Integrated Dialysis Liquid Sanitizer for Dual-Circuit Heat Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis systems require separate sanitization routines for dialysis and RO machines, leading to potential bacterial growth and biofilm formation in fluid lines due to independent sanitization processes, and lack centralized control for efficient sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A portable dialysis system with an integrated liquid sanitizer within the dialysis machine, connected to both the dialysis machine and water purification system, allowing simultaneous heat sanitization of both units through a closed fluid circuit, controlled by a centralized dialysis machine controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sanitization routines are used for dialysis and RO machines, then each machine can be sanitized independently, but bacterial growth and biofilm formation occur in fluid lines due to independent sanitization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sanitization functions of the dialysis machine and RO machine into a single integrated sanitization routine. The liquid sanitizer is fluidly connected between both machines, allowing simultaneous circulation through both systems through a unified closed fluid circuit, ensuring comprehensive sanitization without leaving vulnerable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated liquid sanitizer system serves multiple functions: it sanitizes both the dialysis machine and RO machine through a single system, controls fluid circulation for both machines, and provides centralized monitoring. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sanitization routines and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.
2Ease of operation
If separate sanitization routines are used for dialysis and RO machines, then each machine has its own control system, but centralized control for efficient sanitization is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis machine controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the dialysis machine operations and the RO machine operations during sanitization. The controller manages the liquid sanitizer pump, heater, and temperature monitoring for the entire system, eliminating the need for a separate RO machine controller and simplifying the overall control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions of both machines are merged into a single centralized control system located in the dialysis machine. This integration allows coordinated operation of both machines during sanitization, with a single controller managing fluid circulation, heating, and temperature monitoring across the entire system.
3Productivity
If independent sanitization processes are used, then each machine can be sanitized separately, but downtime and operator effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sanitization system allows continuous circulation of liquid sanitizer through both the dialysis machine and RO machine simultaneously. This continuous action ensures that both machines are sanitized at the same time without interruption, maximizing productivity and minimizing the time both machines are out of service.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the sanitization processes into a single simultaneous operation, the system eliminates the sequential time required for separate sanitization of each machine. The liquid sanitizer circulates through both systems concurrently, reducing total sanitization time and increasing treatment throughput.
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
Facilitates efficient, centralized sanitization of both dialysis and water purification systems, reducing bacterial growth and biofilm formation, and minimizing downtime and operator effort.
Implementation Method 1
a heater arranged to heat a volume of liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A dialysis system comprising a dialysis machine (100) having a main body portion, a water purification system, the water purification system being separate to the dialysis machine, and a liquid sanitizer (200). The liquid sanitizer (200) is provided within the main body portion of the dialysis machine. The liquid sanitizer (200) is fluidly connected between the dialysis machine (100) and the water purification system. The liquid sanitizer (200) has a heater (240) arranged to heat a volume of liquid, a temperature sensor arranged to sense the temperature of the volume of liquid and a liquid sanitizer controller (250). The dialysis system defines a first closed fluid circuit comprising the dialysis machine and the liquid sanitizer and a second closed fluid circuit comprising the water purification system, the dialysis machine and the liquid sanitizer. The liquid sanitizer (200) is configured to effect sanitization of the first closed fluid circuit and the second closed fluid circuit. A method of heat sanitization of a dialysis system.