Microfluidic viscometer
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for determining a difference in viscosity between a sample fluid and a reference fluid, the method comprising the following steps in the order named:
- flowing a reference fluid with a known viscosity through a first channel segment by applying a first driving force;
flowing a detectable fluid through a second channel segment by applying a second driving force;
combining the flow of the reference fluid from the first channel segment with the flow of detectable fluid from the second channel segment at a first intersection to produce a first combined flow, the first combined flow entering a third channel segment;
measuring a first amount of detectable fluid flowing in the first combined flow;
replacing the flow of reference fluid in the first channel segment with a flow of sample fluid through the first channel segment without changing the magnitudes of the first and second driving forces;
combining the flow of the sample fluid from the first channel segment with the flow of detectable fluid from the second channel segment at a first intersection to produce a second combined flow, the second combined flow entering a third channel segment;
measuring a second amount of detectable fluid flowing in the second combined flow; and
determining a difference in viscosity between the reference fluid and the sample fluid from the difference between the first amount of detectable fluid and the second amount of detectable fluid.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.
152 Citations
5 Claims
-
1. A method for determining a difference in viscosity between a sample fluid and a reference fluid, the method comprising the following steps in the order named:
-
flowing a reference fluid with a known viscosity through a first channel segment by applying a first driving force;
flowing a detectable fluid through a second channel segment by applying a second driving force;
combining the flow of the reference fluid from the first channel segment with the flow of detectable fluid from the second channel segment at a first intersection to produce a first combined flow, the first combined flow entering a third channel segment;
measuring a first amount of detectable fluid flowing in the first combined flow;
replacing the flow of reference fluid in the first channel segment with a flow of sample fluid through the first channel segment without changing the magnitudes of the first and second driving forces;
combining the flow of the sample fluid from the first channel segment with the flow of detectable fluid from the second channel segment at a first intersection to produce a second combined flow, the second combined flow entering a third channel segment;
measuring a second amount of detectable fluid flowing in the second combined flow; and
determining a difference in viscosity between the reference fluid and the sample fluid from the difference between the first amount of detectable fluid and the second amount of detectable fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
Specification