Piezoelectric sensor arrangement

A flow cell element for use in the piezoelectric sensor arrangement of claim 43, comprising:

• an abutting part comprising an outwardly open recess inlet fluid channels, and outlet fluid channels, wherein
• said inlet fluid channels and said outlet fluid channels lead the fluid sample through said recess;
• said recess is surrounded by an abutting surface;
• said abutting surface and a portion of the abutting part closest to the abutting surface comprise an elastic material;
• said abutting part is adapted to come into abutment with the piezoelectric quartz crystal in a sensor element, when first and second parts of the piezoelectric sensor arrangement are moved from an open position to a closed position;
• and
• said recess is sealingly covered by the crystal, thus forming a flow cell together with the sensor element when said first and second parts of the piezoelectric sensor arrangement are in said closed position.

A piezoelectric sensor arrangement for analysis of at least one fluid sample, comprising:

• a signal source;
• a measuring device;
• and
• a docking system comprising a first part and a second part, wherein
• said first part comprises means for receiving a sensor element which sensor element comprises a piezoelectric quartz crystal having a freely accessible electrode and which electrode is positioned to contact the fluid sample when in use, said means for receiving comprising an opening allowing said sensor element to contact a flow cell element when in use;
• said second part comprises fluid channels to conduct the sample and a flow cell element;
• said flow cell element comprises an abutting part provided with an outwardly open recess surrounded by an abutting surface, inlet fluid channels, and outlet fluid channels;
• said inlet fluid channels and said outlet fluid channels are configured to lead the fluid sample through said recess;
• said abutting surface and a portion of said abutting part closest to said abutting surface comprise an elastic material;
• said elastic material is capable of forming a seal against the piezoelectric quartz crystal;
• said first and second part are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position;
• when said first and second parts are moved from said open position to said closed position an upper surface of said abutting part of said flow cell element comes into abutment with said piezoelectric quartz crystal;
• and
• when said first and second parts are in said closed position a seal forms between said piezoelectric quartz crystal and said recess of said flow cell element to create a flow cell.