The Column - June 2008 - (Page 17) June 2008 www.thecolumn.eu.com The Column Market Trends and Analysis Market Profile: Continuous Flow Analysis and Discrete Analysers In continuous flow analysis (CFA), a sample is injected into a for industrial applications, the prospect of cutting testing flowing carrier solution, passing rapidly through small-bore and consumable costs, and the ease of operation have tubing. The sample is mixed with a reagent, which reacts with prompted many laboratories to transfer methods from CFA the sample to develop a colour and determine the sample to discrete analysers. concentration. The use of carefully controlled flow conditions Currently, the US and Europe account for about three ensures that the colour development reaction is reproducible, quarters of the worldwide market for CFA and discrete so that the colour measurement does not need to wait until analysers mainly because of regulatory mandates from the the reaction is complete. environmental sector. Although the Latin America There are several technologies of CFA and Asia Pacific markets are comparatively Other such as segmented flow analysis smaller for CFA and discrete analysers, 18% (SFA), which uses turbulent flow these regions continue to expand conditions that allow for rapidly and offer solid growth Chemical complete sample dispersion. opportunities. Environmental 9% Environmental testing Other technologies include applications are estimated to 33% flow injected analysis (FIA) account for about a third of and sequential injection the overall demand driven by Government / Utilities analysis, which uses wastewater and drinking 18% laminar flow existing in the water analysis. narrow-bore tubing to mix Agriculture/food and with the reagent to beverage and utilities are Agriculture / Food eliminate the need for air also significant markets, 22% bubble partitioning. while chemicals and In contrast to CFA, discrete pharmaceuticals provide some analysers keep sample separate growth opportunities. throughout the testing process, This information was extracted and dispensing precise amounts when adapted from SDi's Global Assessment required. Rotating individual cuvettes CFA and discrete analyser demand by industry Report, 9th Edition. For more through the instrument instead of information, contact Glenn Cudiamat, releasing the sample in a continuous stream cuts down on vice president of Research Services, reagent Strategic Directions International Inc., 6242 Westchester waste, and can produce hundreds of results per hour. Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, California 90045, USA, tel. CFA and discrete analysers are used in environmental +1 310 641 4982, applications for measuring analytes such as ammonia, fax +1 310 641 8851 chloride, nitrite, phosphate etc. The systems are also used in e-mail: cudiamat@strategic-directions.com food and beverage, chemical testing and pharmaceutical laboratories. Although CFA is a well-established technique Author: Glen Cudiamat E-mail: cudiamat@strategic-directions.com 17 http://www.thecolumn.eu.com
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