Dynamic simulation on new type of PDMS microvalve based on AMESim

 

FU Hai, LIU Xuling, XV Hongguang, LI Songjing

(School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

 

Abstract: Aiming at further researches and applications of a new type microvalve which can be used in pneumatic pressure control for labonachip applications, on the basis of descriptions of its structure and working principle, an analysis of its flow and pressure dynamic characteristics, a corresponding simulation model with the use of the software AMESim and dynamic simulation were carried out. As a comparison a same analysis of traditional solenoid valve was given, as well. The new type microvalve is made up of upper layer PDMS flat film, lower layer PDMS thick film with microchannels in microfluidic chip and electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator was integrated into the PDMS microfluidic chip by bonding the glass on the valve seat to the PDMS chip. Besides, the new PDMS microvalve′s advantages such as lower cost, smaller size and easier integration with the microfluidic chip and so on than the traditional control method with pneumatic solenoid valves were described. The results indicate that it has good dynamic characteristics to drive and control the microfluidic chip with the new PDMS microvalve and provide a theoretical guidance for further researches and applications of this microvalve.

Key words: pneumatic microfluidic chip; AMESim simulation; pressure control; PDMS