Polymer microvalve with pre-stressed membranes for tunable flow–pressure characteristics

Detlef Snakenborg, Henning Klank, Jörg Peter Kutter

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    A novel, inexpensive, polymer-based valve approach is presented that offers the combination of a check valve’s rectifying properties with the possibility to actively control the flow rate in the forward (open) direction. An elastic membrane with an incision is clamped between two rigid polymer plates and expands when pressure is applied in the forward direction allowing fluid to pass. In the backward direction, expansion of the membrane is not possible and flow is prevented. Varying the clamping force influences the expansion capability of the membrane due to its elasticity and thus enables control of the flow rate.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalMicrofluidics and Nanofluidics
    Volume10
    Issue number2
    Pages (from-to)381-388
    ISSN1613-4982
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Polymer microvalve with pre-stressed membranes for tunable flow–pressure characteristics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this