Role of Coriolis flow measurement technology in validation of model of syringe driver performance

Abstract

The development of a flow/pressure measurement system in association with Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V. incorporating a Coriolis flow transducer, provided an opportunity to observe the flow/pressure dynamics of syringe drivers. A model of flow/pressure performance of syringe drivers was established where key variable factors included the compliance of the connected system and the associated line resistance. It was identified that the flow/pressure dynamics observed with the flow measurement system incorporating the Coriolis transducer matched that of the model. In this consideration the dominant compliance contribution related to that of the syringe. The model operates by considering the notional volume change in the residual fluid volume in the syringe with inflow from stepper motor action and outflow in the interval between sequential pulses. While many of the observations in the literature of syringe driver function are qualitative, the model allows a more precise prediction of associated device performance.