Patent ID: 10258986

Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed for producing a drop of a viscoelastic fluid. A separation volume of viscoelastic fluid that is to form a drop from a larger remnant volume of viscoelastic fluid is moved from through an interface and into a cross-channel. Movement subjects the viscoelastic fluid to shear that may cause a reduction in viscosity. Movement of the viscoelastic fluid is then reduced or stopped (i.e., the rate at which shear is applied is reduced), such that the viscosity of the viscoelastic fluid may increase as the viscoelastic fluid experiences relaxation. The separation volume of viscoelastic fluid is then moved down the cross-channel in a first direction by the flow of an immiscible fluid, which separates the separation volume from a remnant volume. The separation volume may then be dispensed from the cross-channel as a drop.