We present a chip-integrated microfluidic debubbler designed to be an easily-integrable device for larger systems in need of gas bubble removal. The debubbler utilizes the phenomenon of surface tension to force air bubbles out to the atmosphere through a porous hydrophobic membrane over a select range of internal system pressures (≥10 kPa and ≤240 kPa). It is manufactured by engraving a PMMA sheet with the required channel design, and then solvent-bonding it to an expanded PTFE membrane under an applied pressure at low temperature (80-90°C). In operation, the system pressure must be high enough for the bubbles to be forced out through the pores, but low enough to keep the fluid from leaking through the membrane, as governed by the Young-Laplace<br/>equation. We demonstrate our debubbler device by successfully removing air bubbles from a microfluidic flow process.<br/>

Microfluidic degasser for lab-on-chip devices

2019 Spring National Meeting

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