Segmental flow injection analysis, a hybrid technique of segmented continuous flow analysis and flow injection analysis

Abstract

The use of a segmental flow injection analysis (SFIA) system, a hybrid of segmented continuous flow analysis (SCFA) and flow injection analysis (FIA) that integrates the essential favorable merits of FIA and SCFA, can significantly expand the application scope of flow analysis techniques by facilitating determinations with relatively slow reactions and/or requiring reaction at elevated temperatures. The higher dispersion with longer residence times inherent in flow injection systems can be feasibly and efficiently improved by adopting the SFIA technique. The principle behind this technique, some innovative designs of the devices for SFIA sampling and segmentation, and for bubble removing, as well as novel applications to a variety of analytical problems, are reviewed and discussed. Some salient features and unique advantages of this technique are outlined.