Microfluidic On/Off Valves: applications and customization
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Oct 2024

What is a microfluidic On/Off rotary valve? Key features and benefits

Microfluidic On/Off valves are fundamental components in microfluidic systems, designed to precisely control the start and stop of fluid flow within small channels. These valves serve as essential tools in a wide variety of applications, ranging from biological assays to chemical reactions, where precise timing and fluid control are critical for successful outcomes.

In the context of microfluidics, On/Off valves act as gatekeepers, enabling or halting the flow of liquid with remarkable accuracy. These valves are particularly useful in experiments that require rapid, repeatable control over fluid movement, such as sequential sample injections, reagent mixing, or the isolation of specific fluid paths.

The ability to automate the opening and closing of fluidic channels enhances workflow efficiency, reduces the need for manual intervention, and ensures consistency across experiments. Whether applied in pharmaceutical research, diagnostics, or industrial processing, microfluidic On/Off valves are vital for maintaining the integrity and reproducibility of experiments, while also improving operational speed and reducing error rates.

How On/Off microfluidic valves improve fluidic control efficiency?

By controlling the flow in a straightforward open/close manner, On/Off valves provide precise and automated control over fluid movement. This enhances workflow efficiency in applications such as sample loading, reagent mixing, and stopping fluid flow in sensitive protocols, ensuring reliable performance across different environments.

An On/Off rotary valve uses a rotating mechanism to control the flow, providing precise control with extremely low internal volume and optimized fluid management.

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This control is essential for a wide range of applications, including sample loading, reagent mixing, and flow interruption.

Key benefits of AMF’s On/Off microfluidic valves

AMF’s On/Off microfluidic valves are expertly engineered to deliver high performance, reliability, and precision across a wide range of applications. 

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Demonstration model in PMMA, showcasing precision engineering
These valves are not just designed for basic open/close functions but provide additional features that set them apart from competitors. Here are some of the key advantages:

Low internal volume

One of the key features of AMF’s On/Off microfluidic valves is their low internal volume, which can be as low as 3 µL, with even smaller volumes possible through customization. AMF’s valves are designed to minimize internal volume, ensuring precise fluid control and reducing the amount of liquid retained within the system. This feature is particularly advantageous in applications that handle expensive reagents or require precise fluid dosing, as it reduces the amount of fluid wasted and improves the overall efficiency of the system. The low internal volume also helps to enhance response times, allowing for quicker fluid switching and better system performance, making these valves ideal for high-precision workflows.

No dead volume

Dead volume, the trapped fluid that remains in inactive areas of the valve, can cause significant problems in fluidic systems. This residue can lead to contamination, incomplete fluid switching, and incorrect measurements. AMF’s On/Off valves are specifically designed with zero dead volume, ensuring that no residual liquid remains after rinsing, allowing thorough cleaning between uses. This ensures that fluid is fully removed from the system, reducing contamination risks and ensuring the purity of each subsequent liquid in the flow path. This feature is particularly valuable in processes where cross-contamination must be avoided, such as in biological and medical research, where clean, uncontaminated samples are critical to achieving accurate results.

Durability and longevity

AMF’s On/Off valves are built to last. The materials used in their construction offer strong chemical resistance and reliable mechanical resilience, making them well-suited for the demands of industrial and research environments. Whether used in high-throughput chemical synthesis or long-term biological experiments, AMF’s valves are designed for consistent, repeatable performance. The robust construction also means that these valves require less maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring continuous operation in fluidic systems.

Precision-engineered fluid control

AMF’s valves are engineered with the highest precision standards, ensuring reliable and accurate control over fluid flow. The precision machining of the valve components, combined with stringent quality control processes, guarantees that each valve operates with minimal deviation, delivering consistent results over time. 

Replacing solenoid valves to remove volume displacement

One of the significant advantages of AMF’s On/Off microfluidic valves is their ability to replace traditional solenoid valves, particularly in applications where volume displacement can have important impact. Unlike solenoid valves, which rely on bulky mechanisms that can displace higher fluid volumes and introduce inaccuracies, AMF’s On/Off valves operate with minimal internal volume and no dead volume. This ensures that only the exact required amount of fluid is moved through the system, avoiding unintended fluid displacement that can affect process accuracy. By reducing the volume displaced during operation, AMF’s valves deliver better control over small-volume applications, making them ideal for high-precision workflows where accuracy and efficiency are paramount.

Technical specifications of AMF’s On/Off microfluidic valves

AMF’s On/Off valves are available in several configurations, with detailed specifications that meet the demands of various industries. To better understand our component references, here is a breakdown of the nomenclature used for our valves:

V-A-B-C-D-E-F (e.g. V-D-1-5-050-C-P)

  • V = Valve
  • A = Type (D = Distribution, O = On/Off, S = Switch)
  • B = Number of stages
  • C = Number of radial ports
  • D = Diameter of the channels (e.g. 0.5 mm = 050, 1 mm = 100)
  • E = Stator material (PCTFE = C, PEEK = K)
  • F = Rotor material (PTFE = P, UHMW-PE = U)

Below are examples of configurations and key performance parameters, such as internal volume, carryover volume, fluid path diameter, and maximum pressure handling.

Ref. Configuration Wetted materials Internal volume Carryover volume Fluid path diameter Max. pressure
V–O–1–2–050–C–P 2 ports PCTFE, PTFE 2.8 μL 0.5 mm 7 bars

The above specifications are typical for our components and may vary due to multiple parameters / factors (e.g. fluid type, usage conditions…). Specifications are subject to change.

Easy integration with AMF’s fluidic systems

AMF’s On/Off valves are specifically designed for seamless integration with the RVM Industrial Microfluidic Rotary Valve. This compatibility ensures precise fluid control and easy incorporation into existing fluidic systems that utilize the RVM. By working exclusively with the RVM, these On/Off valves provide enhanced fluid handling efficiency, allowing users to optimize workflows with reliable, high-precision switching. This dedicated integration minimizes complexity and maximizes performance in demanding applications.

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The RVM’s advanced rotary mechanism allows for efficient control of fluid pathways, making it an ideal platform for AMF’s On/Off valves. The precise alignment between the valve rotor and stator ensures that fluid is either fully allowed or completely blocked, offering tight control over the flow. This level of precision is critical in applications requiring fast, accurate fluid switching, such as reagent mixing, sample loading, or flow interruption. The RVM’s rotational technology enhances the speed and reliability of the On/Off valve, reducing response times and providing users with consistent and repeatable fluid control.

Moreover, the integration of AMF’s On/Off valves with the RVM simplifies the overall system architecture. Since the RVM can manage multiple fluid pathways while incorporating the On/Off valves for complete control, users benefit from an all-in-one solution for fluid routing and switching. This reduces the need for additional components and minimizes potential points of failure. As a result, the RVM withAMF’s On/Off valves creates a highly efficient, compact system that is ideal for complex fluidic setups, ensuring optimal performance and operational simplicity.

Tailored solutions for custom fluidic applications

AMF offers custom On/Off valve solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any fluidic setup. From specialized port configurations to material compatibility, we ensure that our valves match your exact application requirements.

Real-world applications of On/Off microfluidic valves

On/off microfluidic valves are essential across a wide range of industries, providing critical control over fluid flow with unmatched precision and reliability. From pharmaceutical research and chemical analysis to biological experiments and industrial processes, these valves are ideal for applications requiring fast and accurate fluid regulation. With the capability to replace solenoid valves in many systems, AMF’s On/Off valves offer advantages such as low internal volume, zero dead volume, and compatibility with chemically aggressive fluids, making them versatile across different sectors.

  • Pharmaceutical Research & Development
    AMF’s On/Off valves can play a crucial role in automated drug discovery and development processes. These valves control fluid flow during high-throughput screening (HTS), where precise fluid regulation is necessary for dispensing reagents and testing different drug compounds. Their low internal volume ensures minimal reagent waste, making them ideal for experiments that use expensive or limited-quantity substances.
  • Chemical Analysis & Synthesis
    In chemical laboratories, On/Off valves are essential for managing reagent mixing and flow control during synthesis. These valves provide reliable fluid switching, enabling accurate injection of small fluid volumes for precise chemical reactions. They are a superior alternative to solenoid valves, offering better chemical compatibility with aggressive solvents and higher resistance to wear and tear over time.
  • Biotechnology & Biological Studies
    On/off valves are commonly used in biological research, particularly in experiments involving fluidic systems like lab-on-a-chip or organ-on-a-chip platforms and cell culture systems. Their ability to provide complete flow shut-off with no dead volume is especially useful in protocols where sterility and sample purity are critical, such as cell sorting, tissue engineering, and microfluidic perfusion systems.
  • Medical Diagnostics & Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
    In diagnostic instruments, On/Off valves are used to control the sequential flow of reagents and samples in assays such as ELISA, PCR, and other diagnostic tests. Their precision ensures that only the desired fluid reaches the testing chamber, avoiding cross-contamination between different samples. On/off valves can replace solenoid valves in these systems, offering enhanced reliability and smaller form factors for compact devices.
  • Environmental Monitoring & Water Quality Testing
    In environmental analysis, these valves are integral in controlling fluid sampling and reagent injection for real-time monitoring systems. Whether testing water for pollutants or measuring air quality, AMF’s On/Off valves ensure consistent fluid regulation in harsh or remote conditions, improving the accuracy and efficiency of automated sampling equipment.
  • Flow Chemistry & Continuous Flow Reactions
    On/off valves are increasingly used in flow chemistry setups, where continuous flow reactions are carried out to achieve efficient chemical synthesis. By controlling the precise addition of reactants, these valves ensure consistent product quality and reaction control. Their compatibility with a range of chemical solvents makes them an ideal alternative to solenoid valves in continuous flow systems.
  • Automated Liquid Handling Systems
    On/off valves are frequently utilized in automated liquid handling systems across research laboratories and industrial processes. Their quick response times and precise fluid control make them indispensable for automating tasks such as liquid dispensing, mixing, and sample preparation, significantly reducing human error and improving workflow efficiency.
  • Food & Beverage Processing
    In the food and beverage industry, On/Off valves help regulate the flow of ingredients, flavors, and additives in controlled processing environments. Their ability to prevent cross-contamination and precisely manage fluid paths makes them ideal for applications such as flavor injection, liquid filling, and beverage carbonation processes, replacing solenoid valves in these settings for better precision.
  • Industrial Automation
    In industrial systems that require frequent fluid switching or control of pressurized liquids, AMF’s On/Off valves provide the robust and reliable performance needed. From controlling hydraulic fluids in manufacturing lines to managing cooling systems, these valves replace solenoid valves with greater durability and fluid compatibility in some conditions.

Maximizing fluid control with AMF’s On/Off valves

AMF’s On/Off valves are designed to enhance fluid control with unparalleled precision, reliability, and seamless integration into advanced fluidic systems. Whether you’re managing flow interruption, sample loading, or complex fluid switching, our valves provide the performance and efficiency you need for a wide range of applications. By reducing waste, preventing contamination, and ensuring consistent results, AMF’s On/Off valves are the ideal solution for optimizing your fluid management processes.

Ready to see how AMF’s On/Off valves can improve your system? Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements. Fill out the form below, and our team of experts will help you find the perfect solution for your fluid control needs.

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