Abstract: The present invention is directed to the fabrication and use of phase-change material (PCM) membranes in microvalves for microfluidic systems. The microvalve may be fabricated by using a tissue-sectioning instrument to slice a thin membrane of PCM off of a block of PCM. The membrane may then be sandwiched between a plurality of microfluidic flow sections to act as a microvalve. At room temperature, the membrane may exist in a solid state to act as a zero-leakage seal and microvalve. Applying heat to the membrane may bring the membrane to a melting point, causing it to reach a liquid state. The microvalve in the liquid state may experience a surface tension effect by a material of the microfluidic flow sections, causing it to displace from a flow path and allow a fluid to pass from one microfluidic flow section to another.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a pump, a valve supplied from the pump, a sensor fixed relative to the pump, a nozzle supplied from the valve and aimed at the sensor, and a computer communicatively coupled to the pump, the valve, and the sensor. The computer is programmed to instruct the pump to operate; while the pump is operating, instruct the valve to close; receive data from the sensor while the pump is operating and the valve is instructed to be closed; and set a flag upon determining, based on the data received from the sensor, that the nozzle is outputting fluid onto the sensor.

Abstract: Limit size lipid nanoparticles, methods for using the lipid nanoparticles, and methods and systems for making limit size lipid nanoparticles.

Abstract: An odorization system is provided that introduces foul-smelling odorant into a natural gas pipeline in order to make gas leaks more easily detectable. The system improves upon prior art odorization systems by using a pumpless mechanism driven by differential pressures. The elimination of pumps from the system reduces the likelihood of system failure and further reduces the likelihood that odorant leaks to atmosphere.

Abstract: An atmospheric water generator system which includes an air dryer system containing a plurality of air dryers configured to pass ambient air over a desiccant for the desiccant to absorb moisture from the air and a humidifier-dehumidifier system which is configured to humidify a gas mixture using the desiccant and dehumidify the humidified gas mixture to produce freshwater. The atmospheric water generator system includes a closed desiccant loop and a closed gas mixture loop configured such that ambient air does not enter the humidifier-dehumidifier system. The humidifier-dehumidifier system is configured such that the gas mixture passes back and forth between the humidifier and dehumidifier between two and six times in a single pass of the closed gas mixture loop. Also disclosed is a method of generating freshwater using the atmospheric water generator system.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell, which has a storage space, which holds liquid reagent material and/or sample material and which is connected to an inlet channel for a fluid that transports the reagent material and/or sample material out of the storage space and to an outlet channel for the reagent material and/or sample material and the fluid. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are connected by a bypass that bypasses the storage space.

Abstract: Described is a microfluidic serial dilution platform based well-plate using an oil-free immiscible phase driven by manual or electronic pipettors. The well-plate includes a plurality of fluidic traps, a plurality of hydrophilic capillary constriction channels and a plurality of bypass channels. Each of the plurality of bypass channels is associated with one of the plurality of fluidic traps, each of the plurality of hydrophilic capillary constriction channels is associated with one of the plurality of fluidic traps, and each of the plurality of fluidic traps is associated with one of the plurality of bypass channels and one of the plurality of hydrophilic capillary constriction channels. The well-plate further includes an inlet, an outlet, and a main channel with a plurality of portions that connects the inlet to the plurality of fluidic traps, associated hydrophilic capillary constriction channels and associated bypass channels, and the outlet.

Abstract: Limit size lipid nanoparticles, methods for using the lipid nanoparticles, and methods and systems for making limit size lipid nanoparticles.

Abstract: A combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a combustor shell having a diffuser side facing a diffuser chamber and a combustor side facing a combustor chamber. The combustor may include a first combustor panel coupled to the combustor side of the combustor shell and a second combustor panel coupled to the combustor side of the combustor shell. A gap may be defined between the first combustor panel and the second combustor panel and the combustor shell may include a gap impingement hole that is directly open to and is configured to deliver cooling air directly to the gap. In various embodiments, the combustor further includes a throttle plate coupled to the diffuser side of the combustor shell.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain configured to transfer energy to a tire and including both an engine and an electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to charge a traction battery with torque captured by the electric machine in excess of torque required to maintain the departure. The charging is in response to indication of departure from static friction between the tire and a surface during a line lock tire slip event powered by the engine.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for analyzing droplets are disclosed. A described microfluidic device includes a substrate and a microfluidic channel formed on the substrate. The microfluidic channel includes passages where each passage has a mask pattern configured to modulate a signal of a droplet passing through that passage, such that droplets passing through the passages produce signals. The microfluidic device also includes a detector configured to detect the signals. Methods of analyzing droplets with a microfluidic device having a microfluidic channel formed on a substrate are disclosed. A described method includes passing droplets through the passages, modulating signals from the droplets using mask patterns, formed on the passages; and detecting the signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: Limit size lipid nanoparticles, methods for using the lipid nanoparticles, and methods and systems for making limit size lipid nanoparticles.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing liquids or liquid-based substances includes a plurality of volumes at least two of which are defined at least in part by one or more phaseguides inside the volume and/or in a conduit connected thereto for controlling aliquoting of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances inside the volume. Each volume has an upstream and downstream side with respect to meniscus advancement direction via which it may be filled with or emptied of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances. The apparatus also includes at least one common upstream-side conduit connected to supply a liquid or liquid-based substance via a plurality of the inlet or extraction conduits, a plurality of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined level of stability and one or more of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined different stability compared with the stability of at least one of the other phaseguides whereby to control the preference order in which the volumes fill and/or empty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of performing in-line mixing of assay components and delivery of such mixed components into microfluidic channels. In one aspect, a method of delivering mixed assay components is provided which comprises causing an unmixed primer solution to flow into a first mixing channel, the unmixed primer solution comprising a common reagent and a primer, holding the unmixed primer solution in the first mixing channel for at least a threshold amount of time to allow the unmixed primer solution to transition into a mixed primer solution, causing a buffer to flow into a second mixing channel, the buffer comprising the common reagent but not including a primer, and, after holding the unmixed primer solution in the first mixing channel for at least the threshold amount of time, drawing, from the first mixing channel, the mixed primer solution into a common exit channel.

Abstract: A microdevice structure of microchannel chip is provided which includes one gas channel and at least one liquid channel. The microchannel connects the gas channel and each liquid channel. The most basic microdevice of the mirochannel chip comprises micropressure sensor, microvalve, micropiston and micropump which are controlled by digital pressure gas microcircuit in the chip. Each microdevice isolates the gas phase and liquid phase by microhole without any movable component and any special ventilate or elastic material. The gas-liquid interface is driven by the pressure difference of gas phase and liquid phase to enable the microdevice to implement the functions, such as sensing pressure, switching fluid channel, transporting liquid effectively, and so on.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trapping and moving individual particles of a target material of a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a tube and an electronically addressable float. The float includes one or more arrays of electrodes in which each electrode can be independently addressed to create non-uniform electric fields that trap and isolate target particles near the float. The electrodes can be dynamically operated to move the target particles to particular locations on the float for analysis and collection.

Abstract: A device for reducing friction of a viscous fluid flow in a conduit includes a body (10,110) positionable to define at least a segment of a flow path for the viscous fluid in or contiguous with the conduit, a cavity (40,140) in the body for retaining lubricating fluid, and at least one port (42,142) in the body for delivering lubricating fluid to the cavity. A fluid outlet arrangement (48,148) from the cavity delivers lubricating fluid to the flow path to form a downstream lubricating film about viscous fluid flowing therein. The fluid outlet arrangement comprises a substantially continuous opening or ring of close spaced openings about the flow path. The cavity comprises an array of passages in the body that includes a plurality of elongate passages (55,155) that extend about the flow path effective collectively to reduce the pressure variation and therefore velocity variation of the delivered lubricating fluid along the outlet arrangement. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for implementing a logic operation employs an all fluid-based no-moving part micro-mechanical logic family of microfluidic bubble logic devices that are constructed from complex sequences of microfluidic channels, microfluidic bubble modulators for programming the devices, and microfluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for chemical storage and retrieval. The input is a sequence of bubbles/droplets encoding information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets. For performing a set of reactions/tasks, the modulators program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the microfluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: An invention for transporting material is described. The material, which may be or include a liquid or particles, be transported floats on and flows on a more dense fluid. Standing waves may be induced in the more dense fluid, and devices are provided to either force the transported fluid in a direction, or to prevent the transported fluid from flowing in a direction counter to the flow direction. The inventive apparatus and method have the ability to transport fluids long distances with much less frictional losses than convention technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to handling solids in microfluidic systems are generally described. Many of the systems and methods described herein address the need to inhibit the formation of blockages in microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A carrier-gas mixture is directed through a fluid flow path in a combined heat and mass transfer device, which can be operated at sub-atmospheric pressure. Heat and mass are transferred from or to the carrier-gas mixture via interaction with a liquid composition that includes a vaporizable component in a liquid state to substantially change the content of the vaporizable component in the carrier-gas mixture via evaporation or condensation. The mass flow rate of the carrier-gas mixture is varied by extracting or injecting the carrier-gas mixture from at least one intermediate location in the fluid flow path, and/or the mass flow rate of the liquid composition is varied by extracting or injecting the liquid composition from at least one intermediate location in the fluid flow path; and the flow of the carrier-gas mixture or the liquid composition is regulated to reduce the average local enthalpy pinch in the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for handling fluids, and more particularly a merging apparatus for fluidic and microfluidic devices utilizing passive valving in conjunction with a single sensor to uniformly blend contributory working fluid streams. Symmetric and non symmetric embodiments with and without branch channels are described. The present invention also provides methods for merging liquids using the device of the invention.

Abstract: The application of an optical beam redirects sheathed micro-fluidic flow without direct interaction with the sample. The hydrodynamic properties of the sheath are locally modified due to optical absorption and heating, resulting in a spatial shift of the sample flow. The technique can result in up to 100 ?m shift at peak flow velocities of 19 mm/sec.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the visibility of a plume created at the outlet of an industrial process, where the industrial process expels hot, humid air into the outside air through an output area of an outlet and, as a result of the expelled air A coming into contact with the outside air E, a visible plume might otherwise be created. The method includes the steps of having an auxiliary air that is dryer than the process air and hotter than the outside air available and combining this auxiliary air with the hot, humid process air such that the auxiliary air forms a protective, insulating or sheathing layer of air around the process air. This combination of the process air with the auxiliary are is carried out after (i.e., downstream from) an extraction process or processes of the industrial process and in the atmosphere generally adjacent to the output area of the process outlet.

Abstract: This present invention provides devices for the parallelization of the formation of droplets in a multiple droplet generator integrating two or more parallel flow-focusing devices (FFDs) with either identical, or different, geometries. In the parallel identical FFDs, emulsification generates droplets with a narrow (below 4%) polydispersity despite weak coupling between the identical flow-focusing devices. Formation of droplets in the integrated droplet generator comprising FFDs with different dimensions of the microchannels occurs with strong coupling between the FFDs and produces droplets with varying sizes and size distributions. For such devices the regime in which emulsification produces droplets with varying dimensions and a narrow size distribution have been identified. The results of this work can be used in scaling up the production of droplets and in the simultaneous production of droplets and particles with different dimensions.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device for making a liquid/liquid or gas biphasic system using a first liquid or a gas and a second liquid, non-miscible with each other, the device having a first hydrophobic surface for the second liquid, the first liquid forming a layer (6) on said first hydrophobic surface. The device comprises means for introducing a drop (7) of the second liquid into the layer of first liquid or gas and in contact with said first hydrophobic surface, and means for displacing the drop on said first hydrophobic surface along a determined path, the device having on the path of the drop, at least one wetting defect causing, upon passing of the drop over this defect, failure of the triple line of contact of the drop on the first hydrophobic surface and inclusion of first liquid (8) or gas into the drop. The invention also relates to the associated method.

Abstract: A conduit system comprising: a conduit formed by a surface extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the conduit is configured to channel a mixture stream from the first end to the second end; and a plurality of fluid delivery features disposed along the conduit between the first end and the second end, wherein each fluid delivery feature is configured to deliver a conditioning fluid into the conduit in an annular formation in a direction angled towards the second end in the same direction as the flow of the mixture stream, thereby providing a sheath of conditioning fluid between the conduit surface and the mixture stream.

Abstract: A method for implementing a logic operation employs an all fluid-based no-moving part micro-mechanical logic family of microfluidic bubble logic devices that are constructed from complex sequences of microfluidic channels, microfluidic bubble modulators for programming the devices, and microfluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for chemical storage and retrieval. The input is a sequence of bubbles/droplets encoding information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets. For performing a set of reactions/tasks, the modulators program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the microfluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: A gas burner apparatus for discharging a mixture of fuel gas, air and flue gas into a furnace space of a furnace wherein the mixture is burned and flue gas having a low content of nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide is formed is provided. The burner tile includes at least one gas circulation port extending though the wall of the tile. The interior surface of the wall of the tile includes a Coanda surface. Fuel gas and/or flue gas conducted through the gas circulation port follows the path of the Coanda surface which allows more flue gas to be introduced into the stream. The exterior surface of the wall of the tile also includes a Coanda surface for facilitating the creation of a staged combustion zone. Also provided are improved burner tiles, improved gas tips and methods of burning a mixture of air, fuel gas and flue gas in a furnace space.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating drops in a microfluid circuit, comprising at least one microchannel (12) through which the drops flow, characterized in that a laser (26) is brought to bear on the interface of said drops in the transport liquid (F3), or on the interface of drops in contact, in order to carry out a sorting of the drops, to form nanodrops from a larger drop or to fuse drops (60, 64) in contact and initiate reactions between the fluids contained in said drops.

Abstract: A method and a microfluidic device are provided to regulate fluid flow by equalization of channel pressures. The fluid flow is regulated by way of valve-actuated channel pressures.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input and an output. The channel is filled with fluid and droplets under pressure are sequentially directed at the input of the channel so as to cause fluid to flow in the channel towards the output.

Abstract: By storing a liquid to be treated in a treatment tank main body 10 having a bottom portion 10g that narrows downward, with particles of materials to be treated dispersed therein, taking out the liquid to be treated from a position lower than the liquid level of the treatment tank main body 10, and returning the liquid to the bottom portion 10g of the treatment tank main body 10, thereby circulating the liquid to be treated while forming a vortex flow within the treatment tank main body 10, and at the same time supplying air bubbles from the lower part of the treatment main unit 10, a first component contained in froths is separated from a second component, which is less susceptible to floatation, contained in the liquid to be treated.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid supply method in which, when preparing a solution that can be used as washing water and the like by supplying a minute amount of chemicals and the like to ultrapure water, the amount of supply solution that is supplied can be accurately determined. In this liquid supply method, a solution is prepared by supplying a supply liquid to a primary fluid that is circulating in a primary fluid circulation tube (2). This liquid supply method uses a liquid supply apparatus (1) that includes: a supply section (3) that delivers the supply liquid; and a supply liquid circulation tube (4) that causes the supply liquid to flow from the supply section (3) to the primary fluid circulation tube (2), the internal diameter of the supply liquid circulation tube (4) being between 0.01 and 1 mm.

Abstract: A microfluidic circuit comprising microchannels (24, 26) containing different fluids (F1, F2), with a laser beam being focused at (32) on an interface (30) between the fluids so as to form a pump, a valve, or a mixer, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas flow path switching unit including a gas passage section with a target gas passage for allowing said target gas to pass therethrough. The target gas passage includes a main passage having a proximal end serving as said gas inlet and a number n of branch passages each provided with a respective gas outlet at a terminal end thereof. The branch passages are formed by repeating two or more times a branching process of branching said main passage into two sub passages at a branch point at a distal end of said main passage and further branching at least one of said sub passages into two sub-sub passages at a branch point defined by a distal end of said sub passage. The target gas passage also includes at least a number n of switching-gas supply passages connected to respective intermediate positions of said n branch passages.

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: A testing microchip includes a specimen storage section; a reagent storage section; a reaction section; a testing section for a test of a reaction product obtained from the reaction; a liquid feed control section; and a gas bubble trapping structure. The sections are connected continuously by a series of flow channels. The liquid feed control section stops passing of liquid until a liquid feeding pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, and passes the liquid when the liquid feeding pressure becomes higher than the predetermined pressure; and the gas bubble trapping structure traps a gas bubble in the liquid that flows in the flow channel so that the gas bubble does not flow to the downstream side and only the liquid passes to the downstream side. A testing apparatus that performs testing in the testing section of the testing microchip, wherein the testing microchip is attachably and detachably mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises first and second inlet passages (13) for respective immiscible fluids, these inlet passages merging into a third passage (8) along which the two fluids flow under parallel laminar flow conditions, the third passage being formed with a constriction or other discontinuity (9) causing the two fluids to form into a flow of alternate segments.

Abstract: An all fluid-based no-moving part micro-mechanical logic family of microfluidic bubble logic devices is constructed from complex sequences of microfluidic channels, microfluidic bubble modulators for programming the devices, and microfluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for chemical storage and retrieval. The input is a sequence of bubbles/droplets encoding information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets. For performing a set of reactions/tasks, the modulators program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the microfluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries. Various devices, including logic gates, non-volatile bistable memory, shift registers, multiplexers, and ring oscillators have been designed and fabricated.

Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing assembly includes at least first and second liquid sources, a microfluidic manifold, a first capillary valve between the first liquid source and the manifold, and a second capillary valve between the second liquid source and the manifold, wherein the first capillary valve is configured to open and provide a first liquid flow to the microfluidic manifold in response to an external force and the second capillary valves is configured to be opened by the first liquid flow.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic device and a microfluidic network formed by connecting such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic device can equalize the flow of multiple microfluids in a chamber in parallel to thereby have an equal flow rate when the microfluids transferred through different flow channels join in the chamber having a changing cross-sectional area. The microfluidic device includes: multiple flow channels formed between an upper substrate and a lower substrate to transfer the microfluids and including inlets for injecting the microfluids in one side and fluid stopping surfaces for stopping the flow of the microfluids in the other side; a pressure controlling flow channel for removing a pressure difference between the microfluids; a fluid converging part for converging the microfluids; and a chamber composed of hydrophilic surfaces and hydrophobic surfaces disposed alternately in a flow direction so that the microfluids join and flow in parallel and equal.

Abstract: A microfluidic network comprising a plurality of droplet emitters forming droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid immiscible in the first fluid to produce an outlet stream of droplets, wherein each of the emitters are in fluid communication with each other via the network and all have an auto-synchronised droplet formation frequency by hydrodynamic interaction between the emitters is provided. The synchronisation gives a surprisingly narrow droplet size distribution for the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling multi-fluid flow in a micro channel is disclosed. The apparatus has a first inlet for a first fluid; a second inlet for a second fluid; a first outlet; and a second outlet. The micro channel is operatively and fluidically connected to the first inlet, the second inlet, the first outlet and the second outlet. The micro channel is for receiving the first fluid and the second fluid under pressure-driven flow; there being an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid when in the micro channel. The apparatus also includes a pair of electrodes for having a first electric field applied thereto for a controlling the fluid flow velocity of the first fluid along the micro channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating drops in a microfluid circuit, comprising at least one microchannel (12) through which the drops flow, characterized in that a laser (26) is brought to bear on the interface of said drops in the transport liquid (F3), or on the interface of drops in contact, in order to carry out a sorting of the drops, to form nanodrops from a larger drop or to fuse drops (60, 64) in contact and initiate reactions between the fluids contained in said drops.