A new parallel plate dialyser. I. Development and testing of membrane support

The pattern of membrane support in the dialysate flow path of a dialyser is one of the most important parameters for high utlization of the membrane-area. 27 different injection moulded membrane support patterns were designed to approximate a pattern with the best overall properties. Only 15 of the patterns had acceptable properties in regard to 1) efficiency, 2) compliance, 3) flow resistance, 4) membrane rupture level, and 5) air retention at low flow values. A pattern with parallel interrupted ridges perpendicular to the direction of dialysate flow showed the best overall results although differences were marginal between the best patterns. The chosen support pattern was approximately 35% better in chloride clearance at low dialysate flow, and approximately 200% better at high flows than the conventional Kiil pattern.