Bubble Trap for Microfluidics

This autoclavable bubble trap is a simple yet effective device to remove the bubbles in your flow stream. Manufactured in PEEK, its body is entirely autoclavable and biocompatible.

Available in 3 versions of the internal volume: 23 µL (S), 95 µL (M), 362 µL (L).

General

Get rid of bubbles in your flow stream! The bubble trap is a simple device that uses the pressure differential between two sides of a hydrophobic PTFE membrane to remove bubbles from aqueous solutions.

Manufactured in PEEK, this bubble trap is biocompatible and fully autoclavable. The PTFE membrane can be replaced in seconds.

The L-shaped design of the bubble trap makes it easier to stand on a lab bench.

Content

1x Bubble trap body (lower and upper part) in PEEK with membrane mounted

2x 1/4-28 fittings in PFA and ferrules in ETFE for 1/16" OD (1.6mm) tubing

1x M5 mounting screw

2x PTFE membranes

Specifications

¹ In some applications (very low flow rate or high flow rate), you may have to use an external vacuum source to increase the pressure differential between the two sides of the membrane to get a better debubbling efficiency. Use the 1/4-28 UNF air outlet to connect your vacuum source.

Documentation

?Autoclavable bubble trap user guide

?Autoclavable bubble trap datasheet

FAQ

• Which parameters can I choose when selecting my bubble trap?

The internal volume of the bubble trap is the only parameter you can choose. We have three variants: 23 µL, 95 µL, 362 µL.

• Should I select my bubble trap based on the flow rate of my experiment?

The flow rate is not the principal parameter you should take into account when selecting your bubble trap, as each variant of the device works for a large range of flow rates: researchers usually use it for flow rates up to 60 mL/min and down to 5 µL/min. However, the smaller the internal volume, the less efficient the bubble trap will be for higher flow rates (see graph in the main tab).

• Which internal volume should I choose, according to my experiment?

A higher internal volume will trap more of your solution inside the bubble trap, and this volume cannot be recovered in output. So if the solution you are using is precious, prefer a lower internal volume. Moreover, if your flow rate is really low, a smaller internal volume will help for the good work of the device. See the graph in "Specifications" for more information.

• Which pressure should I apply if I use the bubble trap in active mode?

You can use the bubble trap either in passive or active mode. In active mode, we have tested it for up to 2 bar applied with a vacuum pump. Then, it all depends on your experiment: if only 0.5 bar is needed to remove the bubbles from your solution, then it is not useful to increase the vacuum pressure.

• How should I clean my bubble trap?

You can autoclave the bubble trap if you work in sterile conditions, as the bubble trap body is made in PEEK. Always unmount the bubble trap and remove the membrane before autoclaving.

• How often should I change the membrane?

As soon as you see a decrease in its efficiency, you can change the membrane of your bubble trap. There is no theoretical duration for each membrane because it all depends on which conditions you use your device.

• Can I use this bubble trap with living cells?

Of course! Many researchers use it, and we never had any negative feedback.

Feel free to contact us for any additional questions!