Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant

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Order code	Elveflow Cross Reference SKU	Description
505980	MFS-D-1+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-1.5 µL/min
505981	MFS-D-2+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-7 µL/min
505982	MFS-D-3+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-80 µL/min
505983	MFS-D-4+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-1000 µL/min
505984	MFS-D-5+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-5 mL/min
505985	MFS-D-6+	Microfluidic Flow Sensor, Water Resistant, 0-40 mL/min *ONLY compatible with Elveflow's updated OB1 MK4 series and V3 Sensor Reador (MSR3)

WPI introduces Elveflow’s line of standard Microfluidic Flow Rate Digital Sensors (MFS), using  thermal technology to measure flow rates within micro-channels. Features of the MFS line make for reliable and accurate microfluidic applications.

Features

• 6 sensors covering flow rates from 7 nL/min to 40 mL/min (for water-like solution)
• Within 5% accuracy in most of the operating range
• Compatible with ElveFlow's OB1 line of pressure controllers offered by WPI 
• Non-invasive measurements
• High chemical compatibility
• Ultra low dead volume, down to 1μL
• Bi-directional flow rate measurement (positive & negative)

Flow rate control

You can achieve total flow control of your experiment by combining any Microfluidic Flow Sensor (MFS) with WPI-offered ElveFlow pressure controller systems within the OB1 line. 

*The Elveflow ESI software automatically adjusts the pressure to reach the required flow rate.

Researchers who want to monitor the flow rate of a third-party instrument (ie. a syringe pump) can plug any of the MFS flow sensors  into the 505889 Microfluidic Sensor Reader (MSR).

Smooth, Pulseless Flow

All of our ElveFlow flow controller systems offered such as the OB1 series pumps can be coupled with the Microfluidic Flow  Sensors (MFS) series. Using the feedback loop control of ElveFlow's ESI software, you can accurately monitor and control flow rates in your microfluidic setup in a stable, pulseless and responsive fashion. Directly input the desired flow rates into the software to acheive the requested flow rate parameters. 

*Note: he microfluidic flow sensors can be plugged anywhere inline in your microfluidic setup.

Microfluidic Flow Sensor User Guide
MFS: Setting a Flow Control Feedback Loop Quick Guide
MFS Flow Rate Ranges & Accuracy: How to Choose
BFS & MPS Flow Controller Comparison Chart
MFS Datasheet

 

Free ESI Software & SDK Libraries

*ESI Software: Windows 8 and 10 both 32 and 64 bit versions, are supported

ESI Software

Thanks to an intuitive interface, the Elveflow® Smart Interface allows you to use Elveflow® instruments from the simplest commands, for beginners to the most complex manipulations for experts.

Software features beneficial for use alongside the MFS microfluidic flow sensors:

• Intuitive display and measurement recording
• Customizable flow rate control: adjust the flow rate control parameters to best fit your application’s needs. Whether you prefer a reactive or smooth flow rate change, our software allows you to adjust the feedback parameters.
• Multiple predefined flow patterns (ramp, sinus, square or triangle signal)
• Additional features available such as: dispensed volume calculation, customizable resolution, tuning of the setup fluidic parameters (coupled with the OB1 series flow controller), multiple channel flow rate control using one flow sensor, and more!

User Friendly and Cost Effective

• Cost-effective solution: one sensor’s operating range covers the ranges of several standard microfluidic sensors.
• No calibration required
  Stand alone sensor: plug the sensor directly to your computer to measure the flow rate.
• Excellent repeatability and long-term stability
• Excellent accuracy: down to 0.2 % of measured value accuracy
• Easy to install and use
• Low risk of gas bubble inclusion

How does a Coriolis flow meter work?

A microfluidic Coriolis flow sensor contains a U-shaped loop which constantly vibrates. When a fluid flows through this vibrating loop, Coriolis forces are generated and bend or twist the tube. The extremely small tube displacements are detected by sensors and fed to the electronic board. Since the measured phase shift is proportional to the mass flow, the Coriolis flow rate sensor measures the mass flow directly. This measurement principle is very accurate, fast and, more importantly, independent of the properties of the fluid (density, temperature, viscosity, pressure, heat-capacity or conductivity).

FAQ

Q: Can I use the flow rate sensor with any type of solution?

A: As long as your solution is chemically compatible with the wetted materials (glass and PEEK for MFS1 to 5 and PPS, stainless steel and epoxy-based adhesive for MFS6), you can use your MFS Flow Sensor with any type of liquids. All MFS Flow Sensors are calibrated to be used with water and IPA except MFS1 and MFS5 that come only with water calibration. The IPA calibration makes the sensor easily compatible with most of oils. If you wish to use other types of solutions, it is possible calibrate your sensor using our ESI software. 

Q: What do I need to control the flow rate in my microfluidic chips?

A: Using Elveflow equipment supplied by WPI, you can measure, as well as precisely control the flow rate. First of all, you need a pressure source and a pressure regulator to control the pressure. Then, you need a reservoir where you can store your liquid and pressurize it. Finally, you need tubing to connect the reservoir to the connect the reservoir to the pressure controller, the flow sensor and the microfluidic chip. WPI and Elveflow microfluidics specialists work jointly and can propose a complete starting kit adapted to the needs of your application.

Q: Is it possible to use the Flow Rate sensor without the pressure controller?

A: Microfluidic flow sensors with a 4-port  Microfluidic Sensor Reader can be provided to allow you to monitor up to 4 flow sensors using Elveflow ESI software. You can also integrate the sensor measurement into your system using ElveFlow's Software Development Kit (SDK), available for C++/Python/MATLAB and LabVIEW programming.

 

Main Specifications

Elveflow offers a selection of 6 different Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensors that vary by the covered flow rate range. Below, are summarized the different specifications for each sensor:

Category	MFS1+	MFS2+	MFS3+	MFS4+	MFS5+	MFS6+
Ingress protection	IP54 (1)
Media calibration	Aqueous	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous (2)	Aqueous	Aqueous (2)
Flow rate range for aqueous solutions	0 to ±1.5 µl/min	0 to ±7 µl/min	0 to ±80 µl/min	0 to ±1 ml/min	0 to ±5 ml/min	0 to ±40 ml/min
Accuracy (3) (whichever error is larger)	±10 % of m.v. or 0.0075 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 0.02 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 0.12 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 2 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 10 µl/min	±5 % of m.v. or 50 µl/min
Sensor inner diameter	25 µm	150 µm	430 µm	1.0 mm	1.8 mm	1.4 mm
Sensor internal volume	1 µl	1.5 µl	5 µl	25 µl	80 µl	58 µl

 

1. IP54 code definition: First digit 5: Dust protected – Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the safe operation of the equipment. Second digit 4: Splashing of water – Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect, utilizing either: a) an oscillating fixture, or b) A spray nozzle with no shield. Test a) is conducted for 10 minutes. b) is conducted (without shield) for 5 minutes minimum.
2. IPA calibration available
3. Accuracy and repeatability specifications valid for flow rates below full scale (for MFS1 to MFS5) and below ±20 ml/min for MFS6.