Latchable Valve for Microfluidic Sampling from a Miniature Submersible

• This work presents latchable high-pressure valves. Such valves are useful in a number of applications, e.g deep-sea sampling. Actuation and latching are achieved by using sequential melting and solidification of three connected paraffin-filled cavities, as well as a compliant valve seat. The valve seat design uses the applied back pressure to improve sealing, shown both in the valve’s endurance and burst pressure. The valves were evaluated by pressurizing them with both compressed air and water. At an applied hydrostatic back pressure kept above 2.1 MPa, the valve managed to stay closed without power consumption for 19 hours. The burst pressure was determined to 20 MPa when subjected to a hydrostatic pressure, and 5.6 MPa when subjected to a pneumatic pressure.

Nyckelord

TECHNOLOGY

TEKNIKVETENSKAP

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot mikrosystemteknik

Engineering Science with specialization in Microsystems Technology

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