High pressure hermetic compression seals for embedding elastomeric membrane microvalves in polymer microfluidic devices

The application of elastomeric membrane microvalves with polymeric microfluidic devices is currently impeded by bonding methods which limit operating pressures. A novel compression sealing approach is presented for embedding elastomeric membranes between polymeric microchannel laminae through the use of sealing bosses. Sealing bosses are used effectively to concentrate clamping forces producing compression seals with higher operating pressures. The technique is capable of integrating elastomeric membrane microvalves within a wider variety of materials. Further, compression seals allow devices to be disassembled allowing for cleaning and analysis. Finite element methods are used to investigate the effects of sealing boss size and location on valve deformation as a function of clamping pressure. Experimental results are in good agreement with the model and show that the device can be configured to withstand operating pressure beyond 689 kPa.