Reduction of droplet-size dispersion in parallel flow-focusing microdevices using a passive method

• Published in: Journal of micromechanics and microengineering Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 045029 - 045029 (8)
• Main Authors: Luque, A, Perdigones, F, Estevé, J, Montserrat, J, Gañán-Calvo, A, Quero, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.04.2009; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques; Microelectronic fabrication (materials and surfaces technology); Micromechanical devices and systems; Physics; Precision engineering, watch making; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Microparticle; Flow rate; Equalization; Experimental study; Droplet; Focusing
• ISSN: 0960-1317; 1361-6439
• DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/19/4/045029

Flow-focusing devices can be used to produce microparticles at low cost, with the added advantage of low dispersion in the size of the generated particles. However, when multiple parallel devices are used with common inputs to massively produce the microparticles, the overall production is polydisperse, usually due to differences in flow rates of the focused fluid through each single device. The solution to uniformize this flow rate can involve active, movable devices that would add complexity and cost to the system. A simpler solution is to add distribution and equalization channels that drive focused fluid to the inputs. Experimental results show that this method can reduce the total dispersion, and render the multiple device close to monodispersion.