Dialysate Regenerator Flow Portioning for Stable Dialysis Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis apparatuses utilize fresh dialysate in pouches and dispose of used dialysate, generating waste, necessitating an improved dialysis system that recycles spent dialysate.
Innovation Solution
A dialysate regenerator that includes a regenerator inlet, outlet, hydraulic circuit, and fluid portioning system to convert spent dialysate into regenerated dialysate using purification means, such as an adsorber, with a movable separator wall and flow adjuster to maintain consistent pressure and flow, and a housing with replaceable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If fresh dialysate is used and disposed after single use, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but waste is generated and resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers spent dialysate by capturing it in a collection container and regenerating it through a multi-step process involving carbonation, deionization, and filtration. The regenerated dialysate is then returned to the dialysis apparatus for reuse, eliminating waste and enabling continuous operation without requiring constant supply of fresh dialysate pouches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous dialysis treatment by automatically regenerating dialysate in real-time. The regeneration loop operates continuously, with spent dialysate being processed and regenerated dialysate being fed back into the dialysis apparatus, ensuring uninterrupted treatment capability and eliminating the need for frequent pouch changes.
2Ease of manufacture
If spent dialysate is disposed immediately, then disposal simplicity is maintained, but resource efficiency and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-regeneration of dialysate without requiring manual intervention. The regeneration process is automated through controlled carbonation, deionization, and filtration steps, with the system automatically capturing spent dialysate, processing it, and returning it to the dialysis apparatus, eliminating the need for manual disposal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary regeneration system between the dialysis apparatus and the environment. This intermediary system captures spent dialysate, processes it through carbonation and deionization, and returns purified dialysate to the apparatus, preventing direct disposal and enabling resource recovery.
3Loss of substance
If dialysate is regenerated through purification, then resource efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a collection container for spent dialysate, a carbonation unit for CO2 addition, a deionization unit for salt removal, and a filtration unit for particulate removal. Each module performs a specific function, making the complex regeneration process manageable and easier to implement while maintaining high resource efficiency.
4Reliability
If pressure and flow are not controlled, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment consistency and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and flow meters that continuously monitor the dialysate flow and pressure conditions. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust pump speeds, valve positions, and other control parameters to maintain stable pressure and consistent flow rates throughout the dialysis treatment, ensuring treatment reliability and patient safety.
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 dialysate regenerator effectively recycles spent dialysate, reducing waste by converting it into regenerated dialysate with consistent pressure and flow, suitable for use in dialysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
the purification means may include a compartment including a toxin remover, for example, an adsorber
Implementation Method 2
a chamber including a movable separator wall separating the interior of the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment
Implementation Method 3
a flow adjuster configured to detect an external flow or external pressure from one or each of the regenerator inlet and the regenerator outlet (individually) and adjust an internal flow or internal pressure so that the external flow or external pressure remains unchanged
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure relates to a dialysate regenerator for connecting to a dialysis apparatus, the dialysate regenerator including a regenerator inlet for receiving dialysate; a regenerator outlet for dispensing regenerated dialysate; a hydraulic circuit connected between the regenerator inlet and the regenerator outlet, and further including a fluid portioning system to divide a dialysate flow into uniform portions for sequential regeneration An aspect of the disclosure relates to a dialysis system including a dialysis apparatus including: a fresh dialysate input; a spent dialysate output; and the dialysate regenerator, wherein the regenerator inlet may be coupled to the spent dialysate output for receiving spent dialysate, and wherein the regenerator outlet may be coupled to the fresh dialysate input for dispensing regenerated dialysate.