04_MFS_Standard_flow_rate_sensor_ELVEFLOW_MICROFLUIDICS

02 MFS Standard flow rate sensor ELVEFLOW MICROFLUIDICS

03 MFS Standard flow rate sensor ELVEFLOW MICROFLUIDICS

05 MFS Standard flow rate sensor ELVEFLOW MICROFLUIDICS

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 MK4, 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 MK4, 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.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

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:

Category	MFS1+	MFS2+	MFS3+	MFS4+	MFS5+	MFS6+
Ingress protection	IP54 (1)
Media calibration	Aqueous	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous	Aqueous (2)
Flow rate range for aqueous solutions	0 to ±1.5 µl/min	0 to ±7 µl/min	0 to ±80 µl/min	0 to ±1 ml/min	0 to ±5 ml/min	0 to ±40 ml/min
Accuracy (3) (whichever error is larger)	±10 % of m.v. or 0.0075 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 0.02 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 0.12 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 2 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 10 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 50 µl/min
Sensor inner diameter	25 µm	150 µm	430 µm	1.0 mm	1.8 mm	1.4 mm
Sensor internal volume	1 µl	1.5 µl	5 µl	25 µl	80 µl	58 µl

(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.

SOFTWARE

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

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FLOW SENSOR

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.).

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.

Is the MFS compatible with your instrument?

ADDITIONAL MODULES AND ENHANCEMENTS

sensor reading MODULE

The Sensor Reader is a device specifically designed to be used with all of Elveflow’s sensors. The reader allows to use Elveflow Sensors with any third party instrument used to drive liquid (syringe pump, peristaltic pump, perfusion, pressure controller).

Volume Injection Module

Automatically adjust the flow rate to inject your target volume with precision.

FAQs

Can I use the flow rate sensor with any type of solution?

As long as your solution is chemically compatible with the wetted materials (glass and PEEK for MFS1 to 5 and PPS, stainless steel and epoxy-based adhesive for MFS6), you can use your MFS Flow Sensor with any type of liquids. All MFS Flow Sensors are calibrated to be used with water and IPA except MFS1 and MFS5 that come only with water calibration. The IPA calibration makes the sensor easily compatible with most of oils. If you wish to use other types of solutions, it is possible calibrate your sensor using our ESI software. Please contact our customer support for more details.

What do I need to control the flow rate in my microfluidic chips?

Using Elveflow equipment, you can measure, as well as precisely control the flow rate. First of all, you need a pressure source and a pressure regulator to control the pressure. Then, you need a reservoir where you can store your liquid and pressurize it. Finally, you need tubing to connect the reservoir to the connect the reservoir to the pressure controller, the flow sensor and the microfluidic chip. Elveflow has microfluidics specialists that can propose you a complete starting kit adapted to the needs of your projects.

Is it possible to use the Flow Rate sensor without the pressure controller?

We can provide the microfluidic flow sensors with our 4-port Microfluidic Sensor Reader to allow you to monitor up to 4 flow sensors using Elveflow ESI software. You can also integrate the sensor measurement into your system using our Software Development Kit (SDK) available for C++/Python/MATLAB and LabVIEW programming.

Microfluidic flow sensor - MFS

Microfluidic flow sensor

Thermal flow rate sensor

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Wide flow rates range reading

Our 6 sensors cover a flow rate range from 7 nL/min to 40 mL/min for water

Flow rate monitoring and control

Pair it with our Sensor Reader or Flow Controller