Pulsed flow chemistry. A new approach to the generation of concentration profiles in flow analysis

Abstract

Pulsed flow chemistry (PFC) is described as a new approach to automated on-line analytical chemistry. In contrast to existing flow-based analytical chemistry methods, PFC is characterized by pulsed flow, turbulent mixing and low axial dispersion. The PFC system is fully computerized and all operations are under software control. Consequently, most flow analysis methods (e.g., flow injection, continuous flow, flow titration, etc.) can be selected with a simple click of the mouse. The system is easily miniaturized and portable which makes it particularly suited to field instrumentation. The system has been tested using several flow-based techniques including on-line titration for the determination of calcium in waters with potentiometric detection and a calcium ion sensor.