Analyzer and analysis method

Abstract

To provide an analyzer and an analysis method for allowing appropriate analysis of the state of corrosion of steel material in concrete.SOLUTION: An analyzer 10 comprises: a transmitter 12 that is provided so that it can transmit an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 0.1-100 GHz toward an object 1; a diaphragm 14 that regulates a travel path of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter 12; and a plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b that can detect the intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b are arranged so that the detectors can receive the electromagnetic waves reflected on the object 1 at the angles of reflection different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an analysis device and an analysis method for acquiring information for analyzing an object using electromagnetic waves. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for analyzing the deterioration state of concrete have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for evaluating the degree of deterioration of concrete by utilizing terahertz waves.

[0003] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of boreholes is drilled in concrete, and terahertz waves are irradiated from one borehole to the other, and the absorbance is calculated from the transmitted terahertz waves. The degree of deterioration of the concrete is then evaluated by comparing the calculated absorbance with the absorbance of concrete that has the same composition as the concrete to be evaluated and has a known degree of deterioration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-033390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In concrete structures such as bridges and buildings, steel materials are provided inside the concrete. In order to evaluate the corrosion state of the steel materials inside the concrete in such concrete structures, it is conceivable to use the method disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0006] However, high-frequency electromagnetic waves (e.g., frequencies above 0.1 THz) can only penetrate concrete thicknesses of a few millimeters. Therefore, when the distance from the concrete surface to the steel surface is large (e.g., 5 mm or more), the above-mentioned methods using high-frequency electromagnetic waves cannot adequately evaluate the deterioration state of concrete structures.

[0007] Therefore, it is conceivable to use electromagnetic waves with frequencies of 0.1 THz or less, which have a longer transmission distance through concrete. Specifically, it is conceivable to evaluate the corrosion state of steel materials in concrete by detecting the absorbance when electromagnetic waves with frequencies of 0.1 THz or less are irradiated onto a concrete structure.

[0008] However, when electromagnetic waves with frequencies below 0.1 THz are irradiated from the surface of concrete, the waves are scattered, reflected, and absorbed by the moisture, voids, aggregate, etc. inside the concrete. These cause noise in the detection results, making it impossible to properly evaluate the corrosion state of steel materials.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an analytical device and an analytical method that enable appropriate analysis of the corrosion state of steel materials in concrete. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) An analytical device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a transmitter that is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz toward a target; a diaphragm that limits the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter; a plurality of first detectors capable of detecting the intensity of electromagnetic waves; The plurality of first detectors are arranged so as to receive the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the transmitter, pass through the aperture, and are then reflected at different reflection angles by the object.

[0011] (2) The analytical device of (1) above, a support base for supporting the object; The apparatus may further include an adjustment unit that adjusts the positional relationship between the object supported by the support base, the transmitter, and the plurality of first detectors.

[0012] (3) The analytical device of (1) above, The apparatus may further include a second detector that is capable of detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave that has passed through the object.

[0013] (4) The analytical device of (1) above, The device may further include a third detector that detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave before it reaches the aperture.

[0014] (5) The analytical device of (1) above, a mirror that reflects a portion of the electromagnetic wave before it reaches the aperture; The device may further include a third detector that detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the mirror.

[0015] (6) The analytical device of (1) above, The device may further include a lens that reduces the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave.

[0016] (7) An analytical method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: It emits electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz toward the target object, restricting the propagation path of the emitted electromagnetic waves and irradiating the target object; After transmitting the electromagnetic waves toward the object, detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves from the object with a plurality of first detectors; When detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, the plurality of first detectors are arranged so as to be able to receive the electromagnetic waves reflected at different reflection angles from each other by the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately analyze the corrosion state of steel materials in concrete. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the analyzer with the support base rotated. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] (Study by the present inventors) The present inventors attempted to analyze the corrosion state of steel materials in concrete by irradiating an evaluation object (hereinafter referred to as the object) in which steel materials are installed in concrete with electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz. Specifically, they attempted to analyze the corrosion state of steel materials in the object by irradiating the surface of the object with electromagnetic waves having the above frequencies and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves whose direction of travel has changed in the object with a detector. In this specification, electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz are also referred to as gigahertz waves.

[0020] However, when electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 100 GHz (0.1 THz) or less are irradiated onto an object, as described above, scattering, reflection, and absorption (hereinafter referred to as scattering, etc.) of the electromagnetic waves occur inside the concrete (between the concrete surface and the steel surface). Therefore, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detector includes not only the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered, etc. on the steel surface, but also the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered, etc. outside the steel. For this reason, simply detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves from the object does not allow for an appropriate analysis of the corrosion state of the steel.

[0021] Therefore, the present inventors further investigated methods for detecting electromagnetic waves, and in the course of their investigations, they noticed that when a steel material corrodes and rust occurs on the surface of the steel material, the surface roughness of the steel material deteriorates.

[0022] When the corrosion of steel is not very advanced and the surface roughness of the steel is good, the anisotropy of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered by the steel surface, etc., depending on the detection direction becomes large. In this case, when the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is detected using multiple detectors installed at different reception angles (reflection angles of the electromagnetic waves to be detected: reception angles), the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by each detector is likely to become large.

[0023] On the other hand, when corrosion of steel progresses and the surface roughness of the steel deteriorates, electromagnetic waves incident on the surface of the steel are more likely to be scattered. This reduces the anisotropy of the intensity of electromagnetic waves scattered by the surface of the steel depending on the detection direction. In this case, when the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is detected by multiple detectors installed at different reception angles, the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by each detector becomes smaller.

[0024] As described above, when detecting the intensity of electromagnetic waves using multiple detectors installed at different reception angles, the detection results of each detector vary depending on the corrosion state of the steel material. Therefore, it is believed that it is possible to evaluate the corrosion state of the steel material by comparing the detection results of the multiple detectors. As described above, the detection results of each detector are affected not only by electromagnetic waves scattered on the surface of the steel material but also by electromagnetic waves scattered by parts other than the steel material within the concrete. However, it is believed that it is possible to evaluate the corrosion state of the steel material by comparing the intensities detected by each detector. For example, if the intensities detected by each detector are equivalent, it can be determined that the corrosion state of the steel material is progressing.

[0025] Based on the results of the above study, the inventors attempted to evaluate the corrosion state of steel materials by irradiating gigahertz waves toward an object and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered by the object using multiple detectors installed at different reception angles. However, they found that there are cases where the detection results obtained by the multiple detectors do not produce differences corresponding to the corrosion state of the steel materials.

[0026] The inventors of the present invention believe that the cause of this is as follows: Gigahertz waves emitted from a transmitter diverge before reaching the target object, increasing the area of ​​the target object irradiated with the gigahertz waves. In this case, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by each detector includes not only the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered in the area where the corrosion state is to be evaluated (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation section), but also the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered outside the evaluation section. This is thought to make it impossible to produce differences in the detection results detected by multiple detectors that correspond to the corrosion state of the steel material.

[0027] Since the intensity of gigahertz waves is usually low, it is considered undesirable to provide an aperture between the transmitter and the object to limit the amount of gigahertz waves passing through in order to obtain sufficient information from electromagnetic waves scattered by the object. However, the inventors deliberately provided an aperture between the transmitter and the object in order to limit the irradiation area of ​​the gigahertz waves to the evaluation unit. As a result, it was possible to appropriately generate differences in the detection results obtained by multiple detectors according to the corrosion state of the steel material.

[0028] The present invention has been completed based on the above findings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An analytical device and an analytical method according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] (Configuration of the analysis device) Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows an X direction and a Y direction that are orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0030] 1, an analysis device 10 according to this embodiment includes a transmitter 12, an aperture 14, a plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b, a support base 18, and an adjustment unit 20. An object 1 to be analyzed by the analysis device 10 is placed on the support base 18. In this embodiment, the object 1 includes concrete 2 and a steel material 3 provided within the concrete 2.

[0031] The transmitter 12 is configured to be able to emit electromagnetic waves (gigahertz waves) having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz toward the target 1. In this embodiment, the transmitter 12 is configured to be able to change the frequency of the emitted electromagnetic waves. In this embodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the target 1 is preferably 50 GHz or less, more preferably 2 to 40 GHz, and even more preferably 5 to 25 GHz. A known transmitter can be used as the transmitter 12, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, the path of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmitter 12 is indicated by a dashed dotted line.

[0032] The diaphragm 14 restricts the travel path of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter 12. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 14 has a plate-shaped main body portion 14a and an absorbing portion 14b. The absorbing portion 14b is provided on the surface of the main body portion 14a facing the transmitter 12. The diaphragm 14 has a through-hole 14c formed to penetrate the main body portion 14a and the absorbing portion 14b.

[0033] The propagation path of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the transmitter 12 is restricted by the through-hole 14c. In this embodiment, the through-hole 14c is formed to have a diameter, for example, approximately 10 times the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the transmitter 12. In this embodiment, the through-hole 14c is formed to have a diameter, for example, approximately 10 to 50 mm. In this embodiment, a portion of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the transmitter 12 passes through the through-hole 14c, and another portion of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the transmitter 12 is absorbed by the absorbing portion 14b. The absorbing portion 14b is formed, for example, by applying an electromagnetic wave-absorbing material to the main body portion 14a or by attaching an electromagnetic wave-absorbing sheet to the main body portion 14a. Various known materials capable of absorbing electromagnetic waves can be used as the material for the absorbing portion 14b. Note that the absorbing portion 14b is not necessarily provided; however, it is preferable to provide the absorbing portion 14b from the viewpoint of preventing electromagnetic waves scattered in the main body portion 14a from affecting the detection results of the first detectors 16a and 16b.

[0034] Aperture 14 may be configured to be adjustable in size (cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electromagnetic wave) of through-hole 14c, although a detailed description thereof will be omitted since a known aperture used in an optical system can be used as aperture 14. As described above, in this embodiment, aperture 14 has through-hole 14c that passes the electromagnetic wave transmitted from transmitter 12, and its configuration is completely different from that of a lens that refracts electromagnetic waves.

[0035] Each of the first detectors 16a, 16b detects the intensity of an electromagnetic wave. In this embodiment, the first detectors 16a, 16b are configured to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic wave that has passed through the aperture 14 (through-hole 14c) and then been scattered by the object 1. In this embodiment, the first detectors 16a, 16b are arranged to receive electromagnetic waves reflected by the object 1 at different reflection angles. That is, the first detectors 16a, 16b are installed so that their reception angles (reflection angles of the electromagnetic waves to be detected: reception angles) are different from each other. Note that, since known detectors capable of detecting the intensity of electromagnetic waves can be used as the first detectors 16a, 16b, a detailed description of the configuration of the first detectors 16a, 16b will be omitted. The same applies to the second and third detectors described below.

[0036] In this embodiment, the support base 18 is provided so as to be movable in the X direction, the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction (the vertical direction in this embodiment). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support base 18 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction.

[0037] The adjustment unit 20 is configured to adjust the positional relationship between the object 1, the transmitter 12, and the multiple first detectors 16a and 16b. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 20 supports the support base 18 so that it can move in the X direction, the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. The adjustment unit 20 also supports the support base 18 so that it can rotate. In this embodiment, a user of the analysis device 10 can operate the adjustment unit 20 to move or rotate the support base 18 relative to the transmitter 12 and the first detectors 16a and 16b. This allows the positional relationship between the object 1, the transmitter 12, and the multiple first detectors 16a and 16b to be adjusted. For example, by rotating the support base 18 from the state of the analysis device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the orientation of the object 1 relative to the transmitter 12 and the first detectors 16a and 16b can be changed as shown in FIG. 2. Although not shown, the orientation of the object 1 relative to the transmitter 12 and the first detectors 16a and 16b can also be changed by, for example, moving the support base 18 in the X direction, the Y direction, or a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The positions of the transmitter 12, the first detector 16a, and the first detector 16b in the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions may be equal to or different from one another. For example, the positions of the transmitter 12 and the first detector 16a may be equal to one another and the positions of the transmitter 12 and the first detector 16b may be different from one another in the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0038] (Action and effect) When analyzing the condition of the object 1 using the analysis device 10 according to this embodiment, the intensity of electromagnetic waves scattered or otherwise emitted from the object 1 can be detected by multiple first detectors 16a and 16b, which are installed so as to have different reception angles. In this case, the corrosion state of the steel material 3 in the concrete 2 can be evaluated by comparing the detection results of the multiple first detectors 16a and 16b. In particular, in this embodiment, the object 1 can be irradiated with electromagnetic waves whose propagation path is limited by the aperture 14. This makes it possible to limit the irradiation area of ​​the electromagnetic waves on the object 1 to a portion (evaluation portion) where the corrosion state is to be evaluated. This prevents the first detectors 16a and 16b from detecting the intensity of electromagnetic waves scattered or otherwise emitted from portions other than the evaluation portion. As a result, the detection results detected by the multiple first detectors 16a and 16b can appropriately differ depending on the corrosion state of the steel material 3. As a result, the corrosion state of the steel material 3 in the concrete 2 can be appropriately analyzed.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the object 1, the transmitter 12, and the plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b can be adjusted by the adjustment unit 20. This makes it possible to more appropriately analyze the corrosion state of the steel material 3, for example, by checking how the detection results of the first detectors 16a, 16b change depending on the positional relationship.

[0040] In the analysis device 10 according to the present embodiment and the analysis method using the same, the method for using the detection results (detected intensities of electromagnetic waves) of the multiple first detectors 16a, 16b is not particularly limited. For example, the corrosion state of the steel material 3 may be evaluated by calculating the ratio of the intensities of the electromagnetic waves detected by the multiple first detectors 16a, 16b, or the corrosion state of the steel material 3 may be evaluated by calculating the ratio of the intensities (detected intensities) of the electromagnetic waves detected by the multiple first detectors 16a, 16b to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 12.

[0041] As described above, when corrosion of the steel material 3 is not very advanced and the surface roughness of the steel material 3 is good, the anisotropy of the intensity depending on the detection direction of the electromagnetic waves scattered, etc. on the surface of the steel material 3 becomes high. In this case, the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b tends to become large. On the other hand, when corrosion of the steel material 3 progresses and the surface roughness of the steel material 3 deteriorates, the electromagnetic waves incident on the surface of the steel material 3 tend to be scattered more easily. In this case, the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b tends to become small. Therefore, for example, it can be determined that the corrosion of the steel material is more advanced as the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b becomes smaller.

[0042] When corrosion of the steel material 3 does not progress, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered, etc., on the surface of the steel material 3 decreases. Therefore, when the first detectors 16a and 16b do not detect the electromagnetic waves reflected (reflected waves) on the surface of the steel material 3, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b decreases significantly. In this case, the difference in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b decreases, as in the case when corrosion of the steel material 3 progresses and the surface roughness of the steel material 3 deteriorates. In this regard, it is possible to determine whether corrosion of the steel material 3 is progressing by, for example, calculating the ratio of the intensity (detected intensity) of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 12.

[0043] As described above, analysis of the object 1 using the analysis device 10 according to this embodiment allows evaluation of the corrosion state of the steel material 3 by taking into account the anisotropy of the intensity of electromagnetic waves scattered, etc., on the surface of the steel material 3 depending on the detection direction. However, depending on the positional relationship between the first detectors 16a and 16b and the object 1, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by one of the first detectors after reflection on the surface of the steel material 3 may be high. For example, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by one of the first detectors may be approximately 10 times higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the other first detector. In such a case, it may be difficult to properly evaluate the anisotropy of the intensity of electromagnetic waves scattered, etc., on the surface of the steel material 3 depending on the detection direction. Therefore, it is preferable to change the wave-receiving angles of the first detectors 16a and 16b and perform the analysis again. The wave-receiving angles of the first detectors 16a and 16b may be adjusted by the adjustment unit 20 or by the user by changing the orientation of the object 1.

[0044] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the object 1, the transmitter 12, and the multiple first detectors 16a, 16b is adjusted by moving or rotating the support base 18 using the adjustment unit 20. However, the configuration of the adjustment unit is not limited to the above example. For example, the adjustment unit may be configured to adjust the positional relationship between the object 1, the transmitter 12, and the multiple first detectors 16a, 16b by moving the position of the transmitter 12 and / or the first detectors 16a, 16b relative to the support base 18. Specifically, the adjustment unit may be configured to move the position of the transmitter 12 and / or the first detectors 16a, 16b relative to the support base 18 in the X direction, the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. Furthermore, for example, the adjustment unit may be configured to move the position of the transmitter 12 and / or the first detectors 16a, 16b along a circumference centered on the support base 18 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In these cases, it is preferable that the adjustment unit is configured so that the position of the diaphragm 14 can be moved together with the transmitter 12. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave from the object 1 is detected by the two first detectors 16a and 16b has been described, but the analysis device may also include three or more first detectors arranged so as to be able to detect the intensities of the electromagnetic waves reflected at different reflection angles. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the respective components of the analysis device 10 are installed so that the X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the installation orientation of the analysis device 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, the respective components of the analysis device 10 may be installed so that the X direction is parallel to the vertical direction, or so that the Y direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Furthermore, for example, the respective components of the analysis device 10 may be installed so that the X and / or Y directions are inclined relative to the horizontal direction. However, installing the respective components of the analysis device 10 so that the X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal direction (i.e., arranging the respective components of the analysis device 10 horizontally) provides greater flexibility in the installation of the respective components, and is therefore preferable. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the first detectors 16a and 16b are spaced apart from each other when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. However, the first detectors 16a and 16b may be arranged to overlap each other or to be aligned in the X or Y direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In these cases, for example, the first detectors 16a and 16b are arranged at different positions from each other in the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the transmitter 12 may be arranged to overlap the first detector 16a and / or the first detector 16b or to be aligned in the X direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the analysis device 10 is configured so that the intensity of the electromagnetic waves that, after being scattered by the object 1, travel in a direction inclined relative to the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the transmitter 12 (the Y direction in FIG. 1) is detected by the plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b. However, the arrangement of the plurality of first detectors 16a, 16b is not limited to the above-described example. An example will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device.

[0049] 3 includes a half mirror 22 in addition to the transmitter 12, aperture 14, multiple first detectors 16a and 16b, support base 18, and adjustment unit 20 described in FIG. 1. The half mirror 22 is provided between the aperture 14 and the object 1. Note that a known half mirror can be used as the half mirror 22, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, but for example, a half mirror using a silicon substrate can be used.

[0050] In the analysis device 10a according to this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the aperture 14 pass through the half mirror 22 and are irradiated onto the object 1. A portion of the electromagnetic waves that have been scattered by the object 1 travels in a direction inclined with respect to the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the transmitter 12 and is received by the first detector 16a. Another portion of the electromagnetic waves that have been scattered by the object 1 travels in the opposite direction to the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the transmitter 12 and is reflected by the half mirror 22 and then received by the first detector 16b.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave scattered by the object 1 is detected has been described, but the transmitted wave that has passed through the object may also be detected. An example will be described below. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device.

[0052] The analysis device 10b shown in FIG. 4 further includes a second detector 24a in addition to the analysis device 10 described in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, an electromagnetic wave is transmitted from a transmitter 12 to an object 1a made of concrete 2. Unlike the object 1 described above, the object 1a does not have a steel material 3 (see FIG. 1) provided therein. Therefore, a portion of the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the object 1a is transmitted through the object 1a. The second detector 24a is configured to be able to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object 1a (transmitted wave). Furthermore, similar to the analysis device 10 shown in FIG. 1, by transmitting an electromagnetic wave from the transmitter 12 to the object 1 having a steel material 3 therein, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave scattered or otherwise emitted by the object 1 can be detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b.

[0053] In the analysis device 10b according to this embodiment, the deterioration state of the object 1a (concrete 2) can be evaluated by detecting the intensity of the transmitted wave with the second detector 24a. Although not shown, for the object 1 (see FIG. 1) including the steel material 3, the detection result of the second detector 24a obtained by irradiating the electromagnetic wave onto a portion not including the steel material 3 so that it transmits through the concrete 2 can be compared with the detection results of the first detectors 16a and 16b obtained by irradiating the electromagnetic wave so that it is scattered by the steel material 3. In this case, the corrosion state of the steel material 3 can be more appropriately evaluated by taking into account the deterioration state of the concrete 2.

[0054] In the analysis device 10b shown in Fig. 4, the intensity of the transmitted wave is detected by one second detector 24a, but the number of second detectors is not limited to one, and two or more second detectors may be provided. An example will be described below. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the analysis device.

[0055] The analysis device 10c shown in Fig. 5 includes a plurality of second detectors 24a, 24b, and 24c that are capable of detecting the intensity of transmitted waves that have passed through the object 1a. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the second detector 24a detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the object 1a and that travel in the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the transmitter 12 (Y direction). The second detectors 24b and 24c detect the intensity of the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the object 1a and that travel in a direction oblique to the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the transmitter 12. In this embodiment, the deterioration state of the concrete 2 can be evaluated with greater accuracy by comparing the detection results of the plurality of second detectors 24a, 24b, and 24c. Furthermore, for an object 1 (see FIG. 1) including steel material 3, the detection results of second detectors 24a, 24b, 24c obtained by irradiating electromagnetic waves onto portions not including steel material 3 so that they penetrate concrete 2 can be compared with the detection results of first detectors 16a, 16b obtained by irradiating electromagnetic waves so that they are scattered by steel material 3. This makes it possible to more appropriately grasp the deterioration state of concrete 2 and more accurately evaluate the corrosion state of steel material 3.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave scattered by the object or the like is measured has been described, but the intensity of the electromagnetic wave before it is irradiated to the object may also be measured. An example will be described below. Figure 6 is a diagram showing another example of an analysis device.

[0057] The analysis device 10d shown in Fig. 6 further includes a third detector 26 in addition to the components of the analysis device 10 described in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the third detector 26 is attached to the aperture 14 and is configured to be able to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic waves before they reach the aperture 14.

[0058] The intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1 may be unstable depending on the operating environment of the analytical device 10d or the characteristics of the transmitter 12. Specifically, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1 may fluctuate due to the influence of moisture in the atmosphere, or the intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 may fluctuate due to the characteristics of the transmitter 12. When the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1 fluctuates, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b also fluctuates. In this regard, in this embodiment, the third detector 26 measures the intensity of the electromagnetic waves before they are irradiated to the object 1, thereby detecting fluctuations in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves not affected by the object 1. In other words, fluctuations in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1 can be detected. In this case, the detection results of the first detectors 16a and 16b can be evaluated taking into account the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1. For example, it is conceivable to normalize the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered by the object 1 by dividing the intensity detected by the first detectors 16a and 16b by the intensity detected by the third detector 26. In this case, the influence of fluctuations in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the object 1 can be eliminated and the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered by the object 1 can be evaluated, thereby more appropriately evaluating the deterioration state of the object 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves before reaching the aperture 14 can be measured, so that fluctuations in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves due to the usage environment or the characteristics of the transmitter 12 can be more accurately detected. Although detailed description is omitted, the third detector 26 may be provided in the above-described analyzers 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0059] The method for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic waves before they are irradiated onto the object is not limited to the above example. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of an analysis device.

[0060] The analyzer 10e shown in Fig. 7 further includes a half mirror 28 and a third detector 30 in addition to the components of the analyzer 10 described in Fig. 1. The half mirror 28 is provided between the transmitter 12 and the aperture 14. Note that a known half mirror can be used as the half mirror 28, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] In the analysis device 10e according to this embodiment, a portion of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 passes through the half mirror 28 and the aperture 14 and is irradiated onto the target 1. Another portion of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 is reflected by the half mirror 28 and then received by the third detector 30. In this embodiment, the half mirror 28 corresponds to a mirror that reflects a portion of the electromagnetic waves before they reach the aperture. The ratio between the intensity of the electromagnetic waves passing through the half mirror 28 and the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the half mirror 28 may be changed as appropriate depending on the usage environment of the analysis device 10e, the state of the target 1, and the like. For example, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves passing through the half mirror 28 may be higher, lower, or equal to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the half mirror 28.

[0062] In the analysis device 10e according to this embodiment, similarly to the analysis device 10d described above, the third detector 30 can measure the intensity of the electromagnetic waves before they are irradiated onto the object 1. This allows the intensity of the electromagnetic waves scattered or otherwise affected by the object 1 to be evaluated, while eliminating the influence of fluctuations in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object 1, similarly to the analysis device 10d described above. As a result, the deterioration state of the object 1 can be more appropriately evaluated. Although detailed description is omitted, the analysis devices 10a, 10b, and 10c described above may be provided with a half mirror 28 and a third detector 30. In the analysis device 10a shown in FIG. 3, a portion of the electromagnetic waves that pass through the aperture 14 but before reaching the object 1 may be reflected by the half mirror 22, and the intensity of the reflected electromagnetic waves may be detected by a third detector (not shown).

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the traveling path of the electromagnetic wave is restricted by the diaphragm 14, but a lens for reducing the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave may be further provided. Figure 8 is a diagram showing another example of an analysis device.

[0064] An analysis device 10f shown in Fig. 8 further includes a collimator lens 32 in addition to the components of the analysis device 10 described in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the collimator lens 32 corresponds to a lens that reduces the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave.

[0065] In the analysis device 10f according to this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 are shaped into parallel rays by the collimating lens 32, then pass through the aperture 14, and are irradiated onto the target 1. In this case, the electromagnetic waves passing through the aperture 14 can be prevented from diverging before reaching the target 1, so that the electromagnetic waves can be appropriately irradiated onto the portion (evaluation portion) whose corrosion state is to be evaluated. Although detailed description is omitted, in the above-described analysis devices 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, a lens (e.g., a collimating lens) that reduces the divergence angle of the electromagnetic waves may be provided between the transmitter 12 and the aperture 14. Note that, when a half mirror 28 is provided between the transmitter 12 and the aperture 14, as in the above-described analysis device 10e, the lens is provided, for example, between the half mirror 28 and the aperture 14.

[0066] Although the aperture 14 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 has a plate shape, the shape of the aperture 14 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 is merely an example. The aperture may be configured to restrict the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave, and the shape of the aperture is not limited to a plate. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the analyzer 10g may include an aperture 34 having a hollow cylindrical main body 34a. In this embodiment as well, the aperture 34 has a through-hole 34b formed therein to allow the electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough.

[0067] 10, the analysis device 10h may include a cylindrical aperture 36 having a gradually decreasing diameter (inner diameter). In this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 pass through the inner surface (through-hole) of the aperture 36, thereby restricting their travel path. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the aperture 36 may be provided with a reflecting portion that reflects the electromagnetic waves (gigahertz waves) without absorbing them. That is, a cylindrical focusing mirror may be used as the aperture 36. In this case, when the electromagnetic waves pass through the aperture 36, the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves can be concentrated in the axial direction of the aperture 36. This prevents a decrease in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves and appropriately restricts the irradiation area of ​​the electromagnetic waves on the target 1. The reflecting portion is, for example, a metal film such as gold (Au) formed on the inner surface of the aperture 36. An absorbing portion that absorbs the electromagnetic waves may be provided on the outer surface of the aperture 36. In this case, electromagnetic waves scattered by the outer surface of the aperture 36 can be prevented from affecting the detection results of the first detectors 16a and 16b. As shown in FIG. 10, a cylindrical light-shielding cover 38 may be provided to cover each of the first detectors 16a and 16b. In this case, electromagnetic waves can be appropriately guided to the first detectors 16a and 16b while preventing electromagnetic waves other than those intended for detection from being received by the first detectors 16a and 16b. This allows for more accurate analysis. An absorbing portion for absorbing electromagnetic waves may be provided on the outer surface of the light-shielding cover 38. In this case, electromagnetic waves scattered by the outer surface of the light-shielding cover 38 can be sufficiently prevented from affecting the detection results of the first detectors 16a and 16b. Similar to the aperture 36 described above, a reflecting portion made of a metal film such as gold (Au) may be provided on the inner surface of the light-shielding cover 38. In this case, the electromagnetic waves that have been scattered by the object 1 and then entered the light-shielding cover 38 can be more efficiently received by the first detectors 16a and 16b. Although not shown in the figures, light-shielding covers may be provided to cover the second detectors 24a, 24b, and 24c, respectively.

[0068] 11, the analytical device 10i may include a light-shielding cover 40 provided to cover the transmitter 12 and the diaphragm 14. In this case, it is possible to prevent the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 from directly entering the first detectors 16a and 16b. The analytical devices 10b and 10c shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also be provided with the light-shielding cover 40. An absorbing portion that absorbs the electromagnetic waves may be provided on the inner surface of the light-shielding cover 40. In this case, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 from directly entering the first detector and the second detector.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, a single aperture 14 is provided between the transmitter 12 and the object 1 (support base 18). However, multiple apertures may be provided between the transmitter 12 and the object 1 (support base 18). One or more apertures may be provided between the object and the first detector and one or more apertures may be provided between the object and the second detector. In this case, electromagnetic waves scattered by the object can be appropriately guided to the first or second detector. In the above-described embodiment, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 pass through a through-hole in the aperture and then irradiated onto the object. However, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 12 may also pass through a filter that passes only electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a filter 42 that passes only electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band may be provided in the aperture 14 so as to cover one end of the through-hole 14c. In this case, even if the output of the transmitter 12 is unstable, electromagnetic waves in a desired frequency band can be irradiated onto the object from the aperture 14, thereby enabling stable analysis. When multiple apertures are provided in an analytical device, apertures of different shapes may be combined. Furthermore, instead of providing a reflecting portion on the inner surface of the aperture 36, a film that allows only electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band to pass through may be formed. In this case, too, electromagnetic waves in the desired frequency band can be irradiated onto the target object from the aperture 36, allowing for stable analysis. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately analyze the corrosion state of steel materials in concrete. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1,1a Object 2. Concrete 3 Steel material 10,10a,10b,10c,10d,10e,10f,10g,10h,10i Analyzer 12 Transmitter 14, 34, 36 aperture 16a, 16b First detector 18 Support stand 20 Adjustment part 22,28 Half mirror 24a, 24b, 24c Second detector 26,30 Third detector 32 Collimating lens 38,40 Light blocking cover 42 filters

Claims

1. a transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz toward a target; a diaphragm that limits the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter; a plurality of first detectors capable of detecting the intensity of electromagnetic waves; An analytical device, wherein the plurality of first detectors are arranged so as to receive the electromagnetic waves that are emitted from the transmitter, pass through the aperture, and are then reflected at different reflection angles by the object.

2. a support base for supporting the object; The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts a positional relationship between the object supported by the support base, the transmitter, and the plurality of first detectors.

3. The analysis device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second detector configured to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object.

4. The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a third detector that detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave before it reaches the aperture.

5. a mirror that reflects a portion of the electromagnetic wave before it reaches the aperture; The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a third detector that detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the mirror.

6. The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a lens that reduces the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave.

7. An electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 0.1 to 100 GHz is emitted toward the target object, restricting the propagation path of the emitted electromagnetic waves and irradiating the target object; After transmitting the electromagnetic waves toward the target, detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves from the target with a plurality of first detectors; An analysis method, wherein when detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, the plurality of first detectors are arranged so as to be able to receive the electromagnetic waves reflected at different reflection angles from each other by the object.

Images