Fluid Degassing Device for Microfluidic System

Why Degas Your Mobile Phase? 

Gases dissolved in liquids can form bubbles when pressure or temperature changes, which can affect the accuracy, precision, and performance of the equipment. These air bubbles are undesirable in microfluidics, as even the smallest of them can compromise a biological or chemical experiment. They can damage cell membranes, disrupt droplet generation, block channels, or sweep biological and chemical agents away. Therefore, it is essential to prevent these bubbles, before they form and cause any damage. Adding a degassing device to your microfluidic setup may be necessary to avoid repeating an experiment due to bubble-related damage.

The Degasser is a device that efficiently removes these dissolved gases from the fluid stream, preventing bubble formation. The device is also able to remove already formed bubbles. This process reduces noise, improves baseline stability, reduces startup times and ensures more consistent results. It is particularly important in laboratory analysis equipment such as liquid chromatography, HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), ion chromatography and mass spectrometry. Machines for semi-conductor manufacturing or assembly, and instruments for immunology, hematology and in vitro diagnostics also typically deliver more consistent results with a degassing system included in the fluid path.

The Fluid Degassing Device Principle

Inside the degassing device the fluid flows through a short length of semi permeable tubing located in a small chamber. A partial void is maintained in this chamber by constantly running the vacuum at low speed. The dissolved gases migrate across the tubing wall under a concentration gradient produced by the vacuum as the solvent flows within the tubing. The gases that are removed are expelled, and the chamber is maintained at a constant, preset vacuum level. Depending on your system and needs in degassing efficiency,you can adjust the degassing process by varying the vacuum pump speed as needed.

How to use the Degasser

Incorporating a fluid degasser into your microfluidic setup involves several steps:

1. Position the Degasser

The device should be positioned in this fluid path before any critical components of your experiment, such as microfluidic chips. This is to ensure that any dissolved gases are removed from the fluid before it reaches these components.

2. Connect it

Connect the inlet and outlet of the fluid degasser to your microfluidic setup A 1/16 OD tubing and standard 1/4″-28 fittings can be used for this purpose, and the flow rate through the degassing device can reach up to 10mL/min, but we recommend under 2 mL/min for optimal efficiency.  Ensure that the connections are secure and leak-free.

3. Test the system

Once the microfluidic degassing chamber is connected, you should test your system to ensure that it is working correctly. This can be done by running a fluid through the system and checking for any bubbles or inconsistencies in flow.

4. Monitor and maintain

Regularly monitor your system to ensure that the Degasser is necessary. To extend the trap’s lifespan, flush the device with de-ionized or distilled water after use to prevent salt crystal formation.