REAL-TIME SIMPLEX OPTIMIZATION OF FLOW-INJECTION SYSTEMS FOR CHEMICAL-ANALYSIS

A computer controlled flow-injection system was assembled to implement the real-time simplex algorithm. Two experimental variables, the how rate and the sample-to-reagent ratio were controlled by a fully automa ted manifold. A computer interface was programmed to command the pumpi ng speed, the introduction of sample-to-reagent amounts by solenoid va lves, the on-time data acquisition and examination of the detector res ponses for application of the simplex algorithm. The feasibility of th e approach was assessed by optimizing the flow parameters for chloride determination in water samples presenting different analyte concentra tions. Optimum experimental conditions for chloride concentrations of 5.00, 25.0, 50.0 and 100 mg l(-1) were maintained. A precision charact erized by rsd lower than 1% and a sample throughput of 120 h(-1) were attained. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.