EVALUATION OF A PREDICTIVE CURVE-FITTING METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA FROM FLOW SYSTEMS .1. FLOW SYSTEM WITH A MIXING CHAMBER

This paper describes the evaluation of a curve-fitting predictive approach to processing data from a flow system with a well-stirred mixing chamber. The method utilizes data from the leading edges of response peaks to predict the response that would be measured if sufficient sample were used to give a steady-state response. Advantages of the method under optimal conditions include a 10-fold reduction of dependency on sample volume relative to a peak-height method, a 20- to 65-fold reduction of dependency on flow-rate relative to a peak-area method, and extended linear ranges in situations involving nonideal detector response and situations involving slow reaction kinetics. Limitations include a requirement for larger sample volumes and degraded error coefficients for flow-rate relative to a peak-height method and chamber volume relative to a peak-area method. The new approach is judged to offer complementary features relative to peak-height and peak-area methods.