Selective Sorbent Regeneration Dialysis Flow Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems that reuse spent dialysate without full regeneration are costly due to the need for large amounts of expensive sorbent materials and clean water, and they often require longer treatment times and cannot effectively regulate electrolyte or pH levels.
Innovation Solution
A dialysis flow loop system that includes a dialyzer flow loop and a regeneration flow loop with a sorbent cartridge, where the dialysate is selectively regenerated based on waste solute concentration, allowing for multiple passes through the dialyzer before regeneration, reducing sorbent material usage and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If dialysate is recirculated multiple times without regeneration, then water consumption is reduced, but contaminant levels increase and treatment effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality treatment to different portions of dialysate: frequently used dialysate is regenerated through the sorbent cartridge to remove waste solutes, while less used dialysate is recirculated without regeneration. This local differentiation allows effective contaminant removal where needed while minimizing water consumption overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical parameters of dialysate selectively by passing it through a sorbent cartridge that removes waste solutes such as urea, phosphates, and non-polar molecules. This parameter change restores dialysate quality without requiring complete replacement, enabling partial regeneration strategies.
2Loss of substance
If sorbent materials are used to remove wastes from dialysate, then dialysate can be recirculated with less water, but the cost of expensive sorbent materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of regenerating all dialysate continuously, the system applies partial regeneration only to the portion of dialysate that has accumulated significant waste solutes. This partial action reduces sorbent material consumption while still maintaining acceptable dialysate quality and enabling water conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers valuable clean water by selectively regenerating dialysate portions through sorbent cartridges, while allowing non-critical dialysate to be discarded and replaced. This selective recovery strategy optimizes the balance between sorbent material usage and water conservation.
3Loss of substance
If dialysate flow rate is reduced to use smaller volume, then water consumption decreases, but flux rate of contaminants across membrane decreases and treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by regenerating dialysate in real-time through the sorbent cartridge as it circulates. This continuous regeneration allows the system to use smaller dialysate volumes without compromising contaminant removal efficiency, as the regenerated dialysate maintains its cleaning capability throughout the treatment period.
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 reduces the amount of sorbent materials needed, shortens dialysis time, and allows for more efficient dialysis treatment by selectively regenerating dialysate, minimizing exposure to contaminants and optimizing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
Sorbent cartridges operate by adsorbing ions and other waste solutes from a fluid, such as dialysate
Implementation Method 2
a dialyzer and two containers along with pumps to regulate flow into the dialyzer. The system operates by circulating dialysate from the containers to the dialyzer and back into the containers
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for performing selective sorbent-based regeneration of dialysate. The systems and method provide for dialysate regeneration to be carried out intermittently throughout a dialysis session, decreasing the necessary amounts of sorbent materials and infusates to conduct dialysis. The system and methods allow for regeneration of dialysate as needed based on the concentration of waste species in the dialysate, allowing for effective treatment with a decreased need for sorbent materials.