Peritoneal Dialysis Disinfection Loop With CO2 Scale Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peritoneal dialysis systems generate significant disposable waste, including calcium carbonate deposits during disinfection, which is cumbersome and costly, and require frequent setup and handling by patients.

Innovation Solution

The system converts fluid-carrying components into reusable parts, using carbon dioxide injection during disinfection to inhibit or remove calcium carbonate formation, with a control unit managing pressure and temperature to efficiently utilize CO2.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If disposable components are used in peritoneal dialysis systems, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases due to calcium carbonate waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcalcium carbonate waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system recovers and removes calcium carbonate deposits from reusable components during the disinfection process, converting what would be waste into a removable byproduct. The CO2 injection dissolves calcium carbonate, allowing it to be flushed from the system while maintaining component reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the chemical parameters of the disinfection process by injecting CO2, which alters the pH and solubility characteristics of calcium carbonate. This transformation allows calcium carbonate to transition from an insoluble deposit to a soluble form that can be easily removed during flushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If reusable components are used in peritoneal dialysis systems, then loss of substance decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposable wasteVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CO2 injection system serves multiple functions: it disinfects the reusable components, removes calcium carbonate deposits, and prevents new deposit formation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning and maintenance procedures, offsetting the added complexity with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-cleaning and self-disinfection through automated CO2 injection and flushing sequences. The reusable components are automatically treated to remove deposits and prevent contamination, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex external maintenance systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If CO2 injection is used during disinfection, then calcium carbonate removal is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalcium carbonate removalVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical scraping or high-pressure washing methods with a chemical dissolution approach using CO2. This substitution reduces the mechanical energy required for deposit removal, as the chemical reaction naturally breaks down calcium carbonate bonds without requiring intense physical force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the phase transition of CO2 from gas to dissolved state in the disinfection solution. This phase change releases energy that facilitates the chemical reaction with calcium carbonate, reducing the external energy input needed for the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Reduces disposable waste, minimizes setup time, and prevents calcium carbonate buildup, enhancing the efficiency and usability of peritoneal dialysis systems.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon dioxide (CO2) source to supply CO2 to the disinfection loop to inhibit and/or remove the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide injection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250360256A1Peritoneal dialysis system having carbon dioxide injection to inhibit/remove calcium carbonate

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 BAXTER INT INC

AI summary

A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system includes a PD fluid pump; a disinfection loop including the PD fluid pump, the disinfection loop including PD fluid used for disinfecting the disinfection loop; and a carbon dioxide (CO2), source positioned and arranged to supply CO2 to the disinfection loop to inhibit and/or remove the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) during a disinfection sequence. The PD system includes a control unit configured to open a valve to allow CO2 to be supplied, wherein the control unit may use a lookup table or algorithm to determine the desired pressure or pressure increase.