Dialysis Liquid Circuit Air Bubble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis liquid circuits face challenges in reliably and efficiently detecting leaks in the negative pressure region, as current methods require stopping the liquid circulation and are not fast or reliable for monitoring air presence.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gas sensor, such as a conductivity sensor, downstream of the region to be monitored in the dialysis liquid circuit, which measures properties affected by air bubbles, and an evaluation unit to continuously evaluate these properties for air presence, allowing for quick and reliable leakage detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas sensor is arranged downstream of the negative pressure region to continuously detect air bubbles, then the reliability and speed of leakage detection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing conductivity sensors (already present in the dialysis liquid circuit for monitoring liquid composition) to serve a dual purpose: their original function of monitoring dialysis liquid quality plus a new function of detecting air bubbles and leakages. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated air detection devices, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the liquid circulation is stopped to examine for leakages using pressure sensors, then the measurement precision of leakage detection is improved, but the productivity decreases due to interruption of dialysis treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous action by enabling leakage detection to occur continuously during normal dialysis liquid circulation without interrupting the treatment process. The conductivity sensor continuously monitors the liquid for air bubbles while the pump maintains normal flow, allowing leakage detection to proceed concurrently with dialysis treatment, thus maintaining both precision and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and valves are used to seal and limit the region for leakage examination, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air bubble detection function from the complex pressure-based sealed examination system and implements it through simple conductivity sensing in the flowing liquid. By removing the need for pressure sensors, sealing valves, and isolated examination regions, the system achieves adequate detection precision through a simpler, integrated approach that does not require stopping circulation or complex isolation mechanisms.
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
Enables continuous monitoring for air bubbles and leakages with minimal additional apparatus, allowing for immediate detection and potential alarm or operational mode changes, improving the reliability and speed of error detection compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
the gas sensor is configured such that it measures at least one property of the dialysis liquid which depends on the presence of air bubbles in the dialysis liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis liquid circuit with conduits for conducting dialysis liquid and elements for detecting air in the dialysis liquid. The elements includes at least one gas sensor traversed continuously by the dialysis liquid, which is configured such that it measures at least one property of the dialysis liquid which depends on the presence of air bubbles in the dialysis liquid, and which is arranged downstream of a region to be monitored of the dialysis liquid circuit. During operation of the dialysis liquid circuit a negative pressure exists with respect to atmospheric pressure, and the elements includes an evaluation unit which is connected with the gas sensor and which is configured such that the property measured by means of the gas sensor is evaluated with regard to the presence of air bubbles in the dialysis liquid.