A high precision fluid handling system based on pressure actuation: multi-inlets flow-rate control

Abstract

International audienceWe present a new algorithm which enables the flow-rate control of a microfluidic system using pressure actuators. The algorithm combines the benefits of pressure flow actuation with the direct flow-rate control of the system. The algorithm can control a complex system with coupling effects or a massively parallel system with independent channels, regardless of the number of channels. We tested the performances of the flow-rate control solution on a coupled microsystem and compared them to the performances of a high precision syringe pump-based solution on the same microsystem. We also present the behavior of a system controlled by the flow-rate control solution and while it was submitted to an external disturbance