Analysis of the force to contain a constant-cross-section flow channel in pouch samples

Pouches with frangible seals are used for on-demand and precise mixing of two or more ingredients. The seals reliably and temporarily separate these ingredients until combining them is required for a reaction. The study evaluates the range of forces required to maintain a complete seal with sufficient pressure on a wax-printed lateral flow assay which is inserted into the pouch. For a complete seal between the layers, red dye was used to indicate fluid seepage between patterns of wax barriers on the flow strip. In the experiment described, test forces were placed on the burst pouch such that it acted directly on the dyed filter pad. With each force applied, observation of dye leaching into the surrounding liquid indicated whether the seal was intact during the flow test. Data obtained from 50 tests of the force on the filter pad was tabulated and plotted on a histogram. The experiment's result showed that the forces between 0.3N and 0.5N were the optimal for creating a complete seal between layers in the pouch sample. Forces that were lower than 0.3N resulted in dye leakage because the applied forces on the filter pad did not make a complete seal. Forces applied higher than 0.5N resulted in dye leakage only after the applied force was removed from the filter pad.