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MBD Microfluidic Bubble Detector by Elveflow
The MBD is Elveflow's optical microfluidic bubble detector, an inline transmittance sensor that detects air bubbles and liquid interfaces in real time using a non-invasive LED/phototransistor pair. Compatible with 1/16" and 1/8" OD tubing, it can trigger valve switching or pressure changes through the OB1 + ESI ecosystem for fully automated bubble handling and bilateral recirculation.
What is the MBD Microfluidic Bubble Detector?
The MBD is Elveflow's optical microfluidic inline fluid sensor, most commonly used as a bubble detector. Bubbles are a major problem in microfluidics — they can disrupt flow, contaminate experiments, or damage sensitive samples. The MBD monitors and counts bubbles at any point in your setup and can automate the experiment based on that signal — for example, paired with an OB1 it can increase pressure or switch a valve to divert bubbles away.
The detection principle is purely optical: a known-intensity LED emits light through the capillary, and a silicon NPN phototransistor on the other side measures the transmitted power. When the optical index or absorption of the fluid changes (e.g. liquid → air bubble → liquid), the transmitted signal changes, giving a clean true/false detection event with no invasion of the fluid path.
Key Features
- Non-invasive optical detection: LED + phototransistor measurement with no contact with the fluid.
- Tubing flexibility: Compatible with both 1/16" and 1/8" OD tubing.
- Cost-effective: Cheaper alternative to camera-based monitoring.
- True/false logic: Reliable binary signal for sequencer automation.
- Plug-and-play with OB1: Connect directly to the OB1 controller, or use standalone with the MSR Sensor Reader.
- Trigger-driven workflows: Switch valves or change pressure on bubble events through ESI sequences.
Applications
The MBD shines whenever a microfluidic workflow needs an automated reaction to a fluid event. Common applications include:
- Bubble detection and automated removal from the flow path.
- Liquid presence detection for empty-reservoir alerts.
- Bilateral medium recirculation using paired MBD sensors without dedicated recirculation valves.
- Unilateral recirculation with switch conditions based on liquid-air detection.
- Automated sampling setups triggered by fluid interfaces.
- Liquid-liquid interface detection for sample slugs or droplets in two-phase flows.
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Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | MBD |
| Detection principle | Optical transmittance (LED + NPN silicon phototransistor) |
| Output | Analog signal — true/false bubble/liquid detection |
| Tubing compatibility | 1/16" and 1/8" OD |
| Operating modes | Direct connection to OB1, or standalone via MSR Sensor Reader |
| Software | Full integration with Elveflow ESI sequencer |
| Trigger automation | Valve switching or pressure changes on detection events |
Applications
- Real-time bubble detection and automated handling
- Liquid presence detection and empty-reservoir alerts
- Bilateral medium recirculation without dedicated valves
- Automated sampling with fluid-interface triggers
- Liquid-liquid interface detection in two-phase flows
Microfluidics
Explore All ProductsElveflow Publications
Academic publications and research studies utilizing Elveflow microfluidic instruments, sourced from Google Scholar.
What is the MBD Microfluidic Bubble Detector and what is it used for?
The MBD is Elveflow's optical inline microfluidic sensor for detecting bubbles and liquid interfaces in real time. Using a non-invasive LED/phototransistor pair, it gives a clean true/false detection signal that can trigger valve switching or pressure changes through the OB1 + ESI ecosystem, automating bubble handling and recirculation workflows.
What research applications is the MBD suited for?
The MBD is suited for bubble detection and automated removal, liquid presence detection, bilateral medium recirculation without dedicated valves, automated sampling triggered by fluid interfaces, and liquid-liquid interface detection in two-phase microfluidic flows.
What are the key technical features of the MBD?
The MBD (catalog: MBD) is a non-invasive optical inline sensor using an LED and NPN silicon phototransistor to measure transmittance through the capillary. It is compatible with both 1/16" and 1/8" OD tubing, integrates directly with the OB1 controller or the MSR Sensor Reader, and provides true/false logic events for ESI sequencer automation.
Is the MBD available in Israel with local support?
Yes. NBT Ltd distributes Elveflow microfluidic products in Israel. Our team provides local support and application guidance for the MBD and the complete Elveflow microfluidic automation ecosystem.
How does the MBD integrate with Elveflow systems?
The MBD plugs directly into the Elveflow OB1 controller or into the MSR Sensor Reader for standalone operation. Its detection events feed into the ESI sequencer, which can be programmed to trigger pressure changes, valve switches, or other instrument actions — for example, alternating between two reservoirs for bilateral recirculation without any dedicated recirculation valve.
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