Apparatus and process for testing filters

摘要

In a process for testing filters (4) and (13) of treatment fluid of a hemodiafiltration apparatus (1), each filter has a wet semipermeable membrane (5, 14) which separates a gas-filled first chamber (6 and 15) from a liquid-filled second chamber (7 and 16). The first chambers are pressurised by a pump (19) supplying air, while the second chambers are placed in depression by a drainage pump (17) of used dialysis fluid. A first closed system is formed which includes the first chambers and a second closed system is formed which includes the second chambers. Two pressure gauges (P1 and P2) monitor the pressure in the two closed systems for a predetermined time. The monitoring provides indications relating to the filter integrity.

主权项

1. An apparatus for testing a filter, comprising:
a source of a fluid for an extracorporeal blood treatment; a supply line connected to the source; a blood treatment device having a semipermeable membrane which separates a fluid chamber connected to the supply line from a blood chamber connected to an extracorporeal blood circuit; a drainage line which connects the fluid chamber with a discharge of a used treatment fluid; at least a bypass line arranged between the supply line and the drainage line; a filter having a semipermeable membrane which separates a first chamber from a second chamber, the first chamber having at least a first fluid port connected to the supply line, the second chamber having at least a second fluid port directly connected to the supply line, the first chamber having at least a third fluid port directly connected to the bypass line; means for generating a pressure gradient between the first chamber and the second chamber, the means for generating a pressure gradient comprising means for generating, in the first chamber, a pressure above atmospheric pressure, and means for generating, in the second chamber, a pressure below atmospheric pressure, the means for generating a pressure above atmospheric pressure comprising means for supplying a gas to the first chamber through the third fluid port, the means for supplying a gas comprising a gas pump connected at a side thereof with an outside ambient and at an opposite side thereof with the bypass line, the means for generating a pressure below atmospheric pressure comprising a drainage pump arranged on the drainage line; a gas supply line directly connecting the gas pump to the bypass line; a valve arrangement which places the third fluid port in selective communication with the gas pump or with the drainage line; means for monitoring a pressure in the first chamber and/or in the second chamber; a controller connected to the means for generating a pressure gradient and to the means for monitoring the pressure, and being configured to carry out the steps of: generating a pressure gradient between the first chamber and the second chamber, by driving the gas pump to create in the first chamber a first pressure which is above atmospheric pressure and by driving the drainage pump to create in the second chamber a second pressure which is below atmospheric pressure; monitoring a pressure in the first chamber and/or in the second chamber.