Pressure & Flow Rate Calculator
In a microfluidic set-up there are two kinds of flow resistances: external flow resistances (tubing and fittings) and internal flow resistances (microchip design). Both will determine the necessary pressure to achieve the desired flow rate.
Our Flow Rate & Pressure Calculator helps users determine which pressure range and flow rate they need to receive the best results.
To help our users choose the right instrument, Fluigent has designed a flow rate calculator to estimate the resistance of most microfluidic setups. Users will determine which pressure range to work with and the recommended microfluidic pump by detailing their setup below.
Users must know the geometry of the chip, the type of control applied to the microfluidic experiment, the dimensions of the chip channels, and the dimensions of the tubing and control values. With this data, the Flow Rate Calculator will recommend a range of pressures and flow rates to work with.
Chip Geometry
Select the design matching the microfluidic chip used in the experiment. If no chip design is appropriate, please select the closest according to the number of sections.
Control Type & Unit
Select the type of control applied to the microfluidic experiment, flow rate or pressure, and the units to display the entry and results in. Enter the dynamic viscosity of the fluid used in the microfluidic experiment. Note that water (at 20°C) dynamic viscosity is 1 mPas.s.
Chip Channels Dimensions
Enter the chip channel dimensions in the Flow Rate Calculator.. Each microchip design has a different section number. Use the channel identification (letters from a to e) in the SETUP TYPE panel above to match the chip section accordingly. The resistance is calculated for each channel section of the chip.
Channel
Tubing Dimensions
Enter the tube dimensions and each section length. Tubing may be from or to the chip, refer to the introductory image for explanation. Use the flow inlet and outlet identification (numbers from 1 to 4) in the SETUP TYPE panel above to match the tubing section accordingly. The resistance is calculated by the Flow Rate Calculator for each tube section of the setup.
Tubing
Control Values
Depending on the control type selected above, enter the pressure or flow rate values for each tubing or microchip channel. The flow rate or the pressure is calculated and displayed. Refer to the SETUP TYPE panel to identify the tubing or microchannel section.