Gas chromatograph device and metering tube unit, and method for manufacturing metering tube unit

Abstract

Provided is a gas chromatograph device and a flow meter cell, and a method for manufacturing a flow meter cell. In the gas chromatograph device, the measurement accuracy of a sample gas in a sample loop is improved. A gas chromatograph device (100) is used to analyze components contained in a gas that is an analysis target. The gas chromatograph device (100) includes a flow meter cell (30) and a heater block (40). The flow meter cell (30) measures a gas. The heater block (40) heats the flow meter cell (30) to a predetermined temperature. The flow meter cell (30) is wound around the heater block (40) in contact with the heater block (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a gas chromatography apparatus and a metering tube unit, as well as a method for manufacturing the metering tube unit, and more specifically, to a technique for improving the metering accuracy of sample gases within the metering tube. Background Technology

[0002] In a gas chromatography apparatus, the sample gas to be analyzed is adjusted to a suitable amount for analysis by passing through a metering tube (sample ring) heated by a heater block.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-304368 (Patent Document 1) discloses a gas chromatograph in which sample gas is introduced into the analysis section via a sample ring.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-304368 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] The sample loop, used to adjust the sample gas to a suitable analytical volume, is typically housed in a hollow section within a chamber containing a heater block, and is not in direct contact with the heater block. Therefore, in conventional gas chromatography apparatuses, the sample loop is indirectly heated via air within the chamber heated by the heater block. Consequently, a difference may arise between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the sample loop and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample loop. Since the volume of the sample gas within the sample loop changes with temperature, a difference between the temperature of the sample loop and the temperature of the heater block, which is under temperature control, can lead to a decrease in the accuracy of the sample gas measurement within the sample loop.

[0009] This disclosure was made to solve the problems mentioned above, and its purpose is to improve the metering accuracy of sample gas in the sample loop in a gas chromatograph.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a gas chromatograph apparatus for analyzing components contained in a gas as the analyte. The gas chromatograph apparatus includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube measures the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The metering tube is wound around the heater block in contact with it.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a metering tube unit used in a gas chromatograph to analyze components contained in a gas being analyzed. The metering tube unit includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube measures the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The metering tube is wound around the heater block close to it.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a manufacturing method for a metering tube unit used in a gas chromatograph to analyze components contained in a gas as the analyte. The metering tube unit includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube meters the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The heater block includes a cylindrical cylinder portion. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: preparing the heater block; forming the metering tube into a helical shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder portion; and while expanding the formed metering tube, tightly winding the metering tube around the cylinder portion.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] In the gas chromatograph apparatus of this disclosure, by winding the sample ring around the heater block, the sample ring can be heated near the heater block. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be reduced, thus improving the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of the gas chromatography apparatus in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control device in a gas chromatography apparatus.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an external view of the sample ring unit in the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a detailed appearance diagram of the sample ring unit in the implementation method.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an external view of the sample ring unit in the modified example.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the temperature changes of the sample ring and heater in the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the sample ring unit of the gas chromatography apparatus in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0024] <Structure of Gas Chromatography Apparatus 100>

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of the gas chromatograph apparatus 100 in the embodiment. The gas chromatograph apparatus 100 is a device that separates and analyzes components contained in a sample gas, which is the object of analysis, according to their composition.

[0026] The gas chromatography apparatus 100 includes an autosampler 10, a flow path switching device 20, a sample loop unit 50, a carrier gas bottle 60, a chromatographic column 70, a column oven 80, a detection device 90, a control device 110, an input device 120, and a display device 130. The various components of the gas chromatography apparatus 100 are connected by piping. This piping forms the flow path.

[0027] The autosampler 10 is controlled by the control device 110 to supply the desired type and amount of sample gas. Furthermore, the autosampler 10 can be configured within the same housing as other components of the gas chromatograph 100, or it can be configured outside the housing.

[0028] The sample loop unit 50 adjusts the sample gas supplied from the autosampler 10 to a suitable amount for analysis. The sample loop unit 50 includes a sample loop 30 and a heater block 40.

[0029] The sample ring 30 is a piping system for the internal flow of sample gas, used to adjust the amount of sample gas inside. The amount of gas introduced into the sample ring 30 varies depending on its length and inner diameter. Therefore, users or field engineers can change the amount of sample gas to be analyzed to the desired amount by modifying the sample ring 30.

[0030] The heater block 40, controlled by the control device 110, heats the sample ring 30 to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature suitable for analysis or a temperature desired by the user. Since the volume of the sample gas changes with temperature, the sample gas can be properly metered by controlling it at the desired temperature using the heater block 40. Furthermore, accurate analytical results can be obtained as a result.

[0031] The carrier gas bottle 60 is a bottle for storing carrier gas. The carrier gas, such as helium or nitrogen, is a gas that does not interfere with the analytical results of the sample gas and is used to deliver the sample gas to the detection device 90 via the chromatographic column 70. The carrier gas bottle 60 is connected to the flow path switching device 20. By switching the flow path switching device 20, the sample gas, which has been quantified through the sample loop 30, is delivered to the chromatographic column 70 using the carrier gas. Furthermore, the carrier gas bottle 60 can be configured within the same housing as other components of the gas chromatography apparatus 100, or it can be configured independently outside the housing.

[0032] Inside the chromatographic column 70, a mixture of sample gas and carrier gas supplied from the sample ring 30 flows, and the column 70 separates the components contained in the sample gas according to their composition. That is, the chromatographic column 70 separates the sample gas by its components. Because different components pass through the inside of the chromatographic column 70 at different times, the sample gas can be separated by its components.

[0033] The column oven 80 is controlled by the control device 110 to adjust the internally configured column 70 to a suitable temperature for analysis. The column oven 80 contains a temperature sensor (not shown). This temperature sensor can measure the temperature near the column 70. In this way, the control device 110 can perform feedback control to maintain the sample gas inside the column 70 at the desired temperature.

[0034] The detection device 90 is controlled by the control device 110 and sequentially detects various components separated by the chromatographic column 70. The detection device 90 may be, for example, a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) or a flame ionization detector (FID). The mixture of sample gas and carrier gas discharged from the detection device 90 is released outside the gas chromatograph 100.

[0035] The flow path switching device 20, for example, is a six-way valve with six ports P1 to P6, switching between two flow path modes in the gas chromatograph apparatus 100. The flow path switching device 20 is connected to the sample loop 30 and the chromatographic column 70, switching the supply and stopping of the metered sample gas in the sample loop 30 to the chromatographic column 70. Alternatively, the flow path switching device 20 can also be a four-way valve, or a combination of other types of valves.

[0036] Port P1 of the flow path switching device 20 is connected to the nozzle of the autosampler 10. Port P2 is connected to one end of the sample loop 30. Port P3 is connected to the nozzle of the carrier gas bottle 60. Port P4 is connected to the chromatographic column 70. Port P5 is connected to the other end of the sample loop 30. Port P6 is connected to the outlet communicating with the outside of the gas chromatograph 100.

[0037] The control device 110 controls the autosampler 10, the flow path switching device 20, the heater block 40, the column oven 80, the detection device 90, and the display device 130. Furthermore, the control device 110 can be housed within the same housing as other components of the gas chromatography apparatus 100, or it can be located outside the housing.

[0038] Input device 120 receives operation input from the user and sends operation signals to control device 110. Input device 120 may be, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, or mouse. Furthermore, input device 120 may be disposed within the same housing as other components of gas chromatography apparatus 100, or it may be disposed outside the housing.

[0039] The display device 130 receives and displays the analysis results of the sample gas from the control device 110. The display device 130 may be, for example, a monitor or a printer. Furthermore, the display device 130 may be disposed in the same housing as other components of the gas chromatography apparatus 100, or it may be disposed outside the housing.

[0040] <Flow path switching device 20 switches flow paths>

[0041] The flow path switching device 20 switches between the first flow path mode and the second flow path mode. The gas chromatograph 100 first prepares the sample gas for analysis in the first flow path mode. Then, the gas chromatograph 100 analyzes the sample gas for analysis in the second flow path mode.

[0042] In the first flow path mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed lines in the flow path switching device 20, ports P1 and P2 are connected, ports P3 and P4 are connected, and ports P5 and P6 are connected. Therefore, the sample gas supplied from the autosampler 10 flows in the order of ports P1, P2, sample ring 30, P5, and P6, and is discharged outside the gas chromatograph 100.

[0043] Subsequently, the control device 110 stops supplying sample gas from the autosampler 10 to the sample ring 30 and closes the valve (not shown) located between the sample ring 30 and port P5 of the flow path switching device 20. This allows impurities within the sample ring 30 to be discharged to the outside, filling the sample ring 30 with sample gas. The sample gas within the sample ring 30 is adjusted to a suitable level for analysis.

[0044] On the other hand, at this time, the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas cylinder 60 flows in the order of port P3, port P4, chromatographic column 70, and detection device 90, and is discharged outside the gas chromatography apparatus 100. In this way, impurities inside the chromatographic column 70 and the detection device 90 can be discharged to the outside, and the chromatographic column 70 and the detection device 90 can be filled with carrier gas.

[0045] In the second flow path mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid lines in the flow path switching device 20, port P2 is connected to port P3, port P4 is connected to port P5, and port P6 is connected to port P1. Therefore, the autosampler 10 is connected to ports P1 and P6. Thus, even if sample gas is supplied from the autosampler 10, it will be discharged to the outside of the gas chromatograph 100.

[0046] When the valve (not shown) located between the sample ring 30 and port P5 of the flow path switching device 20 is opened, the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas cylinder 60 flows in the following order: port P3, port P2, sample ring 30, port P5, port P4, chromatographic column 70, and detection device 90. That is, the carrier gas pushes out the sample gas, which has been metered by the sample ring 30, and introduces it into the chromatographic column 70, delivering the components of the sample gas that have passed through the chromatographic column 70 to the detection device 90. In this way, the gas chromatograph 100 can analyze the components within the sample gas.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control device 110 in the gas chromatography apparatus 100. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the control device 110 includes a storage device 112, a processor 114, and a communication interface 116 interconnected via a common communication bus.

[0048] The communication interface 116 receives set values ​​of various parameters of the gas chromatograph 100 and analysis results of the sample gas composition from the input device 120 and the detection device 90. In addition, the communication interface 116 sends signals to the autosampler 10, the flow path switching device 20, the heater block 40, the column oven 80, the detection device 90, and the display device 130.

[0049] Storage device 112 stores various programs and data. Storage device 112 may include, for example, memory devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), as well as high-capacity storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0050] The processor 114 controls the autosampler 10, flow path switching device 20, heater block 40, column oven 80, detection device 90, and display device 130 of the gas chromatography apparatus 100 based on various data stored in the storage device 112 and various data obtained from the communication interface 116. The processor 114 is, for example, a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0051] Furthermore, the "sample ring" in the embodiment corresponds to the "measuring tube" in this disclosure. Additionally, the "sample ring unit" in the embodiment corresponds to the "measuring tube unit" in this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an external view of the sample ring unit 59 in the comparative example. The typical sample ring unit 59 includes a flow path switching device 29, a sample ring 39, a heater block 49, and a housing 69. The plane of the flow path switching device 29 contacts the plane of the heater block 49. The sample ring 39 contacts the flow path switching device 29.

[0053] However, as Figure 3 As shown, the sample ring 39, used to adjust the sample gas to a suitable analytical amount, is typically disposed in a hollow portion within a housing 69 equipped with a heater block 49, and is not in direct contact with the heater block 49. Therefore, in the gas chromatograph apparatus of the comparative example, the sample ring 39 is indirectly heated by the air within the housing 69 heated by the heater block 49. As a result, a difference sometimes arises between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the sample ring 39 and the set temperature of the heater block 49 that heats the sample ring 39. Furthermore, the actual temperature of the sample gas in each portion of the sample ring 39 may sometimes be non-uniform. Since the volume of the sample gas changes with temperature, the metering accuracy of the sample gas by the sample ring 39 may sometimes decrease in the gas chromatograph apparatus of the comparative example.

[0054] Therefore, in the sample ring unit 50 of the embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the sample ring 30 is directly wound around the heater block 40. Figure 4 This is a detailed external view of the sample ring unit 50 in the embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, in addition to the sample ring 30 and heater block 40, the sample ring unit 50 in the embodiment also includes a flow path switching device 20, a support member 52 and a fixing member 54.

[0055] The heater block 40 has a cylinder portion 42 and a flange portion 44. The cylinder portion 42 is a cylindrical metal component in the shape of a heater disposed inside. Furthermore, the cylinder portion 42 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; it can also be a cylindrical shape with a polygonal or elliptical cross-section. The flange portion 44 is disposed at one end of the cylinder portion 42 and extends outward from the outer periphery of the cylinder portion 42. Multiple through holes for fixing the heater block 40 are formed in the cylinder portion 42. The sample ring 30 is wound in a spiral shape around the cylinder portion 42 of the heater block 40 in contact with the heater block 40.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the flow path switching device 20 is configured to contact the end of the cylinder portion 42 of the heater block 40 in the extending direction. Furthermore, the heater block 40 and the flow path switching device 20 are fixed together in a close-fitting manner by a flat-plate-shaped support member 52 and a fixing member 54. More specifically, the flow path switching device 20 is disposed between the support member 52 and the heater block 40, and these devices are fixed by a fixing member 54 that passes through the support member 52 and the flange portion 44.

[0057] In this way, by directly winding the sample ring 30 around the cylinder portion 42 of the temperature-controlled heater block 40, the sample ring 30 can be heated near the heater block 40. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be reduced. Furthermore, the non-uniformity of the actual temperature of the sample gas in each part of the sample ring can be reduced. Therefore, the metering accuracy of the sample gas within the sample ring can be improved.

[0058] Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the first case, the sample ring 30 is directly wound around the heater block 40. However, it can also be arranged as follows: Figure 5 As shown in the modified example, a highly thermally conductive buffer material 56 is disposed between the sample ring 30 and the heater block 40 in such a way that it contacts the sample ring 30 and the heater block 40. Figure 5 This is an external view of sample ring unit 50A in the modified example.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in the modified sample ring unit 50A, a buffer material 56 is configured to fill the gap between the sample ring 30 and the cylinder portion 42 of the heater block 40. The buffer material 56 is, for example, a highly thermally conductive component such as a graphite sheet or an aluminum sheet. Therefore, by configuring the buffer material 56, heat from the heater block 40 can be efficiently transferred to the sample ring 30 via the buffer material 56. Thus, the time required to reach the desired temperature can be shortened, and the power consumption of the heater can be suppressed.

[0060] In this way, by winding the sample ring 30 around the heater-integrated cylinder portion 42 within the heater block 40, the sample ring 30 can be heated near the heater block 40. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be reduced. Consequently, the accuracy of the sample gas temperature within the sample ring can be improved, resulting in improved measurement accuracy of the sample gas within the sample ring.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the temperature changes of the sample ring and heater in the embodiment. The horizontal axis represents the time from the start of heating of the heater block. The vertical axis represents the temperature HT of the heater inside the heater block, the temperature ST of the sample ring in the embodiment, and the room temperature RT of the room where the gas chromatography apparatus is installed.

[0062] Reference Figure 6 When the room temperature RT remains constant (25°C) regardless of the time, and the temperature stabilizes after a certain period from the start of heating, there is essentially no difference between the temperature ST of the sample ring and the temperature HT of the heater. Therefore, in the structure of the sample ring of the embodiment, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block that heats the sample ring can be reduced. Thus, the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring can be improved.

[0063] <Manufacturing Method of Sample Ring Unit>

[0064] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the sample ring unit 50 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. First, the user prepares a heater block 40 including a cylindrical cylinder portion 42 (step S1). Next, the user shapes the sample ring 30 into a helical shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical cylinder portion 42 (step S2). Furthermore, the sample ring 30 is shaped into a helical shape while maintaining a constant diameter. Finally, while expanding the sample ring 30, which is shaped into a helical shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder portion 42, within the elastic deformation region, the user tightly wraps the sample ring 30 around the cylinder portion 42 (step S3).

[0065] When a sample ring that was originally straight is formed into a spiral shape, the sample ring will generate a force, more or less, that wants to return to its original straight shape due to elastic force. Therefore, the inner diameter of the spiral sample ring tends to be slightly larger than the inner diameter during forming. Therefore, the sample ring 30 is pre-formed into a spiral shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical cylinder portion 42, so that while the inner diameter of the sample ring 30 is slightly expanded within the elastic deformation region, the sample ring 30 is tightly wound around the cylinder portion 42.

[0066] This method of assembling the sample ring unit applies a force to the assembled sample ring 30 in the direction of decreasing inner diameter. Therefore, without using special components to press the sample ring 30 against the cylinder portion 42, it is possible to ensure the sample ring 30 fits snugly against the cylinder portion 42. The greater the contact area between the sample ring 30 and the cylinder portion 42, the easier it is for the temperature of the sample ring 30 to approach the temperature of the cylinder portion 42. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be reduced, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring can be improved.

[0067] [Way]

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0069] (Item 1) A gas chromatograph apparatus according to one method is used to analyze components contained in a gas as the analyte. The gas chromatograph apparatus includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube measures the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The metering tube is wound around the heater block in contact with the heater block.

[0070] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus of item 1, the sample ring can be heated in contact with the heater block. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be suppressed, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring can be improved.

[0071] (Item 2) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in Item 1, at least a portion of the metering tube is in direct contact with the heater block.

[0072] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in paragraph 2, the sample ring can be heated in direct contact with the heater block. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be suppressed, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas within the sample ring can be improved.

[0073] (Item 3) The gas chromatography apparatus described in Item 1 further includes a buffer material disposed between the heater block and the metering tube in a manner that contacts the heater block and the metering tube. At least a portion of the metering tube is in indirect contact with the heater block.

[0074] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus of item 3, by configuring a buffer material, heat from the heater block can be efficiently transferred to the sample ring via the buffer material. Therefore, the time required to reach the desired temperature can be shortened, and the power consumption of the heater can be suppressed.

[0075] (Item 4) The gas chromatography apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 3 further comprises a chromatographic column and a flow path switching device. The chromatographic column separates the gas by components. The flow path switching device is connected to the metering tube and the chromatographic column, switching the supply and stopping of the gas metered in the metering tube to the chromatographic column.

[0076] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus in item 4, it is possible to perform component analysis of the sample gas after removing impurities from the piping and filling the sample loop with the desired amount of sample gas.

[0077] (Item 5) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in Item 4, the flow path switching device is configured to contact the heater block.

[0078] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in item 5, the flow path switching device can also be heated near the heater block, just like the sample ring. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas within the valve and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be suppressed, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas within the sample ring can be improved.

[0079] (Item 6) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 5, the heater block includes a cylindrical cylinder portion. The metering tube is wound in a spiral shape around the cylinder portion.

[0080] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus of item 6, the sample ring can be heated in contact with the heater block. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block heating the sample ring can be suppressed, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring can be improved.

[0081] (Item 7) A metering tube unit according to one method is used in a gas chromatograph for analyzing components contained in a gas to be analyzed. The metering tube unit includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube measures the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The metering tube is wound around the heater block in contact with the heater block.

[0082] According to the metering tube unit in item 7, the sample ring can be heated in contact with the heater block. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas in the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block that heats the sample ring can be suppressed, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas in the sample ring can be improved.

[0083] (Item 8) A method for manufacturing a metering tube unit relates to a method for manufacturing a metering tube unit used in a gas chromatograph for analyzing components contained in a gas as the analyte. The metering tube unit includes a metering tube and a heater block. The metering tube meteres the gas. The heater block heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. The heater block includes a cylindrical cylinder portion. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: preparing the heater block; forming the metering tube into a helical shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder portion; and while expanding the formed metering tube, tightly winding the metering tube around the cylinder portion.

[0084] According to the manufacturing method of the metering tube unit in item 8, without using a special component for pressing the sample ring 30 against the cylinder body 42, it is possible to make the sample ring 30 fit tightly against the cylinder body 42, thereby increasing the contact area between the sample ring 30 and the cylinder body 42. Therefore, the difference between the actual temperature of the sample gas inside the sample ring and the set temperature of the heater block that heats the sample ring can be reduced, and the metering accuracy of the sample gas inside the sample ring can be improved.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered exemplary and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0087] 10 Autosampler, 20 Flow path switcher, 30 Sample loop, 40 Heater block, 42 ​​Cylinder section, 44 Flange section, 50, 50A Sample loop unit, 52 Support component, 54 Fixing component, 56 Buffer material, 60 Carrier gas bottle, 70 Chromatographic column, 80 Column oven, 90 Detection device, 100 Gas chromatography apparatus, 110 Control device, 112 Storage device, 114 Processor, 116 Communication interface, 120 Input device, 130 Display device, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 ports.

Claims

1. A gas chromatograph apparatus for analyzing components contained in a gas as the analyte, said gas chromatograph apparatus comprising: A metering tube for metering the gas; and A heater block that heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. in, The metering tube is wound around the heater block in contact with the heater block.

2. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the metering tube is in direct contact with the heater block.

3. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a buffer material disposed between the heater block and the metering tube in a manner that contacts the heater block and the metering tube. At least a portion of the metering tube is in indirect contact with the heater block.

4. The gas chromatography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It also has: A chromatographic column that separates the gas by components; and A flow path switching device, which is connected to the metering tube and the chromatographic column, switches the supply and stop of the gas, which has been metered in the metering tube, to the chromatographic column.

5. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The flow path switching device is configured to contact the heater block.

6. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The heater block includes a cylindrical cylinder section. The metering tube is wound in a spiral shape around the cylinder body.

7. A metering tube unit for use in a gas chromatograph analyzing components contained in a gas being analyzed. The metering tube unit has: A metering tube for metering the gas; and A heater block that heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. in, The metering tube is wound around the heater block in contact with the heater block.

8. A method for manufacturing a metering tube unit, said metering tube unit being used in a gas chromatograph for analyzing components contained in a gas being analyzed. The metering tube unit includes: Metering tube, which measures the gas; and A heater block that heats the metering tube to a predetermined temperature. in, The heater block includes a cylindrical cylinder section. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: Prepare the heater block; The metering tube is formed into a spiral shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder body; and While expanding the formed metering tube, the metering tube is tightly wound around the cylinder body.

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