Nitric Oxide Generation via Plasma Ionization and Scrubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating and delivering nitric oxide (NO) face challenges such as the need for high-concentration gas tanks, handling of toxic chemicals, and the generation of plasma in the air flow for patients, which are inefficient and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A nitric oxide generation system comprising a plasma chamber that ionizes nitrogen and oxygen to form NO, a scrubber with NO2 scrubbing material, and a flow controller to regulate the NO delivery, which pressurizes the product gas in the scrubber to accumulate and scrub NO2 before delivery, allowing for controlled and efficient NO delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tank-based systems are used to store and deliver NO gas, then NO delivery is possible, but the system requires high-concentration gas tanks and complex purge operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tank-based storage system with an electric plasma generation system. Instead of storing NO in high-concentration gas tanks and using mechanical purge operations, the system generates NO on-demand through plasma ionization of nitrogen and oxygen gases, eliminating the need for complex tank management and purge procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own NO supply through plasma generation rather than relying on external gas tanks. The plasma chamber continuously ionizes nitrogen and oxygen to produce NO, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the complexity of tank refilling, pressure regulation, and purge operations
2Productivity
If NO is synthesized from NO2 or N2O4, then NO can be produced, but toxic chemicals must be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental production method from chemical synthesis (requiring NO2 or N2O4) to physical plasma ionization of nitrogen and oxygen gases. This parameter change eliminates the need to handle toxic chemicals while maintaining efficient NO production through controlled plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses nitrogen and oxygen gases, which are inert and safe to handle, as feedstock for NO production. This replaces the toxic NO2 and N2O4 chemicals with safe, readily available atmospheric gases, eliminating toxic chemical handling risks while maintaining productivity
3Productivity
If plasma is generated in the main air flow, then NO can be produced, but the delivery system becomes complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the plasma generation function into a dedicated chamber distinct from the delivery flow path. Nitrogen and oxygen are ionized in the plasma chamber, then the generated NO mixes with carrier gas in a controlled manner through a T-connector, improving delivery efficiency by preventing plasma interference with the patient breath while maintaining continuous NO 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 system enables efficient and safe generation and delivery of nitric oxide, minimizing the use of toxic chemicals and reducing NO2 formation, while allowing for precise control of NO concentration and flow rate, improving patient treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma chamber configured to ionize a reactant gas including nitrogen and oxygen to form a product gas that includes nitric oxide (NO)
Implementation Method 2
A pump is configured to convey the product gas from the plasma chamber into the scrubber, the pump configured to pressurize the product gas in the scrubber when the flow controller is positioned to restrict the flow of product gas from the scrubber
Implementation Method 3
a scrubber downstream from the plasma chamber and having a volume at least partially containing NO2 scrubbing material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for nitric oxide (NO) generation and/or delivery. In some aspects, a nitric oxide generation system comprises a plasma chamber configured to ionize a reactant gas including nitrogen and oxygen to form a product gas that includes NO, a scrubber downstream from the plasma chamber and having a volume at least partially containing NO2 scrubbing material, and a flow controller downstream of the scrubber configured to control the flow of product gas from the scrubber to a delivery device. A pump is configured to convey product gas from the plasma chamber into the scrubber and is configured to pressurize the product gas in the scrubber when the flow controller is positioned to restrict the flow of product gas from the scrubber. The pressurized product gas accumulates within the scrubber and is at least partially scrubbed of NO2 prior to passage through the flow controller.