Micromachines 2012, 3(2), 396-412; doi:10.3390/mi3020396
Article

Design Considerations for a Micromachined Proportional Control Valve

Maarten S. Groen 1,* email, Dannis M. Brouwer 2,3 email, Remco J. Wiegerink 1 email and Joost C. Lötters 1,4 email
1 MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands 2 Mechanical Automation and Mechatronics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands 3 DEMCON Advanced Mechatronics, Zutphenstraat 25, 7575EJ Oldenzaal, The Netherlands 4 Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V., Nijverheidsstraat 1A, 7261AK Ruurlo, The Netherlands
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 6 February 2012; in revised form: 6 April 2012 / Accepted: 24 April 2012 / Published: 27 April 2012
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro Flow Controllers)
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Abstract: Precise mass flow control is an essential requirement for novel, small-scale fluidic systems. However, a small-volume, low-leakage proportional control valve for minute fluid flows has not yet been designed or manufactured. A survey is therefore made of the primary design considerations of a micromachined, proportional control valve. Performance requirements are identified based on various applications. Valve operating principles and actuation schemes presented in the literature are evaluated with respect to functionality and technological feasibility. Proceeding from these analyses, we identify the design concepts and actuation schemes that we think are best suited for the fabrication of the intended microvalve.
Keywords: microvalve; flow control; low leakage; mass flow controller; micro actuator; MEMS

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MDPI and ACS Style

Groen, M.S.; Brouwer, D.M.; Wiegerink, R.J.; Lötters, J.C. Design Considerations for a Micromachined Proportional Control Valve. Micromachines 2012, 3, 396-412.

AMA Style

Groen MS, Brouwer DM, Wiegerink RJ, Lötters JC. Design Considerations for a Micromachined Proportional Control Valve. Micromachines. 2012; 3(2):396-412.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Groen, Maarten S.; Brouwer, Dannis M.; Wiegerink, Remco J.; Lötters, Joost C. 2012. "Design Considerations for a Micromachined Proportional Control Valve." Micromachines 3, no. 2: 396-412.

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