Automated FI Instrument
Integration of manifold components allows miniaturization and optimization of flow channel dimensions, and minimizes sample and reagent consumption. Integration of the valve with the sample processing channel and a flow cell
was originally suggested for miniaturization of the Sequential Injection technique (Ruzicka 2000).
In FI format such a Lab-on-valveŽ, platform is used to streamline manifold components (valve, tube fittings, and confluence points while reactor coils and flow cell are mounted externally. The advantage of this construction is that it makes the function of the manifold transparent to the user. For routine assays, this is a format that is easy to reproduce, so that when a standard serial assay (such as phosphate, nitrate, etc.) is optimized in LOV format, it can easily be transferred using the same software protocol to other LOV-based instruments.
1.4.2.
FIAlab 2500 is shown here equipped with Tungsten light source, fiber optic cables, 1cm light path flow cell and Ocean Optics Spectrophotometer. The softwarte FIAlab for Windows, controls the instrument functions, allows flow programming and control of number of peripherals, including sample changer, heater, pumps and valves -if needed.
