Coupling and Switching Unit for Dialysis Ozone Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dialysis and medical fluid distribution are prone to biofilm formation, leading to infections, especially in dialysis facilities, due to the lack of effective disinfection methods that are thermally stable and efficient, particularly during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A variably controllable coupling and switching unit that integrates ozone disinfection into conventional water-carrying ring main systems, allowing for automatic or manual operation, suitable for pressures from 1 to 15 bar, and capable of connecting to end-user devices without active operation, using solenoid valves, throttle valves, and optional flow meters to ensure disinfection of both supply and branch lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat disinfection is used to disinfect dialysis systems, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but thermal stability of PVC lines deteriorates and cooling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the disinfection parameter from thermal (heat) to chemical (ozone), allowing effective disinfection without exposing PVC materials to temperatures exceeding their thermal stability limits. Ozone disinfection operates at ambient temperatures while achieving complete microbial elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal disinfection system with a chemical disinfection system using ozone. Instead of using heat (thermal energy) to kill bacteria, the system uses ozone's strong oxidizing properties to achieve disinfection, thereby avoiding thermal damage to PVC components.
2Reliability
If heat disinfection is used to disinfect dialysis systems, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and water usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the disinfection method from thermal processing (high energy-consuming) to chemical ozonation (low energy-consuming). Ozone is generated in-situ and acts rapidly at ambient conditions, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating and extensive water flushing required by heat disinfection methods.
3Reliability
If heat disinfection is used to disinfect dialysis systems, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but dialysis downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rapid disinfection by injecting ozone directly into the water lines, which acts immediately to kill bacteria. The process completes in minutes rather than hours, allowing the system to be quickly flushed and returned to service, thereby minimizing dialysis downtime and maintaining higher system availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water-carrying ring main systems are used in dialysis facilities, then system compatibility is improved, but biofilm formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary disinfection action by continuously or periodically injecting ozone into the water distribution system. This preventive measure eliminates bacteria before they can form biofilms on pipe walls, maintaining system hygiene while preserving the use of conventional PVC ring main systems that are already compatible with dialysis facilities.
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 effective, energy-efficient, and rapid disinfection of dialysis systems and other medical fluid distribution networks, preventing biofilm formation and reducing downtime, with ozone breaking down into non-toxic oxygen, thus ensuring safe and hygienic conditions without chemical residues.
Implementation Method 1
Suitable disinfectants include ozone. This gas has been used, for example, in the food industry, in drinking and waste water treatment and in dental treatment.
Implementation Method 2
ozone breaking down into non-toxic oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling and switching unit for transporting gaseous fluids, comprising a feed line (30, 30a) for a gas/liquid mixture, a branch line (27) for the gas/liquid mixture, a flow control valve (28) in the branch line (27), a valve (31) for diverting the main flow from the line (30a), preferably by way of a Venturi nozzle (33) and the coupling piece (38) into the standard drain (37) or in a collection container (53).