Miniaturization approach

There is growing interest in Process Intensification, where studies to obtain a basic understanding of unit operations - often via miniaturization approaches - is important to reducing capital and operating costs. This approach has resulted in the application of micro-instrumentation to the areas of process development and process optimization. 

CoupUng capillary columns to the electron capture detector is not without problems. Unlike the flame detectors, relatively large detector cells are common due to certain constructional features of the ionization detectors housing a radioactive source. The use of a scavenger gas or a detector miniaturization are the currently used remedies to this problem. The miniaturization approach is obviously more attractive due to the concentration-sensitive nature of the detector, as already discussed above. 

Miniaturized catheter-type ISE sensors, such as the implantable probe shown in Figure 5-20 represent the preferred approach for routine clinical in-vivo monitoring of blood electrolytes. For these intravascular measurements the reference electrode is placed outside die artery (in die external arm of die catheter), tints obviating biocompatability and drift problems associated with its direct contact with the blood. 

Nanotechnology is the branch of engineering that deals with the manipulation of individual atoms, molecules, and systems smaller than 100 nanometers. Two different methods are envisioned for nanotechnology to buUd nanostructured systems, components, and materials. One method is the top-down approach and the other method is called the bottom-up approach. In the top-down approach the idea is to miniaturize the macroscopic structures, components, and systems toward a nanoscale of the same. In the bottom-up approach the atoms and molecules constituting the building blocks are the starting point to build the desired nanostmcture [96-98]. 

Miniaturization and parallelization key approaches for drug development apparatus for combinatorial chemistry UHTS 1536 titer-plate format modular construction of apparatus applications of UHTS fine-chemical synthesis by micro reactors numbering-up nature as model general advantages of micro flow vision of plants-on-a-desk [233]. 

Micro reaction systems may help to overcome or at least reduce some of the above-mentioned limitations [69]. Electrochemical micro reactors with miniature flow cells where electrodes approach to micrometer distances should have much improved field homogeneity. As a second result of confined space processing, the addition of a conducting salt may be substantially reduced. In addition, benefits from a uniform flow distribution and efficient heat transfer may be utilized. 

Another advantage of the micro-LC approach is that the required sample size is minimal, so the sample can be drawn from a 1-1 laboratory scale reactor without influencing the reactor composition. The ISCO pLC-500 microflow syringe pump has proven to be reliable and reproducible in evaluations in our laboratory. Capillary liquid columns have been fabricated on planar devices such as silicon to form a miniaturized separation device.19... 

The mechanical pump approach employs miniature mechanical devices, such as implantable and portable infusion pumps and percutaneous infusion catheters, to deliver drugs into appro priate blood vessels or to a discrete site in the body. When compared with the... 

In the mid-IR, routine infrared spectroscopy nowadays almost exclusively uses Fourier-transform (FT) spectrometers. This principle is a standard method in modem analytical chemistry45. Although some efforts have been made to design ultra-compact FT-IR spectrometers for use under real-world conditions, standard systems are still too bulky for many applications. A new approach is the use of micro-fabrication techniques. As an example for this technology, a miniature single-pass Fourier transform spectrometer integrated on a 10 x 5 cm optical bench has been demonstrated to be feasible. Based upon a classical Michelson interferometer design, all... 

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