Dead Volume / Tubing Calculator
Calculate the internal volume of tubing and connections in your microfluidic setup. Essential for minimising reagent waste, optimising washing protocols, and understanding experiment timing.
Parameters
Current: 254.0 µm
Current: 50.0 cm
Result
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Inner diameter | 254.0 µm |
| Tubing length | 50.0 cm |
| Dead volume | 0.03 µL |
| Flow rate | 10.0 µL/min |
| Time to fill | 0.2 s |
About Dead Volume in Microfluidics
Dead volume is the internal volume of tubing, connectors, and channels that is not actively part of your reaction. In microfluidic systems, dead volume critically impacts reagent consumption, experiment timing, and the ability to perform multi-step protocols efficiently.
Why Dead Volume Matters
Even small amounts of dead volume can waste precious reagents (especially expensive enzymes, antibodies, or biologics) during washing and priming steps. Additionally, dead volume creates a delay between when you switch solutions and when the new solution actually reaches your reaction zone, potentially contaminating experiments or reducing reaction yield if not properly accounted for.
Minimising Dead Volume
Use tubing with the smallest feasible internal diameter for your application, keep connection lengths short, and choose connector geometries that minimise dead space (e.g., zero-dead-volume or low-dead-volume fittings). For precious samples, consider alternative priming strategies such as pre-wetting with a compatible solvent or sequential gradient dilution to reduce waste.
Typical Dead Volumes by Connector Type
Standard 1/16″ stainless steel fittings: ~20–50 µL. Low-dead-volume fittings: ~1–10 µL. Chip-to-tubing interfaces vary widely depending on design; custom chips may incorporate integrated low-dead-volume connections. Always consult supplier specifications and validate experimentally for your system.
Flushing and Purging
A common practice is to flush the entire dead volume 3–5 times with the new solution to ensure complete exchange. This calculator helps you determine how long each flush step will take at your chosen flow rate, allowing you to estimate total runtime for complex washing protocols.
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