Spinning Membrane Separator with Radial Rib for Blood Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood separation technologies are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, particularly in the manual processing of whole blood into its components, and existing spinning membrane separators have not been effectively used for collecting red blood cells or cell washing.
Innovation Solution
A spinning membrane separator with a larger membrane area and optimized design parameters, including varying gap widths and rotational speeds, is used to enhance plasma flow rates while minimizing hemolysis, and separate fluid flow regions are created to reduce mixing and hemolysis, integrated into an automated system for efficient blood component separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual centrifugation and decanting methods are used for blood component separation, then the separation can be performed with simple equipment, but the processing time is excessive and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (centrifugation, decanting, re-suspension) with an automated spinning membrane separator that uses controlled rotation and membrane filtration to separate blood components continuously, eliminating the need for repeated manual handling and significantly reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes operational parameters including rotational speed (500-2000 rpm), membrane pore size (3-10 microns), and gap width (2-10 mm) to achieve efficient separation while minimizing hemolysis, allowing the system to process blood components rapidly with controlled conditions
2Productivity
If spinning membrane separators are used to increase plasma flow rates, then separation efficiency improves, but hemolysis increases due to high shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct fluid flow regions with different characteristics: a first region with higher shear stress for plasma separation and a second region with lower shear stress for protecting red blood cells from hemolysis, allowing each region to perform its specific function optimally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fluid flow path into separate regions using a partition or baffle structure, creating independent zones that can have different flow characteristics and shear stress levels, thereby enabling high plasma flow rates while protecting cells from excessive shear forces
3Reliability
If repeated manual manipulation is performed for cell washing, then cell concentration can be adjusted, but the potential for human error and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform cell washing automatically by circulating blood through the spinning membrane separator multiple times, where the separator itself concentrates cells and allows supernatant removal without manual intervention, reducing human error while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated cycling of blood through the separation process, maintaining continuous useful action for cell concentration and washing without interruption or manual re-assembly, thereby reducing errors while preserving operational flexibility
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 achieves high plasma flow rates with low hemolysis and efficient separation of red blood cells, reducing processing time and potential for human error, and is suitable for both plasma collection and red blood cell processing.
Implementation Method 1
a spinning membrane separator with a larger membrane area and optimized design parameters
Implementation Method 2
at least one or which carries a porous membrane
Implementation Method 3
The Taylor vortices help to keep the blood cells from depositing on and fouling or clogging the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.