Flow Controller for Emulsionion generation: A new version of this product is available. Go to the new product page

OB1 MK3+

Emulsion generation pump

1 to 4 channels pressure flow controller

ACCURATE PRESSURE CONTROL

Full control of pressure for emulsion generatio n protocols

FLOW RATE CONTROL

When paired with a flow sensor

HIGH PERFORMANCE

High precision of flow and pressure

HIGH REPRODUCIBILITY

Automate your experiment and avoid results varations

Features & benefits

Cutting-edge flow and pressure controller for emulsion generation

The OB1 MK3 pressure controller is a state-of-the-art microfluidic flow controller created by scientists and tailored to meet the needs of fellow scientists. Its versatility and power offer exceptional flow control for a wide range of applications – from pressure to vacuum, low to high flow rates, and short to week-long processes and experiments. As a result, the OB1 MK3 is the go-to instrument for precise and reliable performance for emulsion generation and microfluidic needs.

Customizable & upgradable: adapt channels, pressure, and vacuum range to your needs.

The OB1 MK3 is a highly customizable and adaptable instrument that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements for foam and emulsion generation or other applications. With the ability to support up to 4 pressure and/or vacuum channels (and additional customized options), the OB1 MK3 provides a comprehensive solution in one compact piece of equipment. Furthermore, if your needs change, the OB1 MK3 can be upgraded to meet your evolving demands in any way you require.

Programmable flow rate control when paired with a flow sensor

By connecting the OB1 MK3 to a standard liquid flow rate sensor (MFS) or our premium Coriolis flow sensor (BFS), suitable for both liquid and gas, you can achieve direct control over the flow rate in your microfluidic chip, ideal for emulsion generation protocols. The OB1 MK3 system continually calculates the pressure and maintains the desired flow rate constantly for high control of emulsion generation protocols.

Sensor reading unit for Elveflow products with software

One software for all – SDK and UART communication

The OB1 MK3 is equipped with a single, user-friendly software that enables you to get started with just a few clicks and automate even the most complex and lengthy experiments. Additionally, our SDK libraries allow you to control the OB1 MK3 using your code while connecting it to other instruments. Moreover, the MK3 is equipped with UART communication protocol, which enables it to communicate with most control systems, such as Mac, Linux, Arduino, and PLC, in addition to the ESI and SDKs control.

Our cutting-edge microfluidic flow controller for synthetic cells studies can also be used for other applications such as:

Droplet microfluidics
Microfluidic Alginate Bead generation
Emulsions generation
Flow Chemistry
Polymer synthesis

Recirculation
Lab on a chip
Enhance oil recovery

Videos

Publications

For all the publications using our products, please click here.

For all the application notes and reviews based on our product, please click here.

This table summarizes the main specifications of the Elveflow® OB1 MK3 pressure controller. To provide quality & performance, all of our instruments are tested and calibrated independently (response time, stability, repeatability… ) after being assembled and all test results are kept.

What pressure range should I choose?

PRESSURE RANGES –

The performances of the OB1 (for example, the pressure stability) is tied to the full operating pressure range.

In order to achieve optimum performance, we recommend our users to choose the smallest pressure range that covers the required experimental pressures.

Can I achieve direct flow control?

PID LOOP FOR FLOW CONTROL

By coupling a MFS or BFS flow sensor to the OB1 flow controller, you can use the software to directly control the flow rate by directly inputting the flow rate value.

The software uses a PID loop to control the flow rate by setting automatically the pressure to reach the requested flow rate. Doing so, you can benefit of the best of the two worlds to get a fast and precise (pressure driven) volume flow rate (flow sensor).

Can I connect a Pressure Sensor to the OB1? -

PRESSURE AND FLOW SENSORS

Pressure and flow sensors can be connected directly to the OB1 MK3+. The sensors can be used in passive mode (for monitoring only) or active mode (to enslave).

Do I need a pressure and/or vacuum source to operate the OB1 Pressure controller ?

Yes, you will need a pressure source to work with the OB1 pressure controller.

You can either use the air supply of your lab if there is one, use a compressed air bottle or use an air compressor. Elveflow has selected a compressor that is perfectly fitted for most application using the OB1.

If your OB1 has a vacuum channel, you will need a vacuum pump. Elveflow also proposes a selected pump that work perfectly with the OB1.

Testimonials

“We are using the device extensively at the moment and I have been quite impressed by its capabilities”
Dr. Hayden Taylor, University of California, Berkeley, United States
OB1 flow controller user
“I found the systems quite robust and easy to connect and use”
Martino Chiara - deMello Group, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Droplet pack user
“The OB1 is performing so well and we are very impressed by its behavior so far.”
Eric Pedrol Ripoll, Facultat de Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain
OB1 flow controller user
“The Elveflow OB1 enables us precise pressure and flow control and measurement in various microfluidic and lab scale projects from tissue engineering to membrane filtration analysis. ”
Arne Lüken, Chemical Process Engineering at RWTH Aachen, Germany
OB1 flow controller user
“We are the proud owners of an OB1 we bought about a decade ago. It is still going strong. We would like to ask for a quote for another OB1.”
Dr. David Tadres, University of California, Santa Barbara
OB1 flow controller user
“After an easy installation, we are now using the OB1 and flow sensors routinely and are very satisfied by both the flow stability and the software's user-friendly interface.”
Nelson BC Serre and Matyáš Fendrych, Cell Growth Lab, Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University, Czech Republic
OB1 flow controller user
“We have used Elveflow's products for about 9 years now and are big fans, and have made lots of recommendations to friends in Wageningen and the Netherlands. They are so easy to use, reliable and the pricing is sharp. We are very happy customers! ”
Prof. Dr. Joris Sprakel, Physical Chemistry and soft Matter, Wageningen university, Netherlands
OB1 flow controller user
“I've extensively used Elveflow systems in the World's most Brilliant X-ray source. Elveflow systems are precise, controlled and adaptive to many samples under adverse conditions.”
Pushparani Micheal Raj, PhD, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Lund, Sweden & MAX IV Laboratory, Bavaria, Germany
OB1 flow controller user
“We use Elveflow instrument in several projects and they are great to work with. The LabVIEW implementation was also very successful. I hope more people can get to know the OB1 system.”
Seongjin Park, Senior Engineer, Illumina
OB1 flow controller user

Need help or technical information?

Software

A free software for all instruments

Powerful, modular and versatile set-up control solution

The ESI software can control up to 16 Instruments through the same interface. Thanks to TTL triggers you can synchronize your Elveflow system with any other instrument used in your laboratory (microscope or any electrical instrument … ). The Scheduler is a user-friendly tool to automate complex steps of your experiments and protocols.

Volume
Injection
module

Enter your targeted volume and this module will automatically adjust the flow rate at the right time to inject it.

Fluidic system optimization module

Automatic diagnostic of the fluidic path sizing and recommendations to improve your microfluidic setup.

Bubble
detection
module

Do not suffer anymore because of bubbles!

Sensor calibration module

Don’t lose precious time in calibration protocols.

Need help or advice?

For any help to determine what microfluidic instruments you need, you can contact us!
Our experts will help you build the best microfluidic setup for your application, with our state-of-the-art microfluidic line.