Fluigent FLOW-EZ Single-Handed High-Precision Microfluidic Pressure Pump
| Brand | Fluigent (France) |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | FLOW-EZ |
| Flow Range | 7 nL/min to 5 mL/min (with Flow Unit) |
| Pressure Range | −800 mbar to 7 bar |
| Pressure Stability | ±0.1% of setpoint |
| Pressure Resolution | 0.03% of full scale |
| System Response Time | ≤40 ms |
| Compatible Reservoir Volume | 2 mL to 1 L |
Overview
The Fluigent FLOW-EZ is a compact, portable, and single-handed pressure-driven microfluidic pump engineered for precision, stability, and intuitive operation in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial R&D laboratories. Unlike syringe-based or peristaltic pumps, the FLOW-EZ operates on a closed-loop pneumatic pressure control principle—leveraging Fluigent’s proprietary QuadCore™ air management architecture—to deliver true continuous, pulse-free flow across its entire dynamic range. This eliminates mechanical inertia, backflow artifacts, and flow pulsations inherent in displacement-based systems, making it particularly suited for applications demanding high temporal fidelity, such as live-cell perfusion, droplet generation, capillary electrophoresis interfacing, and real-time optical interrogation. Its integrated pressure regulation ensures consistent hydrostatic head regardless of fluid viscosity, density, or channel resistance—enabling robust reproducibility in multi-day experiments without recalibration.
Key Features
- Single-handed rotary knob interface with real-time OLED display showing pressure, flow (when paired with Flow Unit), and system status—no PC required for basic operation.
- Full pressure spectrum coverage: programmable vacuum down to −800 mbar and positive pressure up to 7 bar, supporting both aspiration and push-mode fluid handling.
- Sub-millisecond pressure response (<40 ms rise/fall time) and exceptional stability (±0.1% of setpoint), critical for transient flow protocols and feedback-controlled microfluidic loops.
- Modular LineUp™ ecosystem compatibility: up to 12 FLOW-EZ units can be synchronized via USB or Ethernet for multi-channel parallel operation without cross-talk.
- Reservoir-agnostic design accommodates standard glass/syringe vials (2 mL) through large-volume bottles (1 L), with integrated pressure-tight fittings and optional gas-tight caps.
- Patented QuadCore™ pneumatic core ensures zero dead volume, minimal thermal drift, and long-term reliability under continuous duty cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FLOW-EZ is chemically inert across a broad range of aqueous, organic, and mildly corrosive microfluidic media—including PBS, ethanol, DMSO, and fluorinated oils—when used with standard PTFE, FFKM, and stainless-steel wetted components. It complies with CE marking requirements for laboratory equipment (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive). While not certified for clinical or GMP manufacturing use out-of-the-box, its deterministic pressure control, audit-ready logging (via Oxygen software), and support for 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures (when deployed with validated IT infrastructure) make it suitable for GLP-aligned method development and preclinical assay validation.
Software & Data Management
Fluigent provides the free, cross-platform Oxygen software suite—supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux—for centralized configuration, real-time monitoring, and automated protocol scripting. Oxygen enables synchronized multi-pump control, time-stamped data export (CSV/TXT), and customizable alarm thresholds. A comprehensive SDK (C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW APIs) is included for integration into custom instrument control frameworks or LIMS environments. All pressure and flow logs are timestamped with microsecond resolution and include metadata (user ID, protocol name, hardware serial), fulfilling traceability requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 and internal QA documentation.
Applications
- Cell culture perfusion and shear-stress studies in organ-on-chip platforms.
- Droplet generation and sorting in emulsion-based microreactors.
- Controlled reagent delivery for on-chip enzymatic assays and micro-ELISA.
- Hydrodynamic focusing and particle alignment in micro-PIV and optical trapping setups.
- Stable infusion for fiber-optic sensor calibration and microfluidic spectroscopy.
- Viscoelastic fluid characterization in micro-rheometry configurations (paired with high-speed imaging).
FAQ
Does the FLOW-EZ require a computer to operate?
No—basic pressure setting and monitoring are fully functional via the front-panel knob and OLED display. A computer is only needed for advanced scripting, multi-unit synchronization, or data logging.
Can the FLOW-EZ control flow rate directly without a flow sensor?
No—it is a pressure-driven pump. Accurate volumetric flow control requires pairing with Fluigent’s Flow Unit (mass-flow sensor) and closed-loop feedback in Oxygen software.
What reservoir types are compatible?
Standard threaded vials (2–50 mL), glass syringes (up to 60 mL), and PET/HDPE bottles (up to 1 L) with Fluigent’s universal cap kits (sold separately). Gas-tight sealing is supported for volatile or oxygen-sensitive fluids.
Is remote control possible over Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Yes—Ethernet connectivity is native; Wi-Fi requires an external bridge. RESTful API and TCP/IP command sets are documented in the SDK.
How often does the system require maintenance or calibration?
No routine calibration is required. The QuadCore™ system is factory-calibrated for life under normal lab conditions. Annual verification using a NIST-traceable pressure standard is recommended for ISO 17025 compliance.
