Expandable Post-Filter Container Air Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leukoreduction systems fail to efficiently remove air from the post-filter container, especially during filtration of smaller amounts of fluid, leading to incomplete air removal and diminished filtration performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an expandable post-filter container with a volume restriction, allowing for automatic venting of gas without manual manipulation, by ensuring the maximum vented volume is approximately equal to the filtered fluid volume, leveraging gravity flow and pressure differentials to expel air naturally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a bypass line with one-way valve is used to remove air from the post-filter container, then air removal capability is improved, but the system requires manual manipulation (squeezing the container) to force air through the bypass line
Solution Approach 1:
The post-filter container is designed to automatically vent gas through the bypass line using the gravity-driven pressure differential generated during filtration, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. The system self-regulates by allowing gas to escape automatically when the fluid level rises sufficiently during the filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of squeezing the container to force air through the bypass line is replaced by a passive gravity-driven pressure differential system. The natural flow of fluid under gravity creates sufficient pressure to automatically push gas through the bypass line without requiring external mechanical force.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the post-filter container is squeezed to force air through the bypass line, then air removal is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the air removal function during the normal filtration process without requiring separate manual intervention. As fluid flows through the filter and accumulates in the post-filter container, the resulting pressure differential automatically forces gas through the bypass line, integrating air removal into the primary filtration operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line is pre-configured with a one-way valve that allows gas to escape automatically when pressure conditions are met, eliminating the need for subsequent manual air removal steps. The system is designed to handle air removal as an automatic consequence of the filtration process rather than a separate operation.
3Quantity of substance
If a larger post-filter container is used to accommodate larger fluid volumes, then filtration capacity is improved, but air removal becomes less effective due to reduced internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the hydraulic pressure generated by the column of fluid during gravity-driven filtration to force gas through the bypass line. The pressure differential created by the fluid head automatically regulates gas escape, ensuring effective air removal regardless of the container size or total fluid volume being processed.
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 ensures complete air removal from the post-filter container, eliminating the need for manual 'burping' and improving filtration efficiency, even with smaller fluid volumes, by maintaining internal pressure sufficient for automatic gas venting.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a quantity of biological fluid under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter
Implementation Method 2
leukocyte removal filter (28) from a predetermined height above the filter and into a post-filter container
Implementation Method 3
venting gas from the post-filter container (102)... maintaining internal pressure sufficient for automatic gas venting
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~5
Figure 6A~7D
AI summary
Biological fluid filtration systems and methods are provided for the treatment of air within the system. A filtration system includes a pre-filter container joined to an expandable post-filter container by a filter line having a filter. The post- filter container has a relatively smaller maximum volume, such that it limits the amount of gas in the post-filter container during and after filtration of a biological fluid, thereby improving removal of air from the post-filter container.