阅读说明：本技术 气体供给方法以及气体取样器 (Gas supply method and gas sampler ) 是由 芝本繁明 卢文剑 佐藤彩夏 于 2020-08-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种气体供给方法以及气体取样器。气体取样器(30)具备能够与连接于样本罐(20)的导入配管(21)连接的连接部(C1)、取样环路(PL)、对连接部(C1)与取样环路(PL)之间的连接状态进行切换的切换阀(V1)、泵(31)以及控制装置(100)。取样环路与泵之间的缓冲流路(Pb)构成为能够选择性地与容积不同的多个缓冲罐中的任一个缓冲罐连接。缓冲流路的容积比导入配管的容积大规定量。控制装置使切换阀成为闭状态并且使泵工作,来使缓冲流路的内部成为负压,之后使泵停止并且使切换阀成为开状态,由此利用缓冲流路的负压来将试样气体填充到取样环路。(A gas supply method and a gas sampler are provided. The gas sampler (30) is provided with a connection unit (C1) that can be connected to an introduction pipe (21) connected to a sample tank (20), a sampling loop (PL), a switching valve (V1) that switches the connection state between the connection unit (C1) and the sampling loop (PL), a pump (31), and a control device (100). The buffer flow path (Pb) between the sampling loop and the pump is configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks having different volumes. The volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction pipe by a predetermined amount. The control device closes the switching valve and operates the pump to make the interior of the buffer flow path negative pressure, and then stops the pump and opens the switching valve to fill the sample loop with the sample gas by the negative pressure of the buffer flow path.)

1. A gas supply method for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer using a gas sampler,

the gas sampler includes: a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with the sample gas; a sample holding unit that holds the sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection unit; a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and a suction pump connected to the sample holding portion via a buffer channel,

the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of an introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion,

the gas supply method includes the steps of:

performing a negative pressure process in which the switching valve is closed and the suction pump is operated to make the inside of the buffer flow path a negative pressure; and

after the negative pressure process is performed, an introduction process is performed in which the sample gas is introduced from the sample tank to the sample holding portion via the connection portion by stopping the suction pump and bringing the switching valve into an open state.

2. The gas supply method according to claim 1,

the buffer flow path is configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks having different volumes,

the gas supply method further includes the steps of:

before the negative pressure process is performed, a selection process is performed in which a buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path is selected from the plurality of buffer tanks so that the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path by a predetermined amount, based on the volume of the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion.

3. The gas supply method according to claim 2,

the gas supply method further includes the steps of: after the introduction process, a supply process is performed in which the sample gas in the sample holding portion is supplied to the column.

4. A gas sampler for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analysis apparatus, the gas sampler comprising:

a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with the sample gas;

a sample holding unit that holds the sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection unit;

a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and

a suction pump connected to the sample holding section via a buffer channel,

the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of an introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion.

5. A gas sampler according to claim 4,

the buffer flow path is configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks having different volumes.

6. A gas sampler according to claim 5,

the gas sampler is further provided with a control device for controlling the suction pump and the switching valve,

the control device executes a negative pressure process in which the switching valve is closed and the suction pump is operated to make the interior of the buffer flow path a negative pressure,

the control device executes an introduction process in which the sample gas is introduced from the sample tank to the sample holding portion via the connection portion by stopping the suction pump and bringing the switching valve into an open state after the negative pressure process is executed.

7. A gas sampler according to claim 6,

the control device executes a selection process in which a buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path is selected from the plurality of buffer tanks so that the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path by a predetermined amount, based on the volume of the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion, before executing the negative pressure process.

8. A gas sampler according to claim 6 or 7,

the control device executes a supply process of supplying the sample gas in the sample holding portion to the column after the introduction process is executed.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a method of supplying a sample gas to a column (column) of a gas analysis apparatus using a gas sampler, and a gas sampler for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analysis apparatus.

Background

Generally, a gas analyzer such as a gas chromatograph is provided with a column for separating various components in a sample gas (sample gas) to be analyzed. A sample gas is supplied to a column of a gas analyzer using a gas sampler. In general, a gas sampler is provided with a sampling loop having a fixed volume, a switching valve for switching the connection destination of the sampling loop, and the like. The connection destination of the sampling loop is appropriately switched by controlling the switching valve, whereby the gas sampler temporarily fills the sampling loop with the sample gas supplied from the sample gas source, and then supplies a fixed amount of the sample gas filled in the sampling loop to the column of the gas analysis apparatus.

For example, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2015-190875 discloses a technique of using a six-way valve as a switching valve of a gas sampler.

Disclosure of Invention

As a method of filling the sampling loop with the sample gas from the sample gas source, the following method is conceivable: the inside of the sampling loop is preliminarily set to a negative pressure (a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure) by a pump, and the sample gas is sucked into the sampling loop by the negative pressure.

However, in this method, there is a concern that: if the volume of the sampling loop is small relative to the volume of the introduction flow path between the sample gas source and the gas sampler, the sample gas cannot be sufficiently sucked into the sampling loop simply by making the inside of the sampling loop negative in pressure, and as a result, the amount of sample gas supplied from the sampling loop to the column is insufficient. In particular, in a gas sampler used for a micro gas chromatograph, since the volume of the sampling loop is set to a very small value (for example, about several hundred microliters), the volume of the sampling loop is likely to be smaller than the volume of the introduction pipe, and the above-described problem may occur significantly.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to supply an appropriate amount of sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer with high accuracy using a gas sampler.

A gas supply method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a gas supply method for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer using a gas sampler. The gas sampler includes: a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with a sample gas; a sample holding section for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection section; a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and a suction pump connected to the sample holding portion via the buffer channel. The volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion by a predetermined amount. The gas supply method includes the steps of: performing a negative pressure process in which the switching valve is closed and the suction pump is operated to make the inside of the buffer flow path a negative pressure; and performing an introduction process in which the suction pump is stopped and the switching valve is opened after the negative pressure process is performed, thereby introducing the sample from the sample tank to the sample holding portion via the connection portion.

A gas sampler according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a gas sampler for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer, the gas sampler including: a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with a sample gas; a sample holding section for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection section; a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and a suction pump connected to the sample holding portion via the buffer channel. The volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion by a predetermined amount.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses the present invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a gas chromatograph.

Fig. 2 (a) is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler in the negative pressure buffer process.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler in the sample filling process.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler in the sample supply process.

Fig. 5 is (a) a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart (second embodiment) showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device.

Fig. 7 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a state of the gas sampler in the negative pressure buffer process.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[ Structure of the device ]

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a gas chromatograph (gas analysis apparatus) 1 including a gas sampler 30 according to the present embodiment.

The gas chromatograph 1 includes electronic Automatic Pressure controllers (hereinafter, also referred to as "APC") 10 and 80, a sample tank 20, a gas sampler 30, a column 40, a detection device 50, a display device 70, an input device 60, and a control device 100.

The APC 10 adjusts a mobile phase called a carrier gas to a predetermined pressure and outputs the adjusted mobile phase to the pipe P4. The carrier gas output from the APC 10 to the pipe P4 is supplied to the column 40 through the inside of the gas sampler 30. Further, as the carrier gas, helium gas is used, for example.

The sample tank 20 is a device for accumulating a sample gas (sample gas) to be analyzed. The sample tank 20 is connected to the connection part C1 of the gas sampler 30 via the introduction pipe 21. The user can change the sample gas to be analyzed by the gas chromatograph 1 by replacing the sample tank 20 and the introduction pipe 21 connected to the connection portion C1 of the gas sampler 30.

The gas sampler 30 is a device for supplying a fixed amount of sample gas to the column 40 at a time. The gas sampler 30 includes a connection C1, a sampling loop PL of a fixed volume, pipes P1 to P10, switching valves V1 to V5, a pump 31, and a buffer tank 32. The sampling loop PL is an example of the sample holding portion.

The connection portion C1 is configured to be connectable to the introduction pipe 21 connected to the sample tank 20. The pipe P1 communicates the connection portion C1 with the switching valve V1. The pipe P2 communicates the switching valve V1 with the switching valve V3. The pipe P3 communicates the switching valve V3 with the pipe P4. The pipe P5 communicates the pump 31 with the switching valve V2. The pipe P6 communicates the switching valve V2 with the switching valve V4. The pipe P7 communicates the switching valve V4 with the pipe P10. The pipe P8 communicates the pipe P4 with the switching valve V5. The pipe P9 communicates the switching valve V5 with the pipe P10. The pipe P10 communicates the pipe P9 with the column 40. The pipe P4 branches into a pipe P3 and a pipe P8 inside the gas sampler 30. The pipe P7 and the pipe P9 join together to form a pipe P10 inside the gas sampler 30.

The sampling loop PL is connected between the pipe P2 and the pipe P6. The sampling loop PL has the following functions: the sample gas introduced from the sample tank 20 is temporarily held in order to be supplied to the column 40.

The buffer tank 32 is connected to the pipe P5. The buffer tank 32 is a buffer tank selected from a plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … having different volumes and connected to the pipe P5. That is, the pipe P5 is configured to be able to replace the connected buffer tank 32 with any one of the plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … having different volumes. Specifically, the pipe P5 is provided with connectors J1 and J2 that can selectively connect any one of the plurality of surge tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c …. The user can change the volume of the flow path between the pump 31 and the sampling loop PL including the buffer tank 32 and the pipe P5 by replacing the buffer tank 32 connected to the connectors J1 and J2. The flow path including the buffer tank 32 and the pipe P5 will hereinafter also be referred to as "buffer flow path Pb".

The pump 31 is a suction pump for sucking air in the buffer flow path Pb to make the buffer flow path Pb negative in pressure. The negative pressure referred to herein means a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

The switching valves V1 to V5 are all pneumatic valves that are opened and closed by driving air. Therefore, the gas sampler 30 includes control valves Va to Vc for controlling the drive air of the switching valves V1 to V5, control pipes 81, 82a to 82c, and exhaust pipes 83a to 83 c.

The switching valves V1 to V5 are all so-called normally open valves that are open in an initial state in which the drive air is not supplied and that are closed by the supply of the drive air. The switching valve V1 communicates with the control valve Va via the control pipe 82a, and is opened and closed according to the presence or absence of driving air from the control valve Va. Similarly, the switching valves V2 and V5 communicate with the control valve Vb via the control pipe 82b, and are opened and closed depending on the presence or absence of driving air from the control valve Vb. The switching valves V3 and V4 communicate with the control valve Vc via the control pipe 82c, and are opened and closed depending on the presence or absence of the driving air from the control valve Vc.

The APC 80 adjusts the driving air for controlling the switching valves V1 to V5 to a predetermined pressure and outputs the adjusted air to the control pipe 81. The control valves Va to Vc are three-way electromagnetic valves controlled by command signals from the control device 100.

When the control valve Va is controlled to communicate the control pipe 81 and the control pipe 82a, the switching valve V1 is closed because the drive air is supplied to the switching valve V1. Thereby, the pipe P1 and the pipe P2 are cut off. On the other hand, when the control valve Va is controlled to communicate the control pipe 82a with the exhaust pipe 83a, the drive air once supplied to the switching valve V1 is exhausted through the exhaust pipe 83a, and therefore the switching valve V1 is opened. Thus, the pipe P1 and the pipe P2 are communicated.

When the control valve Vb is controlled to be in a state in which the control pipe 81 and the control pipe 82b are communicated with each other, the switching valves V2 and V5 are in a closed state because the drive air is supplied to the switching valves V2 and V5. Thereby, the pipe P5 and the pipe P6 are cut, and the pipe P8 and the pipe P9 are cut. On the other hand, when the control valve Vb is controlled to a state in which the control pipe 82b and the exhaust pipe 83b are communicated with each other, the drive air that was once supplied to the switching valves V2 and V5 is discharged through the exhaust pipe 83b, and therefore the switching valves V2 and V5 are opened. Thus, the pipe P5 and the pipe P6 are communicated, and the pipe P8 and the pipe P9 are communicated.

When the control valve Vc is controlled to communicate the control pipe 81 and the control pipe 82c, the switching valves V3 and V4 are closed because the drive air is supplied to the switching valves V3 and V4. Thereby, the pipe P2 and the pipe P3 are cut, and the pipe P6 and the pipe P7 are cut. On the other hand, when the control valve Vc is controlled to a state in which the control pipe 82c and the exhaust pipe 83c are communicated with each other, the drive air once supplied to the switching valves V3 and V4 is discharged through the exhaust pipe 83c, and the switching valves V3 and V4 are opened. Thus, the pipe P2 and the pipe P3 are communicated, and the pipe P6 and the pipe P7 are communicated.

By appropriately switching the connection destination of the sampling loop PL by controlling the switching valves V1 to V5, the gas sampler 30 temporarily fills the sampling loop PL with the sample gas supplied from the sample tank 20, and then supplies the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL to the column 40. The method of supplying the sample gas from the gas sampler 30 to the column 40 will be described in detail later.

The column 40 separates various components in the sample gas supplied from the gas sampler 30. Specifically, while the sample gas supplied to the column 40 is caused to pass through the column 40 by the carrier gas flow belt output from the APC 10, various components contained in the sample gas are separated in the time direction. The component separated in the column 40 is introduced from the column 40 to the detection device 50.

The detection device 50 detects each component introduced from the column 40. As the detection device 50, for example, a light absorption photometric detector (PDA (Photo Diode Array) detector), a fluorescence detector, a differential refractive index detector, a conductivity detector, a mass spectrometer, or the like is used. Data indicating the detection result of the detection device 50 is stored in a memory in the control device 100 and displayed on the display device 70 in response to a request from a user.

The input device 60 is a pointing device (pointing device) such as a keyboard or a mouse, for example, and receives an instruction from a user. The Display device 70 is formed of, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, and displays information to a user. In the case of using a touch panel as a user interface, the input device 60 is integrated with the display device 70.

The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an interface, and the like, which are not shown. The control device 100 comprehensively controls the entire gas chromatograph 1 including the pump 31, the APCs 10 and 80, the switching valves V1 to V5 (control valves Va to Vc), and the like. The control device 100 is connected to the input device 60 and the display device 70 as user interfaces in a wired or wireless manner.

When the sample gas is supplied from the gas sampler 30 to the column 40, the control device 100 controls the pump 31 and the switching valves V1 to V5 so that the sample gas supplied from the sample tank 20 is once filled in the sampling loop PL, and thereafter the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL is supplied to the column 40.

In the present embodiment, as a method of filling the sample loop PL with the sample gas, the following method is adopted: the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL are preliminarily set to a negative pressure by the pump 31, and the sample gas is sucked into the sampling loop PL by the negative pressure.

In this method, there is a concern that: if the total volume of the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL is small relative to the volume of the introduction pipe 21 between the sample tank 20 and the connection portion C1 of the gas sampler 30, the sample gas cannot be sufficiently sucked into the sampling loop PL merely by making the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL negative in pressure, and as a result, the amount of the sample gas supplied from the sampling loop PL to the column 40 is insufficient.

In particular, when the gas sampler 30 is used in a micro gas chromatograph, the volume of the sampling loop PL is set to a very small value (for example, about several hundred microliters), and therefore the total volume of the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL tends to be smaller than the volume of the introduction pipe 21, which may significantly cause the above-described problem. Further, since the sample tank 20 and the introduction pipe 21 can be replaced, the volume of the introduction pipe 21 may vary. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the volume of the buffer flow path Pb in accordance with the volume of the introduction pipe 21.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pipe P5 between the pump 31 and the sampling loop PL is configured to be able to selectively connect any one of the plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … having different volumes. The user can replace the buffer tank 32 connected to the pipe P5 with the volume of the introduction pipe 21 before filling the sampling loop PL with the sample gas, thereby making the volume of the buffer flow path Pb larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount (for example, the volume of the sampling loop PL). This can suppress the shortage of the amount of sample gas drawn into the sampling loop PL.

In the present embodiment, "connection unit C1", "sampling loop PL", "switching valve V1", "pump 31", "buffer flow path Pb", and "introduction pipe 21" can correspond to the "connection unit", "sample holding unit", "switching valve", "suction pump", "buffer flow path", and "introduction flow path" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[ supplying operation of sample gas ]

In the present embodiment, the buffer tank 32 selected from the plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … is connected to the pipe P5, whereby the volume of the buffer flow path Pb becomes larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount. In this state, the control device 100 performs the negative pressure buffer process, the sample filling process, and the sample supply process, which will be described below, in order to fill the sampling loop PL with the sample gas once, and supply the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL to the column 40.

First, the negative pressure buffer processing will be described. The negative pressure buffer treatment is as follows: the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL are preliminarily made negative in pressure by the pump 31.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler 30 in the negative pressure buffer process. In the negative pressure buffer process, the control device 100 closes the switching valves V1, V3, and V4 and opens the switching valve V2. Thereby, the sampling loop PL and the pump 31 are communicated, and the sampling loop PL is shut off from the sample tank 20, the APC 10, and the column 40. In this state, the control device 100 operates the pump 31. As a result, as indicated by the hollow arrows, the air in the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL is sucked by the pump 31, and the pressure in the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL becomes negative.

Further, it is desirable that the column 40 is always filled with the carrier gas, and therefore, in the negative pressure buffer processing, the switching valve V5 is set to the open state. Thus, as indicated by black arrows, the carrier gas from the APC 10 is supplied to the column 40 through the pipes P4, P8, P9, and P10 in this order.

Next, the sample filling process will be described. The sample filling process is the following process: for filling the sample loop PL with the sample gas by the negative pressure in the buffer flow path Pb generated by the negative pressure buffer process.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler 30 in the sample filling process. In the sample filling process, the control device 100 stops the pump 31, closes the switching valves V3 and V4, and opens the switching valves V1 and V2. That is, the pump 31 that was operating is stopped and the switching valve V1 is switched from the closed state to the open state, as opposed to the state in the negative pressure buffer processing shown in fig. 2. Thus, the sample tank 20 communicates with the sampling loop PL and the buffer flow path Pb, and therefore, as indicated by the diagonal arrows, the sample gas is filled into the sampling loop PL from the sample tank 20 by the negative pressure of the buffer flow path Pb.

In this case, in the present embodiment, the buffer tank 32 is selected so that the volume of the buffer flow path Pb is larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the shortage of the amount of sample gas drawn into the sampling loop PL can be suppressed.

In the sample filling process of the present embodiment, the pump 31 is stopped. Therefore, waste of the sample gas can be suppressed as compared with the case where the sample gas is sucked in a state where the pump 31 is operated. That is, if the pump 31 is continuously operated, the sample gas is also sucked by the pump 31 and wasted, but in the sample filling process of the present embodiment, the pump 31 is stopped, and the sample gas is not sucked by the pump 31, so that the waste of the sample gas can be suppressed.

Since the sample gas is not pumped by the pump 31 by stopping the pump 31, the amount of the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL by the sample filling process can be determined by the sum of the volume of the sampling loop PL and the volume of the buffer flow path Pb. Further, by stopping the pump 31, pulsation of the pump 31 is not generated, and therefore, generation of a pressure gradient in the sampling loop PL can be suppressed, and thus more appropriate analysis can be performed.

In the sample filling process, the switching valve V5 is opened, as in the negative pressure buffer process, and the carrier gas from the APC 10 is supplied to the column 40 as indicated by the black arrow.

Next, the sample supply process will be described. The sample supply process is the following process: for supplying the sample gas filled into the sampling loop PL by the sample filling process to the column 40 with the carrier gas.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler 30 in the sample supply process. In the sample supply process, the control device 100 stops the pump 31, closes the switching valves V1, V2, and V5, and opens the switching valves V3 and V4. Thus, the carrier gas from the APC 10 is supplied to the sampling loop PL through the pipes P4, P3, and P2, and the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL is pushed out by the carrier gas and then supplied to the column 40 through the pipes P6, P7, and P10.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the control device 100 when the sample gas is supplied from the gas sampler 30 to the column 40. The flowchart starts when the user performs an operation of requesting the input device 60 to supply the sample gas. Further, at the time point when the flowchart starts, the following states are in place: the introduction pipe 21 is connected to the connection portion C1, and the volume of the buffer flow path Pb is larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount.

The control device 100 first performs the negative pressure buffering process described above (step S10). Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the control device 100 closes the switching valves V1, V3, and V4, opens the switching valve V2, and actuates the pump 31. This causes a negative pressure in the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL.

After the negative pressure buffer processing is performed, the control device 100 performs the above-described sample filling processing (step S12). Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the pump 31 is stopped, the switching valves V3 and V4 are closed, and the switching valves V1 and V2 are opened. Thus, the sample gas is filled into the sampling loop PL from the sample tank 20 by the negative pressure of the buffer flow path Pb.

After the sample filling process is performed, the control device 100 performs the sample supply process described above (step S14). Specifically, as shown in fig. 4, the control device 100 stops the pump 31, closes the switching valves V1, V2, and V5, and opens the switching valves V3 and V4. Thereby, the sample gas filled in the sampling loop PL is supplied to the column 40.

The "negative pressure buffer process", "sample filling process", "sample supply process", and "control device 100" in the present embodiment can correspond to the "negative pressure process", "introduction process", "supply process", and "control device" in the present disclosure, respectively.

As described above, in the gas sampler 30 of the present embodiment, the pipe P5 between the pump 31 and the sampling loop PL is configured to be able to selectively connect any one of the plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … having different volumes. Thus, the user can replace the buffer tank 32 connected to the pipe P5 with the volume of the introduction pipe 21 before starting the negative pressure buffer process, and thereby the volume of the buffer flow path Pb including the pipe P5 and the buffer tank 32 can be made larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount. Therefore, in the negative pressure buffer process, a sufficient negative pressure corresponding to the volume of the introduction pipe 21 can be generated in the buffer flow path Pb. Therefore, in the subsequent sample filling process, the shortage of the amount of the sample gas drawn into the sampling loop PL can be suppressed.

In the gas sampler 30 of the present embodiment, in the sample filling process, the sample loop PL is filled with the sample gas by the negative pressure of the buffer flow path Pb (more precisely, the negative pressure of the buffer flow path Pb and the sample loop PL) generated in advance by the negative pressure buffer process in a state where the pump 31 is stopped. Therefore, the amount of the sample gas to be filled in the sampling loop PL is determined by the sum of the volume of the buffer flow path Pb and the volume of the sampling loop PL. Therefore, by connecting the buffer tank 32 having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the introduction pipe 21 to the pipe P5, waste of the sample gas can be suppressed, and the amount of the sample required for one analysis can be minimized.

[ modified examples ]

(modification 1)

In the above embodiment, the following example is explained: in a state where the volume of the buffer flow path Pb is larger than the volume of the introduction pipe 21 by a predetermined amount, the negative pressure buffer process is started (see fig. 5).

However, when the introduction pipe 21 connected to the connection portion C1 is changed to change the sample gas, it is desirable to newly select the buffer tank 32 having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the changed introduction pipe 21 and connect the selected buffer tank 32 to the pipe P5.

Therefore, the following may be modified: before the negative pressure buffer process is started, a process for selecting the buffer tank 32 having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the introduction pipe 21 (hereinafter also referred to as a "buffer tank selection process") is executed.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the control device 100 of modification 1 when the sample gas is supplied from the gas sampler 30 to the column 40. The flowchart starts when the user performs an operation of requesting the input device 60 to supply the sample gas while the introduction pipe 21 is connected to the connection portion C1.

The flowchart shown in fig. 6 is added with step S20 before step S10, compared with the flowchart shown in fig. 5. Since the other steps (steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in fig. 5) have already been described, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

In step S20, the control device 100 executes the buffer tank selection process described above (step S20). For example, the control device 100 performs the following processing as the buffer tank selection processing. First, the control device 100 causes the display device 70 to display an inquiry message for inquiring the user whether or not to perform the buffer tank selecting process.

When the user inputs an operation to the input device 60 that the buffer tank selection process is required in response to the inquiry message, the control device 100 causes the display device 70 to display a message requesting the user to input the capacity of the introduction pipe 21 connected to the connection unit C1. When the user inputs information indicating the capacity of the introduction pipe 21 to the input device 60 in response to the message, the control device 100 selects a buffer tank 32 having a capacity corresponding to the capacity of the introduction pipe 21 input by the user from among the plurality of buffer tanks 32a, 32b, and 32c … registered in advance in the memory, and causes the display device 70 to display the information indicating the selected buffer tank 32, thereby requesting the user to replace the buffer tank 32. When the user replaces the buffer tank 32 in response to the request and inputs an operation indicating that the replacement is completed to the input device 60, the control device 100 advances the process to step S10 and thereafter.

On the other hand, when the user performs an operation to the input device 60 in response to the inquiry message, which means that the buffer tank selection process is not necessary, the control device 100 proceeds to the process after step S10 without performing the selection of the buffer tank 32 or the like.

As described above, the control device 100 according to modification 1 executes the above-described buffer tank selection process before starting the negative pressure buffer process. In this buffer tank selection process, the user can replace the buffer tank 32 connected to the pipe P5 with a buffer tank 32 having a capacity corresponding to the capacity of the introduction pipe 21. Therefore, even when the user changes the introduction pipe 21 connected to the connection portion C1 in order to change the sample gas, for example, an appropriate amount of sample gas can be filled in the sampling loop PL.

(modification 2)

In the above embodiment, the following example is explained: in the negative pressure buffer process, the switching valve V2 is opened to set the buffer flow path Pb and the sampling loop PL to a negative pressure (see fig. 2).

However, when the volume of the buffer flow path Pb is sufficiently larger than the total volume from the introduction pipe 21 to the sampling loop PL, the following deformation may be made: in the negative pressure buffer process, the switching valve V2 is closed to set only the inside of the buffer flow path Pb to a negative pressure.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state of the gas sampler 30 in the negative pressure buffer process of modification example 2. In modification 2, the control device 100 closes the switching valves V1 to V4 and opens only the switching valve V5 during the negative pressure buffer processing. Thereby, the sampling loop PL is shut off from all of the sample tank 20, APC 10, column 40, and pump 31. In this state, the control device 100 operates the pump 31. As a result, as indicated by the hollow arrow, the air in the buffer flow path Pb is sucked by the pump 31, and the inside of the buffer flow path Pb becomes a negative pressure.

In this manner, only the inside of the buffer flow path Pb may be made negative in the negative pressure buffer process. Even in this case, when the volume of the buffer flow path Pb is sufficiently larger than the total volume from the introduction pipe 21 to the sampling loop PL, a sufficient amount of the sample gas can be sucked into the sampling loop PL by the negative pressure in the buffer flow path Pb during the sample filling process.

(modification 3)

Although the switching valves V1 to V5 are pneumatic valves in the above embodiment, the switching valves V1 to V5 are not necessarily limited to pneumatic valves, and may be electromagnetic valves, for example.

[ means ]

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are specific examples of the following embodiments.

A gas supply method according to (first) aspect is a gas supply method for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer using a gas sampler. The gas sampler includes: a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with a sample gas; a sample holding section for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection section; a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and a suction pump connected to the sample holding portion via the buffer channel. The volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion. The gas supply method includes the steps of: performing a negative pressure process in which the switching valve is closed and the suction pump is operated to make the inside of the buffer flow path a negative pressure; and performing an introduction process in which the sample gas is introduced from the sample tank to the sample holding portion via the connection portion by stopping the suction pump and bringing the switching valve into an open state after the negative pressure process is performed.

According to the gas supply method described in the first aspect, since the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path, sufficient negative pressure can be generated in the buffer flow path in advance during the negative pressure treatment. Therefore, in the introduction process after the negative pressure process, the amount of the sample gas sucked into the sample holding portion can be suppressed from being insufficient. In addition, since the suction pump is stopped during the introduction process, excessive suction of the sample gas can be suppressed. Therefore, in the introduction process, an appropriate amount of sample gas can be introduced into the sample holding portion. As a result, a proper amount of sample gas can be supplied to the column of the gas analyzer with high accuracy using the gas sampler.

(second aspect) in the gas supply method according to the first aspect, the buffer flow path may be configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks having different volumes. The gas supply method may further include the steps of: before the negative pressure process is performed, a selection process is performed in which a buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path is selected from the plurality of buffer tanks so that the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path by a predetermined amount, based on the volume of the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion.

According to the gas supply method described in the second aspect, the selection process is performed before the negative pressure process is performed. In this selection process, the user can replace the buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path with a buffer tank having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the introduction flow path. Therefore, even when the user changes the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion in order to change the sample gas, for example, an appropriate amount of the sample gas can be introduced into the sample holding portion.

(third) in the gas supply method according to the second aspect, the gas supply method may further include: after the introduction process, a supply process is performed in which the sample gas in the sample holding portion is supplied to the column.

According to the gas supply method described in the third aspect, the appropriate amount of the sample gas introduced into the sample holding portion in the introduction process can be supplied to the column of the gas analyzer in the supply process.

A gas sampler according to one aspect of the present invention is a gas sampler for supplying a sample gas to a column of a gas analyzer, the gas sampler including: a connection portion that can be connected to a sample tank filled with a sample gas; a sample holding section for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection section; a switching valve that switches a connection state between the connection portion and the sample holding portion; and a suction pump connected to the sample holding portion via the buffer channel. The volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path connecting the sample tank and the connection portion.

In the gas sampler described in the fourth aspect, the buffer flow passage has a larger volume than the introduction flow passage. Therefore, when a method in which the sample gas is filled into the sample holding portion by using a suction pump to make the inside of the buffer flow path a negative pressure and sucking the sample gas into the sample holding portion by using the negative pressure is adopted, it is possible to generate a sufficient negative pressure in the buffer flow path and suck the sample gas into the sample holding portion by using the negative pressure. Therefore, the amount of sample gas drawn into the sample holding portion can be suppressed from being insufficient. As a result, a proper amount of sample gas can be supplied to the column of the gas analyzer with high accuracy using the gas sampler.

(fifth) in the gas sampler described in the fourth aspect, the buffer flow path may be configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks having different volumes.

According to the gas sampler described in the fifth aspect, the user can replace the buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path with a buffer tank having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the introduction flow path. Therefore, even when the user changes the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion in order to change the sample gas, for example, an appropriate amount of the sample gas can be introduced into the sample holding portion.

(sixth item) in the gas sampler of the fifth item, the gas sampler may further include a control device for controlling the suction pump and the switching valve. The control device may execute a negative pressure process in which the switching valve is closed and the suction pump is operated to make the inside of the buffer flow path negative pressure, and execute a filling process in which the sample gas introduced from the sample tank to the connection portion is filled into the sample holding portion by the negative pressure of the buffer flow path by stopping the suction pump and opening the switching valve after the negative pressure process is executed.

According to the gas sampler described in the sixth aspect, since the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path by a predetermined amount, a sufficient negative pressure can be generated in the buffer flow path in advance during the negative pressure treatment. Therefore, in the filling process after the negative pressure process, the amount of the sample gas sucked into the sample holding portion can be suppressed from being insufficient. In addition, since the suction pump is stopped during the filling process, excessive suction of the sample gas can be suppressed.

(seventh) in the gas sampler described in the sixth aspect, the control device may execute a selection process of selecting a buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path from the plurality of buffer tanks so that the volume of the buffer flow path is larger than the volume of the introduction flow path by a predetermined amount, based on the volume of the introduction flow path connected to the connection unit, before executing the negative pressure process.

According to the gas sampler of the seventh aspect, the selection process is performed before the negative pressure process is performed. In this selection process, the user can replace the buffer tank connected to the buffer flow path Pb with a buffer tank having a capacity corresponding to the volume of the introduction flow path. Therefore, even when the user changes the introduction flow path connected to the connection portion in order to change the sample gas, for example, an appropriate amount of the sample gas can be introduced into the sample holding portion.

(eighth) in the gas sampler of the sixth or seventh aspect, the control device may perform a supply process of supplying the sample gas in the sample holding portion to the column after the introduction process is performed.

According to the gas sampler described in item 8, an appropriate amount of sample gas introduced into the sample holding portion during the filling process can be supplied to the column of the gas analyzer during the supply process.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.