Principles for Diverting and Merging Viscous Flows : Evaluation and Visualisation

Abstract: In the chemistry branch of science is often a chromatograph usedto separate and purify substances in a solution. In achromatograph, different detectors are used to analyse the samplesconstituents. Some detectors destroy the sample during analysis.Because it is undesirable to destroy the entire flow of sample, asmall mass is transferred to a second flow by a flow splitter. Inthis report, four principles to divert a small mass from one flowto another are developed and evaluated. The basic principles todivert the flows is tested and principal mock-ups are designed andmanufactured. A brief survey of the market is conducted and aproblem related to flow spitting is investigated. The problem isthe influence on yield through a chromatograph due to flowretaining. Designing and testing of different retaining systems isalso included in this report. All four initial principles proved to be plausible splittingtechniques. However, only two principles appeared to be feasiblefor direct implementation in devices comparable withchromatographs. One of the less feasible principle is covered byseveral patents. The other is difficult to manufacture in order tomeet the strict requirements associated with e.g. chromatographs.The testing of different retaining systems showed that smallertube inner diameter and how the tube is winded can reduce theretaining system influence on the yield significantly. The splitting techniques in this report are all feasible splittingtechniques, and the report can be used as a solid foundation fordevelopment future laboratory instruments.