Sample vaporization unit and gas chromatograph

Abstract

A sample vaporization unit 16 for vaporizing a sample injected from a needle of a syringe, while supplying carrier gas into a column 12, is provided with a pipe 30, a heat conduction member 42, and a heater 44. The pipe 30 is inserted into the column 12. The heat conduction member 42 is disposed along the outer circumference of the pipe 30. The heater 44 is disposed along the outer circumference of the heat conduction member 42. The heat conduction member 42 is in linear contact with the pipe 30, at a plurality of places in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 30, along an axial direction in which the column 12 extends.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample vaporization unit for vaporizing a sample injected from a syringe needle while supplying a carrier gas into a column, and to a gas chromatograph equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an analytical device such as a gas chromatograph is provided with a column for separating components in a sample and a sample introduction section for introducing the sample into the column. A carrier gas is introduced into the column via the sample introduction section. In the sample introduction section, the sample is injected into the carrier gas before it is introduced into the column. The sample in the carrier gas is vaporized by heating in the sample introduction section, and then introduced into the column (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-314731 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Among sample introduction parts used for temperature-programmed analysis, there are some that have a configuration in which a needle of a syringe is inserted into the tip of a column and a sample is directly injected into the column. In this type of sample introduction part, it is necessary to efficiently heat a long and slender column with an extremely small outer diameter from the outside. However, in the past, no effective technology has been proposed as a configuration for efficiently heating the column and the sample in the column in this type of sample introduction part. Therefore, it is difficult to heat the column at high speed, and as a result, the temperature distribution of the heated column may become non-uniform. In addition, the technical idea of ​​efficiently heating the sample is not limited to a configuration in which a sample is directly injected into a column, but is also desired in a configuration in which a sample is vaporized inside the sample introduction part and then introduced into the column.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a sample vaporization unit and a gas chromatograph that can efficiently heat a sample. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a sample vaporization unit for vaporizing a sample injected from a syringe needle while supplying a carrier gas into a column, comprising a pipe, a heat transfer member, and a heater. The column is inserted into the pipe. The heat transfer member is provided along the outer periphery of the pipe. The heater is provided along the outer periphery of the heat transfer member. The heat transfer member is in line contact with the pipe at multiple points in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the pipe along the axial direction in which the column extends.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a gas chromatograph comprising the sample vaporization unit, a column, and a detector. The column is attached to the sample vaporization unit. The detector detects components in the sample separated in the column. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the sample can be heated efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a gas chromatograph according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a sample vaporization unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a sample vaporization unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the downstream periphery of a column in an example of a sample vaporization unit of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the upstream periphery of a column in an example of a sample vaporization unit of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a slit in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing another example of the slit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing still another example of the slit in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a heat transfer member of a second embodiment as viewed from an axial direction. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1. Overall configuration of a gas chromatograph 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a gas chromatograph 10 according to a first embodiment. The gas chromatograph 10 performs analysis by supplying a sample together with a carrier gas into a column 12, and includes, in addition to the column 12, a column oven 14, a sample vaporization unit 16, and a detector 18. The gas chromatograph 10 is capable of performing temperature-programmed analysis.

[0011] The column 12 is, for example, a capillary column. The column 12 is housed in a column oven 14 together with a heater, a fan, and the like (not shown). The column oven 14 is for heating the column 12, and during analysis, the heater and the fan (not shown) are appropriately driven.

[0012] The sample vaporization unit 16 is for supplying a carrier gas and a sample into the column 12, and is attached so that the column 12 extends through the sample vaporization unit 16. A liquid sample is supplied to the upstream of the column 12 together with the carrier gas, and the liquid sample is vaporized in the column 12.

[0013] Furthermore, a gas supply flow path 22 and a purge flow path 24 are connected to the sample vaporization unit 16. The gas supply flow path 22 is a flow path for supplying a carrier gas to the sample vaporization unit 16. Examples of the carrier gas include an inert gas such as helium gas or argon gas.

[0014] The purge flow path 24 is a flow path for discharging a portion of the carrier gas to the outside when the carrier gas and sample are supplied into the column 12, thereby discharging undesirable components that are generated from the septum 38 (see Figure 3) described later, etc.

[0015] The detector 18 is, for example, a flame ionization detector (FID). The detector 18 sequentially detects each component in the sample contained in the carrier gas introduced from the column 12. However, the detector 18 is not limited to an FID, and any other detector can be used.

[0016] When an analysis process is performed in such a gas chromatograph 10, a carrier gas is supplied from the gas supply passage 22 to the sample vaporization unit 16. When a sample to be analyzed is supplied into the column 12, the sample is vaporized upstream of the column 12. Each component in the sample is separated while passing through the column 12. The detector 18 sequentially detects each component in the sample contained in the carrier gas introduced from the column 12, and a chromatogram is generated based on the detection results in the detector 18.

[0017] 2. Configuration of the sample vaporization unit FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the sample vaporization unit 16 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the sample vaporization unit 16 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the downstream side periphery of the column 12 in an example of the sample vaporization unit 16 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the upstream side periphery of the column 12 in an example of the sample vaporization unit 16 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the column 12 is represented by a dashed line. In FIG. 5, the needle 50 of the syringe is represented by a two-dot dashed line.

[0018] The sample vaporization unit 16 includes a pipe 30, a holder 32, a cylindrical portion 34, an insert 36, a septum 38, a septum cap 40, a heat transfer member 42, a heater 44, and the like.

[0019] The piping 30 is a long cylindrical member made of, for example, stainless steel, and the column 12 penetrates through the inside of the piping 30. The inner diameter of the piping 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the column 12, so there is a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the piping 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the column 12. The piping 30 has, for example, an outer diameter of about 2 mm and an inner diameter of about 1 mm, and the column 12 has, for example, an outer diameter of about 0.7 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.5 mm. That is, a gap of about 0.3 mm is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the piping 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the column 12. However, the dimensions of the column 12 and the piping 30 are not limited to the above values, and the inner diameter of the piping 30 can be set arbitrarily depending on the outer diameter of the column 12. For example, when the outer diameter of the column 12 is 0.5 to 1.0 mm, the inner diameter of the piping 30 may be 0.7 to 1.5 mm. The thickness of the piping 30 may be, for example, 0.3 to 0.7 mm. The length of the pipe 30 is, for example, 5 to 10 cm, and specifically, about 6 cm.

[0020] The holder 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape and holds the lower end of the piping 30. The lower end of the piping 30 refers to the end corresponding to the downstream side of the column 12 in the sample vaporization unit 16.

[0021] 3 and 4, the inner circumferential surface of the holding portion 32 includes a first region having an inner diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of the pipe 30, and a second region having an inner diameter equal to the inner diameter of the pipe 30. That is, the inner diameter of the holding portion 32 changes in a stepwise manner from the first region to the second region. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the lower end of the pipe 30 is inserted and held in the first region of the holding portion 32, the second region of the holding portion 32 and the internal space of the pipe 30 communicate with each other.

[0022] The tube portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape like the holder 32, and holds the upper end portion of the piping 30. The upper end portion of the piping 30 refers to the end portion corresponding to the upstream side of the column 12 in the sample vaporization unit 16.

[0023] 3 and 5, the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 34 includes a first region having an inner diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of the pipe 30, and a second region having an inner diameter equal to the inner diameter of the pipe 30. That is, the inner diameter of the tubular portion 34 changes in a stepwise manner from the first region to the second region. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when the upper end of the pipe 30 is inserted and held in the first region of the tubular portion 34, the second region of the tubular portion 34 and the internal space of the pipe 30 communicate with each other.

[0024] The internal space of the tubular portion 34 (the space above the first region and the second region) includes a space (insertion space) into which the upstream end of the column 12 is inserted, and an insert 36 is disposed in the insertion space. The insert 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a narrowed portion on its inner circumferential surface, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the other portions, and the inner diameter of the narrowed portion of the insert 36 is smaller than the outer diameter of the column 12. In other words, the upstream end of the column 12 does not penetrate the insert 36, but extends to the vicinity of the narrowed portion of the insert 36.

[0025] According to the insert 36, the central axis of the column 12 and the central axis of the needle 50 of the syringe for injecting a sample into the column 12 can be arranged to be substantially coaxial in the axial direction in which the column 12 extends.

[0026] The septum is attached to the cylindrical portion so as to seal the insertion space of the cylindrical portion at a position opposite to the insert. The septum cap 40 is attached to the cylindrical portion so as to cover the septum .

[0027] Furthermore, the septum cap 40 is configured as a cylindrical nut with a screw thread formed on the inner surface. Therefore, when the septum cap 40 is tightened, the septum 38 is held by the septum cap 40 and the cylindrical portion 34. The tip of the needle 50 of the syringe penetrates the septum 38 and is inserted into the insertion space of the cylindrical portion 34, and then penetrates the insert 36 and is inserted into the tip of the column 12. This allows the sample to be injected into the column 12 from the tip of the needle 50 of the syringe.

[0028] The gas supply flow path 22 communicates with the inside of the piping 30 in the sample vaporization unit 16. Specifically, the gas supply flow path 22 communicates with a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the piping 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the column 12. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gas supply flow path 22 communicates with the inside of the piping 30 via the internal space of the holder 32.

[0029] The purge flow path 24 communicates with the insertion space of the cylindrical portion 34. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 5, the purge flow path 24 communicates with the insertion space of the cylindrical portion 34 outside the sample vaporization unit 16 along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0030] The heat transfer member 42 is provided along the outer periphery of the pipe 30 and covers the pipe 30. The heat transfer member 42 has an outer diameter of, for example, about 5 mm and an inner diameter of, for example, about 2 mm. However, the dimensions of the heat transfer member 42 are not limited to the above values, and the inner diameter of the heat transfer member 42 can be set arbitrarily according to the outer diameter of the pipe 30. For example, when the outer diameter of the pipe 30 is 1.5 to 3.0 mm, the inner diameter of the heat transfer member 42 may also be 1.5 to 3.0 mm so as to correspond to the outer diameter of the pipe 30. The thickness of the heat transfer member 42 may be, for example, 1.0 to 2.0 mm. As will be described later, the heat transfer member 42 is in line contact with the pipe 30 along the axial direction at a plurality of circumferential points on the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 30.

[0031] In the first embodiment, a metal is used as the heat transfer member 42. In addition, it is preferable to use a metal that has high thermal conductivity and is soft (easy to process) as the heat transfer member 42. Therefore, it is preferable to use aluminum, copper, brass, etc. as the heat transfer member 42. In addition, the heat transfer member 42 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having heat conductivity.

[0032] The heater 44 is provided along the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42. In the first embodiment, a rod-shaped heater (bent heater) that can be easily bent, such as a sheath heater, is used as the heater 44. In the example shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the heater 44 is wound not only around the heat transfer member 42, but also around the outer periphery of a part of the holding part 32 and a part of the cylindrical part 34. Note that other general-purpose heaters may be used as the heater 44.

[0033] In such a sample vaporization unit 16, the gas supply flow path 22, the internal space of the holder 32, the internal space of the piping 30, the internal space of the tube 34, and the like are integrated. Therefore, the carrier gas supplied from the gas supply flow path 22 into the sample vaporization unit 16 flows upward through a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the piping 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the column 12, and flows into the column 12 from the upper end of the column 12. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5, a needle 50 of a syringe penetrating the septum 38 is inserted into the column 12, and a sample is injected into the column 12 from the tip of the needle 50, so that the sample can be supplied into the column 12 together with the carrier gas. At this time, undesired components generated from the septum 38 and the like are discharged into the purge flow path 24 together with the carrier gas. In addition, in the first embodiment, the column 12 is heated by the heater 44 via the piping 30 and the heat transfer member 42, so that the sample is heated and vaporized in the column 12 penetrating the piping 30. That is, the inside of the portion of the column 12 inserted into the piping 30 constitutes a sample vaporization region 20 for vaporizing a liquid sample.

[0034] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the heat transfer member 42 comes into line contact with the piping 30 along the axial direction at multiple points in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the piping 30, so that it is possible to increase the number of points of contact between the heat transfer member 42 and the piping 30. Therefore, according to the sample vaporization unit 16 of the first embodiment, the column 12 and the sample within the column 12 can be efficiently heated by the piping 30, the heat transfer member 42, and the heater 44.

[0035] 3. Heat transfer component structure The heat transfer member 42 has at least one slit 45. The slit 45 is a cut portion that extends continuously from one end to the other end in the axial direction of the heat transfer member 42, and the heat transfer member 42 is partially divided via the slit 45. The heat transfer member 42 is fixed to the pipe 30 in a state in which it is pressed in a direction in which the width of the slit 45 decreases. Here, the direction in which the width of the slit 45 decreases may be any direction intersecting with the slit 45, and is not limited to a direction perpendicular to the slit 45.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a schematic side view showing an example of the slit 45 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the slit 45 may extend straight along the axial direction. In this case, the end faces 451, 452 of the heat transfer member 42 divided by the slit 45 extend parallel to the axial direction with a gap between them. Therefore, when a force is applied to the heat transfer member 42 in a direction intersecting the axial direction, the end faces 451, 452 approach each other, and the heat transfer member 42 is pressed in a direction in which the width of the slit 45 (the distance between the end faces 451, 452) becomes smaller.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing another example of the slit 45 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the slit 45 may extend while being bent or curved in a direction intersecting the axial direction. That is, each end face 451, 452 of the heat transfer member 42 divided by the slit 45 may be configured with a bent or curved surface. Each end face 451, 452 may be bent or curved continuously from one end to the other end in the axial direction, or may be bent or curved only in a part of the axial direction. In the example of FIG. 7, each end face 451, 452 is configured with a bent surface, and thus has a plurality of bent portions (convex portions and concave portions), but if each bent portion is curved, each end face 451, 452 can be configured with a surface having a plurality of curved portions (convex portions and concave portions).

[0038] 7, end faces 451, 452 of heat transfer member 42 face each other with a gap therebetween. Therefore, when a force is applied to heat transfer member 42 in a direction intersecting the axial direction, end faces 451, 452 approach each other, and heat transfer member 42 is pressed in a direction in which the width of slit 45 (the distance between end faces 451, 452) becomes smaller. In this case, the multiple convex portions formed on one end face 451 enter the multiple concave portions formed on the other end face 452, and the multiple convex portions formed on the other end face 452 enter the multiple concave portions formed on one end face 451.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the slit 45 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the slit 45 may extend straight in a direction intersecting with the axial direction. That is, when the heat transfer member 42 is viewed from the side, the slit 45 may extend obliquely straight in a direction intersecting with the axial direction, instead of extending straight in the axial direction as in FIG. 6. In this case, the inclination angle of the slit 45 with respect to the axial direction is not particularly limited. That is, the slit 45 may be inclined at a large inclination angle such that the slit 45 makes one or more revolutions around the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42 between one end and the other end of the axial direction of the slit 45, or may be inclined at a small inclination angle that fits within one revolution. For example, when the slit 45 makes one or more revolutions around the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42 between one end and the other end of the axial direction of the slit 45, the heat transfer member 42 has a spiral slit 45.

[0040] In this way, when the slits 45 are formed obliquely in a direction intersecting the axial direction, when a force is applied to the heat transfer member 42 in a direction intersecting the axial direction and the slits, it is also possible to fix the heat transfer member 42 to the piping 30 while the end faces 451, 452 are brought into contact with each other and slidably contacted with each other. In this case, the slits 45 between the end faces 451, 452 are filled, and the heat transfer member 42 is provided along the entire outer circumferential surface of the piping 30. Therefore, the column 12 and the sample in the column 12 can be efficiently heated.

[0041] When the heat transfer member 42 has only one slit 45 as described above, the cross section of the heat transfer member 42 when viewed from the axial direction is formed into a C-shape. Note that these are merely examples of the slits 45, and the slits 45 can be formed in various other shapes.

[0042] Furthermore, when the heat transfer member 42 has two or more slits 45, the heat transfer member 42 is divided into the same number as the number of slits 45. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the heat transfer member 42 of the second embodiment when viewed from the axial direction. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the heat transfer member 42 has two slits 45, and each slit 45 extends straight along the axial direction as in the example shown in FIG. 6. However, the shape of the multiple slits 45 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a shape as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8. Note that the columns 12 are not shown in FIG. 9.

[0043] The heat transfer member 42 shown in FIG. 9 has two slits 45, and therefore the heat transfer member 42 is separated into a first heat transfer portion 42a and a second heat transfer portion 42b. The slits 45 may be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, or may be formed at different intervals. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the two slits 45 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and thus the heat transfer member 42 is separated into the first heat transfer portion 42a and the second heat transfer portion 42b, which have the same shape and semicircular cross section. In this case, the two slits 45 are symmetrically disposed with the pipe 30 in between. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the heat transfer member 42 is fixed to the pipe 30 in a state in which the widths of the two slits 45 between the first heat transfer portion 42a and the second heat transfer portion 42b are pressed in the direction in which they become smaller.

[0044] It is preferable that the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the heat transfer member 42 (first heat transfer section 42a and second heat transfer section 42b in the example shown in FIG. 9) matches the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. However, since the pipe 30 is very thin, it is difficult to match the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the heat transfer member 42 with the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the heat transfer member 42 usually comes into line contact with the pipe 30 along the axial direction at multiple points in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the heat transfer member 42 (the first heat transfer section 42a and the second heat transfer section 42b) is smaller than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. In this case, the first heat transfer section 42a and the second heat transfer section 42b are in line contact with the pipe 30 along the axial direction at at least two points in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. On the other hand, when the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the heat transfer member 42 (the first heat transfer section 42a and the second heat transfer section 42b) is larger than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30, the first heat transfer section 42a and the second heat transfer section 42b may be in line contact with the pipe 30 along the axial direction at one point in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. Even in this case, the first heat transfer section 42a and the second heat transfer section 42b are in line contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30 at one point, so that the heat transfer member 42 as a whole is in line contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30 at two points. The greater the number of slits 45, the greater the number of contact points between the inner circumferential surface of heat transfer member 42 and the outer circumferential surface of piping 30. Even in a configuration in which only one slit 45 is provided, the number of contact points between the inner circumferential surface of heat transfer member 42 and the outer circumferential surface of piping 30 is greater than in a case in which no slit 45 is provided.

[0046] Moreover, the width of the slits 45 is preferably small in order to suppress a decrease in efficiency when heating the column 12 and the sample in the column 12. For example, if the heat transfer member 42 has a plurality of slits 45 and the width of each slit 45 is set to be small, it is possible to increase the number of contact points between the inner circumferential surface of the heat transfer member 42 and the outer circumferential surface of the piping 30 while suppressing a decrease in efficiency when heating the column 12 and the sample in the column 12.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the heat transfer member 42 is fixed to the pipe 30 by using a pressing force from the heater 44 wound around the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42. That is, the heater 44 is attached by being fastened to the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42. In this case, the heater 44 not only serves as a heat source but also serves to press and fix the heat transfer member 42, so that there is no need to provide a separate member for pressing and fixing the heat transfer member 42 to the pipe 30. In the first embodiment, no gap is provided between adjacent portions of the heater 44 wound around the outer periphery of the heat transfer member 42, but a temperature distribution may be formed along the axial direction by providing a gap.

[0048] The heat transfer member 42 may be fixed to the pipe 30 using a fixing member having heat resistance different from the heater. For example, a string-like fixing member may be wound around the heat transfer member 42 to fix the heat transfer member 42 to the pipe 30. In this case, the fixing member is preferably wound around at least both ends in the axial direction of the heat transfer member 42, and more preferably also around the central portion in the axial direction. In addition, a groove into which the fixing member can be inserted may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer member 42.

[0049] The position where the heat transfer member 42 and the piping 30 make line contact may vary depending on various factors such as the number of slits 45 in the heat transfer member 42, the shape of the slits 45, and the method of fixing the heat transfer member 42 to the piping 30. In other words, the heat transfer member 42 and the piping 30 may make line contact with each other having a width. In this case, the line contact may include surface contact.

[0050] 4. Variations In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a sample is injected from the needle 50 of a syringe inserted into the tip of the column 12 and vaporized in the column 12. However, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a sample is directly injected into the column 12, but can also be applied to a configuration in which a sample is vaporized inside the piping 30 and then introduced into the column 12. That is, the column 12 is not limited to a configuration in which it penetrates the inside of the piping 30, but may be a configuration in which only the tip of the column 12 is inserted into the inside of the piping 30. In this case, after the sample is vaporized in the sample vaporization region 20 formed inside the piping 30, the vaporized sample is introduced into the column 12 together with a carrier gas. The piping 30 may be configured as an insert that is detachable from the sample vaporization unit 16.

[0051] 5. Aspects It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0052] (Item 1) A sample vaporization unit according to one aspect comprises: A sample vaporization unit for vaporizing a sample injected from a syringe needle while supplying a carrier gas into a column, comprising: A pipe into which the column is inserted; A heat transfer member provided along an outer periphery of the pipe; a heater provided along an outer periphery of the heat transfer member, The heat transfer member may be in line contact with the pipe along an axial direction in which the column extends, at a plurality of circumferential points on an outer circumferential surface of the pipe.

[0053] According to the sample vaporization unit described in paragraph 1, the heat transfer member comes into line contact with the pipe along the axial direction at multiple points in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, so that the number of points of contact between the heat transfer member and the pipe can be increased. Therefore, the sample can be efficiently heated by the pipe, the heat transfer member, and the heater.

[0054] (2) In the sample vaporization unit according to (1), The heat transfer member may have at least one slit, and may be fixed to the pipe in a state where the heat transfer member is pressed in a direction in which a width of the slit becomes smaller.

[0055] According to the sample vaporization unit described in paragraph 2, by forming at least one slit, it is possible to increase the number of contact points between the inner surface of the heat transfer member and the outer surface of the piping compared to a case in which no slit is formed.

[0056] (Item 3) In the sample vaporization unit according to item 2, The heat transfer member may be separated into at least a first heat transfer section and a second heat transfer section by the slit, and may be fixed to the piping in a state in which the width of the slit between the first heat transfer section and the second heat transfer section is pressed in a direction that reduces the width of the slit.

[0057] According to the sample vaporization unit described in paragraph 3, the separated first heat transfer part and second heat transfer part each come into line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the piping at at least one location, so that the entire heat transfer member can come into line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the piping at at least two locations, thereby increasing the number of locations where the inner circumferential surface of the heat transfer member comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the piping.

[0058] (4) In the sample vaporization unit according to the second aspect, The heat transfer member may be formed to have a C-shaped cross section having one of the slits.

[0059] According to the sample vaporization unit described in paragraph 4, by forming slits, it is possible to increase the number of contact points between the inner surface of the heat transfer member and the outer surface of the piping, and the heat transfer member can be handled as a single component, making assembly easy.

[0060] (Item 5) A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 2 to 4, The heat transfer member may be fixed to the pipe by a pressing force from the heater wound around an outer periphery of the heat transfer member.

[0061] According to the sample vaporization unit described in item 5, since the heater plays a role in pressing and fixing the heat transfer member, there is no need to provide a separate member for pressing and fixing the heat transfer member to the piping.

[0062] (Item 6) A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 2 to 5, The slit may extend straight along the axial direction.

[0063] According to the sample vaporization unit described in item 6, the number of contact points between the inner circumferential surface of the heat transfer member and the outer circumferential surface of the piping can be increased simply by forming a slit having a simple shape that extends straight along the axial direction.

[0064] (Item 7) A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 2 to 5, The slit may extend so as to be bent or curved in a direction intersecting with the axial direction.

[0065] According to the sample vaporization unit described in item 7, a plurality of convex portions and concave portions are formed on each end face of the heat transfer member divided by the slit. Therefore, the plurality of convex portions formed on one end face can be configured to fit into the plurality of concave portions formed on the other end face, and the plurality of convex portions formed on the other end face can be configured to fit into the plurality of concave portions formed on the one end face. This makes it possible to prevent the end faces from shifting along the axial direction.

[0066] (Item 8) A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 2 to 5, The slit may extend straight in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0067] According to the sample vaporization unit described in item 8, the end faces of the heat transfer member divided by the slits can be brought into contact with each other, and the heat transfer member can be fixed to the piping while the end faces are in sliding contact with each other.

[0068] (Item 9) A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 1 to 8, The sample vaporization unit may inject a sample from a needle of the syringe inserted into a tip of the column while supplying a carrier gas into the column, and vaporize the sample within the column.

[0069] According to the sample vaporization unit described in item 9, the column and the sample in the column can be efficiently heated by the piping, heat transfer member, and heater.

[0070] (Item 10) A gas chromatograph according to one embodiment comprises: A sample vaporization unit according to any one of items 1 to 9, a column attached to the sample vaporization unit; and a detector for detecting components in the sample separated in the column.

[0071] According to the gas chromatograph described in the tenth aspect, a sample can be efficiently heated and analyzed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Gas chromatograph 12 Columns 16 Sample vaporization unit 18 Detector 30 Piping 42 Heat transfer materials 42a First heat transfer section 42b Second heat transfer section 44 Heater 45 Slit 50 stitches

Claims

1. A sample vaporization unit for vaporizing a sample injected from a syringe needle while supplying a carrier gas into a column, comprising: A pipe into which the column is inserted; A heat transfer member provided along an outer periphery of the pipe; a heater provided along an outer periphery of the heat transfer member, the heat transfer member is in line contact with the pipe along an axial direction in which the column extends at a plurality of points in a circumferential direction on an outer circumferential surface of the pipe; The heat transfer member has at least one slit which is a cut portion of the heat transfer member, and is fixed to the piping in a state where the heat transfer member is pressed in a direction in which the width of the slit becomes smaller.

2. The sample vaporization unit of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is separated into at least a first heat transfer section and a second heat transfer section by the slit, and is fixed to the piping in a state in which the width of the slit between the first heat transfer section and the second heat transfer section is reduced.

3. 2. The sample vaporization unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is formed with a C-shaped cross section having one of the slits.

4. 4. The sample vaporization unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is fixed to the piping by a pressing force from the heater that is wound around an outer periphery of the heat transfer member.

5. 5. The sample vaporization unit according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends straight along the axial direction.

6. 5. The sample vaporization unit according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends so as to be bent or curved in a direction intersecting with the axial direction.

7. 5. The sample vaporization unit according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends straight in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

8. The sample vaporization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sample vaporization unit injects a sample from a needle of the syringe inserted into the tip of the column while supplying a carrier gas into the column, and vaporizes the sample within the column.

9. A sample vaporization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a column attached to the sample vaporization unit; and a detector for detecting components in the sample separated in the column.

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