Maximally efficient exchange in thin flow cells using density gradients.

ABSTRACT: Flow cells are ubiquitous in laboratories and automated instrumentation, and are crucial for ease of sample preparation, analyte addition and buffer exchange. The assumption that the fluids have exchanged completely in a flow cell is often critical to data interpretation. This article describes the buoyancy effects on the exchange of fluids with differing densities or viscosities in thin, circular flow cells. Depending on the flow direction, fluid exchange varies from highly efficient to drastically incomplete, even after a large excess of exchange volume. Numerical solutions to the Navier-Stokes and Cahn-Hilliard equations match well with experimental observations. This leads to quantitative predictions of the conditions where buoyancy forces in thin flow cells are significant. A novel me

SUBMITTER: Mitchell ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11653391 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature