How to Set Up: Continuous Flow with Dual Syringe Pump
Continuous syringe pumping is an effective way to dispense a uniform flow of solution over a long time period. This is essential for a wide range of applications. Some example applications of continual syringe pumping includes:
- Microfluidics experiments
- Flow chemistry and continuous flow synthesis
- Biological experiments, such as shear stress studies.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other analytical techniques.
- Spectroscopy and scattering measurements e.g time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering
The Ossila Dual Syringe Pump can be programmed to perform continuous syringe pumping. Using serial commands controls allows for more complex multi-step experimental setups, where precise timing, flow rates, and switching intervals can be precisely controlled.
By using serial communication, you can automate the control of both syringes, program custom sequences, and integrate the pump into a broader experimental workflow, such as in flow chemistry or advanced microfluidics experiments.
It is important to note that this continuous syringe pump set up is intended for laboratory use only. It is not suitable for medical or drug delivery purposes.
How To Set Up A Dual Syringe Pump For Continous Syringe Pumping
In the set up described in this article, one syringe is draws fluids, while the other is dispensing solution, then this is reversed. In order to do this, you need to control a few things:
- Syringe Speed
- Your dispensing programme must ensure that the loading syringe draws solution faster than the dispensing syringe dispenses it.
- This will ensure that there is always a loaded syringe ready for when the syringes switch roles.
- Syringe Flow Circuits
- Each syringe should be connected to its own flow circuit to maintain smooth flow.
- For each flow circuit, you will need two one-way flow valves and a Y-shaped tubing connector.
- Install the one-way flow valves, so that liquid cannot move back into the reservoir or back from the dispensing tube.
- Use a Y connector to connect the tubing from the reservoir, the tubing going to the dispenser and the tubing connected to the syringe.
- Use a Y connector to connect the tubing from the reservoir, and the tubing going to the dispenser.
- Connect the two output flow streams from each syringe using a final Y-shaped connector. This merges the two streams into a single, continuous flow.
- Solution Reservoirs
- Ensure that both syringes are connected to a large solution reservoir via their flow circuits.
- Ensure that no liquid can flow back into the reservoir
The exact dispensing speed and programming steps will need to be optimized depending on your solution and your intended use.
Dual Syringe Pump
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