Sequential Injection Analysis : evaluation of operational parameters and application to process analytical systems

Abstract

The increasing amount of research that is done on the development of process analysers, verifies the importance thereof in the various fields that require analytical measurements to be performed. Analyses need to be done faster, more precise, accurate and economically. The strict requirements that must be submitted to for a process analyser to be acceptable in the process environment, places an enormous responsibility on researchers to surpass themselves when developing new systems.

The development of a process analyser is based on a certain need that is expressed by either the clinical, pharmaceutical, industrial or agricultural fields. The control of their processes and products are essential since it undoubtedly influences the quality and safety of human lives, either directly or indirectly.

The aim of this research was to investigate the application of the sequential injection analysis technique as a process analyser for the determination of copper(II) and thiocyanate as industrial pollutants and subsequently for environmental monitoring. In the first instance it was necessary to evaluate the parameters that influence the system since these directly affect the success with which analysis can be performed.

Although the sequential injection technique delivers a lower sampling frequency compared with its parent technique flow injection analysis, it does present several excellent features and advantages which are highlighted during the course of this study.