Water analyzer comprising a pneumatically driven multi-chamber peristaltic pump

Abstract

A water analysis device with a pneumatically actuated multi-chamber peristaltic pump includes a base plate comprising a plurality of proximally open pump chambers disposed on a proximal side of the base plate. A pump membrane disposed on the proximal side of the base plate is configured to close the pump chambers. A cover plate is disposed on the pump membrane comprising a respective pneumatic actuator channel in a region of each of the pump chambers. The pneumatic actuator channel is configured to connect to an overpressure source which actuates the pump membrane. A connection channel formed as a groove on a distal side of the base plate is disposed between two of the pump chambers. A separate groove cover is disposed on the distal side of the base plate in a region of the groove. The separate groove cover closes a distal opening side of the groove.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A water analysis device with a pneumatically actuated multi-chamber peristaltic pump, the water analysis device comprising:
 a base plate comprising a plurality of proximally open pump chambers disposed on a proximal side of the base plate;   a pump membrane configured to be liquid-tight and elastic disposed on the proximal side of the base plate, the pump membrane being configured to close the proximally open pump chambers;   a cover plate disposed on the pump membrane, the cover plate comprising a respective pneumatic actuator channel in a region of each of the proximally open pump chambers, the pneumatic actuator channel being configured so as to be connected to an overpressure source configured to actuate the pump membrane,   a connection channel disposed between two of the proximally open pump chambers, the connection channel being formed as a groove on a distal side of the base plate; and   a separate groove cover disposed on the distal side of the base plate in a region of the groove, the separate groove cover being configured to close a distal opening side of the groove.   
     
     
         10 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the base plate is an injection-molded plastic part. 
     
     
         11 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the separate groove cover is a flexible cover film. 
     
     
         12 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the flexible cover film is transparent. 
     
     
         13 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the base plate and the flexible cover film are each made of a same plastic material and have a same melting temperature. 
     
     
         14 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a respective vertical channel is provided between the connection channel and the proximally open pump chambers, the vertical channels being disposed perpendicular to the connection channel. 
     
     
         15 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the pneumatically actuated multi-chamber peristaltic pump is a microfluidic peristaltic pump wherein a pumping volume of a pump chamber is smaller than 10 μl. 
     
     
         16 . The water analysis device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the water analysis device further comprises a base module comprising all electric components and an exchangeable cartridge module comprising an entire fluidic system which comprises the pneumatically actuated multi-chamber peristaltic pump.