Forward Osmosis Dialyzate Preparation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing dialyzate using reverse osmosis (RO) require high pressures, making the process energy-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of forward osmosis (FO) to prepare dialyzate by utilizing the osmotic pressure gradient between raw water and dialyzate/concentrate, eliminating the need for high-pressure RO systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reverse osmosis (RO) is used to prepare ultrapure water for dialyzate, then high purification quality is achieved, but high energy consumption occurs due to required high pressures of 6 to 15 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the osmosis process by using forward osmosis instead of reverse osmosis. This eliminates the need for high pressure (6-15 bar) while maintaining purification quality, as the process relies on osmotic pressure gradients rather than mechanical pressure to achieve water purification for dialyzate preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure system of reverse osmosis with a chemical/osmotic system. Instead of using mechanical pressure to force water through the membrane, the system uses osmotic pressure gradients created by concentrate solutions, thereby eliminating the need for high-pressure pumps and reducing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If a centralized line system is used to supply dialyzate to multiple dialysis machines, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity and hygiene maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dialyzate preparation system into decentralized units that can be attached to individual dialysis machines. Each unit contains its own filter and concentrate containers, allowing preparation to occur locally rather than through a complex centralized distribution network, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable dialyzate preparation unit as an intermediary between the water source and the dialysis machine. This unit includes a filter element and concentrate containers that work together to prepare dialyzate locally, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing hygiene maintenance requirements compared to centralized systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If reverse osmosis systems are used for dialyzate preparation, then high purification is achieved, but the systems are large and require significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or replaceable filter elements and concentrate containers that can be easily exchanged. This allows for high purification quality using compact, lightweight components rather than large, permanent RO systems, thereby reducing the volume and space requirements while maintaining dialyzate quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure RO systems are used for dialyzate preparation, then adequate filtration is achieved, but the systems generate significant noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure system of reverse osmosis with a chemical/osmotic system that operates quietly. By using osmotic pressure gradients instead of high-pressure pumps, the system achieves adequate filtration quality without generating the significant noise associated with mechanical pressure generation.
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 approach reduces energy consumption, simplifies hygiene maintenance, and allows for more portable and quieter dialyzate preparation systems, while achieving high filtration rates and improved filtrate quality.
Implementation Method 1
the filter (4) is configured to prepare purified water from the water through forward osmosis
Implementation Method 2
utilize the different electrolyte concentration between the raw water and the dialyzate/concentrate and the osmotic pressure associated therewith to prepare dialyzate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for preparing dialyzate, wherein the apparatus has a first part and a second part that is configured as a circuit; wherein the first part comprises a water connection or a water container as well as the primary side of a filter; wherein the filter is configured to prepare purified water from the water through forward osmosis; and wherein the second part comprises the secondary side of the filter, a reservoir, a filtrate line that leads from the secondary side of the filter to the reservoir, and a line leading from the reservoir to the secondary side of the filter, with the reservoir being a container having means for connecting the container to a dialysis machine.