Membrane Filter Separation System for Red Blood Cell Concentration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating red blood cells from carrier liquids, such as saline or Rejuvesol solutions, are inefficient, leading to dilution of red blood cells and sub-optimal oxygen or energy carrying capabilities due to residual rejuvenating agents.
Innovation Solution
A filter separation system utilizing a membrane filter with a pressure differential to separate red blood cells from saline or other carrier liquids, where the membrane is selectively permeable to saline but not to red blood cells, allowing for the removal of the carrier liquid while retaining the cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If red blood cells are washed with saline to remove rejuvenating agents, then the rejuvenating agents are removed from red blood cells, but the red blood cells are diluted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane filter with specific pore size (0.1-10 micrometers) that allows saline and small molecules to pass through while retaining red blood cells. This porous structure enables selective separation based on size, removing the diluting saline while concentrating the red blood cells, thus resolving the contradiction between removing rejuvenating agents and maintaining cell concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the carrier liquid (saline) from the mixture of red blood cells and saline using a filtration system. By taking out the unwanted saline component through the membrane filter, the system achieves both removal of rejuvenating agents and concentration of red blood cells simultaneously
2Reliability
If conventional filtration methods are used to separate red blood cells from saline, then separation is achieved, but the system is inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a disposable membrane filter that is single-use and discarded after one filtration process. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance systems, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining high separation efficiency. The disposable nature ensures consistent performance without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical filtration systems with a passive membrane filter that relies on pressure differential and size exclusion. This substitution of active mechanical systems with a passive membrane-based approach simplifies the overall system design while achieving reliable separation of red blood cells from saline
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 separates red blood cells from carrier liquids, concentrating them for safe introduction into patients by removing the diluting agent, thereby maintaining optimal oxygen and energy carrying capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Separation of saline from red blood cells may be performed with a filter separation and pressure differential system. The filter may include a membrane filter.
Implementation Method 2
The membrane filter, discussed further herein, may be included in a separation system. In the separation system the carrier liquid may pass through the filter membrane. The red blood cells may not pass or easily pass through the filter membrane
Implementation Method 3
Separation of saline from red blood cells may be performed with a filter separation and pressure differential system.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Separation of a wash liquid from red blood cells is disclosed using a filter separation and pressure differential system. The filter may include a membrane filter.