阅读说明：本技术 用于稳定透析液消耗流的方法、相应的设备和中央透析液制备分配系统 (Method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow, corresponding device and central dialysate preparation and distribution system ) 是由 左淇 于 2018-06-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：在此所公开的用于稳定用于多台透析机(3)的中央分配环路(21)中的透析液消耗流的方法包括如下步骤：协调所述透析机(3)中的启动的透析机的每个透析液分配周期；基于启动的透析机(3)的每个透析液分配周期中所需的量来计算透析液或浓缩物消耗量；和基于计算出的启动的透析机(3)所需的透析液或浓缩物消耗量来制备透析液。在此还公开一种相应的设备(4)以及一种相应的中央透析液制备分配系统,其中,所述设备(4)至少包括：协调模块(41),其被配置为协调所述透析机(3)中的启动的透析机的每个透析液分配周期；计算模块(42),其被配置为基于启动的透析机(3)的每个透析液分配周期中所需的量计算透析液或浓缩物消耗量；和混合控制模块(43),其用于基于计算出的透析液或浓缩物消耗量制备透析液。根据本发明,可以稳定透析液消耗流,并且结构简单、成本更低、设计紧凑和透析液制备更准确。(The method disclosed herein for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop (21) for a plurality of dialysis machines (3) comprises the steps of: coordinating each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines (3); calculating a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine (3); and preparing the dialysate based on the calculated consumption of dialysate or concentrate required for the started dialysis machine (3). Also disclosed herein is a corresponding apparatus (4) and a corresponding central dialysate preparation and distribution system, wherein the apparatus (4) comprises at least: a coordination module (41) configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines (3); a calculation module (42) configured to calculate a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on an amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine (3); and a mixing control module (43) for preparing the dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption. According to the invention, the consumption flow of the dialysate can be stabilized, and the device has the advantages of simple structure, lower cost, compact design and more accurate preparation of the dialysate.)

1. A method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop (21) for a plurality of dialysis machines (3), wherein the method comprises the steps of:

coordinating each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines (3);

calculating a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine (3); and

preparing a dialysate based on the calculated consumption of dialysate or concentrate required for the started dialysis machine (3).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

triggering, in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals, a respective dialysate dispensing sequence in a dialysate dispensing cycle of the activated dialysis machine (3).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

each dialysate dispensing cycle is equally divided by the number of started up dialysis machines (3) operating at the same dialysate flow rate, wherein the dialysate dispensing sequences of the started up dialysis machines (3) are performed successively at predetermined time intervals.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

dividing the started dialysis machines (3) into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates; wherein each set of started dialysis machines (3) is operated at the same dialysate flow rate.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises:

each dialysate dispensing cycle of a set of activated dialysis machines (3) is coordinated independently of the other sets of activated dialysis machines (3).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein,

the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the dialysate dispensing cycles of each set of activated dialysis machines (3) are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises:

when the treatment parameters or the number of started dialysis machines (3) are changed, the dialysate dispensing cycle is not adjusted until the current dialysate dispensing cycle is completed.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises:

the dialysate or concentrate consumption is recalculated based on the amount required in the next dialysate dispensing cycle.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises:

when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time, dispensing an amount of dialysate to the drain line via the activated dialysis machine (3) at predetermined intervals to refresh the dialysate in the central dispensing loop (21); and/or

-preventing the dialysate from flowing into the dialyser of the respective dialysis machine (3) upon detection of a dialysate preparation error; and/or

Upon detection of a dialysis fluid flow error in a dialysis machine (3), the flow of dialysis fluid into the respective dialysis machine (3) is prevented.

10. An apparatus (4) for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop (21) for a plurality of dialysis machines (3), said apparatus (4) comprising at least:

a coordination module (41) configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines (3);

a calculation module (42) configured to calculate a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on an amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine (3); and

a mixing control module (43) for preparing the dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption.

11. The device (4) according to claim 10, wherein the device (4) further comprises:

a triggering module (44) configured to trigger, in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals, respective dialysate dispensing sequences in a dialysate dispensing cycle of the initiated dialysis machine (3).

12. The device (4) according to claim 11, wherein the device (4) further comprises:

a first dividing module (45) configured to equally divide each dialysate dispensing cycle based on the number of started dialysis machines (3) operating at the same dialysate flow rate, wherein a dialysate dispensing sequence of started dialysis machines (3) is performed successively at predetermined time intervals; and/or

A second partitioning module (46) configured to partition the started dialysis machines (3) into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates; wherein each set of started dialysis machines (3) is operated at the same dialysate flow rate.

13. The device (4) according to claim 12,

the coordination module (41) is further configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a set of activated dialysis machines (3) independently of the other sets of activated dialysis machines (3); and/or

The respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the dialysate dispensing cycles of each set of activated dialysis machines (3) are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

14. The device (4) according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the device further comprises:

an adjustment module (47) configured to not adjust the dialysate dispensing cycle until completion of a current dialysate dispensing cycle when a treatment parameter or quantity of the started dialysis machine (3) changes.

15. The device (4) according to claim 14,

the calculation module (42) is further configured to recalculate the dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in the next dialysate dispensing cycle.

16. The device (4) according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the device further comprises:

an assignment module (48) configured to: dispensing an amount of dialysate at predetermined intervals to refresh the dialysate in the central dispensing loop (21) when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time; and/or

A blocking module (49) configured to: -preventing the dialysate from flowing into the dialyser of the respective dialysis machine (3) once a dialysate preparation error is detected; and/or prevent the dialysate from flowing into the respective dialysis machine (3) upon detection of a dialysate flow error in the dialysis machine (3).

17. A central dialysate preparation distribution system for implementing the method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop (21) for a plurality of dialysis machines (3) according to any one of claims 1-9.

18. The central dialysate preparation distribution system of claim 17, wherein the central dialysate preparation distribution system comprises:

a dialysate preparation unit (1) comprising one or more mixing chambers (11), circulation pipes (12) and/or buffer tanks (13); and/or

A dialysate distribution unit (2) configured to distribute the prepared dialysate to the dialysis machine (3) through a central distribution loop (21) fluidly connecting the dialysate preparation unit (1) with the dialysis machine (3).

19. The central dialysate preparation distribution system according to claim 18, wherein the dialysate distribution unit further comprises flow monitoring devices installed in each dialysis machine (3) or arranged between the central distribution loop (21) and each dialysis machine (3), the flow monitoring devices being configured to monitor whether dialysate normally flows into the activated dialysis machine (3) during dialysis treatment.

20. The central dialysate preparation distribution system according to claim 17, wherein the dialysate distribution unit (2) comprises a static mixer (17) and a recirculation pump (18) for active mixing.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution circuit for a plurality of dialysis machines, to a device for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow and to a central dialysate preparation distribution system for carrying out said method.

Background

Hemodialysis is a process used to remove toxic substances and metabolites that are normally removed by the kidneys and to help regulate the balance of body fluids and electrolytes. Hemodialysis is typically accomplished by a dialysis machine using dialysate.

Currently, central dialysate preparation and distribution systems are widely used to prepare dialysate and distribute the prepared dialysate to a plurality of dialysis machines, for example, about 30-40 dialysis machines.

Some components of the central dialysate preparation distribution system are typically installed in an isolated machine room at a distance from the treatment area. Such systems typically use a volumetric proportioning mixing method to prepare the dialysate by mixing different concentrates. The volumetric ratio mixing method requires a flow sensor to monitor dialysate consumption to control the concentrate pump to achieve a specified mixing ratio and amount. One of the challenges faced is that the dialysate flow in dialysis treatment is pulsatile, and when multiple dialysis machines are operating, these pulsatile flows will mix together. It takes time to analyze the flow dynamics in the consumption to achieve the desired preparation. A larger size dialysate buffer tank is typically required to stabilize the conductivity of the dialysate. In addition, existing central dialysate preparation distribution systems typically require complex flow sensor feedback control algorithms and conductivity feedback control algorithms with long delay times.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the problems of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop for a plurality of dialysis machines, an apparatus for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow and a central dialysate preparation distribution system implementing said method.

In order to achieve the object defined above, according to a first aspect, a method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop for a plurality of dialysis machines is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: coordinating each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines; calculating a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine; and preparing dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption required for the started dialysis machine.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the dialysate dispensing cycle of the activated dialysis machine are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: each dialysate dispensing cycle is equally divided based on the number of started up dialysis machines operating at the same dialysate flow rate, wherein the dialysate dispensing sequences of the started up dialysis machines are performed sequentially at predetermined time intervals.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: dividing the started dialysis machines into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates; wherein each set of started dialysis machines is operated at the same dialysate flow rate.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: each dialysate dispensing cycle for one set of activated dialysis machines is coordinated independently of the other set of activated dialysis machines.

According to an alternative embodiment, the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the dialysate dispensing cycles of each set of activated dialysis machines are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: when the treatment parameters or number of started dialysis machines change, the dialysate dispensing cycle is not adjusted until the current dialysate dispensing cycle is completed.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: the dialysate or concentrate consumption is recalculated based on the amount required in the next dialysate dispensing cycle.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises: when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time, dispensing an amount of dialysate to the drain line via the activated dialysis machine at predetermined intervals to refresh the dialysate in the central dispensing loop; and/or preventing dialysate from flowing into a dialyzer of the respective dialysis machine upon detection of a dialysate preparation error; and/or prevent dialysate flow into the respective dialysis machine upon detection of a dialysate flow error in the dialysis machine.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop for a plurality of dialysis machines, the apparatus comprising at least: a coordination module configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a started one of the dialysis machines; a calculation module configured to calculate a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on an amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine (3); and a mixing control module for preparing the dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption.

According to an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: a triggering module configured to trigger, in a predetermined order and/or at predetermined time intervals, individual dialysate dispensing sequences in a dialysate dispensing cycle of the initiated dialysis machine.

According to an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: a first partitioning module configured to partition each dialysate dispensing cycle equally based on a number of started up dialysis machines operating at a same dialysate flow rate, wherein a dialysate dispensing sequence of the started up dialysis machines is performed sequentially at predetermined time intervals; and/or a second partitioning module configured to partition the started dialysis machine into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates; wherein each set of started dialysis machines is operated at the same dialysate flow rate.

According to an optional embodiment, the coordination module is further configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a set of activated dialysis machines independently of other sets of activated dialysis machines; and/or the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in each set of activated dialysate dispensing cycles are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

According to an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: an adjustment module configured to not adjust the dialysate dispensing cycle until completion of a current dialysate dispensing cycle when a treatment parameter or quantity of the started dialysis machine changes.

According to an alternative embodiment, the calculation module is further configured to recalculate the dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in the next dialysate dispensing cycle.

According to an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: an assignment module configured to: dispensing an amount of dialysate at predetermined intervals to refresh the dialysate in the central dispensing loop when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time; and/or a blocking module configured to: preventing dialysate from flowing into a dialyzer of each dialysis machine upon detection of a dialysate preparation error; and/or prevent dialysate flow into the respective dialysis machine upon detection of a dialysate flow error in the dialysis machine.

According to a third aspect, a central dialysate preparation distribution system is provided for implementing the method for stabilizing a dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop for a plurality of dialysis machines.

According to an alternative embodiment, the central dialysate preparation distribution system comprises: a dialysate preparation unit comprising one or more mixing chambers, circulation tubes and/or buffer tanks; and/or a dialysate distribution unit configured to distribute the prepared dialysate to the dialysis machine via a central distribution loop fluidly connecting the dialysate preparation unit with the dialysis machine.

According to an alternative embodiment, the dialysate distribution unit further comprises flow monitoring devices installed in each dialysis machine or arranged between the central distribution loop and each dialysis machine, the flow monitoring devices being configured to monitor whether dialysate flows normally into the activated dialysis machine during a dialysis treatment.

According to an alternative embodiment, the dialysate distribution unit comprises a static mixer and a recirculation pump for active mixing.

According to the invention, a stable dialysate consumption flow can be achieved, thereby simplifying the design of the dialysate preparation unit. Thus, a compact dialysate preparation unit can be realized so that it can be used in the vicinity of a dialysis treatment area, which is very advantageous, since a shorter distribution loop will minimize the burden of hygiene control, and a simplified and compact design is cost-effective. Furthermore, a steady dialysate consumption flow allows the dialysate preparation unit to always feed the correct dialysate without some traditional feedback algorithms.

Drawings

The invention and its advantages will be further understood by reading the following detailed description of some preferred exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings comprise:

fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary central dialysate preparation distribution system.

Fig. 2 shows the pulsating dialysate flow rate over four dialysate distribution cycles of a dialysis machine.

Fig. 3 shows two coordinated dialysate dispensing cycles of a started dialysis machine.

Fig. 4 illustrates a coordinated method for a started dialysis machine operating at different dialysate flow rates.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a dialysate preparation unit.

Fig. 6 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a dialysate preparation unit.

Fig. 7 schematically shows an apparatus for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop for a dialysis machine.

Detailed Description

In order that the basic concepts of the invention may be better understood, some exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, an exemplary central dialysate preparation distribution system will be described with reference to fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 1, the central dialysate preparation distribution system mainly comprises a dialysate preparation unit 1 and a dialysate distribution unit 2 in fluid connection with the dialysate preparation unit 1. The dialysate preparation unit 1 is used for preparing dialysate, for example by using a volume ratio mixing method, and the dialysate distribution unit 2 comprises a central distribution loop 21 fluidly connecting the dialysate preparation unit 1 with a plurality of dialysis machines 3 for distributing dialysate prepared by the dialysate preparation unit 1 to the dialysis machines 3. The dialysis machine 3 is generally arranged along a central distribution loop 21.

Preferably, a flow pump 22 may be provided at the central distribution loop 21 to generate a circulating dialysate flow in the central distribution loop 21, said flow pump serving as a sanitary control measure to avoid stagnation of dialysate flow during periods of low or no dialysate consumption. Furthermore, such a circulating flow increases the mixing efficiency to cope with a wide range of dialysate consumption.

Preferably, the central distribution loop 21 can maintain a holding pressure to load the dialysis fluid into the dialysis machine 3.

Furthermore, a check valve 23 may be provided at the central distribution loop 21 to enable the dialysate to flow in the central distribution loop 21 in only one direction, for example in only the counter-clockwise direction 24 in fig. 1, and/or for setting the pressure of the dialysate in the central distribution loop 21. In the dialysis machine 3, a fixed amount of dialysate is typically dispensed in each dialysate dispensing cycle, for example by using a control device such as a balance chamber device or a dual pump. In the following, the invention will be further exemplarily described only by means of a balancing chamber arrangement as a control arrangement. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not so limited.

For example, for a dialysis machine 3 using a balance chamber arrangement as a control means, the amount of dialysate dispensed in each dialysate dispensing cycle may depend on the chamber volume of the balance chamber arrangement. During production or assembly, even after assembly, the chamber volume of the balance chamber device may be measured and recorded as one of some key parameters of volumetric proportioning mixing.

The dispense cycle time for each dialysate dispense cycle can be calculated from the corresponding dialysate flow rate and chamber volume.

Preferably, all dialysis machines 3 fluidly connected to the same central distribution loop 21 have the same type of balancing chamber arrangement. Thus, all dialysis machines 3 can have the same dispensing cycle time if the same dialysate flow rate is set in the dialysis treatment.

The dialysate preparation unit 1 can obtain parameters including, but not limited to, the dialysate flow rate and the chamber volume of the started one of the dialyzers 3 to calculate the total dialysate consumption flow, and then prepare a corresponding amount of dialysate based on the calculated dialysate consumption flow. As the actual dialysate consumption flow varies, the preparation process needs to be adjusted accordingly.

However, in actual operation, one or more dialysis machines 3 may be irregularly activated or deactivated and/or the number of activated dialysis machines 3 may change at any time, which may lead to irregular fluctuations of the dialysate consumption flow, so that the dialysate consumption flow in the central distribution loop 21 may become unstable, which cannot be avoided even if a flow sensor is provided to monitor the dialysate consumption flow as feedback. Furthermore, the dialysate consumption flow may become more unstable, since the dialysate flow rate into the respective activated dialysis machine 3 is pulsating in each dialysate distribution cycle, and some other parameters may also change. It is therefore necessary to provide a method for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in the central distribution loop 21. Fig. 2 shows the pulsating dialysate flow rate in four dialysate distribution cycles of a dialysis machine 3.

According to the invention, each dialysate distribution cycle of the started dialysis machine 3 is coordinated to smooth fluctuations in the dialysate consumption flow. In this case, it is possible to calculate the dialysate or concentrate consumption more reliably based on the amount required in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine 3 and then prepare the dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption required by the started dialysis machine 3.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the initiated dialysate dispensing cycle of the dialysis machine 3 may be triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

For the sake of convenience only in describing this coordination concept, the four dialysis machines 3 shown in fig. 1 are referred to as machine #1, machine #2, machine #3, and machine #4 in the counterclockwise direction in this order, and are all started. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the actual number of dialysis machines 3 is not limited thereto, but that only some dialysis machines 3 may be activated.

Fig. 3 shows two coordinated dialysate dispensing cycles of the started dialysis machine 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the dialysate dispensing cycles of machine #1, machine #2, machine #3 and machine #4 are triggered in a predetermined order, for example in the order from machine #1 to machine #4, which will make the dialysate consumption flow more stable. If the respective dialysate distribution sequences in the dialysate distribution cycles of the four dialysis machines 3 are triggered synchronously, these dialysate distribution sequences will be superimposed, so that the dialysate consumption flow will fluctuate widely with the pulsation of the respective dialysate flow rates.

Of course, the dialysate consumption flow can also be stabilized if the respective dialysate dispensing sequence in the dialysate dispensing cycles of these dialysis machines 3 is triggered at predetermined time intervals.

If the dialysis machines 3 are operated at the same dialysis fluid flow rate, the fluctuations in the dialysis fluid consumption flow caused by each dialysis machine 3 may be at least similar. In this case, it is advantageous that the dialysate dispensing sequence of the dialysis machine 3 is performed successively at predetermined time intervals.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time interval may preferably be determined by equally dividing each dialysate dispensing cycle by the number of activated dialysis machines 3.

If the dialysis machines 3, which are fluidly connected to the same central distribution loop 21, operate at different dialysate flow rates, the fluctuations in the dialysate consumption flow caused by each dialysis machine 3 may differ. In this case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the started dialysis machines 3 are divided into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates, such that each group of started dialysis machines 3 operates at the same dialysate flow rate.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each dialysate distribution cycle of one set of activated dialysis machines 3 can be coordinated independently of the other sets of activated dialysis machines 3.

Furthermore, each dialysate dispensing cycle of a set of started dialysis machines 3 may be coordinated in a similar manner as described with reference to fig. 3. That is, the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in each set of activated dialysate dispensing cycles of the dialysis machine 3 may be triggered in a respective predetermined sequence and/or at respective predetermined time intervals.

For example, fig. 4 shows such a coordination concept for a started dialysis machine 3 operating at different dialysate flow rates. Assume that a total of seven started up dialysis machines 3 are operated at different dialysate flow rates, wherein a first set of machines #1, #3, #6 and #7 is operated at a first identical dialysate flow rate, e.g. a dialysate flow rate of 800 ml/min, and a second set of machines #2, #4 and #5 is operated at a second identical dialysate flow rate, e.g. a dialysate flow rate of 500 ml/min, different from the first identical dialysate flow rate. As shown in fig. 4, the first set of machines and the second set of machines are each individually coordinated as explained above with reference to fig. 3.

For a central dialysate preparation distribution system, one or more other dialysis machines may be activated during the current dialysate distribution cycle and/or one or more activated dialysis machines 3 may be deactivated during the current dialysate distribution cycle, whereby the number of activated dialysis machines 3 may change. Furthermore, treatment parameters, such as dialysate flow rate, of one or more activated dialysis machines 3 may also change during the current dialysate dispensing cycle. In this case, it is advantageous that when the treatment parameters and/or the number of started dialysis machines 3 are changed, the dialysate distribution cycle can not be adjusted until the current dialysate distribution cycle is completed.

Of course, the dialysate or concentrate consumption should be recalculated based on the amount needed in the next dialysate dispensing cycle for the set of machines that dominates the dialysate consumption at the same flow rate.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time, a certain amount of dialysate is dispensed at predetermined intervals to refresh the dialysate in the central dispensing loop 21, which may enable hygiene control. For example, if the dialysis fluid preparation unit 1 is in operation but has not been consumed for a long time, as a hygiene control measure, all activated dialysis machines 3 are controlled to dispense a fixed amount of dialysis fluid at regular intervals, for example every 30 minutes, for discharge, in order to renew the central distribution loop 21 and thus the dialysis fluid in the dialysis machines 3. In the case of a short central distribution loop 21, a main endotoxin retention filter (ETRF) in the central distribution loop 21 is sufficient for high flow therapy.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, once a dialysate preparation error is detected, the dialysate can be prevented from flowing into the dialyzers of the respective dialysis machines, which will avoid any possible treatment risk. An audio and/or visual alarm may be triggered by a dialysate preparation error to alert the operator.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flow of dialysate into the respective dialysis machine may be prevented upon detection of a dialysate flow error in the dialysis machine. For example, the central distribution loop 21 comprises flow monitoring means installed in each dialysis machine 3 or arranged between the central distribution loop 21 and the respective dialysis machine 3 to monitor whether there is sufficient dialysate flow, in particular whether there is dialysate flow, usually during a dialysis treatment of the activated dialysis machine 3. If there is not sufficient dialysate flow, in particular no dialysate flow, during the dialysis treatment of the dialysis machine 3, the dialysate flow into the dialysis machine 3 should be prevented. A dialysate flow error may lead to a dialysate mixing error of the dialysate preparation unit 1, and therefore an audio and/or visual alarm should be triggered to alert the operator.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the dialysate preparation unit 1. As shown in fig. 5, the dialysate preparation unit 1 comprises two mixing chambers 11, a circulation pipe 12 and a buffer tank 13, wherein the two mixing chambers 11 are configured to receive concentrate from a concentrate container 14 and are fluidly connected with the circulation pipe 12 and the buffer tank 13. It will be appreciated that only one mixing chamber is possible. In such a dialysate preparation unit 1, a high-speed recirculation flow 15 is generated in the circulation pipe 12 by a recirculation pump 16 arranged in the circulation pipe 12. In some cases, the buffer tank is optional, as a steady dialysate consumption flow helps to keep the conductivity of the dialysate steady.

Fig. 6 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of the dialysate preparation unit 1. As shown in fig. 6, the dialysate preparation unit 1 comprises a static mixer 17, preferably a helical static mixer, and a recirculation pump 18, preferably a recirculation gear pump, for active mixing. The static mixer 17 and the recirculation pump 18 are fluidly connected by a recirculation pipe 19. Such a dialysate preparation unit 1 not only allows for efficient mixing to deliver a wide range of mixed dialysate streams on demand, but also allows for better hygiene control at low consumption by using a recirculation pump 18 to maintain sufficient fluid flow in the static mixer 17. Furthermore, a reliable mixing is performed directly in the circulation pipe 19, so that no tank is needed, which will reduce the size of the dialysate preparation unit 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dialysate preparation unit 1 is communicatively connected to the dialysis machine 3 via a control link or system network, so that the dialysate preparation unit 1 can obtain some parameters from the dialysis machine 3 and control the dialysis machine 3, for example, in coordination with each dialysate distribution cycle of the activated dialysis machine 3.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the dialysis machine 3 is configured to store in its memory some parameters, such as the dispensed amount per cycle/the actual chamber volume. Preferably, said parameters can be transmitted to the dialysate preparation unit 1 when the dialysis machine 3 is started to receive dialysate, in particular is powered on.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a device 4 for stabilizing the dialysate consumption flow in a central distribution loop 21 for a dialysis machine 3. The device as a central control module comprises at least: a coordination module 41 configured for coordinating each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started one of the dialysis machines 3; a calculation module 42 configured for calculating a dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the required amount in each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine 3; and a mixing control module 43 for preparing the dialysate based on the calculated dialysate or concentrate consumption.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 4 further comprises: a triggering module 44 configured for triggering, in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals, the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in the activated dialysate dispensing cycle of the dialysis machine 3.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 4 further comprises: a first dividing module 45 configured for equally dividing each dialysate dispensing cycle by dividing the number of activated dialysis machines 3 operating at the same dialysate flow rate, wherein the dialysate dispensing sequences of the activated dialysis machines 3 are performed successively at predetermined time intervals; and/or a second partitioning module 46 configured for partitioning the started dialysis machines 3 into at least two groups based on different dialysate flow rates; wherein each set of started dialysis machines 3 is operated at the same dialysate flow rate.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coordination module 41 is further configured to coordinate each dialysate dispensing cycle of a group of activated dialysis machines 3 independently of the other groups of activated dialysis machines 3; and/or the respective dialysate dispensing sequences in each set of activated dialysate dispensing cycles of the dialysis machine 3 are triggered in a predetermined sequence and/or at predetermined time intervals.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 4 further comprises: an adjustment module 47 configured for not adjusting the dialysate dispensing cycle until the current dialysate dispensing cycle is completed when the treatment parameters or number of started dialysis machines 3 changes.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the calculation module 42 is further configured for recalculating the dialysate or concentrate consumption based on the amount required in the next dialysate dispensing cycle.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 4 further comprises: a dispensing module 48 configured for dispensing an amount of dialysate at predetermined intervals to update the dialysate in the central dispensing loop 21 when no dialysate is consumed over a predetermined period of time; and/or a blocking module 49 configured to: the flow of dialysate into the respective dialysis machine 3 is prevented as soon as a dialysate preparation error is detected, and/or the flow of dialysate into the respective dialysis machine 3 is prevented as soon as a dialysate flow error in a dialysis machine 3 is detected.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the modules 41-49 described above may be combined in any suitable manner.

According to the invention, a stable dialysate consumption flow can be achieved by coordinating each dialysate dispensing cycle of the started dialysis machine, which will allow to simplify the design of the dialysate preparation unit, e.g. to reduce the size of the buffer tank, even without the need for a buffer tank. Thus, a compact dialysate preparation unit can be achieved allowing use within a dialysis treatment area, which is very advantageous, since a shorter dispensing loop will minimize the hygiene control burden, and a simplified and compact design is cost-effective. Furthermore, a stable dialysate consumption flow allows the dialysate preparation unit to always feed the correct dialysate without requiring some conventional feedback algorithms, such as flow sensor feedback control algorithms and conductivity feedback control algorithms, to analyze dialysate consumption changes. A simple conductivity measurement at the outlet of the dialysate preparation unit is sufficient as a safety measure for monitoring the quality of the dialysate.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.