Dialysis Liquid System Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood treatment apparatuses for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration lack an efficient system for mixing dialysis liquid from concentrates, which can lead to suboptimal treatment conditions for patients.
Innovation Solution
A blood treatment apparatus with a dialysis liquid system that includes devices for mixing dialysis liquid from at least one concentrate, supplied from an external concentrate supply system. The apparatus features a connecting line with a valve and pressure measuring devices to manage pressure and ensure tightness testing without ventilation valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dialysis liquid system is connected to an external concentrate supply system, then the system can generate specifically tailored dialysis liquids for patients, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional connecting lines and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis liquid system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a concentrating device for preparing concentrate, a mixing device for combining concentrate with dialysis liquid, and a delivery system. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility in generating tailored dialysis liquids while managing complexity through organized, separable components that can be independently controlled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
A control device acts as an intermediary between the external concentrate supply system and the dialysis liquid system. This intermediary coordinates the operation of connecting lines, valves, and mixing processes, enabling the system to adapt to different treatment requirements while shielding the user from the underlying complexity of the connection and mixing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If ventilation valves are used in the connecting line, then pressure can be equalized during operation, but the valves require regular replacement increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-regulating pressure equalization mechanism that eliminates the need for replaceable ventilation valves. The connecting line design incorporates automatic pressure balancing through the interaction of the concentrating device, mixing device, and controlled fluid flow, allowing the system to maintain pressure equilibrium autonomously without requiring periodic valve replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable ventilation valve component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a separate ventilation valve that requires maintenance, the pressure equalization function is integrated into the overall system operation through the coordinated action of pumps, valves, and fluid dynamics, extracting the problematic component while preserving its essential function.
3Reliability
If pressure measuring devices are installed in the connecting line, then tightness testing can be performed without ventilation valves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure measuring devices serve multiple functions: they monitor pressure during normal operation, enable tightness testing of the connecting line, and provide data for controlling the concentrating and mixing processes. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable tightness testing capability while justifying the addition of measuring devices through their broader utility across different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure measuring devices provide real-time feedback on the pressure state of the connecting line and dialysis liquid system. This feedback enables automatic tightness testing by comparing measured pressures against expected values, and allows the control device to adjust operations to maintain optimal pressure conditions, transforming the measuring devices into active participants in system safety and efficiency.
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 allows for the generation of specifically tailored dialysis liquids, improving treatment efficacy while eliminating the need for regular replacement of ventilation valves, thus reducing costs and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure measuring device which serves to measure a pressure prevailing in the first connecting line
Implementation Method 2
building up or setting a, preferably predetermined, overpressure or underpressure as a first test pressure in the section
Implementation Method 3
a first valve provided downstream of the first connector in or on the first connecting line. The first valve serves to allow or prevent a flow through the first connecting line
Implementation Method 4
the blood treatment unit is a dialyzer or blood filter which, in simple terms, is separated into a blood chamber and a dialysis liquid chamber by a semipermeable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A blood treatment apparatus comprises a dialysis liquid system having devices for mixing a dialysis liquid from, or with, at least one first concentrate from a concentrate supply system. The blood treatment apparatus comprises a first connecting line arranged upstream of the dialysis liquid system having a first connector for a fluidic connection of a section of the dialysis liquid system to the concentrate supply system. The blood treatment apparatus further comprises a first valve, which is provided downstream of the first connector in or on the first connecting line. The blood treatment apparatus further comprises a control device or closed-loop control device.