Development of novel method for measurement of ultra-low liquid and gas flows
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE Mätteknik, Borås |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 635 000 |
| Project duration | December 2020 - March 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
This project has achieved its aim and objectives by measuring liquid flows in the range 5 nL/min to 200 nL/min by gas flow measurements of the evaporated liquid flow. The measurement uncertainty at 5 nL/min is below 10%, which indicates the strength of the method in the really low flow areas. Measurements can be made in hours and the measurement time is limited by establishment of equilibrium flow.
Expected long term effects
In the project, a system for flow measurements of gas has been built and evaluated. The system relies on the establishment a pressure gradient when gas flows through an orifice. The system has performed measurements on vaporized liquid in the range from 5 nL/min to 200 nL/min (liquid volume) and the measurement uncertainty at 5 nL/min was below 10%. The measurement uncertainty can be further reduced by reducting orifice size. The effects of the project are expected in the long run to be that liquid flows below 5 nL/min will be able to be measured with lower uncertainty than is possible today.
Approach and implementation
The implementation of the project followed the plan of initial construction of the gas flow section followed by interconnection with the liquid flow section including construction of an evaporation interface. Long delivery times due to global market situation and also incorrect deliveries led to systematic delays. Through priorities and re-evaluations, the project objective could be achieved within the set time.