An experimental study is performed to extract minute gas bubbles from liquids flowing in a simulated cardiopulmonary bypass system using a Venturi-aspirator unit. In other words, oxygen bubbles in oxygenated blood are simulated by air bubbles in water with AP30 (about same viscosity as whole blood). This study is intended to determine the feasibility of using a Venturi aspirator unit to extract minute gas bubbles from a simulated cardiopulmonary bypass system. Testing of the Venturi-type bubble extraction is carried out using three different test sections. Two Venturis are used, and a straight tube configuration is used as a control. The two Venturis are similar, with the exception that one has a longer inlet cone which causes the entering liquid to accelerate at a slower rate. Results are obtained for effectiveness of the aspirator unit as functions of total flow rate, extraction suction, suction pressure difference, and hydraulic head. It is concluded from the study that:(i) The effectiveness of the Venturis is typically between 90 and 100 percent. It increases with an increase in suction or suction pressure difference but decreases with an increase in total flow rate.(ii) The Venturi is most suitable for extraction of minute gas bubbles, especially for use with AP30 (whole blood), which yields substantially higher effectiveness than water.(iii) It is anticipated that a Venturi-aspirator unit can be superior to other bubble separation device as the cardiopulmonary bypass system for applications in extra corporeal blood oxygenation.
A silicon straight tube fluid density sensor
