Overview

The OctaFlow II ™ from ALA is our most advanced drug application device for electrophysiology and imaging research. This fast perfusion system is designed to meet the needs of basic science and drug discovery researchers. Software control of all perfusion parameters makes the OctaFlow II ™ superior to all other perfusion systems.

Key features of the OctaFlow II ™ include:

- Choice of low-maintenance pinch valves or fast-response isolation valves

- Valve-control of solution flow instead of motorized manipulation of barreled pipettes, minimizing sample losses following solution exchange

- Keyboard solution selection, for exchange “on the fly”

- Trigger in /out for synchronization with data acquisition systems

- Preprogrammed solution delivery through software

- Rapid flush mode for easy cleaning

- Programmable pressurization of fluids for optimal solution flow

- Programmable analog outputs for valve identification, step number, or pressure information to data acquisition

Each OctaFlow II ™ system allows for a choice of 8, 16, 24 or 32 reservoirs, which can be configured in different modes, depending on the experiment(s). Constant perfusion can be achieved through the combination of compound application and wash solution for minimization of solution convergence in manifold. Periodic application of compounds can be achieved through specific focal application. U-tube and J-tube configurations are also possible with the Octaflow II™.

The OctaFlow II ™ software runs on Windows 7 (64-bit) or Windows 10 and communicates with the PC via USB 2.0. Sequence steps are loaded at USB 2.0 speeds for fast editing and executing of sequence files. The graphical interface is designed to control all perfusion parameters from a single window. It also allows you to create configuration files and sequence files and to save them for future use. The Cleaning Manager function in the software allows for fast cleaning of reservoirs, valves and tubing.

Last Updated on May 8, 2025

Details

Each OctaFlow II ™system includes the following:

- Magnetic stand with one pole
- Valve manifold(s) with isolation or pinch valves and 5mL pressurized syringe reservoirs
- Flush valve(s)
- Quartz MicroManifold® perfusion outlet manifold(s) in various configurations (see below)
- 230um ID and 600um OD Teflon tubing (FEP-1) and compression fittings (CF-1) for 1/16″ ID tubing (other sizes available – see below)
- USB cable and software

Each OctaFlow II ™ system features a choice of valves:

- Pinch valves : The 3-way normally open and normally closed pinch valves require minimal maintenance in long-term perfusion experiments and have response times of 15-20 ms.

- Isolation valves : The 2-way normally closed isolation valves are optimized for high-speed solution exchange. These valves are completely isolated when closed and have response times of 3-4 ms.

Additional options include:

- CF-2: Compression fitting for PE-20/FEP-2 tubing to 1/16″ ID tubing
- FEP-2: Clear Teflon tubing with 380um ID and 760um OD
- QMM-8: Quartz MicroManifold® 8 to 1 channel perfusion outlet manifold with 100um or 200um ID polyimide-coated quartz tubing and tip (other sizes available)
- QMM-16: Quartz MicroManifold® 16 to 1 channel perfusion outlet manifold with 100um or 200um ID polyimide-coated quartz tubing and tip (other sizes available)
- QMM-24: Quartz MicroManifold® 24 to 1 channel perfusion outlet manifold with 100um or 200um ID polyimide-coated quartz tubing and tip (other sizes available)

All of the Quartz MicroManifold® perfusion outlet manifolds are also available with an additional channel with 200um ID tube for flushing dead space and/or with Teflon tubing installed.

Last Updated on May 8, 2025

Specifications

Maximum number of perfusion valves: 32
Suction developed via internal Venturi pump: 199 mmHg nominal
Maximum number of valves per bank: 8 valves/bank, up to 4 banks
Typical speed of pressure rise: 520mmHg/sec
Maximum current output per valve: 100mA/ 350mA isolated/pinch valve
Pressures selectable in mm/Hg in increments of 1 or other units selectable
Maximum voltage/valve: 18V
Sample flow rate: 1ml in 9 min. @ 520 mmHg with standard QMM
Maximum on time per valve: no limit
Minimum on time per valve: 7ms @ 12V & 1ms @ 18V
Standard QMM = QMM-8/1wt: 8 tubes with 100μm ID, 1 tube with 200μm ID, 100μm ID tip
Maximum input pressure: 3970mmHg – other units selectable
Tip sizes available: 100, 150, 200 μm ID
Maximum pressure applied: ~800mmHg
Maximum number of sequence steps: 300
Power requirements: 120/220V
Maximum number of sequence events with looping: 30020
OctaFlow interface: 19″x3.5″x10″, 10 lbs/4.5kg
Infinite Step Function in Repeat Mode
Programmable Voltage Range: 1-22volts/valve
USB 2.0: Support Software is compatible with Windows 7 (64 bit) and Windows 10

	Pinch Valve	Isolation valve
3 way	NO/NC port	NC port
Response time	15 to 20ms	2 to 5ms
Wetted area	silicone tubing	PTFE
Voltage	12V	12V
Power	4.2W	1W

Last Updated on May 8, 2025

Accessories/Replacement Parts

Accessories:

Microscope Stage Plate and Tool Holders: microscope stage insert and perfusion tool holders
VWK: Vacuum Waste Kit
LL-2: LeveLockTM Fluid Level Controller
SFK: miscellaneous tube and luer fittings
ALA Quartz MicroManifold® (QMM-8/16/24/WT): perfusion outlet manifolds with 100um or 200um ID (please specify) tubing and tip (other sizes available – please call or email to inquire)
ALA Quartz MicroManifold® (QMM-8/16/24/1WT): perfusion outlet manifold with 100um or 200um ID (please specify) tubing and tip (other sizes available – please call or email to inquire) and additional channel with 200um ID tube for flushing dead space
ALA FEP-1: 4m clear Teflon tubing with 230um ID and 600um OD (for 100um ID QMM’s)
ALA FEP-2: 4m clear Teflon tubing with 380um ID and 760um OD (for 200um ID QMM’s)
ALA CF-1: Compression fitting for PE-10/FEP-1 tubing to 1/16″ ID tubing
ALA CF-2: Compression fitting for PE-20/FEP-2 tubing to 1/16″ ID tubing