Long-Term Performance Evaluation of Microfluidic Check Valves Using a Flow Control Setup

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term performance of a silicone duckbill check valve using two different controllers, a syringe pump and a pressure controller. A unique feature of our setup is the incorporation of an identical valve as a return valve to prevent fluid depletion while sweeping between forward and backward directions, which is not typically done in standard fluidic setups. The pressure difference and flow rate across the valve during both forward and backward flow cycles was measured using each controller, and results were compared to determine which control method is more suitable for long-term testing of check valves.