Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus for exchanging ions, molecules, gas, liquid, and/or heat between a first fluid and at least one second fluid, particularly when treating blood, includes a rigid vessel (1) having a substantially circular cylindrical center part (1a) and end parts (1b, 1c) connected thereto. Respective end parts inlet (2) at one end of the vessel and to an axially directed first-fluid tubular outlet (3) at the opposite end of the vessel. At least one bundle (4a-d) of hollow fibers is arranged within the vessel (1) and the opposite ends of the bundles are passed sealingly through the wall (5) if the vessel and opened into a respective inlet chamber (6a-d) and outlet chamber (7a-d) for a second fluid outside the vessel wall (5). The bundle is spread substantially uniformly across the flow path of the first fluid through the vessel from the tubular inlet (2) to the tubular outlet (3). Different fiber bundles (4a-d) can be arranged in a similar manner in the vessel (1) but connected to separate inlet and outlet chambers (6a-d; 7a-d) so as to enable the bundles to conduct mutually different fluids and perform different types of exchange.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim