Automated instrument, definition

A fully automated instrumental procedure has been developed for analyzing residual corrosion inhibitors in production waters in the field. The method uses ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques to characterize different types of corrosion inhibitors. Laboratory evaluations showed that fluorescence is more suitable for field application because errors from high salinity, contamination, and matrix effect are minimized in fluorescence analysis. Comparison of the automated fluorescence technique with the classic extraction-dye transfer technique showed definite advantages of the former with respect to ease, speed, accuracy, and precision [1658],... 

Figure 1. Sample definition dialog for automated instrument operation.

Accuracy and Repeatability Definitions of terminology pertaining to process measurements can be obtained from standards available from the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society... 

This chapter does not follow the usual format of this series rather, it provides the reader with a general overview of techniques available for manual and automated high-throughput peptide synthesis. We were trying to be more specific in the description of techniques with which we are familiar, and that we believe are relevant for scientists in laboratories tasked to produce large numbers of peptides. In the case of automated synthesizers, we attempted to point out the potential problems that the user of a particular machine may face after the eventual purchase of the instrument—and that will definitely not be mentioned by the sales agent. 

Use your Web browser to connect to http //chemistry.brookscole.com/skoogfac/. From the Chapter Resources menu, choose Web Works. Locate the Chapter 12 Section, and click on the link to the articles on classical analysis by C. M. Beck. In these articles, which were originally published in the scientific literature, Beck makes a strong case for the revival of classical analysis. What is Beck s definition of classical analysis Why does Beck maintain that classical analysis should be cultivated in this age of automated, computerized instrumentation What solution does he propose for the problem of dwindling numbers of qualified classical analysts List three reasons why, in Beck s view, a supply of classical analysts must be maintained. 

The distinctions established by IUPAC are clear-cut. Thus, the speed of titrant addition is always constant in an automatic titrator, whereas it Is adjusted by a feedback system according to the nearnesa of the equivalence point in an automated titrator. However, some workers [11,12] acknowledge the accuracy of these definitions but consider them too stringent. Very often, the term automatic Is used to refer to systems with and without feedback Indistinctly. In any case, whenever the concept automatic process Is referred to In this book, It will be meant In its widest connotation, namely that Involving partial or complete elimination of human Intervention not related to Instrumentation. 

It is immediately apparent that the complete automation of this sub-stage is a difficult task. Only in a few instances (e.g. the automatic in vivo determinations described In Chapter 14 and performed with the on-line process analysers dealt with in Chapter 17) is this ideal objective affordable. Much more often, some of the above-mentioned operations involve human participation, although It is still termed automated [1]. Therefore, although many clinical analysers are classed as automatic, the blood and urine samples that they handle are collected and even treated manually before they are placed on the sampler. Such is also the case with automatic off-line water pollutant analysers, also calling for manual collection and preservation of samples. Consequently, the automated sampling concept as used here refers to the Introduction Into the analyser or instrument concerned of a definite portion of sample collected from its source and even treated manually, with the few exceptions stated above. 

The reason why some clinical methods should be labelled automatic or not Is not completely clear. The generic definition does not establish the extent to which human effort need be replaced or the method concerned be facilitated for the latter to deserve to be categorized as automatic . A manual method is rarely considered automatic merely because It calls for a water-bath whose temperature Is adjusted by means of a feed-back mechanism. On the other hand, self-contained continuous-flow instruments including the sampler, peristaltic pump, dialyser, spectrophotometer with flow-cell and recorder are common although, according to IUPAC s definition, Improperly called automated . In fact, few of the elements of such Instruments, apart from the dialyser bath or the recorder servo, are regulated by a feed-back mechanism. 

Because of the sophistication of new automated control systems and the complexity of the growing list of responsibilities, the requirements for a process employee changed. No longer can they be someone who could come in off the street without training or experience and be trained for the job in a few days or even a few weeks. The fact that operators, instrumentation technicians, and analyzer technicians are now more frequently referred to as technicians implies a change in their roles. The definition of technical is having special or practical knowledge of a mechanical or scientific subject. 

Quality and reproducibility control allows the characterization of the fluorescence detectors and the entire optical configuration of the instrument. For quality and reproducibility controls, we use CS T Research beads (BD immunocytometry system, 655051), which are dim/raid/brighdy dyed polystyrene beads specifically produced for the automated procedure of cytometer setup, baseUne definition, and performance tracking (BD FACSDiva software), as described below ... 

Several different methods have been utilized for measuring iron in these biological samples. However, spectrophotometry is the most widely used because it does not require unusual equipment and is readily amenable to automation. Atomic absorption spectrometry is effectively used for tissue and urine analyses [33-35], but unreliable results are obtained with serum due to sensitivity limitations as well as matrix and hemoglobin interferences [35]. Other methods utilizing inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy [36], coulometry [37], proton induced X-ray emission [38], neutron activation analysis [39], radiative energy attenuation [40], and radiometry with Fe [41] have been described but, with the exception of coulometry, have not become standard procedures in the clinical chemistry laboratory, inasmuch as sophisticated and expensive instrumentation is required in some instances. However, some of them, e.g., neutron activation, may be the method of choice for definitive accurate analysis. 

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