METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DROPLETS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for generating droplets are disclosed. In one arrangement a peristaltic screw pump is configured to drive pulsatile flows of fluids in different conduits which are phased relative to each other such that a sequence of droplets are formed at a junction downstream from the pump.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating droplets, comprising:
a first conduit for transporting a first fluid; a second conduit for transporting a second fluid; and a pumping mechanism comprising a first rotatable member having one or more radially peripheral portions that engage against the first and second conduits and apply a dynamic deformation to the first and second conduits on rotation of the first rotatable member, the dynamic deformation being such as to drive a pulsatile motion of the first and second fluids in the first and second conduits, wherein the pulsatile motions of the first and second fluids are phase shifted relative to each other at a first junction between the first and second conduits downstream of the pumping mechanism resulting in the formation of droplets of the second fluid in the first fluid at the first junction.