Non-Invasive Flow sensor for Industrial Integration

NIFS

[INIFS]

New release

Non-Invasive Flow Sensor for Industrial Integration

High performance
Fluigent’s expertise and industry-proven technology
Versatile
Use for all liquids, wide flow rate range
Reliable
No liquid contact
Plug and play
Straight forward set and use

Our OEM non-invasive flow sensor (NIFS) is dedicated to flow rate monitoring and control. When combined with Fluigent pressure controllers, it allows pressure-based flow rate control without fluid contact, no liquid calibration is needed. It allows for accurate and repeatable measurements of a large range liquid flow rates bi-directionally.

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Features

High accuracy and precision

With Fluigent’s regulation control technology, the NIFS can measure flow rate with 5% accuracy.

Liquid contamination-free

As the non-invasive flow sensor is placed in the pneumatic path, it does not touch the liquid. It is suitable for applications where sterility is required. No cleaning is necessary.

Fluid calibration-free

Unlike traditional flowmeters, the NIFS functions independently of the liquid properties.

Easy-to-use

The sensor is compact and is recognized and integrated in your microfluidic setup by Fluigent software when connected.

Related applications

Webinar – Flow sensors in microfluidics: Challenges and new Fluigent sensor to address them

Watch our latest webinar recording to get more insights on the product, the technology and the market.

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An innovative, non-invasive flow sensor to overcome the limitations of current microfluidic flow meters

Effective microfluidic flow control requires accurate and reproducible flow rate measurement.

Fluigent’s cutting-edge technology enables users to monitor or control the flow rate in the fluidic path. Our contactless flow meter derives it from the air flow rate in the pneumatics at the outlet of our F-OEM / P-OEM / PX controllers. It is completely non-intrusive and eliminates potential contamination or clogging.

Learn more about flow sensing technologies in our expertise review section

Fluigent provides lasting and highly stable flow rate control with the non-invasive flow sensor

Fluigent’s pressure regulation algorithm is based on physical equations and self-learning routines that offer several benefits:

No overshoot/undershoot – allowing for a responsive, accurate, and stable flow rate
Adaptable to three reservoir sizes
Compatible with wide pressure and vacuum ranges

Learn more about this unique technology in our dedicated technology webpage.

Non-Invasive Flow Sensor algorithm principle

Graph of non-invasive flow sensor controlled with the DFC algorithm

Comparison of flow rate regulation between the non-invasive flow sensor (NIFS) and the FS Series

A wide range of flow rates and applications for the non-invasive flow sensor

For applications that require a contamination-free or sterile environment, working with several types of fluids, continuous operation with slow flow response time and flow rates ranging from 100 µL/min to 10 mL/min, we recommend our latest flow sensor, the NIFS. It consists of sensing elements and electronics integrated into a compact case. Standard M3 sized screws can be used for fixing the device.

Key applications

Including cell culture under flow, blood/plasma perfusion, organ-on-a-chip, single/double emulsions, microparticles or cell-encapsulation.

Cell biology

Many biological experiments require disposable or sterilized components in the fluidic path. The use of NIFS is ideal for these applications.

Microfluidic droplet generation

As there is no calibration needed to manipulate several liquids, the NIFS saves time when users want to generate droplets, a process that involves different fluids (aqueous solutions, oil, surfactants, alcohols…).

Biochemical and molecular analysis

A sterile environment and lack of need for a calibration step are beneficial for drug, enzyme or food analysis through screening with droplet microfluidics.

“Recently, we had the chance to test the NIFS. The setup and the use of it was absolutely straight forward. We could include the system without any previous knowledge into our process and could immediately obtain accurate flow values. The NIFS performed as specified and we are extremely satisfied with the support from Fluigent throughout the complete testing experience.”

Robert Kirchner – Co-Founder / CEO at Heteromerge

Specifications

PERFORMANCE

Part Number	[INIFS]
Calibrated media	Air
Range	100 μL/min to 10 mL/min
Accuracy	5% reading
Lowest detectable flow increment	5 μL/min
Response time	10 s for reading 10 to 30 seconds for regulation (depends on the volume to control and the setup)

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

*Dimensions (LWH)*	99.85 x 45.00 x 33.50 mm
Weight	117 g
Maximum pressure	2 bar
Penumatic connector ports	4 mm OD
Length of the electrical cable	1 m

COMPATIBILITY

Products	FOEM: via micro-USB or via USB-A connected to computer POEM/PX: via USB-A connected to computer NOT COMPATIBLE WITH Flowboard OEM
Accessories	2 mL reservoir + P-CAP screw 15 mL reservoir + P-CAP screw 50 mL reservoir + P-CAP screw

OxyGEN

Control in real-time, protocol automation, data record and export

ver. 2.2.0 or more recent

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Software Development Kit

Custom software application

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Product	NIFS	FS series
Invasiveness	Noninvasive: connected to the pneumatic path	Invasive: connected to the fluidic path
Calibration	Not required	Required for fluids with different viscosity than water
Flow rate range	100 µL/min to 10 mL/min	75 nL/min to 10 mL/min
Maximum pressure	2 bar	15 bar
Response time	10 to 30 sec*	< 1 sec*
Flow stability	Excellent	Excellent
Recommended use	– Control of different liquid (no calibration/cleaning steps) – Long-term processes that risk contamination or clogging (non-intrusive)	– Manipulation of aqueous fluids only (no calibration step) – Processes with many flow rate changes (excellent response time and stability at low flow rates)

*Depends on the volume to control and the setup

Non-Invasive Flow Sensor for Industrial Integration