DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PATHOGEN INACTIVATION OF THERAPEUTIC FLUIDS WITH STERILIZING RADIATION

    公开(公告)号:CA2398247A1

    公开(公告)日:2001-08-02

    申请号:CA2398247

    申请日:2001-01-26

    Applicant: BAXTER INT

    Abstract: A device and method for inactivating pathogens in therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation in a continuous thin fluid flow arrangement that exhibits radiation dose uniformity for fluids having high optical densities. Radiation dose uniformity is achieved in part through a "carrying" mechanism that moves or carries the fluid, thereby eliminating a channel flow velocity profile where flow volumes near the channel walls run the risk of overexposu re to the radiation due to very large residence times within the channel. The device comprises a relatively flat belt chamber (22) connected to a fluid fl ow through an inlet (24) and an outlet (26) on the belt chamber (22). The belt chamber (22) has a top surface (28) and a bottom surface (30). A radiation permeable plate (32) is disposed adjacent the top surface (28) of the belt chamber (22) and is in contact with the belt chamber (22). A radiation sourc e (42) is provided adjacent to the plate (32) adjacent to a side opposite the belt chamber (22). A belt (34) having a plurality of flexible vanes (36) is disposed adjacent the bottom surface (30) of the belt chamber (22) such that the vanes (36) make contact with the belt chamber (22). The belt is driven b y a roller mechanism (38) in the direction of the fluid flow. As the fluid flo ws through thebelt chamber (22), the flexible vanes (36) provide a squeegee-lik e mechanism to move the fluid through the belt chamber (22) in discrete packet s (40) defined by a pair of vanes (36). As the packets of fluid move through t he belt chamber, they are exposed to sterilizing radiation passing through the plate (32).

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