Nitric Oxide Generation System with NO2 Trap and Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of nitric oxide (NO) for therapeutic use is challenging due to difficulties in monitoring and the toxicity of NO2, which accumulates in hospital rooms, posing health risks to patients and staff.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that produce a stream with a therapeutic concentration of NO by mixing nitrogen and oxygen in an ozone generator, then using a catalyst to convert the mixture into NO, while controlling the process to maintain NO2 levels below 100 ppb, using analyzers to monitor concentrations and adjust the process accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nitric oxide is generated for therapeutic use, then therapeutic concentration of NO is achieved, but nitrogen dioxide accumulates and causes toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes nitrogen dioxide from the generated gas stream using a nitrogen dioxide trap before the gas reaches the patient. This separation process allows the therapeutic nitric oxide to be delivered while preventing the toxic nitrogen dioxide from causing harm to patients and staff in the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
A nitrogen dioxide trap acts as an intermediary component between the nitric oxide generation system and the patient enclosure. This trap selectively absorbs nitrogen dioxide while allowing nitric oxide to pass through, serving as a protective mediator that prevents toxicity without interfering with the therapeutic effect.
2Quantity of substance
If nitric oxide is generated using ozone and catalyst, then therapeutic concentration is produced, but monitoring and control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates analyzers that continuously monitor the concentrations of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide in the generated gas stream. This feedback information is used to adjust the ozone generator output and catalyst conditions in real-time, maintaining therapeutic nitric oxide levels while preventing toxic nitrogen dioxide accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical control methods with analytical instrumentation to monitor gas concentrations. By using sensors and analyzers to detect chemical concentrations, the system achieves precise control without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If nitrogen and oxygen are mixed in ozone generator, then nitric oxide is formed, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone generator serves multiple functions: it generates ozone for the chemical reaction, provides a controlled environment for nitrogen and oxygen mixing, and enables precise control of reaction conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system despite the complex chemistry involved.
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 approach effectively generates a therapeutic concentration of NO while minimizing NO2 levels, ensuring safe delivery to patients and reducing toxicity in hospital environments.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the premixture in a first reactor with a catalyst comprising a metal from one or more of Groups 4 through 12 of the periodic table of elements suitable to convert nitrogen and ozone present in the premixture into the first mixture
Implementation Method 2
N2+2O3→2NO+2O2 and N2+O2→2NO
Implementation Method 3
directing at least a portion of the second mixture through at least one analyzer to determine a concentration of nitric oxide or a concentration of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide present in the second mixture
Implementation Method 4
mixing at least a portion of the first mixture with oxygen to produce a second mixture comprising oxygen and nitric oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a stream having a therapeutic concentration of nitric oxide (NO) is disclosed, along with an apparatus and system suitable to accomplish this method.