COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MICROPUMP SUITABLE FOR PRECISE MICROLITER DELIVERY AND COMPLETE IN-LINE MIXING

A novel computer-controlled micropump is developed for various flow an alyses and offers a number of improvements to the limitations of conve ntional pumping systems. With flow patterns which are easily programme d, the pump allows precise microliter delivery and complete in-line mi xing to be conveniently achieved. This instrument is particularly suit able for both heterogeneous flow analysis and flow analysis based on s low reaction because it provides a large interface between immiscible phases or miscible streams just after merging and hence promotes mas t ransfer in radial directions. The improvement of radial mass transfer results in a complete reaction and high sensitivity with limited dispe rsion volume of the sample. The mechanical stability and reproducibili ty of this pump is excellent, allowing it to be applied successfully i n process analysis over long periods of time.