample a1 is separated by the column 24 and detected by the detector 26 with a time difference. In the detector 26, qualitative analysis is performed based on the volume (retention capacity) or the time (retention time) of the carrier gas C1 from the injection of the breath sample a1 until the separation zone of each component appears, and the peak area or peak height Thus, a quantitative analysis is performed.

[Operation 1 of Concentration Analysis (Expiratory Suction)]

During the analysis operation in the direct analysis, the flow switching unit 42 causes the second expiratory suction flow channel 32 (FIG. 2).
Is also selected. Therefore, the collection tube 1 is concentrated by the concentration introduction section 20.
The pump 22 is operated while keeping 8 at, for example, 5 ° C. Then, the exhalation A is in the exhalation collection bag 14 → ports 1 and 2 →
It flows in the order of the collection tube 18 → the port of the four-way valve, → ports 3 and 4 → the flow control valve 202 → the pump 22 → the discharge (expiration A2). Thereby, the exhalation A becomes the exhalation sample a2 and the collection tube 1
8 is adsorbed. The flow rate of expiration A is kept constant, for example, at 100 mL / min by the flow control valve 202. When the integrated flow rate of expiration A reaches a predetermined value, the pump 22 stops. Thus, the analysis operation of the direct analysis and the breath suction operation of the concentration analysis are performed simultaneously.

[Operation 2 of Concentration Analysis (Analysis)]

Subsequently, the collection tube 18 is condensed by the concentration introducing section 20.
The second carrier gas flow path 36 (FIG. 3) is selected by the flow path switching unit 42 while maintaining the temperature at, for example, 200 ° C. At this time, the carrier gas C flows into the flow controller 426 → the port of the four-way valve 422 → the collecting pipe 18 → ports 2, 3 → the port of the four-way valve 422 → the port of the three-way valve 423;
→ Port of the three-way valve 424 → Ports 7 and 6 → Column 24 → Detector 26 → Discharge (carrier gas C2). The breath sample a2 desorbed from the collection tube 18 also flows together with the carrier gas C2 and passes through the column 24 and the detector 26. Each component contained in the breath sample a2 is stored in the column 2
By the separation at 4, the light is detected by the detector 26 with a time difference. In the concentration analysis, since the breath sample a2 concentrated by the concentration introducing unit 20 is used, even a low concentration component such as pentane containing only pg / mL order in the breath can be sufficiently analyzed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the second carrier gas flow path 36 is selected by the flow path switching unit 42, the first expiration suction flow path 30 is simultaneously selected. Therefore, during the analysis operation of the concentration analysis, it is also possible to perform the breath suction operation of the direct analysis.

[Operation 3 of concentration analysis (conditioning of collection tube 18)]

Subsequently, the collection tube 18 is condensed by the concentration introducing section 20.
While maintaining the temperature at, for example, 250 ° C., the third and fourth carrier gas flow paths 38 and 40 (FIG. 4)
Is selected and the carrier gas C flows. The carrier gas C in the fourth carrier gas passage 40 is supplied to the flow controller 426.
→ The port of the four-way valve 422 → the collecting pipe 18 → ports 2 and 3 → the port of the four-way valve 422 → the port of the three-way valve 423 → the discharge (carrier gas C 4). Thereby, the residue of the collection tube 18 is removed. On the other hand, the carrier gas C in the third carrier gas channel 38 is
The flow flows from the flow controller 426 to the ports 7 and 6 to the column 24 to the detector 26 to the discharge (carrier gas C3). Thereby, the breath sample a2 remaining in the column 24 also flows together with the carrier gas C3, and passes through the column 24 and the detector 26. Therefore, during the conditioning of the collection tube 18, the analysis operation of the concentration analysis can be continued.

[Operation 4 of Concentration Analysis (Blank Test of Collection Tube 18)]

Subsequently, if necessary, a blank test of the collection tube 18 after the conditioning is performed. That is, while the collection tube 18 is maintained at, for example, 200 ° C. by the concentration introducing section 20, the second carrier gas flow path 36 (FIG. 3) is selected by the flow path switching section 42. At this time, the carrier gas C
Is the flow controller 426 → the port of the four-way valve 422, →
Collection tube 18 → port 2,3 → port of four-way valve 422,
→ Port of three-way valve 423 → Port of three-way valve 424 → Ports 7 and 6 → Column 24 → Detector 26 → Discharge (carrier gas C2). Components caused by the adsorbent 181 (FIG. 5) of the collection tube 18 also flow together with the carrier gas C2, and pass through the column 24 and the detector 26. Thereby, the ghost peak caused by the adsorbent 181 can be detected by the detector 26. By subtracting the ghost peak obtained in this way from the actual analysis result,
Analysis accuracy can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the operation procedure of the conventional breath analyzer and the breath analyzer of the present invention.
[1] shows the case of the conventional breath analyzer, and FIG.
Is a case of the breath analyzer of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made based on this drawing.

A conventional breath analyzer is composed of a direct analyzer, a concentration collector, a concentration analyzer, and a conditioning device. The breath analyzer of the present invention implements these four types of devices in one.

According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the desorption of the collecting tube by 12 minutes as compared with the conventional method, thereby reducing the time by 12 minutes.
Can be shortened, and the total working time can be reduced by 72 min.

FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of the configuration of a conventional breath analyzer and the breath analyzer of the present invention.
7 shows the case of the conventional breath analyzer, and FIG. 7 [2] shows the case of the breath analyzer of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made based on this drawing.

In the present invention, the conditioning of the collection tube can be easily performed for each use, so that a single collection tube can be used to analyze a large number of people. In addition, since the direct analysis device, the concentration collection device, the concentration analysis device, and the conditioning device are realized by one unit, the pipes, solenoid valves, pumps, sensors, and the like used for these devices can be shared, so that as a whole, The number of parts is greatly reduced.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a part of a second embodiment of the breath analyzer according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made based on this drawing.

The exhalation analyzer of this embodiment is different from the exhalation collection container in which the exhalation A is blown into the exhalation collection device storage container 60 which can be washed for each exhalation collection, except that it is used. This is the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, illustration and description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

In the exhalation sampling device storage container 60, a pump 62 for exhalation, an electromagnetic valve 64 for exhalation, an electromagnetic valve 66 for analysis, an electromagnetic valve 68 for exhalation, an electromagnetic valve 70 for introducing purge gas, Pressure sensor 72, exhalation discharge sensor 74,
An exhalation discharge pipe 76, a purge gas cylinder 78, a sub-controller 80, a heater (not shown), and the like are additionally provided, and constitute an exhalation collection device 82 as a whole. The sub controller 80 is, for example, a microcomputer, and information obtained from the pressure sensor 72 and the exhalation discharge sensor 74 and the main controller 425.
, The operation of the solenoid valves 64-70 and the pump 62 is controlled in accordance with a built-in sequence program.

Next, the operation of the breath collection device 82 will be described.

[1. Cleaning process)

Before newly collecting the breath A, the breath collection device storage container 60 is washed. First, the solenoid valves 66, 68,
By closing 70, opening the electromagnetic valve 64, and turning on the pump 62, the residual expiration of the expiration collection device storage container 60 is exhausted. The pressure value from the pressure sensor 72 is negative pressure (66.5 kPa)
When it reaches the level, the solenoid valve 64 is closed and the pump 62 is turned off. Subsequently, the expiration sampling device storage container 60 is heated to about 60 ° C. and the solenoid valve 70 is opened, thereby purging the inside of the expiration sampling device storage container 60 with a purge gas. When the pressure value from the pressure sensor 72 becomes approximately positive pressure (100.1 kPa), the solenoid valve 70 is closed. Subsequently, the solenoid valve 64 is opened,
By turning on the pump 62, the residual purge gas in the breath collection device storage container 60 is exhausted. The above operation of introducing the purge gas into the breath collection device storage container 60 and repeating the operation of exhausting the purge gas is repeated several times to complete preparation for breath collection. In this state, the pressure value of the breath collection device storage container 60 is about negative pressure (66.5 kPa), and the temperature is about 40 ° C.

[2. Breath collection process)

When the subject M inhales the expiration A from the exhalation discharge pipe 76, the exhalation discharge sensor 74 detects this, and the solenoid valve 68 is opened. Thereby, the exhalation A is stored in the exhalation sampling device storage container 60. If the volume of exhaled air A exceeds 500 mL, multiple insufflations are required. In this case, when the subject M breathes, the exhalation discharge sensor 74 detects this, and the electromagnetic valve 6
8 is closed. Thereby, the breath collection device storage container 60
This prevents leakage of exhaled air A and mixing of outside air.

[3. Analysis process)

In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the same procedure is performed if the breath collection bag 14 is replaced with a breath collection device storage container 60. According to the present embodiment, the breath collection device 60 can be used any number of times, unlike the disposable breath collection bag 14, by allowing washing for each breath collection.

The first and second embodiments are, of course, merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. For example, the sampling valve 421, the four-way valve 422
The three-way valves 423 and 424 may be configured to switch the flow path by switching a simple electromagnetic valve instead of a rotary valve. Sampling valve 421, four-way valve 4
The connection between each port of the three-way valve 22 and the three-way valves 423 and 424 and each pipe is performed by the first and second breath suction flow paths 30 and 32 and the first to fourth carrier gas flow paths 34, 36, 38 and 4.
0 as long as the above-described functions can be realized.

[0059]

According to the breath analyzer of the present invention, the breath sample concentrated and collected in the collection tube is desorbed in the concentration introducing section, and the breath sample is passed through the column by the carrier gas. As a result, even low-concentration components such as pentane, which are slightly contained in the breath, can be sufficiently analyzed. Moreover, a first breath suction flow path for pumping the breath in the breath collection container through the sample measuring tube, and a second breath suction flow path for pumping the breath in the breath collection container through the collection tube, A first carrier gas flow path that allows the breath sample stored in the sample measuring tube to pass through the column with the carrier gas, and a second carrier gas flow path that allows the breath sample that has been desorbed in the concentration introduction section to pass through the column with the carrier gas A third carrier gas flow path for removing the residue of the column with the carrier gas, a fourth carrier gas flow path for removing the residue of the collection tube with the carrier gas, and first and second breath suction By providing a flow path and a flow path switching unit capable of selecting at least one of the first to fourth carrier gas flow paths, a column, a detector, and the like are shared. State, can be used as a concentrated analysis and direct analysis. Therefore, downsizing and cost reduction of the whole apparatus can be achieved, and all steps of concentration analysis and direct analysis can be automatically executed only by switching each flow path, so that operability and convenience are improved. Can be improved.

In addition, the following effects are obtained in the concentration analysis.

A) Since the concentration step and the analysis step are performed by the same apparatus, the desorption of the collection tube can be made unnecessary.
Work time can be reduced.

B) Since the conditioning of the collection tube can be easily performed for each use, analysis can be performed by a single collection tube for a large number of people. Therefore, the cost required for the collection tube can be reduced, and noise due to the filling state of the adsorbent does not occur, so that the analysis accuracy can be improved.

(C) Since the blank test of the collection tube can be easily performed, the influence of the ghost peak can be excluded from the analysis result, so that the analysis accuracy can be improved.

According to the breath analyzer of the second aspect, the flow switching unit can simultaneously select the first carrier gas flow path and the second breath suction flow path, so that the analysis operation in the direct analysis and the concentration operation can be performed. Since the expiration suction operation in the analysis can be performed at the same time, the operation time can be reduced.

According to the breath analyzer of the third aspect, the channel switching unit can simultaneously select the third carrier gas channel and the fourth carrier gas channel, thereby performing conditioning of the collection tube. However, since the analysis can be continued by the column and the detector, the operation time can be reduced.

According to the breath analyzer of the fourth aspect, the breath collection container can be used any number of times by using the breath collection device storage container which can be washed for each breath collection. Therefore, the workability can be improved because the work of attaching and detaching the breath collection container, which is difficult to automate, can be eliminated,
The cost required for the breath collection container can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a breath analyzer according to the present invention, showing a state in which a first breath suction channel and a third carrier gas channel are switched.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a breath analyzer according to the present invention, and shows a state in which a switch is made to a second breath suction channel and a first carrier gas channel.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the breath analyzer according to the present invention, and shows a state in which the apparatus is switched to a second carrier gas flow path.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the breath analysis apparatus according to the present invention, and shows a state where switching to a third and a fourth carrier gas flow path is performed.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a concentration introducing section in the breath analyzer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a chart showing an example of a work procedure between the conventional breath analyzer and the breath analyzer of the present invention. FIG. 6 [1] shows the case of the conventional breath analyzer, and FIG. This is the case of the breath analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a chart showing an example of the configuration of a conventional breath analyzer and the breath analyzer of the present invention. FIG. 7 [1] shows the case of a conventional breath analyzer, and FIG. It is the case of the breath analyzer of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a part of a second embodiment of the breath analyzer according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 12 Breath analyzer 14 Breath collection bag (breath collection container) 16 Sample measuring tube 18 Collection tube 20 Concentration introduction part 22 Pump 24 Column 26 Detector 30 First breath suction channel 32 Second breath suction channel 34 First One carrier gas flow path 36 Second carrier gas flow path 38 Third carrier gas flow path 40 Fourth carrier gas flow path 42 Flow path switching unit 60 Breath collection device storage container (breath collection container) A Breath A1 First Exhaled air flowing through one exhalation suction channel A2 Exhaled air flowing through second exhaled air suction channel a1 Exhaled sample stored in sample measuring tube a2 Exhaled sample adsorbed to collection tube C Carrier gas C1 First carrier gas channel C2 Carrier gas flowing through the second carrier gas passage C3 Carrier gas flowing through the third carrier gas passage C4 Fourth key Carrier gas flowing through the Riagasu channel

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A breath collection container in which breath is blown into the inside, a sample measuring tube in which breath can be stored as a breath sample, a collection tube in which breath can be absorbed as a breath sample, and A concentration introduction unit for adsorbing the breath sample in the collection tube and desorbing the breath sample, a pump for sucking the breath in the breath collection container, and separating the components contained in the breath sample by passing the breath sample Column, a detector that detects the components separated by this column, and a first breath suction flow path that sucks the breath in the breath collection container with the pump through the sample measuring tube,
A second breath suction channel for sucking the breath in the breath collection container with the pump through the collection tube, and a first carrier that allows the breath sample stored in the sample measuring tube to pass through the column by a carrier gas. A gas flow path, a second carrier gas flow path through which the breath sample desorbed in the concentration introducing section is passed through the column by a carrier gas, and a third carrier gas flow through which the residue of the column is removed by the carrier gas Channel, a fourth carrier gas flow path for removing the residue of the collection tube with a carrier gas, and a first carrier gas flow path and a first to fourth carrier gas flow path. A breath analyzer comprising: a flow path switching unit that enables selection of at least one of them. 2. The breath analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the flow switching unit is capable of simultaneously selecting a first carrier gas flow channel and a second breath suction flow channel. 3. The breath analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the flow path switching unit is capable of simultaneously selecting a third carrier gas flow path and a fourth carrier gas flow path. 4. The breath analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the breath collection container is a breath collection device storage container that can be washed with each breath collection.