Analysis of solute transport by diffusion and convection in hollow-fiber hemodialyzer using the finite element method

Abstract

Solute transport in a hollow-fiber hemodialyzer was analyzed with commercially available finite element method (FEM) software, focusing mainly on the influence of convective flow on mass transport in the concentration boundary layer. The software results obtained did not necessarily agree with experimental data, but the trends were completely reproducible. We believe FEM to be a useful technique, and that the total systematic design of a hollow-fiber hemodialyzer using a computer is feasible. © 2011 The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan.