Flow analysis and its role and importance in the analytical sciences Original Research Article

Flow Analysis was started in 1979, first held in Amsterdam. A brief history of the conference is presented, along with the important roles flow analysis plays in analytical measurements. Flow analysis comprises numerous techniques that encompass much of what we do as analytical chemists. It includes operations and techniques such as segmented, continuous or stopped flow, chromatography, and electrophoresis. Flow methods are used for handling and treating solutions, and for separations, and are applicable for all sorts of wet chemical operations and measurements. They provide rapid, precise, and automated measurements, using small samples, with low reagent consumption. They form the basis of total microanalysis systems.