Fluid Handling System for Particle Sorter Flow Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional droplet sorters face challenges in maintaining stable fluid flow, which affects the accuracy of particle sorting due to variations in operating conditions and fluid properties, leading to instability at the droplet breakoff point and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling system comprising a pump, pulse attenuator, pressure transducer, and pump controller that regulates the sheath fluid flow to maintain a constant nominal pressure, using a peristaltic pump and pulse attenuator to stabilize the fluid flow and prevent bubbles, ensuring sterility and consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional droplet sorters are used to perform particle sorting, then sorting functionality is achieved, but fluid flow stability deteriorates due to variations in operating conditions and fluid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure in the fluid stream, and a controller adjusts the pump operation to maintain constant pressure. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for variations in operating conditions and fluid properties, ensuring stable fluid flow and consistent droplet breakoff point for accurate particle sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains constant pressure as a critical parameter to stabilize the fluid flow system. By controlling the pressure parameter to remain invariant despite changes in temperature, viscosity, or other operating conditions, the system ensures stable droplet formation and breakoff point, thereby maintaining sorting accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid stream is oscillated to generate droplets, then droplet sorting is enabled, but perturbations in fluid flow cause instability at the droplet breakoff point
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors pressure fluctuations caused by oscillation and makes real-time adjustments to the pump operation. This compensates for perturbations in the fluid stream, stabilizing the droplet breakoff point while maintaining the oscillation necessary for droplet generation and sorting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a reservoir of fluid under controlled pressure before the oscillation occurs. This pre-stabilized fluid supply acts as a buffer that absorbs perturbations during oscillation, ensuring consistent droplet formation and stable breakoff point despite the dynamic oscillating conditions.
3Productivity
If the sheath flow delivery system provides sufficient flow capacity, then sorting performance is improved, but flow rate and pressure variations occur due to operating environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the actual flow rate and pressure, comparing them to desired setpoints. The controller adjusts the pump operation in real-time to compensate for variations caused by temperature changes, viscosity fluctuations, or other environmental factors, maintaining consistent flow rate and pressure for optimal sorting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as pump speed and pressure to maintain constant flow rate. By changing these parameters in response to detected variations, the system ensures stable fluid delivery that maintains sorting performance across different operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a stable and consistent fluid flow, reducing variations in pressure and flow rate, enhancing the accuracy of particle sorting and maintaining sterility, thus improving the overall performance of fluid flow instruments like droplet sorters.
Implementation Method 1
The pump may be a peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
The pressure transducer may be in fluid communication with the pressure sensor port and in control communication with the pump controller
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid handling system for a particle processing instrument includes a pump, a pulse attenuator, a pressure transducer, and a pump controller. The pump may be configured to supply a pulsed flow of fluid having a first pulse characteristic to the pulse attenuator. The pulse attenuator may have a single, undivided, volume, fluid inlets, fluid outlets, and a pressure sensor port. The pulse attenuator may supply an outlet flow of fluid having a second pulse characteristic different from the first pulse characteristic. The pressure transducer may be in fluid communication with the pressure sensor port and in control communication with the pump controller. The pump controller may be in control communication with the pump to maintain a substantially constant nominal pressure within the pulse attenuator by controlling the pump motor.