WO2012112040A1 - Detection apparatus - Google Patents

Detection apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012112040A1
WO2012112040A1 PCT/NL2012/050082 NL2012050082W WO2012112040A1 WO 2012112040 A1 WO2012112040 A1 WO 2012112040A1 NL 2012050082 W NL2012050082 W NL 2012050082W WO 2012112040 A1 WO2012112040 A1 WO 2012112040A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
separation chamber
detection
air flow
spray
detection apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2012/050082
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Antonius Theodorus Cecilianus Hauzer
Original Assignee
Uc Technologies
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 Uc Technologies filed Critical Uc Technologies
Publication of WO2012112040A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012112040A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G01N1/2202—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D47/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D47/06—Spray cleaning
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G01N1/2202—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling
    • G01N1/2211—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling with cyclones
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2247/00—Details relating to the separation of dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D2247/10—Means for removing the washing fluid dispersed in the gas or vapours
    • B01D2247/101—Means for removing the washing fluid dispersed in the gas or vapours using a cyclone
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N2001/022—Devices for withdrawing samples sampling for security purposes, e.g. contraband, warfare agents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a detection apparatus, and air processing unit for such a detection apparatus.
  • a detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, a separation chamber, and a first pump; an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
  • a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being connected to a sensor
  • the detection apparatus functions as a sampling unit and provides that free molecules of these forbidden substances that are present in an air flow taken from objects which are suspected to contain these substances, are well mixed with a spray of a detection agent fluid.
  • the detection agent is finely dispersed and will react with one or more components of the substance, if present.
  • the reaction which can be either chemical, or biochemical or physical, will change the state of detection agent particles or molecules, that can be separated from the mixture of air and the sprayed detection fluid.
  • the detection agent particles are then separated in a separation chamber together with the detection agent fluid from the air flow.
  • the detection agent particles and the detection agent fluid are introduced to a sensor which is arranged for detecting the state of the detection agent particles.
  • the detection apparatus can provide a result by just sampling the air taken from the object, without any further handling of the object.
  • the detection apparatus as described above further comprising a spray generating chamber, and a transport conduit; wherein in the air flow path the air supply conduit is connected to an air inlet of the spray generating chamber, an outlet of the spray generating chamber being connected to a transport conduit; the transport conduit being connected to the inlet of the separation chamber; the spray generator is arranged in the spray generating chamber for introducing the spray of the detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path passing the spray generating chamber.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, which further comprises a mixing element wherein the mixing element is arranged in the transport conduit for mixing the spray of the fluid containing detection agent particles with air from the air supply conduit.
  • the mixing element may be embodied as helical surface within the transport conduit for additional mixing of the spray with the air flow and to agglomerate the mixed flow into droplets.
  • the mixing element enhances the separation of the detection agent containing fluid from the air flow by providing agglomeration.
  • the separation chamber is embodied as a tube with a substantially round cross-section; a first end of the separation chamber comprising a top cover sealing the first end of the separation chamber; the separation chamber further comprising at a second end a collection chamber wherein the second end of the tube is connected to an entry of the collection chamber.
  • connection between the second end of the separation chamber and the collection chamber comprises a funnel.
  • the spray generator comprises a nozzle which is arranged to extend through the top cover and enters the separation chamber with the outlet of the nozzle being positioned in a region of the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover of the separation chamber.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is connected to the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover, the duct comprises a duct tube that is arranged through the top cover as an internal tube within the separation chamber, extending from the top cover along the longitudinal axis of the separation chamber to a lower region in the separation chamber, where the duct tube has an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture of the duct tube being arranged at or near the second end of the separation chamber, an outlet aperture of the duct tube that is external from the separation chamber being arranged for coupling to the first pump.
  • the inlet aperture of the duct tube is arranged at or near the level of the connection of the second end of the separation chamber and the funnel.
  • this arrangement provides that the air flow through the separation chamber is directed from the top cover towards the funnel and collecting chamber, which improves the flow of the detection agent particles to the collecting chamber
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is arranged as a tangential inlet for the air flow at the circumference of the separation chamber in the top region.
  • helical flow is created in the air flow in the separation chamber, which lengthens the trajectory of the air flow path through the separation chamber and thus enhances the agglomeration effect of the detection agent particles.
  • the helical flow produces a centrifugal force on droplets of detection agent fluid towards the wall of the separation chamber, which enhances recovery of the detection agent fluid.
  • the tangential inlet comprises a vortex generator structure for generating a vortex in the air flow.
  • the vortex generator creates a turbulence in the air flow entering the separation chamber and thus enhances the mixing of the detection agent particles with components in the air flow.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, which further comprises a recirculation line and a recirculation pump, wherein the first outlet of the separation chamber is connected to a second inlet of the spray generating chamber via the recirculation line, the recirculation pump is arranged for pumping the separated fluid through the recirculation line, and the sensor is connected to the recirculation for said receiving the separated fluid.
  • the cost for consumption of the detection agent fluid can be reduced.
  • the fluid is contaminated by the reaction product and must be replaced and/or recycled.
  • the air supply conduit, the spraying chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber, the optional mixing element and the duct are disposable, for example consist of a plastic material. This provides that when a substance has been detected the detection apparatus can be restored to a clean status in relatively short time.
  • the air supply conduit, the spraying chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber and the duct constructed in a single air processing unit. This allows a relatively easy replacement of these elements when the detection apparatus has been contaminated with a substance and needs to be cleaned.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is connected upstream to an air sample collection chamber, arranged for collecting air samples.
  • air samples may be obtained from a hand-held air sampler device.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product and the sensor is arranged to measure the presence of the reaction product in the separated fluid as the state of the detection agent.
  • detection can become very selective with a relatively low probability of errors.
  • the detection agent comprises either anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers specific for the substance to be detected.
  • anti-bodies and/or enzymes and/or aptamers allows to design specific reactions and reaction products.
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the sensor comprises a biosensor arranged for detection of the detection agent.
  • Biosensors allow detection of reaction products at relatively low concentration. Additionally, biosensors can be designed to detect only specific components in analytes, which allows to reduce the probability of detection errors (false detections).
  • a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
  • a detection fluid for use in a detection apparatus as described above; the detection fluid containing a detection agent wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product.
  • the detection agent comprises a component selected from anti-bodies, enzymes and aptamers specific for the substance to be detected.
  • the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more species selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
  • an air processing unit for use in a detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow
  • the air processing unit comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, and a separation chamber;
  • an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
  • a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being arranged for connecting to a sensor
  • a second outlet of the separation chamber being arranged for connecting to an air pump, wherein the spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path;
  • the separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of a detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic layout of a detection apparatus 1.
  • an air supply conduit 10 is arranged to receive an air flow F that originates from an object O that needs to be inspected for a substance.
  • the air supply conduit passes the air flow to a spraying chamber 12 in which a spray is generated of a detection agent fluid that contains a detection agent which interacts with an indicator that a forbidden substance is present.
  • the indicator may be molecules of the substance to be detected or a by-product of the substance.
  • the detecting agent may react with the indicator to create a reaction product, or in general, the detecting agent may change the state of the indicator such as an internal change in the (chemical or electronic) structure of the molecule.
  • the transport conduit is downstream connected to an inlet of a separation chamber 16.
  • the transport conduit comprises an internal mixing element 15 which by its shape affects the air flow so as to enhance the mixing of the spray and the air flow from the object.
  • the mixing element has a helical shape with a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport conduit. The mixing element is arranged to agglomerate droplets from the mixture of air and spray in the air flow. By the agglomeration process the mixing element enhances the efficiency of the separation chamber.
  • the separation chamber 16 is arranged to separate the components of the spray, i.e. the detection agent fluid comprising the detection agent and either the indicator as changed by the detecting agent or the reaction product and/or molecules/particles of the substance, and the air flow from each other.
  • the air flow is directed through a duct 18 towards a first pump 20 for pumping the air flow to an exhaust 21.
  • the air supply conduit 10, the spraying chamber 12, the transport conduit 14, the separation chamber 16, the optional mixing element 15 and the duct 18 are disposable, for example consist of a plastic material.
  • the separated detection agent fluid comprising the detection agent and any chemically changed indicator (or substance molecules/particles) or reaction product is conducted through a recirculation line 22 via a second pump 26 and a further line 28 to the spraying chamber 12 for re-use of the detecting agent fluid.
  • the second pump 26 is arranged to re-introduce the recirculating fluid as a spray into the air flow.
  • the further line 28 comprises an container 30 for intermediate storage of the detection agent fluid before re-introduction in the spraying chamber 12.
  • the recirculation of the detection agent fluid is about 99%.
  • the recirculation line comprises a branch 23 for transporting a portion of the separated detection agent fluid towards a sensing device or sensor 24.
  • the recirculation lines 22, 28 and the branch 23 consist of disposable material.
  • the amount of fluid needed for analysis by the sensor is in the order of a few microliters.
  • the total amount of fluid in the detector apparatus may be about a few tens of milliliters.
  • the sensor 24 is arranged to detect the presence of the chemically changed indicator or reaction product or molecules /particles of the substance in the separated detection agent fluid.
  • the sensor is arranged for outputting a signal which indicates if the substance is likely present in the air flow.
  • the detection agent comprises either anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers that are specific for a reaction with the substance to be detected or a byproduct of the substance.
  • the sensor comprises a biosensor arranged for detection of anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers that have been changed by interaction or reaction with the substance (or by-product).
  • the detection apparatus can be arranged for detection of any substance which has air borne free molecules or by-product molecules depending on the choice of the detecting agent and/or the sensor capabilities.
  • the detecting agent comprises the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers which are specific for one or more selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
  • the air supply conduit 10, the spraying chamber 12, the transport conduit 14, the separation chamber 16 and the duct 18 constructed in a single air processing unit.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic layout of an air processing unit of the detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the separation chamber 16 is arranged as a tube with a substantially round cross- section (e.g. circular or elliptical). During use, the longitudinal axis of the tube is arranged in a substantially vertical direction.
  • the separation chamber comprises a top cover 16A which seals the separation chamber.
  • the separation chamber is connected to a collection chamber 16 C.
  • the connection between the separation chamber 16 and the collection chamber 16C comprises a funnel 16B which is coupled to the tube and which is further coupled to an entry of a collection chamber 16C.
  • An exit of the collection chamber 16C is coupled to the recirculation line 22.
  • a nozzle 12B is arranged that is coupled to the storage container that contains the detection agent fluid and that enters the top region 31 of the separation chamber for producing during use a spray in the top region of the separation chamber.
  • the duct 18 is arranged as an internal duct tube within the separation chamber tube 16 while extending from outside the separation through the top cover 16A along the longitudinal axis of the separation chamber to a lower region 33 in the separation chamber, where the duct 18 has an inlet aperture 18B.
  • the inlet aperture 18B of the duct 18 is arranged at the lower region 33, in an embodiment near the level 34 (indicated by a dotted line) of the funnel 16B, of the separation chamber 16.
  • An outlet aperture 18A of the duct 18 is arranged outside of the separation chamber.
  • the outlet 18A of the duct 18 is connected to the first pump 20.
  • the air supply conduit 10 is arranged as a tangential inlet for the air flow F.
  • the tangential inlet is arranged adjacent to the top cover 16A, to allow the air flow F to pass the top region of the separation chamber where the nozzle 12B is configured to produce the spray. Due to the tangential inlet, the air processing unit is configured to enable an air flow entering the separation chamber to follow a substantially helical downward path which facilitates the mixing of the air flow with the spray.
  • the helical path will cause agglomeration of droplets from the mixture of air and spray in the air flow. Moreover, the helical flow will exert a centrifugal force on the agglomerated particles towards the wall of the separation chamber to enhance the separation of the agglomerated spray particles from the air flow by collecting the spray particles as liquid (droplets 50) on the wall. At the lower end of the separation chamber, due to gravity, liquid from the wall enters through the funnel 16B and the collection chamber 16C into the recirculation line 22 as described above with reference to figure 1.
  • the air supply conduit 10 comprises in the tangential inlet a vortex generator structure 32 which is configured to generate a vortex in the incoming air flow F which enhances the mixing of the air flow with the spray from the nozzle 12B.
  • the first pump acts as an aspirator pump, for creating the air flow.
  • the first pump can be arranged as a compressor positioned in fluid communication with the inlet of the air supply conduit 10 for creating the air flow.
  • the invention provides that in case of detection of a forbidden substance in the air flow that contaminates the air processing unit, the air processing unit can be easily replaced.
  • the single air processing unit also encompasses the recirculation lines 22, 28 and the branch 23.
  • the air processing unit can be a disposable/replaceable unit.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
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Abstract

A detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow, includes an air supply conduit, a spray generator, a separation chamber, and a first pump. An outlet of the air supply conduit is in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path. A first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber is connected to a sensor. The first pump is arranged for creating an air flow in the air flow path from the air supply conduit to the separation chamber. The spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path. The separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent, and the sensor is arranged for receiving the separated fluid containing detection agent and for measuring the state of the detection agent.

Description

Detection apparatus
Field
The present invention relates to a detection apparatus, and air processing unit for such a detection apparatus.
Background
Surveillance on forbidden substances such as narcotics and explosives is an issue in relation to security and crime prevention. The detection of these substances and their transport are important to prevent undesirable threats such as assaults and drugs abuse. For that reason these substances are usually well concealed during their transportation. As a result, detection of these forbidden substances by personnel may take considerable time and effort. Also, if these substances are packaged, the levels of free molecules issued by these substances may become low, even for specialized surveillance for example by sniffer dogs.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a detection apparatus which overcomes one or more of the above issues.
Summary
The object of the invention is achieved by a detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow, comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, a separation chamber, and a first pump; an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being connected to a sensor;
a second outlet of the separation chamber being connected through a duct to the first pump, wherein the first pump is arranged for creating an air flow in the air flow path from the air supply conduit to the separation chamber; the spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path; the separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent; the sensor is arranged for receiving the separated fluid containing detection agent and for measuring the state of the detection agent. Thus, the detection apparatus functions as a sampling unit and provides that free molecules of these forbidden substances that are present in an air flow taken from objects which are suspected to contain these substances, are well mixed with a spray of a detection agent fluid. Typically, the detection agent is finely dispersed and will react with one or more components of the substance, if present. The reaction which can be either chemical, or biochemical or physical, will change the state of detection agent particles or molecules, that can be separated from the mixture of air and the sprayed detection fluid. The detection agent particles are then separated in a separation chamber together with the detection agent fluid from the air flow. Next, the detection agent particles and the detection agent fluid are introduced to a sensor which is arranged for detecting the state of the detection agent particles.
Advantageously, the detection apparatus can provide a result by just sampling the air taken from the object, without any further handling of the object.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided the detection apparatus as described above further comprising a spray generating chamber, and a transport conduit; wherein in the air flow path the air supply conduit is connected to an air inlet of the spray generating chamber, an outlet of the spray generating chamber being connected to a transport conduit; the transport conduit being connected to the inlet of the separation chamber; the spray generator is arranged in the spray generating chamber for introducing the spray of the detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path passing the spray generating chamber.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, which further comprises a mixing element wherein the mixing element is arranged in the transport conduit for mixing the spray of the fluid containing detection agent particles with air from the air supply conduit.
The mixing element may be embodied as helical surface within the transport conduit for additional mixing of the spray with the air flow and to agglomerate the mixed flow into droplets. Advantageously, the mixing element enhances the separation of the detection agent containing fluid from the air flow by providing agglomeration.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the separation chamber is embodied as a tube with a substantially round cross-section; a first end of the separation chamber comprising a top cover sealing the first end of the separation chamber; the separation chamber further comprising at a second end a collection chamber wherein the second end of the tube is connected to an entry of the collection chamber.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, wherein the connection between the second end of the separation chamber and the collection chamber comprises a funnel.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the spray generator comprises a nozzle which is arranged to extend through the top cover and enters the separation chamber with the outlet of the nozzle being positioned in a region of the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover of the separation chamber.
Advantageously, by incorporating the spray generator in the separation chamber a relatively compact design of the unit in which the air flow is processed, is achieved.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is connected to the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover, the duct comprises a duct tube that is arranged through the top cover as an internal tube within the separation chamber, extending from the top cover along the longitudinal axis of the separation chamber to a lower region in the separation chamber, where the duct tube has an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture of the duct tube being arranged at or near the second end of the separation chamber, an outlet aperture of the duct tube that is external from the separation chamber being arranged for coupling to the first pump.
In an embodiment, the inlet aperture of the duct tube is arranged at or near the level of the connection of the second end of the separation chamber and the funnel.
Advantageously this arrangement provides that the air flow through the separation chamber is directed from the top cover towards the funnel and collecting chamber, which improves the flow of the detection agent particles to the collecting chamber
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is arranged as a tangential inlet for the air flow at the circumference of the separation chamber in the top region.
Advantageously, by providing the tangential inlet into the separation chamber, helical flow is created in the air flow in the separation chamber, which lengthens the trajectory of the air flow path through the separation chamber and thus enhances the agglomeration effect of the detection agent particles. Moreover, the helical flow produces a centrifugal force on droplets of detection agent fluid towards the wall of the separation chamber, which enhances recovery of the detection agent fluid.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the tangential inlet comprises a vortex generator structure for generating a vortex in the air flow. Advantageously, the vortex generator creates a turbulence in the air flow entering the separation chamber and thus enhances the mixing of the detection agent particles with components in the air flow.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, which further comprises a recirculation line and a recirculation pump, wherein the first outlet of the separation chamber is connected to a second inlet of the spray generating chamber via the recirculation line, the recirculation pump is arranged for pumping the separated fluid through the recirculation line, and the sensor is connected to the recirculation for said receiving the separated fluid.
By recirculation of the detection agent fluid, the cost for consumption of the detection agent fluid can be reduced. Clearly, when a substance is detected, the fluid is contaminated by the reaction product and must be replaced and/or recycled.
According to an aspect of the invention, the air supply conduit, the spraying chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber, the optional mixing element and the duct are disposable, for example consist of a plastic material. This provides that when a substance has been detected the detection apparatus can be restored to a clean status in relatively short time.
According to an aspect of the invention, the air supply conduit, the spraying chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber and the duct constructed in a single air processing unit. This allows a relatively easy replacement of these elements when the detection apparatus has been contaminated with a substance and needs to be cleaned.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the air supply conduit is connected upstream to an air sample collection chamber, arranged for collecting air samples.
In circumstances an object that needs to be examined for the presence of substances can be placed in an air sample collection chamber or room where the air flow can be directed in a controllable manner along the object. Advantageously, this provides a better control for inspections. Alternatively, air samples may be obtained from a hand-held air sampler device.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product and the sensor is arranged to measure the presence of the reaction product in the separated fluid as the state of the detection agent.
By using a specific reaction and specific reaction product for a substance to be detected, detection can become very selective with a relatively low probability of errors.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the detection agent comprises either anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers specific for the substance to be detected.
Using anti-bodies and/or enzymes and/or aptamers allows to design specific reactions and reaction products.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the sensor comprises a biosensor arranged for detection of the detection agent. Biosensors allow detection of reaction products at relatively low concentration. Additionally, biosensors can be designed to detect only specific components in analytes, which allows to reduce the probability of detection errors (false detections).
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection apparatus as described above, wherein the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection fluid for use in a detection apparatus as described above; the detection fluid containing a detection agent wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product.
According to an aspect of the invention, the detection agent comprises a component selected from anti-bodies, enzymes and aptamers specific for the substance to be detected. According to an aspect of the invention, the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more species selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an air processing unit for use in a detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow,
the air processing unit comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, and a separation chamber;
an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being arranged for connecting to a sensor;
a second outlet of the separation chamber being arranged for connecting to an air pump, wherein the spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path;
the separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent.
Brief description of drawings
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that other alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the true spirit of the invention, the scope of the invention being limited only by the appended claims.
Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of a detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Description
The following detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like references indicate similar elements.
Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of a detection apparatus 1. In the detection apparatus an air supply conduit 10 is arranged to receive an air flow F that originates from an object O that needs to be inspected for a substance. The air supply conduit passes the air flow to a spraying chamber 12 in which a spray is generated of a detection agent fluid that contains a detection agent which interacts with an indicator that a forbidden substance is present. The indicator may be molecules of the substance to be detected or a by-product of the substance. The detecting agent may react with the indicator to create a reaction product, or in general, the detecting agent may change the state of the indicator such as an internal change in the (chemical or electronic) structure of the molecule.
Next the air flow with the spray is directed via an outlet of the spraying chamber 12 into a transport conduit 14. The transport conduit is downstream connected to an inlet of a separation chamber 16.
In an embodiment, the transport conduit comprises an internal mixing element 15 which by its shape affects the air flow so as to enhance the mixing of the spray and the air flow from the object. In an embodiment the mixing element has a helical shape with a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport conduit. The mixing element is arranged to agglomerate droplets from the mixture of air and spray in the air flow. By the agglomeration process the mixing element enhances the efficiency of the separation chamber.
The separation chamber 16 is arranged to separate the components of the spray, i.e. the detection agent fluid comprising the detection agent and either the indicator as changed by the detecting agent or the reaction product and/or molecules/particles of the substance, and the air flow from each other.
The air flow is directed through a duct 18 towards a first pump 20 for pumping the air flow to an exhaust 21.
In an embodiment, the air supply conduit 10, the spraying chamber 12, the transport conduit 14, the separation chamber 16, the optional mixing element 15 and the duct 18 are disposable, for example consist of a plastic material.
The separated detection agent fluid comprising the detection agent and any chemically changed indicator (or substance molecules/particles) or reaction product is conducted through a recirculation line 22 via a second pump 26 and a further line 28 to the spraying chamber 12 for re-use of the detecting agent fluid. The second pump 26 is arranged to re-introduce the recirculating fluid as a spray into the air flow. In an embodiment, the further line 28 comprises an container 30 for intermediate storage of the detection agent fluid before re-introduction in the spraying chamber 12.
In an embodiment, the recirculation of the detection agent fluid is about 99%.
The recirculation line comprises a branch 23 for transporting a portion of the separated detection agent fluid towards a sensing device or sensor 24. In an embodiment, the recirculation lines 22, 28 and the branch 23 consist of disposable material.
In an embodiment, the amount of fluid needed for analysis by the sensor is in the order of a few microliters. In comparison, the total amount of fluid in the detector apparatus may be about a few tens of milliliters.
The sensor 24 is arranged to detect the presence of the chemically changed indicator or reaction product or molecules /particles of the substance in the separated detection agent fluid. The sensor is arranged for outputting a signal which indicates if the substance is likely present in the air flow.
In an embodiment, the detection agent comprises either anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers that are specific for a reaction with the substance to be detected or a byproduct of the substance. The sensor comprises a biosensor arranged for detection of anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers that have been changed by interaction or reaction with the substance (or by-product).
The detection apparatus can be arranged for detection of any substance which has air borne free molecules or by-product molecules depending on the choice of the detecting agent and/or the sensor capabilities. In an embodiment, the detecting agent comprises the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers which are specific for one or more selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
In an embodiment, the air supply conduit 10, the spraying chamber 12, the transport conduit 14, the separation chamber 16 and the duct 18 constructed in a single air processing unit.
Figure 2 shows a schematic layout of an air processing unit of the detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
In Figure 2 entities with the same reference number as shown in the preceding figure 1 refer to corresponding entities. The separation chamber 16 is arranged as a tube with a substantially round cross- section (e.g. circular or elliptical). During use, the longitudinal axis of the tube is arranged in a substantially vertical direction. At a top end of the separation chamber 16, the separation chamber comprises a top cover 16A which seals the separation chamber. At the lower end the separation chamber is connected to a collection chamber 16 C. In an embodiment, the connection between the separation chamber 16 and the collection chamber 16C comprises a funnel 16B which is coupled to the tube and which is further coupled to an entry of a collection chamber 16C.
An exit of the collection chamber 16C is coupled to the recirculation line 22.
Through the top cover 16A a nozzle 12B is arranged that is coupled to the storage container that contains the detection agent fluid and that enters the top region 31 of the separation chamber for producing during use a spray in the top region of the separation chamber.
Additionally, the duct 18 is arranged as an internal duct tube within the separation chamber tube 16 while extending from outside the separation through the top cover 16A along the longitudinal axis of the separation chamber to a lower region 33 in the separation chamber, where the duct 18 has an inlet aperture 18B. The inlet aperture 18B of the duct 18 is arranged at the lower region 33, in an embodiment near the level 34 (indicated by a dotted line) of the funnel 16B, of the separation chamber 16. An outlet aperture 18A of the duct 18 is arranged outside of the separation chamber. The outlet 18A of the duct 18 is connected to the first pump 20.
In this manner, during use a flow of air and spray will be directed downward in the separation chamber from the air flow inlet 10 towards the aperture 18B of the duct 18.
Further, at the circumference of the separation in the top region, the air supply conduit 10 is arranged as a tangential inlet for the air flow F.
The tangential inlet is arranged adjacent to the top cover 16A, to allow the air flow F to pass the top region of the separation chamber where the nozzle 12B is configured to produce the spray. Due to the tangential inlet, the air processing unit is configured to enable an air flow entering the separation chamber to follow a substantially helical downward path which facilitates the mixing of the air flow with the spray.
Additionally, the helical path will cause agglomeration of droplets from the mixture of air and spray in the air flow. Moreover, the helical flow will exert a centrifugal force on the agglomerated particles towards the wall of the separation chamber to enhance the separation of the agglomerated spray particles from the air flow by collecting the spray particles as liquid (droplets 50) on the wall. At the lower end of the separation chamber, due to gravity, liquid from the wall enters through the funnel 16B and the collection chamber 16C into the recirculation line 22 as described above with reference to figure 1.
In an embodiment, the air supply conduit 10 comprises in the tangential inlet a vortex generator structure 32 which is configured to generate a vortex in the incoming air flow F which enhances the mixing of the air flow with the spray from the nozzle 12B.
Note that in the embodiments shown in figure 1 and figure 2, the first pump acts as an aspirator pump, for creating the air flow. The skilled person will appreciate that in an embodiment of the invention, the first pump can be arranged as a compressor positioned in fluid communication with the inlet of the air supply conduit 10 for creating the air flow.
By integrating the air processing unit into a single compact unit 100 the invention provides that in case of detection of a forbidden substance in the air flow that contaminates the air processing unit, the air processing unit can be easily replaced.
Optionally, the single air processing unit also encompasses the recirculation lines 22, 28 and the branch 23.
In a further embodiment, the air processing unit can be a disposable/replaceable unit.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. The invention may embody any further alternative, modification or equivalent, only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims
Detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow, comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, a separation chamber, and a first pump;
an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being connected to a sensor; wherein
the first pump is arranged for creating an air flow in the air flow path from the air supply conduit to the separation chamber;
the spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path;
the separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent; the sensor is arranged for receiving the separated fluid containing detection agent and for measuring the state of the detection agent.
Detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow according to claim 1, further comprising a spray generating chamber, and a transport conduit;
wherein in the air flow path the air supply conduit is connected to an air inlet of the spray generating chamber, an outlet of the spray generating chamber being connected to a transport conduit;
the transport conduit being connected to the inlet of the separation chamber; the spray generator is arranged in the spray generating chamber for introducing the spray of the detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path passing the spray generating chamber.
Detection apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a mixing element wherein the mixing element is arranged in the transport conduit for mixing the spray of the fluid containing detection agent particles with air from the air supply conduit to induce agglomeration of droplets from the air flow.
Detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation chamber is embodied as a tube with a substantially round cross-section; a first end of the separation chamber comprising a top cover sealing the first end of the separation chamber, wherein the air supply conduit is connected to the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover;
the separation chamber further comprising at a second end a collection chamber wherein the second end of the tube is connected to an entry of the collection chamber.
Detection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection between the second end of the separation chamber and the collection chamber comprises a funnel.
Detection apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the spray generator comprises a nozzle which is arranged to extend through the top cover and enters the separation chamber with the outlet of the nozzle being positioned in a region of the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover of the separation chamber.
Detection apparatus according to any one of claims 4 - 6, wherein the air supply conduit is connected to the separation chamber adjacent to the top cover, the duct comprises a duct tube that is arranged through the top cover as an internal tube within the separation chamber, extending from the top cover along the longitudinal axis of the separation chamber to a lower region in the separation chamber, where the duct tube has an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture of the duct tube being arranged in the lower region of the separation chamber; an outlet aperture of the duct tube that is external from the separation chamber being arranged for coupling to the first pump.
Detection apparatus according to claims 5 and 7, wherein the inlet aperture of the duct tube is arranged at or near the level of the connection of the second end of the separation chamber and the funnel.
9. Detection apparatus according to any one of claims 4 - 8, wherein the air supply conduit is arranged as a tangential inlet for the air flow at the circumference of the separation chamber in the top region.
Detection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the tangential inlet comprises vortex generator structure for generating a vortex in the air flow.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a recirculation line and a recirculation pump, wherein the first outlet of the separation chamber is connected to an inlet of the spray generator via the recirculation line, the recirculation pump is arranged for pumping the separated fluid through the recirculation line, and the sensor is connected to the
recirculation line for said receiving the separated fluid.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply conduit is connected upstream to an air sample collection chamber, arranged for collecting air samples.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product and the sensor is arranged to measure the presence of the reaction product in the separated fluid as the state of the detection agent.
Detection apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the detection agent comprises either anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers specific for the substance to be detected.
15. Detection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more species selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 11 - 15, wherein the sensor comprises a biosensor arranged for detection of the detection agent.
Detection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the air supply conduit, the spray generating chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber, the optional mixing element and the duct are constructed in a single air processing unit.
Detection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 or 17, wherein the air supply conduit, the spray generating chamber, the transport conduit, the separation chamber, the optional mixing element and the duct are constructed from a disposable material.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 4-10, wherein the air supply conduit, the spray generator, the separation chamber, the optional vortex structure and the duct are constructed from a disposable material.
Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first pump is an aspirator pump for creating the air flow, with a second outlet of the separation chamber being in fluid communication through a duct to the first pump.
21. Detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 19, wherein the first pump is a compressor pump arranged in a fluid communication at an inlet of the air supply conduit for creating the air flow.
22. Detection fluid for use in a detection apparatus according to any one of the
preceding claims, the detection fluid containing a detection agent wherein the detection agent is arranged for a reaction with a substance in the collected air samples into a reaction product. Detection fluid according to claim 22, wherein the detection agent comprises a component selected from anti-bodies, enzymes and aptamers specific for the substance to be detected.
Detection fluid according to claim 23, wherein the anti-bodies or enzymes or aptamers are specific for one or more species selected from a group comprising components of narcotics and components of explosives.
Air processing unit for use in a detection apparatus for detecting a substance in an air flow,
the air processing unit comprising an air supply conduit, a spray generator, and a separation chamber;
an outlet of the air supply conduit being in fluid communication with an inlet of the separation chamber along an air flow path;
a first outlet for fluid of the separation chamber being arranged for connecting to a sensor;
wherein the spray generator is arranged for introducing a spray of a detection fluid containing detection agent particles into the air flow path;
the separation chamber is arranged for separating the spray of detection agent particles from the air flow path into a separated fluid containing detection agent.
PCT/NL2012/050082 2011-02-15 2012-02-15 Detection apparatus WO2012112040A1 (en)

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US61/442,983 2011-02-15

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CN113645887A (en) * 2019-03-29 2021-11-12 京瓷株式会社 Gas collection device and gas detection system
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CN103063466A (en) * 2013-01-08 2013-04-24 中国矿业大学 Simulating device and simulating method of underground spray dedusting quantification
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WO2023177487A3 (en) * 2022-02-10 2023-11-16 Georgia Tech Research Corporation Recirculation system for aerosol collectors using liquid collection buffer

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