Chemical analysis device, hollow fiber deaeration module, and method for deaerating constant-temperature water

Abstract

A hollow fiber deaeration module (20A) has a housing (210) and a hollow fiber membrane (220) disposed within the housing. The housing (210) includes: a liquid supply portion (216A) that connects the outside of the housing (210) and an interior space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220), the liquid supply portion (216A) being adapted for supplying constant-temperature water (W1) from outside the housing (210) to the interior space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220); a liquid discharge portion (217A) that connects the interior space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220) and the outside of the housing (210), the liquid discharge portion (217A) being adapted for discharging deaerated constant-temperature water (W2) from the interior space (S2) of the hollow fiber membrane (220) to the outside of the housing (210); and a gas discharge portion (218A) that connects an interior space (S1) of the housing (210) and the outside of the housing (210), the gas discharge portion (218A) being adapted for reducing the pressure in the interior space (S1) of the housing (210). The hollow fiber deaeration module (20A) has a one-touch joint structure (701A) that connects the housing (210) and a tube member to the gas discharge unit (218A).

Description

Chemical analysis device, hollow fiber degassing module, and constant temperature water degassing method

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-184019, filed on October 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The chemical analyzer is equipped with a degassing module having a hollow fiber membrane, and this degassing module has a mechanism for separating only the gas in the liquid from the wall surface of the hollow fiber by applying negative pressure to the outside or inside of the hollow fiber membrane as the liquid passes through the inside or outside of the hollow fiber membrane. Chemical analyzers are used, for example, as devices for measuring components of body fluids such as blood and urine, and are widely used in hospital laboratories and testing centers.

[0003] A conventional chemical analysis device has been proposed in which pure water taken in from the outside is heated and kept at a temperature slightly higher than the operating temperature in a degassing unit composed mainly of a preheat tank, thereby enabling degassing of dissolved gases in the pure water, with the aim of miniaturizing the entire system and preventing a decline in the performance of a degassing unit in a degassed water storage tank (Patent Document 1). However, this method inevitably requires a storage tank for storing a large amount of degassed water in order to fully accommodate the increased speed of the system, and therefore cannot accommodate the miniaturization of the entire system.

[0004] To accommodate the increased speed of this system, it has been proposed to use a hollow fiber degassing module made of silicone resin hollow fiber membranes, which has a mechanism in which negative pressure is applied to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane, so that as the liquid passes through the inside of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the wall of the hollow fiber (Patent Document 2).

[0005] JP 63-165761 A International Publication No. 2020 / 261659

[0006] In recent years, amid changes in the medical environment, there has been a strong demand for chemical analyzers to provide high-quality data, support rapid testing, and improve testing efficiency. However, there is also the problem that air bubbles in the RO (reverse osmosis) water used in analysis can reduce measurement accuracy.

[0007] To solve this problem, it is effective to remove dissolved gases from the RO water. Another method that can efficiently remove dissolved gases is to incorporate a hollow fiber degassing module into a chemical analyzer and perform continuous degassing. The performance requirements for a hollow fiber degassing module to be incorporated into the analyzer include (1) a predetermined degassing performance, (2) a size (compactness) that can be installed in the analyzer, (3) low pressure loss, and (4) a long life.

[0008] However, when hollow fiber degassing modules like the one described above are installed in analytical equipment, they are used continuously for long periods of time, which can cause vaporized water to accumulate in the vacuum area and vacuum path within the module, reducing degassing performance. Furthermore, the vacuum path is periodically opened, allowing bacteria to grow and reducing performance.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional hollow fiber degassing modules, a barbed joint is generally used at the connection between the housing and the tube member. When periodically removing water accumulated in the vacuum section, the hose band (metal ring) is removed and the tube member is pulled out each time, which repeatedly applies stress to the barbed joint of the joint, making the barbed joint prone to breakage near its base due to tensile fatigue. Furthermore, a barbed joint is also used for the joint connected to the hollow fiber, which is prone to breakage and raises concerns about water leakage. Furthermore, since the tube member is inserted into the barbed joint by screwing it into the joint, stress is generated in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the barbed joint, making the barbed joint prone to breakage. Furthermore, repeated screwing can also raise concerns about compression fatigue and bending fatigue. Furthermore, when the barbed joint deteriorates as described above, gas or water leaks from the base of the barbed joint, reducing the inherent performance of the hollow fiber degassing module. Furthermore, friction between the barb fitting and the tube member can sometimes cause the inner surface of the tube member to be worn away, which can result in a decrease in the sealing ability between the barb fitting and the tube member, making it easier for dirt (particles) to get in.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber degassing module that is small and has low pressure loss, can maintain its inherently good degassing performance even when used continuously for long periods of time, and can also suppress the growth of bacteria, etc.; a chemical analyzer equipped with the hollow fiber degassing module; and a method for degassing constant-temperature water.

[0011] A chemical analyzer according to a first aspect of the present invention is a chemical analyzer for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a specimen, and includes a thermostatic bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen, and a degassing unit having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the thermostatic water in the thermostatic bath, the hollow fiber degassing module having a housing and a hollow fiber membrane disposed in an internal space of the housing, the housing connecting an outside of the housing with the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, and a degassing module for supplying the thermostatic water from the outside of the housing to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane. a first liquid supply section for supplying degassed constant-temperature water to the hollow fiber membrane, a first liquid discharge section for connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and discharging degassed constant-temperature water from the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing, and at least one first gas discharge section for connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and reducing the pressure in the internal space of the housing, and the hollow fiber degassing module has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure for connecting the housing and a tube member to the at least one first gas discharge section.

[0012] The hollow fiber degassing module may further include a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure in at least one of the first liquid supply section and the first liquid discharge section, which connects the housing and a tube member.

[0013] In one or more of the at least one first gas discharge section, the first liquid supply section, and the first liquid discharge section, the housing may have an extension section that is integral with the housing and extends outward from the housing to which the one-touch joint structure or the luer fitting joint structure is attached.

[0014] The housing may further include at least one rib portion provided on the extension portion.

[0015] The housing may have a cylindrical body arranged so that its axial direction is approximately horizontal, a first lid portion attached to one axial end of the cylindrical body, and a second lid portion attached to the other axial end of the cylindrical body, and the first liquid supply portion may be provided on the first lid portion, the first liquid discharge portion may be provided on the second lid portion, and the at least one first gas discharge portion may be provided on the cylindrical body.

[0016] The cylindrical body may have a cylindrical shape arranged such that the axial direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the at least one first gas discharge portion may be provided on a peripheral wall of the cylindrical body.

[0017] The cylindrical body may have a first screw portion where the cylindrical body and the first lid portion screw together, and a second screw portion where the cylindrical body and the second lid portion screw together.

[0018] The hollow fiber degassing module may have a first sealing portion that seals one axial end of the cylindrical body and a second sealing portion that seals the other axial end of the cylindrical body, and one longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane may be fixed to the first sealing portion, and the other longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane may be fixed to the second sealing portion.

[0019] The hollow fiber membrane may be made of a polyolefin resin, a fluororesin, or a silicone resin.

[0020] The housing may be made of a polyolefin resin or an aromatic polyester resin.

[0021] A chemical analyzer according to a second aspect of the present invention is a chemical analyzer for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a specimen, and includes a thermostatic bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen, and a degassing unit having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the thermostatic water in the thermostatic bath, the hollow fiber degassing module having a housing and a hollow fiber membrane disposed in an internal space of the housing, the housing connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing, and supplying the thermostatic water from the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing. a second liquid supply section for discharging degassed constant-temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; a second liquid discharge section for connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and discharging degassed constant-temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; and at least one second gas discharge section for connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and reducing the pressure in the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, and the hollow fiber degassing module has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure for connecting the housing and a tube member to the at least one second gas discharge section.

[0022] The hollow fiber degassing module may further include a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure in at least one of the second liquid supply section and the second liquid discharge section, which connects the housing and a tube member.

[0023] In one or more of the at least one second gas discharge section, the second liquid supply section, and the second liquid discharge section, the housing may have an extension section that is integral with the housing and extends outward from the housing, on which the one-touch joint structure or the luer fitting joint structure is arranged.

[0024] The housing may further include at least one rib portion provided on the extension portion.

[0025] The housing may have a cylindrical body arranged so that its axial direction is approximately vertical, a third lid portion attached to the axial lower end of the cylindrical body, and a fourth lid portion attached to the axial upper end of the cylindrical body, and the second liquid supply portion may be provided on the cylindrical body, the second liquid discharge portion may be provided on the fourth lid portion, and the at least one second gas discharge portion may be provided on the third lid portion.

[0026] The at least one second gas discharge portion may be provided in the third lid portion.

[0027] The cylindrical body may have a third screw portion where the cylindrical body and the third lid portion screw together, and a fourth screw portion where the cylindrical body and the fourth lid portion screw together.

[0028] The hollow fiber degassing module may have a third sealing portion that seals the upper axial end of the cylindrical body and a fourth sealing portion that seals the lower axial end of the cylindrical body, and the upper longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane may be fixed to the third sealing portion, and the lower longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane may be fixed to the fourth sealing portion.

[0029] The hollow fiber membrane may be made of a polyolefin resin, a fluororesin, or a silicone resin.

[0030] The housing may be made of a polyolefin resin or an aromatic polyester resin.

[0031] A hollow fiber degassing module in a third aspect of the present invention is a hollow fiber degassing module for performing chemical analysis or biochemical analysis of a sample, comprising a housing and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in the internal space of the housing, the housing comprising: a first liquid supply section connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and for supplying the constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane; a first liquid discharge section connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and for discharging the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing; and at least one first gas discharge section connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the housing, and the at least one first gas discharge section has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure connecting the housing to a tube member.

[0032] A hollow fiber degassing module in a fourth aspect of the present invention is a hollow fiber degassing module for performing chemical analysis or biochemical analysis of a sample, comprising a housing and hollow fiber membranes arranged in the internal space of the housing, the housing comprising: a second liquid supply section that connects the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing and supplies constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing; a second liquid discharge section that connects the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and discharges degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; and at least one second gas discharge section that connects the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and reduces the pressure in the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, and the at least one second gas discharge section has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure that connects the housing to a tube member.

[0033] A method for degassing constant temperature water in a fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for degassing dissolved gases contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath in the chemical analysis device of the first or second aspect, in which the constant temperature water is degassed in the hollow fiber degassing module by supplying constant temperature water to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane and reducing the pressure inside the hollow fiber membrane.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a chemical analyzer equipped with a hollow fiber degassing module that is small in size and has low pressure loss, can maintain its inherently good degassing performance even during long periods of continuous use, and can also suppress the growth of bacteria and the like, and a method for degassing constant-temperature water.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis system including a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module provided in the chemical analysis apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 4(A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first sealing unit provided at one axial end of the cylindrical body in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4(B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second sealing unit provided at the other axial end of the cylindrical body in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a one-touch coupling structure provided in the gas discharge section of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module. 8(A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a third sealing unit provided at the axial lower end of the cylindrical body in FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8(B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fourth sealing unit provided at the axial upper end of the cylindrical body in FIG. 7 . FIG. 9 is a side view showing a modified hollow fiber degassing module of FIG. 7 . FIG. 10(A) is a top view, FIG. 10(B) is a side view, and FIG. 10(C) is a front view showing another modified hollow fiber degassing module of FIG. 8 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another modified internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of FIG. 3 . FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another modified internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of FIG. 3 . FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a modified chemical analysis apparatus of FIG. 1 . FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of another modified chemical analysis apparatus of FIG. 1 . FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of another modified chemical analysis system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a modified (bio)chemical analysis unit of FIG. 1 .

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis system including a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the chemical analysis system includes a pure water supply apparatus 1A and a chemical analysis apparatus 2A. The chemical analysis apparatus 2A includes a degassing apparatus (degassing unit) 3 that degasses constant-temperature water supplied from the pure water supply apparatus 1A, and a reaction tank 5 in a (bio)chemical analysis unit 4A. The pure water supply apparatus 1A and the degassing apparatus 3 are connected by a flow path 3a, and the degassing apparatus 3 and the reaction tank 5 are connected by a flow path 3b. The degassing apparatus 3 and a vacuum pump 6 are also connected by a flow path 3c. The flow path 3c is formed, for example, by an intake pipe. Dissolved oxygen and air bubbles are removed from the pure water supplied from the pure water supply apparatus 1A to the degassing apparatus 3 by operation of the vacuum pump. In this embodiment, the pure water degassed by the degassing apparatus 3 is supplied to the reaction tank (constant-temperature bath) 5 via the flow path 3b. As will be described later, the degassing device 3 and the reaction vessel 5 form a circulation path, and the pure water degassed by the degassing device 3 may be supplied to the circulation path.

[0037] The degassing device 3 has a hollow fiber degassing module 20A, and flow paths 3a and 3b are connected to the hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0038] The chemical analyzer 2A performs chemical or biochemical analysis of a sample (hereinafter, "chemical or biochemical analysis" will also be referred to as "(bio)chemical analysis"). This chemical analyzer 2A is configured to reduce the pressure on the outside or inside of the hollow fiber membrane, so that when a liquid passes through the inside or outside of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the liquid via the wall surface of the hollow fiber.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a chemical analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the chemical analysis apparatus 2A includes a water supply tank 11A, a thermostatic bath 12A, and a hollow fiber degassing module 20A. The water supply tank 11A and the thermostatic bath 12A are connected to each other via a flow path 13A that forms a circulation path, and a liquid feed pump 14A is provided in the flow path 13A. The water supply tank 11A is connected to the flow path 13A via a water supply pump 15A. A supply pipe 12AA is attached to the liquid supply side of the thermostatic bath 12A, and a discharge pipe 12AB is attached to the liquid discharge side. The hollow fiber degassing module 20A is provided within the flow path 13A, and is further connected to a vacuum pump 6 via a flow path 3c. In this embodiment, pure water is supplied from the water supply tank 11A to the flow path 13A by operating the water supply pump 15A. The pure water supplied to the flow path 13A is supplied to the thermostatic bath 12A and the hollow fiber degassing module 20A by the operation of the liquid feed pump 14A. The pure water supplied to the thermostatic bath 12A is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the pure water supplied from the thermostatic bath 12A to the hollow fiber degassing module 20A has dissolved oxygen and air bubbles removed by the operation of the vacuum pump 6.

[0040] The hollow fiber degassing module 20A has a hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled together in a bamboo blind shape with warp threads (see FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B)). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 may be referred to as "hollow fiber membranes 220." Details of the hollow fiber membranes will be described later.

[0041] The chemical analyzer 2A performs chemical or biochemical analysis of a sample (hereinafter, "chemical or biochemical analysis" will also be referred to as "(bio)chemical analysis"). This chemical analyzer 2A is configured to reduce the pressure on the outside or inside of the hollow fiber membrane, so that when a liquid passes through the inside or outside of the hollow fiber membrane, only the gas in the liquid is separated from the liquid via the wall surface of the hollow fiber.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A provided in the chemical analysis apparatus 2A of Fig. 2. In the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A, constant temperature water W1 is supplied to the inside of a hollow fiber membrane 220, and the pressure outside the hollow fiber membrane 220 is reduced to degas the constant temperature water W1, thereby producing degassed constant temperature water W2.

[0043] The hollow fiber degassing module 20A has a housing 210 and hollow fiber membranes 220 arranged in the internal space S1 of the housing 210. The housing 210 has a cylindrical body 211 arranged so that its axial direction L is substantially horizontal, a first lid part 212A attached to one axial end 211a of the cylindrical body 211, and a second lid part 213A attached to the other axial end 211b of the cylindrical body 211.

[0044] The cylindrical body 211 has an internal space S1, and the hollow fiber membrane 220 is accommodated in the internal space S1. The cylindrical body 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction L, and both ends of the cylindrical body 211 are open. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 211 has a first threaded portion 214 at which the cylindrical body 211 and the first lid portion 212A are threadedly engaged, and a second threaded portion 215 at which the cylindrical body 211 and the second lid portion 213A are threadedly engaged. The first lid portion 212A and the second lid portion 213A are fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by the first threaded portion 214 and the second threaded portion 215, respectively.

[0045] The first lid portion 212A and the second lid portion 213A can be attached to the cylindrical body 211 by not only screwing but also fitting, adhesive bonding, welding, etc. Either or both of the first lid portion 212A and the second lid portion 213A may be detachably attached to the cylindrical body 211. Furthermore, a seal portion (not shown), such as an O-ring, may be provided at the attachment portion of the first lid portion 212A and the second lid portion 213A to the cylindrical body 211. If the seal portion is an O-ring, it is preferable that the O-ring be disposed in an annular groove formed in the axial end portion 211a or the axial end portion 211b of the cylindrical body 211. The seal portion can prevent liquid leakage that may occur between the cylindrical body 211 and the first lid portion 212A or the second lid portion 213A. Because the seal portion is not constantly in contact with liquid, the material of the seal portion is not particularly limited as long as the above-described effect is obtained. From the viewpoint of stain resistance, the material of the sealing portion is preferably a polyolefin resin such as a polypropylene resin, the above-mentioned fluororesin, or an aromatic polyester resin such as a polycarbonate resin or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0046] The first lid portion 212A has a substantially disk-shaped first wall portion 212Aa that is provided perpendicular to the axial direction L, and a substantially ring-shaped second wall portion 212Ab that extends from the periphery of the first wall portion 212Aa parallel to the axial direction L. The first lid portion 212A is fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by engagement between the inner peripheral surface of the first lid portion 212A and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0047] The housing 210 has a liquid supply unit (first liquid supply unit) 216A that connects the outside of the housing 210 with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and supplies constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the housing 210 to the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The liquid supply unit 216A is formed, for example, in the first wall portion 212Aa of the first lid portion 212A and has a liquid supply port 216Aa that supplies constant temperature water W1 into the first lid portion 212A. The liquid supply port is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a circular opening in side view formed on the central axis of the cylindrical body 211. A flow path 3a that connects to the degassing device 3 is connected to the liquid supply unit 216A. The connection between the liquid supply unit 216A and the flow path 3a is not particularly limited and may be performed by screwing or fitting.

[0048] The second lid portion 213A has a substantially disk-shaped first wall portion 213Aa that is provided perpendicular to the axial direction L, and a substantially ring-shaped second wall portion 213Ab that extends from the periphery of the first wall portion 213Aa parallel to the axial direction L. The second lid portion 213A is fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by engaging the inner peripheral surface of the second lid portion 213A with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0049] The housing 210 has a liquid discharge section (first liquid discharge section) 217A that connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside of the housing 210 and discharges the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside of the housing 210. The liquid discharge section 217A is formed, for example, in the first wall section 213Aa of the second cover section 213A and has a liquid discharge port 217Aa for supplying the constant temperature water W2 to the outside. The liquid discharge port 217Aa is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a circular opening in side view formed on the central axis of the cylindrical body 211. A flow path 3b that connects to the reaction tank 5 is connected to the liquid discharge section 217A. The connection between the liquid discharge section 217A and the flow path 3b is not particularly limited and may be performed by screwing or fitting. The connection between the liquid discharge section 217A and the flow path 3b may also be performed using a predetermined structure described below.

[0050] The housing 210 also has a gas discharge section (first gas discharge section) 218A that connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 to the outside of the housing 210 and reduces the pressure in the internal space S1 of the housing 210. The gas discharge section 218A is formed, for example, in the cylindrical body 211 and has a gas discharge port 218Aa that discharges gas G from the internal space S1. This allows moisture generated inside the cylindrical body 211 to be discharged from the cylindrical body 211 to the outside via the gas discharge section 218A. A flow path 3c that is connected to the vacuum pump 6 is connected to the gas discharge section 218A. The gas discharge section 218A and the flow path 3c are connected by a predetermined structure that will be described later.

[0051] In this embodiment, the housing 210 has two gas discharge sections 218A, 218A. The two gas discharge sections 218A, 218A are arranged side by side in the axial direction L in the housing 210. This makes it possible to efficiently and uniformly reduce the pressure in the entire internal space S1 of the housing 210. Depending on the dimensions of the housing 210, the dimensions of the gas discharge port 218Aa, the capacity of the vacuum pump, etc., the housing 210 may have multiple gas discharge sections 218A, 218A, ... or may have a single gas discharge section 218A.

[0052] Although there are no particular limitations on the materials for the cylindrical body 211, first lid portion 212A, and second lid portion 213A that constitute the housing 210, from the viewpoints of ease of manufacturing, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene resin, and aromatic polyester resins such as polycarbonate resin and polyethylene terephthalate are preferred. In this case, the cylindrical body 211, first lid portion 212A, and second lid portion 213A can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0053] The hollow fiber membrane 220 is a hollow fiber-shaped membrane that allows gas to pass through but not liquid to pass through. There are no particular limitations on the material, membrane shape, membrane form, etc. of the hollow fiber membrane 220. From the viewpoints of ease of manufacture, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, examples of materials for the hollow fiber membrane 220 include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and poly(4-methylpentene-1), fluororesins such as PTFE, amorphous fluoropolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (hereinafter also referred to as PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (hereinafter also referred to as FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (hereinafter also referred to as ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter also referred to as PCTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter also referred to as PVDF), and silicone resins. More specifically, the amorphous fluoropolymer (hereinafter also referred to as "Teflon (registered trademark) AF") may be an amorphous fluororesin comprising a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole as comonomers. Examples of the membrane shape (sidewall shape) of the hollow fiber membrane 220 include a porous membrane, a microporous membrane, and a homogeneous membrane (non-porous membrane) that does not have porosity. Examples of the membrane form of the hollow fiber membrane 220 include a symmetric membrane (homogeneous membrane) in which the chemical or physical structure of the entire membrane is homogeneous, and an asymmetric membrane (heterogeneous membrane) in which the chemical or physical structure of the membrane varies depending on the membrane portion. An asymmetric membrane (heterogeneous membrane) is a membrane having a non-porous dense layer and a porous layer. In this case, the dense layer may be formed anywhere within the membrane, such as on the surface layer of the membrane or inside the porous membrane. Heterogeneous membranes also include composite membranes with different chemical structures and multilayer membranes such as a three-layer structure.

[0054] In particular, heterogeneous membranes using poly(4-methylpentene-1) resin are particularly suitable for degassing liquids other than water, such as constant-temperature water, because they have a dense layer that blocks liquids. Furthermore, in the case of hollow fibers used in external perfusion systems, it is preferable that a dense layer be formed on the outer surface of the hollow fibers.

[0055] The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 can be formed, for example, as a sheet-like material in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled in a bamboo blind shape with warp threads. In this case, the hollow fiber degassing module 20A can be manufactured, for example, by winding the sheet-like material to form the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and fixing both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 with a sealing material described below. From the viewpoints of ease of manufacture, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene resins and the above-mentioned fluororesins are preferred as materials for the warp threads.

[0056] Fig. 4(A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first sealing portion 231A provided at one axial end portion 211a of the cylindrical body 211 in Fig. 3, and Fig. 4(B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second sealing portion 232A provided at the other axial end portion 211b of the cylindrical body 211 in Fig. 3. As shown in Figs. 4(A) and 4(B), the hollow fiber degassing module 20A has a first sealing portion 231A that seals one axial end portion 211a (see Fig. 3) of the cylindrical body 211 and a second sealing portion 232A that seals the other axial end portion 211b (see Fig. 3) of the cylindrical body 211. One longitudinal end portion 220a of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is fixed to the first sealing portion 231A, and the other longitudinal end portion 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is fixed to the second sealing portion 232A. That is, one longitudinal end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 is fixed to the first sealed portion 231A, and the other longitudinal end 22b is fixed to the second sealed portion 232A.

[0057] The first sealing portions 231A fill the entire area except for the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylindrical body 211. In other words, the first sealing portions 231A do not fill the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220, but fill between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylindrical body 211.

[0058] Similar to the first sealing portions 231A, the second sealing portions 232A fill the entire area except for the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylindrical body 211. In other words, the second sealing portions 232A do not fill the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220, but fill the spaces between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylindrical body 211.

[0059] The first sealing portion 231A and the second sealing portion 232A are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of ease of manufacturing, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, it is preferable that they are formed from, for example, a cured product of a curable resin composition containing an epoxy resin or a (meth)acrylic resin, or a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first sealing portion 231A seals one axial end portion 211a of the cylindrical body 211 while maintaining communication between the internal space S3 of the first lid portion 212A and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The second sealing portion 232A seals the other axial end portion 211b of the cylindrical body 211 while maintaining communication between the internal space S4 of the second lid portion 213A and the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. That is, the internal space S3 of the first lid portion 212A and the internal space S4 of the second lid portion 213A are separated from the internal space S1 of the housing 210 by the first sealing portion 231A and the second sealing portion 232A, respectively, and the internal space S3 of the first lid portion 212A, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, and the internal space S4 of the second lid portion 213A are communicated with each other in this order.

[0061] Therefore, the constant temperature water W1 supplied from the liquid supply unit 216A to the internal space S3 of the first lid unit 212A is supplied only to the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and is prevented from flowing into the internal space S1 of the housing 210. Furthermore, the internal space S1 of the housing 210 is depressurized, preferably to a vacuum, by exhausting air from the gas outlet 218Aa by the vacuum pump 6. Then, as the constant temperature water W1 passes through the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the dissolved gas and air bubbles in the constant temperature water W1 are drawn to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 220, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1 (degassing method).

[0062] The degassed constant temperature water W2 then flows only from the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 into the internal space S4 of the second lid portion 213A, and is supplied from the liquid discharge portion 217A into the reaction tank 5 of the (bio)chemical analysis portion 4A.

[0063] In this way, in hollow fiber degassing module 20A, the liquid-contacting parts with constant-temperature water W1, W2 are mainly composed of first lid 212A, first sealing part 231A, hollow fiber membrane 220, second sealing part 232A, and second lid 213A. By using the above-mentioned preferred materials for each part constituting the liquid-contacting parts, excellent chemical resistance can be achieved and the inclusion of foreign matter can be suppressed even when used for long-term degassing of constant-temperature water.

[0064] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber degassing module 20A has one-touch coupling structures 701A, 701A in the gas discharge sections 218A, 218A that connect the housing 210 and the tube member. The one-touch coupling structures 701A, 701A are attached to the housing 210 in a sealed state, such as airtightness. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the one-touch coupling structure 701A provided in the gas discharge section 218A of Figure 3. As shown in the figure, the one-touch coupling structure 701A has a coupling body 701Aa fixed to the housing 210 and a tube connection section 701Ab to which the tube member T that constitutes the flow path 3c is detachably connected. The tube connection portion 701Ab has a recess 701Ac provided on one axial end side of the joint body 701Aa, a seal member 701Ad housed in the recess 701Ac, a buckling 701Ae and a locking ring 701Af housed in the recess 701Ac and positioned closer to the tube insertion port than the seal member 701Ad, a tube insertion port 701Ag, and a collar 701Ah and an open sleeve 701Ai attached to the tube insertion port 701Ag.

[0065] The tube member T can be attached and detached extremely easily. When attaching the tube member T, the end portion Ta of the tube member T is inserted into the one-touch coupling structure 701A all the way into the recess 701Ac, whereby the tube member T and the lock ring 701Af fit together, and the tube member T is fixed to the one-touch coupling structure 701A. When removing the tube member T, the release sleeve 701Ai is pushed toward the coupling body 701Aa along the axial direction of the coupling body 701Aa, whereby the lock ring 701Af is released from the tube member T, and the tube member T is pulled out of the one-touch coupling structure 701A. In this embodiment, the one-touch coupling structure refers to one in which the tube member and the coupling can be attached or detached with a single operation, and is a structure in which attachment and detachment can be easily performed by, for example, moving the tube member or the coupling side member in one direction, such as the axial direction.

[0066] The one-touch joint structure 701A of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5. The one-touch joint structure 701A may have any structure as long as it has a fixing portion that is fixed to a housing and a tube connection portion to which a tube member is detachably connected, and the tube member and the tube connection portion are connected in a sealed state when the tube is attached. The one-touch joint structure 701A in Fig. 5 can be replaced with a luer fitting structure described later, or a one-touch joint structure and a luer fitting structure described later can be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0067] In a manufacturing method of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, for example, a predetermined number of hollow fibers are bundled together to form the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. At this time, an external support 234 may be used to cover the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. The cylindrical body 211 is formed by providing a gas outlet 218Aa on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body and, as necessary, threaded portions and / or O-ring grooves at both axial ends of the cylindrical body. Then, with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 housed in the cylindrical body 211, one axial end 211a of the cylindrical body 211 and one longitudinal end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 are fixed with a sealing material to form a first sealed portion 231A, and the other axial end 211b of the cylindrical body 211 and the other longitudinal end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 are fixed with a sealing material to form a second sealed portion 232A. Thereafter, the end faces of the first sealing portion 231A and the second sealing portion 232A are cut. Furthermore, the first lid portion 212A is attached to one axial end portion 211a of the cylindrical body 211, and the second lid portion 213A is attached to the other axial end portion 211b of the cylindrical body 211, to form the housing 210. Finally, one-touch coupling structures 701A, 701A are fixed to the gas discharge ports 218Aa, 218Aa of the cylindrical body 211 by screwing or adhesive. This completes the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, which includes the housing 210 and the hollow fiber membranes 220.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the hollow fiber degassing module 20A, the housing 210 has a gas discharge section 218A that connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 to the outside of the housing 210 and depressurizes the internal space S1 of the housing 210. The gas discharge section 218A has a one-touch coupling structure 701A that connects the housing 210 to a tube member, so that liquefied water in the internal space S1 easily flows into the gas discharge section 218A by gravity and is discharged to the outside from the gas discharge section 218A. This makes it difficult for water to accumulate in the internal space S1 of the housing 210 or the gas discharge section 218A, thereby maintaining the original excellent degassing performance even during long periods of continuous use. Furthermore, because the humidity in the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the gas discharge section 218A can be kept low, bacteria and the like are less likely to grow even when the housing 210 is opened after operation, and the proliferation of bacteria and the like in the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and the gas discharge section 218A can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the one-touch coupling structure 701A allows for easy removal of the tube member, excessive stress is not applied to the one-touch coupling structure 701A when periodically removing water accumulated in the internal space S1 or the gas discharge section 218A, preventing tensile fatigue failure at the connection between the housing 210 and the one-touch coupling structure 701A. Furthermore, the easy installation of the tube member prevents compressive fatigue failure and bending fatigue failure when inserting the tube member into the one-touch coupling structure 701A. This suppresses deterioration of the connection between the housing 210 and the one-touch coupling structure 701A, preventing gas leakage and maintaining the original performance of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A over a long period of time. Furthermore, compared to conventional bamboo joints, the inner surface of the tube member is not worn down due to friction between the one-touch coupling structure 701A and the tube member, and maintaining a good seal between the one-touch coupling structure 701A and the tube prevents the intrusion of dust (particles) and other foreign matter over a long period of time.

[0069] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A of Figure 3. The hollow fiber degassing module 20AA of Figure 6 differs from the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A of Figure 3 in that it has one-touch joint structures 702A, 702A that connect the housing 210 to the tube members in the liquid supply section 216A and the liquid discharge section 217A, respectively. In this modified example, the one-touch joint structure 702A can also be replaced with a luer fitting structure described later, or the one-touch joint structure and the luer fitting structure described later can be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20AA.

[0070] According to this modification, by providing one-touch coupling structures 702A, 702A also in liquid supply portion 216A and liquid discharge portion 217A, the inner circumferential surface of the tube member is not scraped by friction between one-touch coupling structure 702A and the tube member, compared to conventional barb joints, and it is possible to prevent contamination of the liquid side, i.e., the constant temperature water side, with dirt (particles) for a long period of time. Furthermore, because one-touch coupling structures 702A, 702A allow the tube member to be easily attached and detached, fatigue failure at the connection between housing 210 and one-touch coupling structure 702A can be prevented, making it possible to prevent water leakage from that portion.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module. The chemical analyzer 2A may have an external reflux type hollow fiber degassing module 20B instead of the internal reflux type hollow fiber degassing module shown in Fig. 3. In the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, constant temperature water W1 is supplied to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the pressure inside the hollow fiber membrane 220 is reduced, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1 and producing degassed constant temperature water W2.

[0072] The hollow fiber degassing module 20B has a housing 210 and hollow fiber membranes 220 arranged in the internal space S1 of the housing 210. The housing 210 has a cylindrical body 211 arranged so that its axial direction L is substantially vertical, a third lid part 212B attached to a lower end part 211c of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction, and a fourth lid part 213B attached to an upper end part 211d of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction.

[0073] The cylindrical body 211 has an internal space S1, and the hollow fiber membrane 220 is accommodated in the internal space S1. The cylindrical body 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction L, and both ends of the cylindrical body 211 are open. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 211 has a first threaded portion 214 at which the cylindrical body 211 and the third lid portion 212B are threadedly engaged, and a second threaded portion 215 at which the cylindrical body 211 and the fourth lid portion 213B are threadedly engaged. The third lid portion 212B and the fourth lid portion 213B are fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by the first threaded portion 214 and the second threaded portion 215, respectively.

[0074] The third lid portion 212B and the fourth lid portion 213B can be attached to the cylindrical body 211 by means other than screwing, such as fitting, adhesive bonding, or welding. Either or both of the third lid portion 212B and the fourth lid portion 213B may be detachably attached to the cylindrical body 211. Furthermore, a seal such as an O-ring (not shown) may be provided at the attachment portion of the third lid portion 212B and the fourth lid portion 213B to the cylindrical body 211. If the seal is an O-ring, it is preferable that the O-ring be disposed in an annular groove formed in the axial lower end portion 211c or the axial upper end portion 211d of the cylindrical body 211. The seal can prevent liquid leakage between the cylindrical body 211 and the third lid portion 212B or the fourth lid portion 213B. Because the seal is not constantly in contact with liquid, the material of the seal is not particularly limited as long as the above-described effect is obtained. From the viewpoint of stain resistance, the material of the sealing portion is preferably a polyolefin resin such as a polypropylene resin, the above-mentioned fluororesin, or an aromatic polyester resin such as a polycarbonate resin or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0075] The third lid portion 212B may have a substantially disk-shaped first wall portion 212Ba provided perpendicular to the axial direction L, and a substantially annular second wall portion 212Bb extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 212Ba parallel to the axial direction L. The third lid portion 212B is fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by engagement between the inner peripheral surface of the third lid portion 212B and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0076] The fourth lid portion 213B may have a substantially disk-shaped first wall portion 213Ba provided perpendicular to the axial direction L, and a substantially ring-shaped second wall portion 213Bb extending from the periphery of the first wall portion 213Ba parallel to the axial direction L. The fourth lid portion 213B is fixed to the cylindrical body 211 by engagement between the inner peripheral surface of the fourth lid portion 213B and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 211.

[0077] The housing 210 includes a liquid supply unit (second liquid supply unit) 216B that connects the outside of the housing 210 to the internal space S1 of the housing 210 and supplies constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the housing 210 to the internal space S1 of the housing 210. In this embodiment, the liquid supply unit 216B is provided in the cylindrical body 211. The liquid supply unit 216B is formed, for example, in the cylindrical body 211 and includes a liquid supply port 216Ba that supplies constant temperature water W1 into the cylindrical body 211. The liquid supply port is not particularly limited, but is an opening that is circular in side view and formed at or near the axial lower end 211c of the cylindrical body 211. A flow path 3a that connects to the degassing device 3 is connected to the liquid supply port 216Ba. The liquid supply port 216Ba and the flow path 3a are preferably connected using a predetermined structure described below. However, the connection between the liquid supply port 216Ba and the flow path 3a is not limited thereto, and may be formed using a structure other than the predetermined structure described below.

[0078] The housing 210 also has a liquid discharge section (second liquid discharge section) 217B that connects the internal space S1 of the housing 210 to the outside of the housing 210 and discharges the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S1 of the housing 210 to the outside of the housing 210. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge section 217B is provided in the fourth cover section 213B. The liquid discharge section 217B is formed, for example, in the first wall section 213Ba of the fourth cover section 213B and has a liquid discharge port 217Ba for supplying the constant temperature water W2 to the outside. The liquid discharge port 217Ba is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a circular opening in side view formed on the central axis of the cylindrical body 211. A flow path 3b that connects to the reaction tank 5 is connected to the liquid discharge port 217Ba. The liquid discharge port 217Ba and the flow path 3b are preferably connected using a predetermined structure described below. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid outlet 217Ba and the flow path 3b may be connected in a form other than the predetermined structure described below.

[0079] Furthermore, the housing 210 has a gas discharge section (second gas discharge section) 218B that connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside of the housing 210 and reduces the pressure in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The gas discharge section 218B is formed, for example, in the first wall section 212Ba of the third lid section 212B and has a gas discharge port 218Ba for discharging gas G from the internal space S2. In this embodiment, the gas discharge section 218B is provided in the third lid section 212B. The gas discharge section 218B is preferably provided in the third lid section 212B. This allows moisture generated in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and / or the internal space S3 of the third lid section 212B to be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside via the gas discharge section 218B. A flow path 3c connected to the vacuum pump 6 is connected to the gas discharge section 218B. The gas discharge portion 218B and the flow path 3c are connected by a predetermined structure, which will be described later.

[0080] The housing 210 also has a central pipe 233 arranged inside the cylindrical body 211 so as to be parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 211, and an external support 234 that is approximately coaxial with the central pipe 233 and arranged between the cylindrical body 211 and the central pipe 233. The central pipe 233, the external support 234, and the cylindrical body 211 are arranged in this order from the center toward the outside in the radial direction of the housing 210. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 is disposed between the central pipe 233 and the external support 234.

[0081] The materials of the cylindrical body 211, the third lid portion 212B and the fourth lid portion 213B that constitute the housing 210, and the material of the hollow fiber membrane 220 can be the same as those in the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0082] The hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 can be formed, for example, as a sheet-like material in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled in a bamboo blind shape with warp threads. In this case, for example, the sheet-like material can be bundled into a cylindrical shape to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle, and both ends of the cylindrical bundle of hollow fiber membranes can be fixed with a sealing material to manufacture the hollow fiber degassing module 20B. The warp material can be the same as that of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0083] Fig. 8(A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a third sealing portion 231B provided at the axial lower end portion 211c of the cylindrical body 211 in Fig. 7, and Fig. 8(B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fourth sealing portion 232B provided at the axial upper end portion 211d of the cylindrical body 211 in Fig. 7. As shown in Figs. 8(A) and 8(B), the hollow fiber degassing module 20B has a third sealing portion 231B that seals one axial end portion 211a (see Fig. 5) of the cylindrical body 211 and a fourth sealing portion 232B that seals the other axial end portion 211b (see Fig. 5) of the cylindrical body 211. One longitudinal end portion 220a of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is fixed to the third sealing portion 231B, and the other longitudinal end portion 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is fixed to the fourth sealing portion 232B. That is, one longitudinal end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 is fixed to the third sealed portion 231B, and the other longitudinal end 22b is fixed to the fourth sealed portion 232B.

[0084] The third sealing portions 231B fill the entire area except for the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylindrical body 211. In other words, the third sealing portions 231B do not fill the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membranes 220, but fill the spaces between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylindrical body 211.

[0085] Like the third sealing portion 231B, the fourth sealing portion 232B fills the entire area of ​​the hollow fiber membrane 220 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L of the cylindrical body 211, except for the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. In other words, the fourth sealing portion 232B does not fill the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, but fills between the hollow fiber membranes 220 and between the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the inner wall of the cylindrical body 211. The fourth sealing portion 232B has a communication port 232Ba that communicates the internal space S1 of the housing 210 with the internal space S4 of the fourth lid portion 213B. The fourth sealing portion 232B also closes the other longitudinal end portion 220b of the hollow fiber membrane 220. Therefore, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 does not communicate with the internal space S4 of the fourth lid portion 213B.

[0086] The materials for the third sealed portion 231B and the fourth sealed portion 232B can be the same as those for the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0087] In this embodiment, the third sealing portion 231B seals the axial lower end portion 211c of the cylindrical body 211 while communicating the internal space S3 of the third lid portion 212B with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. The fourth sealing portion 232B seals the axial upper end portion 211d of the cylindrical body 211 while closing the internal space S4 of the fourth lid portion 213B with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. That is, the internal space S3 of the third lid portion 212B and the internal space S1 of the housing 210 are separated by the third sealing portion 231B, the internal space S4 of the fourth lid portion 213B is in communication with the internal space S1 of the housing 210, and the internal space S3 of the third lid portion 212B is in communication with the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220.

[0088] Therefore, the constant temperature water W1 supplied from the liquid supply unit 216B to the internal space S1 of the housing 210 is supplied only to the internal space S4 of the fourth lid unit 213B and is prevented from flowing into the internal space S3 of the third lid unit 212B. Furthermore, the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 is decompressed, preferably to a vacuum, by the vacuum pump 6 discharging air from the gas outlet 218Ba. Then, as the constant temperature water W1 passes through the internal space S1 of the housing 210, the dissolved gas and bubbles in the constant temperature water W1 are drawn into the hollow fiber membrane 220, thereby degassing the constant temperature water W1.

[0089] The degassed constant temperature water W2 then flows from only the internal space S1 of the housing 210 into the internal space S4 of the fourth lid portion 213B, and is supplied from the liquid discharge portion 217B into the reaction tank 5 of the (bio)chemical analysis portion 4A.

[0090] In this way, in hollow fiber degassing module 20B, the liquid-contacting parts with constant-temperature water W1, W2 are mainly composed of third sealing part 231B, hollow fiber membrane 220, fourth sealing part 232B, and fourth lid part 213B. By using the above-mentioned preferred materials for each part constituting the liquid-contacting parts, excellent chemical resistance can be achieved and the inclusion of foreign matter can be suppressed even when used for long-term degassing of constant-temperature water.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas discharge portion 218B has a one-touch coupling structure 701B that connects the housing 210 and the tube member. The one-touch coupling structure 701B is attached to the housing 210 in a sealed state, such as airtightness. Furthermore, as a modification of this embodiment, it is preferable that the second liquid supply portion 216B and the second liquid discharge portion 217B each have one-touch coupling structures 702B, 702B that connect the housing 210 and the tube member. The one-touch coupling structures 702B, 702B are attached to the housing 210 in a sealed state, such as waterproofing. The one-touch coupling structures 701B, 702B have the same structure as the one-touch coupling structure 701A ( FIG. 5 ). However, the one-touch joint structures 701B, 702B of this embodiment are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5, and may have a structure that has a fixing portion that is fixed to the housing and a tube connection portion to which a tube member is detachably connected, and that connects the tube member and the tube connection portion in a sealed state when the tube is attached.

[0092] In a manufacturing method of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, for example, a sheet-like material in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 220 are bundled with warp threads in a bamboo blind shape is wound around a cylindrical central pipe 233 to form a cylindrical bundle of hollow fiber membranes 22. An external support 234 may be used to cover the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22. A liquid supply port 216Ba may be provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body, and threaded portions and / or O-ring grooves may be provided at both axial ends of the cylindrical body as needed to form a cylindrical body 211. Then, with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 and the central pipe 233 housed in the cylindrical body 211, one axial end of the cylindrical body 211 and one longitudinal end 22a of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 are fixed with a sealing material to form a third sealing portion 231B. The other axial end of the cylindrical body 211 and the other longitudinal end 22b of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22 are fixed with a sealing material to form a fourth sealing portion 232B. Then, only the third sealing portion 231B or the end faces of the third sealing portion 231B and the fourth sealing portion 232B are cut off. Then, a third lid portion 212B is attached to the one axial end of the cylindrical body 211 where the third sealing portion 231B is provided, and a fourth lid portion 213B is attached to the other axial end of the cylindrical body 211 where the fourth sealing portion 232B is provided, to form the housing 210. In this way, the hollow fiber degassing module 20B including the housing 210 and the hollow fiber membranes 220 is manufactured.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, the hollow fiber degassing module 20B includes a gas discharge section 218B that connects the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 to the outside of the housing 210 and depressurizes the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220. Because the gas discharge section 218B is provided in the housing 210, liquefied water in the internal space S2 is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge section 218B. This prevents water from accumulating in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the internal space S3 of the third lid section 212B, and the gas discharge section 218B, thereby maintaining the module's excellent degassing performance even during extended periods of continuous use. Furthermore, because the humidity in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220 and the gas discharge section 218B can be kept low, bacteria and other microorganisms are less likely to grow even when the module is opened after operation, and the proliferation of bacteria and other microorganisms in the internal space S2 of the hollow fiber membrane 220, the internal space S3 of the third lid section 212B, and the gas discharge section 218B can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the one-touch coupling structure 701B allows for easy removal of the tube member, excessive stress is not applied to the one-touch coupling structure 701B when periodically removing water accumulated in the internal space S3 or the gas discharge section 218B, preventing tensile fatigue failure at the connection between the housing 210 and the one-touch coupling structure 701B. Furthermore, the easy installation of the tube member prevents compressive fatigue failure and bending fatigue failure when inserting the tube member into the one-touch coupling structure 701B. This suppresses deterioration of the connection between the housing 210 and the one-touch coupling structure 701B, preventing gas leakage and maintaining the original performance of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B over a long period of time. Furthermore, compared to conventional bamboo joints, the inner surface of the tube is not worn down due to friction between the one-touch coupling structure 701B and the tube member, and maintaining a good seal between the one-touch coupling structure 701B and the tube member prevents the intrusion of dust (particles) and other foreign matter over a long period of time. In addition, since the one-touch joint structure 701B allows the tube member to be easily attached and detached, fatigue failure at the connection between the housing 210 and the one-touch joint structure 702B can be prevented, and water leakage from that part can be prevented.

[0094] In this modified example, the one-touch joint structures 701B, 702B can also be replaced with the luer fitting structure described later, and the one-touch joint structure and the luer fitting structure described later can also be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20B.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a modification of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B shown in FIG. 9 . The structure of the hollow fiber degassing module 20D shown in FIG. 9 is essentially the same as that of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, except for the structures of the second liquid supply section 216B, the second liquid discharge section 217B, and the gas discharge section 218B. The hollow fiber degassing module 20D includes a liquid supply section (second liquid supply section) 216D, a liquid discharge section (second liquid discharge section) 217D, and a gas discharge section 218D. The hollow fiber degassing module 20D includes a one-touch coupling structure 701B in the gas discharge section 218D, which connects the housing 210D to the tube member. The hollow fiber degassing module 20D also includes one-touch coupling structures 702B, 702B in the liquid supply section 216D and the liquid discharge section 217D, which connect the housing 210D to the tube member.

[0096] In this embodiment, in the gas discharge section 218D, the housing 210D is provided integrally with the housing 210D and has an extension section 210Da that extends outward from the housing 210D and has a one-touch coupling structure 701B attached thereto, and a rib section 210Db provided on the extension section 210Da. A metal ring member 210Dc and a nut 210Dd fixed to the ring member 210Dc are arranged at the end of the extension section 210Da, and the one-touch coupling structure 701B is arranged inside the nut 210Dd.

[0097] Furthermore, in the liquid supply unit 216D and the liquid discharge unit 217D, the housing 210D has extensions 210De, 210De that are integral with the housing 210D and extend outward from the housing 210D and have one-touch coupling structures 702B, 702B attached thereto, and ribs 210Df, 210Df that are provided on the extensions 210De, 210De. A metal ring member 210Dg and a nut 210Dh fixed to the ring member 210Dg are arranged at the end of the extension 210De, and the one-touch coupling structure 701B is arranged inside the nut 210Dh.

[0098] According to this configuration, the housing 210D has an extension portion 210Da that is formed integrally with the housing 210D, extends outward from the housing 210D, and has the one-touch joint structure 701B attached thereto, and extension portions 210De, 210De that are formed integrally with the housing 210D, extends outward from the housing 210D, and has the one-touch joint structures 702B, 702B attached thereto.This improves the strength of the connection between the housing 210D and the one-touch joint structure 701B, preventing fatigue failure and reliably preventing gas and water leakage. Furthermore, the housing 210D has a rib portion 210Db provided on the extension portion 210Da and rib portions 210Df, 210Df provided on the extension portions 210De, 210De, which further improves the strength of the extension portions 210Da, 210De, 210De, thereby more reliably preventing gas and water leakage.

[0099] In this modification, the extensions and ribs are provided in the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20D, but this is not limiting, and the extensions and ribs may also be provided in the internal reflux type hollow fiber degassing module 20D. For example, the extensions and ribs may be provided in the gas discharge section 218A, the liquid supply section 216A, and the liquid discharge section 217A of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B in Figure 3.

[0100] In this modified example, the one-touch joint structures 701B, 702B can also be replaced with the luer fitting structure described later, and the one-touch joint structure and the luer fitting structure described later can also be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20D.

[0101] Figure 10(A) is a top view, Figure 10(B) is a side view, and Figure 10(C) is a front view showing another modified example of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B of Figure 7. The structure of the hollow fiber degassing module 20E in Figures 10(A) to 10(C) is basically the same as that of the hollow fiber degassing module 20B, except that the second liquid supply section 216B, second liquid discharge section 217B, and gas discharge section 218B are different in structure. The hollow fiber degassing module 20E has a liquid supply section (second liquid supply section) 216E, a liquid discharge section (second liquid discharge section) 217E, and a gas discharge section 218E. The hollow fiber degassing module 20E has a luer fitting structure 701E in the gas discharge section 218E that connects the housing 210E to a tube member. Furthermore, the hollow fiber degassing module 20E has luer fitting joint structures 702E, 702E at the liquid supply section 216E and the liquid discharge section 217E, which connect the housing 210E to the tube members.

[0102] In this embodiment, the housing 210E in the gas discharge section 218E has an extension 210Ea formed integrally with the housing 210E and extending outward from the housing 210E, on which a luer fitting structure 701E is formed. Furthermore, the liquid supply section 216E and the liquid discharge section 217E have extensions 210Eb, 210Eb formed integrally with the housing 210E and extending outward from the housing 210E, on which luer fitting structures 702E, 702E are formed. The luer fitting structure 701E constitutes, for example, a male terminal of a luer fitting structure, and engages with a female terminal provided at the end of a tube member to secure the tube member to the housing 210E. The configuration of the luer fitting structure 702E is the same as the configuration of the luer fitting structure 701E.

[0103] The tube member T can be attached and detached extremely easily, as in the case of a one-touch coupling structure. When attaching the tube member, the luer fitting coupling structure 701E constituting the male terminal is inserted into the end of the tube member constituting the female terminal and rotated, thereby engaging the male and female terminals and securing the tube member to the luer fitting coupling structure 701E. When removing the tube member T, the end of the tube member constituting the female terminal is rotated in the opposite direction to that used for attachment, thereby disengaging the male and female terminals and separating the tube member from the luer fitting coupling structure 701E. Note that in this embodiment, the luer fitting coupling structure refers to one in which the tube member and coupling can be attached or detached with a single operation. For example, it is a structure in which the female terminal to which the tube member is attached can be easily attached and detached from the male terminal on the housing by rotating it in one direction, such as the circumferential direction around the axis.

[0104] According to this configuration, the housing 210E has an extension portion 210Ea that is formed integrally with the housing 210E, extends outward from the housing 210E, and has the luer fitting joint structure 701E attached thereto, and extension portions 210Eb, 210Eb that are formed integrally with the housing 210E, extend outward from the housing 210E, and have the luer fitting joint structures 702E, 702E attached thereto. This improves the strength of the connection between the housing 210E and the luer fitting joint structures 701E, 702E, and makes it possible to reliably prevent gas and water leakage.

[0105] The housing 210E may have a rib portion provided on the extension portion 210Ea and a rib portion provided on the extension portions 210Eb, 210Eb, which further improves the strength of the extension portions 210Ea, 210Eb, 210Eb, making it possible to more reliably prevent gas and water leakage.

[0106] In this modification, the hollow fiber degassing module 20E, which is an external perfusion type, has the luer fitting joint structure 701E, but this is not limiting, and an internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module may also have the luer fitting joint structure 701E. For example, the hollow fiber degassing module 20B in Fig. 3 may have luer fitting joint structures in the gas discharge section 218A, the liquid supply section 216A, and the liquid discharge section 217A.

[0107] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 11, the hollow fiber degassing module 20C has a housing 210C and hollow fiber membranes 220C arranged in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C. The housing 210C has a cylindrical body 211C arranged so that the longitudinal direction L is substantially horizontal, and a lid 212C attached to one longitudinal end 211Ca of the cylindrical body 211C.

[0108] The housing 210C has a liquid supply unit (first liquid supply unit) 216C that connects the outside of the housing 210C with the internal space S5 of the hollow fiber membrane 220C and supplies constant temperature water W1 from the outside of the housing 210C to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 220C. The liquid supply unit 216C is formed, for example, in the lid portion 212C and has a first connector portion 216Ca that supplies constant temperature water W1 into the lid portion 212C. One longitudinal end portion 220Ca of the hollow fiber membrane 220C is fixed to the first connector portion 216Ca.

[0109] The housing 210C has a liquid discharge section (first liquid discharge section) 217C that connects the internal space S6 of the hollow fiber membranes 220C to the outside of the housing 210C and discharges the degassed constant temperature water W2 from the internal space S5 of the hollow fiber membranes 220C to the outside of the housing 210C. The liquid discharge section 217C is formed, for example, in the lid section 212C and has a second connector section 217Ca that supplies the constant temperature water W1 into the lid section 212C. The other longitudinal end section 220Cb of the hollow fiber membranes 220C is fixed to the second connector section 217Ca. The housing 210C may also have an external support 234C that covers the hollow fiber membrane bundle 22C formed of the hollow fiber membranes 220C.

[0110] Furthermore, the housing 210C has a gas discharge section (first gas discharge section) 218C that connects the internal space S5 of the housing 210C to the outside of the housing 210C and depressurizes the internal space S5 of the housing 210C. The gas discharge section 218C is formed in, for example, the cylindrical body 211C and has a gas discharge port 218Ca for discharging the gas G in the internal space S5. The gas discharge section 218C is provided in the housing 210C. When the cylindrical body 211C has a cylindrical shape arranged so that the longitudinal direction L is parallel to the horizontal direction, the gas discharge section 218C is preferably provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 211C.

[0111] In this configuration, the gas discharge sections 218C, 218C have one-touch joint structures 701C, 701C that connect the housing 210C and the tube member. The one-touch joint structures 701C, 701C are attached to the housing 210C in an airtight or other sealed state. In this modification, the one-touch joint structures can also be replaced with luer fitting structures, or one-touch joint structures and luer fitting structures can be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20C.

[0112] This configuration also makes it difficult for water to accumulate in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge portion 218C, making it possible to maintain the original good degassing performance even during long periods of continuous use. Furthermore, since the humidity in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge portion 218C can be kept low, bacteria and the like are less likely to grow even when the housing 210C is opened after operation, and the proliferation of bacteria and the like in the internal space S5 of the housing 210C and the gas discharge portion 218C can be suppressed.

[0113] Figure 12 is a diagram showing another modified example of the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module of Figure 3. The hollow fiber degassing module 20C of Figure 12 differs from the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing module 20C of Figure 11 in that the liquid supply section 216C and the liquid discharge section 217C each have one-touch joint structures 702C, 702C that connect the housing 210C to the tube member. In this modified example, the one-touch joint structures can also be replaced with luer fitting structures, and one-touch joint structures and luer fitting structures can also be used in combination in the hollow fiber degassing module 20C.

[0114] According to this configuration, by providing one-touch coupling structures 702C, 702C also in the liquid supply portion 216C and the liquid discharge portion 217C, the inner circumferential surface of the tube member is not scraped by friction between the one-touch coupling structure 702C and the tube member, compared to conventional barb joints, and it is possible to prevent contamination of the liquid side, i.e., the constant temperature water side, with dirt (particles) for a long period of time. Furthermore, because the one-touch coupling structures 702C, 702C allow the tube member to be easily attached and detached, fatigue failure at the connection between the housing 210C and the one-touch coupling structure 702C can be prevented, making it possible to prevent water leakage from that portion.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the chemical analysis apparatus 2A in FIG. 1 . The chemical analysis apparatus 2D in FIG. 13 differs from the chemical analysis apparatus 2A in that it does not have a circulation path but has a liquid-borne particle counter. As shown in FIG. 13 , the chemical analysis apparatus 2D has a water supply tank 11A, a thermostatic bath 12A, and a hollow fiber degassing module 20A. The water supply tank 11A and the thermostatic bath 12A are connected to each other via a flow path 18A, and a liquid feed pump 14A is provided in the flow path 18A. The water supply tank 11A is connected to the flow path 18A via a water supply pump 15A. A discharge pipe 12AB is attached to the liquid discharge side of the thermostatic bath 12A. The hollow fiber degassing module 20A is provided in the flow path 18A, and a vacuum pump 6 is further connected to the flow path 18A via a flow path 3c. The liquid-borne particle counter 19A is disposed downstream of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A in the flow path 18A. A supply pipe 19AA is attached to the liquid supply side of the liquid-borne particle counter 19A, and a discharge pipe 19AB is attached to the liquid discharge side. In this embodiment, pure water heated to a predetermined temperature in the thermostatic bath 12A is supplied to the hollow fiber degassing module 20A by operation of the liquid feed pump 14A. Dissolved oxygen and air bubbles are removed from the pure water supplied to the hollow fiber degassing module 20A by operation of the vacuum pump 6. Furthermore, pure water is supplied from the water supply tank 11A to the flow path 13A by operation of the water supply pump 15A. The pure water discharged from the hollow fiber degassing module 20A is supplied to the liquid-borne particle counter 19A, and the liquid-borne particle counter 19A measures the particles in the pure water. In this manner, the hollow fiber degassing module 20A may be provided in the chemical analyzer 2D. Moreover, hollow fiber degassing modules 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E may be provided in the chemical analysis device 2D instead of the hollow fiber degassing module 20A.

[0116] FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another modified example of the chemical analysis apparatus 2A in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the chemical analysis apparatus 2B includes a reaction disk 401, reaction vessels 402, reaction tanks 403, and a circulation pump 306. The reaction vessels 402 attached to the circumference of the circular reaction disk 401 are immersed in a liquid held in a similarly circular reaction tank 403. The liquid in the reaction tank 403 is constantly circulated by a circulation pump 306 installed between a discharge pipe 404 and a supply pipe 405, and the temperature is controlled by on / off control of a heater 307. The path between the discharge pipe 404 and the supply pipe 405, including the circulation pump 306 and the heater 307, constitutes a hot water circulation path. This maintains the reaction liquid held in the reaction vessel 402 at an optimum temperature for the reaction (e.g., 37°C).

[0117] The hot water circulation flow path may be provided with a cooling unit 308 for cooling the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 403 if its temperature becomes too high. A water supply tank 309 and a water supply pump 310 are connected to the hot water circulation flow path, and the supply of pure water from the water supply tank 309 is controlled by the water supply pump 310 and a water supply valve 311. A waste liquid valve 312 is also provided in the hot water circulation flow path, and the constant temperature water is discharged as waste liquid from the flow path when the high-temperature water circulating in the reaction tank 403 is replaced. A degasser 313 having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is also provided in the hot water circulation flow path, and dissolved gases in the constant temperature water supplied to the degasser 313 are degassed by the operation of a vacuum pump 314.

[0118] In this chemical analysis apparatus 2B, a beam of light irradiated from a light source lamp 315 passes through a reaction solution, which is a mixture of a sample and a reagent held in a reaction vessel 402, and the transmitted light is measured by a multi-wavelength photometer 316, thereby performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components in the sample.

[0119] FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another modified example of the chemical analysis system of FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the chemical analysis apparatus 2C includes a reaction disk 501, reaction vessels 502, a reaction tank 503, a water supply tank 504, and a water supply pump 506. The reaction vessels 502, which are attached to the circumference of the circular reaction disk 501, are immersed in constant-temperature water held in a similarly circular reaction tank 503. The reaction tank 503 is supplied with constant-temperature water from the water supply tank 504. A degassing device 505 having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is provided in the flow path between the water supply tank 504 and the reaction tank 503, and the supply of constant-temperature water is controlled by a water supply pump 506 and a water supply valve 507. Dissolved gases in the constant-temperature water supplied to the degassing device 505 are degassed by operation of a vacuum pump 508, and the water is supplied to the reaction tank 503 through a supply pipe 517.

[0120] Meanwhile, the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 503 is constantly circulated by a circulation pump 511 installed between the discharge pipe 509 and the supply pipe 510, and the temperature is controlled by on / off control of a heater 512. The path between the discharge pipe 509 and the supply pipe 510, including the circulation pump 511 and the heater 512, constitutes a hot water circulation path. This keeps the reaction liquid held inside the reaction vessel 502 at an optimum temperature for the reaction (for example, 37°C).

[0121] The hot water circulation flow path may be provided with a cooling unit 513 for cooling the constant temperature water in the reaction tank 503 when the temperature of the constant temperature water becomes too high. The hot water circulation flow path is also provided with a waste liquid valve 514, which discharges the constant temperature water as waste liquid outside the flow path when the constant temperature water circulating in the reaction tank 503 is replaced.

[0122] In this chemical analysis system, a beam of light irradiated from a light source lamp 515 passes through a reaction solution, which is a mixture of a sample and a reagent held in a reaction vessel 502, and the transmitted light is measured by a multi-wavelength photometer 516, thereby performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components in the sample.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the (bio)chemical analysis unit 4A in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 16 , the (bio)chemical analysis unit 4B may include a specimen container 601, a specimen dispensing mechanism 602, a reaction container 603, a reagent container 604, and a reagent dispensing mechanism 605. The (bio)chemical analysis unit 4B can mix and stir, for example, a specimen sent from the specimen container 601 to the reaction container 603 via the specimen dispensing mechanism 602 and a reagent sent from the reagent container 604 to the reaction container 603 via the reagent dispensing mechanism 605. The reaction container 603 is maintained at a constant temperature by constant-temperature water stored in a reaction tank 606. A degassing device (not shown) having a hollow fiber degassing module 20A or 20B is provided on a flow path supplying constant-temperature water to the reaction tank 606, and the supply of constant-temperature water is controlled.

[0124] The chemical analyzer of the above embodiment may also have a control unit (not shown) configured with an information processing device having a CPU, memory, I / O, microcomputer, latch, etc., and programs and data for automatic analysis and diagnosis stored in memory. By utilizing these, the CPU can process or comprehensively control information required for the operation and analytical operations of the chemical analyzer.

[0125] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0126] <Fabrication of Hollow Fiber Degassing Modules> A plurality of internal perfusion-type hollow fiber degassing modules having a structure similar to that of the hollow fiber degassing module in Figure 3 and external perfusion-type hollow fiber degassing modules having a structure similar to that of the hollow fiber degassing module in Figure 7 were fabricated. In each hollow fiber degassing module, the joint structures in the liquid supply unit / gas supply unit and gas discharge unit shown in Table 2 were used, and the connection configuration between the housing and the joint structures in the liquid supply unit / gas supply unit and gas discharge unit was shown in Table 1. Table 1 shows the hollow fiber material, model number, manufacturer name, perfusion method, and connection configuration between the housing and the joint structure in each hollow fiber degassing module. In Table 1, "threaded" refers to a state in which the male thread on the joint structure is threaded into the female thread on the housing, and "welded" refers to a state in which the joint structure (e.g., a bamboo shoot portion) is joined to the housing by melting a resin. "Threaded (with ribs)" refers to a structure in which the male thread of the joint structure is screwed into the female thread provided on the ribbed extension on the housing side. In Table 2, "Lure Fit (PP)" refers to a luer fitting joint structure made of polypropylene, "One Touch" refers to a one-touch joint structure, "Bamboo Shoot (PP)" refers to a bamboo shoot joint structure made of polypropylene, and "Bamboo Shoot (Metal)" refers to a bamboo shoot joint structure made of metal.

[0127] (Example 1) An internal circulation type hollow fiber degassing module A was prepared, in which the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section were luer fitting joint structures, and the connections between the housing and the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section were screwed together.

[0128] (Examples 2 to 10) Internal reflux / external perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules E to H were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section, and the connection forms between the housing and the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section were changed to those shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0129] (Comparative Examples 1 to 10) Internal reflux / external perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules A to H were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section, and the connection forms between the housing and the joint structures in the liquid supply section / gas supply section and gas discharge section were changed to those shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0130] <Test Method 1: One-Month Evaluation of 5°C Storage Durability Test> (1) In a constant-temperature dryer ("OF-600S" manufactured by AS ONE Corporation, 5°C), a chemical analyzer having a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1 was used. The hollow fiber degassing modules of each Example and Comparative Example were connected and installed using the joint structures shown in Table 2. Pure water was circulated (flow rate: 500 mL / min) and a vacuum pump ("DAP-6D" manufactured by ULVAC, 10 kPa (abs)) was operated to degas for 22 hours. Regarding the connection between the joint structure and the tube member, for the luer fitting joint structure, the female terminal on the tube member was inserted into the male terminal on the housing while rotating and fastening. The female terminal on the tube member was rotated in the opposite direction and removed. For the one-touch joint structure, the tube member was inserted into the one-touch joint structure and fastened. The open sleeve was then pressed axially to remove the tube member. In the bamboo joint structure, the tube member was screwed into the bamboo joint structure and fixed with a hose band (metal ring). The hose band (metal ring) was then removed, and the tube member was removed from the bamboo joint while twisting it.

[0131] (2) After that, the pure water circulation and vacuum pump were stopped, and hypochlorous acid (concentration 500 ppm) was added to the water supply tank filled with pure water using a syringe. Again, under the same conditions as in (1), the vacuum pump was operated for 30 minutes while circulating the pure water to perform cleaning. (3) After cleaning, the pure water circulation and vacuum pump were stopped, the tube was removed from the joint, the degassing module was separated, and the pure water that had accumulated in the vacuum section was removed. (4) All of the pure water in the circulation path and water supply tank was replaced with new water.

[0132] The above steps (1) to (4) were performed in a cycle of 24 hours, and after one month of operation, a leak test was conducted, and the state of the joints was observed for dust generated from the tube members. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0133] (Leak test) Water was passed through the liquid phase of the removed hollow fiber module, and the presence or absence of a leak was visually confirmed. If a leak was found in any one place, it was recorded as "present", and otherwise it was recorded as "absent".

[0134] (Observation of dust generated from tube member) Using a chemical analyzer having the same configuration as the chemical analyzer shown in Figure 13, the number of particles in the liquid (particle size 0.1 µm or more) was confirmed with a liquid-borne particle counter manufactured by Rion at a flow rate of 500 mL / min. ○: Less than 1000 particles △: 1000 or more but less than 10000 particles ×: 10000 or more particles

[0135] (Strength evaluation of joint structure) A load measuring device (manufactured by Imada, device name "FORCE MEASUREMENT MX2") was used to press 1000 N into the joint portion (center portion) from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of each joint structure, and the state afterwards was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. ○: No change △: Wobbling observed ×: Breakage or damage observed

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] <Test Method 2: One-Month Evaluation of 25°C Storage Durability Test> A test was conducted and evaluated in the same manner as Test Method 1, except that the temperature of the thermostatic bath (manufactured by AS ONE Corporation, "OF-600S") was changed to 25°C. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0139]

[0140] <Test Method 3: One-Month Evaluation of 40°C Storage Durability Test> A test was conducted and evaluated in the same manner as Test Method 1, except that the temperature of the thermostatic bath (manufactured by AS ONE Corporation, "OF-600S") was changed to 40°C. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0141]

[0142] The results in Table 2 show that in the 5°C storage durability test, no leaks occurred within the module and no debris was found in the tubing even one month after the start of the test in both the internal perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 1 to 4 and the external perfusion type hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 5 to 10. It was also found that the strength of the joint structures in the liquid supply part, liquid discharge part, and gas discharge part was good, and that the original degassing performance was maintained.

[0143] Furthermore, the results of Table 3 show that in the internal perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 1 to 4 and the external perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 5 to 10, no leaks occurred within the module and no debris was found from the tubing even one month after the start of the 25°C storage durability test. Furthermore, it was found that the strength of the joint structures in the liquid supply section, liquid discharge section, and gas discharge section was good, and the original degassing performance was maintained. Furthermore, the results of Table 4 show that in the internal perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 1 to 4 and the external perfusion hollow fiber degassing modules of Examples 5 to 10, no leaks occurred within the module and no debris was found from the tubing even one month after the start of the test. Furthermore, it was found that the strength of the joint structures in the liquid supply section, liquid discharge section, and gas discharge section was good, and the original degassing performance was maintained.

[0144] On the other hand, in a 5°C storage durability test one month after the start of the test (Table 2), more than 1,000 particles of dust (particle size 0.1 μm or larger) were generated from the tube member in Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and 7 to 10. Furthermore, in Comparative Examples 1 and 3 to 10, the strength of the joint structure in at least one of the liquid supply part, liquid discharge part, and gas discharge part was poor.

[0145] Furthermore, in a 25°C storage durability test one month after the start of the test (Table 3), more than 1,000 particles of dust (particle size 0.1 μm or larger) were generated from the tube member in Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and 7 to 10. In Comparative Examples 1 to 10, the strength of the joint structure in at least one of the liquid supply part, liquid discharge part, and gas discharge part was poor.

[0146] Furthermore, in a 40°C storage durability test one month after the start of the test (Table 4), 10,000 or more particles of dust (particle size 0.1 μm or larger) were generated from the tube member in Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and 7 to 10. In Comparative Examples 1 to 10, the strength of the joint structure in at least one of the liquid supply part, liquid discharge part, and gas discharge part was poor.

[0147] 1A Pure water supply device 2A Chemical analysis device 2B Chemical analysis device 2C Chemical analysis device 2D Chemical analysis device 3 Degassing device 3a Flow path 3b Flow path 3c Flow path 4A (Bio)chemical analysis section 4B (Bio)chemical analysis section 5 Reaction tank 6 Vacuum pump 11A Water supply tank 12A Thermostatic bath 12AA Supply pipe 12AB Discharge pipe 13A Flow path 14A Liquid transfer pump 15A Water supply pump 18A Flow path 19A Liquid-borne particle counter 19AA Supply pipe 19AB Discharge pipe 20A Hollow fiber degassing module 20AA Hollow fiber degassing module 20B Hollow fiber degassing module 20C Hollow fiber degassing module 20D Hollow fiber degassing module 20E Hollow fiber degassing module 22 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 22a One end in the longitudinal direction 22b Other end in the longitudinal direction 22C Hollow fiber membrane bundle 210 Housing 210C Housing 210D Housing 210Da Extension portion 210Db Rib portion 210Dc Ring member 210Dd Nut 210De Extension portion 210Df Rib portion 210Dg Ring member 210Dh Nut 210E Housing 210Ea Extension portion 210Eb Extension portion 211 Cylinder 211a One end in the axial direction 211b Other end in the axial direction 211c Lower end in the axial direction 211C Cylinder 211Ca One end in the longitudinal direction 211d Upper end in the axial direction 212A First lid portion 212Aa First wall portion 212Ab Second wall portion 212B Third lid portion 212Ba First wall portion 212Bb Second wall portion 212C Lid portion 213A Second lid portion 213Aa First wall portion 213Ab Second wall portion 213B Fourth lid portion 213Ba First wall portion 213Bb Second wall portion 214 First screw portion 215 Second screw portion 216A Liquid supply portion (first liquid supply portion) 216A Liquid supply portion 216Aa Liquid supply port 216B Second liquid supply portion 216B Liquid supply portion (second liquid supply portion) 216B Liquid supply portion 216Ba Liquid supply port 216C Liquid supply portion (first liquid supply portion) 216C Liquid supply portion 216Ca First connector portion 216D Liquid supply part (second liquid supply part) 216D Liquid supply part 216E Liquid supply part (second liquid supply part) 216E Liquid supply part 217A Liquid discharge part (first liquid discharge part) 217A Liquid discharge part 217Aa Liquid discharge port 217B Second liquid discharge part 217B Liquid discharge part (second liquid discharge part)217B Liquid discharge portion 217Ba Liquid discharge port 217C Liquid discharge portion (first liquid discharge portion) 217C Liquid discharge portion 217Ca Second connector portion 217D Liquid discharge portion (second liquid supply portion) 217D Liquid discharge portion 217E Liquid discharge portion (second liquid supply portion) 217E Liquid discharge portion 218A Gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion) 218A Gas discharge portion 218Aa Gas discharge port 218B Gas discharge portion (second gas discharge portion) 218B Gas discharge portion 218Ba Gas discharge port 218C Gas discharge portion (first gas discharge portion) 218C Gas discharge portion 218Ca Gas discharge port 218D Gas discharge portion 218E Gas discharge portion 220 Hollow fiber membrane 220a One end in the longitudinal direction 220b Other end in the longitudinal direction 220C Hollow fiber membrane 220Ca One end in the longitudinal direction 220Cb Other end in the longitudinal direction 231A First sealed portion 231B Third sealed portion 232A Second sealed portion 232B Fourth sealed portion 232Ba Communication port 233 Central pipe 234 External support 234C External support 306 Circulation pump 307 Heater 308 Cooling unit 309 Water supply tank 310 Water supply pump 311 Water supply valve 312 Waste liquid valve 313 Degasser 314 Vacuum pump 315 Light source lamp 316 Multi-wavelength photometer 401 Reaction disk 402 Reaction vessel 403 Reaction tank 404 Discharge piping 405 Supply piping 500 Concentration 501 Reaction disk 502 Reaction vessel 503 Reaction tank 504 Water supply tank 505 Degassing device 506 Water supply pump 507 Water supply valve 508 Vacuum pump 509 Discharge piping 510 Supply piping 511 Circulation pump 512 Heater 513 Cooling unit 514 Waste liquid valve 515 Light source lamp 516 Multi-wavelength photometer 517 Supply piping 601 Sample container 602 Sample dispensing mechanism 603 Reaction vessel 604 Reagent container 605 Reagent dispensing mechanism 606 Reaction vessel 701A One-touch joint structure 701Aa Joint body 701Ab Tube connection part 701Ac Recess 701Ad Sealing member 701Ae Buckling 701Af Locking ring 701Ag Tube insertion port 701Ah Collar 701Ai Release sleeve 701B One-touch joint structure 701C One-touch joint structure 701E Luer fitting joint structure702A One-touch joint structure 702B One-touch joint structure 702C One-touch joint structure 702E Luer fitting joint structure

Claims

1. A chemical analysis device for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a specimen, comprising: a constant temperature bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen; and a degassing section having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a housing and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in an internal space of the housing, wherein the housing has: a first liquid supply section connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and for supplying the constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane; a first liquid discharge section connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and for discharging the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing; and at least one first gas discharge section connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the housing, The chemical analysis apparatus, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure that connects the housing and a tube member to the at least one first gas discharge section.

2. The chemical analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module further has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure in at least one of the first liquid supply section and the first liquid discharge section, which connects the housing and a tube member.

3. A chemical analysis apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in one or more of the at least one first gas discharge section, the first liquid supply section and the first liquid discharge section, the housing has an extension section that is integral with the housing and extends outward from the housing to have the one-touch joint structure or Luer fitting joint structure attached.

4. The chemical analysis device according to claim 3, wherein said housing further comprises at least one rib portion provided on said extension portion.

5. The chemical analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has a cylindrical body arranged so that its axial direction is approximately horizontal, a first lid portion attached to one axial end of the cylindrical body, and a second lid portion attached to the other axial end of the cylindrical body, the first liquid supply portion being provided on the first lid portion and the first liquid discharge portion being provided on the second lid portion, and the at least one first gas discharge portion being provided on the cylindrical body.

6. A chemical analysis apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein the cylinder has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction parallel to the horizontal direction, and the at least one first gas discharge portion is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylinder.

7. A chemical analysis apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein the cylindrical body has a first threaded portion where the cylindrical body and the first lid portion are threadedly engaged, and a second threaded portion where the cylindrical body and the second lid portion are threadedly engaged.

8. The chemical analysis apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a first sealing portion that seals one axial end of the cylindrical body and a second sealing portion that seals the other axial end of the cylindrical body, one longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane being fixed to the first sealing portion and the other longitudinal end of the hollow fiber membrane being fixed to the second sealing portion.

9. The chemical analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane is made of a polyolefin resin, a fluororesin or a silicone resin.

10. The chemical analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a polyolefin resin or an aromatic polyester resin.

11. A chemical analysis device for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a specimen, comprising: a constant temperature bath for maintaining the temperature of a container containing the specimen; and a degassing section having a hollow fiber degassing module for degassing dissolved gas contained in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a housing and a hollow fiber membrane arranged in an internal space of the housing, wherein the housing has: a second liquid supply section connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing and for supplying the constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing; a second liquid discharge section connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and for discharging the degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; and at least one second gas discharge section connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, The chemical analysis apparatus, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure that connects the housing and a tube member to the at least one second gas discharge section.

12. The chemical analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module further comprises a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure for connecting the housing and a tube member to at least one of the second liquid supply section and the second liquid discharge section.

13. A chemical analysis apparatus as described in claim 11 or 12, wherein in one or more of the at least one second gas discharge section, the second liquid supply section and the second liquid discharge section, the housing has an extension section that is integral with the housing and extends outward from the housing, on which the one-touch joint structure or the luer fitting joint structure is disposed.

14. The chemical analysis device according to claim 13, wherein said housing further comprises at least one rib portion provided on said extension portion.

15. The chemical analysis apparatus described in claim 11, wherein the housing has a cylindrical body arranged so that its axial direction is approximately vertical, a third lid portion attached to the lower axial end of the cylindrical body, and a fourth lid portion attached to the upper axial end of the cylindrical body, the second liquid supply portion being provided on the cylindrical body and the second liquid discharge portion being provided on the fourth lid portion, and the at least one second gas discharge portion being provided on the third lid portion.

16. The chemical analyzer of claim 15, wherein said at least one second gas exhaust port is provided in said third lid portion.

17. The chemical analysis apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cylindrical body has a third threaded portion at which the cylindrical body and the third lid portion are threadedly engaged, and a fourth threaded portion at which the cylindrical body and the fourth lid portion are threadedly engaged.

18. The chemical analysis apparatus described in claim 15, wherein the hollow fiber degassing module has a third sealing portion that seals the axial upper end of the cylinder and a fourth sealing portion that seals the axial lower end of the cylinder, and the longitudinal upper end of the hollow fiber membrane is fixed to the third sealing portion and the longitudinal lower end of the hollow fiber membrane is fixed to the fourth sealing portion.

19. The chemical analysis device according to claim 11, wherein the hollow fiber membrane is made of a polyolefin resin, a fluororesin or a silicone resin.

20. The chemical analysis device according to claim 11, wherein the housing is made of a polyolefin resin or an aromatic polyester resin.

21. A hollow fiber degassing module for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a sample, comprising: a housing; and a hollow fiber membrane disposed in an internal space of the housing, wherein the housing has: a first liquid supply section connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane and for supplying constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane; a first liquid discharge section connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and for discharging degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing; and at least one first gas discharge section connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the housing, wherein the at least one first gas discharge section has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure connecting the housing and a tube member.

22. A hollow fiber degassing module for performing chemical or biochemical analysis of a sample, comprising: a housing; and a hollow fiber membrane disposed in an internal space of the housing, wherein the housing has: a second liquid supply section connecting the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing and for supplying constant temperature water from the outside of the housing to the internal space of the housing; a second liquid discharge section connecting the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing and for discharging degassed constant temperature water from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing; and at least one second gas discharge section connecting the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the housing and for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the hollow fiber membrane, wherein the at least one second gas discharge section has a one-touch joint structure or a luer fitting joint structure connecting the housing and a tube member.

23. A method for degassing dissolved gas contained in constant temperature water in a constant temperature bath in a chemical analysis apparatus as described in claim 1 or 11, comprising the steps of: supplying constant temperature water to the outside of a hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber degassing module; and degassing the constant temperature water by reducing the pressure inside the hollow fiber membrane.

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