STACKED MODULES FOR MICRO FLOW SYSTEMS IN CHEMICAL-ANALYSIS - CONCEPT AND STUDIES USING AN ENLARGED MODEL

A valveless flow-injection-analysis system incorporating a series of functional modules, provided by a set of flat elements that are stacked vertically to form a series of internal flow streams, has been developed. A dye is used for sample introduction and injection and the system is coupled to an optical detector. The samples undergo a minimal amount of dilution, retaining 96-97% of their original concentration. Good run-to-run reproducibility is achieved, as indicated by measured standard deviations of less than 1%. A calibration curve has been generated and produces a linear fit to the data. The use of micromachining techniques to produce the set of flat elements and therefore to manufacture large quantities of identical flow-injection systems is discussed.