Capillary Number - Christopher Sparages: Difference between revisions

Capillary valves have been implemented frequently on CD fluidic platforms. The idea behind them is that they are controlled by surface tension, which occurs when the cross-section of the hydrophilic capillaries drastically expands. This expansion typically leads into a reservoir for the liquid to gather in. The pressure resulting from the rotation of the CD device increases the forces and capillary number in the channel.<ref name="eleven">Lepercq-Bost, E., Giorgi, M., Isambert, A., & Arnaud, C. (2008). Use of the capillary number for the prediction of droplet size in membrane emulsification. Journal of Membrane Science, 314(1-2), 76-89. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2008.01.023</ref> As a result, the capillary valve can be overcome and droplets can form and progress into the larger expanded portion of the microfluidic channel. Based on the forces and capillary number affecting the fluid, determines the potential of overcoming the forces of the capillary valve.<ref name="seven">Madou, M., Zoval, J., Jia, G., Kido, H., Kim, J., & Kim, N. (2006). Lab on a CD. The Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering. https://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.bioeng.8.061505.095758</ref>