Two-Phase Mass Exchanger for Simultaneous Blood Temperature and Composition Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass exchange apparatus for blood and blood products require separate stages for temperature and composition modifications, which is inefficient and can lead to complications such as blood clotting and abnormal plasma composition.
Innovation Solution
A mass exchanger design that uses a two-phase treatment agent with both gas and liquid introduced into a permeable membrane channel, allowing simultaneous heat and mass transfer, reducing residence time and minimizing the risk of clotting and plasma abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate stages are used for heat exchange and mass exchange, then each exchange process can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity increases and treatment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat exchange and mass exchange functions into a single integrated apparatus. The treatment agent channel simultaneously facilitates both thermal energy transfer (through the liquid phase) and gas mass transfer (through the gas phase) to the blood, eliminating the need for separate heat exchange and mass exchange stages while maintaining independent optimization of each function.
2Reliability
If separate stages are used for heat exchange and mass exchange, then each exchange process can be optimized independently, but the treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus enables continuous simultaneous heat exchange and mass exchange in a single pass through the treatment agent channel. Both exchange processes occur concurrently without sequential delays, reducing the overall treatment duration while maintaining the reliability of optimized exchange processes.
3Reliability
If extended residence time in separate stages is used, then thorough exchange is achieved, but the risk of blood clotting and plasma abnormalities increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging heat exchange and mass exchange into a single simultaneous process, the apparatus achieves thorough exchange in a shorter residence time. The concurrent exchange processes eliminate the extended sequential treatment time that would otherwise be required, thereby reducing the risk of blood clotting and plasma abnormalities while maintaining exchange effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-stage apparatus is used, then heat exchange and gas exchange can be performed, but the apparatus cannot simultaneously adjust ion and dissolved species concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment agent channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: heat exchange through the liquid phase, gas mass transfer through the gas phase, and adjustment of ion and dissolved species concentrations through the permeable membrane. This multi-functionality is achieved in a single integrated apparatus without requiring additional dedicated mass exchange stages, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while expanding adaptability.
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
Enables efficient, one-stage modification of blood composition and temperature, reducing the risk of blood clots and improving patient health outcomes by allowing independent control of heat, gas, and dissolved species transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane provided between the first channel and the second channel so as to allow transfer of selected species between the first channel and the second channel
Implementation Method 2
allow transfer of selected species between the first channel and the second channel
Implementation Method 3
making use of the high heat capacity of the liquid phase of the treatment agent to transfer significant heat into or from the treated liquid
Implementation Method 4
transfer significant heat into or from the treated liquid
Implementation Method 5
simultaneously deliver gaseous species (e.g. oxygen) into the treated liquid
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method of use of a mass exchanger. In the method the mass exchanger comprises: a first channel for accommodating flow of a liquid to be treated; and a second channel for accommodating flow of a treatment agent, the first and second channels have a permeable membrane provided between them, so as to allow transfer of selected species between the first channel and the second channel. The steps of the mass transfer method comprise passing the liquid to be treated along the first channel and introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into the second channel to provide a two-phase treatment agent. It is desirable to provide a means of adjusting the concentration of gas species in a liquid such as blood, while simultaneously controlling the temperature of the liquid and optionally adjusting the concentration of ionic and/or dissolved species in that liquid. By this method and mass exchanger providing a two-phase treatment agent, it is possible to simultaneously deliver gaseous species (e.g. oxygen) into the treated liquid, while making use of the high heat capacity of the liquid phase of the treatment agent to transfer significant heat into or from the treated liquid.