PMP-NC2 - A Bi-Directional, Normally-Closed and Backpressure Independent Micropump

This paper presents a novel Peristaltic Micro Pump with a twofold intrinsic Normally-Closed mechanism (PMP-NC2). It is based on a modular concept with a low cost disposable microfluidic chip and a re-usable actuator unit. The normally-closed mechanism prevents fluid flow without power consumption in the stand-by mode for pressures up to 150 kPa. Together with the backpressure independent pumping performance up to 80 kPa this results in a fail-safe and precise micropump. The addressed range of pump rates is up to 100 mu L/min. Due to the symmetrical setup, bi-directional pumping is possible and also air bubble tolerance is demonstrated. This results from the very low dead volume per pump chamber of only 230 nL, which leads to a complete transport of the air bubbles through the pump.