Fluid distributor and method of distributing fluid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid or liquid distributor and to a method of distributing fluids or liquids employing a distributor. The distributor may be employed in an evaporation or condensing unit used in the treatment of a fluid. A fluid distributor (200) comprises a group or groups of at least two channels (210) arranged in a plane, the plane being orthogonal to an axis of the distributor which in use extends substantially vertically. Each channel is continuous and comprises a base (211) and two upstanding side walls (212, 213). The channels may comprise concentric rings. Each channel is spaced from the adjacent channel by an aperture (230) through the distributor. Fluid supplied to the channel is able to flow over one or both side walls and fall from the distributor. Each channel is connected to the adjacent channel by a bridge section (220) configured to provide fluid communication between the channels and to distribute fluid to the channels. Notches (214) and projections (215) may be provided to enable optimization of the droplet size and distribution.

Description

[0001]^ Fluid^Distributor^and^Method^of^Distributing^Fluid^ ^ Technical^Field^ ^ ^ The^present^invention^relates^to^a^fluid^or^liquid^distributor^and^to^a^method^of^ distributing^fluids^or^liquids^employing^a^distributor.^^^ ^ The^distributor^may^be^employed^in^an^evaporation^or^condensing^unit^used^in^the^ treatment^of^a^fluid.^^The^fluid^may^be^contaminated^and^the^treatment^may^comprise^^ reducing^or^removing^one^or^more^contaminants^from^the^fluid.^^An^example^of^a^ contaminated^fluid^is^water^contaminated^with^salts^and / or^solid^matter.^^Solid^matter^ may^be^present^if^the^fluid^is^from^an^anerobic^digester,^for^example.^ ^ The^distributor^may^be^employed^in^any^situation^where^a^distribution^of^droplets^of^fluid^^ is^required.^^For^example,^in^cooling^towers,^in^irrigation,^or^when^applying^chemicals^to^a^ surface,^such^as^the^application^of^fertilizer^or^the^application^of^an^industrial^surface^ finish.^ ^ Although^the^preferred^embodiment^described^below^relates^to^the^use^of^the^distributor^^ in^an^evaporation^or^condensing^unit^used^in^the^reduction^or^removal^of^one^or^more^ contaminants^from^a^fluid,^the^invention^is^not^to^be^construed^as^being^limited^to^this^ specific^application.^^^ ^ Background^ ^ ^ A^known^fluid^distributor^for^use^in^an^evaporation^or^condensing^unit^used^in^the^ treatment^of^a^fluid^is^disclosed^in^WO2015 / 114342^(Solaquagen^Limited).^^The^ distributor^comprises^two^concentric^circular^channels^with^a^separate^fluid^feed^pipe^to^ feed^fluid^from^underneath^to^each^channel.^^There^is^a^need^to^balance^the^flow^of^fluid^^ to^each^channel^to^take^into^account^the^relative^sizes / volumes^of^each^channel.^ ^ ^ Another^fluid^distributor^is^disclosed^in^US^6,722,639^(Ender^et^al.,^assigned^to^Koch^ Glitsch,^LP)^which^is^a^distributor^with^linear^channels.^^In^this^distributor,^debris^can^ accumulate^at^the^ends^of^the^channels^and^the^holes^in^the^sides^of^the^channels^may^ become^blocked.^ ^ ^ There^is^a^need^to^address^issues^with^prior^art^distributors.^^There^may^also^be^a^desire^to^ control^and^optimise^the^size^of^droplet^falling^from^the^distributor,^to^customise^the^ droplet^pattern,^and / or^to^optimise^the^distribution^of^droplets^per^unit^area.^^In^the^ context^of^a^thermal^evaporative^process,^a^more^uniform^distribution^of^droplets^may^^ help^to^reduce^the^energy^requirements^of^the^process.^^Controlling^the^droplet^size^and^ distribution^may^also^help^to^avoid^flooding^the^fragmentation^bodies^below^the^ distributor.^ ^ Summary^of^the^Invention^ ^ ^ In^accordance^with^a^first^aspect,^the^invention^provides^a^fluid^distributor,^comprising^a^ group^of^at^least^two^channels^arranged^in^substantially^the^same^plane,^the^plane^being^ orthogonal^to^an^axis^of^the^distributor^which^in^use^extends^substantially^vertically,^ wherein^each^channel^is^continuous^and^comprises^a^base^and^two^upstanding^side^walls,^^ wherein^each^channel^is^spaced^from^the^adjacent^channel^by^an^aperture^through^the^ distributor,^each^channel^being^configured^such^that^fluid^supplied^to^the^channel^is^able^ to^flow^over^one^or^both^side^walls^and^fall^from^the^distributor,^and^wherein^each^ channel^is^connected^to^the^adjacent^channel^by^a^bridge^section^configured^to^provide^ fluid^communication^between^the^channels^and^to^distribute^fluid^to^the^channels.^^ ^ Each^channel^is^continuous,^which^means^that^there^is^no^end^or^stop^in^the^channel.^^For^ example,^a^linear^channel^is^not^continuous^as^the^channel^stops^at^each^end.^^In^effect,^ the^fluid^is^able^to^circulate^around^the^channel^in^a^loop.^^The^shape^or^path^of^the^ channel^(in^plan^view)^may^be^any^suitable^shape^for^the^application,^for^example^circular,^^ oval,^rectangular,^square^or^irregular.^ ^ ^ The^at^least^two^channels^making^up^the^group^are^arranged^in^substantially^the^same^ plane,^which^may^generally^be^the^horizontal^plane^in^use.^^This,^combined^with^each^ channel^being^continuous,^effectively^requires^that^the^channels^lie^one^inside^the^other.^^ There^may^be^a^central^channel,^which^is^the^smallest^in^terms^of^a^width^dimension^in^^ plan^view,^and^one^or^more^channels^will^be^positioned^outside^and^around^the^central^ channel,^each^one^being^progressively^larger^in^width^than^its^inner^adjacent^channel.^^ The^channels^of^the^group^may^be^considered^to^be^nested.^^The^channels^may^have^the^ same^centre,^and^may^be^concentric,^but^this^does^not^imply^that^the^channels^are^ circular,^although^a^group^of^concentric,^circular^channels^is^one^preferred^arrangement.^^ ^ A^channel^in^the^group^is^connected^to^the^adjacent^channel^in^the^same^group^by^a^ bridge^section^which^is^configured^to^provide^fluid^communication^between^the^channels.^^ The^bridge^section^effectively^crosses^the^aperture^between^the^adjacent^channels.^^ Therefore,^the^aperture^between^two^channels^is^divided^into^aperture^sections^by^the^^ bridge^section.^^More^than^one^bridge^section^may^be^provided^between^adjacent^ channels,^and^the^aperture^will^be^divided^into^the^corresponding^number^of^aperture^ sections^accordingly.^^The^number^of^bridge^channels^may^be^varied^according^to^the^size^ and^layout^of^the^distributor^channels.^^^ ^ ^ If^the^group^comprises^more^than^two^channels,^the^bridge^sections^may^or^may^not^be^ aligned^in^the^direction^of^fluid^flow.^^In^a^preferred^arrangement,^the^group^comprises^at^ least^three^channels^and^bridge^sections^connecting^different^channels^are^aligned^to^ form^a^bridge^channel^connecting^all^channels^of^the^group.^^The^bridge^sections^and / or^ channel^may^extend^in^a^direction^substantially^orthogonal^to^the^direction^of^fluid^flow^^ within^each^channel.^ ^ If^the^bridge^sections^are^not^aligned^in^the^direction^of^fluid^flow,^the^bridge^sections^ may^be^offset^from^each^other.^^This^may^help^to^generate^turbulence^and^reduce^the^ build^up^of^deposits^in^the^distributor.^^In^an^alternative^embodiment^to^the^bridge^^ sections^being^aligned^therefore,^bridge^sections^connecting^different^channels^of^the^ group^are^offset^from^each^other.^ ^ ^ In^a^preferred^arrangement,^a^plurality^of^bridge^channels^are^provided.^^Each^channel^ may^be^substantially^circular^in^plan.^^The^one^or^more^bridge^channels^extend^radially.^^ As^mentioned^above,^the^circular^channels^may^be^concentric.^ ^ ^ Each^channel^has^a^base^and^two^upstanding^side^walls.^^In^cross^section,^i.e.^viewed^ along^the^plane^of^the^group^of^channels,^each^channel^may^have^a^generally^U^shaped^ section.^^The^base^may^be^flat,^curved,^concave^or^V^shaped.^^Other^cross^sectional^ shapes^for^the^channel^may^be^suitable.^ ^ ^ In^a^preferred^embodiment,^the^channel^side^walls^have^an^upper^edge^and^the^upper^ edge^of^at^least^one^side^wall^of^each^channel^is^provided^with^a^plurality^of^notches^ spaced^around^the^circumference^of^the^channel.^^The^notches^are^useful^for^controlling^ the^exit^point^of^the^fluid^from^the^channel.^^In^a^further^embodiment,^both^side^walls^are^ provided^with^notches.^^The^notches^may^be^any^suitable^shape,^such^as^V^shaped,^U^^ shaped,^square,^curved,^semi^circular,^etc.^^In^a^preferred^arrangement,^the^notch^is^V^ shaped.^ ^ In^a^further^preferred^embodiment,^each^side^wall^is^provided^with^a^projection^vertically^ below^each^notch,^which^depends^downwardly^from^the^sidewall,^configured^to^provide^a^^ location^for^the^fluid^flowing^from^the^notch^to^form^droplets^which^fall^from^the^ distributor.^^The^projection^may^be^any^suitable^shape^to^facilitate^droplet^formation,^ such^as^V^shaped,^U^shaped,^square,^curved,^semi^circular,^etc.^^In^a^preferred^ arrangement,^the^projection^is^V^shaped.^ ^ ^ The^distributor^may^include^an^inlet^or^point^of^supply^which^is^configured^to^supply^fluid^ to^the^distributor.^^A^single^inlet^may^be^provided,^or^two^or^more^inlets^may^be^provided.^^ If^two^or^more^inlets^are^provided,^the^fluids^supplied^by^each^inlet^may^be^the^same^or^ different.^^If^the^fluids^are^different,^the^distributor^may^function^as^a^means^of^mixing^the^ two^fluids.^ ^ ^ The^inlet^is^preferably^configured^to^supply^fluid^to^the^distributor^from^above^the^ distributor^in^use,^i.e.^in^a^vertically^downwards^direction^relative^to^the^distributor.^^The^ ^ fluid^may^be^supplied^into^a^channel^or^into^a^bridge^section,^or^into^another^part^of^the^ distributor^in^fluid^communication^with^the^channel^and^bridge^section^network^of^the^ distributor.^^The^inlet^or^the^point^of^supply^is^preferably^located^below^the^level^of^the^ upper^edge^of^the^channel^side^walls.^ ^ ^ The^group^of^connected^channels^may^comprise^all^of^the^channels^of^the^distributor^or^ fewer^than^all^of^the^channels.^^The^distributor^may^include^one^or^more^further^channels^ not^connected^to^the^group^of^connected^channels.^^There^may^be^any^appropriate^ number^of^channels^in^the^group,^for^example^3^or^more,^4^or^more,^5^or^more,^3^to^10,^3^^ to^8^or^4^to^6^channels.^ ^ In^a^preferred^embodiment,^the^group^of^at^least^two^connected^channels^is^a^first^group^ of^connected^channels^and^the^distributor^further^comprises^a^second^group^of^at^least^ two^connected^channels,^wherein^the^first^group^and^the^second^group^are^not^in^fluid^^ communication.^^The^second^group^may^comprise^any^of^the^features^of^the^first^group^ discussed^above.^^The^first^group^and^the^second^group^may^or^may^not^be^in^the^same^ plane.^^The^second^group^may^be^axially^offset^from^the^first^group.^^The^distributor^may^ further^comprise^a^first^inlet^configured^to^supply^a^first^fluid^to^the^first^group^of^ connected^channels^and^a^second^inlet^configured^to^supply^a^second^fluid^to^the^second^^ group^of^connected^channels.^^The^first^fluid^and^the^second^fluid^may^be^the^same^fluid^ or^different^fluids.^ ^ In^accordance^with^a^second^aspect,^the^invention^provides^a^unit^for^evaporating^or^ condensing^a^fluid^comprising^a^distributor^as^discussed^above.^ ^ ^ In^accordance^with^a^third^aspect,^the^invention^provides^apparatus^for^evaporating^and^ condensing^a^fluid^comprising^an^evaporating^unit^and^a^condensing^unit,^wherein^each^ unit^includes^a^distributor^as^discussed^above.^ ^ ^ In^accordance^with^a^fourth^aspect,^the^invention^provides^a^method^of^distributing^fluid,^ comprising^supplying^fluid^to^the^distributor^discussed^above^and^distributing^the^fluid.^ ^ ^ In^accordance^with^a^fifth^aspect,^the^invention^provides^a^method^of^distributing^fluid^ employing^the^distributor^discussed^above^having^a^first^group^of^connected^channels^and^ a^second^group^of^connected^channels,^wherein^the^first^group^and^the^second^group^are^ not^in^fluid^communication,^the^method^comprising^supplying^a^first^fluid^to^the^first^^ group^of^connected^channels,^supplying^a^second^fluid^to^the^second^group^of^connected^ channels,^and^distributing^the^fluids.^ ^ At^least^in^preferred^embodiments,^the^connected^network^of^channels^and^bridge^ sections^allows^a^single^entry^pipe^to^supply^fluid^to^the^distributor.^^The^bridge^sections^^ distribute^fluid^to^the^continuous^distributor^channels^evenly^and^automatically.^^A^single^ feed^pipe^simplifies^the^construction,^reduces^cost^and^reduces^energy^requirements.^ ^ By^supplying^the^fluid^from^above,^feeding^downwards^into^the^distributor,^a^water^ jet / fountain^effect^experienced^with^an^upwardly^directed^feed^through^the^channel^base^^ can^be^avoided.^^If^the^inlet^is^located^below^the^top^of^the^side^wall,^the^inlet^will^be^ normally^submerged^during^operation^which^prevents^splashing.^ ^ The^shape^and^size^of^the^notches^in^the^channel^side^walls^can^be^selected^to^match^the^ requirements^of^the^fluid^flow^stream.^^The^projection^below^each^notch^maintains^the^^ definition^of^vertical^fluid^streams^and^the^size^of^the^droplets^formed.^^The^projections^ enable^the^required^number^of^water^wetting^points^to^be^specified.^^Without^the^ projections,^water^may^collect^at^the^bottom^of^the^side^wall^and^build^up,^possibly^ joining^other^drips^before^dropping.^ ^ ^ The^quantity^and^shape / design^of^the^notches^and^projections^can^be^modified^to^suit^ varying^design^parameters,^including^capacity^and^type^of^fluid,^to^form^an^optimum^flow^ and^drop^size,^and^distribution^pattern.^^In^an^evaporation^or^condensing^unit,^controlling^ the^droplet^size^and^distribution^may^help^to^avoid^flooding^the^fragmentation^bodies^ below^the^distributor,^rather^than^wetting^them,^so^that^air^can^pass^through^in^the^^ opposite^direction.^ ^ ^ Several^features^of^the^invention^may^help^to^limit^the^build^up^of^scale^and^deposits.^^ Continuous^channels^avoid^dead^ends^where^deposits^can^build^up.^^Notches^are^ employed^in^the^side^walls^instead^of^holes^to^avoid^scale^build^up^closing^the^holes^in^ time.^^V^shaped^(and^other^shaped)^notches^reduce^clogging^and^allow^more^regular^and^^ even^drop^formation.^ ^ Overall,^the^distributor^of^at^least^preferred^embodiments^is^designed^so^that^any^build^ up^of^sediment^or^scale^does^not^affect^the^flow^of^the^distributor^and^the^formation^of^ droplets.^^Maintenance^may^therefore^be^less^frequent^than^with^prior^art^distributors.^^^ The^distributor^has^reduced^energy^requirements^and^can^be^manufactured^and^operated^ at^reduced^cost.^ ^ Brief^Description^of^the^Drawings^ ^ ^ Embodiments^of^the^invention^will^now^be^described^by^way^of^example^only^and^with^ reference^to^the^accompanying^drawings,^in^which:^ Fig.^1^shows^a^schematic^diagram^of^a^purification^system^employing^the^distributor^of^ the^present^invention;^ Figs.^2A^and^2B^show^plan^and^side^elevation^views^respectively^of^a^distributor^in^^ accordance^with^a^first^embodiment^of^the^invention^having^a^single^group^of^connected^ channels;^ Fig.^3^shows^a^perspective^view^of^the^distributor;^ Fig.^4^shows^an^enlarged^view^of^a^notch^and^a^projection^of^the^distributor;^and^ Figs.^5A^and^5B^show^plan^and^perspective^views^of^a^distributor^in^accordance^with^a^^ second^embodiment^having^two^groups^of^connected^channels^with^the^groups^not^being^ in^fluid^communication.^ ^ Detailed^Description^of^a^Preferred^Embodiment^ ^ ^ Fig.^1^shows^a^schematic^diagram^of^a^purification^system^employing^the^distributor^of^ the^present^invention.^^Fig.^1^shows^an^evaporation^unit^10^and^a^condensing^unit^110.^^ ^ Condensing^unit^110^is^configured^similarly^to^the^evaporation^unit^10^and^corresponding^ reference^numerals^preceded^by^'1'^are^employed.^ ^ The^evaporation^unit^comprises^a^chamber^12^having^a^contaminated^fluid^feed^14^at^its^^ upper^region^16.^^The^chamber^is^divided^up^into^five^evaporation^zones^20^defined^at^their^ lower^ends^by^support^grilles^18.^^In^the^illustrated^example,^all^evaporation^zones^contain^ fragmentation^bodies^22,^for^example^pall^rings^or^Raschig^rings.^ ^ At^the^ lower^region^24^of^the^chamber^10,^a^heated^air^ inlet^26^ is^provided^(“return^air”^^ from^the^condensing^chamber^110).^^In^use,^the^evaporation^unit^10^is^fed^with^warm^or^ hot^fluid^via^feed^14.^^The^fluid^is^fed^into^distributor^19,^which^is^described^in^more^detail^ below.^^The^support^grilles^18^and^distributor^19^may^be^circular,^square^or^rectangular^in^ shape,^or^be^of^other^shapes.^^The^openings^in^the^support^grilles^18^and^distributor^19^may^ be^of^variable^shape^and^be^provided^in^a^regular^or^irregular^pattern,^or^of^different^sizes^^ or^configurations.^^^ ^ The^hot^ fluid^ fed^ into^ the^distributor^19^ flows^over^ the^notches^of^ the^distributor^ and^ generates^hot^droplets^of^ the^ fluid,^which^ fall^by^gravity,^ through^ the^chamber^10.^The^ drops^are^further^fragmented^into^smaller^droplets^by^contacting^a^fragmentation^body^22^^ such^as^an^electrochemically^inert^random^packing^material.^^Such^a^material^may^be^plastic,^ ceramic^ or^ stainless^ steel^ packing^ rings,^ for^ example^ Raschig^ rings.^ The^ choice^ of^ fragmentation^ body^ depends^ on^ the^ type^ of^ fluid^ to^ be^ treated^ and^ the^ operating^ temperatures.^ ^ The^ fragmentation^ body^ 22^ is^ supported^ by^ an^ electrochemically^ inert^ support^grill^18^which^allows^the^fluid^drops^to^pass^into^the^next^section.^ ^ ^ Simultaneously,^heated^air^is^pumped^into^the^chamber^10^via^heated^air^inlet^26^by^fans^ into^the^lower^region^24^of^the^chamber^10.^The^passage^of^heated^air^through^the^hot^fluid^ droplets^and^ fragmentation^bodies^22^creates^evaporation,^saturating^ the^air^with^ fluid^ vapour^at^varied^temperatures.^^ ^ ^ The^ residual^ concentrated^ contaminant^ is^ collected^ at^ the^ bottom^ of^ the^ chamber^ for^ eventual^discharge^via^contaminated^waste^drain^30.^ ^ ^ In^order^to^maximise^evaporation,^the^air^speeds^through^the^evaporation^zones^20^are^ varied^by^configuring^and^optimising^the^heights^of^each^zone^20,^thus^adjusting^the^volume^ that^the^air / vapour^mix^must^pass^through^with^the^relevant^input^power^from^the^fan.^The^^ variation^of^air^speed^thus^achieves^a^similar^effect^to^that^of^lowering^the^air^pressure^at^a^ lower^energy^cost.^^ ^ Fluid^which^has^been^evaporated^can^be^removed^from^the^chamber^via^a^series^of^fluid^ vapour^outlets^32^and^are^carried^away^via^fluid^vapour^lines^34.^^Barriers^36,^for^example^^ bodies^formed^of^Munters^DRIFdek^or^similar^material,^are^placed^at^the^outlets^from^the^ chamber^10^to^prevent^any^cross^contamination^of^droplets^in^the^air / gas^flow^and^also^to^ prevent^ any^other^possible^ contamination^ issues^e.g.^ legionella.^ ^As^ can^be^ seen,^each^ evaporation^zone^20^is^provided^with^a^vapour^fluid^outlet^32^at^its^upper^end.^ ^ ^ The^contaminated^fluid^fed^into^the^evaporation^unit^is^heated^through^heat^exchange^with^ a^heat^source^50^which^may^be^a^source^of^waste^or^exhaust^heat^from^an^industrial^process,^ or^ may^ be^ provided^ by^ an^ alternative^ energy^ source.^ ^ In^ the^ lower^ region^ 24^ of^ the^ evaporating^ chamber^ 10,^ contaminated^ fluid / sludge^ is^ periodically^ drained^ via^ contaminated^waste^drain^30^for^recycling^or^disposal.^^Contaminated^fluid^feed^54^is^split^^ into^a^fluid^take^off^line^60^and^a^feed^which^is^heated^by^heat^exchange^(heat^exchanger^ 64)^ with^ fluid^ exiting^ the^ condensing^ chamber^ 110^ via^ purified^ fluid^ outlet^ 56.^ ^ The^ contaminated^ fluid^ feed^ is^ then^passed^back^ into^ the^evaporation^chamber^10^via^heat^ exchanger^62^and^then^via^contaminated^fluid^inlet^14.^ ^ ^ Condensation^zones^120^within^the^condensation^chamber^110^are^fed^with^fluid^vapour^ extracted^from^evaporation^zones^20.^^Condensing^fluid^is^fed^into^the^distributor^119^which^ then^fragments^and^passes^through^the^condensing^chamber^110^under^gravity,^in^a^similar^ manner^ to^ the^ fluid^ in^ the^ evaporating^ chamber^ 10.^ ^As^ this^ fluid^ passes^ through^ the^ chamber^ 110,^ additional^ fluid^ condenses^ from^ the^ cooling^ saturated^ vapour.^ ^ This^^ additional^purified^fluid^is^then^collected^in^the^lower^region^124^of^the^chamber^110^and^ extracted^therefrom^via^purified^ fluid^outlet^56.^ ^ In^the^ illustrated^device,^similar^to^the^ ^ evaporating^unit,^condensation^zones^120^contain^fragmentation^bodies^122^supported^on^ support^grilles^118.^ ^ Due^to^the^process^of^condensation,^the^condensing^fluid^becomes^warmer.^^This^warmed^^ purified^fluid^ is^passed^via^ line^56^to^a^crossflow^heat^exchanger^64^where^the^acquired^ heat^is^recovered^and^used^to^pre^heat^the^contaminated^fluid.^^The^feed^of^purified^fluid^ 56^is^then^split^into^a^purified^fluid^take^off^line^58,^with^the^remainder^of^the^purified^fluid^ being^ passed^ to^ external^ chiller^ 150^ for^ further^ cooling^ before^ being^ passed^ into^ the^ condensing^chamber^110^via^cooling^fluid^inlet^114.^ ^ ^ The^fluid^vapour^outlet^lines^34^carry^the^evaporated^fluid^from^specific^evaporation^zones^ 20^ to^ the^ most^ appropriate^ condensing^ zones^ 120^ to^ maximise^ evaporation^ and^ condensation^driven^by^fans^66.^^As^can^be^seen,^the^uppermost^evaporation^zone^20'^which^ operates^at^the^highest^temperature^of^all^of^the^evaporation^zones^is^connected^via^line^^ 34^to^the^lowermost^condensation^zone^120"^which^operates^at^the^highest^temperature^ of^the^condensation^zones.^ ^The^ lowermost^evaporation^zone^20"^which^operates^at^the^ lowest^ temperature^ is^ connected^ to^ the^ uppermost^ condensation^ zone^ 120'^ which^ operates^at^the^lowest^temperature^of^the^condensation^zones.^^The^second^hottest^and^ second^highest^evaporation^zone^ is^connected^to^the^second^ lowest^and^second^hottest^^ condensing^zone,^and^the^second^coolest^and^second^lowest^evaporation^zone^is^connected^ to^ the^ second^ highest^ and^ second^ coolest^ condensation^ zone.^ ^ This^ system^ of^ interconnection^can^be^continued^for^any^number^of^evaporation / condensation^zones.^ ^ Condensing^chamber^110^is^provided^with^a^heated^air^outlet^126^which^carries^heated^air^^ which^may^contain^a^small^amount^of^fluid^vapour^into^the^evaporation^unit^via^heated^air^ inlet^26.^^The^residual^purified^fluid^is^collected^at^the^bottom^of^the^chamber^for^periodic^ discharge^via^purified^fluid^drain^130.^ ^ Figs.^2A,^2B^and^3^show^a^distributor^200^which^can^be^employed^as^the^distributors^19^^ and^119^in^the^evaporating^chamber^10^and^condensing^chamber^110^respectively^of^the^ system^described^with^reference^to^Fig.^1.^ ^ ^ Distributor^200^is^shown^as^circular^in^plan^view,^although^as^discussed^above,^the^ distributor^can^be^any^suitable^shape^to^suit^the^cross^sectional^shape^of^the^evaporating^ chamber^10^or^condensing^chamber^110^in^which^it^is^employed.^ ^ ^ In^this^example,^distributor^200^comprises^five^circular,^concentric^channels^210,^each^ comprising^a^base^211^and^upstanding^side^walls^212^and^213^forming^a^U^shaped^ section.^^Each^channel^is^continuous^and^therefore^is^not^closed^by^an^end^wall.^^There^ can^be^any^number^of^channels,^all^of^which^are^connected^in^this^embodiment^to^form^a^ single^group^of^connected^channels.^ ^ ^ Each^channel^210^is^connected^to^the^adjacent^channel^by^a^plurality^of^bridge^sections^ 220^configured^to^provide^fluid^communication^between^the^channels^and^distribute^fluid^ to^the^channels.^^In^this^embodiment,^each^bridge^section^220^is^aligned^to^form^a^ radially^extending^bridge^channel^221^connecting^all^channels^of^the^distributor.^^Three^^ radial^bridge^channels^221^are^provided,^equally^spaced^at^120^degree^intervals.^^It^will^be^ appreciated^that^the^number^of^bridge^channels^may^be^varied^according^to^the^size^and^ layout^of^the^distributor^channels^and^linkage^between^the^channels^may^not^necessarily^ be^radial^or^aligned.^ ^ ^ Each^channel^210^is^spaced^from^the^adjacent^channel^by^an^aperture^230^through^the^ distributor.^^In^this^embodiment,^due^to^the^presence^of^three^bridge^channels,^the^ aperture^230^is^split^into^three^sections^between^each^channel^210.^ ^ In^use,^fluid^is^supplied^to^the^distributor^200^via^inlet^pipe^300^(feeds^14^or^114^shown^in^^ Fig.^1)^and^is^distributed^evenly^to^the^channels^210^via^the^bridge^sections^220.^^Pipe^300^ provides^a^single^inlet^to^the^distributor.^^In^this^embodiment,^the^pipe^is^configured^to^ supply^the^fluid^to^the^second^channel^from^the^centre^of^the^distributor,^although^other^ locations^will^work^equally^as^well.^^The^fluid^is^supplied^from^above,^feeding^downwards^ into^the^channel^210.^^The^outlet^of^the^pipe^300^is^below^the^top^of^the^side^walls^212^^ and^213^so^that^the^pipe^is^normally^submerged^during^operation,^which^prevents^ splashing.^^The^downwardly^directed^feed^avoids^a^water^jet^or^fountain^effect.^^The^ ^ arrows^in^Fig.^3^show^the^general^path^of^the^fluid^around^the^distributor^from^the^pipe^ outlet.^ ^ The^top^edges^of^the^side^walls^212^and^213^of^each^channel^210^are^provided^with^a^^ plurality^of^V^shaped^notches^214^spaced^around^the^circumference^of^the^channel.^^ Vertically^below^each^notch^214,^a^corresponding^V^shaped^projection^215^is^provided^ which^extends^downwardly^from^the^side^wall^212^and^213.^^Projection^215^could^be^ other^shapes^as^noted^above.^ ^ ^ In^use,^when^the^level^of^fluid^in^a^channel^210^reaches^and^then^exceeds^the^level^of^the^ notches^214,^the^fluid^will^flow^over^the^side^walls^through^the^notches.^^The^notches^ provide^a^defined^exit^point^for^the^fluid^from^the^channel.^^The^projections^215^below^ each^notch^provide^a^point^at^which^the^fluid^flowing^from^the^notch^forms^droplets,^ which^fall^into^the^chamber^below.^ ^ ^ Fig.^4^shows^an^enlarged^view^of^a^notch^214^and^a^projection^215^of^the^distributor^200.^^ The^dashed^arrows^in^Fig.^3^show^the^path^of^the^fluid^from^the^inlet^pipe^300^to^the^ notch^214^and^via^the^corresponding^projection^215,^before^falling^as^droplets^into^the^ chamber^below.^ ^ ^ Figs.^5A^and^5B^show^plan^and^perspective^views^of^a^distributor^in^accordance^with^a^ second^embodiment.^^In^this^embodiment,^the^three^inner^channels^210^are^connected^to^ form^a^first^group^201^of^connected^channels^and^the^two^outer^channels^210^are^ connected^to^form^a^second^group^of^connected^channels^202.^^There^are^no^bridge^^ sections^220^between^the^third^and^fourth^channels.^^The^first^group^is^supplied^with^fluid^ from^inlet^pipe^301^and^the^second^group^is^supplied^with^fluid^from^inlet^pipe^302.^^In^ this^embodiment,^the^groups^are^in^the^same^plane.^ ^ ^ ^

Claims

^ Claims^ ^ 1.^ A^fluid^distributor,^comprising:^ a^group^of^at^least^two^channels^arranged^in^substantially^the^same^plane,^the^^ plane^being^orthogonal^to^an^axis^of^the^distributor^which^in^use^extends^substantially^ vertically,^^ wherein^each^channel^is^continuous^and^comprises^a^base^and^two^upstanding^ side^walls,^ wherein^each^channel^is^spaced^from^the^adjacent^channel^by^an^aperture^through^^ the^distributor,^each^channel^being^configured^such^that^fluid^supplied^to^the^channel^is^ able^to^flow^over^one^or^both^side^walls^and^fall^from^the^distributor,^and^ wherein^each^channel^is^connected^to^the^adjacent^channel^by^a^bridge^section^ configured^to^provide^fluid^communication^between^the^channels^and^to^distribute^fluid^ to^the^channels.^ ^ ^ 2.^ The^distributor^of^claim^1,^wherein^the^group^comprises^at^least^three^channels^ and^wherein^each^bridge^section^is^aligned^to^form^a^bridge^channel^connecting^all^ channels^of^the^group.^ ^ ^ 3.^ The^distributor^of^claim^2,^further^comprising^a^plurality^of^bridge^channels.^ ^ 4.^ The^distributor^of^claim^1,^wherein^bridge^sections^connecting^different^channels^ of^the^group^are^offset^from^each^other.^ ^ ^ 5.^ The^distributor^of^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^each^channel^is^substantially^ circular.^ ^ 6.^ The^distributor^of^claim^2^or^3,^wherein^each^channel^is^substantially^circular^and^ wherein^the^one^or^more^bridge^channels^extend^radially.^ ^ ^ 7.^ The^distributor^of^claim^5^or^6,^wherein^the^channels^are^concentric.^ ^^ 8.^ The^distributor^of^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^channel^side^walls^have^an^ upper^edge^and^wherein^the^upper^edge^of^at^least^one^side^wall^of^each^channel^is^ provided^with^a^plurality^of^notches^spaced^around^the^circumference^of^the^channel.^ ^ ^ 9.^ The^distributor^of^claim^8,^wherein^both^side^walls^are^provided^with^notches.^ ^ 10.^ The^distributor^of^claim^8^or^9,^wherein^each^side^wall^is^provided^with^a^ projection^vertically^below^each^notch,^which^depends^downwardly^from^the^sidewall,^ configured^to^provide^a^location^for^the^fluid^flowing^from^the^notch^to^form^droplets^^ which^fall^from^the^distributor.^ ^ 11.^ The^distributor^of^claim^10,^wherein^the^projection^is^V^shaped.^ ^ 12.^ The^distributor^of^any^preceding^claim,^further^comprising^an^inlet^configured^to^^ supply^fluid^to^the^distributor.^ ^ 13.^ The^distributor^of^claim^12,^wherein^the^inlet^is^configured^to^supply^fluid^to^the^ distributor^from^above^the^distributor^in^use,^and^preferably^wherein^the^inlet^is^located^ below^the^level^of^the^upper^edge^of^the^channel^side^walls.^ ^ ^ 14.^ The^distributor^of^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^group^of^at^least^two^ connected^channels^is^a^first^group^of^connected^channels^and^the^distributor^further^ comprises^a^second^group^of^at^least^two^connected^channels,^wherein^the^first^group^ and^the^second^group^are^not^in^fluid^communication.^ ^ ^ 15.^ The^distributor^of^claim^14,^further^comprising^a^first^inlet^configured^to^supply^a^ first^fluid^to^the^first^group^of^connected^channels^and^a^second^inlet^configured^to^supply^ a^second^fluid^to^the^second^group^of^connected^channels.^ ^ ^ 16.^ The^distributor^of^claim^15,^wherein^the^first^fluid^and^the^second^fluid^are^the^ same^fluid.^ ^^ 17.^ The^distributor^of^claim^15,^wherein^the^first^fluid^and^the^second^fluid^are^ different^fluids.^ ^ 18.^ A^unit^for^evaporating^or^condensing^a^fluid^comprising^the^distributor^of^any^^ preceding^claim.^ ^ 19.^ Apparatus^for^evaporating^and^condensing^a^fluid^comprising^an^evaporating^unit^ and^a^condensing^unit,^wherein^each^unit^includes^the^distributor^of^any^of^claims^1^to^17.^ ^ ^ 20.^ A^method^of^distributing^fluid,^comprising^supplying^fluid^to^the^distributor^of^any^ preceding^claim^and^distributing^the^fluid.^ ^ 21.^ A^method^of^distributing^fluid^employing^the^distributor^of^any^of^claims^14^to^17,^ comprising:^ ^ supplying^a^first^fluid^to^the^first^group^of^connected^channels;^ supplying^a^second^fluid^to^the^second^group^of^connected^channels;^and^ distributing^the^fluids.^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

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