Chemical analyzer

Abstract

The present invention provides a chemical analyzer provided with a hollow fiber degassing module that can maintain an originally good degassing performance even when used continuously for a long period of time, and that can suppress the reproduction of bacteria and the like. More specifically, the hollow fiber degassing module (20A) has a housing (210) and a hollow fiber membrane (220) disposed in an internal space (S1) of the housing. The housing (210) has: a liquid supply unit (216A) that connects the outside of the housing (210) and the internal space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220), and that supplies constant-temperature water (W1) from the outside of the housing (210) to the internal space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220); a liquid discharge unit (217A) that connects the internal space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220) and the outside of the housing (210) and discharges the degassed constant-temperature water (W2) from the internal space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220) to the outside of the housing (210); and a gas discharge unit (218A) that connects the internal space (S1) of the housing (210) and the outside of the housing (210) and depressurizes the internal space (S1) of the housing (210). The chemical analysis device (2A) is further provided with a heating unit (219A) provided to the gas discharge unit (218A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chemical analysis device. Background Art

[0002] The chemical analysis device includes a degassing module having a hollow fiber membrane, and the degassing module has a structure in which the outer side or the inner side of the hollow fiber membrane is made negative pressure, so that when the liquid passes through the inner side or the outer side of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the wall surface of the hollow fiber. The chemical analysis device is used as a device for measuring the components of body fluids such as blood and urine, and is widely used in examination rooms and examination centers of hospitals.

[0003] As a conventional chemical analysis device, for the purpose of miniaturizing the entire system and preventing the performance of the degassing section in the degassing water storage tank from being reduced, a device has been proposed in which the pure water taken from the outside is heated and kept warm to a temperature slightly higher than the use temperature in the degassing section formed around a preheating tank, thereby being able to degas the dissolved gas in the pure water (Patent Document 1). However, in this method, in order to fully cope with the high speed of the system, a storage tank for storing a large amount of degassing water is required, and it is impossible to cope with the miniaturization of the entire system.

[0004] In order to cope with the high speed of the system, it is proposed to use a hollow fiber degassing module having the following structure: the hollow fiber degassing module is formed by a hollow fiber membrane of silicone resin, and by making the outside of the hollow fiber membrane a negative pressure, when the liquid passes through the inside of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the wall of the hollow fiber (Patent Document 2).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-165761

[0008] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2020 / 261659 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In recent years, as the medical environment changes, chemical analysis equipment has been strongly required to provide high-quality data, rapid inspection, and efficient inspection. However, there is a problem that bubbles in RO (Reverse Osmosis) water used for analysis reduce measurement accuracy.

[0011] In order to solve this problem, a method of removing dissolved gas from RO water is effective. In addition, as a method capable of efficiently removing dissolved gas, there is a method of installing a hollow fiber degassing module inside a chemical analysis device and continuously performing degassing. Performance conditions of a hollow fiber degassing module for installation inside a device include (1) having a predetermined degassing performance, (2) being small in size that can be mounted on the device, (3) having low pressure loss, and (4) having a long life.

[0012] However, the hollow fiber degassing module is installed in the analysis device and used continuously for a long time, so the volatilized water accumulates in the vacuum part and the vacuum path in the module, which sometimes reduces the degassing performance. In addition, since the vacuum path is opened periodically, bacteria grow and the performance is reduced.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a chemical analysis device including a hollow fiber degassing module which is compact and has low pressure loss, can maintain its inherent good degassing performance even when used continuously for a long period of time, and can inhibit the growth of bacteria and the like.

[0014] Solutions for solving problems

[0015] The first technical solution of the present invention provides a chemical analysis device, which performs chemical analysis or biochemical analysis on a test object, wherein the chemical analysis device comprises: a constant temperature bath, which is used to maintain the temperature of a container containing the test object; and a degassing section, which has a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath, the hollow fiber degassing module having a shell and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in the internal space of the shell, the shell having: a first liquid supply section, which connects the outside of the shell and the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane The chemical analysis device further comprises a first liquid discharge portion, which connects the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and the outside of the shell, and is used to supply the constant temperature water from the outside of the shell to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane; a first liquid discharge portion, which connects the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and the outside of the shell, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the shell; and at least one first gas discharge portion, which connects the internal space of the shell and the outside of the shell, and is used to depressurize the internal space of the shell, and the chemical analysis device also has at least one heating portion provided in the at least one first gas discharge portion.

[0016] Alternatively, the shell may comprise: a cylinder configured to be approximately vertical in the axial direction; a first cover portion mounted on the lower end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction; and a second cover portion mounted on the upper end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, the first liquid supply portion being disposed on the first cover portion, and the first liquid discharge portion being disposed on the second cover portion, and the at least one first gas discharge portion being disposed on the outer periphery of the cylinder.

[0017] The at least one heating portion may be arranged to abut against the cylindrical body and the at least one first gas discharge portion, and at least a portion of the cylindrical body and the at least one first gas discharge portion may be heated by the at least one heating portion.

[0018] Furthermore, the cylindrical body may have a cylindrical shape arranged so that the axial direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the at least one first gas discharge portion may be provided on a peripheral wall of the cylindrical body.

[0019] Furthermore, the cylindrical body may include a first threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the first cover portion, and a second threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the second cover portion.

[0020] Alternatively, the hollow fiber degassing module may include a first sealing portion for sealing the lower end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, and a second sealing portion for sealing the upper end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, one end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the first sealing portion, and the other end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the second sealing portion.

[0021] A second technical solution of the present invention provides a chemical analysis device, which performs chemical analysis or biochemical analysis on a test object, wherein the chemical analysis device comprises: a constant temperature bath, which is used to maintain the temperature of a container containing the test object; and a degassing section, which has a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath, the hollow fiber degassing module having a shell and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in the internal space of the shell, the shell having: a second liquid supply section, which connects the outside of the shell and the internal space of the shell, and is used to supply the constant temperature water from the outside of the shell to the internal space of the shell; a second liquid discharge section, which connects the internal space of the shell and the outside of the shell, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the shell to the outside of the shell; and at least one second gas discharge section, which connects the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and the outside of the shell, and is used to depressurize the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, and the chemical analysis device also has at least one heating section provided in the at least one second gas discharge section.

[0022] The shell comprises: a cylinder, which is arranged in a manner that is approximately horizontal in the axial direction; a third cover, which is installed on one end of the cylinder in the axial direction; and a fourth cover, which is installed on the other end of the cylinder in the axial direction, the second liquid supply part is arranged on the cylinder, and the second liquid discharge part is arranged on the fourth cover, and the at least one second gas discharge part is arranged on the third cover.

[0023] The at least one heating portion may be arranged to abut against the third cover portion and the at least one second gas discharge portion, and at least a portion of the third cover portion and the at least one second gas discharge portion may be heated by the at least one heating portion.

[0024] The at least one second gas discharge portion may be provided at a lower end portion in a vertical direction of the third cover portion.

[0025] The cylindrical body may include a third threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the third cover portion, and a fourth threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the fourth cover portion.

[0026] Alternatively, the hollow fiber degassing module may include a third sealing portion for sealing one end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, and a fourth sealing portion for sealing the other end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, one end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the length direction is fixed to the third sealing portion, and the other end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the length direction is fixed to the fourth sealing portion.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a chemical analysis apparatus including a small hollow fiber degassing module having low pressure loss, which can maintain its inherent good degassing performance even when used continuously for a long period of time and can suppress the growth of bacteria and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis system including a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a rough representation of Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of a chemical analysis device.

[0031] Figure 3 (A) means that the Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the first sealing portion at the lower end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, Figure 3 (B) means that it is located at Figure 2A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the second sealing portion at the upper end portion in the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0032] Figure 4 It means that it is located at Figure 1 Diagram of the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of the degassing device.

[0033] Figure 5 (A) means that the Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the third sealing portion at the lower end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, Figure 5 (B) means that it is located at Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the fourth sealing portion at the upper end portion in the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0034] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module.

[0035] Figure 7 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of the chemical analysis device in FIG.

[0036] Figure 8 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of a chemical analysis system.

[0037] Fig. 9 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of the (bio)chemical analysis unit in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis system including a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the chemical analysis system includes a pure water supply device 1A and a chemical analysis device 2A. A degassing device (degassing section) 3 for degassing constant temperature water supplied from the pure water supply device 1A and a reaction tank 5 in a (bio)chemical analysis section 4A are arranged in the chemical analysis device 2A. The pure water supply device 1A and the degassing device 3 are connected by a flow path 3a, and the degassing device 3 and the reaction tank 5 are connected by a flow path 3b.

[0041] In addition, the degassing device 3 and the vacuum pump 6 are connected via a flow path 3c. The flow path 3c is composed of, for example, an air inlet pipe. The pure water supplied from the pure water supply device 1A to the degassing device 3 is degassed of dissolved oxygen and bubbles by the operation of the vacuum pump. In the present embodiment, the pure water degassed by the degassing device 3 is supplied to the reaction tank (constant temperature tank) 5 via the flow path 3b. As described later, the degassing device 3 and the reaction tank 5 may also form a circulation path, and the pure water degassed by the degassing device 3 is supplied to the circulation path.

[0042] The degassing device 3 includes a hollow fiber degassing module 20A. The hollow fiber degassing module 20A includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 (see FIG. 2 ) in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled in a curtain shape with warp threads. Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 (B)). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 may be referred to as a "hollow fiber membrane 220". The details of the hollow fiber membrane will be described later.

[0043] The chemical analysis device 2A performs chemical analysis or biochemical analysis of the test object (hereinafter, "chemical analysis or biochemical analysis" is also referred to as "(bio)chemical analysis"). The chemical analysis device 2A is configured to depressurize the outside or inside of the hollow fiber membrane so that when the liquid passes through the inside or outside of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the liquid through the wall surface of the hollow fiber.

[0044] Figure 2 It is a rough representation of Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A of a chemical analysis device 2A. In the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A, constant temperature water W1 is supplied to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is depressurized, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1 to generate degassed constant temperature water W2.

[0045] The hollow fiber degassing module 20A includes a shell 210 and a hollow fiber membrane 220 disposed in an internal space S1 of the shell 210. The shell 210 includes a cylinder 211 disposed so that the axial direction L becomes substantially horizontal, a first cover 212A mounted on an axial lower end 211a of the cylinder 211, and a second cover 213A mounted on an axial upper end 211b of the cylinder 211.

[0046] The cylinder 211 has an internal space S1, and the hollow fiber membrane 220 is accommodated in the internal space S1. The cylinder 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction L, and both ends of the cylinder 211 are open. In the present embodiment, the cylinder 211 has a first threaded coupling portion 214 that threadably couples the cylinder 211 with the first cover 212A, and a second threaded coupling portion 215 that threadably couples the cylinder 211 with the second cover 213A. The first cover 212A and the second cover 213A are fixed to the cylinder 211 by the first threaded coupling portion 214 and the second threaded coupling portion 215, respectively.

[0047] The installation of the first cover 212A and the second cover 213A to the cylinder 211 is not limited to threaded connection, and can be carried out by fitting, bonding, welding, etc. Either or both of the first cover 212A and the second cover 213A can also be installed on the cylinder 211 in a detachable manner. In addition, a sealing portion not shown in the figure such as an O-ring can also be provided at the mounting portion of the first cover 212A and the second cover 213A relative to the cylinder 211. In the case where the sealing portion is composed of an O-ring, it is preferred that the O-ring is arranged at an annular groove portion formed at the lower end 211a in the axial direction of the cylinder 211 or the upper end 211b in the axial direction. Through the sealing portion, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage that may occur between the cylinder 211 and the first cover 212A or the second cover 213A. Since the above-mentioned sealing portion will not always contact the liquid, the material of the above-mentioned sealing portion is not particularly limited within the scope of being able to obtain the above-mentioned effect. From the viewpoint of stain resistance, the material of the sealing portion is preferably a polyolefin resin such as a polypropylene resin, the fluororesin, a polycarbonate resin, or an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate.

[0048] The first cover portion 212A has a first wall portion 212Aa having a substantially disc shape and disposed perpendicularly to the axial direction L, and a second wall portion 212Ab having a substantially annular shape extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 212Aa and parallel to the axial direction L. The first cover portion 212A is fixed to the cylinder 211 by engaging the inner circumferential surface of the first cover portion 212A with the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 211.

[0049] The shell 210 has a liquid supply part (first liquid supply part) 216A, which connects the outside of the shell 210 and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the shell 210 to the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The liquid supply part 216A has a liquid supply port 216Aa, which is formed, for example, on the first wall portion 212Aa of the first cover portion 212A, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 into the first cover portion 212A. The liquid supply port is not particularly limited, and is, for example, an opening formed on the central axis of the cylinder 211 and is circular in side view. The liquid supply part 216A is connected to the flow path 3a connected to the degassing device 3. The connection between the liquid supply part 216A and the flow path 3a is not particularly limited, and can be performed by threaded connection or interlocking.

[0050] The second cover 213A has a first wall portion 213Aa having a substantially disc shape and disposed perpendicularly to the axial direction L, and a second wall portion 213Ab having a substantially annular shape extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 213Aa and parallel to the axial direction L. The second cover 213A is fixed to the cylinder 211 by engaging the inner circumferential surface of the second cover 213A with the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 211.

[0051] The shell 210 has a liquid discharge portion (first liquid discharge portion) 217A, which connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the outside of the shell 210, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside of the shell 210. The liquid discharge portion 217A has a liquid discharge port 217Aa, which is formed, for example, on the first wall portion 213Aa of the second cover portion 213A, and is used to supply the constant temperature water W2 to the outside. The liquid discharge port 217Aa is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a circular opening formed on the central axis of the cylinder 211 in side view. The liquid discharge portion 217A is connected to the flow path 3b connected to the reaction tank 5. The connection between the liquid discharge portion 217A and the flow path 3b is not particularly limited, and can be performed by threaded connection or interlocking.

[0052] In addition, the housing 210 has a gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion) 218A, which connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the outside of the housing 210, and is used to decompress the internal space S1 of the housing 210. The gas discharge portion 218A has a gas discharge port 218Aa, which is formed in the cylinder 211, for example, and is used to discharge the gas G in the internal space S1. The gas discharge portion 218A is provided at the outer periphery of the housing 210. In the case where the cylinder 211 has a cylindrical shape arranged in a manner that the axial direction L is parallel to the vertical direction, it is preferred that the gas discharge portion 218A is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylinder 211. As a result, the moisture generated in the cylinder 211 is discharged from the outer periphery of the cylinder 211 to the outside via the gas discharge portion 218A. The gas discharge portion 218A is connected to the flow path 3c connected to the vacuum pump 6. The connection between the gas discharge portion 218A and the flow path 3c is not particularly limited, and may be performed by screwing or fitting.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the housing 210 has two gas discharge parts 218A, 218A. The two gas discharge parts 218A, 218A are arranged side by side along the axial direction L. Thus, the internal space S1 of the housing 210 can be decompressed efficiently and evenly as a whole. Depending on the size of the housing 210, the size of the gas discharge port 218Aa, the capacity of the vacuum pump, etc., the housing 210 may have a plurality of gas discharge parts 218A, 218A, ..., or may have one gas discharge part 218A.

[0054] In addition, the chemical analysis device 2A also has a heating unit 219A provided in the gas discharge unit 218A. In the present embodiment, two heating units 219A and 219A are arranged in the two gas discharge units 218A and 218A. The heating unit 219A has, for example, a heating unit such as a heating wire and a heat insulating unit covering the heating unit. The heating unit and the heat insulating unit are, for example, configured to be wound around the outer periphery of the gas discharge unit 218A, and power can be supplied to the heating unit from the outside. The heating unit is heated by the power supplied from the outside, and the gas discharge unit 218A and its interior are heated by the heat. As a result, the saturated vapor pressure of the gas G near the gas discharge unit 218A increases, and it is difficult for moisture to adhere to the gas discharge unit 218A. In the present embodiment, two heating units 219A and 219A are provided, but in the case where the housing 210 has one gas discharge unit 218A, one heating unit 219A may also be provided.

[0055] Alternatively, the heating portion 219A may be configured to abut against the cylinder 211 and the gas discharge portion 218A, and at least a portion of the cylinder 211 and the gas discharge portion 218A may be heated by the heating portion 219A. Thus, not only the gas discharge portion 218A but also at least a portion of the cylinder 211 may be heated, so that it is difficult for moisture to adhere to the gas discharge portion 218A, and it is also difficult for moisture to adhere to the inner surface of the cylinder 211.

[0056] There is no particular limitation on the material of the barrel 211, the first cover 212A, and the second cover 213A constituting the housing 210. From the viewpoints of ease of manufacture, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene resins, polycarbonate resins, and aromatic polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate are preferred. In this case, the barrel 211, the first cover 212A, and the second cover 213A can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0057] The hollow fiber membrane 220 is a hollow fiber-shaped membrane that is gas-permeable but liquid-impermeable. The material, membrane shape, and membrane morphology of the hollow fiber membrane 220 are not particularly limited. As the material of the hollow fiber membrane 220, from the viewpoint of easy manufacturability, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, for example, polypropylene, poly (4-methylpentene-1) and other polyolefin resins, silicone resins, PTFE, amorphous fluoropolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers (hereinafter also referred to as PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers (hereinafter also referred to as FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers (hereinafter also referred to as ETFE), polytrifluorochloroethylene (hereinafter also referred to as PCTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter also referred to as PVDF) and other fluororesins can be cited. In addition, in more detail, the amorphous fluoropolymer (hereinafter also referred to as "Teflon (registered trademark) AF") can be an amorphous fluororesin containing a copolymer with tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole as a comonomer. Among them, preferably polyolefin resin, fluororesin or silicone resin. As the membrane shape (shape of the side wall) of the hollow fiber membrane 220, for example, porous membrane, microporous membrane, homogeneous membrane (non-porous membrane) without porosity can be cited. As the membrane morphology of the hollow fiber membrane 220, for example, a symmetric membrane (homogeneous membrane) in which the chemical or physical structure of the entire membrane is homogeneous, and an asymmetric membrane (heterogeneous membrane) in which the chemical or physical structure of the membrane is different due to the part of the membrane can be cited. Asymmetric membrane (heterogeneous membrane) is a membrane with a non-porous dense layer and a porous membrane. In this case, the dense layer can be formed somewhere in the membrane such as the surface layer part of the membrane or the inside of the porous membrane. Heterogeneous membrane also includes a multilayer structure membrane such as a composite membrane with different chemical structures and a 3-layer structure.

[0058] In particular, the heterogeneous membrane using poly (4-methylpentene-1) resin has a dense layer that blocks the liquid, and is therefore particularly preferably used for degassing liquids other than water, such as constant temperature water. In addition, when used for external perfusion type hollow fibers, it is preferred that the dense layer is formed on the outer surface of the hollow fiber.

[0059] The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 can be formed into a sheet-like object in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled into a curtain shape with warp threads, for example. In this case, for example, the sheet-like object is wound to form the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22, and both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 are fixed by a sealing material described later, thereby manufacturing the hollow fiber degassing module 20A. As the material of the warp thread, from the viewpoint of easy manufacturing, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene resin, the above-mentioned fluororesin, polycarbonate resin, and aromatic polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate can be cited as preferred materials.

[0060] Figure 3 (A) means that the Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the first sealing portion 231A at the lower end portion 211a of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction, Figure 3 (B) means that it is located at Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the second sealing portion 232A at the upper end portion 211b in the axial direction of the cylinder 211.

[0061] like Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 As shown in (B), the hollow fiber degassing module 20A has a lower end portion 211a (see Figure 2 ) and the first sealing portion 231A that seals the axial end portion 211b of the cylinder 211 (see Figure 2 ) is sealed with a second sealing portion 232A. Furthermore, one end 220a of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the first sealing portion 231A, and the other end 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the second sealing portion 232A. That is, one end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the first sealing portion 231A, and the other end 22b in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the second sealing portion 232A.

[0062] The first sealing portion 231A is filled in the entire area except the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylinder 211. In other words, the first sealing portion 231A is not filled in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, but is filled between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylinder 211.

[0063] Similar to the first sealing portion 231A, the second sealing portion 232A fills the entire area except the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylinder 211. In other words, the second sealing portion 232A is not filled in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, but is filled between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylinder 211.

[0064] The first sealing portion 231A and the second sealing portion 232A are not particularly limited, and are preferably formed of, for example, a cured product of a curable resin composition containing an epoxy resin or a (meth)acrylic resin, or a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, chemical resistance, and stain resistance.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the first sealing portion 231A seals the lower end portion 211a in the axial direction of the cylinder 211 in a state where the internal space S3 of the first cover portion 212A is communicated with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. In addition, the second sealing portion 232A seals the upper end portion 211b in the axial direction of the cylinder 211 in a state where the internal space S4 of the second cover portion 213A is communicated with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. That is, the internal space S3 of the first cover portion 212A and the internal space S1 of the housing 210 are separated by the first sealing portion 231A, the internal space S4 of the second cover portion 213A and the internal space S1 of the housing 210 are separated by the second sealing portion 232A, and the internal space S3 of the first cover portion 212A, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and the internal space S4 of the second cover portion 213A are sequentially connected.

[0066] Therefore, the constant temperature water W1 supplied from the liquid supply part 216A to the internal space S3 of the first cover part 212A is supplied only to the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and is prevented from flowing into the internal space S1 of the housing 210. In addition, the internal space S1 of the housing 210 is decompressed and preferably becomes a vacuum by exhausting gas from the gas exhaust port 218Aa using the vacuum pump 6. In this way, when the constant temperature water W1 passes through the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the dissolved gas and bubbles in the constant temperature water W1 are introduced to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 220, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1.

[0067] Then, the degassed constant temperature water W2 flows only from the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 into the internal space S4 of the second cover portion 213A, and is supplied from the liquid discharge portion 217A into the reaction tank 5 of the (bio)chemical analysis portion 4A.

[0068] Thus, in the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, the liquid contact part in contact with the constant temperature water W1 and W2 is mainly composed of the first cover 212A, the first sealing part 231A, the hollow fiber membrane 220, the second sealing part 232A, and the second cover 213A. By using the above-mentioned preferred materials for each part constituting the liquid contact part, even if it is used for degassing of constant temperature water for a long time, it is excellent in chemical resistance and can suppress the mixing of foreign matter.

[0069] As a method for manufacturing the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, for example, a predetermined number of hollow fibers are bundled to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. At this time, an external support body 234 may also be used to cover the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. In addition, a gas discharge port 218Aa is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body, and a threaded joint and / or an O-ring groove are provided at both ends of the cylindrical body in the axial direction as required to form a cylindrical body 211. Then, in a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 is accommodated in the cylindrical body 211, one end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction and one end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction are fixed by a sealing material to form a first sealing portion 231A, and the other end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction and the other end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction are fixed by a sealing material to form a second sealing portion 232A. After that, the end faces of the first sealing portion 231A and the second sealing portion 232A are cut. Finally, the first cover 212A is installed at one end 211a of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction, and the second cover 213A is installed at the other end 211b of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction to form the shell 210. Thus, the hollow fiber degassing module 20A having the shell 210 and the hollow fiber membrane 220 is manufactured.

[0070] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, the housing 210 has a gas discharge portion 218A, which connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the outside of the housing 210, and is used to reduce the pressure of the internal space S1 of the housing 210. Since the chemical analysis device 2A also has a heating portion 219A provided in the gas discharge portion 218A, the temperature near the gas discharge portion 218A becomes high, and the gas G containing water is easily discharged from the gas discharge portion 218A to the outside without being liquefied. Therefore, water is difficult to accumulate in the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the gas discharge portion 218A, and the originally good degassing performance can be maintained even if it is used continuously for a long time. In addition, the humidity of the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the gas discharge portion 218A can be suppressed to a low level, so it is difficult to produce bacteria and the like even when it is opened after operation, and the reproduction of bacteria and the like in the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the gas discharge portion 218A can be suppressed.

[0071] In addition, a degassing method is proposed for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath in the chemical analysis device of the present embodiment. In the degassing method, constant temperature water is supplied to the inner side of the hollow fiber membrane in the above-mentioned hollow fiber degassing module and the outer side of the hollow fiber membrane is depressurized, thereby enabling the constant temperature water to be degassed.

[0072] Figure 4 It means that it is located at Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram of an external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of a degassing device 3. The chemical analysis device 2A may also include an external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20B instead of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module. In the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, constant temperature water W1 is supplied to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is depressurized, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1 to generate degassed constant temperature water W2.

[0073] The hollow fiber degassing module 20B includes a shell 210 and a hollow fiber membrane 220 disposed in an internal space S1 of the shell 210. The shell 210 includes a cylinder 211 disposed so that the axial direction L becomes substantially horizontal, a third cover 212B mounted on one axial end 211c of the cylinder 211, and a fourth cover 213B mounted on the other axial end 211d of the cylinder 211.

[0074] The cylinder 211 has an internal space S1, and the hollow fiber membrane 220 is accommodated in the internal space S1. The cylinder 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction L, and both ends of the cylinder 211 are open. In the present embodiment, the cylinder 211 has a first threaded coupling portion 214 that threadably couples the cylinder 211 with the third cover 212B, and a second threaded coupling portion 215 that threadably couples the cylinder 211 with the fourth cover 213B. The third cover 212B and the fourth cover 213B are fixed to the cylinder 211 by the first threaded coupling portion 214 and the second threaded coupling portion 215, respectively.

[0075] The installation of the 3rd cover 212B and the 4th cover 213B to the cylinder 211 is not limited to threaded connection, and can be carried out by fitting, bonding, welding, etc. Any one or both of the 3rd cover 212B and the 4th cover 213B can also be installed on the cylinder 211 in a detachable manner. In addition, a sealing portion not shown in the figure such as an O-ring can also be provided at the installation portion of the 3rd cover 212B and the 4th cover 213B relative to the cylinder 211. In the case where the sealing portion is composed of an O-ring, it is preferred that the O-ring is arranged at an annular groove portion formed at one end 211c in the axial direction of the cylinder 211 or the other end 211d in the axial direction. Through the sealing portion, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage that may occur between the cylinder 211 and the 3rd cover 212B or the 4th cover 213B. Since the above-mentioned sealing portion will not always contact the liquid, the material of the above-mentioned sealing portion is not particularly limited within the scope of being able to obtain the above-mentioned effect. From the viewpoint of stain resistance, the material of the sealing portion is preferably a polyolefin resin such as a polypropylene resin, the fluororesin, a polycarbonate resin, or an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate.

[0076] The third cover 212B has a first wall portion 212Ba having a substantially disc shape and disposed perpendicularly to the axial direction L, and a second wall portion 212Bb having a substantially annular shape extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 212Ba and parallel to the axial direction L. The third cover 212B is fixed to the cylinder 211 by engaging the inner peripheral surface of the third cover 212B with the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 211 .

[0077] The fourth cover 213B has a first wall portion 213Ba having a substantially disc shape and disposed perpendicularly to the axial direction L, and a second wall portion 213Bb having a substantially annular shape extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 213Ba and parallel to the axial direction L. The fourth cover 213B is fixed to the cylinder 211 by engaging the inner circumferential surface of the fourth cover 213B with the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 211.

[0078] The housing 210 has a liquid supply portion (second liquid supply portion) 216B, which connects the outside of the housing 210 and the internal space S1 of the housing 210, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the housing 210 to the internal space S1 of the housing 210. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply portion 216B is provided on the cylinder 211. The liquid supply portion 216B has a liquid supply port 216Ba, which is formed on the cylinder 211, for example, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 into the cylinder 211. The liquid supply port is not particularly limited, and is an opening formed at the lower end of the cylinder 211 in the vertical direction and is circular in side view. The liquid supply port 216Ba is connected to the flow path 3a connected to the degassing device 3. The connection between the liquid supply port 216Ba and the flow path 3a is not particularly limited, and can be carried out by threaded connection or interlocking.

[0079] In addition, the housing 210 has a liquid discharge portion (second liquid discharge portion) 217B, which connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the outside of the housing 210, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S1 of the housing 210 to the outside of the housing 210. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 217B is provided on the fourth cover 213B. The liquid discharge portion 217B has a liquid discharge port 217Ba, which is formed, for example, on the first wall portion 213Ba of the fourth cover 213B, and is used to supply the constant temperature water W2 to the outside. The liquid discharge port 217Ba is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a circular opening formed on the central axis of the cylinder 211 in side view. The flow path 3b connected to the reaction tank 5 is connected to the liquid discharge port 217Ba. The connection between the liquid discharge port 217Ba and the flow path 3b is not particularly limited, and can be carried out by threaded connection or interlocking.

[0080] In addition, the shell 210 has a gas discharge portion (second gas discharge portion) 218B, which connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the outside of the shell 210, and is used to decompress the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The gas discharge portion 218B has a gas discharge port 218Ba, which is formed, for example, on the first wall portion 212Ba of the third cover portion 212B, and is used to discharge the gas G in the internal space S2. The gas discharge port 218Ba is not particularly limited, and is, for example, an opening formed on the central axis of the cylinder 211 and is circular in side view. As a result, the moisture generated in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and / or the internal space S3 of the third cover portion 212B is discharged to the outside from one end of the axial direction of the hollow fiber membrane 220 via the gas discharge portion 218B. The gas discharge portion 218B is connected to a flow path 3c connected to the vacuum pump 6. The connection between the gas discharge portion 218B and the flow path 3c is not particularly limited, and may be performed by screwing or fitting.

[0081] In addition, the chemical analysis device 2A also has a heating unit 219B provided in the gas discharge unit 218B. The heating unit 219B has, for example, a heating unit such as a heating wire and a heat insulating unit covering the heating unit. The heating unit and the heat insulating unit are, for example, configured to be wound around the outer periphery of the gas discharge unit 218B, and power can be supplied to the heating unit from the outside. The heating unit is heated by the power supplied from the outside, and the gas discharge unit 218B and the interior thereof are heated by the heat. As a result, the saturated vapor pressure of the gas G near the gas discharge unit 218B increases, and moisture is difficult to adhere to the gas discharge unit 218B. In the present embodiment, one heating unit 219A, 219A is provided, but in the case where the housing 210 has two gas discharge units 218B, 218B, two heating units 219B, 219B may also be provided.

[0082] Alternatively, the heating portion 219B may be arranged to abut against the cylinder 211 and the gas discharge portion 218B, and at least a portion of the cylinder 211 and the gas discharge portion 218B may be heated by the heating portion 219B. Thus, not only the gas discharge portion 218A is heated, but also at least a portion of the cylinder 211 is heated, so that it is difficult for moisture to adhere to the gas discharge portion 218A, and it is also difficult for moisture to adhere to the inner surface of the cylinder 211.

[0083] In addition, the housing 210 has: a central tube 233, which is arranged inside the cylinder 211 in a manner parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder 211; and an external support body 234, which is substantially coaxial with the central tube 233 and is arranged between the cylinder 211 and the central tube 233. The central tube 233, the external support body 234, and the cylinder 211 are arranged in order from the center to the outside in the radial direction of the housing 210. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 is arranged between the central tube 233 and the external support body 234.

[0084] The materials of the cylindrical body 211 , the third cover 212B and the fourth cover 213B constituting the casing 210 and the hollow fiber membrane 220 can be the same as those in the case of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0085] The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 can be formed into a sheet-like object in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled into a curtain shape with a warp, for example. In this case, for example, the sheet-like object is bundled into a cylindrical shape to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle, and both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle bundled into a cylindrical shape are fixed with a sealing material, thereby manufacturing the hollow fiber degassing module 20B. As the material of the warp, the same material as that in the case of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A can be used.

[0086] Figure 5 (A) means that the Figure 4A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the third sealing portion 231B at one end portion 211c of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction, Figure 5 (B) means that it is located at Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the fourth sealing portion 232B at the other axial end portion 211d of the cylinder 211 in FIG.

[0087] like Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 As shown in (B), the hollow fiber degassing module 20B has an axial end portion 211c of the cylinder 211 (see Figure 4 ) and the other axial end portion 211d of the cylinder 211 (see Figure 2 ) is sealed with a fourth sealing portion 232B. Furthermore, one end 220a of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the third sealing portion 231B, and the other end 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the fourth sealing portion 232B. That is, one end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the third sealing portion 231B, and the other end 22b in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the fourth sealing portion 232B.

[0088] The third sealing portion 231B is filled in the entire area except the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylinder 211. In other words, the third sealing portion 231B is not filled in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, but is filled between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylinder 211.

[0089] Similar to the third sealing portion 231B, the fourth sealing portion 232B is filled in the entire area except the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylinder 211. That is, the fourth sealing portion 232B is not filled in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, but is filled between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylinder 211. In addition, a connecting port 232Ba is formed in the fourth sealing portion 232B, which connects the internal space S1 of the shell 210 and the internal space S4 of the fourth cover 213B. In addition, the fourth sealing portion 232B closes the other end 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is not connected to the internal space S4 of the fourth cover 213B.

[0090] As the material of the third sealing portion 231B and the fourth sealing portion 232B, the same material as that in the case of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A can be used.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the third sealing portion 231B seals one end portion 211c of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction while the internal space S3 of the third cover 212B and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 are in communication. In addition, the fourth sealing portion 232B seals the other end portion 211d of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction while the internal space S4 of the fourth cover 213B and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 are closed. That is, the internal space S3 of the third cover 212B and the internal space S1 of the housing 210 are separated by the third sealing portion 231B, and the internal space S4 of the fourth cover 213B and the internal space S1 of the housing 210 are in communication, and the internal space S3 of the third cover 212B and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 are in communication.

[0092] Therefore, the constant temperature water W1 supplied from the liquid supply part 216B to the internal space S1 of the housing 210 is supplied only to the internal space S4 of the fourth cover part 213B, and is prevented from flowing into the internal space S3 of the third cover part 212B. In addition, by exhausting the gas from the gas exhaust port 218Ba using the vacuum pump 6, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is decompressed and preferably becomes a vacuum. In this way, when the constant temperature water W1 passes through the internal space S1 of the housing 210, the dissolved gas and bubbles in the constant temperature water W1 are introduced into the inner side of the hollow fiber membrane 220, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1.

[0093] Then, the degassed constant temperature water W2 flows only from the internal space S1 of the housing 210 into the internal space S4 of the fourth cover portion 213B, and is supplied from the liquid discharge portion 217B into the reaction tank 5 of the (bio)chemical analysis portion 4A.

[0094] Thus, in the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, the liquid contact part in contact with the constant temperature water W1 and W2 is mainly composed of the third sealing part 231B, the hollow fiber membrane 220, the fourth sealing part 232B and the fourth cover part 213B. By using the above-mentioned preferred materials for each part constituting the liquid contact part, even if it is used for degassing of constant temperature water for a long time, it is excellent in chemical resistance and can suppress the mixing of foreign matter.

[0095] As a method for manufacturing the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, for example, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled into a curtain shape with a warp to form a sheet, and the sheet is wound around a cylindrical center tube 233 and bundled into a cylindrical shape to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. At this time, an external support body 234 may also be used to cover the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. In addition, a liquid supply port 216Ba is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body, and a threaded joint and / or an O-ring groove are provided at both ends of the cylindrical body in the axial direction as required to form a cylindrical body 211. Then, in a state where the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the center tube 233 are housed in the cylindrical body 211, one end of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction and one end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction are fixed by a sealing material to form a third sealing portion 231B. In addition, the other end of the cylinder 211 in the axial direction and the other end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in the longitudinal direction are fixed by a sealing material to form a fourth sealing portion 232B. After that, only the end surface of the third sealing portion 231B is cut, or the end surfaces of the third sealing portion 231B and the fourth sealing portion 232B are cut. After that, the third cover 212B is installed on the above-mentioned axial end of the cylinder 211 provided with the third sealing portion 231B, and the fourth cover 213B is installed on the above-mentioned axial end of the cylinder 211 provided with the fourth sealing portion 232B, to form the shell 210, thereby manufacturing a hollow fiber degassing module 20B having the shell 210 and the hollow fiber membrane 220.

[0096] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hollow fiber degassing module 20B includes the gas discharge portion 218B, which connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the outside of the housing 210, and is used to decompress the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. Since the chemical analysis device 2A further includes the heating portion 219B provided in the gas discharge portion 218B, the temperature near the gas discharge portion 218B becomes high, and the gas G containing water is discharged from the gas discharge portion 218B to the outside without being liquefied. Therefore, water is difficult to accumulate in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the internal space S3 of the third cover portion 212B, and the gas discharge portion 218B, and the originally good degassing performance can be maintained even if it is used continuously for a long time. In addition, the humidity in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the internal space S3 of the third cover part 212B, and the gas exhaust part 218B can be suppressed to a low level, so it is difficult to produce bacteria even when they are opened after operation, and the reproduction of bacteria in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the internal space S3 of the third cover part 212B, and the gas exhaust part 218B can be suppressed.

[0097] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a modified example of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, the hollow fiber degassing module 20C includes a housing 210C and a hollow fiber membrane 220C disposed in an internal space S5 of the housing 210C. The housing 210C includes a cylinder 211C disposed so that the longitudinal direction L becomes substantially horizontal, and a cover 212C attached to one longitudinal end 211Ca of the cylinder 211C.

[0099] The shell 210C has a liquid supply part (first liquid supply part) 216C, which connects the outside of the shell 210C and the internal space S5 of the hollow fiber membrane 220C, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the shell 210C to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 220C. The liquid supply part 216C has a first connector part 216Ca, which is formed on the cover part 212C, for example, and is used to supply constant temperature water W1 to the first cover part 212A. One end 220Ca of the hollow fiber membrane 220C in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the first connector part 216Ca. The shell 210C may also have an external support body 234C covering the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22C composed of the hollow fiber membrane 220C.

[0100] The housing 210C has a liquid discharge portion (first liquid discharge portion) 217C, which connects the internal space S6 of the hollow fiber membrane 220C and the outside of the housing 210C, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S5 of the hollow fiber membrane 220C to the outside of the housing 210C. The liquid discharge portion 217C has a second connector portion 217Ca, which is formed on the cover portion 212C, for example, and is used to supply the constant temperature water W1 to the first cover portion 212A. The other end portion 220Cb in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane 220C is fixed to the second connector portion 217Ca.

[0101] In addition, the housing 210C has a gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion) 218C, which connects the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the outside of the housing 210C, and is used to decompress the internal space S5 of the housing 210C. The gas discharge portion 218C has a gas discharge port 218Ca, which is formed in the cylinder 211C, for example, and is used to discharge the gas G in the internal space S5. The gas discharge portion 218C is provided at the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the housing 210C. In the case where the cylinder 211C has a cylindrical shape arranged in a manner that the longitudinal direction L is parallel to the horizontal direction, the gas discharge portion 218C is preferably provided at the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the peripheral wall of the cylinder 211.

[0102] In addition, the chemical analysis device 2A further includes a heating unit 219C provided in the gas discharge unit 218C. Alternatively, the heating unit 219C may be arranged to abut against the cylinder 211C and the gas discharge unit 218C, and at least a portion of the cylinder 211C and the gas discharge unit 218C may be heated by the heating unit 219C. The structure of the heating unit 219C may be the same as that of the above-mentioned heating unit 219B.

[0103] This structure makes it difficult for water to accumulate in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge part 218C, and the originally good degassing performance can be maintained even after long-term continuous use. In addition, since the humidity of the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge part 218C can be suppressed to a low level, it is difficult for bacteria to be generated even when the housing is opened after operation, and the reproduction of bacteria in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge part 218C can be suppressed.

[0104] In addition, a degassing method is proposed for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath in the chemical analysis device of the present embodiment. In the degassing method, constant temperature water is supplied to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber degassing module and the inside of the hollow fiber membrane is depressurized, thereby enabling the constant temperature water to be degassed.

[0105] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of the chemical analysis device 2A.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the chemical analysis device 2B includes a reaction disk 401, a reaction container 402, a reaction tank 403, and a circulation pump 306. The reaction container 402 mounted on the circumference of the circular reaction disk 401 is immersed in the liquid held by the similarly circular reaction tank 403. The liquid in the reaction tank 403 is always circulated by the circulation pump 306 disposed between the discharge piping 404 and the supply piping 405, and the temperature is controlled by the on / off control of the heater 307. The path between the discharge piping 404 and the supply piping 405 including the circulation pump 306 and the heater 307 constitutes a warm water circulation path. Thus, the reaction liquid held inside the reaction container 402 is maintained at a temperature most suitable for the reaction (e.g., 37°C).

[0107] The above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path may also be provided with a cooling unit 308 for cooling the constant temperature water when the temperature of the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 403 becomes too high. In addition, a water supply tank 309 and a water supply pump 310 are connected to the above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path, and the supply of pure water from the water supply tank 309 is controlled by the water supply pump 310 and the water supply valve 311. In addition, a waste liquid valve 312 is provided on the above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path, and when the high-temperature water circulating in the reaction tank 403 is replaced, the constant temperature water is discharged as waste liquid to the outside of the flow path. In addition, a degassing device 313 having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is provided on the above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path, and the dissolved gas in the constant temperature water supplied to the degassing device 313 is degassed by the operation of the vacuum pump 314.

[0108] In the chemical analysis apparatus 2B, a light beam emitted from a light source lamp 315 is passed through a reaction solution containing a sample and a reagent held in a reaction container 402, and the transmitted light is measured by a multi-wavelength photometer 316, thereby performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components in the sample.

[0109] Figure 8 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of a chemical analysis system.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the chemical analysis device 2C includes a reaction disk 501, a reaction container 502, a reaction tank 503, a water supply tank 504, and a water supply pump 506. The reaction container 502 installed on the circumference of the circular reaction disk 501 is immersed in the constant temperature water maintained by the similarly circular reaction tank 503. The constant temperature water is supplied from the water supply tank 504 to the reaction tank 503. A degassing device 505 having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is provided on the flow path between the water supply tank 504 and the reaction tank 503, and the supply of the constant temperature water is controlled by the water supply pump 506 and the water supply valve 507. The dissolved gas in the constant temperature water supplied to the degassing device 505 is degassed by the operation of the vacuum pump 508, and is supplied to the reaction tank 503 from the supply pipe 517.

[0111] On the other hand, the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 503 is always circulated by the circulation pump 511 provided between the discharge piping 509 and the supply piping 510, and the temperature is controlled by the on / off control of the heater 512. The path including the circulation pump 511 and the heater 512 between the discharge piping 509 and the supply piping 510 constitutes a warm water circulation path. Thus, the reaction liquid held in the reaction container 502 is kept at a temperature most suitable for the reaction (e.g., 37°C).

[0112] The above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path may also be provided with a cooling unit 513 for cooling the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 503 when the temperature becomes too high. In addition, the above-mentioned warm water circulation flow path is provided with a waste liquid valve 514, and when the constant temperature water circulating in the reaction tank 503 is replaced, the constant temperature water is discharged as waste liquid to the outside of the flow path.

[0113] In this chemical analysis system, a light beam emitted from a light source lamp 515 is passed through a reaction solution containing a sample and a reagent held in a reaction container 502, and the transmitted light is measured by a multi-wavelength photometer 516, thereby performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components in the sample.

[0114] Fig. 9 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A block diagram of a modified example of the (bio)chemical analysis unit 4A.

[0115] like Fig. 9 As shown, the (bio) chemical analysis unit 4B may also include a specimen container 601, a specimen dispensing mechanism 602, a reaction container 603, a reagent container 604, and a reagent dispensing mechanism 605. In the (bio) chemical analysis unit 4A, for example, the specimen sent from the specimen container 601 to the reaction container 603 via the specimen dispensing mechanism 602 and the reagent sent from the reagent container 604 to the reaction container 603 via the reagent dispensing mechanism 605 can be mixed and stirred. The reaction container 603 is maintained at a constant temperature by constant temperature water stored in the reaction tank 606. A degassing device (not shown) having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is provided on the flow path for supplying constant temperature water to the reaction tank 606, and the supply of constant temperature water is controlled.

[0116] In addition, the chemical analysis device of the above embodiment may also include a control unit (not shown) composed of an information processing device including a CPU, a memory, an I / O, a microcomputer, a latch, etc., and a program and data for automatic analysis and diagnosis stored in the memory. With these, the CPU can process or uniformly control the operation of the chemical analysis device and the information required for the analysis operation.

[0117] Example

[0118] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0119] (Examples 1, 2, 4, 5)

[0120] Prepared with Figure 2The hollow fiber degassing module of the embodiment of the present invention is an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of the same structure as the hollow fiber degassing module of the embodiment of the present invention. A heater is used as the heating part of the structure. The material of the hollow fiber used in each embodiment, the model of the hollow fiber degassing module, the manufacturer's name, the perfusion method, the water vapor permeation rate, the position of the vacuum line and whether the vacuum line is heated are shown in Table 1.

[0121] (Example 3, Example 6)

[0122] Prepared with Figure 5 The hollow fiber degassing module has the same structure as the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module.

[0123] [Whether there is water accumulation in the module and vacuum lines]

[0124] The hollow fiber degassing module of each example was used to perform a test operation under the conditions of a circulation flow rate of 500 ml / min, a vacuum degree of 10 kPa, 20 kPa (abs), and a temperature of 25.5±0.1° C. After 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days, the presence of water accumulation in the module and the presence of water accumulation in the vacuum line (gas exhaust line) were visually checked.

[0125] [Degassing performance evaluation]

[0126] As the evaluation of degassing performance, the case where the dissolved oxygen concentration of RO water was in the range of 7.0 ppm or less through the hollow fiber degassing module was evaluated as good "0", the case where the dissolved oxygen concentration of RO water was in the range of 7.0 to 8.0 ppm was evaluated as slightly poor "△", and the case where the dissolved oxygen concentration of RO water was in the range of 8.0 ppm or more was evaluated as poor "×". The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0127] [Table 1]

[0128]

[0129] [Table 2]

[0130]

[0131] [Table 3]

[0132]

[0133] According to the results in Tables 1 to 3, when the gas discharge portion was heated, no water accumulation in the module or in the vacuum line was observed for the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 1, 2, 4, and 5. In addition, it can be seen that the original degassing performance of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules was maintained 7 days after the start of the test.

[0134] In addition, when the gas discharge portion was heated, no water accumulation was observed in the module or in the vacuum line for the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 3 and 6. In addition, it was found that the original degassing performance of the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules was maintained 7 days after the start of the test.

[0135] (Comparative Example 1 to Comparative Example 6)

[0136] Except that the gas discharge portion was not heated, an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module was prepared in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 6. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0137] [Table 4]

[0138]

[0139] [Table 5]

[0140]

[0141] [Table 6]

[0142]

[0143] According to the results in Tables 4 to 6, when the gas discharge portion was not heated, water accumulation in the module and water accumulation in the vacuum line were confirmed for the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Comparative Examples 1, 2, 4, and 5. In addition, it can be seen that the degassing performance of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 7 to 10 was reduced 7 days after the start of the test.

[0144] In addition, for the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules in Comparative Examples 3 and 6, when the gas discharge portion was not heated, water accumulation in the module and water accumulation in the vacuum line were confirmed. In addition, it can be seen that for the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules in Comparative Examples 3 and 6, the degassing performance was reduced 7 days after the start of the test.

[0145] Description of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1A, pure water supply device; 2A, chemical analysis device; 2B, chemical analysis device; 2C, chemical analysis device; 3, degassing device (degassing unit); 3a, flow path; 3b, flow path; 3c, flow path; 4A, (bio)chemical analysis unit; 4B, (bio)chemical analysis unit; 5, reaction tank (constant temperature tank); 6, vacuum pump; 20A, hollow fiber degassing module; 20B, hollow fiber degassing module; 20C, hollow fiber degassing module; 22, hollow fiber membrane bundle; 22a, one end in the length direction; 22b, the other end in the length direction; 210, shell; 210C, shell; 211, cylinder; 211a, lower end in the axial direction; 211b, upper end in the axial direction; 211c, one end in the axial direction; 211C, cylinder; 211Ca, one end in the length direction; 211d, the other end in the axial direction; 212A, the first cover; 212Aa, the first wall; 212Ab, the second wall; 212B, the third cover; 212Ba, the first wall; 212Bb, the second wall; 212C, cover; 213A, the second cover; 213Aa, the first wall; 213Ab, the second wall; 213B, the fourth cover; 213Ba, the first wall; 213Bb, the second wall; 214, the first threaded joint; 215, the second threaded joint; 216A, the liquid supply portion (the first liquid supply portion); 216Aa, the liquid supply port; 216B, the liquid supply portion (the second liquid supply portion); 2 16Ba, liquid supply port; 216C, liquid supply portion (first liquid supply portion); 216Ca, first connector portion; 217A, liquid discharge portion (first liquid discharge portion); 217Aa, liquid discharge port; 217B, liquid discharge portion (second liquid discharge portion); 217Ba, liquid discharge port; 217C, liquid discharge portion (first liquid discharge portion); 217Ca, second connector portion; 218A, gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion); 218Aa, gas discharge port; 218B, gas discharge portion (second gas discharge portion); 218Ba, gas discharge port; 218C, gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion); 219A, heating portion (first heating portion); 219B, heating portion (second heating section); 219C, heating section (first heating section); 220, hollow fiber membrane; 220a, one end in the length direction; 220b, the other end in the length direction; 220C, hollow fiber membrane; 220Ca, one end in the length direction; 220Cb, the other end in the length direction; 231A, first sealing section; 231B, third sealing section; 232A, second sealing section; 232B, fourth sealing section; 232Ba, connecting port; 303, reaction tank; 306, circulation pump; 307, heater; 308, cooling unit; 309, water supply tank; 310, water supply pump; 311, water supply valve; 312, waste liquid valve; 313, degassing device; 314, vacuum pump; 315, light source lamp;316, multi-wavelength photometer; 401, reaction disk; 402, reaction container; 403, reaction tank; 404, discharge piping; 405, supply piping; 501, reaction disk; 502, reaction container; 503, reaction tank; 504, water supply tank; 505, degassing device; 506, water supply pump; 507, water supply valve; 508, vacuum pump; 509, discharge piping; 510, supply piping; 511, circulation pump; 512, heater; 513, cooling unit; 514, waste liquid valve; 515, light source lamp; 516, multi-wavelength photometer; 517, supply piping; 601, specimen container; 602, specimen dispensing mechanism; 603, reaction container; 604, reagent container; 605, reagent dispensing mechanism; 606, reaction tank. ;

Claims

1. A chemical analysis device for performing chemical analysis or biochemical analysis on a specimen, wherein: The chemical analysis device has: a constant temperature bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen; and a degassing unit having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature tank, The hollow fiber degassing module comprises a shell and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in the inner space of the shell. The housing has: a first liquid supply unit, which connects the outside of the shell and the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and is used to supply the constant temperature water from the outside of the shell to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane; a first liquid discharge part, which connects the inner space of the hollow fiber membrane and the outside of the shell, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water from the inner space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the shell; as well as at least one first gas exhaust portion, which connects the internal space of the shell with the outside of the shell and is used to decompress the internal space of the shell, The chemical analysis apparatus further includes at least one heating unit provided in the at least one first gas exhaust unit.

2. The chemical analysis device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has: The cylinder is arranged so that the axial direction thereof becomes substantially vertical; a first cover portion mounted on the lower end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction; and The second cover is mounted on the upper end of the cylinder in the axial direction. The first liquid supply portion is provided on the first cover portion, and the first liquid discharge portion is provided on the second cover portion. The at least one first gas discharge portion is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cylinder.

3. The chemical analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one heating unit is arranged to abut against the cylinder and the at least one first gas discharge unit. At least a portion of the cylindrical body and the at least one first gas discharge portion are heated by the at least one heating portion.

4. The chemical analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The cylinder has a cylindrical shape arranged in such a way that the axial direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The at least one first gas discharge portion is provided on a peripheral wall of the cylinder.

5. The chemical analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The cylindrical body has a first threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the first cover portion, and a second threaded engagement portion for threading the cylindrical body and the second cover portion.

6. The chemical analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The hollow fiber degassing module comprises a first sealing portion for sealing a lower end portion of the cylindrical body in the axial direction, and a second sealing portion for sealing an upper end portion of the cylindrical body in the axial direction. One end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the first sealing portion, and the other end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the second sealing portion.

7. A chemical analysis device for performing chemical analysis or biochemical analysis on a specimen, wherein: The chemical analysis device has: a constant temperature bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen; and a degassing unit having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature tank, The hollow fiber degassing module comprises a shell and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in the inner space of the shell. The housing has: a second liquid supply part, which connects the outside of the shell and the internal space of the shell, and is used to supply the constant temperature water from the outside of the shell to the internal space of the shell; a second liquid discharge portion, which connects the internal space of the housing and the outside of the housing, and is used to discharge the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; as well as at least one second gas discharge portion, which connects the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and the outside of the housing and is used to decompress the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, The chemical analysis apparatus further includes at least one heating unit provided in the at least one second gas exhaust unit.

8. The chemical analysis device according to claim 7, wherein: The housing has: The cylinder is arranged so that its axial direction becomes substantially horizontal; a third cover portion mounted on one end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction; and a fourth cover portion, which is mounted on the other end portion of the cylinder in the axial direction, The second liquid supply portion is provided on the cylinder, and the second liquid discharge portion is provided on the fourth cover portion. The at least one second gas exhaust portion is provided on the third cover portion.

9. The chemical analysis device according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one heating portion is arranged to abut against the third cover portion and the at least one second gas exhaust portion, At least a portion of the third cover portion and the at least one second gas discharge portion are heated by the at least one heating portion.

10. The chemical analysis device according to claim 8, wherein: The cylindrical body has a third threaded connection portion for threading the cylindrical body and the third cover portion, and a fourth threaded connection portion for threading the cylindrical body and the fourth cover portion.

11. The chemical analysis device according to claim 8, wherein: The hollow fiber degassing module comprises a third sealing portion for sealing one end of the cylindrical body in the axial direction, and a fourth sealing portion for sealing the other end of the cylindrical body in the axial direction. One end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the third sealing portion, and the other end portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the fourth sealing portion.

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