Liquid-Fueled Catalytic Heater for Infusion Fluids

Injuries requiring infused fluid resuscitation often dictate a commensurate need of maintaining fluid temperatures within a narrow range. One method of addressing the issue is with regulated joule heating (i.e., electrical resistance heating). Where access to the power grid is limited or unavailable, regulated heat energy, necessary to achieve acceptable fluid temperatures and infusion rates, is currently achieved with batteries having well known limitations, including relatively low gravimetric and volumetric energy and power densities and often with a restricted shelf life. CDI’s expertise and proprietary catalytic heat source technologies overcome past limitations of conventional portable heat technologies precluding the need for joule heating. The challenge addressed in this proposal will be to develop a complete portable catalytic infusion warmer, operating from either alcohol or logistic fuels, having a total dry weight of 1 pound or less, with regulated “on-demand” heat power up to 300 watts, and a liquid fuel shelf life greater than five years, offering turn-key operation and having comparable or lower cost than current solution. Starting with CDI’s advanced form of flameless catalytic heat (AFCT), which is inherently well regulated, lightweight and compact, AFCT will be adapted to the special needs of emergency portable medical applications to achieve these substantially improved features.