The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.

Systems for quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that provide for methods that provide a dynamic range for measurement of target analyte concentrations.

The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.

A method for determining a concentration of a chemical of interest in a recirculating analyte system includes the steps of selecting a first indicator threshold, measuring the flow rate of the recirculating analyte system, controllably adding a known amount of reagent to the recirculating analyte system at an known flow rate, repetitively measuring an indicator of the recirculating analyte system downstream from the addition of the reagent, and computing the concentration of the chemical of interest of the recirculating analyte system when the indicator measurement crosses the indicator threshold.

A method for determining the total alkalinity (TA) in a recirculating water system without adversely impacting the pH of the water includes the steps of selecting a pH threshold (Th.sub.pH), measuring the flow rate of the moving body of water (f.sub.S), controllably adding a known amount of acid to the recirculating water system at an acid flow rate (f.sub.A), repetitively measuring the pH of the recirculating water system downstream from the addition of the acid, and computing the total alkalinity of the recirculating water system when the pH measurement falls below the pH threshold.

A titration method uses a tracer in the titrant or titrand to quantify the amount of titrant added. The method does not require quantitative addition of titrant or sample. The tracer can be inert or can participate as an indicator of the titrant-analyte reaction. The tracer concentration is quantified by an appropriate method depending upon the type of tracer and analytical performance desired (e.g. precision, accuracy). The method simplifies titrations because it eliminates the need for a precision dispensing device and analytical balance.

A titration method uses a tracer in the titrant or titrand to quantify the amount of titrant added. The method does not require quantitative addition of titrant or sample. The tracer can be inert or can participate as an indicator of the titrant-analyte reaction. If the tracer is inert, an alternative method for monitoring the progress of the titration is required. The tracer concentration is quantified by an appropriate method depending upon the type of tracer and analytical performance desired (e.g. precision, accuracy). The method simplifies titrations because it eliminates the need for a precision dispensing device and analytical balance.