Quality compromises incorporated in simplex optimisation of a flow injection system

A general method for experimental optimisation applied to the flow injection technique is presented. This method is based on the development of a particular type of response function through the area of a polygonal figure that it depends on four main variables: sensitivity, precision, cost and sample throughput. The optimisation was performed by processing these variables in a simultaneous way, following the principles of the Simplex method. Thus, the main parameters that define the overall analytical quality have been integrated, in order to give information about the quality compromises which characterise the quality policy of a particular laboratory. An evaluation of the advantages of this proposed method in comparison to the univariate optimisation methods has been also included, by using the method for the determination of furfural with aniline.