WO2014029663A1 - Analyseur de gaz et procédé d'analyse de gaz - Google Patents

Analyseur de gaz et procédé d'analyse de gaz Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014029663A1
WO2014029663A1 PCT/EP2013/066897 EP2013066897W WO2014029663A1 WO 2014029663 A1 WO2014029663 A1 WO 2014029663A1 EP 2013066897 W EP2013066897 W EP 2013066897W WO 2014029663 A1 WO2014029663 A1 WO 2014029663A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
radiation
gas
sample cell
signal
analysis apparatus
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PCT/EP2013/066897
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English (en)
Inventor
Furkan Dayi
Ralf Boehnke
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Sony Corporation
Sony Deutschland Gmbh
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Application filed by Sony Corporation, Sony Deutschland Gmbh filed Critical Sony Corporation
Publication of WO2014029663A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014029663A1/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/0507—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves  using microwaves or terahertz waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/082—Evaluation by breath analysis, e.g. determination of the chemical composition of exhaled breath
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3504—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
    • G01N33/497—Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
    • G01N33/497—Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
    • G01N33/4975—Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath other than oxygen, carbon dioxide or alcohol, e.g. organic vapours

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a gas analysis apparatus, a gas analysis system and a gas analysis method, in particular for analysis of exhaled breath. Further, the present invention relates to a replaceable gas sample cell.
  • GC gas chromatography
  • SIFT selected ion flow tube
  • MS mass spectroscopy
  • PTR proton transfer reaction
  • infrared spectroscopic instrumentation GC can measure good sensitivities but it is complex technique used by trained technicians in laboratories. GC cannot operate real time, breath samples should be sent to a laboratory.
  • PTR MS and SIFT MS are mainly used for the breath analysis research community. They can provide real time measurements, but are large in size with high costs, requires consumables gases, many mixed gases cannot be analyzed easy. In PTR MS, if molecules have the same mass, they cannot be differentiated.
  • infrared laser spectroscopy uses frequency markers (lines) which are created by applying optical waves.
  • selectivity is not enough to distinguish many different VOCs in breath. It has low frequency resolution and uses mainly expensive detectors.
  • US 7,300,408 discloses a breath analysis apparatus.
  • a cavity enhanced optical cavity, optical source and optical detector are used. Wavelengths are between 1607.634 nm / 1607.501nm (1.8648e+14 Hz / 1.865e+14Hz). Due to the very small wavelength, the apparatus can detect very limited specimen. Rotational spectroscopy cannot be exploited. It can only identify one or limited target components due to its cavity enhanced cavity structure which is optimized to certain components. Further, C0 2 is the target molecule. The apparatus cannot be used to distinguish many different compounds which are available in breath.
  • US 7,473,898 B2 discloses cryogenic terahertz spectroscopy.
  • the goal of the idea is to increase spectral resolution of the spectrometers (time domain THz spectroscopy) in order to identify more species. Therefore, it is proposed that the spectroscopy system is enhanced by cooling and heating the gas samples in certain steps, taking absorption spectra and subtracting them to get third absorption spectra. This will require very long measurement time and consumable gases for cryogenic cooling resulting in an expensive system.
  • Solid state electronics circuits are used in the system. Rotational spectroscopy is exploited in the spectroscopy system. 10 mTr pressure is needed for optimum sensitivity. The analysis is done at fixed intermediate frequency (IF). The issues of the system are the creation of a spur free signal (eliminate undesired mixer products) and to maintain the desired power levels throughout frequency. Furthermore, YIG tuned oscillator varies over time with changes in temperature, vibration, normal drift, etc.
  • MMIC technology for spectroscopy applications, I. Kallank, A. Tessmann, A. Hulsmann, A. Leuther, J. S. Cetnar, J. M. Noble, D. T. Petkie, A. K. Krapels et al. (eds.): Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology III. Bellingham, WA: SPIE, 2010, 783700-1-6 (SPIE-Proceedings 7837) provides a summary of sub-THz millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) technology and the application to the analysis of gaseous media by spectroscopic techniques. Specifically the measurement of the water absorption line at 321 GHz is described. In chapter 3 of the paper a complete 270-330GHz gas spectrometer is outlined. It is suggested to use VCO and multipliers in the signal generation part.
  • MMIC millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuit
  • Some of the known devices are expensive devices which should be operated by trained technicians and which don't give real time results. Further, they require consumables like carrier gases (gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy). There are also spectroscopy instruments which identify gases by inspecting the frequency response of molecules. They are mainly laser systems which do not have a sufficient frequency resolution to identify complex gases, and the frequency tuning speed is low.
  • a gas analysis apparatus comprising
  • gas sample cell having a gas inlet and a gas outlet allowing the input and output of gas to be analyzed and a radiation inlet and a radiation outlet allowing the input and output of electromagnetic radiation, said gas sample cell employing rotational spectroscopy and comprising a hollow waveguide containing said gas and guiding electromagnetic waves of said radiation,
  • a radiation generator that generates frequency modulated radiation in a millimeter and/or submillimeter wavelength range
  • a radiation transmitter that transmits a radiation signal generated by said radiation generator into said gas sample cell via said radiation inlet
  • a radiation receiver that receives a radiation signal from said gas sample cell via said radiation outlet and mixes the received radiation signal with a delayed transmitted radiation signal to obtain an output signal for performing a spectral analysis.
  • a radiation signal generated by said radiation generator into a gas sample cell via a radiation inlet
  • said gas sample cell having a gas inlet and a gas outlet allowing the input and output of gas to be analyzed and said radiation inlet and a radiation outlet allowing the input and output of electromagnetic radiation
  • said gas sample cell employing rotational spectroscopy and comprising a hollow waveguide containing said gas and guiding electromagnetic waves of said radiation
  • a gas analysis system comprising:
  • an analyzer that applies a spectral analysis of the output signal, said analyzer comprising a communication interface for communication with said gas analysis apparatus.
  • a replaceable gas sample cell for use in a gas analysis apparatus, said gas sample cell comprising:
  • a radiation inlet allowing the input of electromagnetic radiation
  • a radiation outlet allowing the output of electromagnetic radiation
  • VOCs in breath are divided to two groups.
  • One group is composed of exogenous compounds which are halogenated organic compounds that indicate recent exposure to drugs or environmental pollutants.
  • the other group comprises endogenous compounds which give valuable information concerning a disease state.
  • These compounds are derived from the blood by passive diffusion across the pulmonary alveolar membrane.
  • VOCs are associated with particular disease states. For instance, alkanes are associated with lung cancer, formaldehyde is associated with breast cancer, acetone is associated with diabetes, and nitric oxide is associated with asthma.
  • a certain combination of different VOCs is associated with particular diseases.
  • Breath analysis is a non- invasive method, which can be easily repeated. No discomfort is associated unlike blood and urine tests. No work up of breath samples is required in contrast to analyzes performed on serum or urine samples.
  • One of the aspects of the disclosure is to employ rotational spectroscopy.
  • Sub-mm-wave and THz radiation are absorbed if electromagnetic radiation is applied to molecules due to the rotational modes of the molecules.
  • the gas phase of the molecule which has a dipole moment is relevant for this phenomenon. This dipole moment enables the electric field to exert a torque on the molecule causing it to rotate more quickly or slowly.
  • the energy is absorbed at frequencies corresponding to the molecules rotational state transition frequency.
  • Rotational state transitions are unique for each species of molecule. This enables to identify and detect molecules in the gas phase.
  • Rotational spectroscopy is generally known in the art and is e.g. described in Gerecht E. et al. "Chirped-pulse terahertz spectroscopy for broadband trace gas sensing", Optics Express, April 2011, Vol. 19, No. 9, pages 8973-8984.
  • Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of the proposed gas analysis apparatus
  • Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the proposed gas analysis apparatus for breath analysis
  • Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a gas sample cell in the form of a bent waveguide
  • Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a waveguide for use as a gas sample cell comprising a dielectric layer
  • Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a replaceable gas sample cell
  • Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the radiation transmitter
  • Fig. 7 shows block diagrams of embodiments of the radiation receiver
  • Fig. 8 shows block diagrams of embodiments of the radiation generator
  • Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of a propose gas analysis system comprising a third embodiment of the proposed gas analysis apparatus
  • Fig. 10 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the proposed gas analysis method.
  • Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the general layout of the proposed gas analysis apparatus 1. It comprises as central element a gas sample cell 10 having a gas inlet 11 and a gas outlet 12 allowing the input and output of gas to be analyzed and a radiation inlet 13 and a radiation outlet 14 allowing the input and output of electromagnetic radiation, said gas sample cell employing rotational spectroscopy and comprising a hollow waveguide 15 containing said gas and guiding electromagnetic waves of said radiation.
  • a radiation generator 20 generates frequency modulated radiation in a millimeter and/or submillimeter wavelength range.
  • a radiation transmitter 30 transmits a radiation signal generated by said radiation generator 20 into said gas sample cell 10 via said radiation inlet 13, i.e. a transmitted radiation signals that represents the radiation generated by said radiation generator.
  • a radiation receiver 40 receives a radiation signal from said gas sample cell 10 via said radiation outlet 14, said receive radiation signal representing the radiation output from said gas sample cell 10, and mixes the received radiation with a delayed transmitted radiation signal to obtain an output signal for performing a spectral analysis.
  • an analyzer 50 is provided that applies a spectral analysis of the output signal, i.e. to spectrally analyze the output signal that is output by said radiation receiver 40.
  • Such a gas analysis apparatus 1 can generally be used for analysis of many kind of gases which have dipole moments. For instance, probes of gas taken at a particular location can be checked to determine which molecules are contained in the gas or if a particular molecule (e.g. a poisonous molecule) is contained in the gas. Further, such a gas analysis apparatus 1 can be used for medical purposes, for instance to check exhaled breath of a person (or animal) to find indications for a particular disease that the person (or animal) already has or will have in the near future.
  • a particular molecule e.g. a poisonous molecule
  • the phenomenon of 'rotational spectroscopy' actually happens in the gas sample cell; subsequently, the variation of the radiated field (caused by the interaction of the radiation with the molecules) is observed by the radiation receiver.
  • the characteristic measurement results (as a signal corresponding to variation/difference of the transmitted and received radiation) analyzed at the analyzer measure the absorption or transmission characteristics across the frequency band (spectrum) of observation.
  • the phenomenon is caused by the 'rotational excitement' (caused by the electromagnetic wave/field) of the molecules in the gas sample cell.
  • Fig. 2 shows a more detailed block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed gas analysis apparatus 2 that is particularly configured for breath analysis, i.e. analysis of exhaled breath of a person.
  • This embodiment comprises a few additional components in addition to the components comprised in the general embodiment of the gas analysis apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1.
  • a breath acquisition and gas handling module 60 is provided that ensures gas evacuation, injection of the gas (e.g. the exhaled breath) and, preferably, stabilizes the gases in the sample cell 10 at a certain pressure.
  • a module 60 may, of course, also be provided in gas analysis apparatus 1 , as needed, and may be use for other gases than exhaled breath.
  • a transition 70 is arranged between the radiation transmitter 30 and the gas sample cell 10 to couple the emitted electromagnetic energy to the gas sample cell 10.
  • a transition 71 is arranged between the gas sample cell 10 and the radiation receiver 40 to couple the received electromagnetic energy to the radiation receiver 40.
  • a display 80 e.g. a monitor, is provided to show the result of the analysis. For instance, the content and concentration of specific VOCs in the exhaled breath are shown on the display 80. Further, information on a related (already existing) disease or disease which may possibly develop in the future may be shown.
  • the gas sample cell 10 is the place where the gas (e.g. the exhaled breath) is analyzed, preferably at a known pressure and temperature.
  • the cell 10 should have a lower pressure than atmospheric pressure in order to cope with pressure related broadening of spectral lines of molecules.
  • the breath acquisition and gas handling module 60 may be used to ensure the pressure level of the gas sample cell 10.
  • the gas sample cell preferably comprises (or is built as) a hollow waveguide.
  • the TE (Transversal Electric) mode can be excited in the waveguide.
  • loss of the electromagnetic energy decreases dramatically.
  • the waveguide can have different forms, e.g. straight, curved, meander-like, bent, etc. This constructional freedom enables to have enough length, but at the same time consume only a relatively small volume by the gas sample cell.
  • FIG. 3 A preferred embodiment of a gas sample cell 10a in the form of a bent waveguide 15a is shown in Fig. 3.
  • the waveguide 15a has a rectangular cross-section, but other cross sections (e.g. circular, elliptical, quadratic, ...) are also usable in general.
  • a common gas inlet and outlet 16 is provided at one side of the waveguide 15 a.
  • a dielectric layer 17 may be provided as depicted in Fig. 4.
  • the dielectric layer 17 may be arranged directly in front of or close to the radiation input 13 and the radiation output 14 of the waveguide 15 a.
  • replaceable sample cells can be used. These are cells which have already very low pressure. Exhaled breath is measured once, and then the used cell is replaced with a new cell. This will also ensure that no molecules from the previous measurement are available and potentially contaminate a measurement.
  • An embodiment of such a replaceable, disposable gas sample cell 10b is depicted in Fig. 5.
  • the replaceable, disposable gas sample cell 10b in particular the side walls 18 and the bottom 19 may be made of glass or other suitable material with non- contact radiation coupler(s) (i.e. radiation input / output) 13, 14 to convey the (broadband) electromagnetic (EM) field into the gas sample cell 10b (in reflection mode) or through the gas sample cell 10b (in transmission mode measurement).
  • the gas sample cell 10b might also be made of heterogeneous material, i.e.
  • EM- transparent 'windows' such as lenses made of PTFE (Polytetra- fluorethylen), silicon or other EM-transparent material, which may be also be part of the transitions 70, 71 shown in Fig. 2.
  • the gas sample cell is, in its original state before use, empty (for 'almost vacuum' type of measurements). This is e.g. prepared in the production process of the gas sample cell, particular of the disposable type.
  • the gas sample cell is loaded with a specific marker gas (preferably at a lower pressure than normal air pressure).
  • the marker gas may be selected such that molecules of the marker gas react with the specific molecules (or family of molecules) to be detected. This simplifies the detection process by providing the required specificity and sensitivity. In addition this avoids the need for a high quality vacuum in the gas sample cell.
  • Different gas sample cells (with different marker gas/gasses content) can also be provided to detect different sicknesses (based on the specific target molecules detected by the marker gas molecules).
  • the gas sample cell is preferably removable in the general layout of the gas analysis apparatus.
  • the gas sample cell contains specific (e.g. hygroscopic or hydrophilic) absorbent to control or reduce the amount of humidity which can influence the measurement quality (typically the air humidity might have a negative impact on the measurement quality).
  • specific absorbent e.g. hygroscopic or hydrophilic absorbent to control or reduce the amount of humidity which can influence the measurement quality (typically the air humidity might have a negative impact on the measurement quality).
  • the gas input 13 and/or the gas output 14 are controlled (open, close).
  • a non-contact mechanism e.g. a magnetic valve which is controlled by a near-DC coil to generate the field
  • the valve might operate automatically once triggered (e.g. to suck in a specific volume of gas).
  • a block diagram of an embodiment of the radiation transmitter 40 is shown in Fig. 6. It comprises as one or more frequency multiplier(s) 41, one or more (band pass) filter(s) (BPF) 42 and one or more amplifier(s) 43. Multipliers and amplifiers are preferably mono lit hically integrated circuits. They consume very little space and consume low power. In comparison to bulky breath analysis devices, integrated circuits at sub-mm- wave and THz frequency range provide that the complete gas analysis apparatus gets smaller and portable.
  • FIG. 7 Block diagrams of two embodiments of the radiation receiver 50 are shown in Fig. 7.
  • the first embodiment of the radiation receiver 50a shown in Fig. 7A comprises one or more low noise amplifier(s) 51, a sub-harmonic mixer 52a, one or more multiplier(s) 53, an intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier 54 and a band pass filter 55.
  • the second embodiment of the radiation receiver 50b shown in Fig. 7B comprises one or more low noise amplifier(s) 51, an IQ mixer 52b, one or more multiplier(s) 53, and - in each of the I and Q paths - an intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier 54 and a band pass filter 55.
  • the multipliers and amplifiers are preferably monolithically integrated circuits as well.
  • Fig. 8 shows block diagrams of several embodiments of the radiation generator 20.
  • a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal is generated in the radiation generator 50.
  • a continuous or stepped frequency modulated signal is generated.
  • the radiation generator 20 has two RF outputs. One output is shifted in frequency compared with the other output. However, they are synchronous signals which are generated from the same reference signal.
  • the signals can be generated in different ways.
  • a frequency generator 21 e.g. an oscillator
  • DDS direct digital synthesizers
  • DAC digital-to-analogue converters
  • hybrid (PLL-DDS) synthesizers (not shown) can also be used in other embodiments. Using these techniques, a high frequency resolution can be achieved, fast scanning can be realized and selective frequency bands can be analyzed.
  • the radiation signals are generated from the same source.
  • Two embodiments of such radiation generators 20c, 20d having a single chirp frequency generator 24 with two outputs are depicted in Figs. 8c and 8d.
  • a delay line 25 is coupled to one of the outputs of the chirp generator 24 to delay the output signal compared to the output signal at the other output of the chirp generator 24 and thus to provide the desired frequency shift by an offset frequency ⁇ &.
  • a mixer 26 and a band pass filter 27 are coupled to one of the outputs of the chirp generator 24 to mix the signal with the desired offset frequency f& and filter it and thus to provide the desired frequency shift.
  • the analyzer 50 is configured to analyze the received signal.
  • chemo metric methods or related methods may be used as e.g. described in the book: Chemometrics (Data analysis for the laboratory and chemical plant, Richard G. Brereton, ISBN: ISBNs: 0-471-48977-8.
  • the spectral lines obtained from the spectral analysis are compared to spectral lines recorded in a database for various chemical molecules or compounds.
  • the content of the analyzed gas e.g. the exhaled breath, is found.
  • Methods to identify and correlate spectral lines to diseases are generally known in the art (e.g. from the above cited paper of Cao W. et al.
  • the detection method shall be flexible and shall be able to be modified, for instance by software updates (e.g. downloads, for which additional components (not shown) for update, download or other communication with external devices are provided) or reconfiguration options within the gas analysis apparatus.
  • a gas analysis system 3 comprising another embodiment of a gas analysis apparatus 4 is shown in Fig. 9.
  • the gas analysis system 3 comprises, besides the gas analysis apparatus 4, an analyzer 5 that applies a spectral analysis of the output signal of said gas analysis apparatus.
  • Said analyzer 5 comprises a communication interface 6 for communication with said gas analysis apparatus 4.
  • the gas analysis apparatus comprises a communication interface 90 for communication with the external analyzer 5.
  • the external analyzer may be configured as a processing unit (e.g. a computer, server, etc. plus software) or may be (part of) a cloud 7 (plus software) as shown in Fig. 9.
  • the concept of "cloud computing” includes the utilization of a set of shared computing resources (e.g. servers) which are typically consolidated in one or more data center locations.
  • cloud computing systems may be implemented as a web service that enables a user to launch and manage computing resources (e.g. virtual server instances) in third party data centers.
  • computer resources may be available in different sizes and configurations so that different resource types can be specified to meet specific needs of different users. For example, one user may desire to use a small instance as a web server and another larger instance as a database server, or an even larger instance for processor intensive applications. Cloud computing offers this type of outsourced flexibility without having to manage the purchase and operation of additional hardware resources within an organization.
  • a cloud-based computing resource is thought to execute or reside somewhere in the "cloud", which may be an internal corporate network or the public Internet.
  • cloud computing enables the development and deployment of applications that exhibit scalability (e.g., increase or decrease resource utilization as needed), performance (e.g., execute efficiently and fast), and reliability (e.g., never, or at least rarely, fail), all without any regard for the nature or location of the underlying infrastructure.
  • scalability e.g., increase or decrease resource utilization as needed
  • performance e.g., execute efficiently and fast
  • reliability e.g., never, or at least rarely, fail
  • FIG. 10 A flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the proposed gas analysis method is depicted Fig. 10.
  • the gas e.g. the exhaled breath is acquired and injected to the evacuated gas sample cell.
  • a FMCW or SFCW (stepped frequency modulated) transmit signal is generated.
  • the generated transmit signal is transmitted to the gas sample cell.
  • the received signal is amplified and mixed with the delayed transmit signal.
  • a fixed IF signal is generated, amplified and filtered, wherein, preferably, a marker from the radiation generator indicates the frequency position of the transmit signal (e.g. chirp signal) to the analyzer.
  • a sixth step S6 the IF signal is analyzed and processed and the contents and/or concentrations of elements or compounds contained in the analyzed gas are identified. Further, eventually, related disease(s) and/or health conditions are determined. Finally, in a seventh step S7 the obtained information (contents and/or concentrations of elements, related disease(s) and/or health conditions) is displayed (or otherwise output, e.g. transmitted to another device for further processing, evaluation, storage or display).
  • the present disclosure provides a gas analysis apparatus and method that can separate also nearby spectral lines due to a high frequency resolution, enables fast scanning due to a short measurement time and is easy to use.
  • the apparatus is small and inexpensive, in particular due to the preferably used MMIC technology. Further, absolute concentrations and specificity can be obtained in preferred embodiments.
  • the apparatus and method can advantageously be used for the analysis of exhaled breath of a person (e.g. a patient) or an animal.
  • An optionally usable replaceable (in particular disposable) gas sample cell provides the additional advantages that such a hygienic/aseptic and one-time use gas sample cell avoids contamination between different measurements. Further, if a quasi- vacuum is already prepared in the gas sample cell during the manufacturing process the spectrometer might be simpler to realize (e.g. does not require the use of a vacuum pump) and the measurement time can be further reduced (e.g. by avoiding the time for creating the vacuum). Still further, if the disposable gas sample cell contains a hydrophilic material to take care of the humidity the measurement accuracy can be improved or better controlled (as unknown humidity is taken care of).
  • trace gases or marker gases can be used in the disposable gas sample cell to improve the specificity of the apparatus even further.
  • the measurement is then done in an indirect fashion as the 'marker gas' reacts with the molecules to be detected and then the apparatus either measures the specific response of the combination of marker gas and selected molecules or 'the amount of remaining/non-reacted marker gas'.
  • a diversification can be achieved as the apparatus can be equipped with different gas cells (e.g. for detecting different diseases by their specific mix of characteristic molecules in the sample).

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Abstract

La présente invention pourvoit à un analyseur (1) de gaz comprenant une cellule à échantillon (10) de gaz comportant une entrée de gaz (11) et une sortie de gaz (12) permettant l'entrée et la sortie d'un gaz à analyser, ainsi qu'une entrée de rayonnement (13) et une sortie de rayonnement (14) permettant l'entrée et la sortie d'un rayonnement électromagnétique, ladite cellule à échantillon (10) de gaz faisant appel à la spectroscopie de rotation et comprenant un guide d'ondes creux (15) contenant ledit gaz et guidant les ondes électromagnétiques dudit rayonnement. Un générateur (20) de rayonnement génère un rayonnement modulé en fréquence dans une plage de longueurs d'onde millimétrique et/ou submillimétrique. Un émetteur (30) de rayonnement émet un signal de rayonnement généré par ledit générateur (20) de rayonnement dans ladite cellule à échantillon (10) de gaz par le biais de ladite entrée de rayonnement. Un récepteur (40) de rayonnement reçoit un signal de rayonnement en provenance de ladite cellule à échantillon (10) de gaz par le biais de ladite sortie de rayonnement et mélange le signal de rayonnement reçu avec un signal de rayonnement émis de manière différée en vue d'obtenir un signal de sortie permettant de mettre en œuvre une analyse spectrale. Enfin, un signal de sortie est délivré par le dit récepteur (40) de rayonnement en vue de mettre en œuvre une analyse spectrale.
PCT/EP2013/066897 2012-08-20 2013-08-13 Analyseur de gaz et procédé d'analyse de gaz WO2014029663A1 (fr)

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Cited By (10)

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CN105675529A (zh) * 2016-01-21 2016-06-15 电子科技大学 微小型中红外光波导气体传感器
WO2020026120A1 (fr) 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 University Of North Texas Techniques de détection et de quantification rapides de composés organiques volatils (cov) faisant appel à des échantillons d'haleine
CN110987972A (zh) * 2019-11-22 2020-04-10 南京理工大学 基于毫米波辐射计的近地大气so2监测方法
US11662340B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-05-30 InspectIR Systems, Inc. Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11721533B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-08-08 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11841359B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-12-12 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for portable rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11841372B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-12-12 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using breath samples
US11874270B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2024-01-16 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using breath samples
US11879890B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2024-01-23 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
WO2024110423A1 (fr) * 2022-11-23 2024-05-30 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Élément de commande de véhicule comprenant un système de capteur

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105675529A (zh) * 2016-01-21 2016-06-15 电子科技大学 微小型中红外光波导气体传感器
WO2020026120A1 (fr) 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 University Of North Texas Techniques de détection et de quantification rapides de composés organiques volatils (cov) faisant appel à des échantillons d'haleine
EP3829433A4 (fr) * 2018-07-31 2022-03-30 University of North Texas Techniques de détection et de quantification rapides de composés organiques volatils (cov) faisant appel à des échantillons d'haleine
US11662340B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-05-30 InspectIR Systems, Inc. Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11721533B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-08-08 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11841359B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-12-12 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for portable rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
US11841372B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-12-12 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using breath samples
US11874270B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2024-01-16 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using breath samples
US11879890B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2024-01-23 Inspectir Systems, Llc Techniques for rapid detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) using breath samples
CN110987972A (zh) * 2019-11-22 2020-04-10 南京理工大学 基于毫米波辐射计的近地大气so2监测方法
CN110987972B (zh) * 2019-11-22 2022-07-08 南京理工大学 基于毫米波辐射计的近地大气so2监测方法
WO2024110423A1 (fr) * 2022-11-23 2024-05-30 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Élément de commande de véhicule comprenant un système de capteur

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