An inspection apparatus according to a first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a method of attaching sample tube 80 to the inspection apparatus according to the first modification. FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating a state after attachment of sample tube 80 to the inspection apparatus according to the first modification.

Referring to FIG. 4, the inspection apparatus according to the first modification is different from inspection apparatus 1 according to the embodiment in including a gas needle 24a and a suction needle 32a instead of gas needle 24 and suction needle 32. Gas needle 24a and suction needle 32a are different from gas needle 24 and suction needle 32 in that gas needle 24a is shorter than suction needle 32a.

The inspection apparatus according to the first modification further includes a fixing portion 90 for fixing gas needle 24a and suction needle 32a, a gas soft tube 25a connected to gas needle 24a, and a suction soft tube 33a connected to suction needle 32a.

Suction soft tube 33a is connected to tube T1 connected to treatment unit 40 arranged in housing 10, although not shown. In other words, suction needle 32a is connected to tube T1 through which sample water S is introduced into treatment unit 40 via suction soft tube 33a.

Similarly, gas soft tube 25a is connected to tube T4 connected to pressurization pump 22 arranged in housing 10, although not shown. In other words, gas needle 24a is connected to tube T4 through which gas from pressurization pump 22 passes via gas soft tube 25a.

The inspection apparatus according to the first modification further includes a cylinder 92 formed around suction needle 32a and gas needle 24a. Cylinder 92 has one end provided with fixing portion 90 and has the other end opened. As shown in FIG. 4, in connection of sample tube 80 to the inspection apparatus by insertion of gas needle 24a and suction needle 32a in sample tube 80, with cap 84 facing up, cylinder 92 is moved downward from above, sample tube 80 is moved upward from below, or both of cylinder 92 and sample tube 80 are moved, so that suction needle 32a and gas needle 24a penetrate cap 84 and sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 5, the inspection apparatus according to the modification further includes a holder 94 and a base 96 attached to housing 10. Holder 94 fixes cylinder 92. Base 96 functions as a location where sample tube 80 is set while cylinder 92 is attached to holder 94.

Gas needle 24a is shorter than suction needle 32a, and has such a length that, while sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection apparatus, a gas injection port of gas needle 24a is located above the liquid level of sample water S. Suction needle 32a is longer than gas needle 24a, and has such a length that, while sample tube 80 is attached to the inspection apparatus, a suction port of suction needle 32a through which sample water S is suctioned is located in sample water S.

In the inspection apparatus according to the first modification, sample tube 80 is attached to each needle from below the needle. Since the injection port of gas needle 24a is located above the liquid level of sample water S while the sample tube is attached, sample water S does not come into contact with the injection port of gas needle 24a during attachment works. Therefore, contamination from the side of gas needle 24a can be prevented at the time of replacement with sample tube 80 where different sample water S is stored.

Suction needle 32a and gas needle 24a are connected to tubes T1 and T4 with suction soft tube 33a and gas soft tube 25a being interposed, respectively. Suction needle 32a and gas needle 24a are fixed to fixing portion 90. Therefore, suction needle 32a and gas needle 24a can be moved together and the needles can readily penetrate sample tube 80.

Second Modification

Inspection apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may further include a filter that removes a substance in the atmosphere. Inspection apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may further include a pressure gauge that measures a pressure applied to the flow channel from pressurization pump 22 until liquid sending portion 60.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a configuration of an inspection apparatus according to a second modification. FIG. 6 does not show features in common to those in inspection apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the inspection apparatus according to the second modification further includes a filter 26 and a pressure gauge 28.

Filter 26 removes a substance that affects measurement of a conductivity from gas sent into sample tube 80. For example, filter 26 removes carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Filter 26 may remove organic carbon that has volatilized, instead of or in addition to carbon dioxide. Filter 26 should only be able to remove at least some of carbon dioxide and organic carbon, even though it is not able to completely remove carbon dioxide and organic carbon. Contamination from the atmosphere can thus be prevented and the conductivity can more accurately be measured. Filter 26 should only be arranged upstream from sample tube 80 and may be arranged, for example, upstream from pressurization pump 22.

Pressure gauge 28 measures a pressure applied to at least a part of the flow channel from pressurization pump 22 (gas feed portion) until measurement unit 50. In an example shown in FIG. 6, pressure gauge 28 is arranged between filter 26 and sample tube 80, and measures a pressure applied to the flow channel between pressurization pump 22 and sample tube 80. Pressure gauge 28 may be arranged anywhere on the flow channel from pressurization pump 22 (gas feed portion) until measurement unit 50.

For example, controller 70 may control pressurization pump 22 and liquid sending portion 60 in accordance with a result of measurement by pressure gauge 28. With arrangement of pressure gauge 28, a user can test leakage in the flow channel from pressurization pump 22 until measurement unit 50. For example, after the pressure applied to the flow channel by pressurization pump