Low-power pulsation-free micropumps

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 12575.1;9 PFNM-NM

Short description (German)

Low-power pulsation-free micropumps

Short description (English)

Low-power pulsation-free micropumps

Abstract (German)

In CTI-Project No. 9741.1 PFNM-NM, low-power micropumps based on a novel electrokinetic pump principle were developed. To operate bubble free, the flow direction has to be switched at regular intervals, which is compensated for by a flow rectifier. These pumps raised interest in the fuel cell and life sciences market. Based on solid market feedback, particularly for life sciences applications, three scientific and technological objectives for further pump development were identified, comprising further development of polarization EO micropumps to achieve smooth unidirectional pulsation-free pumping, i.e. without flow direction switching and subsequent flow rectification or without pulsating pump actuation, compatibility with wider range of fluids, and adaptation of technology and materials for more cost-efficient pump production, starting from low volumes. These objectives will be addresses by this project.

Abstract (English)

In CTI-Project No. 9741.1 PFNM-NM, low-power micropumps based on a novel electrokinetic pump principle were developed. To operate bubble free, the flow direction has to be switched at regular intervals, which is compensated for by a flow rectifier. These pumps raised interest in the fuel cell and life sciences market. Based on solid market feedback, particularly for life sciences applications, three scientific and technological objectives for further pump development were identified, comprising further development of polarization EO micropumps to achieve smooth unidirectional pulsation-free pumping, i.e. without flow direction switching and subsequent flow rectification or without pulsating pump actuation, compatibility with wider range of fluids, and adaptation of technology and materials for more cost-efficient pump production, starting from low volumes. These objectives will be addresses by this project.