Free The Dialysis Machine Essay Sample

The dialysis machine is a product of science and engineering. The basic understanding of the principles and laws governing mass transport and the design of hygienic and sensitive process control systems are prerequisites to come-up with this machine. This machine is widely used by patients suffering from kidney failure. The kidney’s function is to cleanse the blood from waste organic materials produced by the body. The role the dialysis machine play is similar to that of the kidney.
This breaktrough machine was invented in 1943. Since then, the machine has change into the sophisticated machine we know today. What are the engineering principles involved in its design and operation? First is the accurate control of dialysate injection. The dialysate is a mixture of acidified solution, bicarbonate, and purified water (Davita, 2015). Miniature valves are used to dispense the dialysate and its control is based on processing signals. The dialysate is continuouly replenished since it is getting concentrated with wates. Second is the principle of diffusion (a mass transport phenomenon). In diffusion, solute travels from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a semipermeable membrane (the dialyzer). The dialyzer is composed of many small hollow tubes which act also as a filter. Unwanted substances such as urea and creatinine flow from the blood to the dialysate. Third is the development of pumps to approximate the blood pressure of the ordinary person at 2.32 psi. Another important consideration is control of other design paramters (Cochran, 1988). The heparin injection pump (the anti-clotting agent for the blood) has to be controlled precisely. The blood flow as well as the temperature is also monitored closely by the machine. When something is out of standard levels, the machine sets off an alarm sound.

References:

Davita, J.S. (2015). How Does a Dialysis Machine Work? Retrieved March 30, 2015 from http://www.davita.com/treatment-options/hemodialysis/in-center-hemodialysis/how-does-a-dialysis-machine-work?/t/5596.
Cochran, Michael J. "Dialysis machine which verifies operating parameters." U.S. Patent No. 4,739,492. 19 Apr. 1988.