FLOW CONTROL

摘要

Apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids through a sample channel comprises : a reservoir (10) having a reservoir inlet (12), the reservoir inlet (12) being for connection to a source of a first fluid; a sample channel (20) having a sample channel inlet (28), the sample channel inlet (28) being for connection to a source of a second fluid; a syphon (32) connected between the reservoir (10) and the sample channel (20); means (30, 58) for trapping fluid in at least part- of the sample channel (20); wherein the apparatus is configured such that in use air can be allowed into the syphon (32) to create an air gap in the syphon, the air gap preventing first fluid (11) in the reservoir from contacting trapped fluid in the sample channel (20); the apparatus further comprising pump means (24) for pumping fluid out of the sample channel (20) and for pumping air out of the syphon (32) such that fluid in the reservoir (10) can flow through the syphon (32) and into the sample channel (20).