Absorption assembly with CO2 absorber and water collector and method for filtering CO2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorption assembly (100) comprising a CO2 absorber (4) and a water collector (2), and a method for filtering carbon dioxide from a gas mixture by absorption when using such an absorption assembly (100). The gas mixture flows from a source to a sink through the absorption assembly (100) along the following path: through a supply fluid guiding unit (3), a lower deflection fluid guiding unit (9), the CO2 absorber (4), an upper deflection fluid guiding unit (6), a connecting fluid guiding unit (33), the water collector (2), and a discharge fluid guiding unit (34). The gas mixture passes vertically or obliquely upward through the CO2 absorber (4) and flows vertically or obliquely downward through the connecting fluid guiding unit (33) to the water collector (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an absorption assembly comprising a CO2 absorber and a water collector and to a method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas mixture by absorption using such an absorption assembly. Background Art

[0002] The task of filtering carbon dioxide from a gas mixture arises, for example, when artificially respiring a patient. A gas mixture containing oxygen and, optionally, an anesthetic agent is supplied to the patient. The gas mixture exhaled by the patient, known to contain carbon dioxide, flows back into the ventilator. Before the gas mixture is fed back to the patient, the carbon dioxide must be filtered out of it.

[0003] US 4,502,876 shows an absorption assembly that can be connected to a ventilator (rebreathing device). The gas mixture flows downward through the tube 32 into the perforated sleeve 20 and flows outward from the sleeve 20 into the filter 13 with the material 24 that absorbs CO2. The gas mixture leaves through the opening in the side surface of the filter 13 and reaches the tubular gap between the filter 13 and the metal tube 14. The gas mixture flows downward in this gap and reaches the inner bag (flexible container 15), and from there further downward to the outer bag (flexible container 16). The gas mixture flows upward from the outer bag 16 to the space above the filter 13 and further upward through the tube 31. The tube 31 surrounds the tube 32. Condensed liquid settles at the tube 14 and drips downward into the outer bag 16. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an absorption module and a method which are able to absorb carbon dioxide from a through-flowing gas mixture and which have a better effect than the known absorption modules and methods.

[0005] This object is achieved by the absorption assembly according to the invention and by the method according to the invention. Wherever appropriate, advantageous embodiments of the absorption assembly according to the invention are also advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0006] The absorption assembly according to the present invention comprises a supply fluid guiding unit and an exhaust fluid guiding unit. The supply fluid guiding unit is connected to a source of a gas mixture, or can be connected at least temporarily to such a source. The exhaust fluid guiding unit is connected to a sink for the gas mixture, or can be connected at least temporarily to such a sink. In one embodiment, the supply fluid guiding unit can be connected to a source-side coupling unit, wherein the source-side coupling unit is connected to the source fluid. The exhaust fluid guiding unit can be connected to a sink-side coupling unit, wherein the sink-side coupling unit is connected to the sink fluid.

[0007] A "fluid guiding unit" is understood to be a component capable of guiding a fluid, in particular a gas or liquid, along a predetermined path (trajectory). The component completely or at least largely prevents the fluid from leaving this path. The fluid guiding unit comprises two openings through which the fluid can flow into and / or out of the fluid guiding unit. The fluid guiding unit can be designed, in particular, as a rigid tube or a flexible hose, or can comprise a tube and / or hose, including a dual-lumen hose.

[0008] The absorption assembly according to the present invention also includes a CO2 absorber and a water collector. The CO2 absorber is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and thereby removing it from the gas mixture flowing through the CO2 absorber. In other words, the CO2 content in the gas mixture flowing through the CO2 absorber is less after exiting the CO2 absorber than upon entering the CO2 absorber. Ideally, the exiting gas mixture no longer contains any CO2. The water collector is capable of receiving moisture, in particular water. The water collector comprises a corresponding container.

[0009] Furthermore, the absorption assembly according to the present invention comprises a connecting fluid guiding unit, which connects the CO 2 absorber to the water collector.

[0010] Furthermore, the absorption assembly according to the present invention comprises a lower deflection fluid guiding unit and an upper deflection fluid guiding unit. Each deflection fluid guiding unit is capable of redirecting the gas mixture flowing through the deflection fluid guiding unit, preferably by an angle of at least 90 degrees, particularly preferably by an angle of at least 150 degrees. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the orientation during productive use of the absorption assembly. During use, the upper deflection fluid guiding unit is positioned vertically or obliquely above the lower deflection fluid guiding unit.

[0011] The absorption assembly according to the invention is designed such that the gas mixture flowing from the source to the sink is forced through the absorption assembly on the following path:

[0012] - first by supplying the fluid guiding unit,

[0013] - then through the lower turning fluid guiding unit,

[0014] - then vertically or obliquely upwards through the CO2 absorber,

[0015] - then through the upper turning fluid guiding unit,

[0016] - then vertically or obliquely downwards through the connecting fluid guiding unit,

[0017] - then passes through the water collector, and

[0018] - The unit is then directed through the discharge fluid.

[0019] It is of course possible that, due to unavoidable gaps and other leaks, relatively small amounts of the gas mixture leave this path.

[0020] The terms "vertically or obliquely downward" and "vertically or obliquely upward" denote a flow direction that deviates from the vertical by a maximum of 60 degrees, preferably by a maximum of 45 degrees, and particularly preferably by a maximum of 30 degrees. Such a flow direction is achieved during the productive use of the absorbent assembly according to the invention. In addition to such use, the absorbent assembly can be positioned differently, and thus the fluid guiding unit can be oriented differently in space.

[0021] The absorption assembly according to the invention comprises a CO2 absorber and a water collector. In many cases, the invention eliminates the need for two distinct and spatially separate components (i.e., a CO2 absorber and a separate water collector). In many cases, these two separate components would require more space and / or more and / or longer fluid guiding units. Furthermore, in many cases, it would be necessary to monitor both components at two different locations and, if necessary, replace them. Thanks to the invention, in many cases, a single component can be replaced and thus updated.

[0022] According to the present invention, the gas mixture is first diverted by the lower diverting fluid guiding unit and then by the upper diverting fluid guiding unit on its path from the source to the sink. On the path from the lower diverting fluid guiding unit to the upper diverting fluid guiding unit, the gas mixture flows through the CO2 absorber. In many cases, the construction of the absorption assembly causes the gas mixture to flow through the entire CO2 absorber and cannot leave the CO2 absorber at the location between the lower diverting fluid guiding unit and the upper diverting fluid guiding unit. This ensures that the absorption material in the CO2 absorber is fully utilized before the CO2 absorber has to be replaced. Even when one area inside the CO2 absorber is completely saturated and can no longer absorb additional carbon dioxide, another area can still receive carbon dioxide unless the CO2 absorber is completely exhausted and has to be replaced. Therefore, in many cases, this design can extend the service life of the CO2 absorber compared to other possible design solutions. The CO2 absorber rarely needs to be replaced.

[0023] The absorption assembly according to the present invention allows the gas mixture to flow vertically or obliquely upward through the CO2 absorber. In internal experiments, the inventors discovered that, due to the different spatial positioning of the CO2 absorber, this design leads to a higher absorption efficiency than other possible flow directions through the CO2 absorber. More precisely, a larger portion of the CO2, ideally all of it, is removed from the flowing gas mixture. With different flow directions or positioning, a smaller portion is typically removed.

[0024] This effect is further enhanced by a preferred design in which the lower deflecting fluid guiding unit is located vertically or obliquely below the CO2 absorber during productive use, and the CO2 absorber is located below the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit. This effect is further enhanced by a preferred embodiment of the CO2 absorber. According to this embodiment, the CO2 absorber comprises an absorbent material, preferably a loose absorbent material, which preferably comprises activated carbon, and a dedicated housing surrounding the absorbent material.

[0025] According to the present invention, the gas mixture flows vertically or obliquely downward from the CO2 absorber into the water collector. As a result, any liquid droplets contained in the gas mixture also flow downward and remain in the water collector. In many cases, the present invention results in no more liquid droplets in the gas mixture downstream of the water collector.

[0026] The gas mixture preferably flows downward vertically or obliquely through the supply fluid guiding unit, or at least vertically or obliquely through a section of the supply fluid guiding unit. This design increases the reliability that the gas mixture actually flows to the lower deflecting fluid guiding unit and that no undesirable backflow or reverse flow occurs in the opposite direction. In many cases, the gas mixture is heavier than ambient air, for example when it also contains an anesthetic agent.

[0027] In many cases, an exothermic chemical reaction occurs in the CO2 absorber while the gas mixture flows through it. Through this chemical reaction, the CO2 absorber binds the carbon dioxide in the gas mixture. Heat is released during this chemical reaction, which generally heats the gas mixture as it flows through the CO2 absorber.

[0028] In order to cool the gas mixture again, various designs are possible. Some preferred designs for achieving this effect are described below.

[0029] The gas mixture flows from the CO2 absorber through the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit and the connecting fluid guiding unit to the water collector. This is particularly true if the chemical reactions in the CO2 absorber release heat, and the gas mixture downstream of the CO2 absorber is typically hotter than the ambient air. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the connecting fluid guiding unit) is directly adjacent to the surroundings of the absorption assembly. Alternatively, the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit) may be directly adjacent to the surroundings.

[0030] The feature of the fluid guiding unit directly adjoining the surroundings means that only the wall of the fluid guiding unit separates the gas mixture flowing through from the surroundings, rather than a separate wall spaced apart from the wall of the fluid guiding unit. A suitable design of the wall ensures that, while the wall separates the gas mixture flowing through from the surroundings in a fluid-tight manner, it nevertheless establishes a large-area, and therefore good, thermal contact between the gas mixture flowing through and the surroundings. If the gas mixture is hotter than the surroundings, the gas mixture releases heat to the surroundings through the wall, thereby cooling it.

[0031] According to the present invention, the gas mixture flows through a supply fluid guiding unit and subsequently through a CO2 absorber. In one embodiment, the CO2 absorber surrounds the supply fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the supply fluid guiding unit) in the manner of a sheath. In one embodiment, the wall of the supply fluid guiding unit simultaneously forms the inner wall of a chamber that accommodates the absorption material, wherein the chamber is part of the CO2 absorber.

[0032] The fact that the CO2 absorber surrounds the supply fluid guiding unit often results in a large-area, and therefore good, thermal contact between the CO2 absorber and the supply fluid guiding unit. This allows the CO2 absorber to release heat to the gas mixture in the supply fluid guiding unit. Before entering the CO2 absorber, the gas mixture flows through the supply fluid guiding unit and subsequently through the lower deflecting fluid guiding unit. This allows the lower deflecting fluid guiding unit to release heat to the surrounding environment.

[0033] According to the present invention, the gas mixture flows from the CO2 absorber via the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit and the connecting fluid guiding unit to the water collector. In one embodiment, the connecting fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the connecting fluid guiding unit) surrounds the CO2 absorber in the manner of a sheath. In one embodiment, the walls of the connecting fluid guiding unit also form the outer walls of the chamber that contains the absorption material, wherein the chamber is part of the CO2 absorber.

[0034] The fact that the connecting fluid guiding unit surrounds the CO2 absorber often results in a large-area, and therefore good, thermal contact between the CO2 absorber and the connecting fluid guiding unit. This allows the CO2 absorber to dissipate heat to the connecting fluid guiding unit. This design is preferably combined with a design in which the connecting fluid guiding unit directly adjoins the surroundings. This allows the connecting fluid guiding unit to absorb heat from the CO2 absorber and dissipate it to the surroundings.

[0035] Due to the absorption module according to the invention, the gas mixture has a lower proportion of carbon dioxide when it leaves the absorption module than when it enters it, and ideally no longer contains carbon dioxide. However, due to the thermal contact with the surroundings and the water collector, in many cases the temperature and moisture content when leaving the absorption module are not significantly higher or may even be equal to or lower than the temperature and moisture content when entering.

[0036] In many cases, the moisture content of the gas mixture increases during the flow of the gas mixture through the CO2 absorber, in particular because water is released during the exothermic chemical reaction in the CO2 absorber and / or because the reaction leads to a temperature increase. The gas mixture preferably flows vertically or obliquely upwards through the exhaust fluid guiding unit, or at least vertically or obliquely upwards through a section of the exhaust fluid guiding unit. This design further increases the reliability that the gas mixture downstream of the water collector no longer has droplets. In many cases, gravity causes the droplets to not leave the water collector or to flow back into the water collector.

[0037] If the gas mixture is heated in the CO 2 absorber and cooled again in the subsequent fluid conducting unit, at least one of the following features is particularly advantageous:

[0038] - the gas mixture flows vertically or obliquely downwards through the connecting fluid guiding unit, and

[0039] The gas mixture flows vertically or obliquely upwards through the exhaust fluid guiding unit.

[0040] In many cases, at least a portion of the liquid in the gas mixture condenses on the walls of the flow guiding unit. The liquid then flows vertically or obliquely downwards into the sump and is collected there. This prevents the liquid from leaving the absorption assembly.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the absorption assembly further includes an intermediate piece. This intermediate piece is connected to both the source and the sink, or can be connected at least temporarily to both. The CO2 absorber and the water collector are arranged outside the intermediate piece and mechanically connected to it. The intermediate piece is preferably designed as a rigid component with at least one fluid-guiding unit located within it.

[0042] In one embodiment of the design with an intermediate piece, the mechanical connection between the intermediate piece and the CO2 absorber and / or the mechanical connection between the intermediate piece and the water collector can be released again. This embodiment facilitates the replacement of the CO2 absorber or the water collector.

[0043] The design with the intermediate piece avoids the need to connect the CO2 absorber or water collector or loose fluid-conducting unit directly to the source or sink. The intermediate piece can be designed as an adapter, so that multiple similar CO2 absorbers and / or multiple similar water collectors can be connected to mechanically differently designed sources and / or sinks.

[0044] In one embodiment, the absorption assembly includes a middle piece and an additional middle piece. The CO2 absorber and the water collector can be selectively mechanically connected to the middle piece or the additional middle piece. The two middle pieces can have different coupling units for connecting to the source and / or sink. The two middle pieces thus function as different adapters.

[0045] The design comprising an intermediate element and optionally further intermediate elements often allows continued use of an existing CO2 absorber (more precisely, an existing type of CO2 absorber) and / or an existing water collector (more precisely, a type of water collector). The CO2 absorber and / or water collector can be connected to the intermediate element. Existing connections to the source or sink do not need to be modified. This design facilitates integration of the absorption assembly according to the present invention into existing systems.

[0046] According to the design with an intermediate piece, the water collector is mechanically connected to the intermediate piece. In one embodiment, the connecting fluid guiding unit is completely located inside the intermediate piece. In another embodiment, the connecting fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the connecting fluid guiding unit) is located outside the intermediate piece and is mechanically connected or connectable to the intermediate piece, in one embodiment releasably connectable. The water collector is in turn mechanically connected to the connecting fluid guiding unit. It is possible that a section of the connecting fluid guiding unit is located in the intermediate piece and another section is located outside the intermediate piece.

[0047] In many cases, a design in which the connecting fluid conducting unit or at least a section is located outside the intermediate piece means that the connecting fluid conducting unit is surrounded by the surroundings of the absorption component and can thus dissipate heat to the surroundings. In addition, this design often makes it easier to empty the water collector and / or replace it with a new one.

[0048] In one embodiment, the connecting fluid guiding unit is located outside the intermediate element and is designed to be flexible. In another embodiment, the draining fluid guiding unit is also located outside the intermediate element and is designed to be flexible. Both embodiments reduce the risk of damage to either the water collector or the fluid guiding unit if the absorption assembly collides with another object.

[0049] In one implementation of the first embodiment, the middleware includes an external adapter and an internal adapter. The external adapter can be connected to the source and the sink. The internal adapter is connected to the CO2 absorber. The water collector is connected to the external adapter or the internal adapter.

[0050] According to the present invention, the gas mixture flows through the CO2 absorber, then through the upper steering fluid guiding unit, and then through the connecting fluid guiding unit. In a first embodiment of the design with an intermediate piece, the upper steering fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the upper steering fluid guiding unit) is located within the intermediate piece. In this first embodiment, the intermediate piece protects the steering fluid guiding unit from mechanical damage to a certain extent. In a second embodiment, the upper steering fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the upper steering fluid guiding unit) is located outside the intermediate piece and is mechanically connected to the intermediate piece. In many cases, the second embodiment allows the upper steering fluid guiding unit to release heat to the surrounding environment.

[0051] In one design, the absorption assembly comprises an outer shell. This shell surrounds at least the CO2 absorber, the water collector and all fluid guiding units provided according to the invention. The outer shell preferably surrounds the entire absorption assembly. Preferably, the outer shell is a rigid shell that is impermeable to fluids. The outer shell is preferably able to establish a large-area and thus good thermal contact with the surrounding environment, so that the heat generated when the exothermic chemical reaction is carried out can be discharged. In many cases, the design with an outer shell leads to a particularly compact absorption assembly. In addition, the outer shell protects the remaining components from mechanical damage to a certain extent. In many cases, it is relatively simple to grasp and replace the absorption assembly.

[0052] In one embodiment of a design with an external housing, the connecting fluid guiding unit (or at least a section of the connecting fluid guiding unit) is located between the external housing and a CO2 absorber, for example, a CO2 absorber in the form of a sheath. It is possible that the external housing also provides the outer wall of the connecting fluid guiding unit. It is also possible that the walls of the connecting fluid guiding unit also provide the outer wall of the CO2 absorber. The embodiment just described (i.e., the connecting fluid guiding unit being located between the external housing and the CO2 absorber) often results in the connecting fluid guiding unit being able to dissipate a significant amount of heat to the surrounding environment.

[0053] In one embodiment, the outer housing comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part. These two housing parts are mechanically connected to one another, that is, firmly connected in one embodiment and releasably connected in another embodiment. The upper housing part encloses at least the CO2 absorber, the two deflecting fluid guide units, and the connecting fluid guide unit. The lower housing part forms the bottom of the water collector. The designations "upper" and "lower" refer to the orientation of the absorption assembly during productive use.

[0054] If the lower housing part is releasably connected to the upper housing part, for example, by means of a snap-on connection, a latch connection, or a screw connection, the water collector can be very easily separated from the upper housing part, emptied, and reconnected. During use, the bottom of the water collector is located below the upper housing part and, therefore, below the CO2 absorber and the fluid guiding unit. This causes the liquid to flow downwards into the water collector.

[0055] The present invention can be used to absorb carbon dioxide from a gas mixture in the following application: the gas mixture flows from a patient-side coupling unit via a fluid guiding unit to a medical device, in particular a ventilator. The patient-side coupling unit is positioned in or on the patient's body, or can be positioned there. The patient-side coupling unit acts as a source, and the medical device acts as a sink. Thus, the fluid guiding unit guides the exhaled air from the patient-side coupling unit to the medical device. As is known, exhaled air contains a higher proportion of carbon dioxide than ambient air. After the exhaled gas mixture flows through the absorption component and the absorption component according to the present invention filters the carbon dioxide from the exhaled air, the ventilator receives the exhaled air. The ventilator can then transport this air back to the patient-side coupling unit.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a breathing system for performing artificial respiration on a patient. The breathing system comprises:

[0057] -Ventilator,

[0058] - Patient side connection unit,

[0059] - suction fluid connection means,

[0060] - an expiratory fluid connection device, and

[0061] - An absorbent assembly according to the invention.

[0062] The patient-side coupling unit is positioned within or on the patient's body, or can be positioned there. The ventilator is connected to the patient-side coupling unit via two fluid connections. The two fluid connections are pneumatically isolated from each other such that fluid cannot flow directly from one fluid connection to the other.

[0063] The ventilator can deliver the gas mixture to the patient-side coupling unit via the inspiratory fluid connection.

[0064] When the breathing system is in use, a gas mixture can flow from the patient-side coupling unit through the exhalation fluid connection to the ventilator. The patient-side coupling unit acts as a source of the gas mixture, in this case, a source of exhaled air. The ventilator acts as a sink for the gas mixture.

[0065] During the flow of the gas mixture (exhaled air) from the patient-side coupling unit (source) to the ventilator (sink), the gas mixture flows through the absorption assembly according to the present invention and filters carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The present invention is described below based on embodiments, wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates the use of an absorption assembly according to the present invention in a breathing circuit;

[0068] Figure 2 A CO2 absorber without a water collector is shown in cross section and viewed from above;

[0069] Figure 3 A coupling-side intermediate member of a first embodiment is shown;

[0070] Figure 4 The first embodiment is shown in two side views from two different viewing directions;

[0071] Figure 5 A first embodiment is shown in side view and in cross-section from the same viewing direction;

[0072] Figure 6 A second embodiment is schematically shown in cross-section;

[0073] Figure 7 The second embodiment is shown in a perspective cross-section and in a perspective view from the outside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] In this embodiment, the present invention is used in a breathing circuit. In this breathing circuit, a gas mixture circulates between a ventilator and the lungs L of a patient P. The ventilator maintains the flow of the gas mixture in the breathing circuit. An inhaled gas mixture comprising oxygen and an anesthetic agent flows from the ventilator through an inhaled fluid connection to the patient and is inhaled by the patient. An exhaled gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) is exhaled by the patient and flows back to the ventilator through the exhaled fluid connection. Because a largely fluid-tight breathing circuit is established, no anesthetic agent escapes into the environment.

[0075] In order to be able to supply the exhaled gas mixture back to the patient P for inhalation, the exhaled carbon dioxide must be extracted from the exhaled gas mixture. To this end, the exhaled gas mixture is passed through a CO2 absorber. The absorbent material in the CO2 absorber (preferably breath lime) binds carbon dioxide itself and thus extracts carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas mixture passed through the CO2 absorber.

[0076] The chemical reaction in the CO2 absorber is exothermic, meaning the exhaled gas mixture heats up. Furthermore, the moisture content in the exhaled gas mixture increases. Consequently, the moisture in the exhaled gas mixture condenses and collects in a water container, known as a water collector. The present invention relates to an absorption assembly comprising a CO2 absorber and a water collector.

[0077] Figure 1 Some components of the breathing circuit are shown schematically. They include:

[0078] - an absorption assembly 100 according to the invention, comprising a CO2 absorber 1 and a water collector 2,

[0079] a patient-side coupling unit 14 , which is positioned in or at the body of the patient P, such as a breathing mask or a tube or catheter,

[0080] - a blower 10 of the ventilator (not shown), which maintains the air flow in the breathing circuit,

[0081] an inhalation line 30 leading from the blower 10 to the patient-side coupling unit 14,

[0082] an anesthetic agent dispenser 50 , which generates an anesthetic gas mixture including an anesthetic agent,

[0083] an anesthetic agent supply line 51 which leads from the anesthetic agent metering device 50 to the inhalation line 30 and feeds an anesthetic gas mixture with anesthetic agent into the inhalation line 30 ,

[0084] an expiratory circuit having a first section 31 leading from the patient-side coupling unit 14 to the absorption assembly 100 and a second section 32 leading from the absorption assembly 100 to the blower 10 , and

[0085] A line-side coupling unit 35 at the two sections 31 and 32 , by means of which the absorption assembly 100 can be detachably connected to the two sections 31 and 32 of the exhalation line.

[0086] It is also possible that other fluid delivery units maintain the gas flow in the breathing circuit, for example a piston-cylinder unit or a manual breathing bag.

[0087] The absorbent assembly 100 comprises:

[0088] -CO2 absorber 1,

[0089] - Water collector 2,

[0090] - an intermediate connecting line 33 which leads from the CO2 absorber 1 to the water collector 2, and

[0091] A discharge connecting line 34 , which leads from the water collector 2 to the second section 32 .

[0092] The exhaled gas mixture flows from the first section 31 to the absorption module 100 and there through the CO 2 absorber 1 , the intermediate connecting line 33 , the water collector 2 and the discharge connecting line 34 and then flows into the second section 32 .

[0093] The CO2 absorber 1 extracts carbon dioxide from the gas mixture flowing through the CO2 absorber 1. The exhaled gas mixture, free of carbon dioxide, flows through the intermediate connecting line 33 to the water collector 2, where moisture in the exhaled gas mixture condenses and is collected in a container of the water collector 2. Thus, moisture is extracted from the exhaled gas mixture.

[0094] The lung pressure valve (PEEP protector) 13 in the first section 31 ensures that the end-expiratory pressure (positive end-expiratory pressure) is maintained in the lungs of the patient P and dissipates excess pressure in the first section 31 to the surrounding environment. A pressure sensor 20 measures the pressure in the inspiratory line 30, and a pressure sensor 22 measures the pressure in the expiratory line 31. A volume flow sensor 21 measures the volume flow in the inspiratory line 30. A controller (control unit) (not shown) processes the signals and receives the measured values ​​from sensors 20, 21, and 22 and actuates the inspiratory valve 11 and the expiratory valve 12. The controller actuates the inspiratory valve 11 with the goal of ensuring that the actual course of the volume flow through the inspiratory line 30 or the actual course of the pressure in the inspiratory line 30 follows a predetermined time course. Correspondingly, the controller actuates the expiratory valve 12 with the goal of ensuring that the actual course of the volume flow through the expiratory line or the actual course of the pressure in the first section 31 of the expiratory line follows a predetermined time course.

[0095] Figure 2 An exemplary CO2 absorber 1 is shown, namely in a sectional view on the left and in a top view on the right. The CO2 absorber 1 can be a component of an embodiment of an absorption assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 2 The CO2 absorber 1 has the form of a cartridge and comprises:

[0096] - a preferably rigid housing 5 with a bottom 5.1,

[0097] - an absorption material 4 capable of absorbing CO2 and comprising, for example, respiratory lime,

[0098] - supply pipe 3,

[0099] - a drainage cavity 6 above the absorbent material 4,

[0100] an upper screen 8 . 1 comprising a dust-proof nonwoven, wherein the upper screen 8 . 1 is arranged between the discharge cavity 6 and the absorbent material 4 ,

[0101] - a lower turning cavity 9 below the absorbent material 4 and above the bottom 5.1,

[0102] - a lower screen 8.2 between the absorbent material 4 and the deflection cavity 9, and

[0103] An adapter 7 which surrounds the outlet cavity 6 .

[0104] The housing 5 provides a container for the absorbent material 4. This container is delimited downward by a lower screen 8.2 and upward by an upper screen 8.1. The supply pipe 3 is guided centrally through the absorbent material 4. The outlet cavity 6 is fluidically connected to the absorbent material 4, wherein this fluid connection is guided through the upper screen 8.1.

[0105] The CO2 absorber 1 can be releasably fastened to the corresponding line-side coupling unit 35 of the exhalation line 31, 32 using the adapter 7, for example, by means of a snap-on connection, a latch connection, or a screw connection. When the CO2 adapter 1 is connected, the supply line 3 is fluidically connected to the first section 31 of the exhalation line. The outlet cavity 6 is fluidically connected to the water collector 2 via the intermediate connecting line 33 and, therefore, indirectly to the second section 32 of the exhalation line.

[0106] If the CO2 absorber 1 is fixed to the line-side coupling unit 35, the supply pipe 3 is arranged vertically and the housing 5 is below the adapter 7. The designations "upper" and "lower" refer to the following orientation of the CO2 absorber 1, which occurs if the CO2 absorber is used productively and is fixed to the line-side coupling unit 35. The lower screen 8.2 is permeable to air but impermeable to the absorption material 4 and prevents the absorption material 4 from reaching the deflection cavity 9. The discharge cavity 6 is located above the absorption material 4. The exhaled gas mixture flows downward through the supply pipe 3, is deflected at the bottom 5.1 of the housing 5, flows through the deflection cavity 9 and the lower screen 8.2, and then flows upward through the absorption material 4. The absorption material 4 extracts carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas mixture flowing through. The exhaled gas mixture, which has been freed of carbon dioxide, reaches the discharge cavity 6 and then into the connecting line 33. Figure 2 The arrows in the figure show how the gas mixture flows through the CO2 absorber 1. Due to the design of the absorption assembly 100, the exhaled gas mixture is forced to flow through the entire CO2 absorber 1. As long as the CO2 absorber 1 still contains absorbable material, carbon dioxide is absorbed. This would not be the case if the exhaled gas mixture could previously escape from the CO2 absorber.

[0107] Note: In internal experiments, the inventors have empirically found that when the exhaled gas mixture flows through the absorbent material 4 from bottom to top, the CO2 absorbent material 4 can absorb more carbon dioxide than when it flows from top to bottom or flows horizontally.

[0108] Figures 3 to 5 A first embodiment of an absorbent assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. The absorbent assembly 100 according to the first embodiment comprises:

[0109] - Figure 2 CO2 absorber 1,

[0110] - a water collector 2 with a reservoir for water located above the bottom 2.1,

[0111] -Intermediate connecting pipe 33,

[0112] - discharge connection line 34,

[0113] - a coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1, and

[0114] - Absorber-side middle piece 40.2.

[0115] Figure 3 The connecting side middle piece 40.1 comprises an adapter 7.1. The adapter 7.1 can be as follows Figure 2 The adapter 7 of the CO2 absorber 1 in FIG. 1 is connected to the line-side coupling unit 35. Thanks to the adapter 7.2, the absorber-side intermediate piece 40.2 can be connected to the coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1, preferably detachably connected. The CO2 absorber 1 is connected to the absorber-side intermediate piece 40.2, preferably detachably connected.

[0116] The connection-side continuation 3.1 of the supply pipe 3 and the connection-side continuation 34.1 of the discharge connecting line 34 enter the connection-side intermediate piece 40.1. The continuation 3.2 of the supply pipe 3 and the continuation 6.2 of the discharge cavity 6 enter the absorber-side intermediate piece 40.2.

[0117] The two connecting pipes 33 and 34 respectively include a corrugated hose 33.a, 34.a and a rigid curved tube 33.b, 34.b. The two rigid tubes 33.b, 34.b respectively include a segment in the form of a quarter circle and two adjacent straight segments, and can be inserted into two corresponding receptacles 36.1, 36.2 in the connecting side middle piece 40.1, or firmly inserted into these receptacles 36.1, 36.2. Because the two corrugated hoses 33.a, 34.a are flexible, if the absorption assembly 100 collides with a rigid object, there is less risk of the connecting pipes 33, 34 or the water collector 2 breaking. Preferably, the water collector 2 is releasably connected to the two corrugated hoses 33.a, 34.a so that the water collector 2 can be loosened and emptied.

[0118] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe 3 and its continuations 3.1 and 3.2 serve as the supply fluid guiding unit. The intermediate connecting line 33 and the corrugated hose 33.a serve as the connecting fluid guiding unit, connecting the CO2 absorber 1 to the water collector 2. The corrugated hose 34.a, the rigid pipe 34.b, and the continuation 34.1 form the exhaust fluid guiding unit.

[0119] As already explained, heat is released during the absorption of carbon dioxide by the absorption material 4. As a result, the exhaled gas mixture is heated during the flow through. The absorption assembly 100 can release heat to the surrounding environment at multiple locations.

[0120] The absorption material 4 surrounds the supply pipe 3. The heated absorption material 4 can therefore release heat to the supply pipe 3. The heated gas mixture is thereby deflected in the lower deflection cavity 9, and the bottom of the lower deflection cavity 9 can release heat to the surrounding environment.

[0121] The two connecting pipes 33 and 34 are in thermal contact with the surrounding environment. The surrounding environment completely surrounds both connecting pipes 33 and 34. After the gas mixture flows through the absorbent material 4, it heats up. Due to the thermal contact with the surrounding environment, the gas mixture cools down, and water droplets condense on the inner walls of the connecting pipes 33 and 34. These water droplets flow downward into the water collector 2.

[0122] The gas mixture flows from the first section 31 through the absorption assembly 100 according to the first embodiment on the following path:

[0123] - downwards through the continuation 3.1,

[0124] - downwards through the continuation 3.2,

[0125] - down through the supply pipe 3,

[0126] - through the deflection cavity 9, where the gas mixture is deflected,

[0127] - upwards through the absorption material 4, where the carbon dioxide is absorbed,

[0128] - upwards through the discharge cavity 6,

[0129] - upwards through the continuation 6.2, where the gas mixture is deflected in the horizontal direction,

[0130] - through the supply connection line 33, ie first along a curve through the pipe 33.b, with the gas mixture being deflected downwards, and then downwards through the corrugated hose 33.a,

[0131] - through the water collector 2, where the condensed water is collected,

[0132] - through the discharge connection 34, ie first upwards through the corrugated hose 34.a and then along the curve through the tube 34.b, and then,

[0133] - By continuation of section 34.1.

[0134] The path is Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the first embodiment, the continuation 6.2 and the tube 33.b serve as the upper deflection fluid guide unit, and the deflection cavity 9 serves as the lower deflection fluid guide unit. In one design, the two deflection fluid guide units 9, 6.2, and 33.b deflect the gas mixture 180 degrees each.

[0135] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A second embodiment of an absorbent assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. In this second embodiment, the entire absorbent assembly 100 is realized as a cartridge. This ensures a particularly compact and mechanically stable embodiment.

[0136] Figure 6 The principle is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. The components corresponding to each other have Figures 3 to 5 The same reference numerals are used in the figures. In a second embodiment, the absorption component 100 has an outer shell, which accommodates both the CO2 absorber 1 and the water collector 2, as well as the supply pipe 3 and the connecting lines 33, 34, completely surrounds them, and is preferably rigid. The outer shell comprises an upper part 55 that widens downwards and the bottom 2.1 of the water collector 2 as a lower part. The water collector 2 is located below the CO2 absorber 1, and the bottom 2.1 is mechanically connected to the upper shell part 55. In one design, the bottom 2.1 is releasably connected to the upper shell part 55 by a latching connection device 15, in another design it is firmly connected. The intermediate connecting line 33 and the discharge connecting line 34 are also located in the upper shell part 55. In the second embodiment, the intermediate parts 40.1 and 40.2 are not required.

[0137] In the embodiment shown, a tubular gap is formed between the housing 5 and the upper housing part 55 of the CO absorber 1, which gap serves as the intermediate connecting line 33. Due to this design, the intermediate connecting line 33 is in thermal contact with the surroundings over a large area (i.e., more than at least half of the lateral surface area of ​​the upper housing part 55). As a result, the gas mixture is cooled during its downward flow through the tubular intermediate connecting line 33.

[0138] In the embodiment shown, the drain connection line 34 is led coaxially through the interior of the supply tube 3. It is also possible for the supply tube 3 to be led coaxially through the interior of the drain connection line 34.

[0139] An adapter 7 is arranged above the upper housing part 55. The adapter 7 can be Figure 2 The adapter 7 of the CO2 absorber 1 in FIG. 1 is designed like the adapter 7 of the CO2 absorber 1 in FIG. 1 . Due to the adapter 7 , the absorption module 100 can be detachably connected to the pipeline-side coupling unit 35 .

[0140] The gas mixture flows from the first section 31 through the absorption assembly 100 according to the second embodiment on the following path:

[0141] - downwards through the supply pipe 3 in the interior of the CO2 absorber 1,

[0142] - through the lower deflection cavity 9, where the gas mixture is deflected,

[0143] - upwards through the absorption material 4, where the carbon dioxide is absorbed,

[0144] - upwards through the outlet cavity 6, where the gas mixture is redirected again,

[0145] downwards through the intermediate connecting line 33 , wherein the gas mixture is cooled and water condenses on the inner wall of the upper housing part 55 and in some cases on the outer wall of the housing 5 ,

[0146] - into the water collector 2, where the gas mixture is redirected again, and

[0147] Upwards through the discharge connection line 34 .

[0148] The supply pipe 3 serves as the supply fluid guiding unit of the second embodiment. The lower deflection cavity 9 serves as the lower deflection fluid guiding unit, and the discharge cavity 6 serves as the upper deflection fluid guiding unit. The intermediate connecting pipe 33 serves as the connecting fluid guiding unit, which also serves as the discharge fluid guiding unit.

[0149] Figure 7 The second embodiment is shown in a perspective cross-section on the left and in a perspective view from the outside on the right. The upper housing part 55 has the shape of an inverted can. The bottom 2.1 of the water collector 2 is connected to the upper housing part 55 via a releasable or fixed connection 15. In the case of a releasable connection, the water collector 2 can thus be released from the upper housing part 55, emptied, and reconnected.

[0150] In a second embodiment, heat is dissipated to the surroundings in particular at the following locations:

[0151] - The supply pipe 3 is between the absorption material 4 and the discharge connection pipe 34. Thus, the absorption material can release a lot of heat to the supply pipe 3, and the supply pipe 3 can release heat to the discharge connection pipe 34,

[0152] The intermediate connecting line 33 is located between the absorption material 4 and the upper housing part 55. As a result, the intermediate connecting line 33 can dissipate heat to the surroundings via the upper housing part 55.

[0153] Reference Signs List

[0154] 1CO2 absorber, comprising a supply pipe 3, CO2 absorbing material 4, a housing 5, a discharge cavity 6, an adapter 7, two screens 8.1 and 8.2 and a deflection cavity 9

[0155] 2 water collector, which is formed above the bottom 2.1

[0156] 2.1 Bottom of water collector 2

[0157] 3 A centrally arranged vertical supply pipe of the CO2 absorber 1, which is fluidically connected to the first section 31

[0158] 3.1 Continuation of the supply pipe 3 in the coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1

[0159] 4 CO2 absorption material in shell 5

[0160] 5. The housing of the CO2 absorber 1, which contains the absorption material 4 and the cavities 6, 9, has a bottom 5.1

[0161] 5.1 Bottom of Shell 5

[0162] 6 discharge cavity, which is fluidically connected to the intermediate connecting line 33

[0163] 6.2 Continuation of the discharge cavity 6 in the absorber-side middle piece 40.2

[0164] 7 Adapter of the CO2 absorber 1, which can be detachably connected to the line-side coupling unit 35

[0165] 7.1 Adapter, the connection side middle piece 40.1 can be used to connect with the pipeline side connection unit 35

[0166] 7.2 Adapter, which can be used to connect the absorber-side middleware 40.2 to the coupling-side middleware 40.1

[0167] 8.1 Upper screen between absorbent material 4 and discharge cavity

[0168] 8.2 Lower screen between the absorbent material 4 and the deflection cavity 9

[0169] 9 Deflection cavity between lower screen 8.2 and bottom 5.1 of CO2 absorber 1

[0170] 10 The ventilator's blower, which maintains airflow in the breathing circuit

[0171] 11 Intake valve, which causes a regulated volume flow through the intake line 30

[0172] 12 Exhalation valve, which causes a regulated volume flow through the exhalation lines 31 , 32

[0173] 13 Pulmonary pressure valve (PEEP protector) in the first section 31, which ensures that the end-expiratory lung pressure is maintained

[0174] 14 Patient side connection unit, which is connected to pipelines 30 and 31

[0175] 15 Releasable connection between the bottom 2.1 of the water collector 2 and the housing part 55

[0176] 20 pressure sensor, which measures the pressure in the suction line 30

[0177] 21 Volume flow sensor, which measures the volume flow in the intake line 30

[0178] 22 pressure sensor, which measures the pressure in the exhalation line 31

[0179] 30 Inhalation line, which leads from the blower 10 to the patient-side coupling unit 14

[0180] 31 The first section of the expiratory circuit, which leads from the patient-side coupling unit 14 to the absorption component 100

[0181] 32 The second section of the exhalation circuit, which leads from the absorption component 100 to the blower 10

[0182] 33 Intermediate connecting pipe, which leads from CO2 absorber 1 to water collector 2

[0183] 33.a Supply the corrugated hose connecting line 33

[0184] 34.b Supply rigid pipe to connect line 33

[0185] 34 discharge connection line, which leads from the water collector 2 to the second section 32

[0186] 34.1 Continuation of the discharge connecting line 34 in the coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1

[0187] 34.a Discharge the corrugated hose connecting line 34

[0188] 34.b Exhaust the rigid pipe connecting line 34

[0189] 35 The pipe-side connection unit between the absorption assembly 100 and the two sections 31 and 32 of the exhalation pipe

[0190] 36.1 Receptacle for the pipe 33.b of the supply connecting line 33 in the coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1

[0191] 36.2 Receptacle for the pipe 34.b of the drain connection line 34 in the coupling-side intermediate piece 40.1

[0192] 40.1 Coupling-side intermediate piece, arranged between the CO2 adapter 1 and the absorber-side coupling unit 35

[0193] 40.2 Absorber-side middle piece, arranged between the coupling-side middle piece 40.1 and the CO2 adapter 1

[0194] 50 Anesthetic agent dispenser, which produces a gas mixture including an anesthetic agent

[0195] 51 anesthesia supply line, which leads to the inspiratory line 30

[0196] 55 The upper housing part of the outer housing of the absorption assembly 100 according to the second embodiment, which surrounds the CO2 absorber 1 and the connecting lines 33, 34, and carries the water collector 2

[0197] 100 Assembly with absorber 1 and water collector 2

[0198] Lungs of patient P

[0199] Patient P, which has lungs L, is connected to the patient-side coupling unit 14

Claims

1. An absorbent assembly (100), comprising: -CO2 absorber (1), - water collector (2), - supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - lower steering fluid guiding unit (9), - Upper steering fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), - a discharge fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1), and - a connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) connecting the CO2 absorber (1) with the water collector (2), wherein the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2) is connected or connectable to a first section (31) of a fluid connection device (31, 32) for a gas mixture, wherein the outflow fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1) is connected or connectable to a second section (32) of a fluid connection device (31, 32) for a gas mixture, The CO2 absorber (1) is designed to absorb carbon dioxide and thereby filter carbon dioxide from a gas mixture flowing through the CO2 absorber (1). Wherein, the water collector (2) is designed to receive water, The absorption module (100) is designed such that the gas mixture from the first section (31) of the fluid connection device (31, 32) - first through the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - then through the lower turning fluid guiding unit (9), - then passes through the CO2 absorber (1), - then through the upper turning fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), - then through the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a), - then passes through the water collector (2), and - then through the exhaust fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1) flows to the second section (32) of the fluid connection (31, 32), The absorption component (100) is designed so that when the absorption component (100) is used, the gas mixture - deflected by the lower deflecting fluid guide unit (9), - flowing vertically or obliquely upwards through the CO2 absorber (1), - diverted by the upper diverting fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), and - Flowing vertically or obliquely downwards through the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) to the water collector (2).

2. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: When the absorbent assembly (100) is used, - the lower deflecting fluid guiding unit (9) is located below the CO2 absorber (1), and - The CO2 absorber (1) is located below the upper deflecting fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b).

3. Absorbent assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) directly adjoins the surroundings of the absorption assembly (100).

4. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The CO2 absorber (1) surrounds the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2) or a section (3) of the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2) in the manner of an envelope.

5. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) or the section (33) of the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) surrounds the CO2 absorber (1) in the manner of an envelope.

6. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The absorbent assembly (100) further comprises a middle piece (40.1, 40.2), wherein the intermediate piece (40.1, 40.2) is connected or connectable to the first section (31) of the fluid connection device (31, 32) and the second section (32) of the fluid connection device (31, 32), and The CO2 absorber (1) and the water collector (2) are mechanically connected or connectable to the intermediate component (40.1, 40.2).

7. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized by: The connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) is mechanically connected to the intermediate piece, and The water collector (2) is mechanically connected to the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a).

8. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized by: The section (6, 6.2) of the upper deflection fluid guide unit (6, 6.2, 33.b) is located in the intermediate piece (40.1, 40.2), and / or The section (33.b) of the upper deflecting fluid guide unit (6, 6.2, 33.b) is connected to the intermediate piece (40.1, 40.2).

9. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized by: The absorbent assembly (100) comprises an additional intermediate member, Wherein, the additional middleware (40.1, 40.2) is connected or connectable to the first section (31) of the fluid connection (31, 32) or to another first section of a fluid connection for a gas mixture, and is connected or connectable to the second section (32) of the fluid connection (31, 32) or to another second section of a fluid connection for a gas mixture, and The CO2 absorber (1) and the water collector (2) are selectively mechanically connected or connectable to the intermediate piece (40.1, 40.2) or the further intermediate piece.

10. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The absorbent assembly (100) comprises an outer shell (55, 2.1), Wherein, the outer shell (55,2.1) surrounds - the CO2 absorber (1), - the water collector (2), - the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - the lower steering fluid guiding unit (9), - the upper steering fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), - the exhaust fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1), and - the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a).

11. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 10, It is characterized by: The connecting fluid conducting unit (33, 33.a) is located between the section (55) of the outer housing (55, 2.1) and the CO2 absorber (1).

12. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 10, It is characterized by: The outer shell (55, 2.1) comprises: - an upper housing portion (55), and - a lower housing part (2.1) which is mechanically connected to the upper housing part (55), The absorption assembly (100) is designed in such a way that when the absorption assembly (100) is in use, the upper shell part (55) is located above the lower shell part (2.1). wherein the upper housing part (55) surrounds the CO2 absorber (1), the two steering fluid guide units (6, 9) and the connecting fluid guide unit (33, 33.a), and The lower housing part (2.1) forms the bottom of the water collector (2).

13. The absorbent assembly (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized by: The connecting fluid conducting unit (33, 33.a) is completely surrounded by the surrounding environment.

14. Use of an absorbent assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, For absorbing carbon dioxide from gas mixtures, in, The gas mixture flows in an expiratory fluid connection (31, 32) from a patient-side coupling unit (14), which is positionable in or at the body of a patient (P), to a ventilator (10).

15. A breathing system for artificially respiring a patient (P), in, The respiratory system includes: - ventilator (10), a patient-side coupling unit (14), positionable in or at the body of the patient (P), - suction fluid connection means (30), - expiratory fluid connection means (31, 32), and - an absorbent assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The ventilator (10) is connected to the patient-side coupling unit (14) via the inspiratory fluid connection device (30) and the expiratory fluid connection device (31, 32). The ventilator (10) is designed to deliver the gas mixture to the patient-side coupling unit (14) via an inspiratory fluid connection device (30). The breathing system is designed so that - the gas mixture flows to the ventilator (10) through the expiratory fluid connection (31, 32), and - Flowing through the absorbent assembly (100) while flowing through the exhalation fluid connection means (31, 32).

16. A method for filtering carbon dioxide from a gas mixture using an absorption assembly (100), the absorption assembly comprising: -CO2 absorber (1), - water collector (2), - supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - lower steering fluid guiding unit (9), - Upper steering fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), - a discharge fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1), and - a connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) connecting the CO2 absorber (1) with the water collector (2), The method comprises the following steps: - from a first section (31) of a fluid connection (31, 32) to the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - guided to the lower deflection fluid guiding unit (9) through the supply fluid guiding unit (3, 3.1, 3.2), - deflected by the lower deflecting fluid guide unit (9), - flowing vertically or obliquely upwards through the CO2 absorber (1), - diverted by the upper diverting fluid guiding unit (6, 6.2, 33.b), - flows vertically or obliquely downwards through the connecting fluid guiding unit (33, 33.a) to the water collector (2), - flows through said water collector (2), - flows through the exhaust fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1), and a second section (32) leading from the outflow fluid guiding unit (34, 34.1) to the fluid connection (31, 32), The method further comprises the following additional steps: The CO2 absorber (1) absorbs carbon dioxide while the gas mixture flows through the CO2 absorber (1) and thereby filters carbon dioxide from the gas mixture.

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