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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A low cost gas mixer.

A low cost gas mixer for permanent gases and volatile agents is described. The apparatus used the simple principle that if known volumes of gases are mixed at the same pressure and temperature, than a mixture of known composition results. The apparatus is shown to have an accuracy of better than +/- 0.08% vol/vol for gases and volatile agents in two and three part mixtures. For permanent gases the mixer could be used accurately over the concentration range 1-99% vol/vol. For volatile agents the mixer was suitable for mixing concentrations in the low percentage ranges (less than 5% vol/vol). Gas mixtures, including volatile agents, could be stored in the mixer for approximately 2 h without changes in concentration outside this limit of accuracy.

Anesthesiology↗

Influence of particle wall adhesion on particle electrification in mixers.

In this work, particle electrification in the Turbula and horizontally oscillating mixers were investigated for adipic acid, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and glycine particles. MCC and glycine particles acquired positive electrostatic charges, while adipic acid particles attained negative charges in both mixers. Adipic acid (of sieved size larger than 500 microm), MCC, and glycine particles were monotonically charged to saturated values, and had negligible wall adhesion. On the contrary, the adipic acid particles, both unsieved and sieved but of smaller sieved size fraction, exhibited very different charging kinetics in the horizontally oscillating mixer. These adipic acid particles firstly acquired charges up to a maximum value, and then the charges slowly reduced to a lower saturated value with increasing mixing time. Furthermore, these particles were found to adhere to the inner wall of the mixer, and the adhesion increased with mixing time. Surface specific charge densities for adipic acid particles were estimated based on particle size distribution, and were found to increase with particle mean diameters under the conditions investigated. The results obtained from the current work suggested that electrostatic force enhanced particle-wall adhesion, and the adhered particles can have a significant impact on particle electrification.

Adhesiveness↗

Laminar-flow fluid mixer for fast fluorescence kinetics studies.

The ability to mix aqueous liquids on microsecond time scales, while consuming minimal amounts of sample and maintaining UV-visible optical access to the mixing region, is highly desirable for a range of biophysical studies of fast protein and nucleic acid interactions and folding. We have constructed a laminar coaxial jet mixer that allows the measurement of UV-excited fluorescence from nanoliter and microliter quantities of material, mixed at microsecond rates. The mixer injects a narrow cylindrical stream (radius a < 1 microm) of fluorescent sample into a larger flow of diluting buffer that moves through a capillary (100 microm i.d.) at a speed approximately 20 cm/s, under laminar flow conditions (Re approximately equal to 14). Construction from a fused silica capillary allows the laser excitation (at 266 nm) and detection (at 350 nm) of tryptophan fluorescence at reasonably low working concentrations, without interference from background fluorescence. Using this mixer we have measured sub-millisecond fluorescence quenching kinetics while consuming fluorescent sample at rates no greater than 6 nl/s. Consumption of the diluting buffer is also very modest (approximately 1-3 microl/s) in comparison with other rapid mixer designs.

Biophysics↗

A picoliter-volume mixer for microfluidic analytical systems.

Mixing confluent liquid streams is an important, but difficult operation in microfluidic systems. This paper reports the construction and characterization of a 100-pL mixer for liquids transported by electroosmotic flow. Mixing was achieved in a microfabricated device with multiple intersecting channels of varying lengths and a bimodal width distribution. All channels running parallel to the direction of flow were 5 microm in width whereas larger 27-microm-width channels ran back and forth through the parallel channel network at a 45 degrees angle. The channel network composing the mixer was approximately 10 microm deep. It was observed that little mixing of the confluent solvent streams occurred in the 100-microm-wide, 300-microm-long mixer inlet channel where mixing would be achieved almost exclusively by diffusion. In contrast, after passage through the channel network in the approximately 200-microm-length static mixer bed, mixing was complete as determined by confocal microscopy and CCD detection. Theoretical simulations were also performed in an attempt to describe the extent of mixing in microfabricated systems.

Algorithms↗

A coaxial jet mixer for rapid kinetic analysis in flow injection and flow injection cytometry.

A simple coaxial jet mixer for rapid and efficient confluent mixing under laminar flow conditions (Re < 5) is described. This device demonstrates exceptional control of mixing between two laminar streams by creating shear forces due to variable flow velocities at the point of confluence. It is suitable for flow injection and cytometric analyses of rapid kinetic events which require contact mixing of two solutions and subsecond measurements of the evolving reaction. This apparatus was devised for flow injection cytometry as performed on a Becton Dickinson FACS Analyzer. Under normal cytometric conditions and at a sample introduction rate of 60 microL/min, the laminar jet mixer is capable of complete mixing of two solutions within 55 ms. Kinetic measurements can be performed on the FACS Analyzer in a variable time range of 100 ms to 3 min with 14-30 ms temporal resolution of the studied event. Since no boost in core flow is required, potential spectral distortions due to core flow variations are eliminated. This coaxial jet mixer can be easily constructed and employed on a variety of cytometers as well as conventional flow injection analysis systems, since it is an effective mixer under most flow conditions.

Flow Cytometry↗

Rapid droplet mixers for digital microfluidic systems.

The mixing of analytes and reagents for a biological or chemical lab-on-a-chip is an important, yet difficult, microfluidic operation. As volumes approach the sub-nanoliter regime, the mixing of liquids is hindered by laminar flow conditions. An electrowetting-based linear-array droplet mixer has previously been reported. However, fixed geometric parameters and the presence of flow reversibility have prevented even faster droplet mixing times. In this paper, we study the effects of varying droplet aspect ratios (height:diameter) on linear-array droplet mixers, and propose mixing strategies applicable for both high and low aspect ratio systems. An optimal aspect ratio for four electrode linear-array mixing was found to be 0.4, with a mixing time of 4.6 seconds. Mixing times were further reduced at this ratio to less than three seconds using a two-dimensional array mixer, which eliminates the effects of flow reversibility. For lower aspect ratio (</=0.2) systems, we present a split-and-merge mixer that takes advantage of the ability to perform droplet splitting at these ratios, resulting in a mixing time of less than two seconds.

Journal Article↗

A microfluidic mixer with grooves placed on the top and bottom of the channel.

A new microfluidic mixer is presented consisting of a rectangular channel with grooves placed in the top and bottom. This not only increases the driving force behind the lateral flow, but allows for the formation of advection patterns that cannot be created with structures on the bottom alone. Chevrons, pointing in opposite directions on the top and bottom, are used to create a pair of vortices positioned side by side. Stripes running the width of the channel generate a pair of vertically stacked vortices. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to model the behavior of the systems and provide velocity maps at cross-sections within the mixer. Experiments demonstrate the mixing that results when two segregated species enter the mixer side-by-side and pass through two cycles of the mixer (i.e., two alternating sets of four stripes and four chevrons).

Computer Simulation↗

Further observation of content uniformity of d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate as an oily drug in granules obtained by wet granulation with a high-shear mixer.

Using d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (VE) as a model drug, we investigated the effects of the amount of binder solution on content uniformity of oily drugs in granules obtained by, wet granulation with a high-shear mixer. When the amount of binder solution was below the water volume for the plastic limit, the content of VE was less than 50% in the fractionated fine granules, but was more than 200% in the fractionated large granules. Large variations were seen in the contents of VE even if the granulation time was extended up to 30 min. This large variation was not decreased by the milling process. On the other hand, when the amount of binder solution was at or above the water volume for the plastic limit, less variation was observed in the content of VE throughout the granules, and the content of VE was fairly uniform. Nuclei rich in VE were formed when VE was adsorbed with the powder before granulation. When the amount of binder solution was below the water volume for the plastic limit, the shearing force of mixer blades to the granules was low, so that the nuclei rich in VE were not fragmented. This led to the nonuniformity of VE content throughout the granules. On the other hand, when amount of binder solution was at or above the water volume for the plastic limit, the shearing force of mixer blades against the granules increased and became sufficient to fragment the nuclei. This led to the uniformity of VE content throughout the granules. This study showed that content uniformity of VE in the granules can be achieved by controlling the physical shearing force of mixer blades by regulating the amount of binder solution.

Antioxidants↗

Perfect-mixer retention function by analytical deconvolution of tracer histograms: application to evaluation of left-ventricular contractility and competence.

The analytical solution for the perfect-mixer retention function, r(t), was developed from tracer histograms sampled at the system input, i(t), and its output, y(t), linked by the convolution integral y = i * r. Theories were developed for both continuous-output mixer and pulsatile, discrete mixer. The latter method was applied in first-pass radioangiography (FPRA) to calculate the forward ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LVFEF). Curves generated over the lungs and the ventricle provided system input and output respectively. LVFEF correlated strongly with the reference values obtained with simultaneously acquired gated FPRA(LVGEF) in 32 non-regurgitant patients: LVGEF = 0.90LVFEF + 5.93, r = 0.96, SEE = 3.98, p less than 0.001. In 14 patients with left-side valvular incompetence LVFEF values (0.41 +/- 0.13) were consistently lower than the corresponding LVGEF values (0.63 +/- 0.11). The method is free from instability inherent in numerical deconvolution. Applied in FPRA it yielded accurate estimates of LV contractility and competence. The continuous-mixer theory may apply to arbitrary compartmental models studied via tracer kinetics.

Adolescent↗

Electric mixer-inflicted scalp injury: a case report and review of CPSC data.

Electric mixers present a major risk for childhood injuries. Scalp injury, although rarely encountered, results from hair entanglement in the mixer blades. Potential for serious injury and disfigurement exists. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission data indicate that most injuries inflicted by electric mixers are either minor electrical shock or traumatized fingers and hands. Constant observation is mandatory when operating an electric mixer in the presence of children.

Accidents, Home↗

The role of Mixer in patterning the early Xenopus embryo.

The transcription factor VegT, is required in early Xenopus embryos for the formation of both the mesoderm and endoderm germ layers. Inherited as a maternal mRNA localized only in vegetal cells, VegT activates the transcription of a large number of transcription factors, as well as signaling ligands that induce cells in the vegetal mass to form endoderm, and the marginal zone to form mesoderm. It is important now to understand the extent to which transcription factors downstream of VegT play individual, or overlapping, roles in the specification and patterning of the endoderm and mesoderm. In addition, it is important to understand the mechanism that specifies the boundary between endoderm and mesoderm. One of the downstream targets of VegT, the homeodomain protein Mixer, is expressed at high levels at the mesoderm/endoderm boundary at the late blastula stage. We therefore examined its functions by blocking its translation using morpholino oligos. In Mixer-depleted embryos, the expression of many signaling ligands and transcription factors was affected. In particular, we found that the expression of several genes, including several normally expressed in mesoderm, was upregulated. Functional assays of Mixer-depleted vegetal cells showed that they have increased mesoderm-inducing activity. This demonstrates that Mixer plays an essential role in controlling the amount of mesoderm induction by the vegetal cells.

Animals↗

Liquid-liquid emulsification by static mixers for use in microencapsulation.

4e report a feasibility study on liquid-liquid emulsification by static mixers for use in microencapsulation. This study was concerned with developing a quantitative correlation between the size of the microspheres and process parameters. The process parameters considered included operational variables and physical properties associated with both the dispersion and dispersed phases. The effect of mixing element design on mixing efficiency and particle-size distribution was evaluated using three different static mixers. The performance of static mixers and conventional continuously stirred-tank reactors was assessed in several different aspects. Dimensional analysis was used to establish a correlation based on protein-free poly(lactic acid-co-glycolid acid) and poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres in an oil-in-water emulsion using 1/4", 1/2" and 1" static mixers. This correlation accurately described the preparation of protein-loaded microspheres and provided large-scale microsphere production with a empirical basis.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Homogeneity of fruits and vegetables comminuted in a vertical cutter mixer.

The homogeneity of comminuted composites of 20 lb samples of apples, cabbage, and green beans containing field-incurred residues of p, p'-methoxychlor was studied to determine whether a 5 min comminution in a 40 qt vertical cutter mixer produces a homogeneous composite and whether the size of test portions used accurately represents the composite. Duplicate test portions of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 2 g taken from each of 6 separate sections of the mixer were analyzed by standard pesticide residue methodology for p, p'-methoxychlor. Results of this study confirmed that comminution of fresh produce in a 40 qt vertical cutter mixer, according to instructions described in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Pesticide Analytical Manual, Volume I, Section 203B, produces a homogeneous composite. No significant differences were found in the data for the 3 crops taken from the 6 sections of the mixer. Test portion weights of 100, 50, and 25 g produced equivalent results for all 3 crops. Statistically significant differences were observed for cabbage at 2, 5, and 10 g and for green beans at 2 g.

Analysis of Variance↗

A novel microfluidic mixer utilizing electrokinetic driving forces under low switching frequency.

This paper presents a novel technique in which low-frequency periodic electrokinetic driving forces are utilized to mix electrolytic fluid samples rapidly and efficiently in a double-T-form microfluidic mixer. Without using any additional equipment to induce flow perturbations, only a single high-voltage power source is required for simultaneously driving and mixing the sample fluids which results in a simple and low-cost system for the mixing purpose. The effectiveness of the mixer as a function of the applied electric field and the periodic switching frequency is characterized by the intensity distribution calculated downstream from the mixing zone. The present numerical and experimental results confirm that the proposed double-T-form micromixer has excellent mixing capabilities. The mixing efficiency can be as high as 95% within a mixing length of 1000 microm downstream from the secondary T-junction when a 100 V/cm driving electric field strength and a 2 Hz periodic switching frequency are applied. The results reveal that the optimal switching frequency depends upon the magnitude of the main applied electrical field. The rapid double-T-form microfluidic mixer using the periodic driving voltage switching model proposed in this study has considerable potential for use in lab-on-a-chip systems.

Electrophoresis, Microchip↗

Light/dark cyclic movement of algal culture (Synechocystis aquatilis) in outdoor inclined tubular photobioreactor equipped with static mixers for efficient production of biomass.

Synechocystis aquatilis SI-2 was grown outdoors in a 12.5 cm diam. tubular photobioreactor equipped with static mixers. The static mixers ensured that cells were efficiently circulated between the upper (illuminated) and lower (dark) sections of the tubes. The biomass productivity varied from 22 to 45 g m-2 d-1, with an average of 35 g m-2 d-1, etc which corresponded to average CO2 fixation rate of about 57 g CO2 m-2 d-1. The static mixers not only helped in improving the biomass productivities but also have a high potential to lower the photoinhibitory effect of light during the outdoor cultures of algae.

Biomass↗

Rapid circular microfluidic mixer utilizing unbalanced driving force.

This paper proposes a novel rapid circular microfluidic mixer for micro-total-analysis-systems (mu-TAS) applications in which an unbalanced driving force is used to mix fluids in a circular chamber at low Reynolds numbers (Re). The microfluidic mixer has a three-layered structure and is fabricated on low-cost glass slides using a simple and reliable fabrication process. Using hydrodynamic pumps, fluids are driven from two inlet ports into a circular mixing chamber. Each inlet port separates into two separate channels, which are then attached to opposite sides of the 3-dimensional (3-D) circular mixing chamber. The unequal lengths of these inlet channels generate an unbalanced driving force, which enhances the mixing effect in the mixing chamber. Numerical simulations are performed to predict the fluid phenomena in the mixing chamber and to estimate the mixing performance under various Reynolds number conditions. The numerical results are verified by performing flow visualization experiments. A good agreement is found between the two sets of results. The numerical and experimental results reveal that the mixing performance can reach 91% within a mixing chamber of 1 mm diameter at a Reynolds number of Re=3. Additionally, the results confirm that the unbalanced driving force produces a flow rotation in the circular mixer at low Reynolds numbers, which significantly enhances the mixing performance. The novel micromixing method presented in this study provides a simple solution for mixing problems in Lab-on-a-chip systems.

Chemistry Techniques, Analytical↗

Stopped-flow X-ray scattering device with a slit-type mixer.

A slit-type mixer specially designed for stopped-flow X-ray scattering was constructed. It mixes two solutions at a time, allowing a large-sized window to be used immediately after mixing. Dead time of the mixer was 13 ms with 3.5 kg/cm2 of pressure at the piston head. It has been successfully used for studying the tetramer-dimer interconversion of phosphorylase a. The applicability of this mixer to other detection methods, far-UV circular dichroism, light scattering, EXAFS and fluorescence is also indicated.

2,6-Dichloroindophenol↗

Cephalosporin C production by a highly productive Cephalosporium acremonium strain in an airlift tower loop reactor with static mixers.

The production of cephalosporin C (CPC) and its precursors penicillin N (PEN N), deacetoxycephalosporin C (DAOC) and deacetylcephalosporin C (DAC), with a highly productive strain of Cephalosporin acremonium, was investigated in an 80-1 airlift tower loop reactor with four static mixer modules (Type SMV, Sulzer) (ATLRM) on a complex medium containing 50 g l-1 peanut flour (PF). The most important key parameters such as glucose concentration and cell mass concentration were monitored during a fed-batch cultivation process. The concentrations of products CPC, PEN N, DAOC an DAC were determined on line by HPLC. The influences of four motionless mixers on the dissolved oxygen concentration (DOC), oxygen transfer rate, the cell growth and the CPC production, as well as the reactor performance, were evaluated. The results were compared with the performance of an airlift tower loop reactor (ATLR) without static mixers as well as with a stirred tank reactor (STR). A comparison of cultivations in the ATLRM and ATLR with 50 g l-1 PF indicates that the obtained maximal CPC concentration and the (CPC + DAC + DAOC) concentration were 7% and 22% higher in the ATLRM (4.96 and 7.46 g l-1) than in the ATLR (4.63 and 6.13 g l-1) respectively. The maximal CPC volumetric productivity in the ATLRM (55.1 mg l-1 h-1) was also considerably higher than that in the ATLR (48.5 mg l-1 h-1). The specific power input was reduced from 2.36 to 1.5 kW m-3, the specific productivity pertaining to the power input was improved from 1.96 to 3.31 g W-1. On the other hand, cultivation in the ATLRM had a lower maximum CPC concentration and volumetric productivity than those in STR (7.2 g l-1 and 71.2 mg l-1 h-1) with the same medium due to the lower shear stress levels and the lower specific power input (1.5 vs. 3.0 kW m-3); but the specific power imput-based yield coefficient was in the ATLRM (3.31 g W-1) higher than in the STR (2.40 g W-1). By increasing the amount of PF, it was possible to enhance the CPC concentration and volumetric productivity in the STR. However, the performance of the ATLRM was limited to using a medium containing maximal 50 g l-1 PF because of the high viscosity of the medium, the limited energy input and thus the limited oxygen supply.

Acremonium↗