Modelling and Simulation of High Flux Hemodialyzer Membranes of Different Porosities to Identify The Optimal Membrane Design

High flux hemodialyzer membranes of different average porosities were modelled. Diffusion and convection property of a toxin molecule through the membrane was observed through simulation using Finite element method. In this study, a porous membrane having a porosity of 0.15 was compared to that of 0.3 membrane porosity. Different synthetic polymers having such porosities were thus considered for this purpose. Effective diffusion and convection of a toxic molecule through the porous membrane over a period was modelled and then analyzed to draw conclusion on the optimal porosity value. PMMA with a porosity of 10-20% shows better performance in terms of toxin clearance as well as endotoxin removal.