Asbestos Measuring Device

Abstract

To provide an asbestos measurement device of which steps for measuring asbestos by a fluorescent microscope technique are all automated.SOLUTION: An asbestos measurement device 1 includes: a filter paper carrying unit 10; a capturing stain unit 20; a fluorescence detection unit 60; and a suction unit 70. The capturing stain unit 20 has an upper block 30 and a lower block 40, which can be freely opened or closed. There is formed a capturing place between the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 where gas filters through a piece of filter paper 11 when the filter paper 11 is folded and closed. In the upper block 30, a gas introduction path, a stain liquid introduction path, and a cleaning liquid introduction path are formed. In the lower block 40, a suction path connected to the suction unit 70 is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an asbestos measuring device, and more particularly to an asbestos measuring device capable of automatically measuring asbestos in gas by a fluorescent microscope method. [Background technology]

[0002] Asbestos, which can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, was completely banned in Japan in 2006. However, approximately 40 million tons of asbestos-containing building materials remain in old buildings, and the demolition of these buildings is expected to continue until after 2040. If asbestos is found in the air at a demolition site of an old building, construction workers and local governments must take the necessary measures. In addition, automatic and continuous on-site asbestos measurement is required to clarify the asbestos dispersion situation at demolition sites and reduce asbestos risks.

[0003] However, although the phase contrast / fluorescence microscopy method (Non-Patent Document 1), which is the official method for airborne asbestos inspection, is a faster method than the method using an electron microscope, it still involves complicated steps and is not suitable for automation. On the other hand, the fluorescence microscopy method does not observe fibers in phase contrast mode, but directly identifies and measures asbestos based on the shape and fluorescence of fluorescent fibers (Non-Patent Document 1). Therefore, compared to the official method, it is easier to automate, and it was thought that achieving automation would enable continuous asbestos measurement. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Asbestos Monitoring Manual (Version 4.1)", Ministry of the Environment, Water and Air Environment Bureau, Air Environment Division, July 2017 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, no device has yet been developed that can automate the entire process of asbestos measurement using a fluorescence microscope, and measurements have been performed manually by experienced surveyors. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an objective of providing an asbestos measuring device that automates the entire process of asbestos measurement using a fluorescence microscope, thereby reducing asbestos risks in society. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. [1] A filter paper transport unit that transports filter paper that captures asbestos in the gas; A collection and dyeing unit provided on the way of the filter paper transported by the filter paper transport unit; a fluorescence detection unit provided downstream of the collecting and staining unit during the transport of the filter paper transported by the filter paper transport unit; a pump for sucking or pressurizing the gas so that the gas passes through the collecting and dyeing unit, and a ventilation unit having an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas that has passed through the collecting and dyeing unit; The collection and dyeing unit has a supply side block and a discharge side block that can be opened and closed, and is configured so that when the collection and dyeing unit is closed by sandwiching the filter paper, a collection area is formed between the supply side block and the discharge side block through which the gas passes through the filter paper, The supply block is provided with a gas introduction path for introducing the gas to the filter paper at the collection site, a dyeing liquid introduction path for introducing a dyeing liquid containing an asbestos-binding substance capable of binding to fluorescently labeled asbestos to the filter paper, and a cleaning liquid introduction path for introducing a cleaning liquid for removing the dyeing liquid that is not bound to asbestos from the filter paper, An asbestos measuring device, characterized in that an exhaust passage connected to the exhaust pipe of the ventilation unit is formed in the exhaust side block. [2] The supply side block of the collecting and dyeing unit is disposed on the upper side, and the discharge side block is disposed on the lower side of the supply side block, When the supply side block and the discharge side block are closed with the filter paper sandwiched therebetween, The asbestos measuring device described in [1], wherein the gas inlet passage is formed so as to guide the gas from diagonally above the filter paper at the collection location, the dyeing liquid inlet passage is formed so as to be able to drip the dyeing liquid onto the filter paper at the collection location, and the cleaning liquid inlet passage is formed so as to be able to drip the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper at the collection location. [3] The ventilation unit has a suction pump provided in the exhaust pipe as the pump, An asbestos measuring device as described in [2], which has a buffer tank for gas-liquid separation upstream of the suction pump in the exhaust pipe, and is configured to suck up the dyeing solution and the cleaning solution dripped onto the collection location using the suction pump. [4] The asbestos measuring device described in [3], wherein the ventilation unit has an atmospheric release valve for returning the pressure in the exhaust path to atmospheric pressure. [5] the fluorescence detection unit includes a sample stage that supports the underside of the filter paper, and a fluorescence detector that is provided above the sample stage and detects fluorescence emitted from the filter paper; The asbestos measuring device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein an upper surface of the sample stage is water-repellent. [6] An asbestos measuring device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the asbestos-binding substance is an asbestos-binding protein. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the asbestos measuring device of the present invention, the entire process of asbestos measurement using a fluorescence microscope is automated, making it possible to quickly and continuously check for asbestos dispersion at demolition sites, etc., without relying on the skills of an experienced technician. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an asbestos measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main portion showing an example of a collecting and dyeing unit in the asbestos measuring device of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main portion showing another example of the collecting and dyeing unit in the asbestos measuring device of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the asbestos measuring device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the asbestos measuring device 1 of this embodiment is roughly composed of a filter paper transport unit 10, a collection and dyeing unit 20, a fluorescence detection unit 60, a suction unit 70 (one embodiment of the ventilation unit of the present invention), and an arithmetic and control device 80. The arithmetic and control device 80 controls the overall operation of the asbestos measuring device 1 and receives data from the fluorescence detection unit 60 .

[0010] The filter paper transport unit 10 has a filter paper feed roll 12 that feeds out filter paper 11, a filter paper take-up roll 13 that winds up the filter paper 11, and a filter paper feed motor M1 that rotates the filter paper take-up roll 13 so as to wind up the filter paper 11 onto the filter paper take-up roll 13. The filter paper feed motor M1 rotates the filter paper take-up roll 13 while receiving an ON signal from the arithmetic and control device 80.

[0011] In this embodiment, the filter paper 11 is transported by driving a filter paper feed motor M1, and runs from a filter paper feed roll 12 to a filter paper take-up roll 13. The direction in which the filter paper 11 travels is preferably within ±10° relative to the horizontal, more preferably within ±5°, and particularly preferably horizontal. When the angle of the direction in which the filter paper 11 travels relative to the horizontal is within a preferred range, it is easy to capture a clear image.

[0012] The collecting and dyeing unit 20 is provided in the middle of the filter paper 11 being transported by the filter paper transport unit 10. The collecting and dyeing unit 20 of this embodiment has an upper block 30 as a supply side block and a lower block 40 as a discharge side block. The upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are capable of opening and closing with the filter paper 11 sandwiched therebetween. The upper block 30 is provided above the filter paper 11, and the lower block 40 is provided below the filter paper 11.

[0013] The lower block 40 is movable up and down by the drive of an opening / closing motor M2. The opening / closing motor M2 is adapted to keep the lower block 40 in the upwardly moved position while it is not receiving an ON signal from the arithmetic and control device 80 (while it is in the OFF state). The opening / closing motor M2 is adapted to keep the lower block 40 in the downward position while receiving an ON signal from the arithmetic and control device 80.

[0014] When the lower block 40 is in the upwardly moved position, the upper surface of the lower block 40 comes into contact with the lower surface of the upper block 30, sandwiching the filter paper 11. In other words, the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are in a closed state, sandwiching the filter paper 11. When the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are in a closed state, a collection space where gas passes through the filter paper 11 is formed between the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 .

[0015] When the lower block 40 is in a downwardly moved position, the upper surface of the lower block 40 is separated from the lower surface of the upper block 30. In other words, the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are in an open state. In this state where the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are open, the filter paper 11 can run between the upper block 30 and the lower block 40.

[0016] A gas inlet pipe 51, a cleaning liquid inlet pipe 52, and a dyeing liquid inlet pipe 54 are connected to the upper block 30. One end of the gas inlet pipe 51 is open so that the gas to be measured, for example, air, can be supplied to the upper block 30. One end of the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 52 is inserted into a cleaning liquid tank 53 so that the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 53 can be supplied to the upper block 30 by driving a cleaning liquid pump P2. One end of the dyeing liquid inlet pipe 54 is inserted into a dyeing liquid tank 55 so that the dyeing liquid in the dyeing liquid tank 55 can be supplied to the upper block 30 by driving a dyeing liquid pump P3. The cleaning liquid pump P2 and the staining liquid pump P3 are driven while receiving an ON signal from the arithmetic and control device 80, respectively.

[0017] The fluorescence detection unit 60 is provided in the middle of the transport of the filter paper 11 by the filter paper transport unit 10, downstream of the collecting and dyeing unit 20 (on the filter paper take-up roll 13 side of the collecting and dyeing unit 20). The fluorescence detection unit 60 of this embodiment has a sample stage 61 arranged to support the underside of the filter paper 11, and a fluorescence detector 62 arranged above the sample stage 61 so as to detect fluorescence emitted from the filter paper 11 from the upper side of the filter paper 11.

[0018] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the sample stage 61 is water-repellent. The upper surface of the sample stage 61 can be made water-repellent by, for example, manufacturing the sample stage 61 from a water-repellent material such as fluororesin. Alternatively, the upper surface of the sample stage 61 may be made water-repellent by a water-repellent treatment such as coating a water-repellent agent such as fluororesin.

[0019] As the fluorescence detector 62, it is preferable to use an epi-illumination type fluorescence microscope equipped with a fluorescence filter unit. 1, only the objective lens 63 and the camera 64 are shown, but the epi-illumination type fluorescence microscope has an internal excitation light source. As the excitation light source, a mercury lamp, an LED, or the like can be used. The camera 64 is a digital camera, and is configured to capture images of the fluorescence emitted from the filter paper 11 on the sample stage 61 while receiving a start signal from the arithmetic and control device 80 .

[0020] The suction unit 70 has a first suction pipe 71 connected to the lower block 40, a second suction pipe 72 connected downstream of the first suction pipe 71, a depressurization pipe 73 branching off from the middle of the second suction pipe 72, and a bypass pipe 74 connected in parallel to the second suction pipe 72 downstream of the depressurization pipe 73 of the second suction pipe 72.

[0021] A buffer tank 75 for gas-liquid separation is provided between the first suction pipe 71 and the second suction pipe 72 . The first suction pipe 71 and the second suction pipe 72 constitute a suction pipe connected via a buffer tank 75 as one embodiment of the exhaust pipe of the present invention.

[0022] The downstream end of the first suction pipe 71 is inserted close to the bottom surface of the buffer tank 75, so that liquid discharged from the lower block 40 accumulates in the buffer tank 75. In addition, the second suction pipe 72 is inserted into the buffer tank 75 so that the upstream end is close to the top surface of the buffer tank 75, so that even if liquid accumulates close to the bottom surface of the buffer tank 75, gas can be sucked from the gas phase above.

[0023] The pressure relief pipe 73 branching off from the second suction pipe 72 is provided with an air release valve 76. The air release valve 76 is a normally closed valve, and is kept open while an ON signal is being received from the arithmetic and control device 80.

[0024] A suction pump P1 is provided between the point where the upstream end of the bypass pipe 74 of the second suction pipe 72 branches off and the point where the downstream end of the bypass pipe 74 joins the second suction pipe 72. The suction pump P1 is driven while receiving an ON signal from the arithmetic and control device 80. In addition, a flow control valve 77 is provided in the bypass pipe 74, and by adjusting the opening degree of the flow control valve 77 in response to instructions from the arithmetic and control device 80, the flow rate of the gas sucked by the suction pump P1 from the lower block 40 can be adjusted.

[0025] An example of the collecting and dyeing unit 20 is shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the collecting and dyeing unit 20 in a closed state with the filter paper 11 sandwiched therebetween, cut along the width direction of the filter paper 11 and viewed from the filter paper feed roll 12 side. 2, a collection space 31 having a circular, approximately disk-like shape in plan view is formed on the lower surface of the upper block 30. The collection space 31 is formed in a portion that is approximately in the center of the lower surface of the upper block 30 in plan view and faces the center of the filter paper 11 in the width direction. The part of the filter paper 11 that faces this collection space 31 excluding the peripheral edge thereof constitutes the collection area 21 .

[0026] In the upper block 30, a gas inlet passage 32, a cleaning liquid inlet passage 33, and a staining liquid inlet passage 34 are formed. A gas inlet pipe connector 35 is attached to the upstream end of the gas inlet passage 32 so that a gas inlet pipe 51 can be connected. A cleaning liquid inlet pipe connector 36 is attached to the upstream end of the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 so that a cleaning liquid inlet pipe 52 shown in Fig. 1 can be connected. A dyeing liquid inlet pipe connector 37 is attached to the upstream end of the dyeing liquid inlet passage 34 so that a dyeing liquid inlet pipe 54 shown in Fig. 1 can be connected.

[0027] The gas introduction passage 32 is formed obliquely from the side surface of the upper block 30 toward the collection space 31, and is adapted to introduce gas obliquely from above toward the filter paper 11 in the collection place 21. The angle of the gas introduction passage 32 is not particularly limited, but the angle of the downstream end of the gas introduction passage 32 with respect to the filter paper 11 is preferably 10 to 50°, and more preferably 15 to 30°.

[0028] When the angle with respect to the filter paper 11 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the preferred range, gas can easily pass through the filter paper 11. When the angle with respect to the filter paper 11 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the preferred range, the cleaning liquid inlet pipe connector 36 and the staining liquid inlet pipe connector 37 can be easily attached to the upper block 30 without interfering with the gas inlet pipe connector 35.

[0029] The cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the staining liquid inlet passage 34 are each formed so that their upstream ends open into the upper surface of the upper block 30 and their downstream ends open into the collection space 31 . As a result, the cleaning liquid introduced through the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the dyeing liquid introduced through the dyeing liquid inlet passage 34 are each released into the collection space 31 and drip onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21.

[0030] 2, the cleaning liquid introduction channel 33 is formed perpendicular to the filter paper 11, that is, along the vertical direction. In addition, the staining liquid introduction channel 34 is formed obliquely with respect to the cleaning liquid introduction channel 33. The angle between the cleaning liquid inlet channel 33 and the staining liquid inlet channel 34 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0 to 25°, and more preferably 5 to 20°.

[0031] By setting the angle between the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the staining liquid inlet passage 34 to be equal to or greater than the lower limit of the preferred range, the cleaning liquid inlet pipe connector 36 and the staining liquid inlet pipe connector 37 can be easily attached to the upper block 30 without interfering with each other. By setting the angle between the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the staining liquid inlet passage 34 at or below the upper limit of the preferred range, the staining liquid introduced from the staining liquid inlet passage 34 can be easily guided to the filter paper 11 in the collection place 21.

[0032] A suction passage 41 (one aspect of the exhaust passage of the present invention) is formed in the approximate center in a plan view of the lower block 40. The upper end of the suction passage 41 opens facing the collection space 31, and has a circular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the lower surface of the collection space 31. Of the portion of the filter paper 11 facing the collection space 31 , the portion corresponding to the upper end of the suction path 41 serves as a collection location 21 .

[0033] The lower end of the suction passage 41 opens at the lower surface of the lower block 40. A suction pipe connector 42 is attached to the lower end of the suction passage 41 so that the upstream end of a first suction pipe 71 can be connected thereto. 2, the suction path 41 is formed along the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the filter paper 11). There is no particular limitation on the angle of the suction path 41, but it is preferably within ±10° with respect to the vertical direction, and more preferably within ±5°. Since the suction path 41 is arranged vertically or at an angle close to the vertical, when liquid dripped onto the filter paper 11 at the collection site 21 is sucked up by the suction unit 70, the liquid is easily absorbed into the filter paper 11.

[0034] Figure 3 shows another example of the collecting and dyeing unit 20. Figure 3 is also a vertical cross-sectional view of the collecting and dyeing unit 20 in a closed state with the filter paper 11 sandwiched therebetween, cut along the width direction of the filter paper 11 and viewed from the filter paper feed roll 12 side. In Figure 3, the same components as in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The collecting and dyeing unit 20 in FIG. 3 differs from the collecting and dyeing unit 20 in FIG. 2 only in the angles of the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the dyeing liquid inlet passage 34 formed in the upper block 30. In the example of Fig. 3, both the cleaning liquid introduction path 33 and the staining liquid introduction path 34 are formed with an inclination with respect to the vertical direction. The inclination of the cleaning liquid introduction path 33 and the staining liquid introduction path 34 with respect to the vertical direction may be the same or different, but Fig. 3 shows an example in which they are the same.

[0036] The angle between the cleaning liquid inlet channel 33 and the staining liquid inlet channel 34 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 25°, and more preferably 10 to 20°. By setting the angle between the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 and the staining liquid inlet passage 34 to be equal to or greater than the lower limit of the preferred range, the cleaning liquid inlet pipe connector 36 and the staining liquid inlet pipe connector 37 can be easily attached to the upper block 30 without interfering with each other. By setting the angle between the cleaning liquid inlet path 33 and the staining liquid inlet path 34 below the upper limit of the preferred range, it becomes easier to guide the cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid inlet path 33 and the staining liquid introduced from the staining liquid inlet path 34 to the filter paper 11 at the collection site 21.

[0037] The asbestos measuring device 1 of this embodiment is configured to sequentially carry out the following steps S1 to S10 under the control of the arithmetic and control device 80. Step S1: A step of passing gas through the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. Step S2: A step of dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (first time). Step S3: A step of dripping and aspirating the staining solution onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (first time). Step S4: A step of dripping and aspirating the staining solution onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (second time). Step S5: A step of dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (second time). Step S6: A step of dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (third time). Step S7: A step of dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 (fourth time). Step S8: A step of returning the pressure in the suction path 41 to atmospheric pressure. Step S9: A step of transporting the filter paper 11. Step S10: Detecting the fluorescence.

[0038] Each step will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the on / off states of each motor, pump, etc. along the time axis (progressing from left to right on the diagram). It should be noted that the length of each step on the time axis in FIG. 4 does not accurately represent the actual length of time.

[0039] Step S1 is a step in which gas is passed through the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. In step S1, only the suction pump P1 is turned ON. Note that, since the opening / closing motor M2 is OFF, the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 of the collection and dyeing unit 20 are closed. As a result, gas such as air is introduced into the collection space 31 from the gas inlet pipe 51, passes through the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21, and is discharged through the first suction pipe 71 and the second suction pipe 72. As a result, asbestos and the like contained in the gas is collected by the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21.

[0040] The amount of gas sucked in step S1 is determined by the flow rate per unit time and the sucking time. The flow rate per unit time is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to, for example, 1 to 20 (liters / minute). The suction time is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 100 minutes. Although a small amount of gas is also sucked in from step S2 to step S7, the time is shorter than that of step S1, and therefore the amount of gas sucked in is negligible compared to the amount of gas sucked in step S1.

[0041] Step S2 is a step (first time) of dripping and suctioning the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection place 21. In step S2, after only the cleaning liquid pump P2 is turned ON, only the suction pump P1 is turned ON. While only the cleaning liquid pump P2 is turned on, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 53 is introduced into the collection space 31 through the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 52 and dripped onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. After that, by turning only the suction pump P1 on, the cleaning liquid dripped onto the filter paper 11 is impregnated into the filter paper 11.

[0042] After step S2, the liquid that has passed through the filter paper 11 is collected in the buffer tank 75 via the first suction pipe 71. By preliminarily impregnating filter paper 11 with the washing solution in step S2, it is possible to prevent proteins in the staining solution that is dropped in step S3 and thereafter from being nonspecifically adsorbed to filter paper 11.

[0043] The washing solution used in step S2 may contain a salt or a surfactant, and more preferably contains a surfactant. By adding a salt or a surfactant, it becomes possible to leave only proteins with higher binding specificity on the filter paper 11. In addition, the washing solution is preferably a buffer solution with a certain pH range.

[0044] Examples of salts include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and the like. As the surfactant, a nonionic surfactant is preferably used. The concentration of the surfactant in the cleaning liquid is preferably 0.01 to 2% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0045] The pH of the washing liquid is preferably 4-9, and more preferably 5-8. Suitable buffer solutions for achieving a pH within the preferred range include, for example, Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5 or pH 8.0) and phosphate buffer (pH 7.5 or pH 8.0).

[0046] The amount of the washing liquid dropped in step S2 is preferably 10 to 200 μL, and more preferably 20 to 100 μL. In step S2, the time for which the suction pump P1 is turned on (suction time) is preferably 1 to 100 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 20 seconds. If the suction time is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the preferred range, the cleaning liquid can be sufficiently impregnated into the filter paper 11. If the suction time is equal to or less than the upper limit of the preferred range, the collection space 31 and the suction path 41 can be prevented from becoming excessively negative pressure.

[0047] Steps S3 and S4 are steps (first and second) for dropping and suctioning the staining liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. In steps S3 and S4, only the staining liquid pump P3 is turned ON, and then only the suction pump P1 is turned ON. While only the staining liquid pump P3 is turned on, the staining liquid in the staining liquid tank 55 is introduced into the collection space 31 through the staining liquid inlet pipe 54 and dripped onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. After that, by turning on only the suction pump P1, the staining liquid dripped onto the filter paper 11 is impregnated into the filter paper 11.

[0048] In steps S3 and S4, the filter paper 11 is impregnated with the staining solution, so that the protein in the staining solution specifically binds to the asbestos captured on the filter paper 11 and remains on the filter paper 11. The step of dripping and aspirating the staining liquid is repeated twice in order to impregnate the entire filter paper 11 at the collection site 21 with the staining liquid.

[0049] The staining solution used in steps S3 and S4 is a buffer solution containing a fluorescently labeled asbestos-binding protein in which a protein that binds to asbestos is modified with a fluorescent substance. The staining solution may contain a buffer solution, a surfactant, and a preservative in addition to the fluorescently labeled asbestos binding protein. The staining solution is preferably a buffer solution having a pH within a certain range.

[0050] Asbestos is a general term for inorganic fibrous minerals, which are natural ores of serpentine or amphibole that have been transformed into fibers, and is broadly divided into serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (crocidolite, amosite, etc.). It is also possible to identify the type of asbestos by modifying asbestos-binding proteins, which have different specificities depending on the type of asbestos, with fluorescent substances of different fluorescent colors.

[0051] For example, if DksA modified with Cy3 (a compound that is excited at around 550 nm and exhibits red fluorescence at around 570 nm) (DksA-Cy3) and GatZ modified with FITC (a compound that is excited at around 495 nm and exhibits green fluorescence at around 520 nm) (GatZ-FITC) are used, chrysotile will exhibit red fluorescence and amphibole asbestos will exhibit green fluorescence. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the two asbestos species, both DksA and GatZ may be modified with FITC. The asbestos-binding protein is not particularly limited as long as it is a fluorescent protein that binds to asbestos.

[0052] The pH of the staining solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, about neutral, 6 to 8. Suitable buffer solutions for achieving a pH within the preferred range include, for example, Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5 or pH 8.0) and phosphate buffer (pH 7.5 or pH 8.0). A specific example of a staining solution is one that contains a protein capable of binding to asbestos, as described in Japanese Patent No. 5,464,385.

[0053] The amount of the staining solution dropped in steps S3 and S4 is preferably 10 to 200 μL, and more preferably 20 to 100 μL. In steps S3 and S4, the time for which the suction pump P1 is turned on (suction time) is preferably 1 to 100 seconds, and more preferably 2 to 20 seconds. If the suction time is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the preferred range, the staining liquid can be sufficiently impregnated into the filter paper 11. If the suction time is equal to or less than the upper limit of the preferred range, the collection space 31 and the suction path 41 can be prevented from becoming excessively negative pressure.

[0054] Steps S5, S6, and S7 are steps (second to fourth) for dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper 11 in the collection location 21. In steps S5, S6, and S7, only the cleaning liquid pump P2 is turned ON, and then only the suction pump P1 is turned ON.

[0055] While only the cleaning liquid pump P2 is turned on, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 53 is introduced into the collection space 31 through the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 52 and dripped onto the filter paper 11 in the collection place 21. After that, by turning only the suction pump P1 on, the cleaning liquid dripped onto the filter paper 11 is impregnated into the filter paper 11. The liquid that has passed through the filter paper 11 is collected in the buffer tank 75 via the first suction pipe 71.

[0056] Steps S5, S6, and S7 make it possible to remove proteins that are not specifically bound to asbestos from among the proteins in the staining solution dropped in steps S3 and S4. The step of dripping and aspirating the cleaning liquid is repeated three times in order to impregnate the entire filter paper 11 in the collection location 21 with the cleaning liquid, thereby cleaning the entire filter paper 11.

[0057] The cleaning liquid used in steps S5, S6, and S7 is the same as the cleaning liquid used in step S2. The preferred amounts of the cleaning liquid dropped in steps S5, S6, and S7 are the same as the preferred amounts of the cleaning liquid dropped in step S2. In steps S5, S6, and S7, the preferred range of the time (suction time) for which the suction pump P1 is turned on is the same as the preferred range of the time (suction time) for which the suction pump P1 is turned on in step S2.

[0058] Step S8 is a step for returning the pressure in the suction passage 41 to atmospheric pressure. In step S8, the atmosphere release valve 76 is turned ON to open it. The pressure in the suction path 41 gradually returns to atmospheric pressure simply by turning off the suction pump P1, but because the filter paper 11 at the collection site 21 is wet, it takes a certain amount of time for the entire pressure to return to atmospheric pressure via the long piping from the downstream end of the second suction pipe 72.

[0059] In this embodiment, by opening the atmosphere release valve 76, the insides of the first suction pipe 71 and the second suction pipe 72 quickly return to atmospheric pressure, and the suction passage 41 to which the first suction pipe 71 is connected also quickly returns to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the pressure in the collection space 31 also tends to quickly return to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the process can proceed to step S9 promptly.

[0060] Step S9 is a step of transporting the filter paper 11. In step S9, prior to transporting the filter paper 11, first, the opening / closing motor M2 is turned ON to lower the lower block 40, and the lower surface of the upper block 30 is separated from the upper surface of the lower block 40. In other words, the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are opened. Since the suction path 41 has returned to atmospheric pressure by step S8, the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 can be easily separated from each other.

[0061] Thereafter, the filter paper feed motor M1 is turned ON to transport the filter paper 11, and a new surface of the filter paper 11 is placed at the collection location 21, while the filter paper 11 that was previously located at the collection location 21 is sent onto the sample stage 61 of the fluorescence detection unit 60. After the transport of the filter paper 11 is completed, the opening / closing motor M2 is turned off, the lower block 40 is raised, and the upper block 30 and the lower block 40 are returned to the closed state.

[0062] Step S10 is a step for detecting fluorescence. In step S10, upon receiving a camera start signal from the arithmetic and control device 80, the camera 64 captures a fluorescent image of the filter paper 11 on the sample stage 61 of the filter paper 11. The arithmetic and control device 80 analyzes the acquired fluorescent image and performs identification, quantification, etc. of asbestos.

[0063] While step S10 is being performed, in parallel, step S1 is started on the surface of the filter paper 11 newly placed in collection place 21, and the next collection and staining is performed at collection place 21. Then, when step S10 is completed, fluorescence detection unit 60 goes into a standby state until the next collection and staining is completed and step S9 is started, and filter paper 11 on sample stage 61 remains on sample stage 61.

[0064] Here, there is a possibility that the filter paper 11 on the sample stage 61 will dry out and stick to the sample stage 61 while the next collection and staining is being performed and the fluorescence detection unit 60 is in a standby state. However, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the sample stage 61 is water-repellent, so that the filter paper 11 is prevented from sticking to the sample stage 61, and step S9 can be performed without any problems on the next filter paper 11 that has been subjected to collection and staining.

[0065] In this embodiment, the gas inlet pipe 51 is formed to introduce gas from diagonally above the filter paper 11 at the collection location 21, the dyeing liquid inlet passage 34 is formed to enable dyeing liquid to be dripped onto the filter paper 11 at the collection location 21, and the cleaning liquid inlet passage 33 is formed to enable cleaning liquid to be dripped onto the filter paper 11 at the collection location 21. That is, both the gas and the liquid are supplied to the same collection place 21. Therefore, there is no need to move the filter paper 11 between steps S1 and S7, and it is sufficient to move it only once after step S7 is completed. Therefore, a series of measurement operations can be completed in a short time.

[0066] In addition, since the washing liquid and the staining liquid are dropped at the same location, the order in which the washing liquid and the staining liquid are dropped and the number of times they are dropped can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to repeat the dropping of the cleaning liquid in step S2, or to increase the number of times of dropping the staining liquid from two in steps S3 and S4 to three or more.

[0067] Moreover, since each liquid is dropped and then sucked up, each liquid can be sufficiently impregnated into the filter paper 11. Moreover, since both the gas and each liquid are supplied to the same collection place 21, and a buffer tank 75 is provided upstream of the suction pump P1, the suction pump P1 for sucking up the gas can also be used for sucking up the liquid.

[0068] In the collection and dyeing unit 20 of the present invention, the liquid may be dropped downstream of the gas collection location. In that case, after the gas collection is completed, the filter paper 11 that was in the gas collection location must be transported to the liquid drop location. In addition, when the liquid is dropped at a location downstream of the gas collection location, the location where the cleaning liquid is dropped and the location where the staining liquid is dropped may be different locations. In that case, it is necessary to move the filter paper 11 between the locations where the cleaning liquid is dropped and the staining liquid is dropped.

[0069] In this way, even if the number of times the filter paper 11 is transported increases, if the upper surface of the sample stage 61 is water repellent, the filter paper 11 can be easily moved. Furthermore, when the liquid dropping location is provided separately from the gas collecting location, it is preferable to form a liquid suction path for sucking the liquid dropped at the liquid dropping location, and to promote the impregnation of the liquid into the filter paper 11. When forming a liquid suction path, it is preferable to provide an air release valve for quickly returning the pressure in the suction path to atmospheric pressure.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the cleaning liquid inlet channel 33 and the staining liquid inlet channel 34 are formed independently in the upper block 30, but the cleaning liquid inlet channel 33 and the staining liquid inlet channel 34 may be joined on the lower surface side of the upper block 30 to form a Y shape. That is, the cleaning liquid inlet channel 33 and the staining liquid inlet channel 34 may be partially integrated.

[0071] Also, a single inlet path serving as both the cleaning liquid inlet path 33 and the staining liquid inlet path 34 may be formed in the upper block 30. In other words, the cleaning liquid inlet path 33 and the staining liquid inlet path 34 may be completely integrated. In this case, by using a connector capable of connecting two tubes, the cleaning liquid introduction tube 52 and the staining liquid introduction tube 54 can be connected to the single introduction path.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the atmosphere release valve 76 is a normally closed valve that opens only in step S8, but if the atmosphere release valve 76 is a needle valve, the atmosphere release valve 76 can be slightly open between steps S2 and S7. In that case, the suction force of the suction path 41 by the suction pump P1 can be weakened to reduce the negative pressure, so that the transition to step S9 can be made more quickly. In addition, in the above embodiment, the flow rate of the suction pump P1 is adjusted by the flow rate control valve 77 provided in the bypass pipe 74, but the method of adjusting the flow rate of the suction pump P1 is not particularly limited, and various known adjustment methods can be adopted.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the collecting and staining unit 20 is opened and closed by vertically moving the lower block 40, but it may be opened and closed by vertically moving the upper block 30. Also, while the fluorescence detection unit 60 is on standby, the sample stage 61 may be lowered and separated from the filter paper 11 to prevent the filter paper 11 from sticking to the sample stage 61. In this case, too, the upper surface of the sample stage 61 is preferably water-repellent, but does not have to be water-repellent.

[0074] In addition, the supply block and the discharge block do not necessarily have to be arranged one above the other, and for example, the discharge block may be arranged diagonally below the supply block, or the supply block and the discharge block may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. In this case, the dye solution or the cleaning solution can be supplied to the filter paper by, for example, spraying, rather than by dripping. Moreover, instead of the suction pump, a pressure pump may be used which is provided upstream of the supply block and allows air to flow from the supply block side to the discharge block side.

[0075] Furthermore, the asbestos-binding substance of the present invention may be one in which a substance capable of binding to asbestos other than a protein is fluorescently labeled. Furthermore, a part or the whole of the arithmetic and control device 80 may be provided separately from the asbestos measuring device 1. For example, an external controller or an external computer connected by wire or wirelessly can be used. In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Asbestos measuring device 10 Filter paper transport unit 11 Filter paper 12 Filter paper feed roll 13 Filter paper take-up roll 20 Collection and staining unit 21 Collection site 30 Upper Block 31 Collection space 32 Gas introduction passage 33 Cleaning solution introduction path 34 Dyeing solution introduction channel 40 Lower Block 41 Suction path 60 Fluorescence Detection Unit 61 Sample stage 62 Fluorescence Detector 70 Suction Unit 71 First suction tube 72 Second suction tube 75 Buffer Tank 76 Atmospheric release valve 77 Flow Control Valve 80 Arithmetic and control device M1 filter paper feed motor M2 Opening and closing motor P1 Suction Pump P2 Cleaning solution pump P3 Dyeing solution pump

Claims

1. A filter paper conveying unit that conveys filter paper that collects asbestos in the gas; A collection and dyeing unit provided on the way of the filter paper transported by the filter paper transport unit; a fluorescence detection unit provided downstream of the collecting and staining unit during the transport of the filter paper transported by the filter paper transport unit; a ventilation unit having an exhaust pipe through which the gas is exhausted after passing through the collecting and dyeing unit, and a suction pump provided in the exhaust pipe for sucking the gas, The collection and dyeing unit has a supply side block and a discharge side block that can be opened and closed, and is configured so that when the collection and dyeing unit is closed by sandwiching the filter paper, a collection area is formed between the supply side block and the discharge side block through which the gas passes through the filter paper, The supply block is provided with a gas introduction path for introducing the gas to the filter paper at the collection location, a dyeing liquid introduction path for introducing a dyeing liquid containing an asbestos-binding substance capable of binding to fluorescently labeled asbestos to the filter paper at the collection location, and a cleaning liquid introduction path for introducing a cleaning liquid for removing the dyeing liquid that is not bound to asbestos from the filter paper to the filter paper at the collection location, The exhaust side block is formed with an exhaust passage connected to the exhaust pipe of the ventilation unit, An asbestos measuring device characterized in that the staining solution and the cleaning solution guided to the filter paper can be sucked up by the suction pump provided in the exhaust pipe.

2. The supply side block of the collecting and dyeing unit is disposed on the upper side, and the discharge side block is disposed on the lower side of the supply side block, When the supply side block and the discharge side block are closed with the filter paper sandwiched therebetween, The asbestos measuring device of claim 1, wherein the gas inlet passage is formed so as to guide the gas from diagonally above the filter paper at the collection location, the dyeing liquid inlet passage is formed so as to be able to drip the dyeing liquid onto the filter paper at the collection location, and the cleaning liquid inlet passage is formed so as to be able to drip the cleaning liquid onto the filter paper at the collection location.

3. An asbestos measuring device as described in claim 1 or 2, having a buffer tank for gas-liquid separation upstream of the suction pump of the exhaust pipe.

4. 4. The asbestos measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation unit has an atmosphere release valve for returning the pressure in the exhaust passage to atmospheric pressure.

5. the fluorescence detection unit includes a sample stage that supports a lower surface of the filter paper, and a fluorescence detector that is provided above the sample stage and detects fluorescence emitted from the filter paper; 5. The asbestos measuring device according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the sample stage is water-repellent.

6. The asbestos measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the asbestos-binding substance is an asbestos-binding protein.

Images