Automated Method for Measuring Chemicals in n-Hexane
Author Information
Author(s): Ian Wells, Paul J. Worsfold
Primary Institution: University of Plymouth
Hypothesis
The study aims to optimize an automated flow injection system coupled with FT-IR for determining toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene in n-hexane.
Conclusion
The optimized automated FI-FT-IR system provided rapid and reproducible measurements for the target analytes in n-hexane.
Supporting Evidence
- The automated FI-FT-IR system achieved limits of detection of 0.014% v/v for toluene, 0.010% v/v for ethyl benzene, and 0.004% v/v for o-xylene.
- The repeatability error was less than 7% for concentrations greater than 0.05% v/v.
- The ATR cell was found to be more user-friendly and analytically superior compared to the transmittance cell.
Takeaway
The researchers created a machine that can quickly and accurately measure certain chemicals in a liquid without needing a lot of manual work.
Methodology
The study involved optimizing parameters for an automated flow injection system coupled with FT-IR, including pump tubing, resolution, flow rate, and sample volume.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the choice of calibration standards and the specific conditions under which the experiments were conducted.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be applicable to other types of samples or matrices outside of n-hexane.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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