JP2915838B2 - Flow cell assembly - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow cell assembly, and more particularly to an improvement in a mechanism for introducing a fluid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a fluid to be measured continuously flows out of a liquid chromatograph, the fluid to be measured is introduced into a flow cell, and the characteristics of the fluid are examined by a desired detector. FIG. 1 shows an example of such a flow cell. In the figure, effluent 1 from the liquid chromatograph
0 is introduced from below the square flow cell 12 made of quartz glass. When the excitation light L1 is incident on the one side surface 12a of the flow cell 12 from the light source 14, and the measured effluent 10 in the flow cell 12 emits fluorescence, the fluorescence L2 obtained from a direction orthogonal to the excitation light L1 is emitted. Detected by the detector 16.

[0003] With the flow cell 12 configured as described above, the fluorescent substance present in the effluent 10 flowing out of the liquid chromatograph can be continuously measured. By the way, in order to prevent the sample separated by the column from diffusing in the pipe, the pipe connecting the column and the flow cell has an inner diameter of 0.25 mm or less. Therefore, at a flow rate of 0.5 to 3.0 ml / min which is usually used, the average flow velocity in the pipe is as high as 17 to 100 cm / sec.

A quartz cell used as a flow cell has a size of 10 to 50 μl and is used as a standard cell in a liquid chromatograph. From this capacity, the dimensions of the flow cell are 1.5 × 1.5 (dimension of a plane perpendicular to the flow channel direction) × 5.0 mm (dimension in the flow channel direction) to 3.0 × 3.0.
Those having a size of about 0 × 5.0 mm are used. If the capacity of the flow cell is increased, the sensitivity of the detector is improved. However, for example, two components sufficiently separated by the column coexist in the flow cell, and the chromatogram in which the signal output from the detector is recorded is 2. Since the components may not be sufficiently separated and the quantification may not be performed accurately, the capacity of the flow cell must be as described above.

As described above, since the diameter of the pipe connecting the column and the flow cell is largely different from the diameter of the flow cell, the flow cell and the pipe are usually connected as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, the flow cell 12 and the pipe 18 are connected by a flow cell holding part 20 and an inlet-side member 22. As is clear from the figure, an opening 20a into which the pipe 18 is inserted is provided at the center of the flow cell holding portion 20, and an inlet-side member 22 is fitted in the upper part of the opening 20a in the figure. An opening 20b having a diameter is provided. The pipe 18 and the inlet-side member 22 positioned by the openings 20a, 20b are connected to the conduits 18a, 22 of the two.
a are fixed so as to communicate with each other. On the other hand, the flow cell 12
Is pressed in such a manner that its lower end opening 12b is pressed against the entrance side member 22.

[0006]

When a buffer solution is used as a mobile phase for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), salts in the buffer solution precipitate on the inner surface of a pipe connecting the column and the flow cell. If the piping is clogged or the liquid is sent while the piping is clogged, the flow cell may be damaged. In addition, when the apparatus is not used for a long time, mold or the like may be generated, and the pipe may be clogged or the flow cell may be damaged. If the pipe is clogged, it is relatively easy to obtain a new pipe. For example, a user who is not a skilled maintenance worker usually replaces the clogged pipe with a new pipe. Also, when the flow cell is damaged, the user usually replaces the damaged flow cell with a new flow cell instead of a skilled maintenance worker.

However, when the pipe or the flow cell is replaced, there is a problem that the peak separation performance is remarkably reduced. To investigate the cause of this problem,
The present inventors conducted the following tests. That is, Table 1 below shows a comparison result (groups A and B) between the case where the dedicated tool was used and the case where the flow cell was attached was visually adjusted instead of the dedicated tool when adjusting the mounting position of the flow cell. It is shown. Also, Table 1 shows the comparison results (C and D groups) of a case where the burrs generated when processing the inlet end face of the pipe were sufficiently removed and a case where the burrs were not sufficiently removed. I have.

In this analysis system, for the purpose of verifying the diffusion inside the cell, acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase, 0.1% benzene was used as the sample, and the sample was eluted with little retention in the column. Conditions.

<Comparative Items> A: When using a special tool to adjust the mounting position of the flow cell B: When adjusting the mounting position of the flow cell visually instead of using the special tool C: Processing the inlet side end face of the pipe When the burrs generated during the process are sufficiently removed D: When the burrs generated when processing the inlet end face of the pipe are not sufficiently removed <Evaluation method> In this analysis system, the theoretical benzene peak numerical value ( NTP), which is given by
It is represented by 2.

NTP = (t _R / σ) ²

Σ = A / (σ (2π) * H) where t _R is the retention time of the benzene peak, A is the area value of the benzene peak, and H is the height value of the benzene peak.

[0010]

[Table 1] 項目 Comparison item Conventional flow cell ─────群 Group A 5,600 Group B 4,100 Group C 5,450 Group D 3, 950 ────────────────────────────────────

For example, in FIG. 3, when the pipe 18 is replaced, the inlet side end face 18c having an inner diameter of 0.25 mm or less must be machined. For this reason, a user who does not have skilled skills cannot sufficiently remove the burrs generated when the inlet side end face 18c is processed, and cannot uniformly process the flow path surface shape of the pipe 18. . And
As is clear from Table 1, the processing accuracy of the inlet end face 18c of the pipe 18 cannot be sufficiently controlled, and if the flow path surface shape is not uniform, the flow velocity distribution of the fluid flowing in the flow cell 12 becomes uneven. There is.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the diameter of the inlet-side end face 18c is made larger than the diameter of the inlet-side end face shown in FIG. 2, compared with that shown in FIG. Although the diffusion of the sample described above can be somewhat reduced, it cannot be said that the flow velocity distribution of the fluid flowing in the flow cell 12 can be made uniform.

On the other hand, even if it is a skilled worker, it is very difficult to sufficiently remove burrs generated when the inlet-side end face 18c of the pipe 18 having an inner diameter of 0.25 mm or less is machined. If the processing accuracy of the inlet-side end face 18c is increased to such an extent that the flow velocity distribution of the flowing fluid does not become non-uniform, the production cost increases and the cost cannot be reduced.

As described above, the size of the flow cell is 1.5 × 1.5 (the size of a plane perpendicular to the flow path direction) ×
5.0 mm (dimensions in the channel direction) to 3.0 x 3.0 x
It is about 5.0 mm and very small. Therefore, when replacing the flow cell, the mounting position must be adjusted within a range of 1 mm or less, which is a very difficult operation for a user who does not have a dedicated tool and skilled skills. And, as is clear from Table 1 (groups A and B), if the mounting position of the flow cell is not properly adjusted, the flow velocity distribution of the fluid flowing in the flow cell may also be uneven.

As described above, when the user performs maintenance on the apparatus, the flow velocity distribution of the fluid flowing in the flow cell may become uneven in any case. If the flow velocity distribution of the fluid flowing in the flow cell becomes non-uniform, the two components sufficiently separated by the column coexist in the flow cell as described above. The components are not sufficiently separated, and the quantification cannot be performed accurately.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable that the repair is requested not by the user but by a skilled maintenance worker. This is not a viable solution as it requires more days and labor to pay for the skilled worker. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and its object is to reduce the generation of scattered light and impair the separation performance even when a user performs maintenance of, for example, a pipe or a flow cell. It is an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable flow cell assembly capable of performing fluid characteristic analysis without using the same.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a flow cell assembly according to the present invention comprises a continuous flow cell assembly.
Flow cell used to detect the characteristics of the fluid
In the assembly, the small diameter introduction path, the flow cell,
A flow section and a flow cell holding section.
You. Here, it is a small diameter introduction path of the fluid. In addition, the flow
The flow cell is a flow cell having a diameter larger than that of the small diameter introduction path.
You. The rectifying unit is configured to connect the small-diameter introduction path and the flow cell.
It is provided separately from the opening end on the fluid introduction side,
It has substantially the same diameter as the low cell and has a plurality of holes. The said
The rectifying part is provided at one end of the low cell holding part on the fluid introduction side.
An opening to be fitted is provided, and at the other end communicating with the opening,
An opening into which the small-diameter introduction path is detachably inserted is provided.
The flow cell between the rectifying section and the small-diameter introduction path;
A space having substantially the same diameter is provided, and the fluid introduction into the flow cell is performed.
To the opening end on the side so as to press the rectifying section
You.

[0018]In addition, in the flow cell assembly,
The dimension of a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow cell,
A × a for a square flow cell,
In this case, when the diameter φ = a, 0.25mm ≦ a ≦ 3.0mm It is preferable to be configured to satisfy the following conditional expression
It is. Further, in the flow cell assembly,
Rectifying section and small diameter introduction in space of almost the same diameter as the flow cell
The gap with the road is preferably 2 mm or less.

Further , in the above-mentioned flow cell assembly,
In the flow cell, both the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface have four shapes.
Using a prismatic hollow flow cell formed in a hollow shape,
Rectifiers are provided only at the four corners of the rectangular flow cell.
It is preferred to arrange at least four holes. Further
In the flow cell assembly, the flow
The outer and inner walls of the cell are both square pillars
Using the formed square flow cell, the square flow cell
The test fluid is introduced from underneath, and one side of the square cell
Excitation light is incident on the one side adjacent to the incident surface of the excitation light.
It is preferable to detect the fluorescence emitted from the surface.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The flow cell assembly according to the present invention has a rectifying section as described above, so that the fluid flowing from the small-diameter introduction path is introduced into the flow cell through a plurality of holes by the rectifying section. . Here, by introducing the fluid from the small-diameter introduction path into the flow cell through the rectification unit, when replacing the flow cell or the small-diameter introduction path, the position of the flow cell is not properly adjusted. Even when the burrs generated on the inlet-side end face of the small-diameter introduction path are not sufficiently removed, the fluid flows properly.

The flow cell assembly uses a rectangular flow cell in which both the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface are formed in a hollow shape of a quadrangular prism, so that the reflection when the excitation light enters the flow cell is made constant. Reduce the generation of scattered light. In addition, by arranging at least four holes at portions corresponding to the four corners of the rectangular flow cell, the fluid can flow properly within the flow cell, and the separation performance is greatly improved.

Further, the flow cell assembly has a flow cell holding portion which is press-fitted to a lower opening of the flow cell assembly. The flow cell holding portion has an opening through which the small-diameter introduction path is removably inserted at a central portion thereof, and the opening. The flow cell side is provided with an opening in which the rectifying portion is fitted, thereby enabling the flow cell and the small-diameter introduction path to be alternated. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a flow cell assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a portion corresponding to FIG.

In FIG. 4, the flow cell 112 is sandwiched between a lower flow cell holder 120 and an upper flow cell holder 130 via an inlet member 122 and an outlet member 132. FIG. 5 shows a joint between the flow cell 112 and the pipe (small-diameter introduction passage) 118 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows an inlet-side member (rectifying section) 122 which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. I have.

As shown in the figure, the entrance side member 122 according to the present embodiment has a
a, 134b... And the entrance side member 1
A gap 136 of about 0.5 mm is formed between the bottom surface 122a of the tube 22 and the tip surface 118b of the pipe 118.
If the gap 136 exceeds 2 mm, the opening 13
6 is undesirably generated.

The flow cell assembly according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below. First, when the fluid to be measured supplied through the pipe 118 reaches the gap 136, it is jetted at a high speed from the tip of the pipe 118, but hits the bottom surface of the inlet side member 122,
It does not enter the flow cell 112 at high speed,
After filling the gap 136, the flow enters the flow cell 112 from the corner of the bottom surface of the rectangular flow cell through the plurality of holes 134.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the flow velocity distribution is made uniform, and the flow cell 1
Since the flow rate into the flow cell 12 at the four corners is high and no stagnation occurs, the stagnation of the sample in the flow cell 112 can be significantly reduced, and the diffusion can be reduced. In addition, even when the positional relationship between the pipe 118 and the flow cell 112 is deviated, or when burrs remain in the pipe, the flow is rectified by the inlet side member 122 and the effect is extremely small.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by reference numeral 100, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 7 shows an inlet side member 222 characteristic of the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view thereof.

In the present embodiment, the inlet-side member 222 constituting the rectifying portion includes a rectifying plate 240 provided with holes 234a, 234b,..., And a cylindrical main body 242 on which the rectifying plate 240 can be fitted. ing. Then, the lower end 242a of the cylindrical main body 242 is brought into contact with the upper end of the pipe in a state where the current plate 240 is fitted to the upper part of the cylindrical main body 242. In the case of this embodiment, the effluent is dispersed in each hole 234 in the internal space 244 of the cylindrical body 242 without providing a gap between the inlet side member and the pipe as in the first embodiment, and The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which four holes are provided in the inlet side member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect of the present invention can be obtained by providing two or more holes. Obtainable. However, when applied to the square flow cell 112 as in the above embodiment, at least four holes 234a, 234b, and 2 are formed in portions corresponding to the four corners of the flow cell 112 as shown in FIG.
34c and 234d are preferably arranged. The figure is a plan view of the square flow cell 112 as viewed from above.

As is apparent from FIG.
2 uses a rectangular flow cell in which both the outer wall surface 112a and the inner wall surface 112c are formed in a hollow shape of a quadrangular prism, so that the excitation light enters the flow cell 112 in a fixed direction to reflect the scattered light. Occurrence can be reduced. In addition, at least four holes 234a, 234b, and 234 are formed in portions corresponding to the four corners of the square flow cell 112.
By arranging c and 234d, appropriate flow of the fluid near the wall surface including the four corners is performed even in the rectangular flow cell, and the separation performance can be greatly improved.

FIGS. 10 to 14 show a specific use state of the flow cell assembly according to this embodiment. In the flow cell assembly 250 shown in FIG. 10, the effluent 110 from the liquid chromatograph passes through the inlet-side union 252, the inlet-side piping 254, and the inlet-side cell retainer 256, and enters the quartz cell 112 from the inlet-side gasket 258 in the drawing. be introduced. The effluent that has passed through the quartz cell 112 is led out of the outlet gasket 260, and is provided with an outlet cell retainer 262, an outlet pipe 264, and an outlet union 266.
It flows in the order of

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a flow cell assembly 250 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the flow cell assembly 250 includes an outlet side pipe 264, a cell holding screw 268, a sheet 270,
An outlet-side cell retainer 262, an outlet-side gasket 260,
The quartz cell 112, the inlet gasket 258, the inlet cell holder 256, the cell mask 272, and the inlet pipe 2
54, cell body 274, cell panel 276, cell panel fixing screw 278, and mask fixing screw 280.
, Pin 282, hole 284, inlet union 252
An outlet union 266, an inlet collar 286,
Outlet side collar 288, pin 290, set screw 292
, A screw 294 and a filter retainer 296.

The cell holding screw 268 is connected to the inlet side cell holding 2
56 and the outlet-side cell retainer 262 are provided so as to firmly sandwich the quartz cell 112, whereby sufficient pressure resistance can be obtained. A spacer 27 having good slippage is provided between the cell holding screw 268 and the outlet side cell holding 262.
0 is provided.

The cell holding screw 268 has a screw thread, and the cell body 274 has a screw hole. The cell holding screw 268 is screwed into the screw hole. Also, cell holding screw 2
In order to solve the problem that the outlet-side cell presser 262 rotates when the 68 is screwed into the cell body 274, the outlet-side cell presser 262 is provided with a groove 262a. Since the pin 290 is disposed in the groove 262a of the outlet side cell holder 262 so as to enter from the side of the cell body 274, the outlet side cell holder 262 does not rotate with respect to the cell body 274.

The outlet side cell retainer 262 is provided with a guide groove corresponding to the size of the quartz cell 112 to be used.
Even if the quartz cell 112 is replaced, it can be easily mounted at a predetermined position as long as it has the same shape. The cell mask 272 serves as a slit for fluorescence emitted from the quartz cell, and can also block, for example, excitation light irregularly reflected on the surface of the quartz cell 112 from entering the detector as stray light.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the flow cell according to this embodiment as viewed from above. As shown in the figure, the flow cell 112 receives the excitation light L1 from one side thereof, and when the measured effluent in the flow cell emits fluorescence,
Fluorescence L2 obtained from a direction orthogonal to the excitation light L1 is detected by the detector 116. In this way, by adopting an optical arrangement so as to irradiate the excitation light L1 from a direction orthogonal to the observation direction of the fluorescence L2, reflected light from the cell 112 which causes stray light and the like can be measured by a measurement system (for example, a detection system). Vessel 116)
Can be prevented from entering.

As shown in FIG. 13, the transmission filter 298,
The 300, the excitation light L1, a substrate having a Ryakuen'ana 298 a, 300 a on the passage courses fluorescence L2 302,30
For example, a filter to which a filter 306 such as a color glass filter or an interference filter is fixed can be used. In the figure, transmission filter 298 may be provided detachably from the right in the figure side between the cell body 274 and a filter retainer 296. The transmission filter 300 can be detachably provided between the cell body 274 and the filter retainer 296 from the left side in the figure.

As described above, since the transmission filters 298 and 300 can be detachably provided on the cell body 274 and the filter holder 296, it is easy to exchange transmission filters of various performances. As shown in FIG. 14, the quartz cell 112 has a thin layer of aluminum 308 on the outside 112c of the window plate facing the window plate on which the excitation light L1 is incident. Similarly to the window plate 112c opposed to the window plate on which the excitation light L1 is incident, the outer surface 112d of the window plate facing the window plate facing the window plate for emitting the fluorescent light L2 is also made of aluminum.
08 is coated in a thin layer.

In this manner, the aluminum 308 is coated in a thin layer on the outer surface 112c of the wall surface facing the wall surface on which the excitation light L1 is incident and the outer surface 112d of the wall surface facing the wall surface on which the fluorescent light L2 is emitted. By reflecting the light L1 on the wall surface 112c, the liquid effluent 110 can be efficiently irradiated. On the other hand, since the fluorescent light L2 is reflected by the wall surface 112d, the fluorescent light L2 can efficiently enter the detector 116.

As a result, as compared with the case where the aluminum 308 is not coated, the amount of the fluorescent light L2 can be obtained about 2.5 to 3.5 times, so that the analysis can be performed with high sensitivity. The aluminum layer 308 is formed on the wall surfaces 112c, 1
By covering part of the flow cell 112d as shown in FIG.
Since the light can be transmitted without being reflected at c and 112d, only the fluorescence can be increased without increasing the stray light.

Further, by coating silicon dioxide on the surface of any aluminum layer 308, the aluminum layer 308 can be protected from mechanical and chemical stress. FIG. 15 shows a comparison result between the case where the dedicated tool is used and the case where the attached position is visually adjusted without using the special tool when adjusting the mounting position of the flow cell according to the present embodiment. ing.

In the present analysis system, for the purpose of verifying diffusion inside the cell, acetonitrile is used as a mobile phase, 0.1% benzene is used as a sample, and a sample is eluted with little retention in the column using a reverse phase column. Conditions. As a result, FIG. A showing the case without using the special tool shows almost the same peak and retention of the sample in the flow cell as FIG. B showing the case using the special tool. As described above, according to the flow cell assembly according to the present embodiment, when replacing the flow cell, even when adjusting the mounting position without using a special tool, almost the same as when using the special tool In addition, retention of the sample in the flow cell can be significantly reduced and diffusion can be reduced.

In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a rectangular cell is used on the premise of fluorescence detection has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various shapes such as a cylindrical cell used for measuring absorbance are used. It can be applied to cells.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Example 1 Table 2 below shows the results of comparison between the case where the flow cell assembly according to this embodiment was used and the case where a conventional flow cell assembly having the same shape was used. In addition,
In this analysis system, the same conditions as those in Table 1 were used for the purpose of verifying the diffusion inside the cell. Further, in the present analyzer, the theoretical stage numerical values (NTP) of the above equations 1 and 2 are used as evaluation indexes. <Comparison items> A: When using a special tool to adjust the mounting position of the flow cell B: When adjusting the mounting position of the flow cell visually instead of using the special tool C: Generated when machining the inlet end face of the pipe When removing the burrs sufficiently D: When not removing the burrs generated when processing the inlet end face of the pipe

[0045]

[Table 2] Comparative items Flow cell according to this embodiment Conventional Flow cell 群 Group A 5,950 5,600 Group B 5,300 4,100 Group C 5,500 5,450 Group D 5,650 3,950 ─────────────────────────────── ─────

As a result, a remarkable improvement effect is recognized when the comparison items are B and D. Therefore, according to the flow cell assembly according to the present invention, the adjustment of the mounting position of the flow cell is more appropriate than that of a skilled maintenance worker, such as when a user who does not have a dedicated tool and skilled skills replaces the flow cell or piping. If you can't do that,
Alternatively, even when the burrs on the inlet side end face of the pipe are not sufficiently removed, the stagnation of the sample in the flow cell can be significantly reduced and the diffusion can be reduced, similarly to the case where the skilled worker exchanges the pipe with the flow cell. It is considered possible.

In FIG. 5, when the fluid to be measured supplied through the pipe 118 reaches the gap 136, it is jetted at a high speed from the tip of the pipe 118.
Does not enter the flow cell 112 at a high speed and fills the gap 136 with the plurality of holes 1.
It enters the flow cell 112 from the corner of the bottom surface of the rectangular flow cell via 34. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the flow velocity distribution is made uniform as compared with the conventional case in which one hole is provided in the central portion, and as shown in FIG. The inflow velocity of
Conventional remarkably slow tends a A part is fast no longer, x shown in FIG. 2, retention part as y part will not occur.

FIG. 17 shows a comparison result between a case where the flow cell assembly according to the present embodiment is used and a case where a conventional flow cell assembly having the same shape is used. In this analysis example, the same conditions as those in Table 1 were used.
As a result, as compared with FIG. 1 showing the conventional example, FIG. II showing the present example has a significantly higher peak and greatly reduced tailing. As described above, according to the flow cell assembly according to the present embodiment, the bottom surface 12
Even if there is a gap 136 of, for example, about 0.5 mm between the pipe 2a and the pipe 118b, there is no adverse effect on the diffusion, and the tailing can be greatly reduced.

[0049]

As described above, according to the flow cell assembly according to the present invention, the introduction of the sample fluid into the flow cell is performed after passing through the space having substantially the same diameter as the flow cell.
Since the analysis is performed through multiple holes in the flow section, analysis results with high resolution can be obtained without stagnation in the flow cell.
Obtainable. Also, in the present invention, one of the fluid introduction side is provided.
An opening into which the rectifying portion is fitted is provided at the end, and the opening is connected to the opening.
An opening into which the small-diameter introduction path is removably inserted at the other end through which it passes
Is provided between the rectifying section and the small-diameter introduction path.
With a space approximately the same diameter as the
To the rectifying section against the open end of the side.
Since it has a low cell holding part,
When replacing the small diameter introduction path, use the flow cell
Disassemble the low cell and the small-diameter introduction path separately and exchange
It is easy to replace one part.
Compared to the other parts that must be replaced at the same time.
In comparison, it is very economical. Also, in the present invention, the small diameter conductor
When replacing the entrance, place a good product in the opening of the flow cell holder.
Since it is positioned only by inserting it, its replacement is more
It is easy and appropriate. Here, after replacement, the flow
Adjustment of the cell position is somewhat insufficient,
Even if burrs generated during processing are not sufficiently removed,
In the present invention, the test fluid from the small-diameter introduction path is directly
Instead of being introduced into the
After passing through the gap, it will be introduced through each hole of the rectification section
Therefore, make sure that the fluid flows properly in the flow cell.
Can be. Therefore, in the present invention, not skilled
Even for users of, replacement of small diameter introduction path and flow cell
It can be performed separately and independently and easily.
Generally, after replacement, adjust the position of the flow cell or add a small-diameter introduction path.
Flow through the flow cell, which can occur due to precision
Turbulence in the flow velocity distribution of the fluid
Therefore, the flow of the fluid in the flow cell must be properly performed.
Can be. In the present invention, the flow cell is substantially
The gap between the rectifying section and the small-diameter introduction path in a space of the same diameter is 2 mm or less.
The lower position may cause fluid to stay in the space.
Through a no, the fluid of each hole of the rectifying section of the small-diameter introduction path
And can be favorably introduced into the flow cell. Ma
In the present invention, when a square cell is used as a flow cell,
In this case, the rectifying part is slightly less than the four corners of the square cell.
With at least 4 holes, stays in the square cell
It is possible to obtain analytical results with good resolution without
it can. In the present invention, a square cell is used as the flow cell.
When using the test fluid, the test fluid is introduced from below the square cell.
And excitation light is incident from one side of the prismatic cell,
Detect fluorescence emitted from the surface adjacent to the light incident surface.
The reflection of the excitation light when it enters the cell
Orientation, greatly reducing the generation of scattered light
can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a general flow cell for fluorescence measurement.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional state of joining a flow cell and a pipe.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a problem of a conventional flow cell.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the entire configuration of the flow cell assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a joint state between a flow cell and a pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a characteristic inlet-side member in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inlet-side member characteristic of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an inlet-side member characteristic of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic hole arrangement in the flow cell assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a specific use state of the flow cell assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the flow cell assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a specific use state of the flow cell assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a specific use state of the flow cell assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic flow cell in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a case where a dedicated tool is used for adjusting a mounting position of the flow cell according to the embodiment of the present invention;
It is a comparative explanatory view of a detection result when the exclusive tool is not used.

FIG. 16 is an assumed flow velocity distribution diagram in a flow channel direction in a flow cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a comparative explanatory diagram of a detection result when a flow cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and a conventional flow cell assembly are used.

[Explanation of symbols]

 112 Flow cell 122, 222 Inlet side member (rectifying part) 134, 234 hole

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-56-79945 (JP, A) JP-A-60-207038 (JP, A) Fully open 1979-184189 (JP, U) Really open 1980 62951 (JP, U) JP-A 6-12946 (JP, U) JP-A 63-156060 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01N 21/00-21 / 61

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for detecting characteristics of a continuously flowing fluid.
A small-diameter introduction path for a fluid, a flow cell having a diameter larger than the small-diameter introduction path, the small-diameter introduction path, and the flow cell.Open end of fluid introduction side
DepartmentBetweenSeparateProvided, almost the same diameter as the flow cell
And a rectifying unit having a plurality of holes,An opening into which the rectifying section is fitted is provided at one end on the fluid introduction side.
And the small-diameter introduction path is attached to the other end communicating with the opening.
An opening for detachable insertion is provided, and the rectifying portion and the small diameter are provided.
A space with approximately the same diameter as the flow cell is provided between the flow path and the introduction path.
The flow cell is provided at the opening end on the fluid introduction side of the flow cell.
Flow cell holding part that comes into close contact with the flow part
When,  From the small diameter introduction pathOf the flow cell
After passing through a space of almost the same diameter asThrough each hole of the rectification section
TeFlow cell characterized by being introduced into a low cell
Ruassembly. 2. The flow cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of a plane perpendicular to a flow direction of the flow cell is a × a for a square flow cell, and a diameter φ = a for a cylindrical flow cell. A flow cell assembly characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression: 0.25 mm ≦ a ≦ 3.0 mm. 3. The flow cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying portion and the small diameter introduction in a space having substantially the same diameter as the flow cell.
A flow cell assembly having a gap with a road of 2 mm or less. 4. The flow cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flow cell is a rectangular flow cell in which both an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface are formed in a square pillar hollow shape. Wherein at least four holes are arranged at portions corresponding to four corners of the rectangular flow cell. 5. The file according to claim 1, wherein
In the low cell assembly,The flow cell is a square prism with both outer and inner wall shapes
Using a rectangular flow cell formed in a hollow shape,  A test fluid is introduced from below the rectangular flow cell,
One of the square cells~ sideFrom the sideexcitationLight is incident,Of the excitation lightEntering
Adjacent to the launch surfaceOne sideDetecting fluorescence emitted from a surface
A flow cell assembly characterized by the following.