Interconnected modular microfluidic devices (MDs) configured in series and parallel have significantly advanced applications like multi-step chemical reactions with enhanced efficiency, production quality, throughput, and automation. However, managing these interconnected MDs is challenging due to complex fluidic networks and interdependent flow dynamics. This study presents a clamped pressure control scheme to address these issues in multi-MD systems. Utilizing a parallel clamped pressure control mechanism and serially arranged intermediate delivery reservoirs (IDRs), this approach isolates flow dynamics, simplifies control, offers considerable flow rate flexibility, and enables independent operation of each MD. A key benefit is its ability to contain disturbances—such as flow fluctuations, blockages, and leakages—within affected MDs, thus safeguarding unaffected ones and preserving product quality. We demonstrate the capability for online repair of malfunctioning MDs without system interruption. This flow control scheme offers a promising method to enhance the robustness of complex multi-MD systems, facilitating the numbering-up of multi-step microfluidic processes to ensure both quality and quantity in production.

中文翻译：

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通过夹紧压力调节对编号微流体系统进行独立单元操作


串联和并联配置的互连模块化微流体设备 （MD） 具有显著先进的应用，例如多步化学反应，具有更高的效率、生产质量、吞吐量和自动化。然而，由于复杂的流体网络和相互依赖的流动动力学，管理这些相互关联的 MD 具有挑战性。本研究提出了一种夹紧压力控制方案来解决多 MD 系统中的这些问题。这种方法利用并联夹紧压力控制机制和串联排列的中间输送储液罐 （IDR），隔离了流动动力学，简化了控制，提供了相当大的流速灵活性，并支持每个 MD 的独立运行。一个关键优点是它能够控制受影响 MD 内的干扰，例如流量波动、堵塞和泄漏，从而保护未受影响的 MD 并保持产品质量。我们演示了在不中断系统的情况下在线修复故障 MD 的能力。这种流量控制方案提供了一种很有前途的方法来提高复杂多 MD 系统的稳健性，促进多步骤微流体过程的编号，以确保生产的质量和数量。