Elveflow® high accuracy vacuum source – Control fluid’s flow into microfluidic chips

A high accuracy vacuum source which generates negative pressure for microfluidic flow control without installation/connection of any instrument such as a vacuum line or pump. It allows to generate and control negative pressure down to -600mBar (-8.7 psi) with a precision of 1mBar (0.0145 psi).

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Autonomous: Integrates both the vacuum controller and the vacuum source, no need for compressor/gas line.

Transportable: Weight 1.2kg, small size : 15x15x20 cm.

Quick setup: 5 min for the first installation, setup a new experiment in 2 minutes.

Accurate: 1 mbar tuning precision (0.0145 psi).

USB control option: Control vacuum in your microchip with your computer and Elveflow® proprietary software.

Both vacuum and flow rate control and monitoring: No more need to choose between vacuum control or flow rate control.

Elveflow® autonomous vacuum source integrates both the vacuum controller and the vacuum generator in the same equipment. It allows a microfluidic flow control and to setup a microfluidic experiment by simply plugging an electric plug and the fluidic connection between the microfluidic device and the Elveflow® vacuum source.

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Vacuum source data sheet

• Width: 200 mm
• Weight: 1.2 kg
• Tunning Precision: 1 mbar ( 0.0145 psi )
• Stability: 1 mbar ( 0.0145 psi )
• Response time  less than 1 s
• Pressure range: 0 to -600 mbar (0 to -8.7 psi )
• Maximum Flow: 50 mL/min
• Height: 150 mm
• Depth: 150 mm

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Characteristics, ticks and tips

Transient pressure drop when opening the valve

When opening the outlet valve of the vacuum source, the suction pressure measured by the sensor briefly (~1 sec) decreases before stabilizing at its initial value. This comes from the fact that before opening, the valve the sensor measures the suction pressure inside the generator and at the opening of the valve it measures a mean between suction pressure inside the generator and inside the microfluidic device connected to the outlet. The measured suction pressure quickly comes back to its initial value when the pressure on the microfluidic device becomes equal to the pressure in the vacuum source. To reduce this time-lapse, one can reduce the dead volume between the vacuum source and the microfluidic device.

Small permanent pressure shift when opening the valve of the vacuum source

When opening the valve for the first time after setting the suction pressure with the tuning button, the displayed pressure permanently shifts by one or two mbar. This comes from the fact that the membrane of the internal vacuum regulator changes position with the first opening of the outlet. This phenomenon does not occur for further valve switches.

Vacuum source warm up

During the first 15 minutes of utilization the pressure of the vacuum source might change due to the components warming up. To get optimal performance we recommend turning on the vacuum source at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your microfluidic experiment.

Friction of the vacuum tuning button

The pressure tuning button is directly linked to the spring of the internal regulator. The spring of the vacuum regulator is compressed when decreasing the pressure. The compression of the spring leads to a sensation of friction when turning the knob at the top of the pressure range.

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