Micropumps Overview Learning Module

Module Description:

This module, from Support Center for Microsystems Education (SCME), provides an introduction to the "micropump, how it works and where it is used in microtechnology." The module contains information on micropumps, macropumps, the differences between mechanical and non-mechanical pumps, and the application of pumps in general in the microtechnology field. This module is divided into the following five units: Knowledge Probe (Pre-test), Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge (PK), Diaphragm Pump Activity, Capillary Action Activity, and Final Assessment.

Module Contents: 

The module includes six instructor guides and five participant guides. PDF and DOC versions are provided for all of the guides. The included guides are: Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit, Micropumps Overview Knowledge Probe, two activities, and a Final Assessment. Instructor guides include additional content such as instructor notes and questions and answers. A Learning Module Map (LM) Instructor Guide is also included. 

The LM map includes information about the module including module contents, target audience, and a map that is divided into the following three sections: Important Steps, Key Points, and Reasons. 

Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge is an instructional unit that includes the following objectives:

•  Describe how mechanical micropumps work and discuss an application.
•  Describe how non-Mechanical micropumps work and discuss an application.

The following sections are included in this unit guide: Introduction, Objectives, Terminology, What is a Pump, Bicycle Pump Example, Types of Micropumps, Mechanical Micropumps, Lab on Chip (LOC), Non-Mechanical Micropumps, and more. 

In the Mechanical Pump Activity, students gain direct experience working with diaphragm pumps. Prior to beginning this activity, students should read the Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit. Objectives for the activity include:

•  Design and construct a pump that uses check valves and a diaphragm (membrane).
•  Describe the operation and applications of at least one type of micropump.

The Capillary Action Activity "demonstrates the capillary effect, and how liquids can flow without external input energy." Objectives for the activity include:

• Simulate the operation of an inkjet printhead by demonstrating capillary action between two narrow channels.
• Explain capillary action and how it is affected by the size of the microchannel.

The Micropumps Overview Final Assessment includes 10 questions and is intended to be given to students at the completion of the module.

For orientation purposes App_Pumps_P1_LM_Map_IG.pdf is included as a separate attachment and offers a sample of the type of material included in this module. 

Below is a list of the files included in the .zip attachment. The size of each file is included in parenthesis. 

Micropumps Overview Learning Module (29 files, 4.7 MB)

• Instructor Guides
  • Docs 
    • Mechanical Pump Activity Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_AC10_IG_Mar2017.docx 117 KB)
    • Capillary Action Activity Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_AC11_IG_Mar2017.docx 240 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Final Assessment Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_FA_IG_Mar2017.docx 135 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Knowledge Probe Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_KP_IG_Mar2017.docx 149 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Learning Module Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_P1_LM_Map_IG_Mar2017.docx 26 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_PK10_IG_Mar2017.docx 463 KB)
  • PDFs 
    • Mechanical Pump Activity Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_AC10_IG.pdf 195 KB)
    • Capillary Action Activity Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_AC11_IG.pdf 329 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Final Assessment Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_FA_IG.pdf 105 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Knowledge Probe Instructor Guide  (App_Pumps_KP_IG.pdf 114KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Learning Module Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_P1_LM_Map_IG.pdf 114 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit Instructor Guide (App_Pumps_PK10_IG.pdf 556 KB)
• Participant Guides 
  • Docs 
    • Mechanical Pump Activity Participant Guide (App_Pumps_AC10_PG_Mar2017.docx 67 KB)
    • Capillary Action Activity Participant Guide (App_Pumps_AC11_PG_Mar2017.docx 73 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Final Assessment Participant Guide (App_Pumps_FA_PG_Mar2017.docx 140 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Learning Module (App_Pumps_P1_KP_PG_Mar2017.docx 131 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit Participant Guide (App_Pumps_PK10_PG_Mar2017.docx 462 KB)
  • PDFs 
    • Mechanical Pump Activity Participant Guide (App_Pumps_AC10_PG.pdf 132 KB)
    • Capillary Action Activity Participant Guide (App_Pumps_AC11_PG.pdf 151 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Final Assessment Participant Guide (App_Pumps_FA_PG.pdf 98 KB)
    • Micropumps Overview Learning Module (App_Pumps_P1_KP_PG.pdf 128)
    • Micropumps Overview Primary Knowledge Unit Participant Guide (App_Pumps_PK10_PG.pdf 552 KB)