Treatment fluid preparation system

Abstract

A system for purifying incoming fluid is provided that is modular and includes a heat exchanger module, an evaporator-condenser module and a compressor. The system is configured to facilitate passive drainage of the purified fluid for collection. The system components are arranged in a stacked configuration to facilitate gravitational flow of the purified fluid such that the purified fluid drains passively for collection. A system for preparation of ready-to-use treatment fluid is also provided including the modular fluid purification system, a preparation station and a coupling device. The components are configured to be retained in a portable carrier that is manually operable for improved access to and mobility of the components. A coupling device for use in connecting flow channels of a plurality of components and for use in preparing ready-to-use dialysate is also provided, A further system for preparation of a receptacle and a ready-to-use treatment fluid in the receptacle is also provided.

1 . A coupling device for connecting flow channels of a plurality of components and for preparing ready-to-use treatment fluid, the coupling device comprising a plurality of interconnected internal channels, each channel having a first coupling zone and a second coupling zone recessed in the channel relative to the first coupling zone, wherein each channel is configured for two stage connection with a respective component, and the coupling device is configured for sterile interconnection of the flow channels of the plurality of components for passage of fluids therebetween. 
     
     
         2 . The coupling device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 (a) the first stage is a sterilisation stage in which respective ones of the components are in sealing physical contact with the first coupling zone but not with the second coupling zone; and   (b) the second stage is a coupling stage in which ones of the components are physically coupled with a respective one of the device channels at the sterilised second coupling zone.   
     
     
         3 . The coupling device according to  claim 1  having at least three channels. 
     
     
         4 . The coupling device according to  claim 1 , further including one or more removable caps configured to occlude a channel in the coupling device. 
     
     
         5 . The coupling device according to  claim 4  wherein the one or more removable caps has a handle portion for grasping the coupling device in an orientation that precludes steam burning or contamination during sterilisation. 
     
     
         6 . The coupling device according to  claim 1  configured to protect both the first and second coupling zones from contamination. 
     
     
         7 . The coupling device according to  claim 1  wherein the first coupling zone provides a steam sealing surface and the second coupling zone provides a fluid sealing surface. 
     
     
         8 . A receptacle in the form of a sterile bag, pouch or container configured to be couplable to the first and second coupling zones of one of the channels of the coupling device according to  claim 1  in a two stage connection. 
     
     
         9 . The receptacle according to  claim 8 , further comprising a second coupling device, configured for injection of steam into a first device coupled to the second device to determine if the receptacle is sufficiently sterile to be reused. 
     
     
         10 . A bulk concentrate storage device including the coupling device according to  claim 1 , and a valve therebetween. 
     
     
         11 . A system for preparation of ready-to-use treatment fluid, the system comprising:
 (a) a modular fluid purification system;   (b) a preparation station; and   (c) the coupling device according to  claim 1  for connecting an output flow channel of the modular fluid purification system to one or more other components;   wherein said components are configured to be retained in a portable carrier, and   wherein the portable carrier is manually operable for improved access to and mobility of said components.   
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the portable carrier defines walls of a chamber for storing unprocessed fluid which is fed to the modular fluid purification system by a submersible pump. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the modular fluid purification system is supported above the stored unprocessed fluid in an operating configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein the modular fluid purification system is configured to be mounted on the portable carrier in the operating configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the modular fluid purification system includes legs for mounting on a rim of the portable carrier. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 15 , wherein the legs are foldable for retaining the modular fluid purification system in the portable carrier in a stored configuration. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the treatment fluid is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a dialysate; and   (b) intravenous (IV) fluid including diluted solutions of salt, glucose and/or sodium lactate.   
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the modular fluid purification system is operable from a non-mains power source selected from the group consisting of solar, wind and battery. 
     
     
         21 . A system for preparation of a receptacle and a ready-to-use treatment fluid in the receptacle, the system including:
 (a) a receptacle preparation module configured to prepare a receptacle containing a concentrate for the treatment fluid; and   (b) a treatment preparation module configured to supply purified fluid to the receptacle for diluting the concentrate and providing a ready-to-use treatment fluid in the receptacle.   
     
     
         22 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A receptacle containing a concentrate for preparation of a ready-to-use treatment fluid, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive purified fluid supplied from a modular fluid purification system for diluting the concentrate in the receptacle and providing a ready-to-use treatment fluid in the receptacle. 
     
     
         31 - 34 . (canceled)