Abstract: The present invention relates to fluidic devices for preparing, processing, storing, preserving, and/or analyzing samples. In particular, the devices and related systems and methods allow for preparing and/or analyzing samples (e.g., biospecimen samples) by using one or more of capture regions and/or automated analysis.

Abstract: A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.

Abstract: A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.

Abstract: A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.

Abstract: A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.

Abstract: A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a microchannel (2), a pressurized reservoir (3-5) of fluid and a positive displacement pump (7-9) downstream of the reservoir for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the microchannel.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing microfluidic processes comprising a base (50), a plurality of fluidic modules (20) releasably attached to the base (50), each fluidic module (20) comprising a fluid port (25) and a microfluidic manifold module (40) comprising a plurality of ports (45). A frame (70) is attached to the base (50) for releasably retaining the microfluidic manifold module (40), the frame (70) being moveable relatively to the base (50) to move the microfluidic manifold module (40) into contact with the fluidic modules (20) such that each fluid port (25) of the fluidic modules (20) aligns and seals with a respective port (45) on the microfluidic manifold module (40) thus completing a microfluidic circuit. A method for constructing and testing the apparatus (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a microchannel (2), a pressurised reservoir (3-5) of fluid and a positive displacement pump (7-9) downstream of the reservoir for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the microchannel.

Abstract: A method of optimising a reaction in a microreactor. Two reaction fluids A, B as supplied to a microchannel 6 and their relative proportions are varied in a controlled manner. A sensor 13 monitors a reaction characteristic and determines the relative proportion of the fluids which optimises the yield of the reaction product. The total flow rate can also be varied at the optimum relative proportion in order to determine the maximum overall flow rate at which completion of the reactions still occurs.

Abstract: A microreactor in which a pressure sensor 10 is provided in a reaction channel 6. A controller monitors the pressure and supplies solvent to the reaction channel if it detects a pressure rise indicating that precipitation is occurring.

Abstract: A microreactor with a sensor 9, 11 in a reaction channel 6. The sensor comprises a pair of spaced apart electrodes through which an AC voltage is passed. The amplitude and phase of the current flowing between the electrodes is monitored allowing the impedance of the reaction fluid between the electrodes to be measured.