Method of optimizing flow pattern and increasing signal-to-noise ratios in electrochemical flow through sensors

摘要

In electrochemical flow through sensors comprising at least one cell for the passage of a fluid for analysis therethrough, the method of optimizing the flow pattern and signal-to-noise ratio comprising the steps of loading the cell under high pressure with a first fluid which will set to a solid material; before the solid material solidifies, causing a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid to flow through the cell at low pressure to find the optimum flow path therethrough; and, with the immiscible fluid in the cell, allowing the first fluid to solidify. Bandspreading is improved because any offset, junctions, or potential traps that would induce drag or trapping effects on a test fluid flowing through the cell are reduced in size and/or number and/or eliminated. The signal-to-noise is improved as the result of filling spaces in the cell that may contribute to noise but do not contribute significantly to useful signal because of their location relative to the optimum flow path.