Device and method for analysing a headspace gas
The device with movable holders and airtight sealing addresses the issue of container damage and complexity in headspace gas analysis, facilitating easy and precise analysis within the container.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NOSI - NETWORK FOR OLFACTORY SYSTEM INTELLIGENCE GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing headspace gas analysis devices irreversibly damage airtight sample containers, require complex and precise control systems, and suffer from long sample paths leading to contamination and loss.
A device with movable holders and a seal allows the detector to be inserted into the container, sealing it airtight during analysis, reducing the distance to the detector and eliminating the need for sampling devices that pierce the lid.
Enables simple, quick, and precise analysis of headspace gases within the container, minimizing contamination and sample loss while simplifying device design and operation.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025078492_23042026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device and method for analyzing a headspace gas
[0002] The invention relates to a device for analyzing a headspace gas, comprising a first holder on which at least one detector is arranged, and a second holder on which at least one container is detachably arranged, wherein the container contains a sample and the headspace gas and is provided with an airtight lid.
[0003] The invention further relates to a method for analyzing a headspace gas, in particular with a device according to the invention, wherein at least one detector is arranged on a first holder and at least one container, which contains a sample and the headspace gas and is sealed airtight with a lid, is arranged on a second holder.
[0004] Devices and methods for analyzing headspace gas are already known in the art, but these are mostly based on transporting the headspace gas to a detector via a sampling device. A sampling device that pierces the lid of a sample container with a sharp object, such as a needle, to extract or flush out the headspace gas has proven particularly successful. However, especially with airtight sample containers, such as bottles, the lid is irreversibly damaged by such sampling. Consequently, resealing the sample container involves additional effort. Furthermore, such sampling devices result in a comparatively long path between the sample container and the detector, which can lead to sample loss or contamination.
[0005] Such devices often also have holders in which a multitude of sample containers can be arranged. Precise positioning of the sampling device or corresponding mobility of the holder can enable automated sampling from the different sample containers. Consequently, suitable devices for this purpose are usually very complex and require precise control of the individual components. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned above that has a particularly simple design and enables analysis within the container.
[0006] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method of the type mentioned above with which a headspace gas can be analyzed particularly easily and quickly.
[0007] This first problem is solved according to the invention in that the first holder and the second holder are movable relative to each other and the first holder and / or the detector has a seal, whereby the lid of the detector can be opened, the detector can be inserted into the container and the container can be sealed airtight via the seal during the analysis of the headspace gas.
[0008] The two holders of the device are spaced apart, allowing a detector to be easily attached to, secured to, and removed from the first holder. This also makes attaching and detaching the container from the second holder particularly easy, enabling the container to be separated from the device and loaded with a sample. The relative mobility of the two holders allows for a reduction in the distance between them. However, to achieve the advantageous effects of the device, it is irrelevant whether only the first holder, only the second holder, or both holders are moved. In the case where both holders are moved, they can be moved either simultaneously or sequentially.
[0009] When the two holders are brought so close together that the container lid makes contact with the detector, the container opens. This opening can occur, for example, by flipping or sliding the lid. However, other mechanisms, preferably non-destructive ones, can also be provided to open the lid.
[0010] Furthermore, opening the container also involves inserting the detector into the container and sealing it airtight. For this purpose, the distance between the two holders is chosen so that the container, positioned on the second holder, is pressed against the seal provided on the first holder and / or detector. The detector's penetration depth is determined by the material properties, thickness, and / or positioning of the seal, as well as by the detector's shape.
[0011] The detector typically comprises a housing made of metal or plastic, which may contain components such as at least one sensor, a unit for processing electrical signals, and a power supply connection. The latter can also be replaced by a battery or accumulator contained within the detector housing. This allows the detector to operate independently of a stationary power supply. The housing itself has, for example, a cuboid shape, although depending on the dimensions and shape of the container, other shapes for the detector may be advantageous. Preferably, the detector housing has a length of 50 mm to 250 mm, more preferably 80 mm to 150 mm, and particularly preferably 120 mm; a width of 30 mm to 150 mm, more preferably 40 mm to 80 mm, and particularly preferably 55 mm; and a height of 10 mm to 150 mm, more preferably 20 mm to 60 mm, and particularly preferably 40 mm.However, the penetration depth of the detector into the container depends primarily on the height of the housing. This is mainly determined by the space required by the components located inside the housing.
[0012] Furthermore, the detector can be attached to the first holder, preferably via the housing, by frictional or positive locking. For this purpose, the first holder can have feedthroughs which may be provided with internal threads to facilitate attachment of the detector.
[0013] The seal is usually made of an elastomer such as Viton, silicone, or rubber and has a thickness of at least one millimeter. Such a seal can be arranged on the first holder and surround the detector at a, preferably uniform, distance. Accordingly, the seal can have a length of 65 mm to 285 mm, preferably 95 mm to 175 mm, particularly preferably 140 mm, a width of 45 mm to 175 mm, preferably 55 mm to 95 mm, particularly preferably 70 mm, and a height of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 6 mm. The seal can also be arranged on an outer surface of the housing. To ensure maximum variability of the device with regard to the containers used, one or more seals can be provided on both the detector and the first holder. This allows a wide variety of containers to be hermetically sealed via the seal before or during the detector's penetration.
[0014] The detector placed inside the container analyzes the headspace gas, with at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one component of the headspace gas. The headspace gas typically comprises volatile components, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which escape from the sample. The concentration of these volatile components in the headspace gas depends significantly on the sample's residence time within the container.
[0015] To detect the components of the headspace gas, a conventional sensor for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of gaseous components, such as the one known from AT 524446 A4, can be used. This allows for the complete recording of AT 524446 A4. By directly analyzing the headspace gas within the container, the need for conventional sampling via a suction system and lines to the detector can be eliminated, thus simplifying the device design.
[0016] Preferably, the first and second holders are arranged at a distance from each other on a connecting piece, with at least one of the two holders being movably mounted on the connecting piece. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable design of the device. The connecting piece is usually linear and joins the two holders together. It can be formed in one piece or in multiple parts from at least partially hollow components, such as tubes or profiles, especially aluminum profiles, thus keeping the weight of the device particularly low. Furthermore, the connecting piece can have a round, T-shaped, or X-shaped base at a first end facing a surface. This ensures particularly high stability of the device.Towards the second end of the connector, the second holder is preferably arranged first, followed by the first holder. If the connector consists of a molded part that is at least partially hollow, in particular an aluminum profile, the second end can be closed with a cap to reduce contamination of the connector by dust and / or the risk of injury.
[0017] Furthermore, a bracket for moving one of the two holders can be provided, by means of which the corresponding holder is indirectly arranged and movably mounted on the connector. This bracket can be guided on a spindle, which is attached to the connector via end pieces. For this purpose, a receptacle for the bracket is usually arranged on the spindle, whose axis can pass through a center point of the holder, so that it can be moved along the connector. In addition, a gear drive can be provided on the holder and the bracket, by means of which the holder can be rotated about an axis of rotation passing through its center. It has proven advantageous to provide a motor, in particular an electric motor or a servo motor, for driving both the spindle and the gear drive.
[0018] Furthermore, the first holder and / or the second holder can be arranged eccentrically on the connecting piece, wherein at least one of the two holders is arranged, in particular indirectly, on the connecting piece and is movably mounted.
[0019] It has proven advantageous for the second holder to be mounted on the connecting piece so that it can rotate around the axis of rotation and move translationally along the axis of rotation. Such a movable second holder results in a particularly simple and maintenance-friendly design of the device. If the second holder is mounted on the connecting piece via the bracket and is movable by the spindle and the gear drive, the individual parts of the device are easily accessible. Furthermore, it has been found that the components arranged on the bracket are particularly easy to access when the bracket is mounted eccentrically on the connecting piece. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the second holder can be identical to the axis of the spindle. With such a design, the second holder can be moved via the bracket in such a way that the distance to the first holder can be reduced or...The size of the container can be increased, and the relative position of the container to the first holder can be changed by the rotational movement around the axis of rotation. Accordingly, a combination of the translational and rotational movement of the second holder can result not only in particularly smooth operation of the device, but also, depending on the direction of rotation (preferably counterclockwise) and the shape of the container, lid, and detector, in simplified opening of the container.
[0020] Preferably, the second holder has a rotational axis, and several containers are arranged at equal distances from this axis. This allows for the rapid and precise analysis of headspace gases contained in multiple containers. The relative position of the containers to the first holder is changed by rotating the second holder around its axis, enabling the detector to precisely analyze the headspace gases of several containers sequentially. Consequently, it has proven advantageous for the containers to hold different samples. If, in contrast, only one container is used for analyzing different samples, insufficient cleaning can result in headspace gas components from a previous sample remaining in the container and mixing with those of a new sample, thus distorting the analysis results.Therefore, designing the device with several containers arranged on the second holder not only enables the rapid analysis of different samples but also contributes to the precision of the analysis results. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, four to twelve, preferably eight, containers are arranged on the second holder of the device.
[0021] It has proven advantageous to arrange several detectors or containers in a circle on the first and / or second holder. This allows for a particularly large number of comprehensive analyses to be performed in a short time. If several detectors are provided on the first holder, it has proven advantageous for these to include different sensors. The circular arrangement of such detectors allows the position of the container to be changed by a relative rotation of the two holders, enabling the detection of different components of the headspace gas. A device configuration with four to twelve, and preferably eight, detectors arranged on the first holder has proven particularly advantageous. Provided that several detectors are arranged in a circle on the first holder and several containers on the second holder, the following applies:Since the containers are arranged in a corresponding manner and contain different samples, and the detectors have different sensors, a particularly comprehensive analysis of the headspace gases in the containers can be performed. Preferably, the number of detectors arranged on the first holder is the same as the number of containers arranged on the second holder, with eight being particularly preferred in each case. Consequently, with such a device, the different headspace gases can be comprehensively analyzed within a particularly short time compared to conventional devices, without sacrificing the necessary analytical precision.
[0022] Preferably, the second holder is provided with several projections and / or recesses, which allow one or more containers to be received, at least partially, in a form-fitting manner. This ensures a simple yet secure arrangement of the at least one container on the second holder. If the containers are received by means of projections on the second holder, the internal dimensions of these projections correspond approximately to the external dimensions of the container. Projections extending approximately 10 mm to 100 mm in height from a surface of the second holder allow the containers to be received stably. Typically, cuboid-shaped containers are used, as these can be stacked and stored particularly efficiently.The container typically has a length of 80 mm to 250 mm, preferably 100 mm to 180 mm, and particularly preferably 150 mm; a width of 50 mm to 150 mm, preferably 70 mm to 130 mm, and particularly preferably 100 mm; and a height of 30 mm to 250 mm, preferably 100 mm to 200 mm, and particularly preferably 160 mm. Projections suitable for receiving such containers are usually designed in an angular U-shape. Alternatively, the containers can also be designed in the form of other geometric shapes, such as cylinders with round, ellipsoidal, or polygonal bases, in which case the shape of the projections would have to be adapted to the respective base. Furthermore, the projections can have grooves and the container can have tongues, so that the container can be inserted into the projections to form a positive-locking tongue-and-groove connection. This results in particularly versatile design possibilities for the shape of the containers.The projections can be arranged at intervals adapted to the container's dimensions, but can be designed as parallel strips largely independent of the container's basic shape. To limit translational movement of the container towards the rotation axis of the second holder, a stop could be provided, for example.
[0023] If the second holder has recesses to securely hold the containers, these recesses typically have the same shape as the bases of the containers and extend from the surface of the second holder into its interior. To ensure stable container retention, the depth of the recesses, measured from the surface of the second holder, is usually between 5 mm and 30 mm. The height of the projections and the depth of the recesses are usually oriented and dimensioned parallel to the axis of rotation of the second holder. The containers can be held particularly securely if the second holder has both projections and recesses for the containers.
[0024] It is advantageous for the first holder and / or the second holder to have a circular or star-shaped base. This allows the device to be implemented in a particularly small installation space. Holders designed in this way typically have a diameter of 300 mm to 1200 mm, preferably 500 mm to 1000 mm, and particularly preferably 600 mm. A second holder designed in this way easily allows for the arrangement of several containers at the same distance from the axis of rotation, or a circular arrangement of the containers. A circular arrangement of several detectors is also particularly easy with a first holder designed in this way. It has proven advantageous for both holders to have the same basic shape. The holders are usually made of plastic or metal and have a thickness of 5 mm to 20 mm to ensure sufficient stability.Preferably, the lid has an opening through which the interior of the container is accessible, and this opening can be closed with a fastener. Such an opening allows the detector to be inserted into the container particularly easily. Since the fastener closes the lid opening, the detector does not need to open the lid itself. Consequently, to analyze the headspace gas, it is sufficient for the detector to open the fastener and enter the container, while the lid remains connected to the container. To facilitate easy insertion of the detector into the container, the opening has a length of 60 mm to 280 mm, preferably 90 mm to 170 mm, and particularly preferably 130 mm, and a width of 40 mm to 170 mm, preferably 50 mm to 90 mm, and particularly preferably 60 mm.Preferably, such a closure is equipped with a sliding mechanism so that it can be moved into an open position by the relative movement of the first and second holders from the detector. A spring can be provided to return the closure to a closed position. This allows the closure to be automatically moved to the closed position after the detector is removed from the container. Preferably, the closure has a seal with which the container can be hermetically sealed in the closed position.
[0025] It has proven advantageous for the closure to be pivotally mounted on the lid and deflected into the interior of the container. This allows for a particularly short opening time and largely prevents contamination of the headspace gas. The closure can be attached to the inside of the lid, for example, via a hinge, and can have dimensions that exceed those of the opening. Advantageously, the hinge is located on one edge of the closure, particularly the left, and the closure's dimensions exceed those of the opening by the same amount all around, allowing for a seal between the lid and the closure. Accordingly, the closure can seal the opening in the closed position and create an airtight seal around the container.If the distance between the first and second holders is reduced, particularly along the axis of rotation of the second holder, the detector can deflect the container from a closed position into the interior, and thus into an open position, simply by pressing down the cap. In this position, the detector penetrates the container, allowing for analysis of the headspace gas. The seal provided on the first holder and / or the detector ensures an airtight seal of the container even with the cap in this configuration during the headspace gas analysis. After the analysis is complete, the detector can be removed from the container by increasing the distance between the first and second holders. It is advantageous if the cap is spring-loaded, allowing it to pivot back into the closed position.
[0026] Preferably, the detector has multiple sensors so that several components of the headspace gas can be detected, particularly simultaneously. This allows for particularly fast and precise analysis of the headspace gas. The sensors themselves can be conventional gas sensors, such as chemosensors. The use of resistive chemosensors, so-called chemo-resistors, described, for example, in AT 524446 A, has proven particularly advantageous. By using several such chemosensors, multiple components of the headspace gas can be precisely detected simultaneously, even if they are present only in low concentrations. It has proven effective for the detector to contain between 4 and 50, preferably between 10 and 30, and most preferably 16, different sensors.The sensors can incorporate polymers that interact with volatile organic compounds in such a way that a change in conductivity occurs and an electrical signal is generated. Accordingly, depending on the polymers used, different components of the headspace gas can be detected with particularly high selectivity. In a device where several detectors, in particular four to twelve, are arranged on the first holder, each detector can comprise different sensors. Therefore, such a device enables a particularly precise analysis of a wide range of different headspace gases.
[0027] A computing unit is preferably provided, enabling the control of the movements of the first and / or second holder and the processing of measured values obtained from the detector. This allows for the automated and continuously improved analysis of the headspace gases. The computing unit is designed to control the motors for the spindle and / or gear drive, thereby enabling the reproducible execution of complex movements of the first and / or second holder, both translationally along the axis of rotation and rotationally around the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the computing unit can have an interface for connecting to a computer or mobile device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. Alternatively, a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, can be established.
[0028] Accordingly, the measured values obtained can be processed by the computing unit in such a way that they can be transferred to a computer or mobile device via a connection. Furthermore, the measured values obtained from the detector can be fed into a database, which can be accessed for future analyses of headspace gases. This improves the precision of the analysis and reduces its duration. Consequently, certain combinations of different components of the headspace gas can be identified more quickly and assigned more easily.
[0029] The methodological problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the first holder and / or the detector has a seal and the first holder and the second holder are moved relative to each other, whereby the lid of the detector is opened, the detector is inserted into the container and the container is pressed against the seal, so that the container is hermetically sealed during the analysis of the headspace gas. Accordingly, the advantages described above are achieved with such a method.
[0030] It is preferably provided that, for container exchange, the second holder is rotated relative to the first holder about an axis of rotation, with several containers being arranged on the second holder at the same distance from the axis of rotation. This allows, as explained above, headspace gases located in several containers to be analyzed quickly and precisely.
[0031] Advantageously, several detectors are arranged in a circle on the first holder, and the headspace gases of several containers are analyzed, particularly simultaneously. This method allows for a large number of comprehensive analyses to be performed in a short time. Further advantages of this method have already been discussed in the above description of the device.
[0032] Preferably, signals received from the detector are processed by a processing unit to generate a measured value and / or the measured values are fed into a database by the processing unit. Such a method allows for the automated and continuously improved analysis of headspace gas. During headspace gas analysis, the sensor generates an electrical signal upon detecting specific components. This signal is transmitted either directly from the detector or first to the processing unit, which then outputs it as a measured value. The measured values can be transferred from the processing unit to a computer or mobile device via the connection and fed into the database. This allows for faster comparison of measured values and easier identification of components contained in the headspace gas.
[0033] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment described below. The drawings referred to therein show:
[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for analyzing a headspace gas;
[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a container of the device of Fig. 1;
[0036] Fig. 3 shows a front view of the device according to Fig. 1;
[0037] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the device according to Fig. 1 without the container;
[0038] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 4;
[0039] Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the device according to Fig. 1.
[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for analyzing a headspace gas. This device 1 has a first holder 2 and a second holder 3, which are star-shaped and have a diameter of approximately 600 mm. Furthermore, the two holders 2 and 3 are arranged parallel to each other and connected by a connecting piece 4. The first holder 2 is fixed, in particular rigidly, mounted on the connecting piece 4 and has a plurality of feedthroughs 5 for attaching one or more detectors 6. The detectors 6 can be attached to the first holder 2 by frictional or positive locking, in particular by screwing or riveting. Accordingly, the feedthroughs 5 can be provided with internal threads to simplify the attachment.In the present embodiment, only one detector 6, whose housing has a length L of 120 mm, a width B of 55 mm and a height H of 40 mm, is arranged on the first holder 2. However, this detector 6 is not visible in this illustration. Likewise, a seal 7 arranged on the first holder 2 is not visible in this illustration.
[0041] In contrast to the first holder 2, the second holder 3 in this embodiment is movably mounted on the connecting piece 4 via a bracket 8. This bracket 8 is displaceable along the connecting piece 4 by means of a spindle 9 attached to the connecting piece 4, with a first motor 10 being provided for rotating the spindle 9. Furthermore, a gear 12 is arranged on a top surface of the holder 8, which is rotatable by means of a second motor 11 located on a bottom surface of the holder 8. The gear 12 engages with a toothed section 13 provided on the underside of the second holder 3, so that the second holder 3 can be rotated about an axis of rotation that coincides with an axis of the spindle 9. Consequently, the second holder 3 can be moved translationally along the axis of rotation and rotationally about the axis of rotation by the two motors 10 and 11 to perform a smooth movement.Accordingly, the second holder 3 can be rotated relative to the first holder 2, and the distance to it can be decreased or increased.
[0042] On the upper side of the second holder 3, angular U-shaped projections 14 are also provided to enable the positive engagement of one or more containers 15, at least partially. This predefines the position of the container 15 on the second holder 3, so that when the distance between the two holders 2 and 3 is reduced, the detector 6 can easily open the container 15 and insert it precisely. The illustrated container 15 has a length L of 150 mm, a width B of 100 mm, and a height H of 160 mm.
[0043] Furthermore, the container 15 is hermetically sealed with a lid 16, which has an opening 17. This opening 17 has a length L of 130 mm and a width B of 60 mm and is hermetically sealed by a closure 18 in a closed position, the dimensions of which exceed those of the opening 17 by approximately 10%. The closure 18 itself is pivotally mounted on the inside of the lid 16, for example by means of a hinge located on a left edge of the closure, and can be deflected into the interior of the container 15 and thus into an open position. This deflection is usually carried out by the detector 6 when the distance between the two holders 2, 3 is reduced, which simultaneously penetrates the container 15 to analyze the headspace gas.
[0044] The lid 16 of the container 15 is pressed against the seal 7 arranged on the first holder 2, so that the container 15 is hermetically sealed during the analysis of the headspace gas and contamination of the headspace gas inside the container 15 is prevented. To ensure an efficient seal of the container 15, the seal 7 surrounds the detector 6 at a constant distance and has a length L of 140 mm, a width B of 70 mm, and a height H of 6 mm. Preferably, the seal 7 is made of rubber.
[0045] In the analysis, components of the headspace gas are detected by means of 16 sensors arranged in the housing of the detector 6. Each of these sensors is preferably designed as a chemosensor and comprises at least one polymer that interacts with a specific component of the headspace gas, thereby changing, for example, its conductivity. In the illustrated embodiment, each of these sensors comprises a different polymer, so that different components of the headspace gas can be detected simultaneously. The change in the conductivity of the sensors generates an electrical signal, which can then be processed and a measured value obtained either by a device arranged in the housing of the detector 6 or by transmitting the signal to a processing unit 19.
[0046] The processing unit 19 can process received signals and output measured values. It features an interface for connecting to a computer or mobile device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. The processing unit 19 can also be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The received measured values can then be transferred to the computer or mobile device and stored in a database, allowing for comparison with future measurements. This improves the efficiency of headspace gas analysis.
[0047] After the headspace gas analysis is complete, container 15 is separated from detector 6 by increasing the distance between the two holders 2, 3 and automatically sealed airtight via the closure 18, which is equipped with its own seal. To analyze another headspace gas, the second holder 3 is rotated about its axis of rotation, specifically counterclockwise, so that another container 15 (not shown in this illustration) is positioned below detector 6. By decreasing the distance between the two holders 2, 3, the detector 6 inserts another container 15 and analyzes its headspace gas.
[0048] Preferably, in such a device 1, eight detectors 6 are arranged on the first holder 2 and eight containers 15 on the second holder 3, their illustration being omitted for the sake of simplicity.
[0049] To ensure the device 1 stands securely, an X-shaped base 20 is arranged at one lower end of the connecting piece 4. This base, like the connecting piece 4, is formed from a hollow profile, in particular an aluminum profile. Furthermore, the computing unit 19 is arranged on one leg of the base 20.
[0050] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container 15 of the device 1 of Figure 1. The figure illustrates the container 15's conical shape with a rectangular base and the lid 16 located on the top of the container 15. It is also evident that the edges and corners of the container 15 are rounded. In particular, the opening 17 in the lid 16 and the airtight closure 18 are visible. Furthermore, a key is shown on the left to facilitate understanding of the specified lengths L, widths B, and heights H.
[0051] Figure 3 shows a front view of the device 1 from Figure 1. The orientation of the spindle 9, the gear 12, the two motors 10, 11, and the distance between the two supports 2, 3 are particularly clear. The arrangement of the container 15 on the second support 3 is also clearly evident from this illustration.
[0052] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the device 1 of Fig. 1 without the container 15. This allows the arrangement of the detector 6 and the seal 7 on the first holder 2 to be seen for the first time.
[0053] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the device 1 of Fig. 4, from which the intended arrangements of the holder 8, the detector 6, the seal 7, the spindle 9 and the two motors 10, 11 are clearly evident.
[0054] Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the device 1 of Fig. 1, in which on the one hand the shape of the calculating unit 19 and on the other hand the toothing 13 provided on the underside of the second holder 3 can be seen.
Claims
Patent claims 1. Device (1) for analyzing a headspace gas, comprising a first holder (2) on which at least one detector (6) is arranged, and a second holder (3) on which at least one container (15) is detachably arranged, wherein the container (15) contains a sample and the headspace gas and is provided with an airtight lid (16), characterized in that the first holder (2) and the second holder (3) are movable relative to each other and the first holder (2) and / or the detector (6) has a seal (7), whereby the lid (16) can be opened by the detector (6), the detector (6) can be inserted into the container (15) and the container (15) can be sealed airtight via the seal (7) during the analysis of the headspace gas.
2. Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first holder (2) and the second holder (3) are arranged apart from each other on a connecting piece (4), wherein at least one of the two holders (2, 3) is movably mounted on the connecting piece (4).
3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second holder (3) is mounted on the connecting piece (4) so as to be rotatably movable about an axis of rotation and translationally movable along the axis of rotation.
4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second holder (3) has an axis of rotation and several containers (15) are arranged at the same distance from the axis of rotation.
5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that several detectors (6) or containers (15) are arranged in a circle on the first holder (2) and / or on the second holder (3).
6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that several projections (14) and / or recesses are provided on the second holder (3) with which one or more containers (15) can be received at least partially in a form-fitting manner.
7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first holder (2) and / or the second holder (3) has a circular or star-shaped basic form.
8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lid (16) has an opening (17) through which an interior of the container (15) is accessible, wherein the opening (17) can be closed with a closure (18).
9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the closure (18) is pivotably arranged on the lid (16) and can be deflected into the interior of the container (15).
10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the detector (6) has several sensors so that several components of the headspace gas can be detected, in particular simultaneously.
11. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a computing unit (19) is provided with which movements of the first holder (2) and / or second holder (3) can be controlled and measured values obtained from the detector (6) can be processed.
12. Method for analyzing a headspace gas, in particular with a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one detector (6) is arranged on a first holder (2) and at least one container (15), which contains a sample and the headspace gas and is hermetically sealed with a lid (16), is arranged on a second holder (3), characterized in that the first holder (2) and / or the detector (6) has a seal (7) and the first holder (2) and the second holder (3) are moved relative to each other, wherein the lid (16) of the detector (6) is opened, the detector (6) is inserted into the container (15) and the container (15) is pressed against the seal (7) so that the container (15) is hermetically sealed during the analysis of the headspace gas.
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that, for a container change, the second holder (3) is moved relative to the first holder (2) by a The axis of rotation is rotated, with several containers (15) being arranged at the same distance from the axis of rotation on the second holder (3).
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that several detectors (6) are arranged circularly on the first holder (2) and the headspace gases of several Containers (15), especially simultaneously, are analyzed.
15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that signals received from the detector (6) are processed by a computing unit (19) to produce a measured value and / or measured values obtained are fed into a database by the computing unit (19).
Citation Information
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