Modular Fluid Purification System for Remote Dialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems, particularly peritoneal dialysis, face challenges in accessing purified water for dialysate preparation, especially in remote areas without access to mains electricity or potable water, and the logistics of delivering and storing dialysate are complex and costly, limiting mobility and accessibility for patients.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid purification system comprising a heat exchanger module, an evaporator-condenser module, and a compressor, arranged in a stacked configuration for passive drainage, which can purify water using any available water source, including non-potable water, and is designed to be portable and energy-efficient, allowing operation without mains power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peritoneal dialysis is used to improve patient mobility and eliminate the need for dialysis machines, then patient mobility and quality of life are improved, but the requirement for highly purified water and sterile dialysate preparation becomes more challenging, especially in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water purification process into distinct modular components: a heat exchanger module for heating and cooling, an evaporator-condenser module for phase change purification, and a compressor module for vapor compression. Each module can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained, making the complex purification function manageable and adaptable for remote use.
Solution Approach 2:
The purification system is designed to handle multiple water quality scenarios using the same core technology. It can purify potable water, non-potable water, and even seawater through the same evaporator-condenser mechanism, eliminating the need for different systems based on water source quality and enabling universal deployment in diverse remote locations.
2Reliability
If dialysate is pre-mixed and distributed in bags to ensure sterility and purity, then patient safety is improved, but the logistics of delivering and storing large quantities of dialysate become complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the water purification function from the dialysate distribution logistics. Instead of distributing pre-mixed dialysate bags, the system extracts purified water at the point of use and mixes it with dialysate concentrate locally, eliminating the need for complex cold chain logistics and large-scale dialysate storage while maintaining sterility through on-demand purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The purification system acts as an intermediary between available water sources and dialysate preparation. It provides purified water as an intermediate product that can then be combined with sterile dialysate concentrate to create the final dialysate solution, separating the purification function from the distribution function and simplifying logistics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a modular stacked configuration is used to facilitate passive drainage, then system portability and energy efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are stacked vertically to create equipotential drainage paths where purified water flows downward through gravity from the evaporator-condenser module to the heat exchanger module and final collection point. This eliminates the need for additional pumps or active drainage mechanisms, reducing energy consumption while the modular interfaces standardize connection precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into standardized modular units with defined interfaces and connection protocols. This segmentation allows for pre-manufactured modules with controlled precision requirements at each interface, making assembly more manageable compared to a monolithic design while maintaining the energy-efficient passive drainage configuration.
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 provides a cost-effective and mobile solution for purifying water, enabling safe and sterile dialysate preparation, reducing energy consumption, and facilitating access to dialysis for patients in remote areas by utilizing any available water source, thus improving mobility and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger module
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator-condenser module
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator-condenser module, and a compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system (1000) for purifying incoming fluid is provided that is modular and includes a heat exchanger module (1100), an evaporator-condenser module (1200) and a compressor (1300). The system is configured to facilitate passive drainage of the purified fluid for collection. The system components are arranged in a stacked configuration to facilitate gravitational flow of the purified fluid such that the purified fluid drains passively for collection. A system for preparation of ready-to-use treatment fluid is also provided including the modular fluid purification system (1000), a preparation station (3000) and a coupling device (4000). The components are configured to be retained in a portable carrier that is manually operable for improved access to and mobility of the components. A coupling device (4000) for use in connecting flow channels of a plurality of components and for use in preparing ready-to-use dialysate is also provided, A further system (6000) for preparation of a receptacle and a ready-to-use treatment fluid in the receptacle is provided.