Particle sampling device and particle sampling method

Abstract

A fine particle sampling device (10) is for preparing a sample of fine particles in a liquid, and is provided with: a cylindrical first electrode (22) having openings at both ends in the axial direction thereof; a second electrode (24) that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode (22), and is disposed within the first electrode (22) and spaced apart from the inner surface (66) of the first electrode (22); a supply unit (28) that supplies a liquid (68) into the first electrode (22) to accumulate the liquid (68) in a portion of the inner surface (66) in a direction around the axis B of the first electrode (22); a voltage application unit (26) for applying a voltage between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24); a drive unit (32) for rotating the first electrode (22) about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode (22) and passes through the inside of the first electrode (22); and a collection unit (30) for collecting the accumulated liquid (68).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a particle sampling device and a particle sampling method for sampling particles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices and methods for sampling fine particles in gas using devices that utilize the inertia and centrifugal force of the fine particles are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). Patent Document 1 discloses a method for capturing airborne microorganisms on a membrane filter by sucking air through the filter. Patent Document 2 discloses an airborne microorganism sampler that captures airborne microorganisms by attaching them to a culture medium by causing air sucked in from a suction part to collide with the culture medium. Patent Document 3 discloses a device that separates and captures objects to be captured from the air using centrifugal force generated by the swirling of sucked air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-161143 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-11265 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-52866 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional configurations, fine particles such as aerosols separated from the suction air often accumulate in a dry state, necessitating an additional step for analysis, such as extraction into a solution. Furthermore, if the particles to be sampled are biological, they cannot be captured while maintaining their activity. Even when attempts were made to solve these problems by recovering them in a liquid, achieving a high concentration required a long time due to the large amount of solution required, and significant pressure loss and noise due to suction were generated. Additionally, collection performance was largely dependent on factors such as the shape and size of the device, the suction speed, and the size of the target aerosol, resulting in inefficient collection.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that allows for efficient sampling of fine particles.

[0006] A particle sampling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle sampling device that samples particles in a liquid, comprising: circle The device comprises a cylindrical first electrode having open ends in its axial direction, a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and positioned within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, a supply unit that supplies liquid into the first electrode and causes the liquid to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode, a voltage application unit that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, a drive unit that rotates the first electrode around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode, and a recovery unit that recovers the accumulated liquid.

[0007] Furthermore, a particulate sampling method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: circleA particle sampling method using a cylindrical first electrode with both axial ends open, and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and positioned within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, the method comprising: a supply step of supplying liquid into the first electrode and storing the liquid in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; and a recovery step of recovering the stored liquid.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium, or as any combination of an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include non-volatile recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory).

[0009] The particle sampling device and particle sampling method according to one aspect of the present disclosure can efficiently sample particles.

[0010] Further advantages and benefits of certain aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particulate sampling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the particulate sampling device of FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an end view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the particle sampling device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] However, the particle sampling device and particle sampling method according to the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the configurations shown in the embodiments and / or drawings described below, and also include configurations equivalent thereto.

[0014] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily strict illustrations. In the drawings, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] In the following, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as cylindrical, and numerical ranges do not only represent the strict meaning, but also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0016] In the following figures, the X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. On the Z-axis, the positive direction represents vertically upward, and the negative direction represents vertically downward.

[0017] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particulate sampling device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the particulate sampling device 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an internal view of the particulate sampling device 10 of Fig. 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an end view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1. Note that the wind speed sensor 34 and the like are omitted from Fig. 1. The particulate sampling device 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the particulate sampling device 10 is a device that samples particulates in a liquid. Specifically, the particulate sampling device 10 is a device that samples particulates in a liquid 68 (described below) by capturing particulates in a gas in the liquid. For example, the particulates include fungi, bacteria, viruses, aerosols, etc. The particulate sampling device 10 includes a duct 12, a first bearing seal 14, a second bearing seal 16, a first flange member 18, a second flange member 20, a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24, a voltage application unit 26, a supply unit 28, a collection unit 30, a drive unit 32, a wind speed sensor 34, an airborne concentration sensor 36, a liquid concentration sensor 38, and an ammeter 40.

[0019] The particle sampling device 10 is configured by surrounding a rotating first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 positioned at the center of the first electrode 22 with a duct 12, a first flange member 18, and a second flange member 20. A gas, such as air, is passed through the particle sampling device 10 in a direction that passes through the particle sampling device 10 (the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2 ). For example, air may be drawn directly into the particle sampling device 10 using a pump (not shown) or the like, and the gas may be passed through the particle sampling device 10. Alternatively, the particle sampling device 10 may be installed in a device that generates a gas flow, such as an air conditioner, air purifier, or ventilation vent, and the air may be drawn into the particle sampling device 10 for processing. By attaching the particle sampling device 10 to a device that generates a gas flow in this way, it is not necessary to incorporate a pump or other device for generating the gas flow into the particle sampling device 10, making it easy to realize a compact, quiet device with low pressure loss. This allows the particle sampling device 10 to be installed and incorporated in a variety of locations. Each component of the particulate sampling device 10 will be described below.

[0020] The duct 12 is cylindrical and rotatably supports the first electrode 22 inside the duct 12. The duct 12 has a main body 42, a first support portion 44, and a second support portion 46. The main body 42, the first support portion 44, and the second support portion 46 are insulating.

[0021] The main body 42 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 42 are open. The first support portion 44 protrudes radially outward from one end of the main body 42 in the axial direction of the main body 42 and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The first support portion 44 is recessed radially outward from the main body 42 and is generally U-shaped (see FIG. 3). The first support portion 44 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. A first bearing seal 14 is disposed inside the first support portion 44. The first bearing seal 14 seals the gap between the first support portion 44 and a first outer flange portion 58 (described below) to prevent gas from leaking between the first support portion 44 and a first outer flange portion 58. The first support portion 44 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the first bearing seal 14. The second support portion 46 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 42 in the axial direction and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The second support portion 46 is recessed radially outward from the main body 42 and is generally U-shaped (see FIG. 3). The second support portion 46 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. A second bearing seal 16 is disposed inside the second support portion 46. The second bearing seal 16 seals the gap between the second support portion 46 and a second outer flange portion 60 (described below) to prevent gas from leaking between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60. The second support portion 46 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the second bearing seal 16.

[0022] The first flange member 18 is cylindrical and connected to the duct 12. The first flange member 18 has a main body 48 and a flange 50.

[0023] The main body 48 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 48 are open. The flange 50 protrudes radially outward from one end of the main body 48 in the axial direction of the main body 48 and is formed integrally with the main body 48. The flange 50 is annular when viewed in the axial direction of the main body 48. The other end in the axial direction of the main body 48 is connected to one end in the axial direction of the duct 12.

[0024] The second flange member 20 is cylindrical and connected to the duct 12. The second flange member 20 has a main body 52 and a flange .

[0025] The main body 52 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 52 are open. One end in the axial direction of the main body 52 is connected to the other end in the axial direction of the duct 12. The flange 54 protrudes radially outward from the other end in the axial direction of the main body 52 and is formed integrally with the main body 52. ​​The flange 54 is annular when viewed in the axial direction of the main body 52.

[0026] The first electrode 22 is cylindrical, and both axial ends of the first electrode 22 are open. The first electrode 22 is connected to ground via a second electric wire 76 (described later) or the like. The first electrode 22 has a main body 56, a first outer collar portion 58, a second outer collar portion 60, a first inner collar portion 62, and a second inner collar portion 64. For example, the main body 56, the first outer collar portion 58, the second outer collar portion 60, the first inner collar portion 62, and the second inner collar portion 64 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS.

[0027] The main body 56 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 56 are open. The axial direction of the main body 56 is the direction in which the axis B of the main body 56 extends (the X-axis direction). The main body 56 has external teeth (not shown) on its outer circumferential surface that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of a gear 86 (described below). The inner surface 66 of the main body 56 has been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The hydrophilic treatment is a process for processing the inner surface 66 into a finely uneven shape. For example, the hydrophilic treatment is performed by plasma treatment. Alternatively, for example, the hydrophilic treatment is performed by alkali treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH). Furthermore, an adhesion-inhibiting member that inhibits adhesion of fine particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. For example, the adhesion-inhibiting member is a blocking agent such as skim milk, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin), or PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).

[0028] The first outer collar portion 58 protrudes radially outward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first outer collar portion 58 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first outer collar portion 58 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The first outer collar portion 58 is disposed inside the first bearing seal 14.

[0029] The second outer collar portion 60 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second outer collar portion 60 is annular around the axial center B of the main body 56. In other words, the second outer collar portion 60 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The second outer collar portion 60 is disposed inside the second bearing seal 16.

[0030] The first inner flange 62 protrudes radially inward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first inner flange 62 is annular around the axial center B of the main body 56. In other words, the first inner flange 62 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0031] The second inner flange 64 protrudes radially inward from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second inner flange 64 is annular around the axial center B of the main body 56. In other words, the second inner flange 64 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0032] The first electrode 22 is installed in an orientation in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow C in FIG. 4). In other words, the first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable on its own axis.

[0033] The first electrode 22 stores a liquid 68 on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow D in FIG. 4 ). The stored liquid 68 is located below the axis B of the main body 56. The first electrode 22 also stores the liquid 68 in that portion of the inner surface 66 along the axial direction of the main body 56. The first inner flange 62 holds the liquid 68 so that the liquid 68 stored in the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not spill from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction. The second inner flange 64 holds the liquid 68 so that the liquid 68 stored in the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not spill from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction. In this way, first electrode 22 stores liquid 68 in a part of the inner surface 66 of main body 56 so that liquid 68 does not flow out of main body 56. Within main body 56, above the stored liquid 68, a space 69 is formed that passes through main body 56 in the axial direction.

[0034] The second electrode 24 is linear and extends in the axial direction of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 passes through the radially inner portion of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is positioned inside the body 56. That is, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the body 56 and from the other end of the body 56 in the axial direction of the body 56. The second electrode 24 is spaced apart from the inner surface 66 of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is located near the center of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 is located in the space 69. In this embodiment, the second electrode 24 is installed in an orientation in which the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 is formed of tungsten or the like.

[0035] The voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The voltage application unit 26 has a first support 70, a second support 72, a first electric wire 74, and a second electric wire 76.

[0036] The first support 70 is fixed to the first flange member 18 and is located inside the first flange member 18. The first support 70 is connected to one axial end of the second electrode 24 and supports the second electrode 24. The second support 72 is fixed to the second flange member 20 and is located inside the second flange member 20. The second support 72 is connected to the other axial end of the second electrode 24 and supports the second electrode 24. The first support 70 and the second support 72 are conductive and electrically connected to the second electrode 24. The first electric wire 74 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24 via the second support 72. The second electric wire 76 is electrically connected to the first electrode 22 via a gear 86 or the like.

[0037] The voltage application unit 26 can apply electricity of any magnitude and waveform to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, which is installed near the center of the first electrode 22, via the first electric wire 74 and the second electric wire 76. This allows the particle sampling device 10 to perform electrostatic collection of particles. The second electrode 24 does not have to be linear in structure, but may be plate-like or needle-like, and there are no limitations on its structure and / or installation position, as long as it is capable of forming an uneven electric field. For example, the voltage application unit 26 can be implemented by a power supply circuit or the like including a converter. For example, the voltage application unit 26 applies a DC voltage of 6 kV.

[0038] For example, the voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. As a result, an electric field is generated in the space 69 from the second electrode 24 toward the first electrode 22 (see arrow E in FIG. 3 and arrow E in FIG. 4).

[0039] The supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22, causing the liquid 68 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B. In other words, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 so as to accumulate the liquid 68 on a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B. In this way, the liquid 68 supplied by the supply unit 28 is accumulated on the inner surface 66 of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. The supply unit 28 has a tank 78 and an injection unit 80.

[0040] Tank 78 holds liquid 68 to be supplied into first electrode 22. Liquid 68 held in tank 78 is discharged from injector 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and supplied into main body 56 of first electrode 22. In this way, tank 78 is provided for storing liquid 68 such as a collection liquid for influenza virus sensing in advance, and liquid 68 is supplied into first electrode 22 through injector 80.

[0041] In this embodiment, supply unit 28 supplies a liquid for analyzing the microparticles as liquid 68. For example, a liquid for analyzing the microparticles may refer to a liquid used for analysis, a liquid that maintains the activity of the target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, a liquid that labels the target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, a liquid that protects the target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, or any combination thereof. For example, if the target substance is influenza virus, liquid 68 may be a liquid for dissolving and preserving the virus, such as physiological saline, PBS buffer, EDTA buffer, or bicarbonate buffer, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism and / or fluorescence. Note that liquid 68 does not have to be a liquid for analyzing the microparticles and may be, for example, pure water.

[0042] The target substance is not limited to influenza viruses. For example, the target substance may be other viruses or living organisms other than viruses (e.g., bacteria). Furthermore, the target substance does not have to be a living organism, and may be an environmental pollutant, an allergen, or the like.

[0043] The recovery unit 30 recovers the liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 30 has a tank 82 and an extraction unit 84. The liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is held in the tank 82 and recovered. In this way, the liquid 68, such as the collection liquid in which fine particles have accumulated, is sucked through the extraction unit 84 and held in the tank 82.

[0044] The driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22. In this embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the body 56. That is, in this embodiment, the driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. The driver 32 includes a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86. The gear 86 has external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 22. As the motor 88 rotates the gear 86 (see arrow F in FIG. 4), the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B of the body 56 (see arrow C in FIG. 4). In this manner, the first electrode 22 rotates due to the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0045] The wind speed sensor 34 is installed on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18, and measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22. Gas outside the particulate sampling device 10 passes inside the first flange member 18, passes inside the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, passes inside the second flange member 20, and is released to the outside of the particulate sampling device 10 (see arrow A in FIG. 2 and arrow A in FIG. 3). The wind speed sensor 34 thus measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22.

[0046] The gas outside the particulate sampling device 10 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 20, pass through the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and be released from the first flange member 18 to the outside of the particulate sampling device 10. Even in this case, the wind speed sensor 34 can measure the wind speed of the gas passing through the inside of the first electrode 22.

[0047] The airborne concentration sensor 36 is disposed on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18, and as described above, measures the concentration of particulate matter in the gas passing through the first electrode 22. For example, the airborne concentration sensor 36 is an optical sensor.

[0048] The liquid concentration sensor 38 is disposed in a liquid 68 stored in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22, and measures the concentration of particles in the liquid 68. For example, the liquid concentration sensor 38 is an optical sensor.

[0049] The ammeter 40 is connected to the second electric wire 76 and measures the current value of the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The ammeter 40 may be provided at a location where it can measure the current value of the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0050] 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10. The functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the particle sampling device 10 further includes a control unit 90.

[0052] The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the wind speed sensor 34, the airborne concentration sensor 36, the liquid concentration sensor 38, the ammeter 40, the voltage application unit 26, the supply unit 28, the collection unit 30, and the drive unit 32. The control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26, the supply unit 28, the collection unit 30, and the drive unit 32 based on the measurement results of the wind speed sensor 34, the airborne concentration sensor 36, the liquid concentration sensor 38, and the ammeter 40. For example, the control unit 90 is realized by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0053] The control unit 90 calculates the flow rate of the gas passing inside the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 based on the measurement results of the air velocity sensor 34, and outputs the calculated flow rate. For example, the control unit 90 calculates the flow rate using the air velocity of the gas passing inside the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the gas passes. The control unit 90 also outputs the calculated flow rate to another device (not shown), etc. This makes it possible to perform analysis of particulates, etc., using the flow rate calculated by the control unit 90.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 and the drive unit 32 based on the measurement results of the airborne concentration sensor 36. Specifically, when the concentration of particulate matter in the gas is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 to apply a voltage to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. When the concentration of particulate matter in the gas is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the drive unit 32 to rotate the first electrode 22.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 based on the measurement result of the liquid concentration sensor 38. Specifically, when the concentration of particles in the stored liquid 68 is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 to stop applying a voltage to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 by the voltage application unit 26. Note that, for example, when the concentration of particles in the stored liquid 68 is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 may control the drive unit 32 to stop the rotation of the first electrode 22. Also, for example, when the concentration of particles in the stored liquid 68 is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 may control the recovery unit 30 to recover the stored liquid 68.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the supply unit 28 based on the measurement results of the ammeter 40. For example, when the amount of stored liquid 68 decreases, the resistance decreases and the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 increases. Therefore, when the current value measured by the ammeter 40 is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 controls the supply unit 28 to supply the liquid 68 into the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and replenish the body 56 of the first electrode 22 with the liquid 68.

[0057] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 10 configured as described above will be described. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, showing the movement of viruses inside the particle sampling device 10 until the viruses are actually collected. With reference to Figs. 6 and 7, an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 in this embodiment will be described, including the flow of capturing influenza viruses 1, collecting influenza viruses 1 in liquid, and collecting liquid 68. Here, collection in liquid by the particle sampling device 10 is performed with the aim of collecting influenza viruses 1, which are thought to be airbornely transmitted, as a liquid sample that can be analyzed by a sensor or the like.

[0058] 6, first, supply unit 28 supplies liquid 68 into first electrode 22, causing liquid 68 to accumulate in a portion of inner surface 66 in the direction around axis B of first electrode 22 (supply step) (step S1). For example, a user may operate any operation button (illustrated) or the like to operate supply unit 28, and supply liquid 68 into body 56 of first electrode 22. Note that, for example, control unit 90 may control supply unit 28 based on the measurement result of airborne concentration sensor 36, thereby supplying liquid 68 into body 56 of first electrode 22.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, a liquid 68 is supplied into the body 56 of the first electrode 22, and the liquid 68 is stored on a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 6 , next, voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24 (voltage application step) (step S2). For example, based on the measurement results of airborne concentration sensor 36, control unit 90 controls voltage application unit 26, thereby applying a voltage between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24. Note that, for example, a user may operate any operation button (shown) or the like to operate voltage application unit 26 and apply a voltage between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, influenza viruses 1 in gas introduced into the particle sampling device 10 by an arbitrary air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 7) are first charged either positively or negatively by ions 2 released by discharge from the second electrode 24 to which a high voltage is applied. Here, a case in which influenza viruses 1 are positively charged will be described. The charged influenza viruses 1 move along trajectory 3 due to the electric field (see arrow E in FIG. 7) formed between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22, and are collected on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza viruses 1 adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and are collected on the inner surface 66.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 6 , next, the driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (driving step) (step S3). For example, the controller 90 controls the driver 32 based on the measurement results of the airborne concentration sensor 36, thereby rotating the first electrode 22. Note that the user may operate an arbitrary operation button (shown) or the like to operate the driver 32 and rotate the first electrode 22.

[0063] 7, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state in which the liquid 68 is stored in a part of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state in which the liquid 68 is stored below the axis B so that the liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially comes into contact with the stored liquid 68.

[0064] The influenza viruses 1 collected on the inner surface 66 are collected at any timing by the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Specifically, the influenza viruses 1 adhering to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 come into contact with the stored liquid 68, and are detached from the inner surface 66 and collected in the liquid 68. The movement (rotation) of the first electrode 22 rotated by the motor 88 and gear 86 makes it possible to wash away the entire surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 with the accumulated (stored) liquid 68.

[0065] In addition, before applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, the first electrode 22 may be rotated around the axis B, and then a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 while the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 6 , finally, the collection unit 30 collects the stored liquid 68 (collection step) (step S4). For example, at any timing after a certain period of operation, the liquid 68 can be collected into the collection unit 30 (tank 82) through the extraction unit 84, and a liquid sample (liquid 68) containing influenza viruses 1 separated from the gas can be obtained. Note that, for example, the control unit 90 may control the collection unit 30 based on the measurement results of the liquid concentration sensor 38, and the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 may be collected. Also, for example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) or the like to operate the collection unit 30 and collect the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0067] When sampling particulate matter, the use of the wind speed sensor 34, the airborne concentration sensor 36, and the liquid concentration sensor 38 allows for more appropriate and efficient sampling. By combining information on the operating time with information on the wind speed from the wind speed sensor 34 and the area information at the measurement location of the wind speed sensor 34, it is possible to obtain information on the amount of air volume that has been treated. Furthermore, the airborne concentration sensor 36 can obtain information on the concentration of particulate matter contained in the suctioned air. Furthermore, the liquid concentration sensor 38 can obtain information on the concentration of particulate matter in the stored liquid 68. By using these sensors, the operating time for starting and stopping particulate matter sampling and / or the timing of starting and stopping operation can be set to the user's desired conditions. For example, a value of "10,000 particles / cm" can be set. 3 "Operation started because air with a particle concentration of 1m has arrived," 3 "Operation stopped because the air was treated to 1000 particles / mL," "Operation stopped because the air was treated to 1000 particles / mL," etc., making it possible to select the optimal sampling method depending on the sampling application.

[0068] Furthermore, by adding a function for reading the current at the same time as applying a high voltage, it is possible to prevent the supply of more liquid 68 than necessary and to prevent the depletion of liquid 68. Specifically, the current value measured by ammeter 40 is read, and when the current value exceeds a predetermined threshold, a minimum amount of liquid 68 is supplied from supply unit 28 into main body 56 of first electrode 22. This makes it possible to maintain a high concentration of particles in stored liquid 68 as much as possible.

[0069] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment can collect a high concentration of influenza viruses 1 from the air into the liquid 68. Furthermore, by combining information obtained from various sensors, sampling can be performed efficiently, and sampling can be performed under optimal conditions according to the user's intended use.

[0070] The particulate sampling device 10 may classify the aerosol containing influenza viruses from the air into two particle size ranges and collect them in the liquid 68. This makes it possible to analyze the amount of influenza viruses in each particle size range.

[0071] Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 can accumulate particles in the liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 without circulating the liquid 68, making it easy to collect particles so that the concentration of particles in the liquid 68 is high. Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 does not require the provision of equipment for circulating the liquid 68, and is therefore a device that can easily be made compact and energy-efficient.

[0072] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment is a particle sampling device that samples particles in a liquid, and includes a cylindrical first electrode 22 that is open at both ends in the axial direction, a second electrode 24 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is arranged within the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, a supply unit 28 that supplies liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 and causes the liquid 68 to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22, a voltage application unit 26 that applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, a drive unit 32 that rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22, and a recovery unit 30 that recovers the accumulated liquid 68.

[0073] According to this configuration, when the voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, an electric field is generated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, causing particles in the gas within the first electrode 22 to adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. Furthermore, when the drive unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially comes into contact with the liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56, and the particles adhered to the inner surface 66 are accumulated in the liquid 68. Furthermore, when the recovery unit 30 recovers the accumulated liquid 68, the liquid 68 containing the particles is obtained. In this way, the particles guided into the particle sampling device 10 are deposited on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by electrostatic precipitator and then accumulated in the liquid 68 due to the rotation of the first electrode 22, thereby enabling efficient particle sampling. Furthermore, since there is no need to circulate the liquid 68, the amount of liquid 68 can be reduced. In this way, by accumulating the particles in a small amount of liquid 68, the concentration of the particles in liquid 68 can be easily increased, and the particles can be sampled efficiently.

[0074] Moreover, the particulate sampling device 10 according to this embodiment further includes a wind speed sensor 34 that measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22.

[0075] This allows the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 to be measured, making it easy to determine whether or not gas is flowing through the first electrode 22. For example, applying a voltage while gas is flowing through the first electrode 22 makes it easier to capture particulates, allowing for more efficient particulate sampling. In this way, the time and timing for applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, the timing for ending the voltage application, and the timing for starting to collect the liquid 68 can be adjusted according to the wind speed information from the wind speed sensor 34. This makes it easy to perform sampling at the optimal and appropriate timing and operating time depending on the application and purpose of the sampling.

[0076] Moreover, the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment further includes a control unit 90 that calculates the flow rate of the gas based on the measurement result of the air velocity sensor 34 and outputs the flow rate.

[0077] This makes it possible to adjust the timing for ending the voltage application and the timing for starting the collection of the liquid 68 based on the flow rate of the gas that has passed through the first electrode 22, thereby enabling more efficient sampling of the particles.

[0078] In addition, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes an airborne concentration sensor 36 that measures the concentration of particles in the gas passing through the first electrode 22, and the control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 and the drive unit 32 based on the measurement results of the airborne concentration sensor 36.

[0079] According to this, when a concentration higher than a predetermined concentration is measured, it becomes easier to collect particles in the gas by applying a voltage and rotating the first electrode 22. In this way, by operating when a gas with a desired particle concentration is introduced, it is possible to sample particles more efficiently.

[0080] In addition, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes a liquid concentration sensor 38 that measures the concentration of particles in the stored liquid 68, and the control unit 90 stops the application of voltage by the voltage application unit 26 when the concentration of particles in the liquid 68 is higher than a predetermined concentration.

[0081] According to this, when particles accumulate in the liquid 68 and the particle concentration in the liquid 68 becomes higher than a predetermined concentration, the application of voltage can be stopped and sampling can be terminated. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary lengthening of sampling time and the situation where the particle concentration in the liquid 68 becomes too low to be analyzed, and allows for more efficient particle sampling.

[0082] In addition, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes an ammeter 40 that measures the current value flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the control unit 90 controls the supply unit 28 to replenish the liquid 68 in the first electrode 22 when the current value is greater than a predetermined value.

[0083] This allows the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 to be measured, and when the current value is greater than a predetermined value, the supply unit 28 replenishes the first electrode 22 with liquid 68. For example, when the amount of liquid 68 decreases over time and the current value becomes greater than a predetermined value, a predetermined amount of liquid 68 can be replenished. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the concentration of microparticles caused by the amount of liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 becoming greater than necessary, and also prevents the liquid 68 from running out. Therefore, microparticles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0084] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

[0085] This makes it easier for the fine particles adhering to the inner surface 66 to detach from the inner surface 66 when they come into contact with the stored liquid 68. Therefore, loss when collecting the fine particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be reduced, and the fine particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0086] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, an adhesion suppression member that suppresses adhesion of particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22.

[0087] This makes it easier for the fine particles adhering to the inner surface 66 to detach from the inner surface 66 when they come into contact with the stored liquid 68. Therefore, loss when collecting the fine particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be reduced, and the fine particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0088] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies, as the liquid 68, a liquid for analyzing particles.

[0089] This allows for easy extraction of target substances contained in the particles. Furthermore, by selecting an appropriate liquid 68 depending on the purpose and / or application, it is possible to implement an appropriate detection protocol and / or prevent damage to the sample.

[0090] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the body 56 of the first electrode 22 is cylindrical has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the body of the first electrode may be an elliptical cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, or the like.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the first electrode 22 is installed with the axis B of the main body 56 parallel to the horizontal direction, but this is not limiting, and the first electrode 22 does not have to be installed with the axis B of the main body 56 parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 22 may be installed with the axis B of the main body 56 tilted relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 68 can be stored on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 so that the liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 is only required to be disposed in an orientation that allows the liquid 68 to be stored on the inner surface 68.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, this is not limiting, and the second electrode 24 does not have to be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 may be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 is tilted with respect to the axis B of the body 56, as long as it extends at least in the axial direction of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. Furthermore, for example, the second electrode 24 may be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 does not coincide with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22, but is parallel to the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the second electrode 24 is linear, but is not limited to this. For example, the second electrode may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, a case where one second electrode 24 is disposed within the first electrode 22 has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, a plurality of second electrodes may be disposed within the first electrode.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward beyond one end of the main body 56 and beyond the other end of the main body 56, but this is not limiting. For example, the length of the second electrode 24 may be the same as the length of the main body 56, or may be shorter than the length of the main body 56.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, this is not limiting. For example, the driver may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis that is slightly tilted with respect to the axis of the body of the first electrode. Alternatively, the driver may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis that is parallel to the axis of the body of the first electrode. The driver may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present disclosure is widely applicable to devices that sample fine particles such as aerosols from gases such as air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Particulate sampling device 12 Duct 14 No. 1 bearing seal 16 No. 2 bearing seal 18 First flange member 20 Second flange member 22 1st electrode 24 2nd electrode 26 Voltage application section 28 Supply section 30 Collection Department 32 Drive unit 34 Wind speed sensor 36 Air concentration sensor 38 Liquid concentration sensor 40 ammeter 42, 48, 52, 56 Main unit 44 1st support part 46 Second support part 50,54 flange 58 First outer flange 60 Second outer flange 62 First inner flange 64 Second inner flange 66 Inner 68 liquid 69 Space 70 First support 72 Second support 74 First Electric Wire 76 Second Electric Wire 78 Tank 80 Injection part 82 Tank 84 Extraction part 86 gears 88 Motor 90 Control Unit

Claims

1. A particle sampling device for sampling particles in a liquid, comprising: a first electrode that is cylindrical and has both ends in an axial direction open; a second electrode extending in an axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit that supplies a liquid into the first electrode and causes the liquid to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive unit that rotates the first electrode around a rotation axis that extends in an axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; A recovery unit that recovers the stored liquid. Particulate sampling device.

2. Further comprising a wind speed sensor for measuring the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode.

2. The particulate sampling device according to claim 1.

3. A control unit is further provided to calculate the flow rate of the gas based on the measurement result of the wind speed sensor and output the flow rate.

3. The particle sampling device according to claim 2.

4. An air concentration sensor that measures a concentration of the particulate matter in the gas passing through the first electrode, The control unit controls the voltage application unit and the drive unit based on the measurement result of the airborne concentration sensor.

4. The particle sampling device according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a liquid concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the particulate matter in the stored liquid, The control unit stops the application of voltage by the voltage application unit when the concentration of the particles in the liquid is higher than a predetermined concentration.

5. A particle sampling device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. an ammeter that measures a value of a current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode; When the current value is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit causes the supply unit to replenish the liquid in the first electrode. A particle sampling device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The inner surface of the first electrode is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. A particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An adhesion suppression member that suppresses adhesion of the fine particles is attached to the inner surface of the first electrode. A particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The supply unit supplies a liquid for analysis of the particles as the liquid. A particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for sampling fine particles using a first electrode that is cylindrical and has both ends in an axial direction that are open, and a second electrode that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode, a supplying step of supplying a liquid into the first electrode and storing the liquid in a part of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; and a recovery step of recovering the stored liquid. Particulate sampling methods.

11. a first electrode including a cylindrical portion disposed about a first imaginary axis, a first end of the cylindrical portion, and a second end of the cylindrical portion, the first end having a first hole and the second end having a second hole; a second electrode having a first portion, a first space including the first portion, the cylindrical portion, the first end, and the second end defining the first space, a longitudinal direction of the second electrode being the same as an axial direction of the first imaginary axis; a supply device that supplies a liquid to the first space, the liquid contacting a portion of a surface of the cylindrical portion; a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so that a plurality of particles contained in the gas contained in the first space are directed toward the surface; a driving unit that rotates the first electrode around the first virtual axis; the liquid moves on the surface, and the liquid captures a plurality of microparticles near the surface; and a recovery unit that recovers the liquid containing the captured particles. Particulate sampling device.

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