Adapter and gas chromatograph device comprising same

Abstract

This adapter (60) is connected between a port (42) or a detection device (70) and a column (50) in a gas chromatograph device (80). The adapter (60) comprises a connection part (62), a connection part (66), and a pipe (64). The connection part (62) is connected to the column (50). The connection part (66) is connected to the gas chromatograph device (80). The pipe (64) is connected between the connection part (62) and the connection part (66).

Description

Adapter and Gas Chromatograph Apparatus Equipped with the Same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter connected to a column of a gas chromatograph system. More specifically, it relates to a technique for using a specific glass column in gas chromatograph apparatuses of various models.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-135215 (Patent Document 1) discloses a gas chromatograph system in which a column is provided inside a column oven.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-135215

[0004] Columns and column ovens of general gas chromatograph systems differ in shape and dimensions depending on the model of the gas chromatograph apparatus. More specifically, columns and column ovens of general gas chromatograph systems have different distances between the sample inlet from the outside of the column oven and the sample outlet to the outside of the column oven depending on the model of the gas chromatograph apparatus. Therefore, when trying to place a column in the column oven of a gas chromatograph apparatus of another model, problems such as the column being too large to fit into the column oven or the dimensions of the connection parts not matching and being unable to connect may occur, and it may not be possible to use. Therefore, usually, when the model of the gas chromatograph apparatus is newly changed, the column also needs to be changed to a dedicated column suitable for the new model of the gas chromatograph apparatus. However, in the pharmaceutical field, the use of a glass column with a specific inner diameter and length may be specified in the pharmacopoeia. In that case, even if the model of the gas chromatograph apparatus is changed, it is necessary to continue using the specified glass column.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to enable a specific glass column to be used in gas chromatograph apparatuses of various models.

[0006] An adapter relating to a certain aspect of this disclosure is connected between a sample inlet or detection device and a glass column in a gas chromatograph apparatus. The adapter comprises a first connection, a second connection, and piping. The first connection is connected to the glass column. The second connection is connected to the gas chromatograph apparatus. The piping is connected between the first connection and the second connection.

[0007] The adapter connected to the glass column of the gas chromatograph apparatus of this disclosure connects one end of the glass column to the port of the vaporizer or the port of the detection device of a gas chromatograph apparatus that is not compatible with the glass column. In this way, even if the glass column alone cannot connect to the port of the vaporizer and the port of the detection device of a gas chromatograph apparatus that is not compatible with the glass column, the adapter allows the glass column to be connected to the port of the vaporizer or the port of the detection device. Therefore, a particular glass column can be used in various types of gas chromatograph apparatuses.

[0008] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the gas chromatograph system in Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of a detailed configuration of the adapter in Embodiment 1. This is a perspective view of the adapter in Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of a detailed configuration of the column oven and column in a comparative example. This figure shows an example of a detailed configuration of the adapter in a modified example. This figure shows an example of a detailed configuration of the adapter in Embodiment 2.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Configuration of Gas Chromatograph System 100> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the gas chromatograph system 100 in Embodiment 1. The gas chromatograph system 100 is a system that separates and analyzes the components contained in a sample gas to be analyzed, component by component. Each of the components constituting the gas chromatograph system 100 is connected by piping. The piping constitutes a flow path. Each of the components of the gas chromatograph system 100 may be arranged inside the same housing (not shown) or outside the housing.

[0011] The gas chromatograph system 100 comprises a gas chromatograph apparatus 80 and a column 50. The gas chromatograph apparatus 80 includes an autosampler 10, a vaporizer 20, a carrier gas cylinder 30, a column oven 40, an adapter 60, and a detection device 70.

[0012] The autosampler 10 is controlled by a control device (not shown) and supplies a desired type and amount of sample gas. The carrier gas cylinder 30 is a cylinder for storing carrier gas. The carrier gas is a gas that does not interfere with the analysis results of the sample gas, such as helium or nitrogen. The carrier gas is used to transport the sample gas in the piping that connects each instrument constituting the gas chromatography system 100.

[0013] The vaporizer 20 vaporizes the liquid sample supplied from the autosampler 10. Subsequently, the vaporizer 20 outputs the sample gas to the column oven 40 using carrier gas introduced from the carrier gas cylinder 30.

[0014] The column oven 40 is configured to house a column 50 and an adapter 60 inside. The column oven 40 has a port 42 which is a passage through which the sample gas and carrier gas supplied from the vaporizer 20 pass, and which is a mounting port connecting the vaporizer 20 and the column 50. The column oven 40 also has a port 44 which is a passage through which the sample gas and carrier gas supplied to the detection device 70 pass, and which is a mounting port connecting the column 50 and the detection device 70.

[0015] Column 50 is a glass column through which a mixed gas of the sample gas and carrier gas supplied from the vaporizer 20 via port 42 flows, separating the components contained in the sample gas. Because different components take different amounts of time to pass through column 50, the sample gas can be separated into its individual components. Column 50 is a glass column made of glass.

[0016] The adapter 60 is connected between the column 50 and the gas chromatograph apparatus 80. More specifically, the adapter 60 connects the column 50 and the detection device 70. The adapter 60 guides the sample gas introduced from the column 50 to the detection device 70 via the port 44 of the column oven 40. Since the sample gas has already been separated into its components in the column 50, the adapter 60 is configured not to physically or chemically alter the sample gas.

[0017] The column oven 40 heats the column 50. This allows the temperature of the sample gas inside the column 50 to reach a desired temperature suitable for analysis. In Embodiment 1, the adapter 60 is also located inside the column oven 40. Therefore, the column oven 40 also heats the adapter 60. This allows the sample gas to pass through the inside of the column 50 and the adapter 60 while maintaining the sample gas in a gaseous state.

[0018] The detection device 70 is controlled by a control device (not shown) and sequentially detects the various components separated by the column 50. The detection device 70 may be, for example, a flame ionization detector (FID), a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), a flame photometric detector (FPD), an electron capture detector (ECD), or a flame thermionic detector (FTD). The mixed gas of the sample gas and carrier gas discharged from the detection device 70 is discharged outside the gas chromatograph apparatus 80.

[0019] The shape and dimensions of general gas chromatography columns vary depending on the model of the gas chromatography instrument. Therefore, if the gas chromatography instrument is changed to a new model, the column must also be changed. However, in the pharmaceutical field, the use of specific glass columns is sometimes specified in the pharmacopoeia, and in such cases, even if the gas chromatography instrument is changed, the specified glass column must continue to be used.

[0020] Therefore, the adapter 60 connected to the glass column 50 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 80 of this disclosure connects one end of the glass column 50 to a port 42 of the vaporizer 20 or a port 44 of the detection device 70 of a gas chromatograph apparatus 80 that is not compatible with the glass column 50.

[0021] In this way, even if the glass column 50 alone cannot be connected to ports 42 and 44 of a gas chromatograph apparatus 80 that is not compatible with the glass column 50, ports 42 and 44 can be connected via the adapter 60. Therefore, a specific glass column 50 can be used with various models of gas chromatograph apparatus 80.

[0022] <Configuration of Adapter 60> Figure 2 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the adapter 60 in Embodiment 1. The adapter 60 includes connection parts 62 and 66, piping 64, and fixing part 68.

[0023] One end of the column 50 is connected to the port 42. The other end of the column 50 is connected to the connector 62. The connector 62 connects the column 50 to the piping 64. In this way, the sample gas that has passed through the column 50 is introduced into the piping 64 via the connector 62.

[0024] The pipe 64 is connected between the connection part 62 and the connection part 66. The pipe 64 guides the sample gas from the column 50 connected to the connection part 62 to the detection device 70 connected to the connection part 66. The pipe 64 is a SUS pipe with a large inner diameter, which makes it difficult for the pressure of the gas passing through it to exceed the allowable pressure.

[0025] The connection part 66 is connected to the port 44. In this way, the sample gas that has passed through the piping 64 is introduced to the detection device 70 via the connection part 66. Preferably, at least one of the connection parts 62, 66 of the adapter 60 and the piping 64 is subjected to an inactivation treatment in which a hard thin film mainly composed of amorphous silicon is formed on the surface, so as not to react with the sample gas passing through the inside. The fixing part 68 fixes the connection part 62 to the top plate inside the column oven 40.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the adapter 60 in Embodiment 1. If the piping 64 is a metal pipe such as a SUS pipe, the piping 64 and the connection part 62 are connected by welding. Also, if the piping 64 is a metal pipe such as a SUS pipe, the piping 64 and the connection part 66 are connected by welding.

[0027] The column 50 further includes washers 51, 52, 54, and 55, and nuts 53 and 56. Parts of washers 51 and 54 are made of rubber or the like and are configured to be in close contact with the column 50 and to be fixed in position. Washers 52 and 55 are, for example, spring washers and springs, and prevent the tightened nuts and screws from loosening. The nuts 53 and 56 engage with the screws and are fixed in place.

[0028] A portion of the connecting part 62 is cylindrical, and threads are formed on the outer surface of the cylinder. One end of the column 50 is inserted into the hole in the connecting part 62. The connecting part 62 connects the column 50 and the piping 64 by tightening it with a nut 56, sandwiching washers 54 and 55 that have been previously placed on the column 50. The washers 54 and 55 and the nut 56 may or may not be included in the connecting part 62. Note that the column 50 and the connecting part 62 only need to be connected, and the configuration is not limited to the above configuration; any configuration is acceptable.

[0029] Similarly, cylindrical threads are formed in ports 42 and 44 of the top plate of the column oven 40 in Figure 2, so as to protrude into the interior of the column oven 40. The thread formed in port 42 is tightened with a nut 53, with washers 51 and 52 in between. In this way, the vaporizer 20 and the column 50 are connected. Note that the vaporizer 20 and the column 50 only need to be connected, and the configuration is not limited to the above. The thread formed in port 44 is tightened with a connecting part 66, which is a nut. In this way, the column 50 and the detection device 70 are connected.

[0030] The connecting portion 62 is connected to the fixing portion 68 by a screw. Furthermore, the fixing portion 68 is connected to the top plate inside the column oven 40, thereby fixing the adapter 60 and column 50 to the top plate inside the column oven 40. A hole is formed in a part of the fixing portion 68, and the column 50 is connected to the vaporizer 20 through this hole.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the column oven and column in the comparative example. The column oven 40X of the comparative example has a port 42X to the vaporizer 20 and a port 44X to the detection device 70. The column oven 40X includes a column 50X. The column 50X is connected to ports 42X and 44X.

[0032] For comparison, Figure 2 also shows the size and arrangement of the column oven 40, the port 42 to the vaporizer 20, and the port 44 to the detection device 70 in Embodiment 1 described above. The column 50X in the comparative example is longer than the column 50 in Embodiment 1 and is larger than the internal dimensions of the column oven 40 in Embodiment 1, so it cannot be placed inside the column oven 40.

[0033] Furthermore, the distance between ports 42X and 44X of the column oven 40X in the comparative example is different from the distance between ports 42 and 44 of the column oven 40 in Embodiment 1. Since the distance between both ends of the column 50X in the comparative example is equal to the distance between ports 42X and 44X of the column oven 40X in the comparative example, the column 50X in the comparative example cannot be connected to ports 42 and 44 of the column oven 40X on its own.

[0034] However, in the pharmaceutical field, the use of specific glass columns is sometimes prescribed in pharmacopoeias, and in such cases, even if the gas chromatograph equipment is of a different model, it is required to use the specific glass column specified in the pharmacopoeia.

[0035] Therefore, the gas chromatograph apparatus 80 of Embodiment 1 is provided with an adapter 60. The adapter 60 connected to the column 50 of Embodiment 1 connects one end of the column 50 to the port 44 of the detection device 70 of a gas chromatograph apparatus 80 that is not compatible with the column 50.

[0036] In this way, even if the column 50 alone cannot be connected to the port 42 of the vaporizer 20 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 80 and the port 44 of the detection device 70, the column 50 can be connected to the port 44 of the detection device 70 via the adapter 60. Therefore, a particular column 50 can be used in various models of gas chromatograph apparatuses.

[0037] By making a specific column 50 applicable to various models of gas chromatographs, users can continue to use the specific glass column 50 specified in the pharmacopoeia even if they upgrade their gas chromatograph to a newer model.

[0038] Furthermore, even if a user upgrades their gas chromatograph to a new model, they will no longer need to purchase new columns for the new model, leading to cost savings for the user. In addition, even if a user owns multiple gas chromatographs, they can share a smaller number of columns than the number of gas chromatographs, making column management easier.

[0039] (Modified Version) Figure 5 shows an example of a detailed configuration of adapter 60A in a modified version. The piping 64 of adapter 60 in Embodiment 1 is made of SUS piping and is connected to the connection parts 62 and 66 by welding.

[0040] In contrast, in the modified example, the piping 64A of the adapter 60A is a flexible capillary pipe and is detachably connected to the connection parts 62A and 66A. The material of the piping is determined by the shape of the hole formed in the connection part into which the piping is inserted.

[0041] In the modified example, adapter 60A further includes connecting parts 63 and 67 in addition to the adapter 60 in embodiment 1. Connecting part 63 is welded to connecting part 62A. Connecting part 63 includes, for example, a ferrule, and the connecting part 63 and the piping 64A are configured to be detachable. Connecting part 67 is welded to connecting part 66A. Connecting part 67 includes, for example, a ferrule, and the connecting part 67 and the piping 64A are configured to be detachable.

[0042] In this way, even if the column 50 alone cannot be connected to the port 42 of the vaporizer 20 and the port of the detection device 70 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 80, the column 50 and the port 44 of the detection device 70 can be connected via the adapter 60A. Therefore, a specific column 50 can be used in various models of gas chromatograph apparatuses. This allows the pharmaceutical field to continue using specific glass columns specified in the pharmacopoeia even when users upgrade to newer models of gas chromatograph apparatuses.

[0043] Also, even if the user updates the gas chromatograph device to a new model, there is no need to newly purchase a column for the new model, which leads to cost reduction for the user. Further, even when the user owns gas chromatograph devices of multiple models, a smaller number of columns than the number of gas chromatograph devices can be shared and used, making column management easier.

[0044] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, the adapter was arranged to connect between the column and the detection device. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, the case where the adapter connects between the vaporization device and the column will be described. That is, in Embodiment 2, the adapter is connected between the sample inlet in the gas chromatograph device and the glass column.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the adapter 60B in Embodiment 2. The adapter 60B includes connection parts 62B, 66B, a pipe 64B, and a fixing part 68B. The connection part 66B connects the port 42 formed in the column oven 40 and one end of the pipe 64B. The connection part 62B connects the other end of the pipe 64B and one end of the column 50B. The other end of the column 50B is connected to the port 44 of the column oven 40. The connection part 62B is fixed to the inner top plate of the column oven 40 by the fixing part 68B.

[0046] By doing so, even if the column 50B alone cannot connect the port 42 of the vaporization device 20 and the port 44 of the detection device of the gas chromatograph device, the column 50B and the port 42 of the vaporization device can be connected via the adapter 60B. Therefore, a specific column 50B can be used in gas chromatograph devices of various models.

[0047] Since a specific column 50B can be applied to gas chromatograph devices of various models, in the pharmaceutical field, even if the user updates the gas chromatograph device to a new model, a specific glass column defined in the pharmacopoeia can be used.

[0048] Also, even if the user updates the gas chromatograph device to a new model, there is no need to newly purchase a column for the new model, which leads to cost reduction for the user. Furthermore, even when the user owns gas chromatograph devices of multiple models, a smaller number of columns than the number of gas chromatograph devices can be shared and used, making column management easier.

[0049] In addition, the sample gas passing through the inside of the adapter is less likely to unintentionally change the analysis result when it is the sample gas after being separated by component in the column than when it is the sample gas before being separated by component in the column. Therefore, the configuration of the gas chromatograph device according to Embodiment 1 is more preferable than the configuration of the gas chromatograph device according to Embodiment 2. However, even in Embodiment 2, by sufficiently performing an inactivation treatment on the adapter, it is possible to analyze the sample gas without changing the analysis result, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0050] Note that the "connection part 62" and "connection part 66" in the embodiment respectively correspond to the "first connection part" and "second connection part" of the present disclosure.

[0051] [Aspect] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described plurality of exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0052] (Item 1) An adapter according to one aspect is connected between a sample inlet or a detection device in a gas chromatograph device and a glass column. The adapter includes a first connection part, a second connection part, and a pipe. The first connection part is connected to the glass column. The second connection part is connected to the gas chromatograph device. The pipe is connected between the first connection part and the second connection part.

[0053] The adapter according to Item 1 is connected between the gas chromatograph device and the column. Thereby, even if the column alone cannot be connected to a gas chromatograph device of a model that does not correspond to the column, the column can be connected via the adapter. Therefore, a specific glass column can be used in gas chromatograph devices of various models.

[0054] (Paragraph 2) The adapter described in Paragraph 1 further comprises a fixing part for fixing the first connection part to a gas chromatograph apparatus.

[0055] According to the adapter in paragraph 2, the first connection part connected to the column is fixed to the gas chromatograph apparatus. This allows the column and the gas chromatograph apparatus to be connected via the adapter. Therefore, a specific glass column can be used with various models of gas chromatograph apparatus.

[0056] (Article 3) In the adapter described in Article 1 or Article 2, the piping is a flexible capillary pipe. The piping and the first connection are detachably connected.

[0057] (Article 4) In the adapter described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the piping is a flexible capillary pipe. The piping and the second connection are detachably connected.

[0058] (Paragraph 5) In the adapter described in Paragraph 1 or 2, the piping is metal piping. The piping and the first connection are connected by welding.

[0059] (Article 6) In the adapter described in any one of paragraphs 1, 2, or 5, the piping is metal piping. The piping and the second connection are connected by welding.

[0060] (Section 7) In the adapter described in any one of Sections 1 to 6, the glass column includes an inlet for receiving sample gas from a gas chromatograph and an outlet for supplying sample gas to the gas chromatograph. The first connection connects the outlet of the glass column to the piping.

[0061] The adapter in paragraph 7 connects the sample gas outlet of the column to the detection device. Therefore, a specific glass column can be used in various types of gas chromatographs.

[0062] (Clause 8) In the adapter described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the glass column includes an inlet for receiving sample gas from a gas chromatograph and an outlet for supplying sample gas to the gas chromatograph. The first connection connects the inlet of the glass column to the piping.

[0063] The adapter in paragraph 8 connects the vaporizer to the sample gas inlet of the column. Therefore, a particular glass column can be used in various types of gas chromatographs.

[0064] (Paragraph 9) In the adapter described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, at least one of the piping, the first connection, and the second connection is subjected to an inactivation treatment.

[0065] The adapter described in item 9 is deactivated. Therefore, specific glass columns can be used in various types of gas chromatographs while preventing interference of the adapter with the sample gas.

[0066] (Paragraph 10) A gas chromatograph apparatus according to one embodiment comprises the adapter described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 9.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0068] 10 Autosampler, 20 Vaporizer, 30 Carrier gas cylinder, 40, 40X Column oven, 42, 42X, 44, 44X Port, 50, 50B, 50X Column, 51, 52, 54, 55 Washer, 53, 56 Nut, 60, 60A, 60B Adapter, 62, 62A, 62B, 63, 66, 66A, 66B, 67 Connection, 64, 64A, 64B Piping, 68, 68B Fixing, 70 Detection device, 80 Gas chromatograph device, 100 Gas chromatograph system.

Claims

1. An adapter for connection between a sample inlet or detection device and a glass column in a gas chromatograph apparatus, comprising: a first connection part connected to the glass column; a second connection part connected to the gas chromatograph apparatus; and piping connected between the first connection part and the second connection part.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the first connection portion to the gas chromatograph apparatus.

3. The adapter according to claim 2, wherein the piping is a flexible capillary pipe, and the piping and the first connection part are detachably connected.

4. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein the piping is a flexible capillary pipe, and the piping and the second connection part are detachably connected.

5. The adapter according to claim 2, wherein the piping is a metal pipe, and the piping and the first connection part are connected by welding.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein the piping is a metal pipe, and the piping and the second connection part are connected by welding.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the glass column includes an inlet for receiving sample gas from the gas chromatograph apparatus and an outlet for supplying sample gas to the gas chromatograph apparatus, and the first connection part connects the outlet of the glass column to the piping.

8. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the glass column includes an inlet for receiving sample gas from the gas chromatograph apparatus and an outlet for supplying sample gas to the gas chromatograph apparatus, and the first connection part connects the inlet of the glass column to the piping.

9. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the piping, the first connection, and the second connection is subjected to an inactivation treatment.

10. A gas chromatograph apparatus comprising the adapter described in claim 1.

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