Selective Degassing Membrane for Dialysate Gas Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current degassing systems for dialysis cannot actively control specific dissolved gas concentrations in dialysate, are not portable due to size and weight, and fail to selectively remove gases from closed circuit systems.
Innovation Solution
A degassing system with a membrane having a higher permeability coefficient for carbon dioxide than oxygen and nitrogen, constructed from non-porous silicone or poly(dimethylsiloxane), compatible with high temperatures and disinfectants, and integrated with a vacuum pump to create a controlled low-pressure environment for selective gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional degassing systems are used to remove dissolved gases from dialysate, then gas bubbles are removed, but the systems cannot actively control specific dissolved gas concentrations and are too large for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the degassing function from a large, complex system into a compact membrane-based device. The membrane selectively removes specific gases (CO2, O2, N2) from dialysate while maintaining a small footprint suitable for portable dialysis systems, resolving the contradiction between effective gas removal and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the permeability parameters of the membrane to achieve selective gas removal. By using a membrane with specific permeability coefficients for different gases, the system can actively control the concentration of specific dissolved gases in the dialysate, enabling precise gas concentration control in a compact device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional degassing systems are used, then general air removal is achieved, but selective removal of specific gases cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a membrane with non-uniform or selective permeability properties for different gases. The membrane is designed to have different permeability coefficients for CO2, O2, and N2, allowing selective removal of specific gases while keeping the overall device structure simple and compact.
3Productivity
If high permeability membrane is used to remove gases efficiently, then gas removal rate increases, but control over specific gas concentrations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite membrane structure that combines high permeability with selective gas transport properties. The membrane material is engineered to provide both efficient gas removal (high overall permeability) and selective control over specific gas concentrations through differential permeability coefficients for different gases.
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
The system effectively controls carbon dioxide levels in dialysate, reducing the risk of gas bubbles and air embolism, while being compact and portable, ensuring safe and efficient dialysis operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump connected to the shell side of the degassing vessel to create a low pressure vacuum on the second side of the degassing membrane
Implementation Method 2
a degassing membrane having a permeability coefficient of carbon dioxide greater than the permeability coefficient of oxygen and/or nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
The degasser can have a degassing membrane that can be constructed from non-porous silica. The degassing membrane can be highly permeable to carbon dioxide but less permeable oxygen or nitrogen gases. Pressure in the dialysate and the degasser can be controlled in order to control the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases in dialysate leaving the degasser. The degassing membrane may be placed in a degassing module in a dialysate flow path to remove dissolved carbon dioxide from the dialysate.