Electrodialysis and reverse osmosis as a regeneration system for hemofiltrate

The separation of urea from the hemofiltrate (or from spent dialysis fluid) must be considered the critical step in all regeneration systems. A promising solution for this problem is the combination of electrodialysis and reverse osmosis. A mathematical stimulation of the process and in vitro experiments have been carried out in order to determine operating conditions and design specifications. The experiments confirmed the predicted performance of the regeneration system with respect to the separation of urea and the recovery of electrolytes. As expected, some ionic toxins, such as uric acid, and some middle molecules are recovered also. These substances, however, can be easily removed by a small adsorption cartridge.