Opto­Fluidic

Year

2011

The idea

This system, inspired by rainbows, water droplets and the lotus effect, can be used for the optical analysis of liquids.

The objective

OptoFluidic enables diagnostic procedures in which the properties or parameters of moving liquids can be analysed in real time.

Technical data

• Length: 108.0 cm
• Width: 75.6 cm
• Height: 157.0 cm
• Colour sensors: 2
• Pressure sensors: 2
• Solenoid valves: 4
• Peristaltic pumps: 2

Operating principle

One of the liquid media in the system is “charged” with information that can then be read by optical components. Diagnosis takes place in real time with no interruption to the process cycle.

Function

Two immiscible liquids flow through the pipes of the OptoFluidic test rig. The blue liquid is the information-bearing medium, while the transparent fluid does not carry any information. Various analysis and separation steps can be carried out at several stations.

Real-time analysis

Cameras, sensors and intelligent control technology can be used to analyse the composition and properties of the transparent liquid and interpret the volume of the individual droplets. A fluorescent dye can also be made visible in the reference medium. The data are displayed on a monitor, and the processes are constantly monitored in real time.

Material

OptoFluidic