Gas Separation Level Control for Foam-Safe Blood Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation devices struggle with accurate detection of liquid levels and foam presence, leading to potential contamination of components due to foam being drawn into the system, and inefficient control of liquid levels, especially in extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A combination of ultrasonic and capacitive liquid level sensors, along with an optical level control protection sensor using infrared detection, is employed to accurately detect liquid levels and differentiate between foam and liquid, enabling precise control of liquid levels and preventing foam from entering sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas is removed from the gas separation device to raise the liquid level, then the liquid level control is improved, but foam is drawn into the outlet and contacted by components requiring stoppage for replacement and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foam trap as an intermediary component between the gas separation device and the level control apparatus. This foam trap captures and retains foam before it can reach and contaminate sensitive components like pressure sensors and pumps, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective liquid level control and component protection from foam contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of foam presence using optical sensors before foam can reach the level control apparatus. When foam is detected, the system preemptively adjusts operations to prevent foam from contacting sensitive components, eliminating the need for stoppages and maintaining continuous operation
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect liquid level, then the detection capability is improved, but foam interferes with accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies - ultrasonic sensors for liquid level detection and optical sensors for foam detection - into a hybrid detection system. This merging of complementary technologies allows the system to accurately distinguish between liquid and foam, overcoming the limitation of ultrasonic sensors being interfered with by foam
Solution Approach 2:
The optical foam detection system provides continuous feedback about foam presence to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust ultrasonic detection operations dynamically, compensating for foam interference and maintaining accurate liquid level measurement even when foam is present
3Productivity
If the gas separation device operates continuously, then productivity is improved, but foam may be drawn into components requiring stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The foam trap serves as a protective intermediary that enables continuous operation by capturing foam before it reaches sensitive components. This allows the gas separation device to operate continuously without interruption for component maintenance, thereby maintaining high productivity while protecting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system performs preliminary identification of foam conditions before foam can cause damage to components. This preemptive detection and response capability allows the system to maintain continuous operation by adjusting parameters in real-time to prevent foam contamination
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 effectively controls liquid levels in gas separation devices, preventing foam from contacting sensitive components and ensuring reliable operation by accurately distinguishing between foam and liquid, thereby maintaining apparatus functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic liquid level sensors
Implementation Method 2
capacitive liquid level sensors
Implementation Method 3
optical level control protection sensor using infrared detection
Implementation Method 4
the liquid to accumulate in a lower part of the chamber due to the force of gravity, thus promoting the separation of the lower density gas bubbles because they rise through the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Treatment apparatus with liquid level controls for gas separation devices used to separate gas bubbles from liquids are described herein along with methods of controlling the level of liquids in the gas separation devices. The gas separation devices may be used in liquid treatment apparatus to separate gas bubbles from one or more liquids such as, e.g., physiological liquids (e.g., blood, etc.).