Bubble trap for high flow rate infusion
View Patent ↗A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.
1. A method for removing air from a stream of infusate using a multi-chambered apparatus, comprising:
receiving a stream of infusate;
reducing the flow rate of the stream of infusate by expanding the stream into a first chamber:
cascading the stream of infusate from the first chamber into a second chamber;
circulating the infusate in the second chamber;
forming infusate circulating in the second chamber into a laminar stream of infusate in a third chamber;
forming an output stream of infusate from the laminar flow of infusate in a fourth chamber;
providing the output stream to an outlet through a valve;
collecting air from the infusate in at least the first, second, and third chambers;
venting the air from the apparatus;
sensing the fluid contents of the apparatus; and,
closing the valve if air is sensed; otherwise opening the valve.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein venting the air from the apparatus includes venting air from the third chamber.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein sensing the fluid contents includes sensing the fluid contents at a first level in the third chamber and at a second level in the third chamber below the first level, and closing the valve if air is sensed at the first and second levels.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein sensing the fluid contents includes sensing the fluid contents at a first level in the third chamber and at a second level in the third chamber below the first level, and:
if the valve is open and air is sensed at the first and second levels, closing the valve;
if the valve is closed and infusate is sensed at the first and the second level, opening the valve;
if the valve is closed, and air is sensed at the second but not at the first level, waiting for a period of time and then opening the valve; or, if the valve is closed, and air is sensed at the second level and infusate is sensed at the first level, opening the valve.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein venting the air from the apparatus includes venting air from the third chamber.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein venting the air from the apparatus includes venting air from a fifth chamber through which infusate does not flow.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the valve is a first valve, further including providing the air to the fifth chamber through a second valve.
8. The method of claim 7 , further including;
opening the second valve when the first valve is open and air is sensed at a first level below the fifth chamber; and
opening the second valve and closing the first valve when air is sensed at a second level below the first level.