Analysis of soil outcrops in the compartmentalized flow

The so-called segmented flow is one of the wonderful tools in the microfluidic toolbox. This flow is generated in micro-reactors featuring channels with a diameter of 100 to 200 µm. A polar liquid (water) is introduced to an intersection point of a nonpolar carrier flow (oil). Since the two liquids will not mix, individual water droplets will be torn away and join the oil flow. The droplet sizes are very defined and constant and they happen at defined intervals, while being separated from each other by the oil between them.

Large amounts of these droplets can be created in a very short time. If the soil concentration in the water is correct, each droplet contains just one individual or very few organisms, existing in their own habitat, where they can procreate and form cultures. Arranged on a coil of narrow tubing, similar to beads on a pearl necklace, they can now be taken to an incubator offering the appropriate growing environment.

Generating such small, defined and segmented flows requires highly precise, pulsation-free and controllable pumps, such as the CETONI Nemesys S. Thanks to its excellent dosing properties, substances, such as nutrients, can be dosed into the individual droplets. Also, it is possible to detect clouding and separate promising droplets. The CETONI Elements software allows users to operate the system comfortably and intuitively.

Bio-printing and pulsation-free flow

For the successful printing of biomaterials such as cells and tissues with their extremely difficult structures, precise fluid dosing is just as necessary as an even supply of the print head. Only in this way is it possible to create homogenous layers with a high degree of reproducibility. Our Nemesys S syringe pumps Due to their precision and particularly even feed of the medium, they are perfect for applications in this area and thanks to autoclavable ones Glass syringes contamination and cleanability are also not a challenge.

Simply put together a setup from several syringe pumps and couple it with an XYZ positioning system via our CETONI Elements software – Your universal bioprinting station is ready!

Geochemistry – High Pressure Syringe Pumps used in Crude Oil Research

The global demand for oil is increasing from year to year, at the same time we know that oil is a limited, non-renewable resource. Therefore, the search for methods enabling an improved exploitation of existing reservoirs and the related research has started some years ago. After all, the “black gold” is rarely found in underground caverns, but embedded in rocks. The physical and chemical properties of these rocks and the oil contained in them vary from location to location. In order to extract the oil, bore holes are filled with gas or liquids. Chemical (tensides) and physical methods (temperature), and even micro-organisms are employed in this process. The goal is to lower the oil’s viscosity and the surface tension between oil and rock, and doing it in a targeted manner, in order to extract as much oil as possible.

EOR

All of these methods are referred to as tertiary exploration or enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Since this type of research requires a precise simulation of storage and extraction conditions, the use of CETONI high-pressure syringe pumps makes sense. Many companies and institutes all over the world already use CETONI equipment in this field and have achieved and published promising research results.

Flow Chemistry

Flow chemistry is becoming increasingly interesting with regard to the implementation of industrial processes. Requiring only small quantities of poisonous or highly sensitive substances makes an important contribution toward achieving improved process safety and control. This simplifies the control of endothermic and exothermic processes as well as elevating temperatures beyond the boiling point with regard to critical reactions. The miniaturization of processes increases efficiency, while lowering costs at the same time. Even scaling up a proven reaction becomes quick and easy.

Particle Synthesis

Particle synthesis requires a setup providing extremely precise fluid dosing at very continuous flowrates. A media supply that is uninterruptable and independent from the syringe volume (continuous flow) is made possible by our innovative QmixElements control and automation software. By using an intelligent algorithm, it ensures the smooth blending of alternating syringe pumps during continuous media transport, to a point where it becomes practically unnoticeable. Thanks to the ability to choose from various different material combinations with regard to the medium-affected components, the fluid system is resistant to many different chemicals. Also, it makes no difference whether the system is operated under normal atmospheric conditions or high pressure. The neMESYS technology fulfills both requirements with excellent results.

Complex Systems and Integration

Apart from compact setups, our modules can also be used to realize highly complex systems, that feature pressure and temperature control or could be fitted with sample handling components, such as our rotAXYS system or additional analysis modules. In addition, they can be automated using our comprehensive QmixElements controlling software.

Flow cytometry is a powerful analytic method for the precise determination and characterization of particles, such as cells, spores and blood samples. Depending on their application, these analytic processes often happen at moderate system pressure levels. An essential requirement for the success of these sensitive processes is a highly continuous stream of analytes, such as individual cells, for example.

The pulsation-free character and the superior precision of Nemesys syringe pump drives is therefore ideal for analytic processes in the sub-microliter range. The combination and synchronization with periphery devices, such as laboratory cameras, can be interesting for the continuous detection of cells in a fluid stream. A space saving, modular and expandable system is a big asset in this case. Of course, the increasing number of devices and the increasing complexity of applications also leads to higher demands regarding the operation and synchronization of all components involved. Our powerful and user-friendly CETONI Elements software is the answer to all of your automation needs and gives you more room for creativity.