Inspection device and inspection method

Abstract

The inspection device (1) comprises a measuring section (50), an inflow pipe (T1, T2) for flowing sample water into the measuring section, a connection section (30) for connecting a sample tube (80) to the measuring section, a liquid delivery section (60) for delivering the sample water to the measuring section, a pressure increasing pump (22) for increasing the pressure in the sample tube, and a control section (70). The control section controls the operation of the liquid delivery section and the pressure increasing pump to suppress the fluctuation of the pressure applied to the sample water until the sample water reaches the measuring section from the sample tube within a predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device and an inspection method for measuring the electrical conductivity of sample water. Background Art

[0002] The conductivity of sample water is sometimes measured as an index representing the properties of the sample water. The conductivity of sample water is an index representing the proportion of electrolytes dissolved in the sample water, and is used, for example, to measure the amount of TOC (Total Organic Carbon) in the sample water. Specifically, the conductivity of sample water changes depending on the decomposition products obtained by oxidizing organic matter in the sample water. Therefore, by measuring the conductivity of the sample water, the decomposition products can be detected, and by detecting the decomposition products, the TOC amount can be measured.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6556699 (Patent Document 1) discloses a device for measuring the conductivity of a liquid, the device comprising a measurement chamber for accommodating a sample volume to be irradiated with UV light, and a UV-transmissive window located between the measurement chamber and a UV light source and sealing and closing a first side of the measurement chamber. Patent Document 1 discloses that two measurement electrodes are etched in such a manner as to contact the liquid present in the measurement chamber.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6556699 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When measuring the conductivity of sample water, bubbles may be generated on the measuring electrode. If bubbles are generated on the measuring electrode, the contact area between the measuring electrode and the sample water changes, and the conductivity to be measured becomes unstable.

[0009] Therefore, the generation of bubbles on the measuring electrode is suppressed by removing gas from the sample water in advance by reducing the pressure using a degasser, etc. However, when the gas in the sample water is removed by a degasser, etc., the conductivity of the sample water itself may change.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent the generation of bubbles on electrodes and thereby stably measure the conductivity of sample water.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The inspection device disclosed in the present invention includes: a sampling unit configured to support a container storing sample water and extract the sample water; a processing unit configured to process the extracted sample water; a measuring unit configured to measure the conductivity of the processed sample water; an inflow tube configured to introduce the sample water into the measuring unit; a liquid supply unit configured to generate a driving force for conveying the sample water in the sample tube to the measuring unit; a gas supply unit configured to convey gas into the sample tube for pressurization; and a control unit configured to control the operation of the liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit. The control unit controls the operation of the liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit to convey the sample water to the measuring unit through the inflow tube in a state where the inside of the sample tube is pressurized with gas.

[0013] The inspection method disclosed herein includes the following steps: conveying gas into a sample tube storing sample water to pressurize it; extracting the sample water from the sample tube; processing the extracted sample water; conveying the sample water to a measuring unit for measuring the conductivity of the processed sample water while the sample tube is pressurized with gas; and measuring the conductivity of the sample water conveyed to the measuring unit.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the sample water is fed to the measuring unit while the sample tube is pressurized with gas, thereby increasing the solubility of the gas in the sample water. As a result, the generation of gas during the feeding process can be prevented, and the conductivity of the sample water can be stably measured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall structure of the inspection device 1.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the sample tube 80 to the inspection device 1 .

[0018] Figure 3 : is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection process executed by the control unit 70 .

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the sample tube 12 to the inspection device according to the first modification.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining a state in which the sample tube 12 is attached to the inspection device according to the first modification.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the inspection device involved in the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0023] <Overall Structure of Inspection Device 1>

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram for explaining the overall structure of the inspection device 1. The inspection device 1 is a device for measuring the TOC amount (TOC concentration) in sample water. The inspection device 1 is a so-called wet oxidation inspection device that oxidizes organic matter in the sample water by irradiating the sample water with ultraviolet rays.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 The inspection device 1 includes a gas supply unit 20 , a sampling unit 30 , a processing unit 40 , a measuring unit 50 , a liquid supply unit 60 , and a control unit 70 .

[0026] The gas supply unit 20 delivers gas into the sample tube 80 to pressurize the inside of the sample tube 80. The gas supply unit 20 includes a pressure pump 22 and a gas needle 24. The pressure pump 22 generates a driving force to deliver gas into the sample tube 80. The gas needle 24 is inserted into the sample tube 80 to introduce the gas delivered by the pressure pump 22 into the sample tube 80. The pressure pump 22 and the gas needle 24 are connected via a tube T4. The pressure pump 22 takes in gas via a tube T5 connected to the pressure pump 22. The gas is, for example, atmospheric air, but may also be a gas different from atmospheric air.

[0027] The sampling unit 30 is configured to extract the sample water S stored in the sample tube 80. The sampling unit 30 includes a suction needle 32 inserted into the sample tube 80. The suction needle 32 is a needle for sucking the sample water S in the sample tube 80, and is connected to the processing unit 40 via a tube T1.

[0028] The processing unit 40 processes the extracted sample water. The processing unit 40 involved in this embodiment includes an oxidation unit 42 for oxidizing the sample water S. The oxidation unit 42 is a UV light source. Although not shown in the figure, the oxidation unit 42 includes an inner tube through which the sample water S passes in the internal space and an outer tube arranged at a distance from the outer periphery of the inner tube. A discharge gas is sealed in the discharge space between the outer tube and the inner tube. Ultraviolet rays generated by exciting the discharge gas are irradiated to the internal space of the inner tube. That is, the oxidation unit 42 is a binocular excimer lamp. By irradiating ultraviolet rays to the sample water S passing through the internal space of the oxidation unit 42, organic matter in the sample water S is oxidized.

[0029] The processing unit 40 only needs to process the extracted sample water, for example, it can also perform a process for adding a reagent to the sample water. In addition, the oxidizing unit 42 oxidizes the organic matter in the sample water S by irradiating the sample water with ultraviolet rays, but the sample water S can also be oxidized chemically using an oxidant, for example.

[0030] The suction needle 32 is connected to the upstream side of the inner tube of the oxidation section 42 via a tube T1. A tube T2 is connected to the downstream side of the inner tube of the oxidation section 42. The inner tube can also be regarded as a part of the flow path through which the sample water S passes.

[0031] The measuring unit 50 is a conductivity meter that measures the conductivity of the sample water S after being processed by the processing unit 40, and the measuring unit 50 has a flow path that can be connected to the tube T2. The tube T3 is connected to the downstream side of the flow path provided by the measuring unit 50. That is, the sample water S that has passed through the tube T2 flows into the measuring unit 50, and the sample water S that has passed through the measuring unit 50 is discharged through the tube T3. For example, the measuring unit 50 has a pair of electrodes arranged on the flow path provided by the measuring unit 50 in a manner in contact with the sample water S, and the measuring unit 50 uses a two-terminal method to measure the conductivity of the sample water S. In addition, the measuring unit 50 only needs to measure an index indicating the conductivity of the sample water, and is not limited to measuring the conductivity. For example, the measuring unit 50 can also measure the resistivity. In addition, although an example in which the measuring unit 50 has two electrodes is given, the measuring unit 50 can also have four electrodes, and the conductivity of the sample water can be measured using other methods such as a four-probe method and a four-terminal method.

[0032] The liquid supply unit 60 generates a driving force for delivering the sample water S in the sample tube 80 to the measuring unit 50. For example, the liquid supply unit 60 is a pump, and as an example, is connected to the tube T3 on the downstream side of the measuring unit 50. The liquid supply unit 60 may be disposed, for example, at a position on the upstream side of the measuring unit 50. In addition, by disposing the air supply unit 20 upstream of the sample tube 80 and disposing the liquid supply unit 60 downstream of the measuring unit 50, the pressure applied to the flow path from the sample tube 80 to the outlet of the measuring unit 50 can be controlled by driving the air supply unit 20 and the liquid supply unit 60.

[0033] The control unit 70 controls the entire inspection device 1. Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit for storing programs and data, and a communication I / F (Interface) as main components. The components are connected to each other via a data bus.

[0034] The storage unit includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ROM stores programs executed by the CPU. RAM temporarily stores data generated by the CPU executing the program and data input via the communication I / F. RAM can function as a temporary data storage used as a working area. HDD is a non-volatile storage device. In addition, semiconductor storage devices such as flash memory can also be used instead of HDD.

[0035] The program stored in the ROM may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the program may be provided by an information provider as a program product that can be downloaded via the so-called Internet or the like.

[0036] The storage medium is not limited to DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory), FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, and can also be a medium that fixedly carries the program, such as a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a flash ROM, and other semiconductor memories. In addition, the recording medium is a non-transitory medium that can read programs, etc. by a computer.

[0037] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the gas supply unit 20 and the liquid supply unit 60 so as to supply the sample water S to the measurement unit 50 while the inside of the sample tube 80 is pressurized with gas. In this way, by supplying the sample water S to the measurement unit 50 while the inside of the sample tube 80 is pressurized with gas, the solubility of the gas in the sample water S can be increased. As a result, the generation of gas during the liquid supply can be prevented, and the conductivity of the sample water S can be stably measured.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 70 performs a process of controlling the processing unit 40 to cause the processing unit 40 to process the sample water S and measuring the conductivity of the sample water S by receiving the detection value from the measuring unit 50 .

[0039] In addition, the control unit 70 may maintain the pressure in the sample tube 80 at a state higher than the atmospheric pressure. In the present embodiment, the sample water S is oxidized by the oxidizing unit 42 to generate decomposition products, so that the gas concentration in the flow path to the measuring unit 50 increases. Therefore, by making the pressure in the sample tube 80 higher than the atmospheric pressure, the solubility of the gas in the sample water S is increased, thereby preventing the generation of gas during the liquid delivery even if the gas concentration in the flow path increases.

[0040] <Method of Mounting Sample Tube 80 on Inspection Device 1>

[0041] Figure 2 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the sample tube 80 to the inspection device 1. In the following, the direction of gravity is referred to as downward, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is referred to as upward. Figure 2 The gas needle 24 is fixed to the housing 10 of the inspection device 1 in such a manner that the gas ejection port of the gas needle 24 faces upward. Similarly, the suction needle 32 is fixed to the housing 10 of the inspection device 1 in such a manner that the suction port of the suction needle 32 faces upward. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the pressure pump 22, the processing unit 40, the measuring unit 50, the liquid delivery unit 60, the control unit 70, and the tubes T1 to T5 connecting them are arranged in the housing 10.

[0042] The sample tube 80 is composed of a main body 82 and a cap 84. The cap 84 is made of rubber. Therefore, the gas needle 24 and the suction needle 32 can be inserted through the cap 84.

[0043] For example, the user can attach the sample tube 80 to the inspection device 1 by pressing the sample tube 80 downward onto the housing 10 with the cap 84 of the sample tube 80 facing downward so that the suction needle 32 and the gas needle 24 penetrate the cap 84 .

[0044] As described above, in the present embodiment, the suction needle 32 and the gas needle 24 are fixed to the housing 10, so that the user can install the sample tube 80 on the inspection device 1 by pressing the sample tube 80 from top to bottom onto the housing 10. To install the sample tube 80, it is only necessary to move the sample tube 80 in the direction of gravity, so the sample tube 80 can be easily installed.

[0045] The gas needle 24 is longer than the suction needle 32, and is a length such that the gas ejection port of the gas needle 24 is located above the liquid surface of the sample water S when the sample tube 80 is mounted on the inspection device 1. On the other hand, the suction needle 32 is shorter than the gas needle 24, and is a length such that the suction port of the suction needle 32 for sucking the sample water S is located inside the sample water S when the sample tube 80 is mounted on the inspection device 1.

[0046] By setting the length of the gas needle 24 to a length such that the gas ejection port of the gas needle 24 is located above the liquid surface of the sample water S when the sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection device 1, it is possible to prevent bubbles from being generated in the sample tube 80. By preventing the generation of bubbles in the sample tube 80, it is possible to prevent the bubbles from being transported to the measurement unit 50 through the suction needle 32. In addition, by preventing the generation of bubbles in the sample tube 80, the contact area between the gas and the sample water S can be reduced, and contamination can be suppressed.

[0047] <Inspection Processing>

[0048] Figure 3 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection process executed by the control unit 70. The inspection process is a process implemented by, for example, the CPU of the control unit 70 executing a program.

[0049] In S100, the control unit 70 determines whether a start instruction of the inspection is received. If not (S100: No), the inspection process is terminated. For example, the user attaches the sample tube 80 to the housing 10 and operates a start switch (not shown) to receive the start instruction. If the control unit 70 determines that the start instruction is received (S100: Yes), the process of S120 is executed.

[0050] In S120, the control unit 70 supplies gas to pressurize the sample tube 80. More specifically, the control unit 70 instructs the gas supply unit 20 to supply gas to the sample tube 80 and drives the pressure pump 22. At this time, the flow rate of the gas supplied to the sample tube 80 by the gas supply unit 20 is greater than the flow rate of the sample water S sent from the sample tube 80 to the processing unit 40. In addition, in S120, the control unit 70 may not drive the liquid supply unit 60 so as not to supply the sample water S from the sample tube 80 to the processing unit 40.

[0051] In S140, the control unit 70 extracts the sample water S. More specifically, the control unit 70 drives the liquid feeding unit 60 to suck the sample water S into the suction needle 32 from the suction port of the suction needle 32. At this time, it is preferable to control the flow rate of the sample water S sucked into the suction needle 32 to the same level as the flow rate of the gas delivered from the gas supply unit 20 to the sample tube 80. By performing such control, the pressure applied in S120 can be maintained.

[0052] In S160, the control unit 70 processes the extracted sample water S. More specifically, the control unit 70 instructs the processing unit 40 to perform a process for oxidizing the sample water S. In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 instructs the oxidizing unit 42 of the processing unit 40 to start irradiating ultraviolet rays. In addition, the process of S160 starts at the moment when the extracted sample water S reaches the oxidizing unit 42 through the tube T1. In addition, during the execution of the process of S160, it is preferred that the control unit 70 stops the driving of the air supply unit 20 (pressurizing pump 22) and the driving of the liquid supply unit 60 so that the sample water S stays in the oxidizing unit 42.

[0053] In S180, the control unit 70 supplies the sample water S to the measuring unit 50 while the inside of the sample tube 80 is pressurized by the gas. For example, the control unit 70 controls the gas supply unit 20 and the liquid supply unit 60 so that the flow rate of the gas supplied to the sample tube 80 is the same as the flow rate of the sample water S supplied to the measuring unit 50, thereby being able to supply the sample water S to the measuring unit 50 while maintaining the pressure applied in S120. In addition, pressure loss occurs due to the sample water S flowing in the flow path. Therefore, the pressure applied to the sample water S that reaches the measuring unit 50 is lower than the pressure applied to the sample water S in the sample tube 80. Therefore, the control unit 70 may control the gas supply unit 20 and the liquid supply unit 60 so that the flow rate of the gas supplied to the sample tube 80 is greater than the flow rate of the sample water S supplied to the measuring unit 50. By performing such control, the amount of pressure loss caused by the sample water S flowing in the flow path can be compensated by pressurization with the gas, and the pressure fluctuation in the flow path can be suppressed.

[0054] In S200, the control unit 70 measures the electrical conductivity of the sample water S. More specifically, the control unit 70 receives the detection value detected by the measurement unit 50. In addition, the process of S180 and the process of S200 may be executed simultaneously.

[0055] <Modification 1>

[0056] In the above embodiment, the sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection device 1 by fixing the suction needle 32 and the gas needle 24 to the housing 10 and pressing the sample tube 80 downward from the housing 10. The structure of the connection portion is not limited to that of the above embodiment.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inspection device according to Modification 1 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the sample tube 80 to the inspection device according to the first modification. Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining a state in which a sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection device according to Modification 1.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 The inspection device according to the modification example 1 is different from the inspection device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment in that a gas needle 24 a and a suction needle 32 a are provided instead of the gas needle 24 and the suction needle 32 .

[0059] The gas needle 24 a and the suction needle 32 a are different from the gas needle 24 and the suction needle 32 of the above-described embodiment in that the gas needle 24 a is shorter than the suction needle 32 a .

[0060] The inspection device according to Modification 1 further includes a fixing portion 90 for fixing the gas needle 24a and the suction needle 32a, a gas hose 25a connected to the gas needle 24a, and a suction hose 33a connected to the suction needle 32a.

[0061] Although not shown, the suction hose 33a is connected to a tube T1 connected to the processing unit 40 disposed in the housing 10. That is, the suction needle 32a is connected to the tube T1 for introducing the sample water S into the processing unit 40 via the suction hose 33a.

[0062] Likewise, although not shown, the gas hose 25a is connected to the tube T4 connected to the pressure pump 22 disposed in the housing 10. That is, the gas needle 24a is connected to the tube T4 through which the gas from the pressure pump 22 passes, via the gas hose 25a.

[0063] Furthermore, the inspection device according to the first modification further includes a tube 92 formed around the suction needle 32a and the gas needle 24a. The tube 92 has a fixing portion 90 at one end and is open at the other end. Figure 4 As shown, when the gas needle 24a and the suction needle 32a are inserted into the sample tube 80 to connect the sample tube 80 to the inspection device, the cylinder 92 is moved from top to bottom, the sample tube 80 is moved from bottom to top, or both the cylinder 92 and the sample tube 80 are moved with the cover 84 facing upward, thereby allowing the suction needle 32a and the gas needle 24a to penetrate the cover 84 and install the sample tube 80 on the inspection device.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 The inspection device according to the modified example further includes a holder 94 and a stand 96 mounted on the housing 10. The holder 94 is used to fix the cartridge 92. The stand 96 functions as a setting place for setting the sample tube 80 when the cartridge 92 is mounted on the holder 94.

[0065] The gas needle 24a is shorter than the suction needle 32a, and has a length such that the gas ejection port of the gas needle 24a is located above the liquid surface of the sample water S when the sample tube 80 is mounted on the inspection device. On the other hand, the suction needle 32a is longer than the gas needle 24a, and has a length such that the suction port of the suction needle 32a for sucking the sample water S is located inside the sample water S when the sample tube 80 is mounted on the inspection device.

[0066] In the inspection device according to Modification 1, the sample tube 80 is attached to each needle from below the needle. When attached, the ejection port of the gas needle 24a is located above the liquid surface of the sample water S, so the sample water S does not contact the ejection port of the gas needle 24a during the attachment operation. Therefore, when replacing with another sample tube 80 storing the sample water S, contamination from the gas needle 24a side can be prevented.

[0067] The suction needle 32a and the gas needle 24a are connected to the tube T1 and the tube T4 via the suction hose 33a and the gas hose 25a. The suction needle 32a and the gas needle 24a are fixed to the fixing portion 90. Therefore, the suction needle 32a and the gas needle 24a can be moved together, and the needle can be easily inserted into the sample tube 80.

[0068] <Modification 2>

[0069] The inspection device 1 according to the above embodiment may further include a filter for removing substances in the atmosphere. In addition, the inspection device 1 according to the above embodiment may further include a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure applied to the flow path from the pressure pump 22 to the liquid delivery unit 60 .

[0070] Figure 6 Schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the inspection device involved in Modification Example 2. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the same configuration as that of the inspection device 1 according to the above embodiment is omitted. Figure 6 The inspection device according to the second modification further includes a filter 26 and a pressure gauge 28 .

[0071] The filter 26 is used to remove substances that affect the measurement of conductivity in the gas transported into the sample tube 80. For example, the filter 26 removes carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The filter 26 may remove volatilized organic carbon instead of removing carbon dioxide, or may remove not only carbon dioxide but also volatilized organic carbon. In addition, even if the filter 26 cannot completely remove carbon dioxide and organic carbon, it only needs to remove at least a portion of them. In this way, contamination from the atmosphere can be prevented, and conductivity measurements with higher accuracy can be performed. In addition, the filter 26 only needs to be arranged at a position upstream of the sample tube 80, for example, it can also be arranged upstream of the pressure pump 22.

[0072] The pressure gauge 28 measures the pressure applied to at least a portion of the flow path from the pressure pump 22 (air supply unit) to the measuring unit 50. Figure 6 In the example shown, the pressure gauge 28 is disposed between the filter 26 and the sample tube 80 to measure the pressure applied to the flow path between the pressure pump 22 and the sample tube 80. Alternatively, the pressure gauge 28 may be disposed at any position on the flow path from the pressure pump 22 (air supply unit) to the measuring unit 50.

[0073] For example, the control unit 70 may control the pressure pump 22 and the liquid delivery unit 60 based on the measurement result of the pressure gauge 28. In addition, by disposing the pressure gauge 28, the user can test the leakage in the flow path from the pressure pump 22 to the measurement unit 50. For example, after the pressure applied to the flow path by the pressure pump 22 is set to a predetermined value, the pressure gauge 28 is used to measure the change in pressure over time in the state where the pressure pump 22 and the liquid delivery unit 60 are stopped. The leakage in the flow path can be tested based on the change in pressure over time.

[0074] [Way]

[0075] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0076] (Item 1) An inspection device according to one embodiment includes: a sampling unit configured to support a sample tube storing sample water and extract the sample water; a processing unit configured to process the extracted sample water; a measuring unit configured to measure the conductivity of the processed sample water; an inflow pipe configured to introduce the sample water into the measuring unit; a liquid supply unit configured to generate a driving force for conveying the sample water in the sample tube to the measuring unit; a gas supply unit configured to convey gas into the sample tube to pressurize the sample tube; and a control unit configured to control the operation of the liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit. The control unit controls the operation of the liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit so that the sample water is conveyed to the measuring unit through the inflow pipe in a state where the inside of the sample tube is pressurized with gas.

[0077] According to the inspection device described in the first item, the sample water is fed to the measuring unit while the sample tube is pressurized with gas, so that the solubility of the gas in the sample water can be increased. As a result, the generation of gas during the feeding can be prevented, and the conductivity of the sample water can be stably measured.

[0078] (Item 2) In the inspection device described in Item 1, the processing unit includes an oxidizing unit for oxidizing the sample water. The control unit controls the operation of the liquid feeding unit and the gas supply unit so that the pressure in the sample tube is maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0079] According to the inspection device described in the second item, the sample water is oxidized by the oxidation unit to generate decomposition products, so the gas concentration in the flow path to the measurement unit increases, but the solubility of the gas in the sample water is increased in advance by increasing the pressure, thereby preventing the generation of gas during the liquid delivery.

[0080] (Item 3) The inspection device according to Item 1 or Item 2 further includes a pressure gauge that measures a pressure applied to at least a portion of the flow path from the air supply unit to the measurement unit.

[0081] According to the inspection device described in the third aspect, by providing a pressure gauge, it is possible to test the leakage in the flow path, or it is possible to be configured so that the measurement result of the pressure gauge is sent to the control unit and the air supply unit and the measurement unit are controlled based on the measurement result of the pressure gauge.

[0082] (Item 4) In the inspection device described in any one of Items 1 to 3, the gas supply unit includes a filter that removes a substance that changes the conductivity of the sample water from the gas.

[0083] According to the inspection device described in the fourth aspect, contamination from gas can be prevented, and electrical conductivity measurement with higher accuracy can be performed.

[0084] (Item 5) In the inspection device described in any one of Items 1 to 4, the sampling unit includes a suction needle, the suction needle is inserted into the sample tube to extract the sample water in the sample tube. The gas supply unit includes a gas needle, the gas needle is inserted into the sample tube to introduce gas into the sample tube. The length of the gas needle is shorter than the length of the suction needle.

[0085] According to the inspection device described in the fifth item, as long as the needle is inserted into the sample tube along the direction of gravity, the sample tube can be connected to the connecting part without the gas needle contacting the sample water. When reinstalling it on another sample tube storing sample water, contamination from the gas needle side can be prevented.

[0086] (Item 6) The inspection device described in Item 5 further includes a fixing portion for fixing the suction needle and the gas needle. The sampling portion further includes a suction hose connected to the suction needle. The gas supply portion further includes a gas hose connected to the gas needle.

[0087] According to the inspection device described in Item 6, the suction needle and the gas needle can be moved together, and the needle can be easily inserted into the sample tube.

[0088] (Item 7) An inspection method involved in one embodiment includes the following steps: supplying gas to pressurize a sample tube storing sample water; extracting the sample water from the sample tube; processing the extracted sample water; while the sample tube is pressurized with gas, supplying the sample water to a measuring unit for measuring the conductivity of the treated sample water; and measuring the conductivity of the sample water supplied to the measuring unit.

[0089] According to the inspection method described in item 7, the sample water is fed to the measuring unit while the sample tube is pressurized with gas, so that the solubility of the gas in the sample water can be increased. As a result, the generation of gas during the feeding can be prevented, and the conductivity of the sample water can be stably measured.

[0090] The embodiments disclosed this time are also intended to be appropriately combined and implemented within the scope of technical non-contradiction. Moreover, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is not represented by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, but by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1: Inspection device; 10: Housing; 20: Air supply unit; 22: Pressure pump; 24, 24a: Gas needle; 25a: Gas hose; 26: Filter; 28: Pressure gauge; 30: Sampling unit; 32, 32a: Suction needle; 33a: Suction hose; 40: Processing unit; 42: Oxidation unit; 50: Measurement unit; 60: Liquid delivery unit; 70: Control unit; 80: Sample tube; 82: Main body; 84: Cover; 90: Fixing unit; 92: Cylinder; 94: Retaining rack; 96: Stand; S: Sample water.

Claims

1. An inspection device comprising: a sampling unit configured to support a sample tube storing sample water and extract the sample water; a processing unit for processing the extracted sample water; a measuring unit for measuring the conductivity of the treated sample water; an inflow tube for introducing the sample water into the measuring part; a liquid delivery section disposed downstream of the measuring section, the liquid delivery section including a pump that generates a driving force for delivering the sample water in the sample tube to the measuring section; a gas supply unit disposed upstream of the sample tube, the gas supply unit comprising a pressure pump for conveying gas into the sample tube for pressurization; and a control unit that controls the actions of the liquid delivery unit and the gas supply unit, in, The control unit controls the operation of the liquid delivery unit and the gas supply unit to deliver the sample water to the measurement unit through the inlet pipe while the sample tube is pressurized by the gas, thereby increasing the solubility of the gas in the sample water. The sampling unit includes a suction needle, which is inserted into the sample tube to extract the sample water in the sample tube, and the gas supply unit includes a gas needle, which is inserted into the sample tube to introduce the gas into the sample tube. The length of the gas needle is longer than that of the suction needle, and the length of the gas needle is such that the gas ejection port of the gas needle is located above the liquid surface of the sample water when the sample tube is mounted on the inspection device.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit includes an oxidation unit for oxidizing the sample water. The control unit controls the operations of the liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit so that the pressure in the sample tube is maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A pressure gauge is further provided for measuring a pressure applied to at least a portion of the flow path from the air supply unit to the measurement unit.

4. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gas supply unit includes a filter that removes a substance that changes the conductivity of the sample water from the gas.

5. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a fixing portion for fixing the suction needle and the gas needle, The sampling unit further includes a suction hose connected to the suction needle. The gas supply unit further includes a gas hose connected to the gas needle.

6. A method for inspecting an apparatus, comprising the following steps: The sampling unit supports a sample tube storing sample water and extracts the sample water; The pressure pump of the gas supply unit delivers gas into the sample tube to pressurize it; extracting the sample water from the sample tube; treating the extracted sample water; generating, by a pump, a driving force for conveying the sample water in the sample tube to a measuring section for measuring the conductivity of the processed sample water; The sample water is delivered to the measuring unit in a state where the inside of the sample tube is pressurized by the gas, thereby increasing the solubility of the gas in the sample water; as well as measuring the conductivity of the sample water transported to the measuring unit, The sampling unit includes a suction needle, which is inserted into the sample tube to extract the sample water in the sample tube, and the gas supply unit includes a gas needle, which is inserted into the sample tube to introduce the gas into the sample tube. The length of the gas needle is longer than that of the suction needle, and the length of the gas needle is such that the gas ejection port of the gas needle is located above the liquid surface of the sample water when the sample tube is mounted on the inspection device.

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