Simulation of Flow Control in Microchannels Using Ferrofluid Plugs

Abstract

Microfluidic devices have acquired an important position in the field of MEMS. While the usage of mechanical components for achieving electroosmosis and electrophoresis effects can prove to be impractical and costly, alternative methods for flow control have to be explored. This paper extends the concept of obtaining a superior flow control in microchannels by using ferrofluid plugs as barriers. These plugs occlude and discharge fluid flow, thereby functioning as valves and rendering the usage of mechanical components unnecessary. A numerical simulation of a ferrofluid plug blocking fluid flow in a microchannel due to the action of a magnetic field is carried out. The relationship between ferrofluid property and the capacity to block fluid flow is studied and analyzed. Thus a new concept of flow control in a microfluidic device by the proper variation of the external magnetic field and positioning of the ferrofluid plugs has been introduced.

Numerical Investigation of the Transient Hydrothermal Behavior of a Ferrofluid Flowing Through a Helical Duct in the Presence of Nonuniform Magnetic Field

“…They have promising potential for heat transfer applications, since a ferrofluid flow can be controlled by using an external magnetic field. Externally applied magnetic fields can be used to control and direct the flow of ferrofluids which it is applicable in various fields such as electronic packing, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, aerospace, and bioengineering [2][3][4][5]. Using ferrofiuids in these applications and manipulating the flow of ferrofluids in these applications by external magnetic field can be a viable alternative to enhance convection in these devices.…”

Electrochemical Detection of Cardiac Myoglobin Using Microchannel with Interdigitated Electrodes (MCIE)

“…The methodology involves the fabrication of MCIE 3 ; biofunctionalisation of interdigitated electrodes in the MCIE with myoglobin capture antibodies using alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM); and injecting the aqueous solution of myoglobin antigens into MCIE. Binding of myoglobin antigens with immobilized myoglobin antibodies changes the impedance of the system.…”