Custom Process Flow Cells
REFLEX Analytical produces custom process flow cells for analytical, industrial and manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical/bio-medical and life science applications. The flow cells are made from food-grade and medical-grade plastic materials. The selection of optical plastic materials include but are not limited to Acrylic, Cyclic Olefin Polymer COP/Cyclic Olefin Copolymer COC, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
CLICK HERE to download and preview representative transmission spectra displaying the useful spectral range from UV-Visible through the Near Infrared wavelengths. These plastic materials provide for optical clarity, chemical resistance, and low fluorescence.
The flow cells are clear components and are used as a window into the fluids for either visual inspection or optical sensor real time analysis. They are commonly integrated with UV-Visible, Near Infrared and FTIR spectroscopy instrumentation. The instrument’s detection system is often mounted close to the transparent sample chamber in the flow cell for monitoring, control and analysis. The analytical instrumentation assess the properties such as purity, alcohol content and spoilage in wine, beer and soft drinks or the parameters of fat, protein, acidity, glucose and urea in dairy products. In cases of food bacterial analysis, the flow cells are an avenue for flow cytometry which is a technique used for bacteria and cell counting for products such as raw milk. Other applications incorporate drilled flow cells and multilayer flow cells which are used in blood analyzers, health and medical devices, industrial fluidic applications, and many more platforms requiring precision control for gas and liquid management.
A drilled flow cell is created by machining action alone from a solid piece of material. The machining approach utilize end mills and drills to create channels and ports for gas and liquid flow. Custom manifolds can be produced for DNA sequencing, environmental test devices, diagnostic instrumentation, space flight applications, and food quality control testing.
Multilayer flow cells are particularly valuable in life science applications, including gene sequencing, diagnostic instrumentation, and point of care devices. Beyond life sciences, multilayer flow cells have a variety of uses in the aerospace, defense, biomedical, and diagnostic industries. The layers are fused together seamlessly. The process begins by machining the material into the appropriate configuration for the application then using heat, time, and pressure a single piece is formed with a bond strength that is near the parent-material’s strength. The bonding process allows for geometries that would be difficult, if not impossible in a drilled flow cell. External machining completes the flow cell by adding ports and mounting holes. Fluidic pressure specifications are design dependent and have successfully performed at greater than 500 psi.
Other plastic materials include ABS, Acetal/Delrin, Acrylic, Cyclic Olefin Polymer COP/Cyclic Olefin Copolymer COC, CPVC, CTFE/KEL-F, Delrin AF, ECTFE (Halar), Fluorosint (207 and 500), LDPE, Noryl, Nylatron GS, Nylon 6/6, PBT, Peek, PES (Radel A), PET, Phenolics/G10, Polycarbonate, Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polysulfone, PPS, PVC, PVDF, Radel, Rexolite, Tecadur, PTFE, Torlon (4203 and 4301), UHMW, Ultem and Vespel. Many are FDA approved, USDA Certified, or USP Class VI materials.
Contact REFLEX Analytical to discuss your requirement so that we can contribute to your success. Mechanical drawings with specifications and tolerances are prerequisite.
