Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published January 1999 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

A practical thermopneumatic valve

Abstract

Previously, we reported a thermopneumatic silicone rubber membrane valve [1997]. This valve combined thermopneumatic actuation with a low modulus silicone rubber membrane. However, the leakage of the working fluid through the membrane rendered the valve unusable in a day or two. Here, we present extensive optimization and characterization of a redesigned valve structure. This new design has a suspended membrane heater optimized for low power consumption, a composite silicone rubber on Parylene membrane that exhibits low permeability and modulus, and a novel valve seat designed to improve sealing in the presence of particles. The valve has been extensively characterized with respect to power consumption vs. flow rate and transient response. Very low power consumption has been demonstrated. For example, less than 40 mW is required to switch a one slpm nitrogen flow at 33 psi. Water requires close to 100 mW due to the cooling effect of the liquid. The previously reported valve required more than 280 mW to switch a similar air flow.

Additional Information

© 1999 IEEE. This work is supported by the DARPA MICROFLUMES program under Naval Ocean Systems Center Contract N66001-96-C-83632. The authors would like to thank Ms. Ellis Meng for help with testing, Dr. Qiao Lin for simulation, and Mr. Trevor Roper for assistance with fabrication.

Attached Files

Published - 00746792.pdf

Files

00746792.pdf
Files (761.8 kB)
Name Size Download all
md5:a38b440a7604928c80923dc624a725f4
761.8 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 25, 2023