The SwitchEZ™ rotary/selector valve is a precise electric rotary valve, which is designed for automated fluidic/microfluidic applications. The rotary valve provides automated routing of fluidic volumes. Fast, reliable geared switching ensures long life. The valve heads provide leak-free connections to 1/32” OD, 1/16" OD or even smaller OD capillary. With small channels and accurate positioning system, it offers the capacity of precise liquid handling.
The rotary valves are constructed with PCTFE and sapphire crystal as wetted materials, for use with a wide variety of chemicals. This valve is a cost-effective device to build your liquid distribution in the instrument design or laboratory experiments.
Features:
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Inert wetted materials: PCTFE valve head and sapphire crystal valve spool for anti-corrosion; No metal parts contact with working fluid.
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Avoid cross-contamination.
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Highly reliability guaranteed by precisely machined and polished assembly process;
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Multiple configurations: 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 ports.
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Optical encoder for accurate positioning;
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Communication interface: RS232, RS485, CAN and USB(via RS232 port).
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C/C++, python library.
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Compatible with PG-MFC iFlow serial controller or direct computer control via USB/RS232 port.
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Custom design and OEM available.
Rotary Valve Specs:
Table. Technical specifications of the standard SwitchEZ electric rotary valves
SwitchEZ™ Electric
Rotary Valves
Designed for Precision Flow Control
Modes:
Port Selection Mode
Our electric rotary valves are capable of accurate and repeatable flow re-direction. One input/output can be diverted to any one of up to 16 outlets/inlets.
Loop Injection Mode
Our 2-way 3-position valve can be used as 6 port switching valves for sample injection devices in chromatography systems. This application consists of two operations: Load and Inject.
Also it can be used for sample recirculation system for applications such as cell culture, organ-on-a-chip, etc. (Refer to application example #3)
Sample Load Sample Inject
Software and API Library:
API libraries of Python 2, Python 3, C++, LabView, and Matlab (coming soon) are available to use. These libraries allow users to integrate SwitchEZ valves into your own system easily.
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DLL library for developing user applications
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Support both 32-bit/64-bit APIs
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Controllable via iFlow controllers, computers or other devices via CAN, RS485, RS232 or USB ports
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Tutorial and sample programs.
All of our standard software is free of charge and is compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 (32 and 64 bits), Windows 8 (32 and 64 bits), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bits), and Linux version.
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EZSwitch rotary valve manual
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SDK for the rotary valves
Applications of Rotary Valves
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Automatic reagents delivery
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Liquid sample preparation and distribution
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Liquid Sample injection or selection
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High speed sample enrichment
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Analytical instruments
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Microfluidic sample delivery
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Flow cytometry or chemistry analyzer
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Mass spectrometers
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Elemental analyzers
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Reagent recirculation system
Applications Example #1:
Application of multi-reagents switching perfusion system with an electric rotary valve
Applications Example #2:
Custom Design of 28-Sample Selection and Delivery System
The system consists of one microfluidic controller, three rotary/select valves, one flow sensor, one microfluidic chip stage with a temperature control unit, and several reagent reservoirs. Reagent selection is controlled by rotary valve switching, temperature control, and the reagent flow rate is monitored by the flow sensors. The entire system is controlled either directly by the GUI on PG-MFC controller, or by python scripts through the serial port on the PG controller.
Up to 10 reagents can be connected to one rotary valve. In the following schematics, three rotary valves are connected in series. Up to 28 reagents can be randomly selected to flow into a microfluidic chip. A flow sensor is connected between the microfluidic chip and the third rotary valve. The flow rate is monitored by the liquid flow rate sensor. PG-MFC controller is capable of controlling the flow rate through the feedback loop. The microfluidic chip is fixed on a stage with the temperature control unit, which can be controlled by the microfluidic controller as well. Users can set the desired flow rate, injection volume of a specific sample, desired temperature through PreciGenome microfluidic controller GUI.
Applications Example #3:
Sample Recirculation System
As showing in the schematics below, in position 1, reagent flows out from reservoir 1, through the 2 positions/6 ports valve, enters the microfluidic chip from its left side, and flows into reservoir 2. In this position, the 3-way valve on the left side connects pressure source to reservoir 1 and the other 3-way valve connects to the atmosphere.
In position 2, reagent flows out from reservoir 2, enters the microfluidic chip from its left side, and flows into reservoir 1. In this position, the 3-way valve on the right side connects pressure source to reservoir 2 and the other 3-way valve connects to the atmosphere. In this application, only a single pressure source is needed.
