Small liquid sensing question
Small liquid sensing question
(OP)
I work in microfluidics and I'm looking to add leak detection to our instrumentation.
Problem:
Basicaly our fluidic system is open until we seal our open ended silicone part onto a glass slide. This is where I want to be able to detect any leaks. If for whatever reason the silicone piece is not sealed correctly, (force sensing fails, other obstruction) then water and other fluids can leak and ruin other expensive parts.
-I have very little room to work with. Idealy the sensor would mount on a small surface (0.15" x 0.40")
Any thoughts on types of sensors?
Problem:
Basicaly our fluidic system is open until we seal our open ended silicone part onto a glass slide. This is where I want to be able to detect any leaks. If for whatever reason the silicone piece is not sealed correctly, (force sensing fails, other obstruction) then water and other fluids can leak and ruin other expensive parts.
-I have very little room to work with. Idealy the sensor would mount on a small surface (0.15" x 0.40")
Any thoughts on types of sensors?





RE: Small liquid sensing question
What are the conductivity limits of the various fluids (including the water)?
Water's pretty easy to sense with just a pair of probes (which can be mighty small) to be bridged by the fluid -- unless it's de-ionized or reverse osmosis type (super clean).
Of course, if the "other fluids" to which you refer are combustible, you'll have to deal with creating something intrinsically safe.
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: Small liquid sensing question
The other 10% of the fluid is a de-ionized water which i'm pretty sure would not work with probes. I will most likely go with probes unless anyone knows of another OEM small sensor for DI water.
RE: Small liquid sensing question
Were it me, I'd take that entire area and generate an interdigitated probe pattern, suitably coated with gold, perhaps, to minimize corrosion, and hook up the probes to a resistivity monitor. With sufficient probe peripheral area, even fresh DI water should be detectable.
TTFN
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