Liang H., Nam W.J., Fonash S.J.
The Pennsylvania State University, US
Keywords: miniaturized chemical processing, nano-total analysis systems, nanofluidic flow control, nanofluidics
In this work, we introduce the parallel flow control (PFC) configuration shown in Fig. 1 to address these key interfacing and flow control issues. PFC uses flow in a pressure-driven micro-channel, which interfaces with the “outside world”, to set up the pressure gradient across a nano-channel. Based on the size-scale differences between these micro- and nano-channels which are arranged in parallel, micro to nano-channel flow rate ratios of 10E4:1 and higher are easily attainable with the PFC approach thereby allowing the attainment of a broad range of fine nanofluidic flow control. Long residence time and non-uniform flow rate issues are easily avoided by driving a relative large flow rate through the pressure-driven micro-channel. Direct, real-time flow rate measurements in the nano-channel can be achieved by having an additional serpentine measurement micro-channel in series with the nano-channel.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 281 - 283
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1