Development and Evaluation of a High-Speed Continuous-Flow Analyzer

Abstract

A high-speed, high-performance, continuous-flow analyzer is described that operates at two to three times the usual analysis rate without necessitating corrections of the raw data and with no decrease in accuracy or precision. At faster speeds (180-300 samples/h) inductive sample interaction (%Ii), opposite in direction to carry-over, is for the first time quantitatively measured. A correction equation for %Ii was developed, and when it is applied to raw data, the accuracy of the results are significantly improved. Operating characteristics of the high-speed analyzer are described and the desirability of automatic computer corrections is discussed for the high-speed system.