RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN INCREMENTAL MICROFLOWMETER FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUIDS.

This report summarizes work done in the development and evaluation of a recording incremental microflowmeter which will be applicable in studies of renal physiology, salivary gland physiology and rheologic study of lymph. The laboratory model has a stroke volume of 10 microliters and a maximum pumping rate of about 5700 microliters per minute with a demonstrated accuracy of 98 percent. Accumulated data are displayed on paper tape; both time and volume are recorded. Printout of accumulated volume occurs at 6-second intervals, and clearing occurs each minute. Elapsed time is recorded cumulatively on a minute basis. Pumping occurs when liquid level in the reservoir exceeds a critical level. Pumping rate is electronically controlled. The system requires about 175 watts of electrical power at 120 volts and 60 hertz. The laboratory model incremental microflowmeter was mounted in a 11 x 13 x 22-inch cabinet and weighs about 35 pounds. (Author)