Automation in flow-injection analysis: Simultaneous determination of chloride and total iron

In this article, we describe an automated flow-injection system for simultaneous determination of Cl⁻ and total Fe. Chloride was potentiometrically determined, and total Fe was colorimetrically determined after reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and complexation with 1,10-phenanthroline. Both measurements were performed simultaneously, and the signals were continuously shown on the computer video screen. A Turbo Basic program was written to activate the peristaltic pump, valves, and to control signal acquisition and treatment. The operator only needs to inject the samples, and all the others steps are performed by the automated system. The system presented a sampling frequency of 60 h⁻¹, that is, 120 simultaneous determinations of Cl⁻ and total Fe. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 11: 260–265, 1999