In-Line Removal of Bubbles in Laboratory Instrumentation

Bio-Chem Fluidics, under its Omnifit® brand, has launched a new bubble trap for effective, in-line removal of bubbles in aqueous solutions. Positioned upstream of sensitive instrumentation and pressure rated up to 30 psi, the bubble trap protects valuable sensors from damage and prevents errors caused by gas bubbles in an analytical flow system. Typical applications include flow analysis systems, liquid chromatography, enzyme reactors and flow-through biosensors.

The principle of operation is simple: when a fluid containing bubbles flows through the device, any bubbles are forced through a micro-porous, hydrophobic membrane, while the fluid is retained within the bubble trap. Because the membrane function depends on its hydrophobicity, the bubble trap is only suitable for use with aqueous systems.

The unit is quick and easy to connected inline using 1/4”-28 UNF female threaded ports and fittings such as Omni-Lok™. While the maximum flow rate is dependent upon the amount of bubbles in the liquid, the typical operating range is 0.5 - 2.0ml/min. Up to 6ml/min can be achieved if few bubbles are present in the liquid.