Biomedical Engineering: power (W) needed to warm blood

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the theoretical heating power required for a fast-flow blood warmer used in medical transfusions. The problem involves determining the energy needed to heat a specific volume of blood from an initial temperature to a target temperature, considering the transfusion rate and properties of the blood product.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to incorporate the transfusion rate into the calculations, questioning whether it should be treated as volume.
  • Another participant suggests using the energy equation (q=mcΔT) to find the energy required to heat the 900 ml of blood and then using the power equation (W=J/s) to determine the power needed over one hour.
  • A similar suggestion is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing the combination of the equations to streamline the calculation process.
  • One participant requests clarification on how to solve the problem, indicating they have a similar question on their homework.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to use the equations provided, but there is uncertainty regarding the application of the transfusion rate in the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved as participants seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on how to properly implement the transfusion rate in the calculations, and there are missing assumptions regarding the treatment of volume and time in the context of the equations.

A Furious Potato
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CWatters
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.
 

Similar threads

As much steam as possible from engine exhaust gas + warm water?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Calculating Power Output of an Automobile Engine
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Geothermal heat pump or heat engine power requirements
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Max power plant output w/o killing river smelt?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
How Much Coal Must Be Burned in a Steam Power Plant to Generate 900 MW?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
What is the coefficient of performance of this refrigerator?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
Thermodynamics question - is this right?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Can misting systems improve HVAC efficiency?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Is the Future of Space Exploration Dependent on Nuclear Thermal Rockets?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K