Gas transport through microporous hollow fibers

Hydration pressure and gas transport rates through sealed-end microporous hollow fibers were tested in vitro with saline and albumin solutions. A 373 kPa hydration pressure was recorded for porous hollow fiber in saline. Fluid velocity external to the fibers and fiber length had little effect on gas transport. O/sub 2/ and CO/sub 2/ transport without bubbles was higher in fibers that were exposed to albumin or that incorporated a homogeneous layer.