Air Separator Flow Conducting Element for Micro-bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air separators in fluid-handling machines, such as dialysis machines, are ineffective in separating micro-bubbles from blood at higher flow rates, leading to potential harm from micro-embolisms due to insufficient dwell time and centrifugal force for air bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A flow conducting element is positioned downstream of the fluid inlet, guiding the fluid along a spiral path to increase centrifugal forces and dwell time within the air separating chamber, and a groove-shaped flow conducting element is used to enhance fluid circulation and prevent foam formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid inlet is aligned along the housing periphery to generate centrifugal force, then air bubble separation is improved, but the dwell time of fluid inside the air separating chamber becomes insufficient at higher flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conducting element is configured with a curved or spiral geometry that guides the fluid in a curved path along the housing periphery. This curvature generates centrifugal force while extending the fluid's path length and dwell time within the separation chamber, allowing effective air bubble separation even at higher flow rates.
2Productivity
If the fluid flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then treatment capacity is improved, but the separation effect of air bubbles deteriorates due to insufficient dwell time
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conducting element is positioned upstream in the fluid path to pre-condition the fluid flow before it enters the main separation zone. By establishing a controlled swirling flow pattern in advance, the element ensures that centrifugal separation forces are optimally established throughout the chamber, maintaining separation effectiveness across a wider range of flow rates.
3Device complexity
If the fluid inlet is oriented to allow horizontal exit to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but centrifugal force generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conducting element acts as an intermediary component between the simple horizontal fluid inlet and the complex swirling flow pattern needed for centrifugal separation. This intermediate structure converts the straightforward horizontal inflow into a controlled spiral or curved flow path, generating the necessary centrifugal forces without requiring complex inlet orientation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves air bubble separation efficiency even at higher flow rates, reducing the risk of micro-embolisms by ensuring longer dwell times and minimizing foam generation.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid inlet is configured and orientated so that fluid flowing out of the same is made to circulate along the housing periphery in a movement superposing a generally axial flow direction, thus exerting a centrifugal force on the fluid. Said centrifugal force causes the fluid to be forced radially outwardly inside the air separating chamber, whereas air bubbles contained therein are retained primarily in the center
Implementation Method 2
air bubbles contained therein are retained primarily in the center (close to the longitudinal housing axis) and may raise within the housing toward the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An air separator of an extracorporeal blood treatment machine is disclosed in which a flow conducting element is arranged directly downstream of a fluid inlet of an air separator opening into an air separating chamber, the fluid inlet forcing the inflowing fluid into a flow direction at least along/tangential to the chamber periphery.