Single Disk Viscous Micropumps for Use in Microfluidic Devices

The area of microfluidics is developing with many new sensors, separation devices, drug delivery systems, and other small-scale and micro-scale fluidic devices. For many of these devices, there is a need to circulated or move fluid through macroscale and microscale channels. At very small scales, viscous forces are significant, which results in large pressure drops over small distances. This technology employs these large viscous forces to produce a pumping action and produce well controlled, constant flow rates.

Benefits
There is a need for simple micropumps that can deliver a variety of flow rates and pressure. The single disk viscous micropump is an ideal solution because it is easy to make, is reliable, and the flow rate and pressure can be adjusted by changing the channel height, an operating speed. This viscous micropump could be used in various applications where a micropump is required. Such applications include, but are not limited to, electronics cooling, implantable medical devices, u-TAS (micro Total Analysis Systems), and micro-fluid dispensing systems.

Stage of Development
International Publication (World Intellectual Property Organization): WO 2005/024230 A2
This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program. It is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*Blanchard, D., Ligrani, P., Gale, B. Single-disk and double-disk viscous micropumps. Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical, v 122, n 1 SPEC. ISS., Jul 29, 2005, p 149-158
*Blanchard, D., Ligrani, P., Gale, B. Performance and development of a miniature rotary shaft pump. Journal of Fluids Engineering, Transactions of the ASME, v 127, n 4, July, 2005, p 752-760

Inventor(s): Phillip Ligrani, Danny Blanchard, Bruce Gale

Type of Offer: Licensing



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