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Oxygen and CO2 transfer of a polypropylene dimpled membrane lung with variable secondary flows
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
|April 1, 1985
Summary
This study shows vortex mixing in a membrane lung enhances gas transfer. Reynolds number significantly impacts mass transfer, enabling high oxygenation and CO2 removal rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Respiratory Physiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Membrane lungs are crucial for extracorporeal gas exchange.
- Optimizing gas transfer in artificial lungs is essential for patient outcomes.
- Current devices face challenges in efficiency and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the gas transfer performance of an Oxford membrane lung utilizing vortex mixing.
- To identify key fluid mechanical parameters influencing mass transfer in the device.
- To establish new performance metrics for oxygenation and CO2 removal.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dimensional analysis to define mass transfer parameters.
- Investigated the impact of Reynolds number, Strouhal number, and flow ratios on gas transfer.
- Measured oxygenation and CO2 removal rates under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Reynolds number was identified as the primary fluid mechanical parameter affecting mass transfer.
- Achieved oxygenation rates exceeding 5 L min-1 m-2.
- Established a new definition for rated flow in CO2 removal, with rates over 1.2 L min-1 m-2.
Conclusions:
- Vortex mixing effectively enhances gas transfer in the Oxford membrane lung.
- Fluid dynamics, particularly Reynolds number, play a critical role in device performance.
- The device demonstrates promising potential for both oxygenation and extracorporeal CO2 removal.