Liquid purification or separation – Casing divided by membrane into sections having inlet – Energy recovery from treated liquid
Patent
1981-03-17
1983-12-27
Sadowski, David R.
Liquid purification or separation
Casing divided by membrane into sections having inlet
Energy recovery from treated liquid
210541, 55158, 422 48, B01D 3100
Patent
active
044229364
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a device for the diffusion of substances between two fluids via semipermeable membranes which are arranged in a stack separated by spacer plates which comprise through-holes connected to inlets and outlets respectively for the respective fluids, a first fluid of which is arranged so as to be conducted on one side of the respective membranes and a second fluid on the opposite side of the same membranes.
The device in accordance with the invention is intended foremost to be used for the purification of blood, that is to say as a so-called artificial kidney. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the apparatus in accordance with the invention can also be used for many other purposes. It may be used for example for the oxygenation of blood. The first of the above-mentioned fluids will then consist of blood, whilst the other will consist of oxygen or an oxygen mixture. Alternatively the device, in accordance with the invention, may be used for the transfer of substances from one gas to another. The term fluid, as used in following description, means therefore gas as well as liquid.
BACKGROUND ART
Apparatuses of the above-mentioned type are known in themselves and are described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,411,630, 3,501,011, 3,511,381, 3,516,548, 3,734,298, 3,837,496,, 4,051,041, 4,062,778 and 4,113,625, which all show apparatuses comprising a stack of spacer plates with membranes, preferably arranged in pairs between them.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the inlet and/or outlet for at least one of the said fluids is connected from the side to a duct intersecting the stack and formed by the said through-holes. This arrangement provides substantial advantages which will be evident from the following description. It is an appreciable advantage that the stack in its entirety including clamping elements for the same can be made lower than in conventional designs.
The membranes are preferably arranged in pairs between the spacer plates. This makes it possible to conduct the blood without contact with the plates between membranes in the individual pairs. It is also possible, however, to conceive designs with single membranes arranged between adjoining spacer plates.
The stack of spacer plates and membranes between them is arranged appropriately between a top plate and a bottom plate which may then include within them the inlet and outlet for the second fluid formed in conventional manner. If the last-mentioned inlet and outlet represent those requiring less space, the top and bottom plates can be made thinner than if they were to contain also the inlet and outlet requiring more space.
The stack of spacer plates and membranes between them can appropriately be given an elongated shape with tapering ends. In such a realization the inlet and/or outlet connected from the side to the said duct may be formed of a connecting nipple which is wholly inside the otherwise largest dimensions in lateral or in longitudinal direction of the device. This connecting nipple will then require no extra space, whilst being well protected at the same time.
In a preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention, an intermediate plate is arranged between the said top plate and the nearest spacer plate. This intermediate plate may be provided with an angle nipple which contains an angular duct, one end of which is connected to an inlet or an outlet and whose other end is connected to the duct intersecting the stack and formed by the said through-holes. In this manner an apparatus with a small number of seals is achieved.
A further advantage is obtained if the intermediate plates are patterned in substantially the same manner as the spacer plates on the side facing them. By imparting such a pattern to two intermediate plate, it becomes possible to economize on one spacer plate, so that the device as a whole can be made thinner.
Simple sealing conditions are achieved if the said angular nipple is provide
REFERENCES:
patent: 3459310 (1969-08-01), Edwards
patent: 3520803 (1970-07-01), Iaconelli
patent: 3540595 (1970-11-01), Edwards
patent: 3734298 (1973-05-01), Riede et al.
patent: 4051041 (1977-09-01), Riede
patent: 4113625 (1978-09-01), Riede
Nilsson Nils-Joel E.
Riede Gerhard
Gambro AG
Sadowski David R.
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