Fluid flow control freeze/thaw valve for narrow bore capillaries or microfluidic devices
AssigneeWaters Investments Limited
InventorsGeoff C. Gerhardt, Edouard S. P. Bouvier, Theodore Dourdeville
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and devices for the management of fluid flow within nanoscale analytical systems, comprising a freeze thaw valve having differing geomentries to constrict a frozen plug within the freeze thaw segment. The freeze thaw valve is directed to use in high-pressure analytical systems. The geometry of an inner diameter of a channel or tube within a freeze thaw segment is configured to cause constriction of a freeze plug when axial force is applied. The constriction is used in the flow-path of a freeze thaw valve to prevent movement of the frozen plug at high pressures to avoid valve leakage.
Claims16
A method for managing liquid flow through tubing or channels by freezing and thawing the liquid within a segment of capillary tubing or channels comprising the steps of:
- configuring a valve segment of an interior passage of said tubing or channels to have a geometry that resists shear forces upon a frozen plug within said interior diameter without decreasing the volume of said valve segment;
- freezing the valve segment to stop the passage of fluids;
- and
- thawing the valve segment to allow the passage of fluids.
An apparatus for managing liquid flow through tubing or channels by freezing and thawing the liquid within a segment of capillary tubing or channel comprising:
- a valve segment having an interior diameter for fluid flow;
- a geometry within said interior diameter wherein said geometry does not decrease the volume of said interior diameter of said valve segment;
- a means for freezing said fluid within said valve segment forming a frozen plug;
- wherein said frozen plug stops fluid flow and is held in place by forces created by said geometry;
- and
- a means for thawing said fluid within said valve segment to allow fluid flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.