Design of a blood plasma container

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is to propose such a design of a plasma container that comprises less plastic, is suitable for automated processing yet is as safe as (or better than) available alternatives. The need for a new solution comes from blood plasma processing companies encountering major cost of disposing the plastic containers at the end-of-life. The available on the market solutions are fundamentally similar in shaping the container and using the materials. As a medical device, blood plasma container must meet strict regulatory requirements ensuring biocompatibility and optimal mechanical performance. Therefore, mere reduction of plastic weight poses a risk of container failure. Change of materials also requires extended and expensive testing and certification. The inherent contradiction of being thick and thin at the same time, to change without changes, become expensive but still affordable calls for an alternative design.

In addressing the challenge, we employ Ashby’s design methodology and TRIZ-based concept development method. A systematic material selection process is supported by Granta Selector software to identify materials meeting the requirements. As a result, we propose a design of blood plasma container that utilizes composite sandwich structure, where one layer is of plastic and the other is of a metal. Such solution meets regulatory requirements, improves the functions, uses better working principle, and helps to save in costs reducing the plastic weight by at least five times.