Pollutant measuring device

Abstract

To provide a contaminant measuring device 1 with which it is possible to efficiently clean flow paths that are wanted to be cleaned.SOLUTION: Provided is a contaminant measuring device 1 that captures by a measurement cell 161 an unreacted antibody in a sample solution in which a known amount of antibody to a contaminant that is an antigen and measures the concentration of the contaminant on the basis of the amount of the captured unreacted antibody, said device comprising a sample flow path 15 that supplies the sample solution to the measurement cell 161, a sample flow path opening / closing valve that opens and closes the sample flow path 15, a cleaning flow path 14 in which a cleaning solution for removing the sample solution flows; and a cleaning flow path opening / closing valve that opens and closes the cleaning flow path 14. The measurement cell 161 is connected to the cleaning flow path 14, and tubes (B0 flow path tube 151, a calibration flow path tube 152, measurement flow path tube 153) that constitute the sample flow path 15 downstream of the sample flow path opening / closing valve are connected to the cleaning flow path 14 that is upstream of the cleaning flow path opening / closing valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pollutant measuring device for measuring the concentration of environmental pollutants such as dioxins.

Background Art

[0002] Dioxins, which are one of the environmental pollutants, are known to be highly toxic to living organisms. Therefore, when discharging environmental pollutants such as dioxins into the natural environment, it is necessary to measure the amount of the discharged environmental pollutants.

[0003] As a device for measuring the amount of this environmental pollutant, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pollutant measuring device that measures the amount of a pollutant by flowing a sample solution containing a known amount of an antibody against the pollutant, which is an antigen, through a measurement cell that captures the antibody.

[0004] Specifically, in Patent Document 1, first, an antibody labeled with a fluorescent reagent and a pollutant are subjected to an antigen-antibody reaction to generate a sample solution containing a complex generated by the reaction and unreacted antibodies. By flowing this sample solution through a measurement cell, Patent Document 1 captures the unreacted antibodies in the sample solution in the measurement cell.

[0005] Thereafter, Patent Document 1 measures the amount of unreacted antibodies captured in the measurement cell as the fluorescence intensity, and calculates the amount of the pollutant by subtracting the amount of unreacted antibodies from the total amount of the antibodies. The pollutant measuring device of Patent Document 1 maintains stable measurement accuracy by washing the flow path through which the sample solution flows and the measurement cell with a cleaning solution each time measurement is performed to remove the complex and unreacted antibodies.

[0006] Incidentally, in Patent Document 1, multiple tubes connected to multiple storage bottles, each storing a sample solution and a washing solution, are connected to a measurement cell via a directional control valve that switches the flow path. For this reason, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to flow a washing solution to remove complexes and unreacted antibodies through a flow path at least from inside the directional control valve to downstream of the measurement cell.

[0007] Consequently, in Patent Document 1, the flow path for the cleaning solution tends to be long, and it is necessary to switch the directional control valve for cleaning each time a measurement is taken, so there was room for improvement in terms of cleaning efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6710403 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a contaminant measuring device that can efficiently clean a flow path where cleaning is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This invention relates to a contaminant measuring device that captures unreacted antibodies in a sample solution containing a known amount of antibodies to a contaminant antigen using a measuring cell, and measures the amount of the contaminant based on the amount of captured unreacted antibodies, comprising: a sample channel for supplying the sample solution to the measuring cell; a sample channel on / off valve for opening and closing the sample channel; a washing channel through which a washing solution for removing the sample solution flows; and a washing channel on / off valve for opening and closing the washing channel, wherein the measuring cell is Extending vertically from top to bottom A tubular body connected to the cleaning channel and forming the sample channel downstream of the sample channel on / off valve is located in the cleaning channel downstream of the cleaning channel on / off valve. , along the intersecting direction that diagonally intersects downward with respect to the vertical direction It is characterized by being connected in a continuous state.

[0011] The pollutants mentioned above refer to environmental pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. The above-mentioned sample solutions include solutions containing only a known amount of antibody, solutions containing a known amount of antibody and a known amount of contaminant, solutions containing a known amount of antibody and an unknown amount of contaminant, or solutions containing a known amount of antibody and a known amount of a complex of antibody and contaminant.

[0012] The washing solution mentioned above refers to a solution used to dissociate antibodies captured by the measurement cell and regenerate the measurement cell, or a solution that does not contain antibodies or contaminants. The tubes in the sample flow path mentioned above refer to, for example, flexible hose-like tubes, steel pipes, and other similar tubes.

[0013] According to this invention, the tubular body constituting the sample channel downstream of the sample channel on / off valve is connected to the washing channel downstream of the washing channel on / off valve, so that the sample solution containing the antibody is supplied to the measurement cell via a part of the washing channel.

[0014] In this case, since the sample channel on / off valve and the washing channel on / off valve are provided upstream of the connection point between the sample channel and the washing channel, the contaminant measuring device can supply the sample solution and the washing solution separately to the measuring cell without providing a channel switching valve to switch the channels at the connection point between the sample channel and the washing channel.

[0015] Therefore, the contaminant measuring device can connect the tubing of the sample flow path to the cleaning flow path at a position close to the measurement cell. This allows the contaminant measuring device to shorten the length of the flow path from the connection point between the sample flow path and the cleaning flow path to the downstream of the measuring cell, i.e., the length of the flow path to be cleaned.

[0016] Furthermore, by shortening the length of the flow path to be cleaned, the contaminant measuring device can reduce the amount of cleaning solution used and shorten the time required for cleaning. Therefore, the pollutant measurement device can efficiently clean the flow path that requires cleaning.

[0017] Furthermore, this invention, The measurement cell is connected to the cleaning flow path that extends in the vertical direction from top to bottom, and the tube body of the sample flow path is connected to the cleaning flow path along the intersection direction that obliquely intersects downward with respect to the vertical direction. Characterized by .

[0018] According to this configuration, since the sample flow path is connected to the cleaning flow path in the intersection direction that obliquely intersects downward with respect to the cleaning flow path that extends in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent the sample solution flowing into a part of the cleaning flow path from flowing to the upstream side opposite to the measurement cell, and it is possible to prevent the sample solution containing the antibody from remaining in the tube body of the sample flow path.

[0019] Furthermore, since the cleaning solution flows from top to bottom, the pollutant measurement device can vigorously flow the cleaning solution downstream from the measurement cell by the gravity acting on the cleaning solution. Thereby, the pollutant measurement device can clean while suppressing the usage amount of the cleaning solution, so that the flow path that requires cleaning can be cleaned more efficiently.

[0020] Also, as an aspect of this invention, the sample flow path includes a standard sample flow path that supplies a standard sample solution containing a known amount of the antibody to the measurement cell, and a measurement flow path that supplies a measurement solution containing a known amount of the antibody and an unknown amount of the pollutant to the measurement cell. before The tube body constituting the measurement flow path may be connected to the cleaning flow path on the measurement cell side rather than the tube body constituting the standard sample flow path. before and is composed of The sample flow path opening / closing valve is provided on the tube constituting the standard sample flow path and on the tube constituting the measurement flow path, respectively. The standard sample as described above refers to a solution containing only a known amount of antibody, a solution containing a known amount of pollutant and a known amount of antibody, or a solution containing a known amount of antibody and a known amount of a complex of the antibody and the pollutant.

[0021]

[0022] According to this configuration, since the tube of the measurement flow path is connected to the cleaning flow path on the measurement cell side rather than the tube of the standard sample flow path, the tube of the measurement flow path through which an unknown amount of contaminants flows can be connected to the cleaning flow path at a position closer to the measurement cell.

[0023] Thereby, the contaminant measuring device can shorten the length of the flow path through which an unknown amount of contaminants flows. For this reason, the contaminant measuring device can efficiently clean the flow path that requires cleaning while suppressing the usage amount of the cleaning solution.

[0024] Also, as an aspect of this invention, the standard sample flow path includes a B0 solution containing only a known amount of the antibody before a B0 flow path for supplying the measurement cell, and a calibration solution containing a known amount of the contaminant and a known amount of the antibody before a calibration flow path for supplying the measurement cell, and The sample flow path opening / closing valve is provided on the pipe constituting the B0 flow path and on the pipe constituting the calibration flow path, respectively. the tube constituting the calibration flow path may be connected to the cleaning flow path on the measurement cell side rather than the tube constituting the B0 flow path.

[0025] According to this configuration, since the tube of the calibration flow path is connected to the cleaning flow path on the measurement cell side rather than the tube of the B0 flow path, the tube of the calibration flow path through which a known amount of contaminants flows can be connected to the cleaning flow path at a position closer to the measurement cell.

[0026] Thereby, the contaminant measuring device can shorten the length of the flow path through which a known amount of contaminants flows. For this reason, the contaminant measuring device can efficiently clean the flow path that requires cleaning while suppressing the usage amount of the cleaning solution.

[0027] Also, as an aspect of this invention, the cleaning flow path includes a regeneration solution for dissociating the unreacted antibody before a regeneration flow path for supplying the measurement cell, and a buffer solution not containing the antibody and the contaminant before a buffer flow path for supplying the measurement cell, and The cleaning channel on / off valve is provided on the pipe constituting the regeneration channel and on the pipe constituting the buffer channel, respectively.The measuring cell may be connected to the regeneration channel, and the tubular body constituting the buffer channel downstream of the cleaning channel on / off valve may be connected to the regeneration channel upstream of the tubular body in the sample channel.

[0028] With this configuration, the buffer channel is connected to the regeneration channel upstream of the sample channel, ensuring that the sample channel, through which the sample solution flows, is thoroughly washed with the buffer solution. As a result, the contaminant measuring device can create a sample channel suitable for measuring unreacted antibodies.

[0029] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the invention may include pressurizing means for pressurizing the sample solution, the regeneration solution, and the buffer solution and forcing them into the sample channel, the regeneration channel, and the buffer channel, respectively, and a control unit that opens and closes the cleaning channel on / off valve of the buffer channel, the sample channel on / off valve of the sample channel, the cleaning channel on / off valve of the buffer channel, the cleaning channel on / off valve of the regeneration channel, and the cleaning channel on / off valve of the buffer channel in this order.

[0030] This configuration allows for a continuous and sequential supply of the sample solution, regeneration solution, and buffer solution to the measurement cell. Furthermore, since a buffer solution is supplied to the measurement cell each time a sample solution or regenerated solution is supplied to the measurement cell, the contaminant measuring device can reliably prevent sample solution from remaining in the sample flow path. Therefore, the contaminant measuring device can optimize the condition of the sample channel through which the sample solution flows to be more suitable for measuring unreacted antibodies.

[0031] In another aspect of this invention, the cleaning channel may be provided with a joint portion on the channel to which at least the tubular body of the sample channel is connected. With this configuration, the tube of the sample channel is connected to the cleaning channel via a joint, so even if, for example, the materials used for the sample channel tube and the cleaning channel are different, the connection between the sample channel tube and the cleaning channel can be easily made.

[0032] This allows the contaminant measuring device to construct the sample channel tube from a flexible material, for example, thereby improving the flexibility of the sample channel layout and enabling the device to be miniaturized. Furthermore, by making the tube body of the sample flow path a detachable joint, the contaminant measuring device can improve the maintainability of the sample flow path without impairing the cleaning efficiency of the flow path where cleaning is desired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The present invention provides a contaminant measuring device that can efficiently clean flow channels where cleaning is desired. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a pollutant measuring device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the configuration of the main unit of the device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the internal configuration of a pollutant measuring device. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the device itself. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the processing steps involved in the solution measurement procedure. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the buffer solution. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the flow of solution B0. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the regeneration solution. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the calibration solution. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the measurement solution. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment describes a pollutant measuring device 1, which measures the concentration of pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 shows the configuration diagram of the pollutant measuring device 1, Figure 2 shows the configuration diagram of the device body 10, and Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the pollutant measuring device 1.

[0036] First, the contaminant measuring device 1 has the function of capturing unreacted antibodies (hereinafter referred to as unreacted antibodies) in the sample solution (which contains a known amount of antibodies to the contaminant, which is the antigen) by flowing the sample solution into a measuring cell filled with an antigen derivative immobilized support, and measuring the amount of captured unreacted antibodies as fluorescence intensity.

[0037] Furthermore, the contaminant measuring device 1 has the function of calculating the concentration of contaminants in the sample solution by subtracting the amount of unreacted antibodies captured in the measuring cell from the total amount of antibodies. For this reason, the antibodies are labeled with a fluorescent reagent.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, such a pollutant measuring device 1 consists of a main unit 10 for measuring the concentration of environmental pollutants and an operating terminal 20 that functions as an operating unit for the main unit 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the main body 10 of the contaminant measuring device 1 is a roughly box-shaped housing 10a (see Figure 1) and contains an air pump 11, an air supply channel 12 through which compressed air generated by the air pump 11 flows downstream, five storage bottles 13 containing a predetermined solution, and a washing channel 14 and a sample channel 15 through which the predetermined solution in the storage bottles 13 flows downstream.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the main body of the device 10 is housed inside the housing 10a and includes an optical measuring unit 16 that measures the amount of unreacted antibody in a predetermined solution supplied via the sample flow path 15 as fluorescence intensity, a drainage flow path 17 that drains the predetermined solution that has passed through the optical measuring unit 16, and a control unit 18 (see Figure 3) that controls the operation of each part, such as the air pump 11 and the optical measuring unit 16.

[0041] More specifically, the air pump 11 of the main unit 10 is connected to the control unit 18, which will be described later, and has the function of generating compressed air according to the instructions of the control unit 18 and outputting the generated compressed air at a predetermined pressure. For example, the air pump 11 is adjusted to be able to output compressed air at 120 kPa.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the air supply passage section 12 of the main body of the device 10 includes an upstream air supply pipe 121, a branch air supply pipe 122, and five downstream air supply pipes 123 that constitute an air supply passage for supplying compressed air from the air pump 11 to the five storage bottles 13, as well as a regulator 124, a flow velocity adjustment unit 125, a pressure gauge 126, and an air flow meter 127, which are positioned on the air supply passage connecting the air pump 11 and the storage bottles 13.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the upstream air supply pipe 121 is a flexible tube such as a resin tube, with one end connected to the air pump 11 and the other end connected to the branch air supply pipe 122. A regulator 124, a flow velocity adjustment unit 125, a pressure gauge 126, and an air flow meter 127 are arranged in this upstream air supply pipe 121.

[0044] The branch air supply pipe 122 is a pipe that distributes compressed air from the upstream air supply pipe 121 to five downstream air supply pipes 123. As shown in Figure 2, this branch air supply pipe 122 has a main flow path section 122a that communicates with the upstream air supply pipe 121, and five branch flow path sections 122b that branch off from the main flow path section 122a.

[0045] The five downstream air supply pipes 123 are made of flexible tubular material such as resin tubing. As shown in Figure 2, one end of each of these five downstream air supply pipes 123 is connected to the branch air supply pipe 122 so as to communicate with the branch flow channel section 122b, and the other end of each is connected to the internal space at the top of the five storage bottles 13, which will be described later.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the regulator 124 of the air supply passage section 12 is located on the upstream side of the upstream air supply pipe 121. This regulator 124 has the function of adjusting the pressure of the compressed air generated by the air pump 11 and outputting it downstream. For example, the regulator 124 is adjusted to reduce the pressure of the 120 kPa compressed air generated by the air pump 11 to 100 kPa before outputting it.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the flow velocity adjustment unit 125 of the air supply passage section 12 is located on the upstream air supply pipe 121 on the side of the branch air supply pipe 122, rather than the regulator 124. This flow velocity adjustment unit 125 is configured to allow the flow velocity of compressed air heading towards the branch air supply pipe 122 to be adjusted by an operator.

[0048] The flow rate adjustment unit 125 is pre-adjusted so that, for example, when the regulator 124 is adjusted to 100 kPa, the flow rate measured by the air flow meter 127 (described later) becomes 0.75 ml / min.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the pressure gauge 126 of the air supply passage section 12 is connected to the upstream air supply pipe 121 on the side of the branch air supply pipe 122, rather than the flow velocity adjustment section 125. This pressure gauge 126 has the function of measuring the pressure of the compressed air passing through the upstream air supply pipe 121 and the function of displaying the measured pressure of the compressed air. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the pressure gauge 126 is connected to the control unit 18, which will be described later, and has the function of outputting a signal indicating the compressed air pressure to the control unit 18.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the air flow meter 127 of the air supply passage section 12 is located on the upstream air supply pipe 121 on the side of the branch air supply pipe 122, rather than the pressure gauge 126. This air flow meter 127 has the function of measuring the flow rate of compressed air heading toward the branch air supply pipe 122.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the air flow meter 127 is connected to a flow monitor 128 that displays the measured flow rate of compressed air. As shown in Figure 3, this flow monitor 128 is connected to a control unit 18, which will be described later, and has the function of outputting a signal indicating the flow rate of compressed air to the control unit 18.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the five storage bottles 13 of the main body of the device 10 are detachably arranged side by side at the bottom of the housing 10a, and each stores a predetermined solution in a sealed state. As shown in Figure 2, five downstream air supply pipes 123 are connected to these five storage bottles 13, each protruding into the internal space.

[0053] The predetermined solutions stored in the five storage bottles 13 are the measurement solution, calibration solution, B0 solution, buffer solution, and regeneration solution. Furthermore, of the predetermined solutions, the calibration solution and B0 solution are used as standard sample solutions for calibration, the standard sample solution and measurement solution are used as the sample solution to be measured, and the buffer solution and regeneration solution are used as washing solutions to remove components contained in the sample solution.

[0054] Specifically, the five storage bottles 13, as shown in Figure 2, consist of a measurement solution bottle 131 for storing the measurement solution, a calibration solution bottle 132 for storing the calibration solution, a B0 solution bottle 133 for storing the B0 solution, a buffer solution bottle 134 for storing the buffer solution, and a regeneration solution bottle 135 for storing the regeneration solution.

[0055] Here, we will explain the specified solutions: the measurement solution, calibration solution, B0 solution, buffer solution, and regeneration solution. The measurement solution is one of the sample solutions and contains unknown amounts of a complex of environmental pollutants and antibodies generated by an antigen-antibody reaction, as well as unreacted antibodies. This measurement solution is produced by mixing a solution containing an unknown amount of environmental pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, which are antigens, with a solution containing a known amount of fluorescently labeled antibodies.

[0056] The calibration solution is one of the sample solutions and contains known amounts of a complex of environmental pollutants and antibodies generated by an antigen-antibody reaction, as well as unreacted antibodies. This calibration solution is produced by mixing a solution containing a known amount of pollutants with a solution containing a known amount of antibodies.

[0057] Solution B0 is one of the sample solutions, and it does not contain any contaminants that act as antigens, but only a known amount of antibody. For this reason, solution B0 is the solution that produces the largest amount of unreacted antibody captured by the optical measurement unit 16, which will be described later.

[0058] A buffer solution is a type of washing solution that does not contain contaminants or antibodies. The regeneration solution is a type of washing solution that does not contain contaminants or antibodies, and is a solution that dissociates unreacted antibodies captured by the measurement cell 161 from the measurement cell 161.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cleaning channel section 14 of the main body of the device 10 includes a regeneration channel pipe 141 and a buffer channel pipe 142, a first solenoid valve 143 and a second solenoid valve 144, a downstream joint section 145 and an upstream joint section 146.

[0060] The cleaning channel section 14 consists of a regeneration channel pipe 141, a first solenoid valve 143, a downstream joint section 145, and an upstream joint section 146, which constitute a regeneration channel through which the regeneration solution from the regeneration solution bottle 135 flows toward the measurement cell 161.

[0061] Furthermore, the cleaning channel section 14, including the buffer channel pipe 142, the second solenoid valve 144, the upstream joint section 146, and a portion of the regeneration channel pipe 141, constitutes a buffer channel through which the buffer solution from the buffer solution bottle 134 flows toward the measurement cell 161. The regeneration channel tube 141 and buffer channel tube 142 described above are made of flexible tubing such as resin tubing.

[0062] More specifically, the regeneration channel pipe 141 is connected to the lower part of the regeneration solution bottle 135 and the measuring cell 161 via the first solenoid valve 143, the downstream joint 145, and the upstream joint 146, such that one end of the regeneration solution bottle 135 side is always in contact with the regeneration solution. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the regeneration channel pipe 141 is routed so that the part of it that is on the measuring cell 161 side of the first solenoid valve 143 extends vertically from top to bottom.

[0063] The buffer channel pipe 142 is connected to the lower part of the buffer solution bottle 134 and the regeneration channel pipe 141 via the second solenoid valve 144 and the upstream joint 146, such that one end of the buffer solution bottle 134 side is always in contact with the buffer solution.

[0064] Furthermore, the portion of the buffer channel pipe 142 downstream of the second solenoid valve 144 is connected to the portion of the regeneration channel pipe 141 that is routed vertically, in a direction that intersects it from above to diagonally downward.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the first solenoid valve 143 and the second solenoid valve 144 are positioned such that the first solenoid valve 143 is located on the regeneration flow channel pipe 141, and the second solenoid valve 144 is located on the buffer flow channel pipe 142. As shown in Figure 3, the first solenoid valve 143 and the second solenoid valve 144 are each connected to a control unit 18 and are configured to transition between a closed state, which closes the inside of each flow path pipe, and an open state, which releases the blockage, according to instructions from the control unit 18.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the sample flow channel section 15 of the main body of the device 10 includes a B0 flow channel 151, a calibration flow channel 152, a measurement flow channel 153, and a part of the regeneration flow channel 141, as well as a third solenoid valve 154, a fourth solenoid valve 155, and a fifth solenoid valve 156, and a downstream joint section 145 and an upstream joint section 146.

[0067] Furthermore, the sample flow channel section 15, consisting of the B0 flow channel pipe 151, the third solenoid valve 154, the upstream joint section 146, and a portion of the regeneration flow channel pipe 141, constitutes a B0 flow channel through which the B0 solution from the B0 solution bottle 133 flows toward the measurement cell 161. Furthermore, the sample flow channel section 15, including the calibration flow channel pipe 152, the fourth solenoid valve 155, the downstream joint section 145, and a portion of the regeneration flow channel pipe 141, constitutes a calibration flow channel through which the calibration solution from the calibration solution bottle 132 flows toward the measurement cell 161.

[0068] In addition, the sample flow channel section 15, including the measurement flow channel pipe 153, the fifth solenoid valve 156, the downstream joint section 145, and a portion of the regeneration flow channel pipe 141, constitutes a measurement flow channel through which the measurement solution from the measurement solution bottle 131 flows toward the measurement cell 161. The B0 channel tube 151, calibration channel tube 152, and measurement channel tube 153 mentioned above are made of flexible tubing such as resin tubing.

[0069] More specifically, the B0 flow channel pipe 151 is connected to the lower part of the B0 solution bottle 133 and the regeneration flow channel pipe 141 via the third solenoid valve 154 and the upstream joint 146, such that one end of the B0 solution bottle 133 side is always in contact with the B0 solution.

[0070] Furthermore, the portion of the B0 flow channel 151 that is downstream of the third solenoid valve 154, on the side of the buffer flow channel 142 closer to the measurement cell 161, is connected to the portion of the regeneration flow channel 141 that is routed vertically, in a direction that intersects from above to diagonally downward.

[0071] The calibration channel pipe 152 is connected to the lower part of the calibration solution bottle 132 and the regeneration channel pipe 141 via the fourth solenoid valve 155 and the downstream joint 145, such that one end of the calibration channel pipe 152 on the calibration solution bottle 132 side is always in contact with the calibration solution.

[0072] Furthermore, the portion of the calibration channel pipe 152 downstream of the fourth solenoid valve 155 is connected to the portion of the regeneration channel pipe 141 that is routed vertically, in a direction that intersects it from above to diagonally downward.

[0073] The measuring channel pipe 153 is connected to the lower part of the measuring solution bottle 131 and the regeneration channel pipe 141 via the fifth solenoid valve 156 and the downstream joint 145, such that one end of the measuring solution bottle 131 side is always in contact with the measuring solution.

[0074] Furthermore, the portion of the measuring channel pipe 153 that is downstream of the fifth solenoid valve 156, on the measuring cell 161 side of the calibration channel pipe 152, is connected to the portion of the regeneration channel pipe 141 that is routed vertically, in a direction that intersects from above to diagonally downward.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the third solenoid valve 154, the fourth solenoid valve 155, and the fifth solenoid valve 156 are positioned as follows: the third solenoid valve 154 is located on the B0 flow channel 151, the fourth solenoid valve 155 is located on the calibration flow channel 152, and the fifth solenoid valve 156 is located on the measurement flow channel 153. As shown in Figure 3, the third solenoid valve 154, the fourth solenoid valve 155, and the fifth solenoid valve 156 are each connected to the control unit 18 and are configured to transition between a closed state, which closes the inside of each flow pipe, and an open state, which releases the blockage, according to the instructions of the control unit 18.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the downstream joint 145 and the upstream joint 146 are positioned in the portion of the regenerated flow channel pipe 141 that is routed vertically, with the downstream joint 145 positioned directly above and close to the optical measuring unit 16, and the upstream joint 146 positioned at a predetermined distance upstream of the downstream joint 145.

[0077] The downstream joint section 145 and the upstream joint section 146 each have a vertical channel (not shown) that connects the upper end and the lower end in the vertical direction, and two diagonal channels (not shown) that are provided at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction and communicate with the vertical channel from above to diagonally below.

[0078] More specifically, the downstream joint 145 is positioned on the regeneration channel pipe 141 such that the vertical channel constitutes a regeneration channel through which the regeneration solution flows, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the calibration channel pipe 152 and the measurement channel pipe 153 are connected to the downstream joint 145 such that the upper oblique channel constitutes a calibration channel through which the calibration solution flows, and the lower oblique channel constitutes a measurement channel through which the measurement solution flows.

[0079] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the upstream joint section 146 is positioned on the regeneration channel pipe 141 such that the vertical channel constitutes a regeneration channel through which the regeneration solution flows. Furthermore, the buffer channel pipe 142 and the B0 channel pipe 151 are connected to the upstream joint section 146 such that the upper oblique channel constitutes a buffer channel through which the buffer solution flows, and the lower oblique channel constitutes a B0 channel through which the B0 solution flows.

[0080] Furthermore, the downstream joint section 145 and the upstream joint section 146 are configured so that the regeneration channel pipe 141, buffer channel pipe 142, B0 channel pipe 151, calibration channel pipe 152, and measurement channel pipe 153 can be detachably connected to each other.

[0081] Furthermore, the optical measurement unit 16 of the main body of the device 10 is the part that measures the amount of fluorescently labeled unreacted antibodies. As shown in Figure 2, this optical measurement unit 16 consists of a measurement cell 161 filled with an antigen derivative immobilized support that captures unreacted antibodies, a light source unit 162 that irradiates excitation light toward the measurement cell 161, and a photosensor 163 that receives the fluorescence of the antigen derivative immobilized support.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the measurement cell 161 extends downward from its upper end connected to the regeneration channel pipe 141, and is configured to allow a predetermined solution, such as the measurement solution, to flow from top to bottom.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the light source unit 162 and the light sensor 163 are arranged facing each other horizontally with the measurement cell 161 in between. As shown in Figure 3, the light source unit 162 and the light sensor 163 are connected to the control unit 18, which will be described later.

[0084] The light source unit 162 has the function of irradiating excitation light according to the instructions of the control unit 18. On the other hand, the photosensor 163 has the function of receiving the fluorescence of the antigen derivative immobilized support as fluorescence intensity and outputting a signal indicating the fluorescence intensity to the control unit 18.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the drainage channel section 17 of the main body of the device 10 includes a drainage channel pipe 171 that constitutes a drainage channel for a predetermined solution, such as the measurement solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161, to flow as drainage, and a drainage flow meter 172 and a constant flow valve 173 arranged on the drainage channel.

[0086] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the drainage channel pipe 171 is made of a flexible tubular body such as a resin tube, and one end is connected to the lower end of the measuring cell 161. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the other end of the drainage channel pipe 171 is connected to a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a.

[0087] As shown in Figure 2, the drainage flow meter 172 of the drainage flow channel section 17 is located on the upstream side of the drainage flow channel pipe 171. This drainage flow meter 172 has the function of measuring the flow rate of drainage flowing through the drainage flow channel pipe 171. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the drainage flow meter 172 is connected to the control unit 18, which will be described later, and has the function of outputting a signal indicating the measured drainage flow rate to the control unit 18.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2, the constant flow valve 173 of the drainage flow path section 17 is located on the drainage flow path pipe 171 downstream of the drainage flow meter 172. This constant flow valve 173 has the function of adjusting the flow rate of the drainage passing through the constant flow valve 173 so that the flow rate of the drainage flowing through the drainage flow path pipe 171 downstream of the constant flow valve 173 becomes approximately constant.

[0089] The constant flow valve 173 is pre-adjusted so that the flow rate of a predetermined solution, such as the measurement solution, passing through the measurement cell 161 is the desired flow rate. In this process, for example, an operator adjusts the valve while checking the flow rate of the drainage measured by the drainage flow meter 172.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 18 of the main unit 10 of the device consists of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program. This control unit 18 has the function of processing the exchange of various signals with each connected unit, and the function of controlling the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 18 is communicatively connected to the operation terminal 20 via the input / output unit 19 and has the function of processing various signals exchanged with the operation terminal 20, and the function of controlling the operation of each part based on signals from the operation terminal 20.

[0092] On the other hand, the operating terminal 20 of the contaminant measuring device 1 is, for example, a personal computer used by a worker, and functions as an operating unit for operating the main body of the device 10. Since the operating terminal 20 is composed of well-known technology, a detailed explanation will be omitted here and only a brief description will be given.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, this operating terminal 20 includes a display unit 21 that displays various information, an operation reception unit 22 that receives operations from the operator, and a storage unit 23 that stores programs for exchanging various information with the main unit 10, as well as time-series data acquired from the main unit 10.

[0094] Furthermore, the operating terminal 20 is equipped with a terminal control unit (not shown) that has the functions of controlling the operation of the display unit 21, the operation reception unit 22, and the storage unit 23, processing the exchange of various signals with the main unit 10, and processing time-series data acquired from the main unit 10.

[0095] When measuring the concentration of a contaminant using such a contaminant measuring device 1, the worker connects the device body 10 to the operating terminal 20, and then sets each storage bottle 13 containing a specified amount of solution into the device body 10.

[0096] Subsequently, the worker operates the operation reception unit 22 of the operation terminal 20 according to the instructions on the screen displayed on the display unit 21 of the operation terminal 20. For example, the worker performs operations such as starting the air pump 11 and starting the measurement of fluorescence intensity while checking the values ​​on the pressure gauge 126 displayed on the display unit 21.

[0097] Then, when the time-series data of fluorescence intensity measured by the device body 10 is acquired from the device body 10, the operation terminal 20 calculates the amount of unreacted antibodies from the time-series data and calculates the concentration of contaminants based on the value obtained by subtracting the amount of unreacted antibodies from the total amount of antibodies. Subsequently, the operation terminal 20 displays the time-series data and the concentration of contaminants on the display unit 21.

[0098] Next, the processing operation of the main unit 10 of the contaminant measuring device 1 described above, which supplies a regeneration solution, buffer solution, B0 solution, calibration solution, and measuring solution to the measuring cell 161, and outputs information indicating the fluorescence intensity received by the photosensor 163 as time-series data to the operation terminal 20, will be explained using Figures 4 to 10.

[0099] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the processing operation in the main body of the device 10, Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the processing operation in the solution measurement process, and Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the buffer solution.

[0100] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the B0 solution, Figure 8 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the regeneration solution, Figure 9 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the calibration solution, and Figure 10 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the measurement solution.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 18, which has started the processing operation, determines whether or not it has received an operation signal from the operation terminal 20 to operate the air pump 11 (step S101). The operation signal is a signal output by the operation terminal 20 to the main unit 10 when the user operates the air pump 11 in accordance with the instructions displayed on the display unit 21 of the operation terminal 20.

[0102] If no operation signal is obtained (step S101: No), the control unit 18 waits for an operation signal to be obtained before processing. On the other hand, if an operation signal is obtained (step S101: Yes), the control unit 18 switches the first solenoid valve 143, the second solenoid valve 144, the third solenoid valve 154, the fourth solenoid valve 155, and the fifth solenoid valve 156 to a closed state, and then operates the air pump 11 to generate compressed air (step S102).

[0103] In this process, the compressed air generated by the air pump 11 is pumped from the upstream air supply pipe 121 of the air supply passage section 12 to the branch air supply pipe 122, as shown by the arrows in Figure 6. It is then distributed in the branch air supply pipe 122 and pumped almost equally into the internal space of each storage bottle 13 via the downstream air supply pipe 123.

[0104] Therefore, the internal space of each storage bottle 13 is pressurized approximately evenly, and the solution in each storage bottle 13 begins to flow into the respective flow channel pipes connected to each storage bottle 13. At this time, since each solenoid valve is closed, the solution does not flow into the flow channel pipes downstream of the solenoid valve.

[0105] Returning to step S102 in Figure 4, when the air pump 11 is activated, the control unit 18 determines whether or not it has received a start signal from the operation terminal 20 to begin measuring the fluorescence intensity (step S103). The start signal is a signal output by the operation terminal 20 to the device body 10 when the user performs an operation to start measuring fluorescence intensity in accordance with the instructions displayed on the display unit 21 of the operation terminal 20.

[0106] If start information has not been obtained (step S103: No), the control unit 18 waits until a start signal is obtained. On the other hand, if a start signal is obtained (step S103: Yes), the control unit 18 causes the light source unit 162 to be irradiated with excitation light (step S104).

[0107] When excitation light is irradiated, the control unit 18 sets the sample solution supplied by the measurement cell 161 to the B0 solution (step S105), and then starts a solution measurement process to measure the amount of unreacted antibody in the B0 solution as fluorescence intensity (step S106).

[0108] Specifically, when the solution measurement process is started, the control unit 18 starts supplying the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time, as shown in Figure 5 (step S121). Specifically, the control unit 18 opens the second solenoid valve 144, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the second solenoid valve 144, thereby supplying the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time.

[0109] Here, the buffer solution in the pressurized buffer solution bottle 134 flows downstream of the buffer flow channel pipe 142 through the second solenoid valve 144, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6, and is supplied to the measurement cell 161 via the upstream joint 146 and the regeneration flow channel pipe 141.

[0110] In this case, since the buffer solution does not contain antibodies, the optical sensor 163 in the optical measurement unit 16 does not receive fluorescence from the antigen derivative immobilized support. Subsequently, the buffer solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161 passes through the drainage channel 17 and is stored in a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a.

[0111] Returning to step S121 in Figure 5, once the supply of the buffer solution is complete, the control unit 18 determines which of the B0 solution, calibration solution, and measurement solution is set as the sample solution (step S122). Here, in step S105 of Figure 4 described above, the sample solution is set to B0 solution (step S122:1), so the control unit 18 starts supplying B0 solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time (step S123).

[0112] Specifically, the control unit 18 opens the third solenoid valve 154, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the third solenoid valve 154 to supply the B0 solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time.

[0113] Here, the B0 solution in the pressurized B0 solution bottle 133 flows downstream of the B0 flow channel pipe 151 through the third solenoid valve 154, as shown by the arrow in Figure 7, and is supplied to the measurement cell 161 via the upstream joint 146 and the regeneration flow channel pipe 141. Subsequently, the B0 solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161 passes through the drainage channel 17 and is stored in a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a.

[0114] In this case, since the B0 solution contains a known amount of antibody, the unreacted antibody in the B0 solution is captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support of the measurement cell 161 in the optical measurement unit 16. Therefore, the photosensor 163 receives the fluorescence of the antigen derivative immobilized support and sequentially outputs a signal indicating the fluorescence intensity to the control unit 18. Meanwhile, the control unit 18, having acquired the signal indicating the fluorescence intensity, sequentially stores the acquired signal indicating the fluorescence intensity in chronological order.

[0115] Once the supply of B0 solution is complete, the control unit 18 starts supplying the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time, as shown in Figure 5 (step S124). The supply of the buffer solution in step S124 is the same process as in step S121 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0116] Once the supply of the buffer solution is complete, the control unit 18 starts supplying the regenerated solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time, as shown in Figure 5 (step S125). Specifically, the control unit 18 opens the first solenoid valve 143, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the first solenoid valve 143 to supply the regeneration solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time.

[0117] Here, the regeneration solution in the pressurized regeneration solution bottle 135 flows through the first solenoid valve 143 to the downstream side of the regeneration flow channel pipe 141, as shown by the arrow in Figure 8, and is supplied to the measurement cell 161. In this process, in the measurement cell 161, the regeneration solution dissociates the unreacted antibodies in the B0 solution, which have been captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support, from the antigen derivative immobilized support. Subsequently, the regenerated solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161 is stored in a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a via the drainage channel 17.

[0118] Once the supply of the regenerated solution is complete, the control unit 18, as shown in Figure 5, starts supplying the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time (step S126), similar to step S121 described above, and then terminates the solution measurement process and proceeds to step S107 in Figure 4.

[0119] When the solution measurement process is completed, the control unit 18 sets the sample solution to be supplied to the measurement cell 161 as the calibration solution (step S107), as shown in Figure 4, and then starts a solution measurement process to measure the amount of unreacted antibody in the calibration solution as fluorescence intensity (step S108).

[0120] Specifically, when the solution measurement process is started, the control unit 18 supplies the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time, as shown in Figure 5 (step S121), and then determines which of the B0 solution, calibration solution, and measurement solution is set as the sample solution (step S122).

[0121] Here, in step S107 of Figure 4 described above, the sample solution is set to the calibration solution (step S122:2), so the control unit 18 starts supplying the calibration solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time (step S127).

[0122] Specifically, the control unit 18 opens the fourth solenoid valve 155, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the fourth solenoid valve 155 to supply the calibration solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time.

[0123] Here, the calibration solution in the pressurized calibration solution bottle 132 flows downstream of the calibration flow channel pipe 152 through the fourth solenoid valve 155, as shown by the arrow in Figure 9, and is supplied to the measurement cell 161 via the downstream joint 145 and the regeneration flow channel pipe 141. Subsequently, the calibration solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161 is stored in a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a, via the drainage channel 17.

[0124] In this process, since the calibration solution contains a known amount of antibody, the unreacted antibody in the calibration solution is captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support of the measurement cell 161 in the optical measurement unit 16. Therefore, the photosensor 163 receives the fluorescence of the antigen derivative immobilized support and sequentially outputs a signal indicating the fluorescence intensity to the control unit 18. Meanwhile, the control unit 18, having acquired the signal indicating the fluorescence intensity, sequentially stores the acquired signal indicating the fluorescence intensity in chronological order.

[0125] Once the supply of the calibration solution is complete, the control unit 18, as shown in Figure 5, supplies the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S124), supplies the regenerated solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S125), and supplies the regenerated solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S126), then terminates the solution measurement process and proceeds to step S109 in Figure 4. In step S125, the regeneration solution dissociates the unreacted antibodies in the calibration solution that have been captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support from the antigen derivative immobilized support.

[0126] When the solution measurement process is completed, the control unit 18 sets the sample solution to be supplied to the measurement cell 161 as the measurement solution (step S109), as shown in Figure 4, and then starts a solution measurement process to measure the amount of unreacted antibody in the measurement solution as fluorescence intensity (step S110).

[0127] Specifically, when the solution measurement process is started, the control unit 18 supplies the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time, as shown in Figure 5 (step S121), and then determines which of the B0 solution, calibration solution, and measurement solution is set as the sample solution (step S122).

[0128] Here, in step S109 of Figure 4 described above, the sample solution is set to the measurement solution (step S122:3), so the control unit 18 starts supplying the measurement solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined time (step S128).

[0129] Specifically, the control unit 18 opens the fifth solenoid valve 156, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the fifth solenoid valve 156, thereby supplying the measurement solution to the measurement cell 161 for a predetermined period of time.

[0130] Here, the measurement solution from the pressurized measurement solution bottle 131 flows downstream of the measurement flow channel pipe 153 through the fifth solenoid valve 156, as shown by the arrow in Figure 10, and is supplied to the measurement cell 161 via the downstream joint 145 and the regeneration flow channel pipe 141. Subsequently, the measurement solution that has passed through the measurement cell 161 passes through the drainage channel 17 and is stored in a drainage container located inside or outside the housing 10a.

[0131] In this case, since the measurement solution contains an unknown amount of antibody, the unreacted antibody in the measurement solution is captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support of the measurement cell 161 in the optical measurement unit 16. Therefore, the photosensor 163 receives the fluorescence of the antigen derivative immobilized support and sequentially outputs a signal indicating the fluorescence intensity to the control unit 18. Meanwhile, the control unit 18, having acquired the signal indicating the fluorescence intensity, sequentially stores the acquired signal indicating the fluorescence intensity in chronological order.

[0132] Once the supply of the measurement solution is complete, the control unit 18, as shown in Figure 5, supplies the buffer solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S124), supplies the regenerated solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S125), and supplies the regenerated solution to the measurement cell 161 (step S126), then terminates the solution measurement process and proceeds to step S111 in Figure 4. In step S125, the regeneration solution dissociates the unreacted antibodies in the measurement solution that have been captured by the antigen derivative immobilized support from the antigen derivative immobilized support.

[0133] When the solution measurement process is completed, the control unit 18 stops the irradiation of the light source unit 162 with excitation light, as shown in Figure 4, and outputs the temporarily stored time-series data of fluorescence intensity to the operation terminal 20 (step S111), after which the processing operation in the main unit 10 is terminated.

[0134] Meanwhile, the terminal control unit (not shown) of the operating terminal 20, which acquired the time-series data of fluorescence intensity, calculates the concentration of the pollutant based on the time-series data of fluorescence intensity, and then displays the time-series data and the concentration of the pollutant on the display unit 21. In this way, the pollutant measuring device 1 measures the concentration of pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls.

[0135] As described above, the contaminant measuring device 1 of this embodiment captures unreacted antibodies in a sample solution containing a known amount of antibodies to the contaminant antigen using the measuring cell 161, and measures the concentration of the contaminant based on the amount of unreacted antibodies captured.

[0136] This contaminant measuring device 1 includes a sample flow path section 15 that supplies sample solutions (B0 solution, calibration solution, measurement solution) to a measuring cell 161, and sample flow path opening / closing valves (third solenoid valve 154, fourth solenoid valve 155, fifth solenoid valve 156) that open and close the sample flow path section 15.

[0137] Furthermore, the contaminant measuring device 1 includes a cleaning channel section 14 through which a cleaning solution (regeneration solution, buffer solution) for removing the sample solution flows, and cleaning channel opening / closing valves (first solenoid valve 143, second solenoid valve 144) for opening and closing the cleaning channel section 14.

[0138] Furthermore, in the contaminant measuring device 1, the measuring cell 161 is connected to the cleaning channel section 14, and the tubular bodies (B0 channel tube 151, calibration channel tube 152, measuring channel tube 153) that constitute the sample channel section 15 downstream of the sample channel on-off valve are connected in communication with the cleaning channel section 14 downstream of the cleaning channel on-off valve.

[0139] In this configuration, the tubular body constituting the sample channel section 15 downstream of the sample channel on / off valve is connected to the washing channel section 14 downstream of the washing channel on / off valve, so that the sample solution containing the antibody is supplied to the measurement cell 161 via a part of the washing channel section 14.

[0140] In this case, since the sample channel on / off valve and the washing channel on / off valve are provided upstream of the connection point between the sample channel section 15 and the washing channel section 14, the contaminant measuring device 1 can supply the sample solution and the washing solution separately to the measuring cell 161 without providing a channel switching valve to switch the flow paths at the connection point between the sample channel section 15 and the washing channel section 14.

[0141] Therefore, the contaminant measuring device 1 can connect the pipe body of the sample flow channel 15 to the washing flow channel 14 at a position close to the measuring cell 161. As a result, the contaminant measuring device 1 can shorten the length of the flow path from the connection point between the sample flow path section 15 and the washing flow path section 14 to the downstream of the measuring cell 161, that is, the length of the flow path to be washed.

[0142] Furthermore, by shortening the length of the flow path to be cleaned, the contaminant measuring device 1 can reduce the amount of cleaning solution (regeneration solution and buffer solution) used and shorten the time required for cleaning. Therefore, the contaminant measuring device 1 can efficiently clean the flow path where cleaning is desired.

[0143] Furthermore, in the contaminant measuring device 1, the measuring cell 161 is connected to a cleaning channel section 14 that extends vertically from top to bottom, and the tubular body of the sample channel section 15 (B0 channel tube 151, calibration channel tube 152, measuring channel tube 153) is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 along an intersecting direction that diagonally intersects downward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0144] With this configuration, the sample channel section 15 is connected to the vertically extending washing channel section 14 in an intersecting direction, diagonally downwards. This prevents the sample solution flowing into a portion of the washing channel section 14 from flowing upstream, away from the measurement cell 161, and also prevents the antibody-containing sample solution from remaining in the tube of the sample channel section 15.

[0145] Furthermore, because the cleaning solution flows from top to bottom, the contaminant measuring device 1 can forcefully direct the cleaning solution downstream of the measuring cell 161 due to gravity acting on the cleaning solution. As a result, the contaminant measuring device 1 can be cleaned while reducing the amount of cleaning solution (regeneration solution and buffer solution) used, thus enabling more efficient cleaning of the flow path where cleaning is desired.

[0146] Furthermore, the sample flow channel section 15 consists of a standard sample flow channel (B0 flow channel and calibration flow channel) that supplies a standard sample solution (B0 solution, calibration solution) containing a known amount of antibody to the measurement cell 161 via sample flow channel on / off valves (third solenoid valve 154, fourth solenoid valve 155), and a measurement flow channel that supplies a measurement solution containing a known amount of antibody and an unknown amount of contaminant to the measurement cell 161 via a fifth solenoid valve 156.

[0147] Furthermore, the measurement channel tube 153, which constitutes the measurement channel, is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 on the measurement cell 161 side, compared to the tubes (B0 channel tube 151 and calibration channel tube 152) that constitute the standard sample channel.

[0148] With this configuration, the measurement channel tube 153 of the measurement channel is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 closer to the measurement cell 161 than the tubes of the standard sample channel (B0 channel tube 151 and calibration channel tube 152). Therefore, the measurement channel tube 153 of the measurement channel through which an unknown amount of contaminant flows can be connected to the cleaning channel section 14 at a position closer to the measurement cell 161.

[0149] This allows the contaminant measuring device 1 to shorten the length of the channel through which the unknown amount of contaminant flows. As a result, the contaminant measuring device 1 can efficiently clean the channel that needs cleaning while reducing the amount of cleaning solution (regeneration solution, buffer solution) used.

[0150] Furthermore, the standard sample channel consists of a B0 channel that supplies a B0 solution containing only a known amount of antibody to the measurement cell 161 via a third solenoid valve 154, and a calibration channel that supplies a calibration solution containing a known amount of contaminant and a known amount of antibody to the measurement cell 161 via a fourth solenoid valve 155.

[0151] Furthermore, the calibration channel tube 152, which constitutes the calibration channel, is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 on the measurement cell 161 side, compared to the B0 channel tube 151, which constitutes the B0 channel.

[0152] With this configuration, the calibration channel pipe 152 of the calibration channel is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 closer to the measurement cell 161 than the B0 channel pipe 151 of the B0 channel. Therefore, the calibration channel pipe 152 of the calibration channel, which carries a known amount of contaminants, can be connected to the cleaning channel section 14 at a position closer to the measurement cell 161.

[0153] This allows the contaminant measuring device 1 to shorten the length of the channel through which a known amount of contaminant flows. As a result, the contaminant measuring device 1 can efficiently clean the channel that needs cleaning while reducing the amount of cleaning solution (regeneration solution and buffer solution) used.

[0154] Furthermore, the washing channel section 14 consists of a regeneration channel that supplies a regeneration solution for dissociating unreacted antibodies to the measurement cell 161 via the first solenoid valve 143, and a buffer channel that supplies a buffer solution free of antibodies and contaminants to the measurement cell 161 via the second solenoid valve 144.

[0155] Furthermore, the measurement cell 161 is connected to the regeneration channel tube 141, and the buffer channel tube 142, which constitutes the buffer channel downstream of the second solenoid valve 144, is connected to the regeneration channel tube 141 upstream of the tubular body of the sample channel section 15 (B0 channel tube 151, calibration channel tube 152, measurement channel tube 153).

[0156] With this configuration, the buffer channel tube 142 of the buffer channel is connected to the regeneration channel tube 141 upstream of the tube body of the sample channel section 15, so that the sample channel section 15 through which the sample solution flows can be reliably washed with the buffer solution. Therefore, the contaminant measuring device 1 can set the sample channel section 15 through which the sample solution flows to a state suitable for measuring unreacted antibodies.

[0157] Furthermore, the contaminant measuring device 1 is equipped with pressurizing means (air pump 11 and air supply channel 12) for pressurizing the sample solution (B0 solution, calibration solution, measurement solution), regeneration solution, and buffer solution and sending them to the sample channel section 15 and the washing channel section 14, respectively.

[0158] Furthermore, the contaminant measuring device 1 includes a control unit 18 that opens and closes the second solenoid valve 144 of the buffer channel, opens and closes the sample channel opening and closing valves (third solenoid valve 154, fourth solenoid valve 155, fifth solenoid valve 156) of the sample channel section 15, opens and closes the second solenoid valve 144 of the buffer channel, opens and closes the first solenoid valve 143 of the regeneration channel, and opens and closes the second solenoid valve 144 of the buffer channel in this order.

[0159] This configuration allows the sample solution, regeneration solution, and buffer solution to be supplied to the measurement cell 161 in a continuous and sequential manner. Furthermore, since a buffer solution is supplied to the measurement cell 161 each time a sample solution or regenerated solution is supplied to the measurement cell 161, the contaminant measuring device 1 can reliably prevent any sample solution from remaining in the sample flow path section 15. Therefore, the contaminant measuring device 1 can adjust the state of the sample flow channel 15, through which the sample solution flows, to a state more suitable for measuring unreacted antibodies.

[0160] Furthermore, the contaminant measuring device 1 includes a downstream joint section 145 on the flow path of the washing flow path section 14, to which the calibration flow path tube 152 and the measuring flow path tube 153 of the sample flow path section 15 are connected, and an upstream joint section 146 to which the B0 flow path tube 151 of the sample flow path section 15 is connected.

[0161] With this configuration, the calibration channel tube 152 and the measurement channel tube 153 of the sample channel section 15 are connected to the cleaning channel section 14 via the downstream joint section 145. Therefore, even if the materials used for the calibration channel tube 152 and the measurement channel tube 153 of the sample channel section 15 are different from those used for the cleaning channel section 14, the connection between the calibration channel tube 152 and the measurement channel tube 153 of the sample channel section 15 and the cleaning channel section 14 can be easily made.

[0162] Similarly, since the B0 channel pipe 151 of the sample channel section 15 is connected to the cleaning channel section 14 via the upstream joint section 146, even if the constituent materials of the B0 channel pipe 151 of the sample channel section 15 and the cleaning channel section 14 are different, the connection between the B0 channel pipe 151 of the sample channel section 15 and the cleaning channel section 14 can be easily made.

[0163] As a result, the contaminant measuring device 1 can be constructed from a flexible material, for example, to form the tube body of the sample flow path section 15, thereby improving the flexibility of the layout of the sample flow path section 15 and enabling the device to be miniaturized.

[0164] Furthermore, by making the pipe body of the sample flow path section 15 detachable into a downstream joint section 145 and an upstream joint section 146, the contaminant measuring device 1 can improve the maintainability of the sample flow path section 15 without impairing the cleaning efficiency of the flow path where cleaning is desired.

[0165] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The sample solution of this invention corresponds to the B0 solution, calibration solution, and measurement solution of the embodiment. The same applies to the following: The amount of pollutant corresponds to the concentration of the pollutant. The sample channel corresponds to the sample channel section 15. The sample flow path opening / closing valves correspond to the third solenoid valve 154, the fourth solenoid valve 155, and the fifth solenoid valve 156. The washing solution corresponds to the regeneration solution and buffer solution. The cleaning channel corresponds to the cleaning channel section 14. The flushing channel opening / closing valves correspond to the first solenoid valve 143 and the second solenoid valve 144. The tubes constituting the sample flow path correspond to the B0 flow path tube 151, the calibration flow path tube 152, and the measurement flow path tube 153. The standard sample solutions correspond to the B0 solution and the calibration solution. The tubular body constituting the measurement channel corresponds to the measurement channel tube 153. The tubes constituting the standard sample channel correspond to the B0 channel tube 151 and the calibration channel tube 152. The tubular body constituting the calibration channel corresponds to the calibration channel tube 152. The tubular body constituting the B0 channel corresponds to the B0 channel pipe 151. The tubular body constituting the buffer channel corresponds to the buffer channel tube 142. The pressurizing means corresponds to the air pump 11 and the air supply passage section 12. The joint section corresponds to the downstream joint section 145 and the upstream joint section 146, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0166] Specifically, in the embodiment described above, the branch air passage portion 122b of the branch air supply pipe 122 constituting the air supply passage section 12 is connected to the downstream air supply pipe 123. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and a solenoid valve for opening and closing the branch air passage portion 122b may be provided in the branch air supply pipe 122. Furthermore, although solenoid valves are provided in the cleaning channel section 14 and the sample channel section 15, the system is not limited to these, and electric valves may also be used.

[0167] Furthermore, although the upstream air supply pipe 121 and the downstream air supply pipe 123 of the air supply passage section 12 are made of flexible tubing such as resin tubing, they are not limited to this and may be made of tubing such as non-flexible steel pipes.

[0168] Furthermore, although the regeneration channel tube 141 and buffer channel tube 142 of the cleaning channel section 14, and the B0 channel tube 151, calibration channel tube 152, and measurement channel tube 153 of the sample channel section 15 are made of flexible tubing such as resin tubing, the system is not limited to this, and may be made of tubing such as non-flexible steel tubing.

[0169] Alternatively, flexible and non-flexible pipes may be combined as appropriate. Even in this case, the downstream joint 145 and the upstream joint 146 allow the contaminant measuring device 1 to easily connect the flow pipes.

[0170] Furthermore, although the flow velocity adjustment unit 125 is configured to allow the flow velocity to be adjusted by an operator, it is not limited to this configuration, and the flow velocity adjustment unit may be controlled by the control unit 18. In this case, for example, the control unit 18 controls the operation of the flow velocity adjustment unit based on the pressure gauge 126 and air flow meter 127 of the air supply passage section 12 and the drainage flow meter 172 of the drainage passage section 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1…Pollutant measuring device 11…Air pump 12...Air supply flow path section 14…Washing channel section 15…Sample flow path section 18…Control Unit 142... Buffer channel tube 143...First solenoid valve 144...Second solenoid valve 145… Downstream joint section 146…Upstream joint section 151...B0 flow channel tube 152…Calibration flow pipe 153... Measuring channel tube 154...Third solenoid valve 155...Fourth solenoid valve 156... Fifth solenoid valve 161... Measuring cell

Claims

1. A contaminant measuring device that captures unreacted antibodies in a sample solution containing a known amount of antibodies to a contaminant antigen using a measuring cell, and measures the amount of the contaminant based on the amount of unreacted antibodies captured, A sample channel for supplying the sample solution to the measurement cell, A sample flow path opening / closing valve for opening and closing the sample flow path, A washing channel through which a washing solution flows to remove the aforementioned sample solution, The system includes a cleaning channel opening / closing valve for opening and closing the cleaning channel, The measuring cell is connected to the cleaning channel that extends vertically from top to bottom, Downstream of the aforementioned sample flow path valve, the pipe constituting the sample flow path is A device is connected in a state of communication with the cleaning channel downstream of the cleaning channel on / off valve, along a crossing direction that intersects diagonally downward with respect to the vertical direction. A device for measuring pollutants.

2. The aforementioned sample channel is A standard sample channel for supplying a standard sample solution containing a known amount of the antibody to the measurement cell, It consists of a measurement channel that supplies a measurement solution containing a known amount of the antibody and an unknown amount of the contaminant to the measurement cell, The aforementioned sample flow path opening / closing valve is Provided on the tubes constituting the standard sample flow path and on the tubes constituting the measurement flow path, respectively The tubes constituting the measurement channel are On the measuring cell side of the tube constituting the standard sample flow path, connected to the cleaning flow path The contaminant measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned standard sample flow path is A B0 channel for supplying a B0 solution containing only a known amount of the antibody to the measurement cell, It consists of a calibration channel that supplies a calibration solution containing a known amount of the contaminant and a known amount of the antibody to the measurement cell, The aforementioned sample flow path opening / closing valve is Provided on the pipe constituting the B0 channel and on the pipe constituting the calibration channel, respectively, The tubes constituting the calibration channel are On the measuring cell side of the tube constituting the B0 channel, connected to the cleaning channel The contaminant measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned cleaning channel is A regeneration channel for supplying a regeneration solution that dissociates the unreacted antibody to the measurement cell, The system consists of a buffer channel that supplies the aforementioned antibody and a buffer solution free of the aforementioned contaminants to the measurement cell, The aforementioned flushing channel opening / closing valve is Provided on the tubes constituting the regeneration channel and on the tubes constituting the buffer channel, respectively The measurement cell is connected to the regeneration channel, The pipe constituting the buffer channel downstream of the aforementioned flush channel on / off valve is Upstream of the sample flow path from the tube, connected to the regeneration flow path The contaminant measuring device according to claim 1.

5. Pressurizing means for pressurizing the sample solution, the regeneration solution, and the buffer solution and pumping them into the sample channel, the regeneration channel, and the buffer channel, respectively. The system includes a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the cleaning channel on / off valve in the buffer channel, the sample channel on / off valve in the sample channel, the cleaning channel on / off valve in the buffer channel, the cleaning channel on / off valve in the regeneration channel, and the cleaning channel on / off valve in the buffer channel in this order. The contaminant measuring device according to claim 4.

6. The cleaning channel is provided with a joint portion on the flow path to which at least the tubular body of the sample channel is connected. The contaminant measuring device according to claim 1.

Images