Plate heat exchangers, heat exchange plates, and methods for treating supplies such as seawater.

Abstract

This invention relates to a plate heat exchanger for processing a feedstock. The plate heat exchanger includes a plate assembly comprising a plurality of heat exchange plates and defining a heating volume, a cooling volume, and a plurality of processing volumes. Each of the processing volumes includes a vaporization section for vaporizing a portion of the feedstock, a separation section for separating an unvaporized portion of the feedstock from the vaporized portion, and a condensation section arranged to condense the vaporized portion of the feedstock. Each heat exchange plate defines a first thermal interface between the heating volume and the vaporization section of a first processing volume, a second thermal interface between the cooling volume and the condensation section of a second processing volume, and at least one additional thermal interface between the vaporization and condensation sections of two adjacent processing volumes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT patent application PCT / EP2019 / 064474 (international application date: June 4, 2019; priority date: June 7, 2018; Chinese national application number: 201980037434.X; invention title: “plate heat exchanger, heat exchange plate and method for treating supplies such as seawater”), which entered the Chinese national phase on December 4, 2020. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to plate heat exchangers, heat exchange plates, and methods for treating supplies such as seawater. Background Technology

[0003] For many years, equipment for seawater desalination has been manufactured, in which one or more heat exchange plates form the main components of the process. SE-B-464 938 discloses such desalination equipment, which includes plates arranged in a cylindrical container. The heat exchange plates do not have ports for steam; instead, the space outside the heat exchange plates is used as the steam flow path (depending on the type of process). The process used is based on so-called falling film technology, in which a water film is distributed across the width of the plates and extends downwards on the plates. In a falling film type plate vaporizer, every other plate gap constitutes a vaporization space, while the remaining plate gaps constitute a space for the heat dissipation medium. The container is a basically cylindrical pressure vessel. In large equipment comprising several plates, these can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. To some extent, the container is a limiting factor for the size of the equipment, even if the equipment may not include several containers.

[0004] To improve equipment efficiency, it can be multi-stage. An example of a multi-stage desalination device can be found in US 5133837, which discloses a multi-stage flash evaporator in which seawater to be vaporized enters the bottom chamber of each stage vessel, where steam flows upward through a demister and channels, contacts a recessed plate, and condensate descends as a thin film along the plate and accumulates in a condensate tank. US 6635150 discloses a distillation apparatus consisting of multiple cascaded basic units assembled in alternating thermal series.

[0005] For at least smaller or medium-sized equipment, the cost of the container constitutes a significant portion of the total cost of the equipment. The manufacture and installation of the container are complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, maintenance of the equipment and cleaning of the heat exchange plates are difficult, for example, because the plate assemblies and heat exchange plates can only be accessed after the container has been opened.

[0006] A solution to the above problem can be found in international application WO 2006 / 104443 A1, assigned to Alfa Laval Corporate AB. It discloses a plate heat exchanger for desalination. The heat exchanger has a vaporization section, a separation section, and a condensation section. The advantage of the aforementioned heat exchanger is that it does not require any container, as the entire treatment of the seawater is performed within the plate assembly.

[0007] The techniques mentioned above use only a single stage. However, the efficiency of a heat exchanger can be improved by using multiple stages. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger for desalination that does not require a container and instead includes multiple stages. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the above objective is achieved by a plate heat exchanger for treating a supply such as seawater, the plate heat exchanger comprising a plate assembly including a plurality of heat exchange plates arranged in a continuous sequence, the plate assembly defining a heating volume for receiving a heating medium, a cooling volume for receiving a cooling medium, and a plurality of processing volumes, each of which is fluidly separated from each other in the plate assembly, each of the processing volumes comprising:

[0009] A vaporization section, arranged to allow at least a portion of the supply to vaporize.

[0010] A separation section, arranged to separate the unvaporized portion of the feed from the vaporized portion of the feed, and

[0011] The condensation section is arranged as the vaporization part of the condensate supply.

[0012] Each heat exchange plate is defined as having a first thermal interface between a heating volume and a vaporization section of a first processing volume among a plurality of processing volumes, a second thermal interface between a cooling volume and a condensation section of a second processing volume among a plurality of processing volumes, and at least one additional thermal interface between the vaporization and condensation sections of two adjacent processing volumes.

[0013] This heat exchanger is used to process a feedstock. The feedstock is typically a liquid medium. The feedstock is primarily seawater, and the processing is typically in the form of seawater desalination to achieve freshwater; however, other related applications are not excluded, and some such related applications will be discussed in the detailed description. The heat exchange plate assembly comprises multiple heat exchange plates of substantially equal size, typically arranged face-to-face continuously in a horizontal direction. Each heat exchange plate defines the substantially full height and width of the heat exchanger assembly, and the horizontal direction constitutes the depth of the heat exchanger assembly. The edges of the heat exchange plates are sealed to each other to establish parallel plate gaps between the plates. The heat exchange plates define different types of surfaces, and when assembled facing each other, two types of plate gaps (i.e., a first plate gap and a second plate gap) are provided in an alternating sequence, i.e., a first plate gap is positioned adjacent to two second plate gaps, except for the first and last plate gaps along the horizontal direction.

[0014] The processing volumes are also essentially sealed relative to each other and contained within the gaps between the plates. Each processing volume constitutes a separate space within the plate gap. All processing volumes are formed on each plate. Of course, inlets and outlets exist within the processing volumes, for example, to introduce the feedstock for vaporization and to remove fresh and brine water, respectively. Brine water is understood here to mean water with a higher salinity than seawater. The plates are typically bolted together in a plate assembly to allow for plate removal for maintenance. Heat exchange plates are typically made of thermally conductive and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium.

[0015] A feedstock (typically seawater) is introduced into the heat exchanger assembly at a vaporization section in each processing volume, where at least a portion of the feedstock is vaporized using a hot fluid on the opposite side of the heat exchanger plates. A separation section (located adjacent to or above the vaporization section) separates the vaporized portion of the feedstock from the remainder, which consists primarily of unvaporized feedstock (i.e., brine). The separation section typically includes rods, bars, or corrugations, on which unvaporized feedstock is trapped and drawn out. A condensation section allows the vaporized feedstock to condense using a cooling substance on the opposite side of the heat exchanger plates. The condensed feedstock (such as fresh water) is drawn out of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0016] Each heat exchange plate in the plate assembly defines a thermal interface for exchanging heat between spaces on each side of the heat exchange plate. By using a metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium), the thermal interface allows thermal contact through the plates, however, preventing fluid mixing. The vaporization section of the first processing volume receives heating from the heating volume via the first thermal interface. In the heating volume, the heating medium circulates. The heating medium can be, for example, a liquid, such as jacket water from a marine engine or similar heated water from any other heat source (such as hot oil). It can also be a gas, such as steam and vapor. The condensation section of the second processing volume receives cooling from the cooling volume via a second thermal interface on the heat exchange plate. In the cooling volume, the cooling medium circulates. The cooling medium is typically a liquid, such as natural cooling water, preferably seawater. Alternatively, other cooling media can be used. Thus, each plate contacts and forms a barrier between all the different volumes in the plate assembly, and all processing stages can be performed on the same plate. This allows for a compact design.

[0017] Each heat exchange plate also defines at least one additional thermal interface between the vaporization and condensation sections of two adjacent processing volumes. For example, in the case of two processing volumes, the condensation section of the first processing volume is located adjacent to and thermally related to the vaporization volume of the second processing volume. In the case of more than two processing volumes, the condensation section is located adjacent to and thermally related to the vaporization section of the next higher processing volume, such that the condensation energy of the lower processing volume can be used as vaporization energy for the next higher processing volume. In this way, energy is saved. Each processing volume can be considered a processing stage.

[0018] The pressure in the processing volume is adjustable to allow the feed to vaporize in the vaporization section and condense in the condensation section at the appropriate temperature.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the plate group defines at least two processing volumes, preferably 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 processing volumes, arranged such that two adjacent processing volumes are defined at a thermal interface between correspondingly adjacent condensation and vaporization sections.

[0020] Therefore, thermal series connection of the processing volumes means that the condensation section is thermally connected to the vaporization section of the adjacent processing volume. The number of processing volumes can theoretically be unlimited; however, because the processing volumes actually operate within different temperature and pressure ranges, the number is finite. In practice, the number is limited to those mentioned above. Each processing volume, except the first one, uses energy from neighboring processing volumes, and therefore energy savings increase by adding more volumes.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchange plate is compression molded.

[0022] In this way, the surface structure of the plate can be made corrugated to increase the surface area and thus increase heat transfer.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the pressure and temperature in the second processing volume are lower than those in the first processing volume.

[0024] In order for the condensation zone of the first volume to heat the vaporization zone of the second volume and to vaporize the feed in the second volume while condensing the feed in the first volume, the pressure and temperature in the first processing volume should be higher than the pressure and temperature in the second processing volume.

[0025] The principle remains the same when using more than two processing volumes (i.e., more than two processing stages). The pressure and temperature in the adjacent higher processing volume are lower than in the adjacent lower processing volume. In other words, pressure and temperature decrease from the first processing volume to the second volume via an optional intermediate processing volume, thus creating an equilibrium.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the processing volumes are fluidly separated from each other by means of gaskets.

[0027] By using gaskets, such as rubber gaskets, the plate assembly can be properly sealed while still allowing easy separation of the individual heat exchange plates, i.e., allowing the removal of one or more heat exchange plates for cleaning and / or maintenance. Furthermore, the use of gaskets eliminates the need for a tank to house the plates.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the vaporization section includes a supply inlet located at the top of the vaporization section.

[0029] The above construction implicitly uses a so-called falling film technique, in which the feed is supplied from above to the vaporization section of each interface.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the vaporization section includes a feed inlet located at the bottom of the vaporization section.

[0031] The above construction implicitly employs a so-called rising film technique, in which the feedstock is supplied from below into the vaporization section of each interface. Therefore, typically, the inlet for the feedstock is a small orifice at the bottom portion of the vaporization section. Partial vaporization of the feedstock occurs as it rises to the condensation section, where it condenses.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, when the plate assembly is positioned in the normal use position, each of the processing volumes includes a feed inlet located at the bottom of the vaporization section and an unvaporized feed outlet located below the separation section.

[0033] A feed inlet is used to introduce feed (e.g., seawater) into the vaporization section. In this way, the feed can be efficiently introduced into the vaporization section of each of the processing spaces. An unvaporized feed outlet is used to remove unvaporized feed that constitutes brine or other concentrates from the separation section of each of the processing spaces.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, for at least one of a plurality of processing volumes other than the first processing volume, the feed inlet is positioned adjacent to the central axis of each heat exchange plate.

[0035] When the plate assembly is positioned in its normal operating position, the central axis extends substantially centrally and substantially vertically between the two side edges of each heat exchange plate. In this way, for each processing volume except the first, a single central inlet conduit for the feed can be used, instead of two separate conduits at opposite plate edges as used in the first processing volume. In the first processing volume, the inlet and outlet of the heating section are typically centered, making a centrally located inlet conduit impractical. Therefore, each processing volume except the first saves one conduit. Furthermore, the absence of a feed inlet at the plate edge allows for more space for vaporization.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, for at least one of a plurality of processing volumes other than the first processing volume, the unvaporized feed outlet is positioned adjacent to the central axis of each heat exchange plate.

[0037] When the plate assembly is in its normal operating position, the central axis extends substantially centrally and substantially vertically between the two side edges of each heat exchange plate. Due to the rolling motion of the vessel, the centrally located unvaporized feed outlets facilitate the removal of brine. Furthermore, the absence of unvaporized feed outlets at the edges of the plates allows for more space on the plates for the passage of vaporized feed.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, at least one heat exchange plate is defined in one or more orifices at a separation section of at least one processing volume.

[0039] In this way, the feed can flow on both sides of the plate, thus increasing the effective surface area for separating the vaporized and unvaporized portions of the feed.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, for at least one processing volume, the vaporization section and the condensation section are arranged in the same plate gap, and / or for at least one processing volume, the vaporization section and the condensation section are arranged in opposite plate gaps.

[0041] The plate gap is defined as the space enclosed by two adjacent heat exchange plates. The positions of the vaporization and condensation sections can vary.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, during use, the condensation section of the second processing volume is disposed above the vaporization section of the first processing volume, and within each processing volume, the vaporization section is disposed below the separation section, and the separation section is disposed below the condensation section.

[0043] Seawater is supplied to the vaporization section via the feed inlet. The seawater used for the feed inlet can be taken from the cooling water used for preheating the feed. In this way, less energy is used for heating the feed. The concentrate outlet of the separation section is connected to receive the unvaporized portion of the feed. The freshwater outlet collects the condensed freshwater from the condensation stage and leads it out of the equipment.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the number of heat exchange plates is in the range of 4 to 1000, such as preferably in the range of 10 to 100.

[0045] The number of plates can vary depending on the desired output of the heat exchanger.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further includes paired end plates on two opposite sides of a cover plate assembly.

[0047] End plates, used in conjunction with bolts, maintain internal pressure within the plate assembly and ensure proper assembly length. They also contribute to additional stability. They can be made thicker and more rigid than heat exchange plates, which are typically made thinner to increase heat transfer.

[0048] The plate assembly may include opposite end plates to increase stability.

[0049] In the second aspect, the above objective is achieved by a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for treating supplies such as seawater, the method comprising:

[0050] Provides multiple heat exchange plates, each heat exchange plate defining a first heat interface, a second heat interface and at least one additional heat interface, and

[0051] A plate assembly is formed by arranging multiple heat exchange plates in a continuous sequence, wherein the plate assembly defines a heating volume for receiving a heating medium, a cooling volume for receiving a cooling medium, and multiple processing volumes, each of which is fluidly separated from each other within the plate assembly, and each of the processing volumes includes:

[0052] A vaporization section, arranged to allow at least a portion of the supply to vaporize.

[0053] A separation section, arranged to separate the unvaporized portion of the feed from the vaporized portion of the feed, and

[0054] The condensation section is arranged as the vaporization part of the condensate supply.

[0055] The first thermal interface is defined between the heating volume and the vaporization section of the first processing volume among the plurality of processing volumes, the second thermal interface is defined between the cooling volume and the condensation section of the second processing volume among the plurality of processing volumes, and at least one additional thermal interface is defined between the vaporization section and the condensation section of two adjacent processing volumes.

[0056] The method described above according to the second aspect can preferably be used in conjunction with any of the above embodiments of the plate heat exchanger according to the first aspect.

[0057] In a third aspect, the above objective is achieved by a plate for a plate heat exchanger used to process a feedstock such as seawater. The plate heat exchanger includes a plate assembly comprising a plurality of heat exchange plates arranged in a continuous sequence. The plate assembly defines a heating volume for receiving a heating medium, a cooling volume for receiving a cooling medium, and a plurality of processing volumes, each of which is fluidly separated from each other within the plate assembly. Each processing volume includes:

[0058] A vaporization section, arranged to allow at least a portion of the supply to vaporize.

[0059] A separation section, arranged to separate the unvaporized portion of the feed from the vaporized portion of the feed, and

[0060] The condensation section is arranged as the vaporization part of the condensate supply.

[0061] Each heat exchange plate is defined as having a first thermal interface between a heating volume and a vaporization section of a first processing volume among a plurality of processing volumes, a second thermal interface between a cooling volume and a condensation section of a second processing volume among a plurality of processing volumes, and at least one additional thermal interface between the vaporization and condensation sections of two adjacent processing volumes.

[0062] A heat exchange plate for a heat exchanger used to process a supply such as seawater is implemented in this manner. The heat exchange plate defines a first thermal interface for separating a vaporization section of a heating volume and a first processing volume, a second thermal interface for separating a cooling volume and a second processing volume, and at least one additional thermal interface between the vaporization and condensation sections of two adjacent processing volumes.

[0063] The heat exchange plate according to the third aspect may preferably be used with any of the above embodiments of the plate heat exchanger according to the first aspect and / or with any of the above embodiments of the method according to the first aspect.

[0064] The board assembly can consist of a single board type. Every other board in the assembly is then rotated 180 degrees to create a gap between the two different types of boards. Alternatively, the board assembly can consist of multiple board types, such as two types of boards, which are assembled in an alternating order within the assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 A plate assembly according to the present invention using lift-up film technology is shown.

[0066] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the above-mentioned plate assembly is shown.

[0067] Figure 3A This shows a front view of one of the boards in the board group above.

[0068] Figure 3B This shows a rear view of the board mentioned above in the board assembly.

[0069] Figure 4A The working principle of the heating volume is shown.

[0070] Figure 4B The working principle of the first processing volume is shown.

[0071] Figure 4C This illustrates the working principle of the cooling volume.

[0072] Figure 4D The working principle of the second processing volume is shown.

[0073] Figure 5A A front view of an alternative plate without a central outlet is shown in the thermal intersection between two adjacent processing volumes.

[0074] Figure 5B This shows a rear view of the alternative panel mentioned above.

[0075] Figure 6A A front view of a plate assembly comprising four processing volumes is shown.

[0076] Figure 6B The rear view of the aforementioned plate, comprising a plate assembly with four processing volumes, is shown.

[0077] Figure 7A A front view of side A of the heat exchange plate of a desalination device in the form of a heat exchanger operating according to the falling film principle is shown.

[0078] Figure 7B Show Figure 7A Front view of the heat exchange plate on the opposite side B. Detailed Implementation

[0079] Figure 1A plate assembly according to the invention is shown. The plate assembly includes a plurality of heat exchange plates 43. The plates 43 may be made of, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. Ports are schematically shown by arrows. Port 44 is an inlet port for the cooling medium. Port 45 is an outlet port for the cooling medium. Port 46 is an inlet port for the heating medium. Port 47 is an outlet port for the heating medium. Port 48 is an inlet port for the feed. When the plate assembly is used in a desalination plant, the feed is primarily seawater; however, other feeds are possible, such as fruit juice in the case of a plant used to produce fruit concentrates. The feed may also be taken from the outlet port 45 for the cooling medium. Port 49 is an outlet port for the treated feed (such as fresh water in the case of a desalination plant).

[0080] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of plate assembly 42 is shown. A hot fluid (such as water jacket cooling water in the case of equipment positioned on a ship) circulates in heating volume 50. Plate 43 forms a thermal interface 51 between heating volume 50 and adjacent vaporization section 52 of first processing volume 53. Feed 54 is introduced into the lower portion of vaporization section 52 of first processing volume 53. The feed is heated by a heating medium in heating volume 50 passing through thermal interface 51, such that a portion of feed 54 vaporizes to form steam, typically steam in the case of water-containing feed, such as in desalination equipment. The steam moves upward as indicated by the arrows and enters separation section 55 of first processing volume 53. In separation section 55, any unvaporized feed is removed. The steam then enters condensation section 56 of first processing volume 53. In condensation section 56, the steam condenses into condensate 57, which constitutes fresh water. The fresh water is discharged through a fresh water outlet port. Passages 58a / b are formed through plate 43 in the separation section 55.

[0081] At the condensation section 56 of the first processing volume 53, plate 43 forms a thermal interface 59 with the adjacent vaporization section 52' of the second processing volume 53'. A feed 54' is introduced into the lower portion of the vaporization section 52' of the second processing volume 53'. In the second processing volume 53', the pressure and temperature are lower than in the first processing volume 53. Therefore, the feed 54' in the second processing volume 53' will vaporize (and condense) at a lower temperature than the feed 54' in the first processing volume 53. The feed 54' is heated by the condensation section 56 of the first processing volume 53 through the thermal interface 59, causing the feed 54' to vaporize into steam, while the steam in the condensation section 56 of the first processing volume 53 condenses into water.

[0082] The steam in the second processing volume 53' moves upward as indicated by the arrow and enters the separation section 55' of the second processing volume 53'. In the separation section 55', any unvaporized feedstock is removed. The steam then enters the condensation section 56' of the second processing volume 53'. In the condensation section 56', the steam condenses into condensate 57', which constitutes fresh water. The fresh water is exited through the fresh water outlet port. Passages 58a / b are formed in plate 43 in the separation section 55.

[0083] The cooling volume 60 is located at the top of the plate assembly. Cooling medium circulates within the cooling volume 60. The cooling medium cools the condensation section 56' of the second processing volume 53' via the thermal interface 61 in the plate 43.

[0084] The unvaporized feedstock forms a brine with increased salinity and is drawn out of the plate assembly. In other applications, the unvaporized feedstock can be a product, for example, in the case of equipment used to produce concentrated juice, the feedstock is raw fruit juice, and the unvaporized feedstock forms a concentrated juice.

[0085] Thick black lines 62 form washers that surround the plate gaps and separate the volumes. Ports and passages interconnect the plate gaps, such that the plate gaps of the heating volume, cooling volume, first processing volume, and second processing volume each form a corresponding interconnection space.

[0086] Figure 3A A front view of one of the plates 43 in the plate assembly is shown. Ports 44 and 45 for cooling medium and ports 46 and 47 for heating medium seal this side of the plate, defining a first plate gap. The feed from port 48 enters the vaporization section 52 via inlet port 48a in the first processing volume. The vaporized steam flows toward the separation section 55 located above the vaporization section 52 and through the plates 43 to the adjacent plate gap via passages 58a / b. Passage 58a thus ensures that the vaporized feed reaches both sides of the plates 43, while passage 58b directs the steam there to the gap where condensation occurs. Unvaporized feed flows out via unvaporized feed outlet port 63. The unvaporized feed constitutes brine in the desalination unit, but may alternatively constitute a concentrated product, such as concentrate. The condensation section of the first processing volume is located on the opposite side of the plates and is therefore not shown in this view.

[0087] Using heat from the opposite condensation zone of the first processing volume, vaporization also occurs in the vaporization zone 52' of the second processing volume (regarding...). Figure 4B (To be described). The feed is introduced into the vaporization section 52' of the second processing volume via port 48' and orifice 48a'. The vaporized steam flows through the separation section 55' of the second processing volume to the condensation section 56' of the second processing volume, where the steam condenses into water. The fresh water exits the condensation section 56' via port 49'.

[0088] The port 48' for introducing the feed into the second processing volume is centrally located on plate 43. In this way, the number of feed inlet connections in the second processing volume is reduced from 2 to 1 compared to the first processing volume. This results in reduced piping and cutting costs, and it allows for better use of plate area. Furthermore, the absence of feed inlets at the edges of the plate allows for more space for vaporization.

[0089] Furthermore, the unvaporized feed outlet port 63' for the second processing volume is also centrally positioned on the plate 43. In this way, the number of unvaporized feed outlets connected in the second processing volume is reduced from 2 to 1 compared to the first processing volume, and the absence of unvaporized feed outlets at the edge of the plate allows for more space on the plate for the passageway of the vaporized feed and more space for vaporization. The centrally positioned unvaporized feed outlet can be beneficial due to the rolling motion of the ship.

[0090] Figure 3B A rear view of plate 43' mentioned above is shown in the plate assembly. Here, the heating medium circulates in the heating volume 50 to heat the opposite vaporization section of the first processing volume, and the cooling medium circulates in the cooling volume 60 to cool the opposite condensation section of the second processing volume.

[0091] The condensation section 56 heats the vaporization section of the second processing volume, located on the opposite side of the plate. Steam from the vaporization section of the first processing volume is received through passage 58b in the separation section 55 of the first processing volume. Fresh water exits the condensation section 56 via port 49. Gasket 62 is indicated by a thick black line.

[0092] Figure 4A A plate assembly 42 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Arrows in this view indicate the introduction of the heating medium into the plate assembly and the circulation of the heating medium in the gaps between the plates at the heating volume 50.

[0093] Figure 4B Show Figure 4A Plate assembly 42. This view shows, with arrows, that the feed is introduced into the plate assembly at port 48 in the first processing volume. The feed enters the vaporization section 52 of the first processing volume and vaporizes (due to heat from the opposite heating volume). The vaporized feed continues to the separation section 55, where the unvaporized portion is removed. The remaining steam or vapor condenses in the condensation section, and the resulting water or liquid is withdrawn through port 49. Unvaporized feed (brine / concentrate) is withdrawn through the unvaporized feed outlet port 63.

[0094] Figure 4C Show Figure 4A Plate assembly 42. This view shows, with arrows, the introduction of cooling medium into the plate assembly and the circulation of cooling medium in the gaps between the plates at cooling volume 60.

[0095] Figure 4D Show Figure 4A Plate assembly 42. This view shows, with arrows, that the feed is introduced into the plate assembly at port 48' in the second processing volume. The feed enters the vaporization section 52' of the second processing volume and vaporizes (due to heat from the opposite condensation section of the first volume). The pressure and temperature in the vaporization section of the second processing volume are lower than in the condensation section of the first volume, allowing condensation and vaporization to occur. The vaporized feed continues to the separation section 55', where the unvaporized portion of the feed is removed. The remaining vapor or steam condenses in the condensation section 56', and the resulting water or liquid is withdrawn through port 49. The unvaporized portion of the feed (e.g., brine or concentrate) is withdrawn through the unvaporized feed outlet port 63'.

[0096] Figure 5A A front view of the alternative plate for the alternative plate group is shown. The only difference between the front of this plate and the front of the previous plate is that, in the first processing volume, there are passages 58a / b centrally located on the plate, while fresh water collects at two ports 49 located at the edges of the plate. In this way, ports located in the thermal cross-section between two adjacent processing volumes of the plate group are avoided. Having ports located there would require holes in the end plate, which would make the end plate weaker.

[0097] Figure 5B This shows a rear view of the alternative panel mentioned above in the alternative panel group. The functional principle of the rear side of this panel is the same as that of the rear side of the previous panel.

[0098] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The front and rear views of plate 43 of the plate assembly are shown, which includes four processing volumes 53, 53', 53'', 53'''' (or more) as indicated in the figure. The functional principle is the same as the previous plate, except that the four processing volumes 53, 53', 53'', 53''' (or more) are connected in thermal series instead of two.

[0099] Therefore, the heating volume is thermally connected to the vaporization section of the first processing volume via a plate interface. The condensation section of the first processing volume is thermally connected to the opposite vaporization section of the second processing volume. The condensation section of the second processing volume is thermally connected to the opposite vaporization section of the third processing volume. The condensation section of the third processing volume is thermally connected to the opposite vaporization section of the fourth processing volume. Finally, the condensation section of the fourth processing volume is thermally connected to the cooling volume.

[0100] Thermal connections are established via thermal interfaces on the plate. Pressure and temperature decrease from the first processing volume to the fourth processing volume.

[0101] Figure 7AA front view of side A of the heat exchange plate of an alternative embodiment of a desalination apparatus operating according to the falling film principle is shown. Figure 7B Showing a front view of the opposite side B of the heat exchange plate.

[0102] The plates are mounted in an alternating configuration within the plate assembly, and by simply rotating the plates 180 degrees, one of two different plate surfaces, A or B, can be formed. Using different washers on opposite sides of the plates allows for the achievement of desired combinations of channels and sections.

[0103] At each of the opposite short ends of the plate, there are three large ports 1-6, and between ports 1-6, eight thermal interfaces 7-14 in the plate are provided in a horizontally continuous configuration. Port 1 is the inlet for the heating medium (preferably water, such as water jacket cooling water, or alternatively, a gas, such as steam / vapor). Port 2 is the outlet port for the heating medium. Ports 3 and 4 are inlet ports for the feed (such as seawater), and ports 5 and 6 are the inlet and outlet ports for the cooling medium (preferably water, such as seawater), respectively.

[0104] At the thermal interface 7, the heating medium flows in the heating volume on one side of the heat exchange plate and in the vaporization section 17 on the opposite side of the heat exchange plate, where the feed entering from the feed inlet through-hole 19 vaporizes. The vaporized feed forms steam, which flows into the condensation section 15a, where it condenses (due to the lower temperature in the condensation section 15a). The steam passes through the separation section 20, where droplets and unvaporized feed accumulate and are directed to port 21, which removes excess brine. The condensation section 15a is defined by a gasket. The gasket is shown by a thicker line. An orifice 23 may be provided for venting non-condensable gases. The condensed steam flows out via the condensate outlet 24a. The vaporization section 17, the separation section 20, and the condensation section 15a form the first processing volume.

[0105] As the steam condenses in condensation section 15a, heat is transferred to the feed in vaporization section 14a, causing the feed to vaporize and flow into condensation section 15b. Vaporization section 14a and condensation section 15b, together with the separation section (unlabeled) between them, form another processing volume. The same process is repeated in the remaining interfaces until the final condensation section 18. In condensation section 18 between ports 4 and 6, there is a vent chamber 25 with a port 26 for venting non-condensable gases. The feed inlet ports 3 and 4 are interconnected via distribution channels 27, 28a-28f, 29, which are interconnected via orifices 30.

[0106] This heat exchanger has five processing volumes, each with a vaporization section, a separation section, and a condensation section; however, any number of two or more is feasible. A larger number of processing volumes will result in better thermal efficiency; however, the cost and complexity of the heat exchanger will also increase, and therefore the selected (e.g., most economical) number of processing volumes will vary depending on the circumstances, and a heat exchanger with only two processing volumes besides the heating and cooling volumes is sufficient. In such cases, a thermal interface is provided for heat exchange between the condensation section of the first processing volume and the vaporization section of the second processing volume.

[0107] It is envisioned that, although the plate assembly according to the invention is primarily used for seawater desalination in desalination equipment, there are several other applications. These applications include, but are not limited to, wastewater purification and applications using concentrates instead of condensates, such as fruit juice production. In such applications, the original fruit juice is provided as a feedstock, and a portion of the juice's water content is allowed to vaporize. The remaining concentrate accumulates at the unvaporized feedstock outlet. Similar processes can be used for anhydrous feedstocks, such as ethanol refining.

Claims

1. A heat exchange plate for processing a supply, defining at least two processing volumes, said processing volumes being sealed relative to each other, each of said processing volumes comprising: A vaporization section, the vaporization section being arranged to allow at least a portion of the supply to vaporize. A separation section, arranged to separate the unvaporized portion of the feed from the vaporized portion of the feed; and a condensation section, arranged to condense the vaporized portion of the feed. The feed inlet, when in the normal operating position, is located at the bottom of the vaporization section. The unvaporized feed outlet port, when in the normal operating position, is located below the separation section, and The outlet port for the processed supplies The processing volume includes a first processing volume and a second processing volume adjacent to the first processing volume. The condensation section of the first processing volume and the vaporization section of the second processing volume are located on opposite sides of the heat exchange plate and form a thermal interface. The feed inlet and unvaporized feed outlet of the second processing volume are centrally located on the heat exchange plate.

2. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1, wherein, The supply is seawater.

3. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat exchange plate defines a heating volume for receiving a heating medium and a cooling volume for receiving a cooling medium, wherein the heating medium circulates in the heating volume to heat the vaporization section of the first processing volume, and the cooling medium circulates in the cooling volume to cool the condensation section of the second processing volume.

4. The heat exchange plate according to claim 3, wherein, The heating volume, the cooling volume, and the processing volume are fluidly separated from each other.

5. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vaporization and condensation sections of the first processing volume are located on opposite sides of the heat exchange plate.

6. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vaporization and condensation sections of the second processing volume are located on the same side of the heat exchange plate.

7. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When in the normal operating position, the vaporization section of the first processing volume is located below the separation section of the first processing volume, and / or the condensation section of the first processing volume is located above the separation section of the first processing volume.

8. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When in the normal operating position, the vaporization section of the second processing volume is positioned below the separation section of the second processing volume, and / or the condensation section of the second processing volume is positioned above the separation section of the second processing volume.

9. The heat exchange plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure and temperature in the second processing volume are lower than those in the first processing volume.

10. A gasket configured for use with a heat exchange plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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