# US 6,279,576 B1 · Purification system

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- Number: US 6,279,576 B1
- Document ID: US6279576B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 09/308,377
- Filed: 1999-06-30
- Granted: 2001-08-28
- Earliest claimed: 1996-11-18
- Assignees: Louis Gibeck AB
- Inventors: Hans Lambert
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6279576B1

## CPC

- B01D 53/02: by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography {(solid sorbent compositions B01J20/00, preparation of inorganic compounds or elements C01)}
- A61M 16/22: Carbon dioxide-absorbing devices {; Other means for removing carbon dioxide}(cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus A62B19/00)
- B01D 2253/206: Ion exchange resins
- B01D 2257/504: Carbon dioxide
- Y02C 20/40: of CO2
- B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- Y02C: CAPTURE, STORAGE, SEQUESTRATION OR DISPOSAL OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG]

## Abstract

The invention relates to a regenerative absorber device (20) for the removal of CO2 from expiration gases during anesthesia. The device comprises a container (38) having an inlet (39) for said expiration gases, and an outlet (41) for output gases, the CO2 content of which having been substantially removed therefrom. The device is provided with an ion exchanger (42) having the capability to absorb CO2, disposed in said container (38) such that the gases flow through said ion exchanger from said inlet (39) to said outlet (41). A novel method of anesthesia comprises use of a CO2 absorber device according to the invention.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A regenerative absorber device for the removal of CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases during anaesthesia, comprising
a container having an inlet for said CO2 containing expiration gases, and an outlet for output gases, whereby the CO2 has been substantially removed from said gases; and
a weak basic anion exchanger having the capability to absorb CO2, and disposed in said container in such a way that the gases will flow through said anion exchanger from said inlet to said outlet.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the anion exchanger is in the form of a bed of anion exchange resin, said resin comprising uniform, spherical beads.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The device according to claim 2, further comprising a pH indicator means for visibly indicating when the anion exchange resin has been essentially used up.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a cation exchanger bed.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The device according to claim 4, further comprising a partition separating the beds.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said anion exchanger and cation exchanger comprises a cassette removably disposed in the respective container.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The device according to claim 6, wherein each cassette is made of a material capable of withstanding temperatures at least in the range 120-130° C.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second container containing a cation exchanger, fluidly connected to the outlet of said container containing the anion exchanger.

### Claim 9

A recirculating system for anaesthesia, comprising
supply means for supplying an anaesthetic gas;
inspiration tubing means provided on an inspiration side of said system and fluidly connected to said supply means for passing anaesthetic gas to a patient;
expiration tubing means provided on an exhalation side of said system for removing exhalation gases from said patient;
said inspiration and expiration tubing means being connected to a mouthpiece for insertion in the patient's mouth; and
at least one regenerative absorber device for removing CO2 from said exhalation gases; said device comprising a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, said container having an inlet connected to the expiration tubing means on the exhalation side, and an outlet connected to the inspiration tubing means on the inspiration side such that exhaled gases are divertable through said absorber device, and returned to the patient after having been freed from CO2.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system according to claim 9, comprising at least two absorber devices, fluidly connected to the system in parallel by means of multiple-path valve means, such that while one absorber device is in operation in the system, at least one other absorber device is being regenerated, or is in stand-by condition.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The system according to claim 10, further comprising a regeneration apparatus for regenerating the anion exchanger; said regeneration apparatus comprising steam generator means; means for passing steam from said steam generator means through said anion exchanger; detecting means operatively associated with said anion exchanger for detecting when said anion exchanger has been completely penetrated by steam from said steam generator; and multiple-path valve means for selectively connecting a selected absorber device to said regeneration apparatus for regenerating said selected absorber device.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The system according to claim 9, further comprising a gas monitor having sensing means located at said mouthpiece; an oxygen monitor having sensing means located in the inspiration tubing means; and a CO2 monitor having sensing means located in the inspiration tubing means after the absorber device.

### Claim 13

A method of regenerating an absorber device for removing CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases, the device including a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, the method comprising passing steam through said anion exchanger, optionally under reduced pressure to regenerate said absorber device.

### Claim 14

A method of regenerating an absorber device for removing CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases, the device including a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, the method comprising passing alkaline medium through the anion exchanger, either while still inside the container, or removed from the container and placed in a separate regenerator vessel.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The method according to claim 14, wherein said alkaline medium is an aqueous solution of a hydroxide.

### Claim 16

A method of regenerating an absorber device for removing CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases, the device including a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, the method comprising the step of heating the anion exchanger and passing a gaseous medium therethrough, carrying liberated CO2 with said gaseous medium.

### Claim 17

A method of regenerating an absorber device for removing CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases, the device including a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, the method comprising subjecting the anion exchanger to vacuum conditions such that CO2 is liberated, optionally with heat applied.

### Claim 18

An apparatus for regenerating an absorber device for removing CO2 from CO2 containing expiration gases, said device including a container containing a weak basic anion exchanger, said container having an inlet for said CO2 containing gases, and an outlet for output gases, the apparatus comprising
steam generator means;
means for passing steam from said steam generator means through said anion exchanger; and
detecting means operatively associated with said anion exchanger for detecting when said anion exchanger has been completely penetrated by steam from said steam generator.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising means for connecting the inlet of the absorber device directly to said steam generator means and the outlet of said device to a venting means.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising vacuum means for creating a vacuum in the apparatus, said vacuum means being connected to the venting means.

### Claim 21 (depends on 18)

The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said detecting means comprise a temperature sensor provided at the top surface of said anion exchanger enclosed in said container, said temperature sensor being structured and arranged to detect a temperature increase at the top surface of said anion exchanger.

### Claim 22 (depends on 18)

The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said steam generator means comprise a container for water, a heating means, and temperature control means.

### Claim 23

A method of anaesthesia, comprising:
supplying at a controlled rate a suitable inspiration gas mixture containing an anaesthetic agent, to a patient to be anaesthetized;
pumping away expiration gases at a suitable rate, for maintaining a controlled flow of inspiration gases to the patient;
passing at least a portion of said expiration gases through a weak basic anion exchanger for substantially removing CO2 therefrom; and
recirculating the portion of expiration gases, now freed from CO2, to the flow of inspiration gases.

### Claim 24 (depends on 23)

The method according to claim 23, further comprising passing the expiration gases through a cation exchanger.

### Claim 25 (depends on 24)

The method according to claim 24, wherein said expiration gases are first passed through said anion exchanger, and then through said cation exchanger.