Fluid delivery system
Inventors
Assignees
National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST • United States Department of Commerce
Publication Number
US-8757189-B2
Publication Date
2014-06-24
Expiration Date
2030-10-26
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Abstract
A fluid delivery system is described which provides stable flow rates over a range of different flow rates and while multiple fluids are being concurrently delivered. The delivery system includes one or more reservoirs each containing a respective fluid to be transferred. The reservoir(s) are positioned within a secondary fluid selected such that the reservoir(s) and their contents, i.e. the fluids to be transferred, float within the secondary fluid. One end of a flow conduit is submerged in each fluid to be transferred. A pressure differential is then induced in the flow conduit whereby fluid flow therein occurs.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a fluid delivery system wherein one or more reservoirs containing fluids to be transferred float in a secondary fluid contained within a container. Each reservoir is rigid walled and maintains its shape independent of its content, with a flow conduit inlet submerged in the reservoir fluid. By floating the reservoirs in the secondary fluid, the system maintains stable flow rates over a range of flow rates and during concurrent delivery of multiple fluids.
The problem addressed is the instability and poor control of flow rates in current fluid delivery methods, especially for microfluidic devices requiring many reagents or solvents. Known methods like syringe pumps are bulky, expensive, and oscillate at low flow rates, while integrated reservoirs and horizontal reservoirs have limited capacity or flow rate stability. This invention solves the need for a new system providing greater controllability and stable flow rates over large fluid volumes.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering distinct aspects of the fluid delivery system and method, focused on floating reservoirs within a secondary fluid and supporting structures for stable flow.
Fluid delivery system with a floating reservoir and support member
A fluid delivery system comprising at least one reservoir containing a fluid, a flow conduit with an inlet submerged in the fluid, a container with a secondary fluid, and a support member affixed to the container that maintains the reservoir in an opening while floating in the secondary fluid such that the weight of the reservoir and fluid is entirely supported by the secondary fluid.
Fluid delivery system with flotation fluid and support provisions maintaining orientation
A fluid delivery system having a container defining an interior region filled with a flotation fluid, at least one reservoir containing a fluid floating within that fluid, a flow conduit with an inlet submerged in the fluid, and support provisions inside the container that maintain the reservoir’s orientation during fluid delivery while the weight of the reservoir and fluid is entirely supported by the flotation fluid.
Method for transferring fluid from a floating reservoir with support provisions
A method comprising providing a reservoir containing fluid, a container with a secondary fluid and support provisions defining a support region to maintain reservoir orientation during delivery, immersing an inlet end of a flow conduit in the reservoir fluid, floating the reservoir in the secondary fluid so the combined weight is supported, and creating a pressure differential to induce flow within the flow conduit.
The independent claims collectively protect fluid delivery systems and methods featuring floating reservoirs in a secondary fluid supported by container-based supports, enabling stable and uniform fluid flow by substantially counteracting hydrostatic pressure variations during fluid transfer.
Stated Advantages
Significantly improved flow stability of fluid delivery compared to nonfloating reservoir systems, with improvements ranging from two fold up to ten fold or more.
The system can maintain stable and uniform flow rates over large volume deliveries and while concurrently delivering multiple fluids.
The container with flotation fluid and support provisions enables portability and sterility, accommodating multiple reservoirs efficiently.
The systems do not require external kinetic energy, complex control systems, or power sources; they operate primarily under gravity or applied pressure within sealed containers.
Sealed containers allow pressurization to achieve higher flow rates and further improve stability, as well as maintaining volatile or hazardous fluids safely.
The system is compatible with a wide range of fluids including liquids, gases, suspensions, colloids, and emulsions, over a broad viscosity range.
Supports adjustment of flotation fluid density and use of damping elements to further enhance flow rate control and reduce oscillations during fluid delivery.
Documented Applications
Delivery of multiple fluids at stable, controlled flow rates to microfluidic devices, such as those used in liposome formation.
Applications requiring precise maintenance of flow rate ratios of different fluids over time, e.g., in chemical or biological processes.
Fluid delivery in chemical and biological settings where many reagents, solvents, or buffers must be connected to a device with stable flow rates.
Large scale applications including but not limited to paints, oils, industrial reagents, and any situation requiring stable fluid transfer.
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