Membrane Segmentation for Waste Dialysate Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling waste dialysate are inefficient and costly due to the need for large amounts of adsorbents and the challenges of removing electrolytes and urea, which can lead to increased costs and weight of recycling devices.
Innovation Solution
A solution treatment method using a combination of two types of membranes to separate electrolytes and water from low-molecular-weight nonelectrolyte molecules, such as urea, in waste dialysate, allowing for the recovery of electrolytes and water while removing the target molecule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adsorbents are used to remove impurities and electrolytes from waste dialysate, then the waste dialysate can be regenerated, but the weight and cost of the recycling device increase due to the large amount of adsorbent required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waste dialysate treatment process into two distinct stages: first, a loose RO membrane removes electrolytes and small molecules; second, a nanofiltration membrane removes larger impurities and proteins. This segmentation eliminates the need for large amounts of adsorbent, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining effective regeneration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adsorption system with a mechanical membrane separation system. Instead of using adsorbent materials that require significant weight, the system employs membrane filtration technology that physically separates components based on size and charge, achieving the same regeneration goal with minimal device weight
2Reliability
If adsorbents are used to remove impurities and electrolytes from waste dialysate, then the waste dialysate can be regenerated, but the cost of the recycling device increases due to the large amount of adsorbent required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waste dialysate treatment process into two distinct stages: first, a loose RO membrane removes electrolytes and small molecules; second, a nanofiltration membrane removes larger impurities and proteins. This segmentation eliminates the need for large amounts of adsorbent, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining effective regeneration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adsorption system with a mechanical membrane separation system. Instead of using adsorbent materials that require significant weight, the system employs membrane filtration technology that physically separates components based on size and charge, achieving the same regeneration goal with minimal device weight
3Device complexity
If a single membrane is used for separation, then the device structure is simple, but the separation efficiency for both electrolytes and low-molecular-weight nonelectrolyte molecules is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waste dialysate treatment process into two distinct stages: first, a loose RO membrane removes electrolytes and small molecules; second, a nanofiltration membrane removes larger impurities and proteins. This segmentation eliminates the need for large amounts of adsorbent, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining effective regeneration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different membrane types with specific properties for different separation tasks. The loose RO membrane is optimized for electrolyte removal, while the nanofiltration membrane is optimized for macromolecule removal. Each membrane location is tailored to its specific function, achieving high overall separation efficiency
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 recovers electrolytes and water from waste dialysate, reducing the amount of waste generated and allowing for the reuse of treated dialysate, thereby stabilizing dialysate supply and controlling medical costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first separation membrane 1 and a second separation membrane 2 which each separate a feed liquid into a permeate liquid and a concentrated liquid
Implementation Method 2
a permeate liquid from the first separation membrane 1 is fed to the second separation membrane 2 and subjected to separation treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A solution treatment method in which a solution containing a separation target substance such as a neutral molecule is treated with a combination of a plurality of types of membranes, and a component and water desired to be left as a purified liquid are recovered while the unnecessary separation target substance is separated. More specifically, it could be helpful to provide a solution treatment method which is to be applied to a solution containing at least an electrolyte in an amount of 1000 mg/L or more and containing a low-molecular-weight nonelectrolyte molecule having a molecular weight of 70 or less, and by which the electrolyte and water are recovered while the low-molecular-weight nonelectrolyte molecule is removed, with combination of a plurality of membranes.