Micro-fluid apparatus e.g. for sample analysis has input and outlet circuits that permit fluid flow without contact with micro-channels

摘要

A micro-fluid apparatus e.g. for sample analysis comprising input and outlet circuits that permit fluid flow without contact with micro-channels, is new. The apparatus (40), consisting of at least one micro-channel (42 - 45) connected at one end to a chamber (47 - 50), has an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit connected to the chambers and between which a fluid flow can be established without contact with the micro-channels, at least one of the circuits being controllable to modify the pressure at the end of the micro-channels. The fluid circulating in the chambers between the inlet and outlet circuits can be different from the products in the micro-channels, i.e. the fluid circulating between the two circuits can be a gas, while the product in the micro-channels is a liquid. In addition, the inlet and outlet circuits are connected to pressure sources (4, 10) at different pressures, and at least one of the circuits is fitted with progressively controllable valves (58 - 61; 62 - 65).