Device for analyzing a product likely to release one or more volatile compounds

Abstract

Device (1) for analyzing a product (P) capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds, comprising: - a product receiving chamber (2); - an inlet (12) to be connected to a carrier gas supply, opening into the receiving chamber (2), so as to allow a flow of carrier gas to sweep through the receiving chamber (2); - an olfactory test outlet (15) allowing the evacuation of at least part of the carrier gas introduced into the receiving chamber (2) and its olfactory analysis; - a filter (30) disposed in the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber (2) and the olfactory test outlet (15) having a filtration capacity greater than or equal to 99.95% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.2 µm to retain particles likely to be carried by the carrier gas towards the outlet (15). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for analyzing a product capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of product analysis, particularly of products likely to release one or more volatile compounds, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The invention relates in particular to a device for analyzing a product likely to release one or more volatile compounds, as well as a method for analyzing a product likely to release one or more volatile compounds. Previous technique

[0002] During the manufacture of a product, in particular a powder such as a powder or a friable solid, various analyses can be carried out on its possible volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds.

[0003] Due to the nature of certain products, particularly powders, fine particles from the product can interfere with tests or instruments. The results may therefore be partially distorted or obtained under less than ideal conditions. Furthermore, the devices used to perform these analyses are susceptible to fouling and must be maintained at regular intervals. Description of the invention

[0004] There is a need for a device for analyzing a product that is likely to release one or more volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, which provides a reliable measurement for a wide range of products, including in particular powdered products. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention addresses this need by means of, according to one of its aspects, a device for analyzing a product capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, especially a powdered product, comprising:

[0006] - a receiving chamber for the product to be analyzed;

[0007] - an inlet to be connected to a carrier gas supply, opening into the chamber reception, so as to allow a carrier gas stream to sweep through the chamber to carry away at least some of the volatile compound(s) released by the product;

[0008] - an olfactory test outlet allowing the evacuation of at least part of the gas vector introduced into the receiving chamber and olfactory analysis thereof by an operator bringing his nose close to the outlet;

[0009] - a filter disposed in the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber and the olfactory test outlet and having a filtration capacity greater than or equal to 85%, in particular greater than or equal to 99.95%, of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 pm, in particular with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.2 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 0.1 pm, to retain particles likely to be carried by the carrier gas towards the olfactory test outlet.

[0010] The use of such a filter makes it possible to limit, or even prevent, the migration of fine particles from the product to the olfactory test outlet. Pollution by fine particles at the olfactory test outlet is therefore significantly reduced, which improves the reliability of the results and enhances the conditions of the analysis.

[0011] The device may include a fitting located downstream of the filter, allowing it to be connected to an analytical instrument. The filter is placed in the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber and the fitting. As with the olfactory test outlet, the filter retains particles that could be carried by the carrier gas towards the fitting and thus towards the analytical instrument.

[0012] The fitting may include a holding surface configured to hold the analytical instrument or a probe connected thereto.

[0013] The retaining surface may include a thread.

[0014] The carrier gas may comprise air and / or a noble gas such as argon. When the test is performed by an operator, the gas is preferably breathing-grade air.

[0015] The device may include a secondary carrier gas inlet located upstream of the filter. This secondary inlet allows, during analysis, the admission of carrier gas at another level in the receiving chamber. A greater quantity of volatile compounds can thus be emitted by the product, which can facilitate their analysis.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the secondary inlet is a high inlet so that the carrier gas comes to skim the received product in the receiving chamber, the other inlet being a low inlet allowing the carrier gas to be blown at the level of the received product in the receiving chamber in order to cause a greater release of volatile compounds.

[0017] The receiving chamber can be made of glass, in particular tempered glass, or of polymer material, in particular polycarbonate (PC), poly methyl acrylic methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS).

[0018] When the receiving chamber is made of glass, the glass is preferably coated with a layer of silicone to prevent injury to the operator in case of breakage.

[0019] At least part of the wall of the receiving chamber may be transparent.

[0020] The device may include lower and upper parts assembled together, in particular in a removable manner, the receiving chamber being defined by the lower part, the filter being disposed between said parts.

[0021] The upper part can also be called the analysis chamber.

[0022] The upper part can be made of glass or polymer material.

[0023] At least part of the wall of the upper part may be transparent.

[0024] The lower part may comprise a tubular wall closed by a bottom and forming an opening, notably opposite the background.

[0025] The upper part may include a tubular wall and have at least one opening, in particular opposite the opening of the lower part.

[0026] Each part may include a connecting flange, the two flanges being applied against each other, with interposition of a seal, by a retaining member.

[0027] The seal can be O-ring, flat or lip.

[0028] At least one of the flanges of the lower part and of the flange of the upper part may include a flat surface. In particular, the flange of the lower part and the flange of the upper part may each include a flat surface.

[0029] At least one of the flanges of the lower part and of the flange of the upper part may be frosted. The fact that a flange is frosted increases the coefficient of friction of the flange and thus ensures better retention between the lower and upper parts.

[0030] The retaining member may comprise two jaws, each jaw having a groove engaged on the opposite flanges, with flanks converging inwards, which ensure axial clamping of the flanges when the jaws are brought together.

[0031] The device may include a perforated support, in particular in the form of a grid, placed on the path of the carrier gas towards the olfactory test outlet, and against which the filter is disposed.

[0032] The perforated support can be positioned between the filter and the olfactory test outlet, in particular between the filter and the upper part. In this position, the perforated support provides a counter-support surface for the filter to absorb the pressure forces applied to it when the receiving chamber is supplied with carrier gas. This limits filter deformation. In particular, it prevents the filter from tearing under the pressure forces applied when the receiving chamber is supplied with carrier gas.

[0033] The support can be surrounded by a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket can be O-ring, flat, or lip. The sealing gasket is preferably O-ring and placed in a groove on one periphery of the perforated support.

[0034] The support can be arranged between the lower and upper parts.

[0035] The support may include a receiving part against which the filter is The filter's receiving section extends at least partially into the upper part. This receiving section can serve as a keying device to ensure correct mounting of the support between the lower and upper parts.

[0036] The support can be pinched between the lower and upper parts.

[0037] The olfactory test outlet may include a flexible tip, in particular in the form of an open teat or one with a hole at one end. Such a flexible tip allows for easy handling without risk of injury to the operator. Furthermore, the olfactory outlet can be closed by simply pinching the teat.

[0038] The flexible tip can be removably mounted on the olfactory test outlet, in particular by means of a ring screwed onto a threaded surface of the olfactory test outlet. This allows for simplified disassembly and cleaning of the flexible tip, improving the hygiene of the device, while maintaining a hermetic seal between the two parts pressed together, namely the olfactory test outlet and the flexible tip, when the ring is screwed on.

[0039] The soft tip can be made of an elastomeric material, for example silicone, rubber, or latex. In particular, the soft tip is intended to come into contact with the skin without endangering human health. In one embodiment, the soft tip is a pacifier.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an instrumental analysis test outlet allowing the evacuation of at least a portion of the carrier gas introduced into the receiving chamber and its instrumental analysis, notably by means of a probe connected to one or more physical and / or chemical analysis instruments. The tip of said probe can be removably mounted on the analysis test outlet, in particular by means of a ring screwed onto a threaded surface of the analysis outlet. This also allows for simplified disassembly and cleaning of the probe, improving the analytical measurements, while maintaining a hermetic seal, when the ring is screwed on, between the two parts applied to each other, namely the analysis test outlet and the probe tip. Preferably, the analysis instrument is a chromatograph that can be connected to a mass spectrometer and / or a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an olfactory test output as defined above and an analytical test output. Thus, the operator can simultaneously perform an olfactory analysis of the powder and an instrumental analysis.

[0042] The filter can be a very high efficiency HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

[0043] The filter can be a very low penetration ULPA (in English “Ultra Low Penetration Air”) filter.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the filter is of the EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air) type or a high-efficiency filter, possibly measured according to standard EN 1822:2009, and has a filtration efficiency between 85% and 99.5%. The filter may be of class EPA 10: whose filtration efficiency for particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 microns is 85%, of class EPA 11: whose filtration efficiency for particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 microns is 95%, or of class EPA 12: whose filtration efficiency for particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 microns is 99.5%.

[0045] The filter may have, according to ISO 16890, possibly measured according to EN 1822-1, an overall efficiency of at least 85% (class E10), an overall efficiency of at least 95% (class Eli), an overall efficiency of at least 99.5% (class E12), an overall efficiency of at least 99.95% (class H13), an overall efficiency of at least 99.995% (class H14), an overall efficiency of at least 99.9995% (class U15), an overall efficiency of at least 99.99995% (class U16), or an overall efficiency of at least 99.999995% (class U17).

[0046] The filter can have a filtration capacity of 100% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 pm. Facility

[0047] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the above, to an installation for analyzing a product, in particular a powdered product, comprising a device as defined above, and a carrier gas injection system connected to the carrier gas inlet of the receiving chamber of the device.

[0048] The installation may include an analytical instrument connected to at least one of the fittings connected to the upper part of the analytical chamber.

[0049] The analytical instrument may be a chromatograph or a spectrometer. Analytical procedure

[0050] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, in combination with the above, to a method for analyzing a product, in particular a powdered product, using a device as defined above comprising the following steps:

[0051] - position the product in the receiving chamber;

[0052] - inject a carrier gas under pressure into the receiving chamber;

[0053] - direct a portion of the injected carrier gas through the filter, and achieve a olfactory analysis of volatile compounds, particularly volatile organic compounds, originating from the product and carried by the carrier gas, emitted through the olfactory test outlet.

[0054] The process may include a step of analyzing volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, of the product using an analytical instrument simultaneously with the olfactory analysis.

[0055] The gas injection can be carried out for a duration of between 0.5 s (pulse) and 60 s.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure inside the device, once the carrier gas is circulating, is between 0.5 atmospheres and 5 atmospheres and preferably between 1 and 2 atmospheres.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the injection of gas, and in particular air, is carried out with a flow rate between 0.1 ml / min and 100 ml / min, more particularly between 1 ml / min and 50 ml / min.

[0058] In particular, the duration for conducting the olfactory test is between 1 second and 24 hours.

[0059] More particularly, the duration for conducting the olfactory test is between 1 second and 5 minutes and the duration for conducting the instrumental test is between 1 minute and 24 hours, more particularly between 5 minutes and 1 hour. Brief description of the drawings

[0060] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, on which

[0061] [Fig-1] illustrates, in perspective, an example of a device according to the invention,

[0062] [Fig.2] illustrates, in top view, the different elements of the device of the [Fig.1] separated from each other, and

[0063] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically, an example of an installation according to the invention. Detailed description

[0064] In the following description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference numeral. For the sake of brevity, they are not described opposite each figure; only the differences between the embodiments are described.

[0065] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0066] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a device 1 for analyzing a product likely to release one or more volatile organic compounds, in particular a powdered product.

[0067] The device 1 comprises a lower part, called receiving chamber 2, and an upper part 3, both made of mineral glass and assembled together in a removable manner.

[0068] The receiving chamber 2 has, for example, a general hollow tubular shape comprising a flat bottom 5 and an opening 6, opposite the bottom 5. The receiving chamber 2 also includes an annular flange 7 totally surrounding the opening 6.

[0069] The receiving chamber 2 is preferably transparent, except for the flange 7 which is, for example, frosted.

[0070] The upper part 3 has a generally hollow tubular shape comprising an opening 10 opposite the opening 6 of the receiving chamber 2 when the device 1 is assembled. The upper part 3 also comprises an annular flange 11 completely surrounding the opening 10.

[0071] The upper part 3 is preferably transparent, with the exception of the flange 11 which is, for example, frosted.

[0072] The receiving chamber 2 further includes an inlet 12 to be connected to a carrier gas supply, opening into the receiving chamber 2, and a secondary carrier gas inlet 13 located higher than the inlet 12.

[0073] The inlet 12 and the secondary inlet 13 are for example each formed of a threaded tubular end extending from a tubular wall 14 of the receiving chamber 2, and can be fitted with plugs, as illustrated, when the device 1 is not in use, in order to preserve the cleanliness of the receiving chamber 2.

[0074] The reception room 2, the entrance 12 and the secondary entrance 13 can form a single unit.

[0075] The inlet 12 allows a carrier gas stream to sweep the receiving chamber 2 to carry away at least some of the volatile organic compound(s) released by the product disposed in the receiving chamber 2, as will be detailed later.

[0076] The upper part 3 includes an olfactory test outlet 15 allowing the evacuation of at least part of the carrier gas introduced into the receiving chamber 2 and the olfactory analysis thereof by an operator bringing his nose close to the outlet 15.

[0077] The outlet 15 includes a flexible tip 16 which can take the form of a nipple mounted on a ring 17 itself screwed onto a thread 18 of the upper part 3.

[0078] The flexible tip 16 is for example made of silicone, and has at least one opening 19 at its free end.

[0079] The upper part 3 also includes a fitting 20 extending from a tubular wall 21 allowing connection of an analytical instrument.

[0080] When the device 1 is assembled, the flanges 7 and 11 are applied against each other with the interposition of a seal 22, for example a flat annular one, by a retaining member 23.

[0081] The retaining member 23 comprises for example two jaws 24 and 25, each jaw 24 and 25 having a groove (not illustrated) engaged on the flanges 7 and 11 opposite with flanks converging inwards, which ensure axial clamping of the flanges 7 and 11 when the jaws 24 and 25 are brought together by means of a clamping screw 26.

[0082] The device 1 also includes a filter 30 disposed on the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber 2 and the upper part 3.

[0083] Filter 30 is, for example, a very high efficiency HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter of class H14.

[0084] The filter 30 is for example in the form of a circular contour disc and includes an outer edge pinched between the receiving chamber 2 and the upper part 3, more precisely between the seal 22 and a grid 31.

[0085] The device 1 comprises a perforated grid 31 disposed between the filter 30 and the upper part 3, against which the filter 30 is positioned. In this position, the grid 31 provides a counter-support surface for the filter 30 to absorb the pressure forces applied to the filter 30 when the receiving chamber 2 is supplied with carrier gas.

[0086] The grid 31 includes, in this example, a receiving part 32 against which the filter 30 is disposed, which extends at least partially into the upper part 3.

[0087] The grid 31 also includes a rim 36 extending in a plane spaced from an extension plane of the receiving part 32. The rim 36 is pinched between the receiving chamber 2 and the upper part 3. The grid 31 can be surrounded by a sealing gasket 35, for example an O-ring received in a groove.

[0088] This receiving portion 32 can serve as a keying device. Indeed, the diameter of the portion 32 is smaller than that of the rim 36. The receiving chamber 2 and the upper portion 3 can have different internal diameters in order to accommodate the rim 36 and the receiving portion 32 respectively.

[0089] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an installation 40 according to the invention comprising the device 1 of Figures 1 and 2.

[0090] The installation 40 includes a source 41 of carrier gas, for example breathable air, connected to the inlet 12 of the receiving chamber 2.

[0091] The installation 40 also includes an analytical instrument 42, for example a chromatograph or a spectrometer, connected to the secondary output 20 of the upper part 3.

[0092] During the use of the installation 40, a product P, for example a powder, is positioned in the receiving chamber 2.

[0093] Once positioned and the device 1 assembled, carrier gas is injected into the receiving chamber 2, for example at a flow rate between 1 and 50 ml / min for a duration to be determined by the operator according to the test to be carried out, for example for a duration of 60 s.

[0094] This injection will cause the production of volatile organic compounds which will mix with the carrier gas.

[0095] This carrier gas flow charged with volatile organic compounds will be delivered by the outlet 15 of the olfactory test in order to carry out an olfactory analysis of volatile compounds of the product through the outlet of the olfactory test of the receiving chamber 2, having previously passed through the filter 30.

[0096] Olfactory analysis is, for example, carried out by bringing the nose N of an operator close to the nozzle 16

[0097] Simultaneously, if desired, an analysis of volatile compounds of the product using the analytical instrument 42 can be carried out.

[0098] Device 1 therefore allows data from the analytical instrument 42 to be obtained, in particular from a chromatography or a spectrum, related to olfactory analysis.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for analyzing a product (P) capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, especially a powdered product, comprising: - a receiving chamber (2) for the product to be analyzed; - an inlet (12) to be connected to a carrier gas supply, opening into the receiving chamber (2), so as to allow a current of carrier gas to sweep through the receiving chamber (2) to carry away at least part of the volatile compound(s) released by the product (P); - an olfactory test outlet (15) allowing the evacuation of at least part of the carrier gas introduced into the receiving chamber (2) and the olfactory analysis thereof by an operator bringing his nose (N) close to the outlet (15);- a filter (30) arranged in the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber (2) and the outlet (15) of the olfactory test and having a filtration capacity greater than or equal to 85% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 pm to retain particles likely to be carried by the carrier gas towards the outlet (15) of the olfactory test.;

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a fitting (20) placed downstream of the filter (30) allowing it to be connected to an analytical instrument (42), the filter (30) being placed on the path of the carrier gas between the receiving chamber (2) and the fitting (42).

3. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a secondary carrier gas inlet (13) placed upstream of the filter (30).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising lower (2) and upper (3) parts assembled together, in particular in a removable manner, the receiving chamber (2) being defined by the lower part, the filter (30) being disposed between said parts (2; 3).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, each part (2; 3) comprising a connecting flange (7; 11), the two flanges (7; 11) being applied against each other, with interposition of a seal (22; 35), by a retaining member (23).

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining member (23) comprises two jaws (24; 25), each jaw (24; 25) having a groove engaged on the flanges (7; 11) opposite, with flanks converging inwards, which ensure axial clamping of the flanges (7; 11) when the jaws (24; 25) are brought together.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a perforated support (31), in particular in the form of a grid, placed on the path of the carrier gas towards the outlet (15) of the olfactory test, and against which the filter (30) is disposed.

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (31) is surrounded by a sealing gasket (35).

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8 in combination with claim 4, wherein the support (31) is disposed between the lower (2) and upper (3) parts, the support (31) comprising a receiving part (32) against which the filter (30) is disposed, the receiving part (32) of the filter (30) extending at least partially into the upper part (3).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 in combination with claim 4, wherein the support (31) is pinched between the lower (2) and upper (3) parts.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the olfactory test outlet (15) comprises a flexible tip (16), in particular in the form of a teat.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter (30) is a very high efficiency HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

13. Installation (40) for analyzing a product, in particular a powdered product, comprising a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a carrier gas injection system (41) connected to the carrier gas inlet (12) of the receiving chamber (2) of the device (1).

14. Installation (40) according to the preceding claim, the device (1) being according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, comprising an analysis instrument (42) connected to the fitting (20).

15. Installation (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the analytical instrument (42) is a chromatograph.

16. A method for analyzing a product, in particular a powdered product, using a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising the following steps: - position the product (P) in the receiving chamber (2); - inject a carrier gas under pressure into the receiving chamber (2); - direct part of the flow of carrier gas thus injected through the filter, and carry out an olfactory analysis of volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, originating from the product (P) and carried by the carrier gas, emitted through the outlet (15) of olfactory test.

17. A method according to the preceding claim, the device (1) being according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claim 2, wherein the method comprises a step of analyzing volatile compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, of the product (P) using an analytical instrument (42) simultaneously with the olfactory analysis.

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