CONTACT US HOMEPAGE: www.nasa.gov/flightopportunities →

Back to Listing
T0321-S

Demonstration of Multiphase Microfluidics for Chemical Analysis Systems

PI: Aaron Noell, Fernanda Mora (Co-I), NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The Multiphase Microfluidics for Chemical Analysis Systems demonstration aims to help researchers assess multiphase reservoirs for sample mixing and bubble migration. The experiment apparatus utilizes reservoir shapes and a high voltage electric field to help drive the gas phase to a desired location and prevent bubbles from blocking outlet/inlet channels. A mixing filter in one reservoir and a high-voltage electrode in the other could potentially help researchers understand the occurrence of unexpected phase behavior.

Technology Areas (?)
  • NA
Problem Statement

Microfluidic systems are an established approach to moving small volumes of fluid for precision chemical analysis via primarily capillary driven flow and are hence insensitive to gravity. However, in some cases, both the gas and liquid phase need to be present at the same time in a reservoir. These multiphase reservoirs are sensitive to gravity, and technologies need to be designed and proven for these multiphase applications. This technology seeks to address that challenge by designing the shape and surface wetting properties of the interior volume of the reservoirs to promote bubble migration to desired regions.

Technology Maturation

This work aims to advance the state of the art by demonstrating that end-to-end fluidic systems, including multiphase reservoirs, are suitable for chemical analysis missions at any gravity level. In combination with other planned environmental testing, this will raise the system technology readiness level (TRL) to 6.

Future Customers

· NASA
· Commercial resource prospectors

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    INTERNAL2021
  • Program Status
    Active
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 sRLV

Development Team

Web Accessibility and Privacy Notices Curator: Alexander van Dijk Responsible NASA Official: Stephan Ord Last Update: November 16, 2018