Ventilated Nafion Tubing for Humidity-Conditioned Sample Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Nafion tubing used for humidity conditioning in sample gas analysis forms a dry layer that obstructs its functionality, leading to a shortened operational life, and existing systems struggle to maintain optimal humidity levels for accurate gas analysis.
Innovation Solution
A humidity conditioning apparatus using Nafion tubing with a ventilated configuration, where ambient air is passed over the tubing using a fan to prevent the formation of a dry skin, maintaining humidity levels within an acceptable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional Nafion tubing is used for humidity conditioning, then humidity conditioning function is provided, but operational life is significantly shortened due to dry layer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-hydration of the Nafion tubing before use. The tubing is soaked in water or humidified air for a period of time before being installed in the system, which prevents the formation of dry layers during operation and extends its operational life while maintaining humidity conditioning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through a regeneration cycle where the Nafion tubing is periodically re-hydrationed in place. A valve system allows water or humidified air to be directed through the tubing during a regeneration phase, restoring its humidity conditioning capability without removing the tubing from the system
2Reliability
If liquid particles are present in inspiratory breathing flow, then additional benefit to patient is provided, but sample gas analyzer operation is interfered with or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the breathing circuit into separate pathways: a main inspiratory flow path that delivers liquid-containing breathable air to the patient, and a separate sample gas extraction path that draws gas samples through a filter or membrane interface, isolating the analyzer from liquid particles while maintaining patient treatment benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element such as a hydrophobic membrane or filter that allows water vapor and gas molecules to pass through to the analyzer while blocking liquid particles. This intermediary protects the analyzer from liquid interference while still enabling accurate measurement of gas composition in the patient's breathable air
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 apparatus extends the operational life of Nafion tubing and ensures accurate humidity conditioning, enhancing the reliability of gas analysis by maintaining optimal humidity levels for sample gases.
Implementation Method 1
a section of which comprises a permeable material and is arranged in the chamber as a ventilated section, ventilated by the ambient air flow through the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a fan or other forced air device to force air over the tubing
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for analyzing therapeutic gas is disclosed. The method includes a therapeutic gas being added as a supplement to a mixture gas, and the mixture gas supplemented with the therapeutic gas being delivered through a conduit. The method further includes receiving a sample gas, comprising a sample of the mixture gas supplemented with the therapeutic gas, from the conduit through a gas sample line. The method additionally includes raising or lowering the humidity of the sample gas, by passing the sample gas through a water-permeable tubular membrane, wherein the sample gas leaving the water-permeable tubular membrane is a humidity conditioned sample gas. The method also includes analyzing the humidity conditioned sample gas to determine a mixing ratio and concurrent with passing the sample gas through the water-permeable tubular membrane, maintaining a section of the water permeable tubular as a ventilated water permeable tubular membrane, by operations that include exposing outer surfaces of the ventilated water permeable tubular membrane to an ambient air flow. The therapeutic gas includes nitric oxide.