Two-dimensional finite element model for oxygen transfer in cross-flow hollow fiber membrane artificial lungs

A predictive, two-dimensional model with good absolute accuracy for flow an d mass transfer in cross-flow hollow fiber membrane artificial lungs is dev eloped. The proposed model is able to predict the gas transfer to water flo wing outside and perpendicular to hollow fibers in the artificial lung. The model uses a finite element technique to solve the Navier-Stokes equations and the convection-diffusion equation on the computational domain of a uni t fiber cell. Subsequent streamwise and cross-wise unit fiber cells are the n coupled/assembled to the relationship between the oxygen transfer rate an d flow rate of a cross-flow hollow fiber membrane artificial lung. The mode l is compared to experimental water data obtained by perfusing three commer cial artificial lungs with water.