Wet chemistry techniques are varied and all too often time-consuming. Scientists conducting chemical tests to determine the quantity of a given analyte typically depend on a complex setup comprised of titration, photometry, flow analyzers, and so on. Each individual instrument can be challenging to work with before factoring in the need for different reagents and calibrations per test. Chemists in a high-throughput lab can spend hours transferring high volumes of samples between pieces of equipment or preparing significant volumes of reagents and calibration standards. Discrete analyzers were envisioned as an easier, more productive, and less costly method of wet chemistry analysis.
How Discrete Analyzers Work
Discrete analyzers conduct specific chemical tests on analytes contained within discrete cuvettes. This is contrary to conventional continuous-flow analyzers, which use a peristaltic pump to maintain a constant flow of reagents throughout testing. The main difference between the two is the method and location of sample/reagent addition and where the final measurement is conducted. So-called “true” or direct-read discrete analyzers contain the entire process in the cuvette, whereas a hybrid discrete analyzer would pump sample solutions into a static measuring cell. Both techniques are highly automated and extremely flexible. They can also be programmed for multi-parametric chemical analysis, which brings us to the benefits of discrete analyzers.
Benefits of Discrete Analyzers
First and foremost, discrete analyzers consolidate several essential pieces of lab equipment into a single instrument. True discrete analyzers are particularly efficient in eliminating bottlenecks and increasing throughput in labs where sample transfer is a common pain point. Even a hybrid system will save significant time compared to a conventional flow bench chemistry. Time-saving is a hallmark of the discrete analyzer. The best systems reduce transfer times and the need for user intervention, providing hours of automated operation. Additionally, the ability to run more than ten parameters per sample and hundreds of tests per hour is an opportunity to realize dramatic productivity gains.
Users can save even more time by choosing pre-made discrete analyzer reagents. Mixing significant quantities of standards for calibration and sample analysis is one of the most time-consuming tasks in wet chemistry methods. Unfortunately, the transition to discrete analysis hasn’t eliminated this problem. Although the analyzer will perform automatic system calibration, users will still need to meet the necessary standards. The alternative is to use a pre-made reagent that meets the specific enzymatic and colorimetric requirements set out by recognised international reference models.
Read More: Why Choose Pre-Made Discrete Water Standards & Reagents?
If you are interested in learning more about saving time and money using pre-made discrete water standards, and how a custom-certified reference material might benefit you, contact a member of the Inorganic Ventures team today.