Syringe pumps are the most commonly used flow control systems in microfluidics. Despite their sturdiness & simplicity, syringe pumps are often problematic in microfluidics because the oscillation flow and the response time can drastically change from a few seconds to several hours depending on the fluid compliance of the microfluidic setup.
Strengths +
Weaknesses –
Find more details about the strengths & weaknesses of syringe pumps for microfluidic applications at: How to choose the right microfluidic flow control system review.
Do you want to know the real flow rate of your syringe pump?
=> Add a Flow Sensor
A flow sensor will give you real time flow rate inside your chip. You will know when you have reached the steady state.
Do you want to speed up the flow change of your syringe pump?
=> Add a Flow Sensor with a feedback loop
The feedback loop will adjust the speed of the syringe pump motor in order to reach the desired flow rate as quickly as possible.
Do you want to stabilize the flow of your syringe pump?
=> Add a Fluidic RC Filter
An RC filter is a calibrated elastic capacitance coupled with a fluidic resistance. Note that a RC filter will give you a smoother flow but it will also slow down your flow response.
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Do you want a faster & smoother syringe pump flow?
=> Add a Fluidic RC Filter & feedback loop
The RC filter flow will smoothen the flow inside your chip and the feedback loop will speed up your flow response.
Do you want to use your syringe pump as a pressure pump?
=> Add a Pressure Sensor & a feedback loop
A handy solution for when you want to use your syringe pump while maintaining a given pressure in your device.
Pressure controllers are mainly used in microfluidics when researchers require fast flow change and pulseless flow.
Since there are no moving parts involved, pressure-driven flows are smoother no matter what the flow rate is. Pressure propagates the liquid at the speed of sound and allows very fast flow changes.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Find more details about the strengths & weaknesses of pressure pumps for microfluidic applications at: How to choose the right microfluidic flow control system tutorial.
Do you want to control both pressure & flow rate?
The software adjusts the pressure until the desired flow rate is reached so you can use your pressure pump as a syringe pump.
Do you want to instantaneously stop the flow in your chip?
=> Add a Flow Switch Matrix
The MUX flow switch matrix is designed to stop the flow in your microfluidic device in 100ms, with no residual flow.
Do you want to quickly switch samples without any backflow?
=> Add a Flow Switch Matrix or a Rheodyne Valve
Valves combined with the incompressibility of liquids can help you avoid back flow contamination.
Do you want to precisely handle & position cells or droplets?
=> Use a Dual Vacuum & Pressure pump
Control the position of any object by controlling pressure and vacuum within the same channel.
Do you want to control the pressure at a given point of your device?
This is also an effective way to compensate for hydrostatic pressure drift in your tank when emptying it.
Do you want to precisely control a Quake microvalve?
=> Use a 3:2 Flow Switch Matrix
A dedicated instrument with which you will be able to open or close valves in 100 ms with a position resolution of 0.005%...
Do you want to eliminate bubbles from your experiment?
=> Use an Injection Loop
An injection loop allows you to automatically inject or switch the liquid in your chip without creating any bubbles..
Do you want to measure flow rates without buying flow sensors?
=> Add a Flow Rate & Pressure auto-fit system
An easy and zero cost way to maintain responsiveness and stability while keeping track of the real time flow rate in your channel.
Do you want to control pressure with 2,5 µbar precision?
=> Use an Ultra Precision Module
This option can be switched ON & OFF to allow you to cover the full range when needed. Ideal for patch clamps and for replacing high precision hydrostatic pressure systems.
Do you want to go on holiday?
=> Use ESI, the Elveflow Smart Interface!
Automate your experiment to improve your efficiency, simplify your task and free up your time.
Like this review ? For more reviews about microfluidics, you can have a look here: «Microfluidics reviews».
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