Biomedical Engineering: power (W) needed to warm blood

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the theoretical heating power (W) required for fast-flow blood warmers used in high-volume transfusions. Given the blood product density of 1.12 g/cm³ and specific heat of 3.8 kJ/kgK, the initial temperature of the blood is 8 degrees Celsius, and the target temperature is 37 degrees Celsius with a transfusion rate of 900 ml/h. The key equations involved are q=mcΔT for energy calculation and W=J/s for power determination. Participants suggest using the transfusion rate as the volume to compute the energy needed to heat the blood and then converting that energy into power over one hour.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically heat transfer equations.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of density and specific heat capacity.
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between Joules and Watts.
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving mass, volume, and temperature changes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply the equation q=mcΔT in practical scenarios.
  • Study the conversion between energy (Joules) and power (Watts) in thermal systems.
  • Explore the implications of blood product density on heating calculations.
  • Investigate the design and operation of fast-flow blood warmers in medical applications.
USEFUL FOR

Biomedical engineers, medical professionals involved in transfusion practices, and students studying thermodynamics in engineering or medical fields will benefit from this discussion.

A Furious Potato
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Homework Statement


Fast-flow blood warmers (pictured below) can be used to heat blood products (carefully and uniformly) when rapid, high-volume transfusions are necessary, in order to prevent hypothermia in the patient. The blood product density and specific heat can be assumed to be 1.12 g/cm3 and 3.8 kJ/kgK, respectively. If the blood product initially is at 8 degrees celsius, the target temperature is 37 degrees celsius, and the maximum transfusion rate is 900 ml/h, what is the theoretical heating power (W) needed for this machine?
Smiths-Level-1.jpg


Homework Equations


q=mcΔT
W=J/s
Density=m/V

The Attempt at a Solution


Sorry, this is a new type of problem that our prof. gave, and he also gave no hint/formula so I am lost. Where do you implement the transfusion rate in the calculation? Do I treat it as the volume?
 
Last edited:
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Use your first equation to find energy to heat the 900ml.
Use the second equation to find the power required to do it in one hour.
Or combine the equations to do it all in one step.
 
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billy_joule said:
Use your first equation to find energy to heat the 900ml.
Use the second equation to find the power required to do it in one hour.
Or combine the equations to do it all in one step.
Thank you :)
 
A Furious Potato said:

Homework Statement


Fast-flow blood warmers (pictured below) can be used to heat blood products (carefully and uniformly) when rapid, high-volume transfusions are necessary, in order to prevent hypothermia in the patient. The blood product density and specific heat can be assumed to be 1.12 g/cm3 and 3.8 kJ/kgK, respectively. If the blood product initially is at 8 degrees celsius, the target temperature is 37 degrees celsius, and the maximum transfusion rate is 900 ml/h, what is the theoretical heating power (W) needed for this machine?
View attachment 190432

Homework Equations


q=mcΔT
W=J/s
Density=m/V

The Attempt at a Solution


Sorry, this is a new type of problem that our prof. gave, and he also gave no hint/formula so I am lost. Where do you implement the transfusion rate in the calculation? Do I treat it as the volume?
please tell me how you figured this out because I actually have like the exact question on my homework, thank you.
 

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