New valve brings faster, more efficient critical flow control

A new solenoid valve for critical flow applications has been introduced by The Lee Company. It is said to feature a carry-over volume of just 3.7 µL and a low overall internal volume of just 11 µL. The new Xover™ solenoid valve is designed to switch quickly and efficiently between samples, reagents, cleaning solutions or calibrants, and is claimed to be well suited for applications in flow cytometry, gene sequencing, in-vitro diagnostics, urinalysis and haematology instruments.

The Xover valve features a Y-shaped elastomer tube in a 3-way configuration  which combines the flow path of a pinch valve with the versatility and maintenance-free performance of a chemically inert isolation valve. The Lee Company highlights a number of advantages offered by the new valve including the fact that is easily flushed and ensures fast, efficient fluidic performance with lower power consumption (2.1 W) and at a lower overall cost.

The valve can be connected to ¼-28 flat bottom tubing assemblies, or the ports can be configured to meet the specific requirements of an application. Further, mounting holes for easy integration and an electrical connector with secondary retention contribute toward ease-of-installation and improved system reliability. These benefits, along with their construction using durable, chemically inert wetted materials such as PEEK and FKM (treated) using the latest manufacturing techniques, combine to provide users with long service and reliable, maintenance-free operation says the manufacturer. 

The Lee Company cites a number of industries and applications where the Xover valve are likely to be especially appreciated. These include scientific instrumentation, drug discovery, analytical chemistry, medical, pharmaceutical and also OEM / engineering fluidic applications where low internal and zero-dead volume and inert materials are critical to system integrity and performance.