Continuous analysers flow-injection analysis

Flow injection analysis (FIA) was developed in the mid-1970s as a highly efficient technique for the automated analyses of samples. °> Unlike the centrifugal analyzer described earlier in this chapter, in which samples are simultaneously analyzed in batches of limited size, FIA allows for the rapid, sequential analysis of an unlimited number of samples. FIA is one member of a class of techniques called continuous-flow analyzers, in which samples are introduced sequentially at regular intervals into a liquid carrier stream that transports the samples to the detector. ... 

Routine analyses of large numbers of similar samples can readily be automated and the sample throughput considerably increased (sometimes up to about 200 samples per hour) by carrying out the analyses in a continuously flowing medium. At present there are two basic approaches to the problem, the older technique of continuous-flow analysis (CFA) introduced more than 25 years ago [145] and widely developed by the Technicon Company (Auto-Analyzer), and more recent flow-injection analysis (FIA for a recent literature review see [123]). For a brief comparative survey of the two methods see [148]. 

Flow injection analysis is based on the injection of a liquid sample into a continuously flowing liquid carrier stream, where it is usually made to react to give reaction products that may be detected. FIA offers the possibility in an on-line manifold of sample handling including separation, preconcentration, masking and color reaction, and even microwave dissolution, all of which can be readily automated. The most common advantages of FIA include reduced manpower cost of laboratory operations, increased sample throughput, improved precision of results, reduced sample volumes, and the elimination of many interferences. Fully automated flow injection analysers are based on spectrophotometric detection but are readily adapted as sample preparation units for atomic spectrometric techniques. Flow injection as a sample introduction technique has been discussed previously, whereas here its full potential is briefly surveyed. In addition to a few books on FIA [168,169], several critical reviews of FIA methods for FAAS, GF AAS, and ICP-AES methods have been published [170,171]. 

Flow injection analysis (FIA) is a robust method for automating complex chemical analyses (Ruzicka and Hansen, 1988). It is relatively simple and can be adapted for use with a variety of detectors, including spectrophotometers, fluorometers, mass spectrometers, and electrochemical analyzers. It has been used on board ships to determine dissolved nutrients (Johnson et al., 1985) and trace metals (Sakamoto-Arnold and Johnson, 1987 Elrod et al., 1991). Unsegmented continuous flow analysis (CFA) systems based on the principles of FIA can operate in situ over the entire range of depths found in the ocean (Johnson et al., 1986a, 1989). 

M 20] [P 19] The pTAS module is made for performing colorimetric analyses as typically applied in cuvette tests, e.g. for on-site water analysis [30], A continuous test replaces copious manual pipetting of the sampling volumes. The module consists of a micro flow restrictor, a micro mixer and an optical microcuvette for colorimetric analysis. The sample is injected by a conventional FIA (flow injection analysis) system. By close connection, a dead volume of only 2.2 pi is given. 

Since ISEs can be used in continuous flow systems or in flow systems with sample injection (flow injection analysis, FIA)21 their application is wide, not limited to discrete samples. Analysis time becomes shorter, with faster recycling. Additionally, in flow systems the experimental assembly and data analysis can be controlled automatically by microcomputer, including periodic calibration. Another development is the use of sensors for the detection of eluents of chromatographic columns in high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Miniaturization has permitted an increase in the use of sensors in foods, biological tissues, and clinical analyses in general. 

Flow Injection Analysis [10,11], Flow injection analysis involves injecting a known volume of sample solution into a continuous flowing liquid carrier stream usually of the same solvent that the sample is dissolved in (Figure 2.18). A loop of fixed volume is attached to a rotating valve which can be connected and disconnected manually or by computer to a flowing stream between sample analyses. As the loop is fixed the volume... 

Flow injection analysis (FIA) methods continue to be of interest because of its ease of use, its quick applicability to routine analyses, and a reduced human participation in operations for determination of toxic compoimds. There are two kinds of FIA system based on different types of reactors for the determination of cyanide homogeneous and hetroge-neous system. 

Figure 9.3. Working schemes of continuous automatic analysers of segmented flow analyser (SFA, top) and flow-injection analysis (FIA, bottom) types...

Ruzicka, J. and E. H. Elansen. 1975. Flow injection analysis, Part 1. A new concept of fast continuous flow analyses. Anal. Chim. Acta 78 145-157. 

Solvent extraction can be automated in continuous-flow analysis. For both conventional AutoAnalyzer and flow-injection techniques, analytical methods have been devised incorporating a solvent extraction step. In these methods, a peristaltic pump dehvers the hquid streams, and these are mixed in a mixing coil, often filled with glass ballotini the phases are subsequently separated in a simple separator which allows the aqueous and organic phases to stratify. One or both of these phases can then be resampled into the analyser manifold for further reaction and/or measurement. The sample-to-extractant ratio can be varied within the limits normally applying to such operations, but the maximum concentration factor consistent with good operation is normally about 3 1. 

J. Ruzicka, E.H. Hansen, Flow injection analyses. I. New concept of fast continuous flow analysis. Anal. Chim. Acto 78 (1975) 145-157. 

Ruzicka J, Hansen EH (1975) Flow injection analyses. 1. New concept of fast continuous analysis. Anal Chim Acta 78 145-157... 

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