MLE FIA System – Modular & Compact Flow Injection Analyzer (German-Made)
| Brand | MLE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | MLE FIA System (Modular & Compact variants) |
| Product Type | Flow Injection Analyzer |
| Wavelength Range | 400–1000 nm |
| Sample Capacity | up to 117 positions (configurable) |
| Reagent Positions | 36 |
| Flow Cell Path Length | 20 mm |
| Light Source | Tungsten-halogen lamp |
| Detection Principle | Dual-chip photometric detection with blank compensation |
| Sample Throughput | High-volume routine analysis |
| Compliance | ISO/EN/DIN standard methods (e.g., DIN EN 1189 for turbidity/color correction) |
| Pump Configuration | Dual independent multi-channel peristaltic pumps (6 channels each, stepper-motor driven) |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.2–3.0 mL/min (9-step adjustable per channel) |
| Injection Valve | 8-port selection valve with dual-loop configuration (Vmin = 18 µL) |
| Reproducibility | ≤1% RSD |
| Power Supply | 110/230 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 80 W |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | FIA Modula: 300 × 140 × 450 mm |
| FIA Compact | 300 × 280 × 450 mm |
| Weight | FIA Modula: 7.5 kg |
| FIA Compact | 10.5 kg |
Overview
The MLE FIA System is a precision-engineered, German-manufactured flow injection analyzer designed for high-throughput, standardized environmental water analysis in regulated laboratory environments. It operates on the well-established flow injection analysis (FIA) principle—introducing discrete sample zones into a continuous, carrier-stream-driven reagent manifold, where controlled dispersion, mixing, and reaction kinetics enable reproducible, time-resolved photometric detection. Unlike segmented-flow or continuous-flow systems, the MLE architecture eliminates air segmentation, reducing carryover and enabling rapid system startup and method switching. Its dual-platform design—comprising both modular (FIA Modula) and integrated (FIA Compact) configurations—supports flexible deployment across routine QC labs and method-development settings. The system is explicitly validated for compliance with ISO, EN, and DIN standard methods—including DIN EN 1189 for color and turbidity compensation—making it suitable for accredited environmental testing laboratories subject to GLP or ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Key Features
- Two configurable platforms: FIA Modula (modular, expandable method units) and FIA Compact (integrated, space-optimized design)
- Dual independent 6-channel peristaltic pumps with stepper-motor actuation—engineered for >10,000 hours of maintenance-free operation and precise flow control (0.2–3.0 mL/min, 9-step adjustment per channel)
- 8-port programmable selection valve with dual-loop injection (minimum injection volume: 18 µL), enabling high-precision, low-volume sampling and internal standardization
- Dual-chip photometric detector with real-time blank compensation (0–1.5 A.U.E., including 0.5 A.U. baseline offset), delivering signal stability critical for trace-level nutrient analysis
- Interference-filter-based wavelength selection across 400–1000 nm range—compatible with common environmental assays (NH₄⁺, NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻, o-PO₄³⁻)
- Configurable sample carousel supporting up to 117 positions with arbitrary location assignment—integrated with optional auto-dilutor for dynamic range extension
- Compact footprint: FIA Modula occupies only 0.019 m³; FIA Compact integrates advanced preprocessing (e.g., online digestion, dialysis, preconcentration) without external modules
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MLE FIA System is optimized for aqueous environmental matrices—including surface water, wastewater, drinking water, and leachates—with demonstrated performance across pH 4–10 and turbidity ≤500 NTU (per DIN EN 1189 correction protocol). Its non-segmented liquid flow architecture minimizes bubble-induced noise and ensures compatibility with viscous or particulate-containing samples when paired with optional inline filtration. All core analytical methods—including ammonium (ISO 11732), nitrite (ISO 6777), nitrate (ISO 7890-3), and orthophosphate (ISO 15681-1)—are pre-validated and accessible via the FIAcontrol software library. The system supports full audit trails, electronic signatures, and data integrity controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
FIAcontrol is a Windows-based, instrument-control and data acquisition platform engineered for analytical traceability. It provides method editor functionality for custom sequence programming, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration using tangent skim or Gaussian deconvolution, and automated calibration curve generation (linear, quadratic, or cubic fit with forced zero-intercept options). All raw signals, method parameters, user actions, and timestamped events are logged in encrypted SQLite databases compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Export formats include CSV, PDF analytical reports, and XML metadata bundles compatible with LIMS integration (via ODBC or REST API adapters). Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ protocols) and change control logs are available upon request for GxP implementation.
Applications
The MLE FIA System delivers robust performance in regulatory and research applications requiring high repeatability and method transparency. Primary use cases include: routine monitoring of nitrogen and phosphorus species in municipal wastewater effluents (per EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive); speciation analysis of nutrients in agricultural runoff studies; QA/QC of drinking water treatment plants (DIN 38405 compliance); and method development for emerging contaminants requiring online preconcentration (e.g., trace metals via chelation/dialysis coupling). Its modular architecture also supports adaptation to non-environmental applications—such as food extract analysis or pharmaceutical excipient quantification—when paired with appropriate chemistry cartridges and detection modules.
FAQ
What standards does the MLE FIA System comply with?
It conforms to ISO, EN, and DIN standard methods—including ISO 11732 (NH₄⁺), ISO 6777 (NO₂⁻), ISO 7890-3 (NO₃⁻), ISO 15681-1 (o-PO₄³⁻), and DIN EN 1189 (turbidity/color correction).
Can the system perform online sample digestion or preconcentration?
Yes—the FIA Compact variant supports optional integrated online digestion (e.g., persulfate oxidation for total phosphorus) and dialysis-based preconcentration modules for sub-ppb sensitivity enhancement.
Is FIAcontrol software 21 CFR Part 11 compliant?
FIAcontrol includes electronic signature capability, audit trail logging, role-based access control, and data immutability features—fully configurable to meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements.
What is the typical method switch time between analytes?
For the FIA Compact configuration, method reconfiguration—including pump tubing re-routing and filter changes—is completed in under 10 minutes; no hardware recalibration is required.
Does the system support automatic dilution?
An optional integrated auto-dilutor enables on-the-fly serial dilution (1:2 to 1:1000) with programmable dilution factors and post-dilution re-injection—critical for handling samples exceeding linear dynamic range.
