Peritoneal Dialysis PCM Heat Exchange for Stable Fluid Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peritoneal dialysis systems face issues with inefficient and inconsistent heating of fresh PD fluid, leading to underheating or overheating, and the waste of heat in used PD fluid.
Innovation Solution
A peritoneal dialysis system utilizing phase change material (PCM) devices to regulate PD fluid temperature, mitigating underheating and overheating by storing and releasing latent heat, and recovering heat from used PD fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used to heat fresh PD fluid, then the fluid can be warmed to body temperature, but the heating is inefficient and inconsistent, leading to underheating or overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change material (PCM) that undergoes phase transition between solid and liquid states at a specific temperature (e.g., 37°C). When the PD fluid temperature drops below the melting point, the PCM melts and absorbs heat; when the temperature rises above the melting point, the PCM solidifies and releases heat. This phase transition mechanism automatically stabilizes the PD fluid temperature, eliminating underheating and overheating issues associated with conventional heating methods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating methods are used, then PD fluid can be heated, but energy consumption increases and heat from used PD fluid is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a heat recovery system where the PCM absorbs excess heat from the used PD fluid during the drain phase when the fluid is discarded. This recovered thermal energy is stored in the PCM and subsequently released during the fill phase to preheat the incoming fresh PD fluid. This process recovers otherwise wasted heat from used fluid, reducing the energy consumption required for heating fresh PD fluid while minimizing thermal energy loss.
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 maintains consistent PD fluid temperature, reduces energy consumption, and recovers heat from used fluid, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of PD treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A peritoneal dialysis system utilizing phase change material (PCM) devices to regulate PD fluid temperature, mitigating underheating and overheating by storing and releasing latent heat
Implementation Method 2
mitigating underheating and overheating by storing and releasing latent heat
Implementation Method 3
The PCM device may be a heat exchanger that receives both the fresh PD fluid and the used PD fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system includes a PD fluid pump, a PD fluid heater positioned and arranged to heat fresh PD fluid pumped by the PD fluid pump, and a phase change material (“PCM”) device positioned and arranged to receive fresh PD fluid heated by the PD fluid heater. The PCM device includes a PCM having a melting temperature selected so that the PCM solidifies when underheated fresh PD fluid contacts the PCM transferring heat to the underheated fresh PD fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the PD system may include a different PCM device having a PCM with a melting temperature selected so that the PCM melts when overheated fresh PD fluid contacts the PCM thereby removing heat from the overheated fresh PD fluid. A configuration for the PCM device is also disclosed.