Oxygenator - Simulation of flow and gas exchange
Generally, is the oxygenator part of the heart-lung-machine and can replace the function of the lung for a short time. It enriches the blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from blood. The gas exchange occurs across gas-permeable membranes due to a difference in partial pressure.
Object of the oxygenator optimisation is a maximisation of the gas exchange rate connected with an acceptable pressure loss especially on the blood side. It is also important to avoid blood damage and blood clotting.
Method - First, the global flow conditions in the complete oxygenator are investigated. The gas permeable membranes are here described by flow resistivities. In a local model of the fiber region, the physical and chemical processes of the transport and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood across the membranes are analysed.
Result of the simulation is the 3D distribution of O2 and CO2 concentrations in blood and gas and the prediction of the total amount of gas exchange. The localisation and possible avoidance of regions with high shear rates (hemolysis) and with stagnating flow (blood clotting) is equally important.
- Flow parameters between the hollow fibres (local model)
- Oxygen partial pressure in the local model
- Prinziple of oxygenator
