Fluidic-based regulation, plug removal, and multiplexing methods and devices for processing of particles suspended in liquid

A system for automatically regulating particles suspended in a liquid, the system comprising:

• at least one regulating device for automatically regulating particles suspended in a liquid, the regulating device comprising:
• an inlet tube having a first inlet tube end and a second inlet tube end opposite and spaced apart from the first inlet tube end;
• a reservoir tube having a first reservoir tube end and a second reservoir tube end opposite and spaced apart from the first reservoir tube end, wherein the second reservoir tube end is coupled to and in fluid communication with the second inlet tube end;
• an outlet tube having a first outlet tube end and a second outlet tube end opposite and spaced apart from the first outlet tube end, wherein the first outlet tube end is coupled to and in fluid communication with the second inlet tube end and the second reservoir tube end;
• at least one sensor for detecting particles suspended in the liquid, wherein a first sensor is configured to detect particles within a portion of the reservoir tube;
• and
• a valve configured to regulate the flow of liquid through the inlet tube;
• a reservoir tank having a first end and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with atmospheric pressure and the first reservoir tube end is in fluid communication with either the first end of the reservoir tank or the second end of the reservoir tank;
• a high pressure water source in fluid communication with the first inlet tube end;
• and
• a controller, wherein the controller is in operable communication with the first sensor and the valve, wherein the controller executes non-transitory computer-readable instructions that cause the controller to:
• receive first sensor data from the first sensor, wherein the first sensor data corresponds to the concentration and velocity of particles within a portion of the reservoir tube;
• compare the first sensor data to a maximum value, wherein the maximum value is predetermined to provide a desired local concentration and velocity of particles within the portion of the reservoir tube;
• and
• cause the valve to open in response to the first sensor data being greater than the maximum value, or
• cause the valve to close in response to the first sensor data being less than the maximum value.