Dialyzer Venting via Dialyzate Overpressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air inclusions at the dialyzer membrane during the priming of dialysis machines hinder mass transfer and reduce treatment efficiency, as existing methods are either slow or leave residual air in the dialyzate chamber.
Innovation Solution
Generating overpressure in the dialyzate chamber relative to the blood chamber to press air inclusions through the membrane into the blood chamber, using a pressure-controlled method that integrates with the dialysis machine's control unit for automated execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dialyzate chamber is filled from top to bottom, then the dialyzer does not have to be rotated by the user for filling the blood chamber, but a comparatively low filling speed is important for a good result and a small quantity of air also remains in the dialyzate chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter by generating overpressure in the dialyzate chamber during filling. This allows the dialyzate chamber to be filled from top to bottom at high speed while preventing air inclusions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
2Productivity
If the dialyzate chamber is filled from bottom to top, then air inclusions can be minimized, but the dialyzer has to be rotated by the user and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies pressure parameter changes (generating overpressure) to achieve effective venting without requiring manual rotation or complex filling procedures. This maintains high productivity while simplifying the overall process.
3Productivity
If overpressure is generated in the dialyzate chamber to remove air inclusions, then air can be pressed through the membrane into the blood chamber, but the membrane must be wetted at both sides to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary wetting of the membrane surface before generating overpressure. This ensures the membrane is properly conditioned to prevent leakage during the subsequent overpressure venting phase, resolving the contradiction between venting speed and membrane integrity.
4Productivity
If the membrane is kept dry to maintain hydrophobic properties, then air permeability is high for removing air inclusions, but water-based priming fluid cannot pass through effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary wetting action to the membrane surface before the overpressure phase. This preliminary action allows the hydrophobic membrane to be temporarily conditioned to permit water-based fluid passage, while maintaining the ability to remove air inclusions during the subsequent overpressure phase.
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
This method effectively removes air inclusions quickly, improving venting efficiency and reducing the time required for filling, while ensuring the dialyzer membrane is not damaged, thus enhancing the overall dialysis process.
Implementation Method 1
an overpressure is generated in the dialyzate chamber with respect to the blood chamber for the removal of air inclusions lying at the surface of the membrane at the dialyzate chamber side
Implementation Method 2
the typically hydrophobic membrane has a high barrier effect for a water-based priming fluid. An overpressure can therefore be built up in the dialyzate chamber
Implementation Method 3
The typically hydrophobic membrane has a high gas permeability and in particular air permeability in such a dry state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for venting a dialyzer which has a dialyzate chamber, a blood chamber and a semi-permeable dialyzer membrane separating these two chambers. An overpressure is generated in the dialyzate chamber with respect to the blood chamber for removing air inclusions lying at the surface of the membrane at the dialyzate chamber side after a filling of the dialyzate chamber and before a filling of the blood chamber.