Dialysate Degassing Vessel With CO2 Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing degassers in dialysis systems are inefficient in removing dissolved gases like carbon dioxide and do not provide control over the amount removed, posing risks to patient safety and system operation.
Innovation Solution
A degassing vessel with a fluid inlet, outlet, and gas outlet, equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor, flow restriction, and vacuum pump, along with a control unit to adjust pump rates based on sensor feedback, ensuring controlled removal of carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing degassers are used to remove gases from dialysate, then some gas removal is achieved, but the removal efficiency is insufficient and control over the amount removed is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a carbon dioxide sensor continuously monitors the dialysate and sends signals to a controller, which adjusts the vacuum pump operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control over the amount of carbon dioxide removed, resolving the contradiction between efficient gas removal and controllable removal amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the vacuum pressure parameter by adjusting the vacuum pump operation based on real-time CO2 levels detected by the sensor. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize gas removal efficiency while maintaining control over the total amount removed, addressing both aspects of the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If dissolved gases are removed from dialysate, then pH balance and fluid conditions are maintained, but gas bubbles may still form and interfere with system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The degassing system operates continuously throughout the dialysis process, maintaining constant vacuum pressure to continuously remove dissolved gases. This continuous operation ensures that gas bubbles are prevented from forming at any time, while also maintaining pH balance and fluid conditions throughout the entire therapy duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon dioxide sensor provides continuous monitoring of gas levels in the dialysate, allowing the vacuum pump to adjust its operation in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that gas removal is optimized to prevent bubble formation while maintaining the desired pH balance and fluid conditions.
3Reliability
If a degassing system is added to the dialysis system, then gas removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated degassing system: the vacuum pump serves both to create negative pressure for gas removal and to control the degassing process; the carbon dioxide sensor and controller work together as a unified feedback control unit. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate, independent gas removal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump performs multiple functions: it creates the pressure differential for gas removal, controls the rate of degassing, and responds to sensor feedback to maintain optimal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving gas removal capability.
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
Effectively removes carbon dioxide from dialysate, maintaining pH balance and preventing gas bubbles, enhancing dialysis safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump to create negative pressure to draw dissolved gases out of solution
Implementation Method 2
A flow restriction to create a pressure drop
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A degassing system for use in dialysis, comprising: a degassing vessel having a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet; a degas flow restrictor fluidly connected to the inlet of the degassing vessel; a fluid pump fluidly connected to the degassing vessel and located downstream of the degassing vessel, for pulling fluid into the degassing vessel through the fluid inlet and out of the degassing vessel through the fluid outlet; a vacuum pump attached to the degassing vessel for removing gas from the degassing vessel; and. a degas sprayer located inside the degassing vessel at the fluid inlet of the degassing vessel such that fluid entering the degassing vessel through the fluid inlet passes through the degas sprayer.