Microfluidic flow sensor - MFS

Microfluidic flow sensor

Thermal flow rate sensor

Wide flow rates range reading

From 7nL/min to 40 mL/min (water) with 6 different sensors

Flow rate monitoring and control

Pair it with our Sensor Reader or Flow Controller

Great accuracy

Typically 5% of measured value for water

Features & Benefits

Elveflow’s Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensor uses the thermal technology to measure flow rates in micro-size channels. It is available in two different versions: classic and water resistant. Its features make it reliable and accurate for microfluidic applications:

6 sensors covering flow rates from 7 nL/min to 40 mL/min for water
5% accuracy on most of the operating range
Compatible with instruments from the Fluid Control Elveflow range (MSR sensor reader, OB1 flow controller) and the Advanced Ranges (pressure controller and sensor hub)
Non-invasive measurements
High chemical compatibility
Bi-directional flow rate measurement (positive & negative)
Water resistant MFS are IP54 certified

FLOW RATE CONTROL:

You can achieve flow control of your experiment by combining any Microfluidic Flow Sensor with our pressure controller systems (OB1, Advanced pressure controller). The Elveflow ESI software automatically adjusts the pressure to reach the required flow rate.

Researchers who want to monitor the flow rate of a third party instrument like a syringe pump can plug the flow sensor to our Microfluidic Sensor Reader (MSR ).

SMOOTH, PULSELESS FLOW:

All our flow controller systems (OB1, Advanced pressure controller) can be coupled with the Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensor. Using the feedback loop control of our ESI software, you can accurately monitor and control flow rates in your microfluidic setup in a stable, pulseless and responsive fashion. Directly input the flow rate into the software to reach the requested value.

The microfluidic flow sensors can be plugged anywhere inline in your microfluidic setup.

Related application notes:

Typical fields of application include:

Solar cell and FDP technology
Food and pharmaceutical industries
Medical microchemical or analytical installations
Calibration laboratories
Coumpound semiconductor processing
And many more…

Elveflow offers a selection of 6 different Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensors that vary by the covered flow rate range. Below, are summarized the different specifications for each sensor:

(1) IP54 code definition: First digit 5: Dust protected – Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the safe operation of the equipment. Second digit 4: Splashing of water – Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect, utilizing either: a) an oscillating fixture, or b) A spray nozzle with no shield. Test a) is conducted for 10 minutes. b) is conducted (without shield) for 5 minutes minimum.
(2) IPA calibration available
(3) Accuracy and repeatability specifications valid for flow rates below full scale (for MFS1 to MFS5) and below ±20 ml/min for MFS6.

MFS flow rate ranges and accuracy

Elveflow offers 6 different flow rate sensors (+1 Coriolis Bronkhorst flow sensor ) that are each accurate and precise in a given range. Use our explanatory range and accuracy chart in order to choose the most fitting Flow Sensor for your application.

Note: Please note that the range may change depending on fluid properties (thermal conductivity, density and thermal capacity ,…etc.).

Absolutely, the BFS1+, BFS2 and BFS3, are individually calibrated by Bronkhorst before shipping. We provide the calibration certificate of these sensors.

No, the Bronkhorst flow sensor is directly connected to your PC by USB. Make sure you have a sufficient number of USB ports available or use an USB hub.

Thanks to an intuitive interface, the Elveflow® Smart Interface allows you to use Elveflow® instruments from the simplest commands for beginners to the most complex manipulations for experts… read more

Software features concerning the microfluidic flow sensor:

Intuitive display and measurement recording
Customizable flow rate control: adjust the flow rate control parameters to best fit your application’s needs. Whether you prefer a reactive or smooth flow rate change, our software allows you to adjust the feedback parameters.
Multiple predefined flow patterns (ramp, sinus, square or triangle signal)
Additional features are available like: dispensed volume calculation, customizable resolution, tuning of the setup fluidic parameters (coupled with our OB1 flow controller), multiple channel flow rate control using one flow sensor.

Flow measurement display
Multiple flow patterns available + custom flow rate control possibility

ESI MFS OB1

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Thermal Time-of-flight or coriolis BASED SENSOR?

Elveflow offers two types of flow rate sensors: one based on the thermal conductivity technology (Microfluidic Flow Sensor) and one based on the Coriolis principle (Bronkhorst Flow Sensor). Both sensors have pros and cons that have been summarized in the table below. This table helps you choose your sensors depending on your application and your budget.

How does a thermal flow sensor work?

A thermal flow sensor measures the flow rate of a fluid by using the principle of heat transfer. It typically consists of a heated element and a temperature sensor placed along the flow stream. When the fluid passes over the heated element, it carries away some of the heat depending on the flow velocity. The sensor measures the amount of cooling that occurs and converts this temperature difference into an electrical signal proportional to the flow rate. This method allows precise and direct measurement of mass flow without moving parts.