Flowcell design and theory
Flowcell design and theory
(OP)
Hello to all,
please excuse me if I post at the wrong forum but I feel that my problem is somehow related with fluid mechanics. Also apologies for the poor technical language, my native language is Hungarian.
I'm in the designing phase of a flowcell whose primary role is to make surface contact between the sample and a glass surface covered with gold. The sample flowrate is 10-100 microliters/min. The flowcell has a milled channel on one side, which channel has an inlet and outlet on the other side to provide entry and exit for the sample.
In the assembly I would like to press the flowcell's channeled side against the golden surface thus making a closed 'pipe' for the sample. Because of the thin golden surface I can't use any gaskets. Without gaskets proper sealing depends on the contacting surfaces' smoothness and the pressure between the flowcell and the glass part.
I would be very grateful if somebody could share any experience, opinions on this kind of setup. All tips would be highly appreciated.
G.
please excuse me if I post at the wrong forum but I feel that my problem is somehow related with fluid mechanics. Also apologies for the poor technical language, my native language is Hungarian.
I'm in the designing phase of a flowcell whose primary role is to make surface contact between the sample and a glass surface covered with gold. The sample flowrate is 10-100 microliters/min. The flowcell has a milled channel on one side, which channel has an inlet and outlet on the other side to provide entry and exit for the sample.
In the assembly I would like to press the flowcell's channeled side against the golden surface thus making a closed 'pipe' for the sample. Because of the thin golden surface I can't use any gaskets. Without gaskets proper sealing depends on the contacting surfaces' smoothness and the pressure between the flowcell and the glass part.
I would be very grateful if somebody could share any experience, opinions on this kind of setup. All tips would be highly appreciated.
G.





RE: Flowcell design and theory
Are you assuming that gaskets will destroy the gold film, or has it already happened?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Flowcell design and theory
thank you for taking the time to reply. I uploaded a simple sketch of the system here:
http://tinyurl.com/2e2cf5
The problem with gasket is that every time I remove the flowcell, the soft plastic gasket rips off the gold layer (~50 nm thick).
There is no electricity here, only a laser which is coming from the glass side.
G.
RE: Flowcell design and theory
If compatible with your fluids you might try one of the stretch films used by cooks, like Saran.
RE: Flowcell design and theory
By very thin, I mean squeeze ~5 ul of grease between your thumb and forefinger, and leave a thumbprint on the plastic. With care and luck, that will squeeze out into a continuous film.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Flowcell design and theory
@unclesyd
Tedlar seems to be a good idea. However, I'm afraid it could be problematic to cut and fit a Tedlar layer between the gold and the cell. The dimensions of the milled channel: 12x1x0.5 (mm). Anyway, I'll check this idea.
@Mike
The pressure is not an issue as the flowrate is very low (10-100 uL/min) and it is produced by a tiny syringe pump. I wouldn't place any grease on the gold because it's a hassle to clean it properly by chemical means, and there is a chance that I cover the sensing region partially/entirely with grease.
G.