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1.4 Simulation Based Calibration of Infusion Systems
Infusion systems enable the continuous administration of drugs in liquid form. For medical operation it is necessary to maintain an exact volume flow, which is achieved by using peristaltic pumps. However, the calibration of such pumps requires complex measurements, which impair the broad application of such systems. By means of a simulation model, the fluid dynamic behavior of the pump and infusion system shall be modelled in order to enable a more efficient calibration, and to apply different configurations of the product.
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Contributors: Partner(s): Funding: Duration: M. Hostettler, G. Boiger Codan Argus AG Innosuisse 2019–2021
When using medical infusion systems, a high degree of accuracy regarding the amount of injected medication is required. Peristaltic pumps, among others, are used to set a desired volume flow. Since very small volume flows are required, direct volumetric determination of the flow rate is not possible. The flow rate must be determined from the system and pump parameters. For the necessary calibration of the pump, however, individual and extremely extensive measurements are necessary, which considerably limit the efficient use of such devices. Figure 1: Different components of an infusion system (from left In the present work, the basic flow behavior in the hose system and peristaltic pump is investigated and a model is developed to make the calibration of such systems more efficient. With this model, any configuration of the components installed in the infusion system (see Fig. 1) can be better realized and a broader application of the
to right: flow controller, drop-counter, filter and tubing).
product is enabled.
Figure 2: Model of the infusion system with pump and various components.
Within the scope of the project, comprehensive experimental measurements are used to individually characterize the behavior of all flow-carrying components. Various numerical models (from simple one-dimensional methods to detailed CFD simulations including fluid-structure coupling) are investigated and compared with measurements for the characterization of the pump. Based on the measured data of the individual components and the findings from the pump characterization, the flow dynamic model of the infusion system is developed (see Fig. 2) and is validated by means of specific experiments.
