12/1 Rotary Bidirectional Microfluidic Distribution Valve

The MUX Distribution Valve is a 12/1 rotary bidirectional valve designed for microfluidic sequential injection. Combined with the OB1 MK4 pressure controller, it enables full automation of injection in microfluidic experiments — from perfusion workflows to sequential reagent supply.

Key Benefits

• 13 ports / 12 positions — inject up to 12 different solutions into one microfluidic line, or direct one feed to 12 outputs
• Lowest internal volume: 3.5 µL with no dead volume
• Fast switching time: average 160 ms
• Bidirectional rotation — choose sense of rotation for your workflow
• High chemical compatibility — wetted materials: PCTFE and PTFE
• Easy setup — standard ¼-28 UNF fluidic fittings, plug-and-play Elveflow Smart Interface software
• Workflow automation — program step-by-step sequences, log and export data (CSV)

Technical Specifications

• Valve type: 12 positions / 13 ports rotary valve
• Fluidic connectors: Standard 1/4-28 UNF, flat-bottom
• Internal volume: 3.5 µL | Dead volume: None | Internal diameter: 0.5 mm
• Max supported pressure: 7 bar
• Wetted materials: PCTFE and PTFE
• Switching time (average): 160 ms | Maximum valve update rate: 2 Hz
• Software: Elveflow Smart Interface (Windows 10/11, 32 & 64 bit); SDK for Matlab, Python, LabView, C++
• Power: 24 V, 36 W max; Interface: USB Type B
• Dimensions: 157 × 126.5 × 134 mm
• Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C | Humidity: 20–70% non-condensing

Applications

The MUX Distribution Valve is well-suited for any experiment requiring successive injection of fluids: organic synthesis, flow chemistry, drug screening, biochemical and electrochemical sensor calibration, bench testing, toxicity testing, Seq-FISH experiments, and cell perfusion workflows.

FAQ

What is the MUX Distribution Valve used for?

The MUX Distribution Valve is a 12/1 rotary selector valve used for sequential injection of up to 12 different solutions into one microfluidic line, or directing one feed into up to 12 outputs. It is commonly used in drug screening, flow chemistry, cell perfusion, SeqFISH, and calibration experiments.

Does the MUX Distrib require an OB1 controller?

It works best when combined with the OB1 MK4 pressure controller for fully automated flow switching, but can also be controlled via USB as a standalone device using the Elveflow Smart Interface or SDK.

What are the wetted materials?

The wetted materials are PCTFE and PTFE, providing excellent chemical compatibility with most solvents and biological solutions.

What is the internal volume of the valve?

The internal volume is 3.5 µL with no dead volume, minimizing sample carryover between switching events.

Can I program automated sequences?

Yes. The Elveflow Smart Interface (ESI) includes a built-in sequence manager to generate and execute step-by-step fluid injection sequences, and allows logging and export of configurations as CSV files.

What SDK languages are supported?

SDK libraries are available for Matlab, Python, LabView, and C++. Serial/UART communication protocol is also available on request.