Gas detection device and gas detection method

Abstract

A gas detection device (1) comprises: a gas sensor (10); a first flow passage (21) in which the gas sensor (10) is positioned; one or more adsorption members (40) that include a porous material having pores that can adsorb and desorb water molecules, a gas passing through the one or more adsorption members (40) before flowing into the first flow passage (21); and a control unit (60) that controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow passage (21) by adjusting the water molecule adsorption / desorption performance of the one or more adsorption members (40).

Description

Gas detection device and gas detection method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas detection device and a gas detection method.

[0002] Gas sensors are used for analyzing gases, such as identifying molecules contained in the gas. When detecting molecules in a gas using such a gas sensor, the output of the gas sensor can change depending on the humidity of the gas.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the temperature and humidity of a measurement gas and a standard gas are measured using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the influence of the temperature and humidity is calculated, and the offset component and the influence of the gas sensor are subtracted from the output of the gas sensor.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a dehumidifying device having a honeycomb rotor on which faujasite-type zeolite is supported.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-174673 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-55725

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 can reduce the influence of gas humidity and use the output of the gas sensor for analysis, but it is not a technology that can reduce the influence of gas humidity on the gas sensor output itself.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a gas detection device and a gas detection method that can reduce the effect of gas humidity on the output of a gas sensor.

[0008] A gas detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a gas sensor, a first flow path in which the gas sensor is disposed, one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, through which gas passes before flowing into the first flow path, and a control unit that controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the one or more adsorption members for water molecules.

[0009] A gas detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detection method for detecting molecules in a gas using a gas sensor disposed in a first flow path, and includes a control step of controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the water molecule adsorption / desorption performance of one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, the one or more adsorption members through which the gas passes before flowing into the first flow path, and a detection step of detecting molecules in the gas flowing through the first flow path whose humidity has been controlled by the control step using the gas sensor.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the influence of gas humidity on the output of a gas sensor can be reduced.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas detection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first path. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second path. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing humidity measurement results when switching between the first path and the second path is performed every three minutes. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing humidity measurement results of gas flowing through the first flow path when the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path is changed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing humidity and temperature measurement results when the temperatures of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member are adjusted. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing humidity measurement results of gas flowing through the first flow path when changing whether or not the temperatures of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member are adjusted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of a gas detection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection device according to a modified embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining rotation of the adsorption member.

[0012] (Summary of the Present Disclosure) As an overview of the present disclosure, examples of a gas detection device and a gas detection method according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0013] For example, a gas detection device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a gas sensor, a first flow path in which the gas sensor is disposed, one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, through which gas passes before flowing into the first flow path, and a control unit that controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the one or more adsorption members for water molecules.

[0014] This allows the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path to be controlled by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the adsorption member for water molecules, thereby reducing the effect of the gas humidity on the output of the gas sensor. Furthermore, because the adsorption member can adsorb water molecules and control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path to be reduced, the life of the gas sensor can be extended even in cases where the gas sensor is prone to deterioration due to humidity. Furthermore, the gas detection device can be used even when detecting molecules in gas in a humid atmosphere.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the first aspect, comprising a second flow path and a third flow path connected to each other via the first flow path, and a switching unit that repeatedly switches the gas flow path between a first path in which gas flows through the second flow path, the first flow path, and the third flow path in that order, and a second path in which gas flows through the third flow path, the first flow path, and the second flow path in that order, and the one or more adsorption members include a first adsorption member arranged in the second flow path and a second adsorption member arranged in the third flow path.

[0016] As a result, the gas flow path repeatedly switches, causing the gas to pass through either the first or second adsorption member first, whichever adsorption member the gas passes through first. Furthermore, the gas passes through whichever adsorption member of the first or second adsorption member after passing through the other adsorption member. As a result, the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member alternately experience periods in which water molecules are likely to adsorb and periods in which water molecules are likely to desorb. Therefore, the water molecule adsorption performance of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member can be restored by desorbing water molecules from the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member without introducing dry gas from the outside.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the second aspect, wherein the control unit adjusts the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit to adjust the adsorption / desorption performance.

[0018] This makes it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by switching between the first path and the second path, thereby achieving a gas detection device with a simple configuration.

[0019] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the second aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the adsorption and desorption performance by adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the first path, and by adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the second path.

[0020] This allows the temperature of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the adsorption and desorption of water molecules at the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member at the timing when the gas passes before flowing into the first flow path, thereby expanding the control range for the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the second aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the adsorption and desorption performance by adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the first path, and by adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the second path.

[0022] This allows the temperature of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the adsorption and desorption of water molecules at the time when the gas flowing out of the first flow path passes through, thereby expanding the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the second aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that cools and / or heats and cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the adsorption and desorption performance by adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member by the temperature regulator and the temperature of the second adsorption member by the temperature regulator when gas flows through the first path, and adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member by the temperature regulator and the temperature of the first adsorption member by the temperature regulator when gas flows through the second path.

[0024] This makes it possible to adjust the adsorption and desorption of water molecules to the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member at the required timing, thereby widening the control range for the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the second aspect, further comprising a temperature regulator that cools and / or heats and / or cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance, and when gas flows through the first path, the temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the first adsorption member and the temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the second adsorption member, and when gas flows through the second path, the temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the second adsorption member and the temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the first adsorption member.

[0026] This allows the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path to be controlled by switching between the first and second paths, thereby realizing a gas detection device with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the adsorption and desorption of water molecules to the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member can be adjusted at the required timing, thereby widening the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the first aspect, and includes a second flow path through which gas flows before flowing into the first flow path, a third flow path through which gas flowing out from the first flow path flows, and a rotator, wherein the one or more adsorption members are a single adsorption member rotatably arranged across the second flow path and the third flow path, and the rotator rotates the single adsorption member.

[0028] As a result, as one adsorption member rotates, the portion of the one adsorption member located in the second flow path moves to the third flow path and then returns to the second flow path, repeatedly. Furthermore, in the third flow path, gas that has passed through one adsorption member in the second flow path flows. As a result, in each portion of one adsorption member, there are alternate periods when water molecules are likely to be adsorbed and when water molecules are likely to be desorbed. Therefore, it is possible to desorb water molecules from one adsorption member and regenerate the adsorption performance of the one adsorption member without introducing dry gas from the outside.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the one adsorption member to adjust the adsorption / desorption performance.

[0030] This makes it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by utilizing the rotation of one adsorption member, thereby realizing a gas detection device with a simple configuration.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the eighth aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path by the temperature regulator to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

[0032] This makes it possible to adjust the temperature of one adsorption member in the second flow path, thereby adjusting the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of one adsorption member in the second flow path, thereby expanding the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the eighth aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path by the temperature regulator to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

[0034] This allows the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of one adsorption member in the third flow path to be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of one adsorption member in the third flow path, thereby expanding the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the eighth aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that performs at least one of cooling and heating of the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path using the temperature regulator, and adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path using the temperature regulator, in order to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

[0036] This allows the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of one adsorption member in the second flow path and the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of one adsorption member in the third flow path to be adjusted, thereby expanding the control range for the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to the eighth aspect, and includes a temperature regulator that cools and / or heats the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the rotation speed of the one adsorption member to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance, adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path by the temperature regulator, and adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path by the temperature regulator.

[0038] This allows the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path to be controlled by utilizing the rotation of the single adsorption member, thereby realizing a gas detection device with a simple configuration. Also, the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of the single adsorption member in the second flow path and the adsorption and desorption of water molecules of the single adsorption member in the third flow path can be adjusted, thereby widening the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detection device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the control unit acquires the humidity of the gas introduced into the gas detection device and controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path based on the acquired humidity.

[0040] This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas detection device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the pore diameter of the porous material is 3 Å or more and 4 Å or less.

[0042] As a result, the pore diameter of the porous material becomes approximately the same as the diameter of water molecules, and water molecules are more likely to be selectively adsorbed to the porous material. Therefore, even when gas passes through the adsorption member before flowing into the first flow path, molecules to be detected are less likely to be adsorbed by the adsorption member, and the influence on gas detection by the gas sensor can be reduced.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detection device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, comprising a humidifier that humidifies the gas before it flows into the first flow path, and the control unit controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the adsorption / desorption performance and controlling the humidification by the humidifier.

[0044] This makes it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path to a higher humidity than the gas introduced into the gas detection device, thereby expanding the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, a gas detection method according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detection method for detecting molecules in a gas using a gas sensor disposed in a first flow path, and includes a control step of controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the water molecule adsorption / desorption performance of one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, the one or more adsorption members through which the gas passes before flowing into the first flow path, and a detection step of detecting, using the gas sensor, molecules in the gas flowing through the first flow path whose humidity has been controlled by the control step.

[0046] As a result, similar to the gas detection device according to the first aspect, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path can be controlled by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the water molecules of the adsorption member, thereby reducing the effect of the humidity of the gas on the output of the gas sensor.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0048] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallelism, terms indicating the shapes of elements, and numerical ranges are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0049] In addition, the drawings are not necessarily strict illustrations, and the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components in the drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0050] Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components, but are used to avoid confusion between similar components and to distinguish between components.

[0051] (Embodiment) A gas detection device according to the present embodiment will be described below.

[0052] [Configuration] First, the schematic configuration of the gas detection device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the gas detection device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1 , the gas detection device 1 includes a gas sensor 10, a first flow path 21 in which the gas sensor 10 is disposed, a humidity adjustment unit 30 including an adsorption member 40, a control unit 60, and a hygrometer 15 disposed in the first flow path 21. The gas detection device 1 uses the gas sensor 10 to detect molecules in a gas flowing through the first flow path 21. The gas sensor 10 adsorbs the molecules to be detected. The detection results of the gas sensor 10 are used for various analyses of the gas, such as identifying molecules contained in the gas or quantifying specific molecules in the gas. The gas detection device 1 may further include a processing circuit (not shown) that analyzes the gas based on a signal output by the gas sensor 10. The molecules to be detected are, for example, volatilized organic compounds, but may also be inorganic gas molecules.

[0054] The gas sensor 10 (specifically, the sensitive film described below) is a gas sensor whose electrical characteristic value changes in response to the adsorption of molecules in a gas and outputs a signal corresponding to the electrical characteristic value. The signal output by the gas sensor 10 changes in response to the adsorption concentration of molecules. Furthermore, when different types of molecules are adsorbed by the gas sensor 10, the output signal may differ even for the same adsorption concentration. The gas sensor 10 may be, for example, an electrochemical type, a semiconductor type, a field-effect transistor type, a surface acoustic wave type, a quartz oscillator type, or a resistance change type gas sensor.

[0055] The gas sensor 10 includes, for example, a sensing portion and a pair of electrodes electrically connected to the sensing portion. The sensing portion is, for example, a sensitive membrane whose electrical resistance changes depending on the concentration of adsorbed molecules. A signal corresponding to the electrical resistance of the sensitive membrane of the gas sensor 10 is output as, for example, a voltage signal or a current signal via the pair of electrodes.

[0056] The sensitive membrane is composed of, for example, a resin material, which is an adsorbent that adsorbs molecules to be detected by the gas detection device 1, and conductive particles dispersed in the resin material. The conductive particles form a conductive network within the resin material. With this configuration, the resin material expands upon adsorption of molecules to the resin material, changing the structure of the network formed by the conductive particles, thereby changing the electrical resistance value of the sensitive membrane. Examples of the resin material include polyalkylene glycol resin, polyester resin, and silicone resin. The resin material is, for example, a material commercially available as a stationary phase for gas chromatography columns. From the standpoint of durability and molecular adsorption, the resin material may be, for example, a silicone resin commercially available as a stationary phase for columns, having various substituents such as phenyl groups and methyl groups on its side chains. The conductive particles are, for example, particles made of a metal or a conductive carbon material. Note that the sensitive membrane is not limited to a composition of a resin material and conductive particles, and may be any material whose electrical characteristic value changes upon adsorption of molecules to be detected.

[0057] The humidity adjusting unit 30 is a humidity adjusting mechanism that adjusts the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 using the adsorption member 40. The humidity adjusting unit 30 operates under the control of the control unit 60. Details of the humidity adjusting unit 30 will be described later.

[0058] The adsorption member 40 includes a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, i.e., capable of adsorbing and desorbing adsorbed water molecules. The adsorption member 40 is disposed at least in the gas inflow path to the first flow path 21. Gas passes through the adsorption member 40 before flowing into the first flow path 21. In other words, gas that has passed through the adsorption member 40 flows into the first flow path 21. The adsorption member 40 is capable of adsorbing water molecules contained in the gas that has passed through the adsorption member 40. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, in the humidity adjustment unit 30, desorption of water molecules from the adsorption member 40 is also performed under the control of the control unit 60.

[0059] The adsorption member 40 is a filter having a configuration in which a porous material is supported on a structure having pores through which gas can pass, such as an aggregate of fibers such as nonwoven fabric, a sponge-like structure, or a honeycomb-like structure. The adsorption member 40 may have a structure in which multiple filters are stacked. Note that the adsorption member 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration in which the porous material can adsorb water molecules of the gas passing through the adsorption member 40, and may be, for example, a column filled with a porous material.

[0060] Examples of porous materials included in the adsorption member 40 include zeolite, MOF (Metal Organic Frameworks), silica gel, and activated carbon. Among these, zeolite (especially synthetic zeolite) or MOF may be used as the porous material from the viewpoint of ease of pore size control. The pore size of the porous material is, for example, 3 Å or more and 4 Å or less. This makes the pore size of the porous material approximately the same as the diameter of water molecules, making it easier for water molecules to be selectively adsorbed to the porous material. Therefore, even when gas passes through the adsorption member 40 before flowing into the first flow path 21, molecules to be detected are less likely to be adsorbed by the adsorption member 40, thereby reducing the impact on gas detection by the gas sensor 10. In this specification, the pore size of the porous material refers to the peak pore size in the pore size distribution of the porous material at room temperature (23°C). The pore size distribution is measured, for example, by a molecular probe method.

[0061] The control unit 60 controls the operation of the gas detection device 1. The control unit 60 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor that has a built-in program that performs the processing described below. The control unit 60 may also be realized by a dedicated logic circuit that performs the processing described below.

[0062] The control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 using the humidity adjustment unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the adsorption member 40 in the humidity adjustment unit 30. The control unit 60 also acquires the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 measured by the hygrometer 15, and adjusts the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the adsorption member 40 based on the humidity, thereby controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. Note that the hygrometer 15 may be disposed in a location other than the first flow path 21 as long as it can measure the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. In other words, the hygrometer 15 may be disposed anywhere as long as the humidity is substantially the same as that in the first flow path 21.

[0063] Control unit 60 may further obtain the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1 measured by hygrometer 16, and adjust the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of adsorbent member 40 based on the humidity, thereby controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. Hygrometer 16 may be installed at the location where gas detection device 1 is used, or may be provided in gas detection device 1. Hygrometer 16 may also measure the humidity of the environment in which gas detection device 1 is used, or may measure the humidity in the vicinity of gas detection device 1 (for example, the humidity in the vicinity of intake port 32, which will be described later).

[0064] The control by the control unit 60 will be described in detail later.

[0065] Next, a detailed configuration of gas detection device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of gas detection device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0066] 2 , gas detection device 1 includes, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , an intake port 32 for taking in gas flowing into first flow path 21, an exhaust port 35 for exhausting gas flowing out from first flow path 21, and a pump 65 for flowing gas into first flow path 21. Gas detection device 1 also includes an intake flow path 31 connecting intake port 32 and humidity adjustment unit 30, an exhaust flow path 33 connecting humidity adjustment unit 30 and pump 65, and an exhaust flow path 34 connecting pump 65 and exhaust port 35. Intake flow path 31 and exhaust flow paths 33 and 34 are, for example, spaces provided within piping or tubes. When pump 65 is operated under the control of control unit 60, gas taken in from intake port 32 is exhausted from exhaust port 35 via humidity adjustment unit 30 and first flow path 21.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the first flow path 21 is a space provided within a housing 45. The housing 45 houses the gas sensor 10 and the hygrometer 15. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the gas detection device 1 includes a plurality of gas sensors 10 arranged in the first flow path 21. The plurality of gas sensors 10 are arranged, for example, in an array. At least two of the plurality of gas sensors 10 have different sensitivity characteristics. Therefore, at least two of the plurality of gas sensors 10 exhibit different molecular adsorption behaviors. This can improve the identification accuracy when the detection results of the gas sensors 10 are used to identify molecules. The sensitivity characteristics of the plurality of gas sensors 10 may be different from each other.

[0068] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the humidity adjustment unit 30 includes two adsorption members 40, a second flow path 22, a third flow path 23, a switching unit 50, a temperature regulator 63, and a humidifier 64. In the following description, when the two adsorption members 40 are described separately, one of the two adsorption members 40 will be referred to as a first adsorption member 41 and the other of the two adsorption members 40 will be referred to as a second adsorption member 42. Note that the humidity adjustment unit 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 as long as it can adjust the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 using the adsorption members 40. For example, the humidity adjustment unit 30 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 2, or may further include components not shown in Fig. 2.

[0069] The second flow path 22 and the third flow path 23 are connected to each other via the first flow path 21. The second flow path 22 is connected to one end of the first flow path 21. The third flow path 23 is connected to the other end of the first flow path 21.

[0070] The second flow path 22 is a flow path that connects the switching unit 50 and the first flow path 21. The third flow path 23 is a flow path that connects the switching unit 50 and the first flow path 21 at a position different from that of the second flow path 22. Gas flows through the second flow path 22, the first flow path 21, and the third flow path 23 in this order or in the reverse order.

[0071] 2 , the second flow path 22 is a space provided within the housing 46, within the piping or tubing connecting the housings 45 and 46, and within the piping or tubing connecting the housing 46 and the switching unit 50 (specifically, the connecting member 53). The housing 46 accommodates the first adsorption member 41 disposed in the second flow path 22. Therefore, the gas flowing through the second flow path 22 passes through the first adsorption member 41.

[0072] 2 , the third flow path 23 is a space provided within the housing 47, within the piping or tubing connecting the housings 45 and 47, and within the piping or tubing connecting the housing 47 and the switching unit 50 (specifically, the connecting member 54). The housing 47 houses the second adsorption member 42 disposed in the third flow path 23. Therefore, the gas flowing through the third flow path 23 passes through the second adsorption member 42.

[0073] Based on the control of the control unit 60, the switching unit 50 repeatedly switches the gas flow path for the gas taken in through the intake port 32 between a first path in which the gas flows through the second flow path 22, the first flow path 21, and the third flow path 23 in that order, and a second path in which the gas flows through the third flow path 23, the first flow path 21, and the second flow path 22 in that order. By switching the gas flow path, the switching unit 50 repeatedly reverses the flow direction of the gas passing through the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the switching unit 50 includes three-way automatic valves 51 and 52 , connecting members 53 and 54 , and switching flow paths 24 , 25 , 26 and 27 .

[0075] The three-way automatic valve 51 is an automatic valve for switching the path through which gas flows from the intake port 32 to the first flow path 21. The three-way automatic valve 52 is an automatic valve for switching the path through which gas flows from the first flow path 21 to the exhaust port 35. The three-way automatic valves 51 and 52 are, for example, solenoid valves, but may also be automatic valves other than solenoid valves, such as air-driven automatic valves.

[0076] The automatic three-way valve 51 has a first port P1 connected to the intake flow path 31, a second port P2 connected to the switching flow path 24, and a third port P3 connected to the switching flow path 25. The first port P1 is a port for introducing gas drawn in from the intake port 32 into the switching unit 50. The second port P2 and the third port P3 are ports for switching the path through which the gas introduced from the first port P1 flows. The automatic three-way valve 51 has the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3 controlled to open or close under the control of the control unit 60.

[0077] The automatic three-way valve 52 is provided with a fourth port P4 connected to the exhaust flow path 33, a fifth port P5 connected to the switching flow path 26, and a sixth port P6 connected to the switching flow path 27. The fourth port P4 is a port for discharging gas from the switching unit 50 to the exhaust port 35. The fifth port P5 and the sixth port P6 are ports for switching the path through which the gas discharged from the fourth port P4 flows. The automatic three-way valve 52 has the opening and closing of the fourth port P4, the fifth port P5, and the sixth port P6 controlled by the control unit 60.

[0078] The connecting member 53 connects the second flow path 22, the switching flow path 24, and the switching flow path 27. It can also be said that the flow path connected to the second flow path 22 is branched into the switching flow path 24 and the switching flow path 27 by the connecting member 53.

[0079] The connecting member 54 connects the third flow path 23, the switching flow path 25, and the switching flow path 26. It can also be said that the flow path connected to the third flow path 23 is branched into the switching flow path 25 and the switching flow path 26 by the connecting member 54.

[0080] The switching flow path 24 is a flow path connecting the second port P2 and the second flow path 22. The switching flow path 25 is a flow path connecting the third port P3 and the third flow path 23. The switching flow path 26 is a flow path connecting the fifth port P5 and the third flow path 23. The switching flow path 27 is a flow path connecting the sixth port P6 and the second flow path 22. The switching flow paths 24, 25, 26, and 27 are, for example, spaces provided in pipes or tubes.

[0081] Here, switching of the gas flow path by the switching unit 50 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first path. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the second path. In Figs. 3 and 4, ports in the three-way automatic valves 51 and 52 that are in an open state are marked with dots. In Figs. 3 and 4, the gas flows in the switching unit 50, the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 are indicated by dashed double-dashed arrows.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 3 , when gas is flowing through the first path, the switching unit 50 opens the first port P1 and the second port P2 to allow electrical communication, and opens the fourth port P4 and the fifth port P5 to allow electrical communication, while the pump 65 is operating. At this time, the third port P3 and the sixth port P6 are closed. As a result, gas drawn through the intake port 32 flows through the switching flow path 24, the second flow path 22, the first flow path 21, and the third flow path 23 in this order, and then through the switching flow path 26 before being exhausted from the exhaust port 35. In the first path, gas that has passed through the first adsorbent 41, which can adsorb water molecules, flows into the first flow path 21 and then passes through the second adsorbent 42. Therefore, the humidity of the gas passing through the second adsorbent 42 tends to be lower than the humidity of the gas passing through the first adsorbent 41.

[0083] 4 , when gas is flowing through the second path, the switching unit 50 opens the first port P1 and the third port P3 to allow electrical communication, and opens the fourth port P4 and the sixth port P6 to allow electrical communication, while the pump 65 is operating. At this time, the second port P2 and the fifth port P5 are closed. As a result, gas drawn through the intake port 32 flows through the switching flow path 25, the third flow path 23, the first flow path 21, and the second flow path 22 in this order, and then through the switching flow path 27 before being exhausted from the exhaust port 35. In the second path, gas that has passed through the second adsorbent 42, which can adsorb water molecules, flows into the first flow path 21 and then passes through the first adsorbent 41. Therefore, the humidity of the gas passing through the first adsorbent 41 tends to be lower than the humidity of the gas passing through the second adsorbent 42.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 2 , the temperature regulator 63 at least one of heats and cools the adsorption member 40 (the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 in the example shown in FIG. 2 ) and adjusts the temperature of the adsorption member 40 based on the control of the control unit 60. The temperature regulator 63 includes, for example, one or more thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric elements included in the temperature regulator 63 may be elements that perform only heating or only cooling, or may be elements that can perform both heating and cooling, such as Peltier elements. The method of heating and cooling the adsorption member 40 by the temperature regulator 63 is not particularly limited. For example, the temperature regulator 63 at least one of heats and cools the adsorption member 40 by at least one of heating and cooling the housings 46 and 47 that house the adsorption member 40 or the frame that holds the adsorption member 40. Alternatively, the temperature regulator 63 may at least one of heats and cools the adsorption member 40 via the gas that passes through the adsorption member 40 by at least one of heating and cooling the gas.

[0085] The humidifier 64 humidifies the gas before it flows into the first flow path 21 under the control of the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may control the on / off of the humidifier 64 or the opening and closing of a humidification port for discharging humidified gas or water vapor from the humidifier 64. The control unit 60 may also control the amount of humidification of the gas before it flows into the first flow path 21 by the humidifier 64. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the humidifier 64 humidifies the gas in the intake flow path 31 before it flows into the first flow path 21. The humidifier 64 may perform humidification at any position as long as it can humidify the gas before it flows into the first flow path 21. The humidifier 64 may also be capable of humidifying the gas at two or more locations. For example, the humidifier 64 may humidify the gas in the second flow path 22 or the third flow path 23 before it flows into the first flow path 21 in accordance with the switching of the gas flow path by the switching unit 50. As will be described later, it is also possible to humidify the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the temperature of the adsorption member 40 using the temperature regulator 63, and the humidifier 64 does not need to be provided in the humidity adjustment unit 30.

[0086] The pump 65 is a pump that causes gas to flow from the intake port 32 into the first flow path 21 and discharges the gas that has flowed into the first flow path 21 from the exhaust port 35. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the pump 65 is provided between the switching unit 50 (specifically, the fourth port P4) and the exhaust port 35. The operation of the pump 65 is controlled by the control unit 60. Note that the pump 65 may also be provided between the switching unit 50 (specifically, the first port P1) and the intake port 32.

[0087] [Control of humidity using adsorption member] In the gas detection device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the adsorption member 40 in the humidity adjustment unit 30.

[0088] In relation to this, the inventors of the present application fabricated a device having a configuration similar to that of gas detection device 1 and conducted an experiment to confirm the effect of operation of humidity adjustment unit 30 on the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. Note that the humidity measured in this experiment is relative humidity.

[0089] Specifically, humid air at room temperature (23°C) with a humidity of approximately 95% was taken in through the intake port 32, and the humidity in the first flow path 21 (i.e., the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21) was measured. A hygrometer was also installed at the exhaust port 35, and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35 was also measured. The adsorption members 40 (first adsorption member 41 and second adsorption member 42) were made of a porous material, in which powder of type A synthetic zeolite with a pore size of 3 Å was attached to a nonwoven fabric.

[0090] First, the switching unit 50 switched between the first and second paths at three-minute intervals, and the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35 were measured. FIG. 5 shows the humidity measurement results when switching between the first and second paths was performed at three-minute intervals. The vertical axis of FIG. 5 represents the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35. The horizontal axis of FIG. 5 represents the elapsed time from the start of humid air intake. In FIG. 5, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is indicated by a solid line, and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35 is indicated by a dotted line. Furthermore, the switching unit 50 switched between the first and second paths at the timing indicated by the hollow arrows in FIG. 5. Furthermore, in the humidity measurement shown in FIG. 5, the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were not heated or cooled, and the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were constant at room temperature (23°C). Note that FIG. 5 shows the humidity after switching between the first path and the second path a predetermined number of times.

[0091] 5, immediately after the first path and the second path are switched, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 decreases, and the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 increases. Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first path and the second path were switched, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, which had decreased, begins to increase, and the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35, which had increased, begins to decrease. These changes in humidity are thought to be due to the occurrence of a phenomenon described below.

[0092] As described with reference to FIG. 3 , when the gas flow path is switched to the first path, the gas that has passed through the first adsorption member 41 flows into the first flow path 21. Therefore, as the gas passes through the first adsorption member 41, water molecules are adsorbed to the first adsorption member 41. As a result, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 decreases. Furthermore, the adsorption of water molecules to the first adsorption member 41 reduces the water molecule adsorption performance of the first adsorption member 41. As a result, when the first adsorption member 41 adsorbs a predetermined number of water molecules or more, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 begins to increase. Meanwhile, in the first path, the gas whose humidity has been reduced by the first adsorption member 41 passes through the second adsorption member 42 via the first flow path 21, and water molecules are desorbed from the second adsorption member 42, which has already adsorbed water molecules. As a result, the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 increases. Furthermore, the desorption of water molecules from the second adsorption member 42 restores the degraded water molecule adsorption performance of the second adsorption member 42. As a result, when a predetermined number of water molecules or more are desorbed from the second adsorption member 42, the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 begins to decrease.

[0093] Furthermore, in the second path, the flow of gas passing through the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member is reversed compared to the first path, resulting in a phenomenon opposite to that of the first path. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 4 , when the gas flow path is switched to the second path, the gas that has passed through the second adsorption member 42 flows into the first flow path 21. Therefore, as the gas passes through the second adsorption member 42, water molecules are adsorbed by the second adsorption member 42. Because the gas flow path is switched from the first path to the second path, the adsorption performance of the second adsorption member 42 for water molecules is restored as described above by the time the gas is switched to the second path. As a result, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 decreases. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of the second adsorption member 42 for water molecules decreases as the second adsorption member 42 adsorbs water molecules. As a result, when the second adsorption member 42 adsorbs a predetermined number of water molecules or more, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 begins to increase. On the other hand, in the second path, the gas whose humidity has been reduced by the second adsorption member 42 passes through the first adsorption member 41 via the first flow path 21, causing the water molecules to desorb from the first adsorption member 41, which has already adsorbed water molecules. As a result, the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 increases. Furthermore, as the water molecules desorb from the first adsorption member 41, the reduced water molecule adsorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 is restored. As a result, when a predetermined number of water molecules or more have desorbed from the first adsorption member 41, the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 begins to decrease. Furthermore, the path through which the gas flows is subsequently switched from the second path to the first path, and the gas that has passed through the first adsorption member 41, whose water molecule adsorption performance has been restored, flows into the first flow path 21.

[0094] In this way, the switching unit 50 repeatedly switches the gas flow path between the first path and the second path, thereby repeatedly switching which of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 the gas passes through first. As a result, the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 alternately experience periods in which water molecules are likely to adsorb and periods in which water molecules are likely to desorb. Therefore, even without introducing dry gas from the outside, water molecules can be desorbed from the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 to restore the adsorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, making it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 to a lower level.

[0095] The present inventors have noted that the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is particularly likely to decrease immediately after switching between the first and second paths. This is thought to indicate that the ease with which water molecules are adsorbed to one of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 (the adsorption member upstream of the first flow path 21) is greatest immediately after switching between the first and second paths, and then gradually decreases. The present inventors have also noted that the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35 is particularly likely to increase immediately after switching between the first and second paths. This is thought to indicate that the ease with which water molecules are desorbed from the other of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 (the adsorption member downstream of the first flow path 21) is greatest immediately after switching between the first and second paths, and then gradually decreases. Based on these points, the inventors of the present application thought that by adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit 50, it would be possible to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, and thereby control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows the results of measuring the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 when the frequency of switching between the first and second paths is changed. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 represents the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents the elapsed time from the start of humid air intake. In FIG. 6, the humidity when switching between the first and second paths is performed every 15 seconds is shown by a solid line, the humidity when switching is performed every 30 seconds is shown by a dotted line, and the humidity when switching is performed every 60 seconds is shown by a dashed-dotted line. In the humidity measurements shown in FIG. 6, the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were not heated or cooled, and the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were constant at room temperature (23° C.).

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6 , the shorter the time interval between switching between the first and second paths, i.e., the higher the switching frequency, the lower the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. Specifically, among the humidity values ​​shown in FIG. 6 , the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is lowest when switching between the first and second paths is performed every 15 seconds, and the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is highest when switching between the first and second paths is performed every 60 seconds. Therefore, by increasing the frequency of switching between the first and second paths, it can be said that the adsorption performance of the water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 can be improved when the gas passes through before flowing into the first flow path 21. As such, the results shown in FIG. 6 indicate that the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be controlled by adjusting the frequency of switching between the first and second paths by the switching unit 50 to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance of the water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0098] Furthermore, the present inventors have considered that, when switching between the first path and the second path, adjusting the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 can adjust the adsorption and desorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. Specifically, it is believed that the lower the temperature of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, the more suppressed the molecular motion of water molecules, making it easier for water molecules to adsorb and less likely to desorb. Furthermore, it is believed that the higher the temperature of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, the more enhanced the molecular motion of water molecules, making it harder for water molecules to adsorb and more likely to desorb. Therefore, it is believed that the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be reduced by lowering the temperature when it is desired to adsorb water molecules onto the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, and by raising the temperature when it is desired to desorb water molecules from the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0099] FIG. 7 shows the humidity and temperature measurement results when the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 are adjusted by the temperature regulator 63. The first vertical axis (left scale) of FIG. 7 represents the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35. The second vertical axis (right scale) of FIG. 7 represents the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. The temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were measured using a thermocouple. The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 represents the elapsed time from the start of humid air intake. In FIG. 7, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is indicated by a solid line, and the humidity of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 35 is indicated by a dotted line. In FIG. 7, the temperature of the first adsorption member 41 is indicated by a dashed line, and the temperature of the second adsorption member 42 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0100] In the humidity and temperature measurements shown in Fig. 7, switching between the first path and the second path was performed at 3-minute intervals. Furthermore, in the humidity and temperature measurements shown in Fig. 7, when gas was flowing through the first path, the first adsorption member 41 was cooled and the second adsorption member 42 was heated, and when gas was flowing through the second path, the second adsorption member 42 was cooled and the first adsorption member 41 was heated. As shown in Fig. 7, the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were cooled to approximately 20°C to 25°C during cooling, and heated to approximately 45°C to 50°C during heating.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is maintained lower than the humidity of the gas exhausted from the exhaust port 35, and it can be said that the adsorption and desorption of water molecules is promoted at the necessary timing in the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0102] FIG. 8 shows the results of measuring the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 while varying whether or not the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 are adjusted. The vertical axis of FIG. 8 represents the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. The horizontal axis of FIG. 8 represents the elapsed time from the start of humid air intake. The humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 shown by the solid line in FIG. 7 is also shown by the solid line in FIG. 8. In addition, in FIG. 8, the dotted line represents the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 measured under the same conditions as those for measuring the humidity shown in FIG. 7, except that the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 were not cooled or heated and their temperatures were kept constant at room temperature (23°C).

[0103] 8 , cooling and heating the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 at the timings described above reduces the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21. Therefore, it can be said that cooling and heating the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 at the timings described above can improve the water molecule adsorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 when the gas passes through before flowing into the first flow path 21. Furthermore, since the humidity changes depending on the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, it can be seen that the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be controlled by adjusting the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the water molecule adsorption and desorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0104] Furthermore, by performing temperature adjustment by interchanging cooling and heating at the timing described above, it is possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21 to be higher than the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1, rather than to control it to be lower than the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1. For example, when gas flows through the first path, first adsorption member 41 is heated and second adsorption member 42 is cooled, and when gas flows through the second path, second adsorption member 42 is heated and first adsorption member 41 is cooled. This encourages first adsorption member 41 and second adsorption member 42 to adsorb water molecules of the gas flowing from first flow path 21 to exhaust port 35, and encourages water molecules to desorb from first adsorption member 41 and second adsorption member 42 before the gas flows into first flow path 21. This makes it possible to humidify the gas flowing through first flow path 21.

[0105] [Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation (processing) of the gas detection device 1 according to the present embodiment. The description of the operation of the gas detection device 1 also includes a description of a gas detection method using the gas sensor 10.

[0106] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the gas detection device 1 according to this embodiment. In the following description, step S11 is an example of a control step, and step S12 is an example of a detection step.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 (step S11).

[0108] In step S11, first, control unit 60 drives pump 65 to draw gas through intake port 32. Then, control unit 60 controls three-way automatic valves 51 and 52 of switching unit 50 to repeatedly switch the path through which gas drawn through intake port 32 flows between the first path and the second path. Control unit 60 then controls the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21, for example, by controlling the operation of humidity adjustment unit 30 so that the humidity measured by hygrometer 15 becomes a predetermined humidity. The predetermined humidity is set within a range in which humidity adjustment unit 30 can adjust the humidity, for example, depending on the humidity of the environment in which gas detection device 1 is used (e.g., the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1). The predetermined humidity is, for example, a humidity lower than the humidity of the environment in which gas detection device 1 is used. Control unit 60 performs feedback control based on the humidity measured by hygrometer 15, for example.

[0109] In step S11, the control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, for example, by adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit 50, as an adjustment of the water molecule adsorption / desorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. This makes it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by utilizing switching between the first path and the second path, thereby achieving the gas detection device 1 with a simple configuration.

[0110] For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be reduced, the control unit 60 increases the frequency, thereby increasing the adsorption performance of the water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. Furthermore, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be increased, the control unit 60 decreases the frequency, thereby decreasing the adsorption performance of the water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. Furthermore, at this time, the control unit 60 may, using the temperature regulator 63, cool the first adsorption member 41 and heat the second adsorption member 42 when the gas flows through the first path, and cool the second adsorption member 42 and heat the first adsorption member 41 when the gas flows through the second path.

[0111] Furthermore, in step S11, instead of or in addition to adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path, the control unit 60 may adjust the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the temperature of each of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance of water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. The control unit 60 adjusts the temperature of each of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 by adjusting the output of the temperature regulator 63 based on the temperatures of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 measured by temperature sensors (not shown), for example.

[0112] For example, when gas flows through the first path, the control unit 60 controls the temperature regulator 63 to cool the first adsorption member 41 to adjust the temperature of the first adsorption member 41, and to heat the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the temperature of the second adsorption member 42. Furthermore, when gas flows through the second path, the control unit 60 controls the temperature regulator 63 to cool the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the temperature of the second adsorption member 42, and to heat the first adsorption member 41 to adjust the temperature of the first adsorption member 41. This makes it possible to promote adsorption and desorption of water molecules to the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42 at the required timing, and thereby widen the control range for the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0113] For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be reduced, the control unit 60 reduces the temperature during the cooling and increases the temperature during the heating, thereby increasing the adsorption performance of water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42. For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be increased, the control unit 60 increases the temperature during the cooling, or stops the cooling, and reduces the temperature during the heating, or stops the heating, thereby decreasing the adsorption performance of water molecules of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42.

[0114] Furthermore, when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, the control unit 60 may, when the gas flows through the first path, heat the first adsorption member 41 to adjust the temperature of the first adsorption member 41 and cool the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the temperature of the second adsorption member 42, using the temperature regulator 63. When increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, the control unit 60 may, when the gas flows through the second path, heat the second adsorption member 42 to adjust the temperature of the second adsorption member 42 and cool the first adsorption member 41 to adjust the temperature of the first adsorption member 41, using the temperature regulator 63. This reduces the water molecule adsorption performance of the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, or makes it easier for water molecules to desorb from the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42, thereby widening the control range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0115] The control unit 60 may not cause the temperature regulator 63 to perform either heating or cooling in step S11. In this case, the temperature regulator 63 may not have the function of performing either heating or cooling.

[0116] Furthermore, control unit 60 may use the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1 (humidity measured by hygrometer 16) to control the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. In this case, for example, control unit 60 performs control such that the water molecule adsorption performance of first adsorption member 41 and second adsorption member 42 is increased the higher the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1 is relative to the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of control of the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21.

[0117] Furthermore, when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21, control unit 60 may control the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21 by controlling the humidification by humidifier 64. For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21 (humidity measured by hygrometer 15) is lower than the above-mentioned predetermined humidity by a certain threshold or more, or when the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 1 (humidity measured by hygrometer 16) is lower than the above-mentioned predetermined humidity, control unit 60 causes humidifier 64 to humidify the gas before it flows into first flow path 21.

[0118] Next, the control unit 60 causes the gas sensor 10 to detect molecules in the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, the humidity of which has been controlled in step S11 (step S12). Each gas sensor 10 adsorbs molecules contained in the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 using, for example, a sensitive film and outputs a signal corresponding to the electrical characteristic value of the sensitive film. In this case, the sensitive film of each gas sensor 10 adsorbs not only molecules to be detected by the gas detection device 1 but also water molecules. However, because the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is controlled, the effect of the humidity of the gas on the output of the gas sensor 10 can be reduced. The signal output by each gas sensor 10 is used for various gas analyses, such as identifying molecules contained in the gas or quantifying specific molecules in the gas.

[0119] As described above, the gas detection device 1 according to this embodiment comprises the gas sensor 10, the first flow path 21 in which the gas sensor 10 is disposed, one or more adsorption members 40 (specifically, the first adsorption member 41 and the second adsorption member 42) through which the gas passes before flowing into the first flow path 21, and the control unit 60 that controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the one or more adsorption members 40 for water molecules.

[0120] While it is conceivable to reduce the humidity of the gas being detected by the gas sensor by incorporating a dehumidifier such as that described in Patent Document 2 into the gas detection device, it is difficult to completely remove water molecules from the gas, and the influence of the gas humidity on the output of the gas sensor remains. In contrast, in the gas detection device 1, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be controlled by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the water molecules of the adsorption member 40, thereby reducing the influence of the gas humidity on the output of the gas sensor 10. This, for example, stabilizes the output of the gas sensor 10, thereby improving the reliability of the detection results of the gas detection device 1. Furthermore, there is no need to adjust the humidity of the gas (e.g., the entire atmosphere in the location where the gas detection device 1 is used) before it is introduced into the gas detection device 1. Therefore, the gas detection device 1 can be used even when detecting molecules in gas in a humid atmosphere, for example. Furthermore, because the adsorption member 40 can adsorb water molecules and control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 to reduce the humidity, the life of the gas sensor 10 can be extended, even in cases where the gas sensor 10 is prone to deterioration due to humidity, compared to a case in which correction processing is performed without controlling the humidity of the gas as described in Patent Document 1.

[0121] [Modifications] Next, modifications of the embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the above embodiment, and descriptions of commonalities will be omitted or simplified.

[0122] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection device 101 according to this modified example.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 10 , gas detection apparatus 101 according to this modification differs from gas detection apparatus 1 according to the embodiment mainly in that it includes humidity adjustment section 130 instead of humidity adjustment section 30 .

[0124] Gas detection apparatus 101 has a configuration in which, for example, humidity adjustment unit 30 of gas detection apparatus 1 is replaced with humidity adjustment unit 130. In the example shown in Fig. 10 , humidity adjustment unit 130 includes one adsorption member 40, second flow path 122, third flow path 123, rotator 150, temperature adjuster 63, and humidifier 64. Note that humidity adjustment unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 10 as long as it can adjust the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21 using adsorption member 40. For example, humidity adjustment unit 130 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 10 , or may further include components not shown in Fig. 10 .

[0125] The second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123 are connected to each other via the first flow path 21. Gas taken in from the intake port 32 flows through the second flow path 122, the first flow path 21, and the third flow path 123 in this order.

[0126] The second flow path 122 is connected to one end of the first flow path 21. Gas flows through the second flow path 122 before flowing into the first flow path 21. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the second flow path 122 connects the intake flow path 31 and the first flow path 21, and gas taken in from the intake port 32 flows into the first flow path 21 via the second flow path 122. The third flow path 123 is connected to the other end of the first flow path 21. Gas flowing out from the first flow path 21 flows through the third flow path 123. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the third flow path 123 connects the exhaust flow path 33 and the first flow path 21, and gas flowing out from the first flow path 21 passes through the third flow path 123 and is discharged from the exhaust port 35.

[0127] 10 , the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123 are spaces separated by a partition wall 152 within a housing 151. The housing 151 houses an adsorption member 40 that is rotatably disposed across the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123. The adsorption member 40 rotates, for example, on an axis that is parallel to the direction in which gas passes through the adsorption member 40 and passes through the center of the adsorption member 40. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the housing 151 and the housing 45 are integrally formed, but the housing 151 and the housing 45 may also be formed as separate bodies and connected by piping, tubing, or the like.

[0128] The rotator 150 rotates the adsorption member 40. The rotator 150 is, for example, a motor. The rotator 150 rotates the adsorption member 40 so that the portion of the adsorption member 40 located in the second flow path 122 moves to the third flow path 123 and then returns to the second flow path 122 repeatedly. The rotator 150 changes the rotation speed (i.e., the number of rotations per unit time) of the adsorption member 40, for example, based on the control of the control unit 60. The rotator 150 may rotate the adsorption member 40 continuously or intermittently. The adsorption member 40 is rotated, for example, by being connected to an output shaft of the rotator 150 (not shown). However, the mechanism for rotating the adsorption member 40 by the rotator 150 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the rotator 150 is disposed outside the housing 151, but it may also be disposed inside the housing 151; the location of the rotator 150 is not particularly limited.

[0129] Here, the rotation of the adsorption member 40 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the adsorption member 40. Fig. 11 schematically shows the adsorption member 40 arranged across the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123. In Fig. 11, the gas flows in the second flow path 122, the first flow path 21, and the third flow path 123 are indicated by solid arrows. In the second flow path 122, gas passes through the adsorption member 40 before flowing into the first flow path 21. On the other hand, in the third flow path 123, gas flowing out from the first flow path 21 passes through the adsorption member 40.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the gas flowing through the second flow path 122 passes through the adsorption member 40, water molecules are adsorbed onto the adsorption member 40. As a result, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 decreases. Furthermore, as the adsorption member 40 rotates, the portion of the adsorption member 40 that has adsorbed water molecules moves to the third flow path 123. In this case, the gas, whose humidity has been reduced by passing through the second flow path 122, passes through the portion of the adsorption member 40 that has adsorbed water molecules and moved to the third flow path 123 after passing through the first flow path 21, causing the water molecules to desorb from the portion. As a result, the adsorption performance of the portion is restored. As the adsorption member 40 rotates, the portion moves again to the second flow path 122, and the portion, whose adsorption performance for water molecules has been restored, adsorbs water molecules of the gas flowing through the second flow path 122.

[0131] As described above, the rotation of the adsorbent 40 disposed across the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123 alternates between portions of the adsorbent 40 where water molecules are more likely to adsorb and portions where water molecules are more likely to desorb. Therefore, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent 40 can be restored by desorbing water molecules from the adsorbent 40 without introducing dry gas from the outside, thereby enabling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 to be controlled to a lower level. As will be described later, by adjusting the temperature of the adsorbent 40 in the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123, it is possible to promote desorption of water molecules from the adsorbent 40 in the second flow path 122 and promote adsorption of water molecules to the adsorbent 40 in the third flow path 123. This allows the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 to be humidified.

[0132] Furthermore, in the humidity adjustment unit 30 described above, the gas flow path is switched between the first path and the second path, thereby desorbing water molecules from the adsorbent member 40 and restoring the adsorption performance of the adsorbent member 40. Meanwhile, in the humidity adjustment unit 130, the adsorbent member 40 rotates, thereby desorbing water molecules from the adsorbent member 40 and restoring the adsorption performance of the adsorbent member 40. Therefore, switching between the first path and the second path in the humidity adjustment unit 30 corresponds to the rotation of the adsorbent member 40 in the humidity adjustment unit 130. Therefore, in adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the adsorbent member 40, adjusting the rotation speed of the adsorbent member 40 in the humidity adjustment unit 130 has the same effect as adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path in the humidity adjustment unit 30. In other words, it can be said that adjusting the rotation speed of the adsorbent member 40 in the humidity adjustment unit 130 can control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0133] For example, in the above-described step S11, the control unit 60 adjusts the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the rotation speed of the adsorption member 40 by the rotator 150 to adjust the adsorption / desorption performance of the adsorption member 40. This makes it possible to control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by utilizing the rotation of the adsorption member 40, and therefore the gas detection device 101 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0134] For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be reduced, the control unit 60 increases the rotation speed to increase the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules. Furthermore, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be increased, the control unit 60 decreases the rotation speed to decrease the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules.

[0135] Furthermore, similar to the humidity adjustment unit 30, the humidity adjustment unit 130 can also improve the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 by adjusting the temperature of the adsorption member 40. Specifically, lowering the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122 can promote adsorption of water molecules to the adsorption member 40. Furthermore, raising the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123 can promote desorption of water molecules from the adsorption member 40. Therefore, the control unit 60 can improve the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules when the gas passes through before flowing into the first flow path 21 by cooling the adsorption member 40 using the temperature adjuster 63 to lower the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122 and heating the adsorption member 40 using the temperature adjuster 63 to raise the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123.

[0136] Furthermore, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the adsorbing member 40 in each of the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123. For example, in the above-described step S11, the control unit 60 may control the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 by adjusting the temperature of the adsorbing member 40 in each of the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123, instead of or in addition to adjusting the rotation speed of the adsorbing member 40, as adjustment of the adsorption / desorption performance of the adsorbing member 40. The control unit 60 adjusts the temperature of the adsorbing member 40 in each of the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123, for example, by adjusting the output of the temperature regulator 63 based on the temperature of the adsorbing member 40 in each of the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123 measured by a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0137] The control unit 60 controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, for example, by cooling the adsorption member 40 using the temperature regulator 63 to adjust the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122, and by heating the adsorption member 40 using the temperature regulator 63 to adjust the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123. This makes it possible to promote adsorption of water molecules to the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122 and desorption of water molecules from the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123, and widen the control range for the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0138] For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be reduced, the control unit 60 reduces the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122 and increases the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123, thereby increasing the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules. For example, when the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 is to be increased, the control unit 60 reduces the adsorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules by increasing the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the second flow path 122 or by stopping the cooling, and by lowering the temperature of the adsorption member 40 in the third flow path 123 or by stopping the heating.

[0139] Furthermore, by switching the cooling and heating in the temperature adjustment of the adsorbent 40 in the second flow path 122 and the third flow path 123 from the above, it is possible to control the temperature of the adsorbent 40 to be higher than the humidity of the gas introduced into the gas detection device 101, rather than to control the temperature to be lower than the humidity of the gas introduced into the gas detection device 101. For example, when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21, the control unit 60 may adjust the temperature of the adsorbent 40 in the second flow path 122 by heating the adsorbent 40 with the temperature regulator 63, and may also adjust the temperature of the adsorbent 40 in the third flow path 123 by cooling the adsorbent 40 with the temperature regulator 63. This reduces the ability of the adsorbent 40 to adsorb water molecules in the second flow path 122, or makes it easier for water molecules to desorb from the adsorbent 40 in the second flow path 122, thereby widening the controllable range of the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21.

[0140] As in the case of humidity control using humidity adjuster 30, in humidity control using humidity adjuster 130, control unit 60 does not have to cause temperature adjuster 63 to perform one of heating and cooling in step S11. In this case, temperature adjuster 63 does not have to have the function of performing either heating or cooling. Furthermore, control unit 60 may use the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 101 (humidity measured by hygrometer 16) to control the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. In this case, for example, control unit 60 performs control such that the water molecule adsorption performance of adsorbent member 40 is enhanced as the humidity of the gas introduced into gas detection device 101 is higher relative to the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21. Furthermore, when increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21, control unit 60 may control the humidity of the gas flowing through first flow path 21 by controlling humidification by humidifier 64.

[0141] (Other Embodiments) The gas detection device and gas detection method according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments (including various modified examples, the same applies below), but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of to the embodiments, as well as other forms constructed by combining some of the components of the embodiments, are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] For example, in the above embodiment, the gas flowing out from the first flow path 21 is passed through the adsorption member 40 to desorb water molecules from the adsorption member 40, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the gas detection device may have a mechanism for flowing a gas other than the gas drawn in from the intake port 32, such as a dry gas, instead of the gas flowing out from the first flow path 21, and the water molecules may be desorbed from the adsorption member 40 by passing the gas through the adsorption member 40. For example, the third flow path 123 may be connected to a flow path for flowing the gas without being connected to the first flow path 21, and the first flow path 21 may be connected to the exhaust port 35 without passing through the third flow path 123. Even with this configuration, the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path 21 can be controlled by adjusting the adsorption and desorption performance of the adsorption member 40 for water molecules.

[0143] Furthermore, the processes described in the above embodiments may be realized by centralized processing using a single device (system), or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple devices. The processor that executes the processes may be a single processor or multiple processors. That is, centralized processing or distributed processing may be performed.

[0144] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the general or specific aspects may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0145] The gas detection device and gas detection method according to the present disclosure can be used for gas analysis and the like.

[0146] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 101 Gas detection device 10 Gas sensor 15, 16 Hygrometer 21 First flow path 22, 122 Second flow path 23, 123 Third flow path 24, 25, 26, 27 Switching flow path 30, 130 Humidity adjustment unit 31 Intake flow path 32 Intake port 33, 34 Exhaust flow path 35 Exhaust port 40 Adsorption member 41 First adsorption member 42 Second adsorption member 45, 46, 47, 151 Housing 50 Switching unit 51, 52 Three-way automatic valve 53, 54 Connection member 60 Control unit 63 Temperature regulator 64 Humidifier 65 Pump 150 Rotator 152 Partition wall P1 First port P2 Second port P3 Third port P4 Fourth port P5 Fifth port P6 Sixth port

Claims

1. A gas detection device comprising: a gas sensor; a first flow path in which the gas sensor is disposed; one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, through which gas passes before flowing into the first flow path; and a control unit that controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the water molecule adsorption and desorption performance of the one or more adsorption members.

2. A gas detection device as described in claim 1, comprising: a second flow path and a third flow path connected to each other via the first flow path; and a switching unit that repeatedly switches the gas flow path between a first path in which gas flows through the second flow path, the first flow path, and the third flow path in that order, and a second path in which gas flows through the third flow path, the first flow path, and the second flow path in that order, wherein the one or more adsorption members include a first adsorption member arranged in the second flow path and a second adsorption member arranged in the third flow path.

3. The gas detection device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the adsorption / desorption performance by adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit.

4. A gas detection device as described in claim 2, further comprising a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and wherein the control unit regulates the adsorption and desorption performance by: adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the first path; and adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member using the temperature regulator when gas flows through the second path.

5. A gas detection device as described in claim 2, further comprising a temperature regulator that heats and / or cools the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and wherein the control unit regulates the adsorption and desorption performance by: when gas flows through the first path, regulating the temperature of the second adsorption member using the temperature regulator; and when gas flows through the second path, regulating the temperature of the first adsorption member using the temperature regulator.

6. A gas detection device as described in claim 2, further comprising a temperature regulator that cools and / or heats the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, and wherein the control unit regulates the adsorption and desorption performance by: when gas flows through the first path, adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member with the temperature regulator and adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member with the temperature regulator; and when gas flows through the second path, adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member with the temperature regulator and adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member with the temperature regulator.

7. A gas detection device as described in claim 2, further comprising a temperature regulator that cools and / or heats the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member, wherein the control unit regulates the adsorption and desorption performance by: adjusting the frequency of switching between the first path and the second path by the switching unit; when gas flows through the first path, adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member by the temperature regulator and also adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member by the temperature regulator; and when gas flows through the second path, adjusting the temperature of the second adsorption member by the temperature regulator and also adjusting the temperature of the first adsorption member by the temperature regulator.

8. A gas detection device as described in claim 1, comprising: a second flow path through which gas flows before flowing into the first flow path; a third flow path through which gas flows after flowing out of the first flow path; and a rotator, wherein the one or more adsorption members are a single adsorption member rotatably arranged across the second flow path and the third flow path, and the rotator rotates the single adsorption member.

9. The gas detection device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the one adsorption member to adjust the adsorption / desorption performance.

10. A gas detection device as described in claim 8, further comprising a temperature regulator that performs at least one of heating and cooling of the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path by the temperature regulator to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

11. A gas detection device as described in claim 8, further comprising a temperature regulator that performs at least one of heating and cooling of the one adsorption member, and the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path by the temperature regulator to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

12. A gas detection device as described in claim 8, further comprising a temperature regulator that performs at least one of cooling and heating of the one adsorption member, and wherein the control unit adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path by the temperature regulator, and adjusts the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path by the temperature regulator, in order to adjust the adsorption and desorption performance.

13. A gas detection device as described in claim 8, further comprising a temperature regulator that performs at least one of cooling and heating of the one adsorption member, and wherein the control unit adjusts the adsorption / desorption performance by controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the rotation speed of the one adsorption member, adjusting the temperature of the one adsorption member in the second flow path by the temperature regulator, and adjusting the temperature of the one adsorption member in the third flow path by the temperature regulator.

14. A gas detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit acquires the humidity of the gas introduced into the gas detection device, and controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path based on the acquired humidity.

15. A gas detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pore diameter of the porous material is 3 Å or more and 4 Å or less.

16. A gas detection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a humidifier that humidifies the gas before it flows into the first flow path, and wherein the control unit controls the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the adsorption / desorption performance and controlling the humidification by the humidifier.

17. A gas detection method for detecting molecules in a gas using a gas sensor arranged in a first flow path, comprising: a control step of controlling the humidity of the gas flowing through the first flow path by adjusting the water molecule adsorption / desorption performance of one or more adsorption members including a porous material having pores capable of adsorbing and desorbing water molecules, the one or more adsorption members through which the gas passes before flowing into the first flow path; and a detection step of detecting, with the gas sensor, molecules in the gas flowing through the first flow path whose humidity has been controlled by the control step.

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