Air stream arrangement and system comprising air stream arrangement

Abstract

An air stream arrangement (200) configured for separating a first fraction (103) by evaporating the first fraction (103) from a process liquid (101) to an air stream (240) and by condensing the first fraction (103) from the air stream (240) is disclosed. The air stream arrangement (200) comprises an evaporating assembly (201) arranged in a closed conduit (205). The evaporating assembly (201) comprises a vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks (211), arranged spaced away from each other, wherein the evaporating assembly (201) is arranged to receive and convey the process liquid (101) from a first port (231) to each evaporating heat exchange block (211) and to distribute the process liquid (101) over said each evaporating heat exchange block (211). The air stream arrangement (200) is arranged to provide the air stream (240) parallelly to the evaporating heat exchange blocks (211) in the vertical stack of the evaporating assembly (201).

Description

[0001] AIR STREAM ARRANGEMENT AND SYSTEM COMPRISING AIR STREAM ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The embodiments herein relate to the field of handling fluids, such as liquids, or the like. The liquids can originate from various industrial processes, or the liquid can be saline water, or saltwater. In particular, a system for managing process fluid, an air stream arrangement, use of cellulose blocks for condensing, and a method for managing process fluid are disclosed.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the realm of separating water from process liquids and fluids, advancements in technology have played a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Various methods have been developed to address this separation challenge, ensuring optimal performance across diverse industrial applications.

[0006] One notable technology involves the use of membrane filtration systems. These systems employ semipermeable membranes with precise pore sizes, allowing water molecules to pass through while restricting the passage of contaminants. This selective separation mechanism is particularly effective in achieving high-purity water extraction from complex process fluids.

[0007] Another technology utilizes distillation techniques. By harnessing the principles of different evaporation and / or condensation temperatures for different fractions of the process fluid, separators can effectively separate water from process liquids.

[0008] These technologies collectively contribute to the development of sustainable and resource-efficient solutions for water separation in industrial processes. As industries continue to evolve, the integration of these methods ensures not only the preservation of valuable resources but also compliance with environmental standards.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] Sometimes, a challenge in view of the abovementioned systems can relate to how to extend operating time, e.g. between maintenance, and / or how to reduce energy consumption.

[0011] According to some examples, an object may be to mitigate, or even eliminate, the abovementioned disadvantage, or other disadvantages or problems. A further object, according to some examples, may to reduce required floor space, since floor space is often expensive, e.g. within an industrial environment.

[0012] According to an aspect, there is provided an air stream arrangement configured for separating a first fraction, such as water, by evaporating the first fraction from a process liquid, e.g. the process liquid comprising contaminations and the first fraction and optionally further fractions, to an air stream and by condensing the first fraction from the air stream. The air stream arrangement comprises: a closed conduit arranged to convey the air stream, a gas circulating device arranged to circulate, such as drive, push, or the like, the air stream in the closed conduit, through an evaporating assembly and a condensing assembly a first port arranged to receive the process liquid, e.g. into the arrangement, an evaporating assembly arranged in, e.g. in a path of, the closed conduit, whereby the air stream is flowable through the evaporating assembly. The evaporating assembly comprises a vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks, arranged spaced away from each other. The evaporating assembly is arranged to receive and convey the process liquid from the first port to each evaporating heat exchange block and to distribute the process liquid over said each evaporating heat exchange block, whereby the first fraction is evaporable into the air stream. The evaporating assembly comprises a respective evaporator collecting tray for said each evaporating heat exchange block. The respective evaporator collecting tray is arranged under said each evaporating heat exchange block. The respective evaporator collecting tray is arranged to receive and guide, e.g. by gravity and / or by tubing, non-evaporated fractions of the process fluid, e.g. an evaporator flow, drained from said each evaporating heat exchange block, towards an evaporating process tank connected to each respective evaporator collecting tray, a second port arranged to receive a condenser flow of the first fraction, a condensing assembly arranged in the closed circuit, whereby the air stream is flowable through the condensing assembly. The condensing assembly comprises a vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks, arranged spaced away from each other. The condensing assembly is arranged to convey the condenser flow from the second port to each condensing heat exchange block and to distribute the first fraction of the condenser flow over said each condensing heat exchange block, whereby the first fraction in the air stream is condensable from the air stream to the condenser flow. The condensing assembly comprises a respective condenser collecting tray for said each condensing heat exchange block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged under said each condensing heat exchange block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged to guide the condenser flow, including condensate of the first fraction from the air stream, drained from said each condensing heat exchange block, towards a condensing process tank connected to each respective condenser collecting tray, a first outlet for outputting of the non-evaporated process fluid, e.g. from the arrangement. The first outlet is connected, e.g. for fluid communication, to the evaporating process tank, and a second outlet for outputting of the first fraction, e.g. from the arrangement. The second outlet is connected, e.g. for fluid communication, to the condensing process tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, a container comprises, such as encloses, includes, or the like, the air stream arrangement.

[0014] In some embodiments, the vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks comprises at least two evaporating heat exchange blocks and / or wherein the vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks comprises at least two condensing heat exchange blocks.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air stream arrangement is arranged to provide the air stream parallelly to the evaporating heat exchange blocks in the vertical stack of the evaporating assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air stream arrangement is arranged to provide the air stream parallelly to the condensing heat exchange blocks in the vertical stack of the condensing assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air stream arrangement is arranged to provide the process liquid parallelly to the evaporating heat exchange blocks in the vertical stack of the evaporating assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air stream arrangement is arranged to provide the condenser flow of the first fraction parallelly to the condensing heat exchange blocks in the vertical stack of the condensing assembly.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided a system comprising an air stream arrangement according to any one of the embodiments herein, and a heating assembly arranged to heat the process fluid to be received, by the air stream arrangement, at the first port of the air stream arrangement. The heating assembly is arranged to circulate the process fluid in an evaporating circuit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system comprises: a cooling assembly arranged to cool the liquid first fraction from the second outlet of the air stream arrangement. The cooling assembly is arranged to circulate the liquid first fraction in a condensing circuit while condensing at least some first fraction, such as water, from the air stream.

[0021] According to a further aspect, there is provided a use of cellulose blocks for condensing a first fraction from an air stream conveyed through a condensing assembly comprising at least one cellulose block.

[0022] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly comprises a vertical stack of cellulose blocks, vertically separated from each other. The condensing assembly is arranged to receive and convey a liquid first fraction from a second port to each cellulose block and to distribute the liquid first fraction over said each cellulose block, whereby the first fraction is condensable from the air stream. The condensing assembly comprises a respective condenser collecting tray for said each cellulose block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged under said each cellulose block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged to receive and guide the condensed first fraction from the air stream, the first fraction being drained from said each cellulose block, to a process tank arranged to be in fluid communication with the respective condenser collecting tray.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vertical stack of cellulose blocks comprises said at least one cellulose block.

[0024] In some embodiments, said at least one cellulose block comprises at least two cellulose blocks.

[0025] According to a still other aspect, there is provided a condensing assembly comprising a vertical stack of cellulose blocks, vertically separated from each other. The condensing assembly is arranged to receive and convey a liquid first fraction from a second port of the condensing assembly to each cellulose block and to distribute the liquid first fraction over said each cellulose block, whereby the first fraction is condensable from an air stream passing through the vertical stack in a cross-flow direction in relation to a flow of the first fraction. The condensing assembly comprises a respective condenser collecting tray for said each cellulose block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged under said each cellulose block. The respective condenser collecting tray is arranged to receive and guide the condensed first fraction from the air stream, the first fraction being drained from said each cellulose block, to a process tank arranged to be in fluid communication with the respective condenser collecting tray.

[0026] According to a yet other aspect, there is provided a method, performed by a system, for managing inbound process fluid, comprising a first fraction and contaminations, to obtain output process fluid at an output volume reduction factor relatively the inbound process fluid. The system comprises a separating circuit arranged to circulate process fluid while separating at least some of the first fraction, e.g. some amount of the first fraction, from the process fluid, a process tank arranged to receive non-separated process fluid, an intermediate tank, connected to the process tank, for intermediate storage of process fluid, an outlet for providing the output process fluid, and an inlet for providing the separating circuit with inbound process fluid. The method comprises: feeding, via the inlet, the separating circuit with process fluid to form a circulating process fluid, circulating, in the separating circuit of the system, the circulating process fluid, while separating at least some of the first fraction from the circulating process fluid, and replenishing, via the inlet, the separating circuit with inbound process fluid, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid, wherein the method comprises a set of actions, performed at least once, preferably twice. The set of actions comprises: at an intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid in the process tank, the process fluid in the process tank being referred to as "respective intermediate process fluid", conveying at least some of or all of the respective intermediate process fluid to an intermediate tank, in which the respective intermediate process fluid forms part of an intermediate process fluid. The respective intermediate process fluid is associated with a respective repetition of the set of actions, feeding the separating circuit with the inbound process fluid and a respective amount of cleaning chemicals to form part of the circulating process fluid to form at least a portion of, preferably all of, the circulating process fluid, circulating, in the separating circuit, the circulating process fluid, while separating at least some of the first fraction from the respective intermediate process fluid, and replenishing the separating circuit with inbound process fluid, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid, wherein the method comprises, after performing the set of actions: at the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid in the process tank, feeding the separating circuit with the intermediate process fluid from the intermediate tank, forming a re-circulating process fluid together with the circulating process fluid in the separating circuit, circulating, in the separating circuit, the re-circulating process fluid, while separating at least some of the first fraction from the re-circulating process fluid, and replenishing the separating circuit with the intermediate process fluid from the intermediate tank, which thereby forms part of the re-circulating process fluid, and at the output volume reduction factor of the re-circulating process fluid in the process tank, providing, from the process tank, the output process fluid at an outlet of the system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method comprises: pausing the circulating and the replenishing during the conveying of the respective intermediate process fluid to the intermediate tank.

[0028] In some embodiments, the conveying of the respective intermediate process fluid continues until the process tank is empty.

[0029] In some embodiments, the separating of at least some of the first fraction is performed by a separating device comprised in the separating circuit. Preferably the separating device comprises an evaporating assembly or a membrane separating assembly.

[0030] In some embodiments, the repeatable set of actions are repeated at least twice.

[0031] In some embodiments, the output volume reduction factor corresponds to a multiple of the intermediate volume reduction factor. Preferably the multiple is in a range of two to ten, preferably two to five, more preferably three.

[0032] According to a still further aspect, there is provided a system configured to perform a method according to any one of the embodiments herein.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is an overview of an example of the system for separating a first fraction from a process fluid.

[0035] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating an example of the air stream arrangement.

[0036] Figure 3a and Figure 3b are schematic views illustrating an example a vertical stack of heat exchange blocks.

[0037] Figure 4 is a side view of an example of a vertical stack of heat exchange blocks.

[0038] Figure 5 is schematic block diagram illustrating examples of the system.

[0039] Figure 6 is schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a membrane separating assembly.

[0040] Figure 7 and Figure 8 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the method for managing process fluid.

[0041] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating volume reduction factor as a function of time according to the methods according to the examples in Figure 7 and Figure 8, respectively.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION As used herein, the term "fraction" refers to a fraction of a fluid that can be separated from the remainder of the fluid, e.g. based on evaporation / condensing temperature point. The separation of the fraction can thus be a form of distillation, e.g. involving evaporation / condensation, whereby the remaining fluid becomes more concentrated than before the distillation. This means that the volume of the remaining fluid has been reduced. In some examples, the separation can be achieved by means of a membrane that allow a fraction to pass through it but a second fraction. The first fraction can be water, or another separable liquid. As a further example, a fraction typically refers to portions of a mixture that can be separated or isolated, from the mixture, based on certain physical or chemical properties.

[0043] As used herein, the term "second fraction" can refer to impurities and possibly also some water not being separated in the process, i.e. everything in the inbound process fluid except those amounts of the first fraction (water) that have been separated, such as evaporated, or the like, from the process fluid.

[0044] As used herein, the term "heat exchange block", "corrugated heat exchange block", "cellulose block", "corrugated cellulose block", "micro channel heat exchanger block", "block of composite material", "heat exchanging block of metal, cellulose, composite, plastic, wood fiber, and / or the like.", or the like, refers to a structure allowing a mixing exchange of heat between a primary medium and a secondary medium, whereby evaporation or condensation of one of the primary and secondary medium can occur. The structure is configured for heat exchanging via evaporating / condensation, e.g. while mixing a primary medium with a secondary medium. In a heat exchanger, the primary medium can be the fluid that provides the heat, while the secondary medium can be the fluid that receives the heat. The structure can be an open-pore structure. The structure can be referred to as an evaporation and / or condensation surface, or even heat transfer surface. The structure can be made of cellulose, wood fiber, plastic, composite, metal, or any other suitable material. The first fraction and the second fraction can be of different phases (I iquid / gas) and can be in direct contact with each other in the heat exchange block. The cellulose blocks can be made from 100% cardboard / cellulose or also comprise additional materials, such as glass fiber, plastic, and / or the like. In some examples herein, the heat exchange blocks can be cellulose blocks. Notably, cellulose blocks are generally known to have low wear resistance, which means that cellulose blocks are not expected to work well in harsh environments, e.g. involving process fluids of various kinds. Yet, the examples herein make efficient use of cellulose blocks for evaporation and / or condensation.

[0045] As used herein, the term "vertical stack of heat exchange blocks" refers to at least two heat exchange blocks organized vertically, one above the other. The stack can include 2, 3, 4, or more heat exchange blocks, as required in any particular application. As an example, a vertical stack of cellulose block comprises at least two cellulose blocks.

[0046] As used herein, the term "container" can refer to a general-purpose container, a shipping container, a storage container, a cargo container, a casing, a cover, a jacket, an enclosure, a container according to standardized dimensions, 20-foot container, 40-foot container, 40-foot high-cube container, 45- foot high-cube container, or the like. 20-foot container can have external dimensions as follows: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8 feet 6 inches tall (6.1 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters tall). 40- foot container can have external dimensions of 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8 feet 6 inches tall (12.19 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters tall). 40-foot high-cube container can have external dimensions of 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, 9 feet 6 inches tall (12.19 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, 2.89 meters tall). A 45-foot high-cube container can have external dimensions of 45 feet long, 8 feet wide, 9 feet 6 inches tall (13.72 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, 2.89 meters tall).

[0047] As used herein, the term "cleaning chemicals" can refer to cleaning agents, acids, acidic solutions, bases, alkalic solutions, cleaning compositions, cleaning solutions, surfactants, and / or the like.

[0048] As used herein, the term "volume reduction factor" refers to a ratio between a first volume of an inbound medium, such as a process fluid or liquid, and a second volume of the process fluid or liquid after a first fraction, such as water, has been evaporated from the inbound process fluid or liquid. A few examples follow here; an unconcentrated process fluid can be at a volume reduction factor of one, i.e. no reduction, an intermediate process fluid can be at an intermediate volume reduction factor, such as any desired number, 5, 7, 10, 26, 34, etc., and similarly an output process fluid can be at a desired volume reduction factor, such as any number. As a simple but illustrative example, i a volume of inbound process liquid is 2 cubic meter and a volume of process liquid collected after some evaporation is 1 cubic meter, then the volume reduction factor is 2 divided 1, which equals 2. Generally, "at a volume reduction factor" can refer to "when a volume reduction factor has reached a certain threshold", and / or similar expressions.

[0049] Figure 1 shows examples of a system 100 according to at least some embodiments herein. The system 100 can be arranged to manage a process fluid, e.g. to separate a first fraction, such as water, from the process fluid, such as an industrial process fluid, which can include some water. The process fluid can be an example of the primary medium, e.g. in the evaporating assembly 201, or the secondary medium, e.g. in the condensing assembly 202, in the mixing exchange occurring in the heat exchange blocks, e.g. direct heat exchange blocks. The system 100 can reduce the amount of water in the process fluid, e.g. by concentrating the process fluid. In this manner a concentrated process fluid, such as a concentrated second fraction can be formed. The process fluid can be a process liquid, e.g. being a waste product from an industrial process. Examples of process fluids includes, but are not limited to, cutting fluids, degreasing baths, scrubber liquids, black liquor, reject water, wastewater, process residues, slurries, suspensions, chemical wastewater, and the like. These process fluids include various contaminations and water. The water can be separated to reduce the volume of the process fluid, thereby reducing cost for handling thereof.

[0050] The system 100 can comprise an air stream arrangement 200, a heating assembly 300 and a cooling assembly 400 and a control unit 510.

[0051] The air stream arrangement 200, e.g. housed in a container 204 (shown in Figure 2), can include a closed conduit 205, such as channel, passage, pipe, tube, air duct, or the like, arranged to convey an air stream 240. Expressed differently, the air stream arrangement 200 can be enclosed by the container 204, or the like.

[0052] The air stream arrangement 200 can include a gas circulating device 203 arranged to drive, such as circulate, or the like, the air stream 240 in the closed conduit 205, through an evaporating assembly 201, such as an evaporator, or the like, and a condensing assembly 202, such as a condenser, or the like. It shall be understood that Figure 1 is a schematic overview of the system 100. However, Figure 1 shows side views of the evaporating assembly 201 and the condensing assembly 202 in order to facilitate understanding. In Figure 1, it is shown that the air stream 240 can circulate along a vertical plane. Figure 2 shows a top view of the air stream arrangement 200, in which the air stream 240 is illustrated as circulating in a horizontal plane, which can be beneficial when it is desired to make the evaporating assembly 201 and the condensing assembly 202 as high as possible within a certain height (while the air stream then will not make use of any height in directing the air stream back to the gas circulating device 203). The gas circulating device 203 can be a fan, or the like, capable of driving the air stream.

[0053] Furthermore, the air stream arrangement 200 includes a first port 231 arranged to receive the process liquid 101.

[0054] The evaporating assembly 201 is arranged in the closed conduit 205, whereby the air stream 240 is flowable through the evaporating assembly 201. The process fluid's temperature typically drops 10 - 30 degrees Celsius when passing through the evaporating assembly 201, e.g. depending of temperature on entry into the top of the evaporating assembly 201. The air stream's temperature is typically between 40 - 75 degrees Celius after the evaporating assembly 201 and has a relative humidity of 90-100%. The evaporating assembly 201 comprises a vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks 211, arranged spaced away from each other. The evaporating assembly 201 is further arranged to receive and convey, e.g. by means of tubes, pipes, or the like, the process liquid 101 from the first port 231 to each evaporating heat exchange block 211 and to distribute the process liquid 101 over said each evaporating heat exchange block 211. As an example, the process fluid 101 can be distributed in branches of tubes, pipes, or the like, whose outlets are distributed over the horizontal upper surface of each evaporating heat exchange block 211 (see Figure 2). The outlets can even be provided with nozzles, such as spray nozzles, or the like, to improve distribution. In this manner, a first fraction 103 of the process fluid is evaporable, e.g. when flowing through said each evaporating heat exchange block 211, in the air stream 240. The process liquid entering and exiting the evaporating assembly can be part of an evaporator flow of process liquid. The first fraction 103 can be water, or the like. The air stream 240 thus carries an amount of the first fraction towards the condensing assembly 202. The air stream 240 can be an example of the primary medium, e.g. in the condensing assembly 202, or the secondary medium, e.g. in the evaporating assembly 201, in the mixing exchange occurring in the heat exchange blocks, e.g. direct heat exchange blocks.

[0055] The evaporating heat exchange blocks 211 are arranged spaced away from each other, e.g. vertically spaced away and arranged on top of each other, in order to allow that the evaporating assembly 201 includes a respective evaporator collecting tray 221 for said each evaporating heat exchange block 211. The respective evaporator collecting tray 221 is thus arranged under said each evaporating heat exchange block 211, e.g. in a respective space under said each evaporating heat exchange block 211. The respective space is formed thanks to that the evaporating heat exchange blocks 211 are spaced away from each other, such as vertically spaced away from each other. The respective evaporator collecting tray 221 is arranged to receive and guide, e.g. by tubing, gravity, or the like, nonevaporated fractions of the process fluid 101, 115, drained from said each evaporating heat exchange block 211, to an evaporating process tank 120 connected to each respective evaporator collecting tray 221. Generally, when the term "connected" is used in connection with the fluid, the fraction, the air stream, or the like, it can mean that two parts can be connected to each other for fluid communication, i.e. enabling transfer of fluid from one part to the other.

[0056] In some examples, the evaporating process tank 120 is located under the vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks 211. Then, said non-evaporated fractions of the process fluid 101, 115 can fall and flow, due to gravity, off an edge of the respective evaporator collecting tray 221, or through a hole of the respective evaporator collecting tray 221, and into the evaporating process tank 120. Accordingly, the evaporating assembly 201 can be provided with a vertical spacing, such as a shaft, or the like, at its short side. The spacing facilitates transport of non-evaporated fractions of the process fluid 101, 115 to e.g. the evaporating process tank 120 (see also Figure 2 and Figure 3a / 3b). In this manner, said non-evaporated fractions can be conveyed to the evaporating process tank 120, e.g. possibly without a pump or the like. As an alternative, or complement, the evaporating process tank 120 can be connected to the respective evaporator collecting tray 221 with tubes, pipes, or the like. Then, a pump can be used, but not necessarily.

[0057] Moreover, the air stream arrangement 200 includes a second port 252 arranged to receive a cold first fraction 103, such as water, or the like. The cold first fraction 103 is thus a different amount of first fraction 103 as compared to the amounts of first fractions evaporated in the evaporating assembly 201, e.g. from the process fluid 101 to the air stream 240.

[0058] The condensing assembly 202 is also arranged in the closed circuit 205, whereby the air stream 240 is flowable through the condensing assembly 202. The condensing assembly 202 is typically arranged downstream from the evaporating assembly 201. The air stream's temperature is typically between 25 - 50 degrees Celius after the condensing assembly 202 and has a relative humidity of 90-100%.

[0059] The condensing assembly 202 comprises a vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks 212, arranged spaced away from each other, e.g. vertically spaced away from each other. The condensing assembly 202 is arranged to convey, e.g. by means of tubes, pipes, or the like, the cold first fraction 103 from the second port 252 to each condensing heat exchange block 212 and to distribute the cold first fraction 103 over said each condensing heat exchange block 212. As an example, the cold first fraction 103 can be distributed in branches of tubes, pipes, or the like, whose outlets are distributed over the horizontal upper surface of each condensing heat exchange block 212. The outlets can even be provided with nozzles, such as spray nozzles, or the like, to improve distribution. In this manner, the first fraction 103 in the air stream 240 is condensable from the air stream 240, e.g. when the air stream 240 flows through said each condensing heat exchange block 212. The liquid first fraction entering and / or exiting the condensing assembly 202 can be part of a condenser flow of the first fraction.

[0060] The condensing heat exchange blocks 212 are arranged spaced away from each other, e.g. vertically spaced away from each other, in order to allow that the condensing assembly 202 includes a respective condenser collecting tray 222 for said each condensing heat exchange block 212. The respective condenser collecting tray 222 is this arranged under said each condensing heat exchange block 212, e.g. in a respective space under said each condensing heat exchange block 212. The respective space is formed thanks to that the condensing heat exchange blocks 212 are spaced away from each other, e.g. vertically spaced away from each other. The respective condenser collecting tray 222 is arranged to guide the first fraction 103, including condensed first fraction 103 from the air stream 240, drained from said each condensing heat exchange block 212, to a condensing process tank 121 connected to each respective condenser collecting tray 222.

[0061] In some examples, the condensing process tank 121 is located under the vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks 212. Then, the first fraction condensed from the air stream 240 can fall and flow, due to gravity, off an edge, or through a hole, of the respective condenser collecting tray 222 and into the condensing process tank 121. Accordingly, the condensing assembly 202 can be provided with a vertical spacing, such as a shaft, or the like, at its short side. The spacing facilitates transport of condensed first fractions, from the air stream 240, to e.g. the condensing process tank 121. In this manner, the condensed first fractions can be conveyed to the condensing process tank 121, e.g. possibly without a pump or the like. As an alternative, or complement, the condensing process tank 121 can be connected to the respective condenser collecting tray 222 with tubes, pipes, or the like. Then a pump can be used, but not necessarily.

[0062] In some examples, the evaporating process tank 120 and / or the condensing process tank 121 can be located elsewhere, i.e. not directly under the respective vertical stack of heat exchange blocks 211, 212. Then, a tray, e.g. a further evaporator collecting tray 221 and / or a further condenser collecting tray 222 can be positioned under a lowest one of the heat exchange blocks in the respective vertical stack. As mentioned above, fluid, such as non-evaporated process fluid, condensed first fraction, or the like, is conveyed to the evaporating and / or condensing process tank 120, 121, respectively. Again, pipes, tubes, or the like, can be used for the conveyance and / or guiding of the fluid to the evaporating process tank 120 and / or the condensing process tank 121, e.g. with pump or without pump, i.e. using only gravity.

[0063] The air stream arrangement 200 can further include a first outlet 232 for outputting of the nonevaporated process fluid 115. The first outlet 232 is connected, e.g. by means of tubes, pipes, or the like, to the evaporating process tank 120.

[0064] The air stream arrangement 200 can include a second outlet 253 for outputting of the first fraction 103. The second outlet 253 is connected, e.g. by means of tubes, pipes, or the like, to the condensing process tank 121.

[0065] The heating assembly 300 includes an evaporating circuit 110, arranged to circulate process fluid while separating at least some water, as an example of the first fraction, from the process fluid. The separation can occur in the evaporating assembly 201, in a membrane separator, or the like.

[0066] The evaporating circuit 110, or generally the separating circuit 210 (Figure 5), is provided with a pump 320, aka "a first pump", e.g. for transferring, guiding, driving, or the like, liquids and / or fluids. The pump can be any pump that is suitable for pumping the fluid / liquid in the examples herein, such as a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a vane pump, a jet pump, or the like. This means that the evaporating circuit 110 can include the pump 320, whereby the flow of the process liquid in the evaporating circuit 110 can be driven by the pump 320.

[0067] The heating assembly 300 further includes a process tank 120, such as the evaporating process tank 120, arranged to receive non-separated process fluid, i.e. as above the non-evaporated process fluid.

[0068] Moreover, the heating assembly 300 can, in some examples, include a container 130, connected, e.g. by means of tubes, pipes, or the like, to the process tank 120, for intermediate storage of process fluid. The container 130 is used in an exemplifying method as an intermediate tank as explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0069] The heating assembly 300 and / or the evaporating circuit 110 can be provided with a heating device 340, such as a heater, an electric heater, a heat exchanger, a non-mixing heat exchanger, or the like. The heating device 340 is arranged to heat process fluid before being distrusted over the evaporating heat exchange blocks 211. Notably, some examples receive process fluid that is sufficiently warm / hot. Therefore, the heating device 340 is optional. Then, the heating assembly 300 could be referred to as an intake assembly, or the like, since no heating is performed in some examples. A non-mixing heat exchanger, or a separated heat exchanger, refers to a heat exchanger in which primary medium is physically separated from secondary medium. In case of a heater, the primary medium transfers heat to the secondary medium, such as the inbound process fluid.

[0070] It may here be noted that both the evaporating assembly 201 and / or the condensing assembly 202 can be characterized as being a mixing or non-separating heat exchanging assembly(ies). In the evaporating assembly 201 the inbound process fluid mixes with the air stream 240 and allows the first fraction to evaporate and to be carried away by the air stream 240, whose temperature becomes lower than on entry into the evaporating assembly 201. Similarly, in the condensing assembly 202 the air stream 240 mixes with the liquid first fraction, e.g. the water, and allows the first fraction carried by the air stream 240 to condensate and flow along with the liquid first fraction distributed over the condensing assembly 202. On exit of the air stream 240 from the condensing assembly 202, the air streams temperature has increased as compared to on entry into the condensing assembly 202.

[0071] The heating assembly 300 further includes, such as is provided with, or the like, an outlet 140 for providing the output process fluid 102, and an inlet 150 for providing the separating circuit 210 with inbound process fluid 101. At the inlet 150, a flow metering device (not shown), such as a flow meter, or the like, can be provided. In this manner, the system 100, such as the control unit, can keep track of the volume of process fluid input into the system 100. Thereby, the system 100, or the control unit 510, can detect when the process fluid, e.g. in the evaporating process tank, is at a certain volume reduction factor, e.g. when such certain volume reduction factor has been reached.

[0072] Further, in examples relating to Figure 1, the system 100 includes the cooling assembly 400.

[0073] The cooling assembly 400 includes a condensing circuit 410 arranged to circulate liquid first fraction while condensing at least some first fraction, such as water, from the air stream 240.

[0074] The condensing circuit 410 is provided with a further pump 420, aka "a second pump", e.g. for transferring, guiding, driving, or the like, liquids and / or fluids. The pump can be any pump that is suitable for pumping the fluid / liquid in the examples herein, such as a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a vane pump, a jet pump, or the like. This means that the condensing circuit 410 can include the further pump 420, whereby the flow of the first fraction in the condensing circuit 410 can be driven by the further pump 420.

[0075] The cooling assembly 200 further includes a condensing process tank 121 arranged to receive condensed liquid first fraction. The first fraction is carried by the air stream 240 and condensed in the condensing heat exchange blocks 212 of the condensing assembly as the air stream 240 flows through them.

[0076] The cooling assembly 400 further includes, such as is provided with, or the like, a cooling inlet 401 for inputting of first fraction into the condensing process tank 121 and / or the condensing circuit 410. In this manner, it can be ensured that the second pump 420 does not run dry, i.e. the second pump 420 should preferably have some liquid, such as liquid first fraction, to pump in order not to break, or become degenerated, or damaged.

[0077] The cooling assembly 400 and / or the condensing circuit 410 can be provided with a cooling device 440, such as a cooler, an electric cooler, a heat exchanger, a non-mixing heat exchanger, or the like. The cooling device 440 is arranged to cool liquid first fraction before being distrusted over the condensing heat exchange blocks 212. In some examples, the cooling device 440 is a non-mixing heat exchanger, e.g. using fresh water, sea water, salt water, or the like, as a primary medium to cool the first fraction. The primary medium can be provided from a so called cooling tower.

[0078] The cooling assembly 400 further includes a first fraction outlet 430, such as a water outlet, or the like.

[0079] The aforementioned control unit 510 can comprise, such as be, be realized by, or the like, a computer, a processing device, a micro controller, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a control interface communicating with a control function, or the like. The control function can be serverless or hosted on a virtual server, e.g. using commercially available cloud platforms, or a physical server. The control unit 510 can be electrically and / or communicatively connected to the air stream arrangement 200, the heating assembly 300 and the cooling assembly 400, e.g. for the purpose of enabling electronic communication. In this manner, the control unit 510 can be configured to control the system 100, e.g. by controlling values, reading sensors, controlling and / or reading flow meters, sending further control signals, and the like. A valve can be adjusted, e.g. in terms of regulating e.g. flow through the value, and further the value can be opened and / or closed, e.g. based on various conditions, e.g. received by the control unit 510, e.g. from sensors in the system 100. The sensors can include flow meters, level sensors for measuring a level of liquid in a tank, or the like.

[0080] The evaporator 201 and the condenser 202 are arranged for cross-flow heat exchange with respect to the air stream 240, as seen in Figure 1. This means that a direction of the flow of the air stream is transversal with respect to a direction of flow of the process fluid and the first fraction, respectively. Typically, the air stream flows in a horizontal plane and the process fluid and the first fraction flow in a vertical plane through the evaporator 201 and the condenser 202, respectively. Evaporation speed and / or condensation speed depends on e.g. 1) an area of the surface of the liquid, i.e. in the evaporator - the process fluid, and in the condenser - the water, that is exposed to the air stream 240, 2) difference in partial pressure between the air stream and the liquid, 3) a speed of the air stream, e.g. measured in m / s, or the like, and / or other parameters. This means that, as seen in the cross-section of the heat exchange blocks illustrated in Figure 1, most evaporation / condensation occurs in the upper left corner of the cross-section of the heat exchange block. Similarly, least evaporation / condensation occurs in the lower right corner of the cross-section. When seeking to increase the exchange (evaporation / condensation), the area of the surface of the liquid can be increased. However, a larger heat exchange block would increase the difference between the best and worst corner of the cross-section belonging to the heat exchange block. Therefore, the evaporator 201 and the condenser 202 include sections of cross-flow heat exchange blocks, organized in a vertical stack. In this manner, an increase of the number of sections will proportionally increase the capacity of heat exchange (evaporation / condensation). A section refers to one heat exchange block and a corresponding tray arranged beneath it, where the tray collects liquid passing through the heat exchange block. Each block can be provided with the process fluid or the first fraction from a pipe that branches out to said each block, such that said each block receives process fluid or first fraction that has not passed any other block in the vertical stack of heat exchange blocks. Moreover, the process fluid or the first fraction can be distributed over said each blocks upper surface area to achieve an even flow throughout the volume of said block.

[0081] The vertical stacks, e.g. in the evaporator 201 and / or the condenser 202, can preferably include 3-7 heat exchange blocks, to gain a balance between number of block and space required for the tubing to distribute the fluid and / or the first fraction over each block. A preferred number of blocks in each stack depends on the height of a space available for the stack. The tubing for distribution can typically require 5-15 cm in height. The greater the number of blocks in each stack, the more space will be occupied by tubing, but on the other hand the fewer number of blocks the less gain in efficiency, e.g. in terms of evaporation and / or condensation speed.

[0082] Furthermore, an advantage with the vertical stack is that a required floor space of the system 100 is reduced, while at the same time providing efficient treatment of the process fluid, e.g. efficient concentration thereof, efficient evaporation of water, or the like. It can here be mentioned that the stack of the evaporator 201 can include a different number of exchange blocks as compared to the condenser 202. However, in some examples, the stacks in the evaporator 201 and the condenser 202 can amount to the same number of exchange blocks. Of course, in the examples herein, the heat exchange blocks of the evaporator 201 are different from, i.e. not the same, as the heat exchange blocks of the condenser 202, though all heat exchange blocks can be of the same type, such as cellulose heat exchange blocks, or the like.

[0083] In order to guide the process fluid, such as the process liquid, the water, and the like, in different tubes of the system 100, there are provided values of various types, such as ball valves, T-valves, shut-off values, and the like. However, for simplicity of the drawings, these valves are not shown. This means that the system 100 and / or the control unit 510 can be configured to control, such as open / close and / or adjust one or more of these valves.

[0084] Figure 2 shows as mentioned a top view of the air stream arrangement 200. In Figure 2, the fan 203 is positioned upstream from the evaporating assembly 201 and e.g. in the vicinity thereof. However, in principle, the fan 203 can be located anywhere in the closed conduit 205. Yet, the fan 203 is typically not located between the evaporator 201 and the condenser 202, e.g. not along and in a path of the air stream between the evaporator 201 and the condenser 202.

[0085] It can here also be mentioned that the heat exchange blocks, e.g. in the evaporator and / or the condenser, can have various dimensions, such as widths, heights, depths, as per requirements for any particular application. The depth is measured in the direction of the air stream through the heat exchange blocks, the width is measured horizontally and perpendicular to the air stream, and the height is measured vertically and perpendicular to the air stream. As a non-limiting example, each heat exchange block can have a width of 30 - 180 cm, a depth of 5 - 60 cm, and a height of 20 - 70 cm. Furthermore, each heat exchange block can be supported by, such as stand on, be placed on, be located at, and the like, its respective tray. Said each heat exchange block can be indirectly or directly supported by its respective tray. Moreover, a heat exchange block on one tray can be composed of several parts or pieces that form the heat exchange block at that one tray.

[0086] In some examples, as shown in Figure 2, the air stream arrangement 200 is located inside the container, while the heating assembly 300 and / or the cooling assembly 400 is / are located outside the container.

[0087] Figure 3a shows a schematic cross-section of the vertical stack of heat exchange blocks, i.e. in a plane of the evaporator 201 and / or the condenser 202 that is perpendicular to the air stream 240.

[0088] The aforementioned vertical spacing 270 is also illustrated. In some examples, there can be tubes, or the like (not shown), that convey liquid, such as water, collated at the trays, to the tank 120, 121, in combination with the vertical spacing 270, or as a replacement thereof.

[0089] Furthermore, Figure 3a illustrates that the vertical stack of heat exchange blocks, e.g. for the evaporator and / or the condenser, can include an additional heat exchange block that is positioned in the tank 120, 121, i.e. for the evaporator 201 and / or the condenser 202, respectively. In this manner, the additional heat exchange block can ensure that most of the air stream passes through a heat exchange block irrespectively of a level in the tank 120, 121. Clearly, a high level in the tank 120, 121 leaves no, or little room, for portions of the air stream to pass the evaporator 201 and / or the condenser 202 without passing a heat exchange block. However, a low level in tank 120 could allow a portion of the air stream to pass the evaporator 201 and / or the condenser 202 without passing a heat exchange block. Therefore, the additional heat exchange block efficiently ensures that most parts of the air stream pass a heat exchange block, e.g. the additional heat exchange block, independently of a current level in the tank 120, 121, e.g. low / high / intermediate etc. Accordingly, the addition heat exchange block takes up a space that otherwise could lead parts of the air stream 240 past the evaporator / condenser 201, 202 without passing through a heat exchange block.

[0090] Figure 3a shows that any heat exchange block can stand on a support structure 250, such as support feet, ribs, perforated mat, or the like. The support structure 250 is arranged and configured to facilitate passage of liquid out from the heat exchange block, e.g. through a bottom surface of the heat exchange block. The bottom surface can face the respective tray. Figure 3b is a top view, illustrating a portion of Figure 2, where it is seen that the vertical spacing 270 can be located at the short end of the vertical stack of heat exchange blocks 211, 212.

[0091] In view of the above, it can be said that the trays 211, 222 can be arranged to guide liquid, such as process fluid, first fraction, water, or the like, towards the process tank 120, 121, e.g. by means of tubing, or by allowing the guided liquid to fall freely in the vertical spacing 270, or the like. Moreover, the trays 211, 222 can be arranged at an angle with respect to a horizontal plan of the vertical stack. The angle can be measured in a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of the air stream when received at the vertical stack. The angle can have its point towards the spacing 270. The angle can be in a range from non-zero, i.e. very small, up to e.g. 5 or 10 degrees. In some examples, the angle is between 1 and 3 degrees. In this manner, it can be ensured that the first fraction collected at the tray is conveyed towards the process tank 120, 121.

[0092] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the evaporator's 201 side. The side is perpendicular to the air stream 240. The side thus faces an upstream direction of the air stream, e.g. towards the fan 280 when applicable. The side can be provided with a sheet 280, such as a metal plate, a metal sheet, or the like. For each heat exchange block 211, the sheet 280 is provided with a respective hole 281, such as an opening, an orifice, a through-hole or the like. Each block can be closely matched with the respective hole 281, e.g. such that the block's side, receiving the air stream, aligns with the sheet 280. This can be beneficial to ensure that the air stream 240 mainly passes through the heat exchange blocks 211, e.g. rather than past the block without passing through it. One heat exchange block is shown in each hole 281.

[0093] As seen in Figure 4, the heat exchange blocks, both in the evaporator and the condenser, can include a number of layers, e.g. corrugated layers, or the like, forming pores, channels or the like. Each layer has a main extension plane. The heat exchange block(s) is / are oriented such that the main extension plane of each layer is parallel to a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of the air stream, e.g. within the block, and such that the main extension plane of each layer is parallel to a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of the process fluid and / or the first fraction, e.g. within the block. Expressed differently, a normal to the main extension plane is orthogonal to the direction of the air stream, e.g. within the block, and to the direction of the process fluid and / or the first fraction, e.g. within the block.

[0094] In general, the heat change blocks can have pores or channels. In order to achieve a mixing heat exchange between the air stream 240 and a liquid, such as the process fluid, the first fraction, and / or the like, it can be preferred that the channels run at angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The angle can be between 15 and 60 degrees. In this manner, a channel can receive e.g. process fluid, water, first fraction, or the like, at its upper end. Further, a channel can receive the air stream in either its upper or lower end. Further examples of heat exchange blocks include evaporative cooling pads, cooling tower evaporative pads made of various materials, such as one or more of cellulose, wood fiber, plastic, composite materials, and the like. Accordingly, in a mixing heat exchanger a primary medium, such as an air stream, is in direct contact with a secondary medium, such as a process fluid.

[0095] The method described further below with reference to Figure 8 can be implemented in the systems 100 of Figure 1 and Figure 2. However, the method can in some examples be implemented in a system 100 as shown in Figure 5. Thus, Figure 5 shows further examples of the system 100, in which a separating device 601, such as the evaporator 201, a membrane separating assembly 550 (Figure 6), or the like, are shown. When the evaporator 201 is included in the system 100, it will be the same or similar as in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2. Accordingly, the evaporator 201 is included in the air stream arrangement 200, e.g. together with the condenser 202. Thus, in some examples, it may be that the separating device 601 can include the air stream arrangement 200, which in turn comprises the evaporating assembly 201. However, when the separating device is a membrane separating assembly 550, the airstream arrangement 200 and the condenser 202 can preferably be omitted.

[0096] Figure 6 shows an example of a membrane separating assembly 550, such as a membrane separator, or the like. The membrane separating assembly 550 has an inlet 501 for receiving process fluid, a process outlet 502 for outputting concentrated process fluid, and a fraction outlet 503 for outputting a fraction separated, e.g. due to pressure and / or osmosis, from the process fluid. The fraction can be water, the first fraction, or the like. The membrane separating assembly 550 further comprises a membrane 520 that permits the fraction to pass through it for separation from the process fluid.

[0097] In general, as illustrated by Figure 7, the system 100 can be operated as follows, e.g. in order to separate water from an inbound process fluid 101, such as an inbound process liquid 101. Figure 7 thus illustrates an example of a method of operating the system 100. The method can be performed by the system 100, the control unit 510, or the like. In general, the process is driven without vacuum and at low temperatures, e.g. below 100 degrees Celius.

[0098] One or more of the following actions can be performed in any suitable order. Action S110

[0099] The system feeds, via the inlet 150, the evaporating circuit 110 with process fluid 101, e.g. an amount of the inbound process liquid 101, to form a circulating process liquid 115. The inbound process liquid 101 is thus in liquid phase. Likewise, the circulating process liquid 115 is thus in liquid phase. The system 100 can heat the process fluid 101, e.g. to about 40 to 99 degrees Celsius, by means of the heating device 340. Therefore, the process fluid can have a temperature of 40-99 degrees Celsius at the first port 231. The method can typically be performed with the process fluid 101 at atmospheric pressure, such as substantially atmospheric pressure, + / - 5%, 10% compared to standard atmospheric pressure (approx. 1013 hPa), e.g. due to some fluctuations in pressure due to operation. Flow speed in the evaporating circuit 110, or at least parts of it, can be from 1 to 25 l / s (1 l / s = 1 dm3 / s).

[0100] Action S120

[0101] The system 100 circulates, in the evaporating circuit 110 of the system 100, the circulating process liquid 115, while - e.g. simultaneously as - the evaporating assembly 201 evaporates at least some water from the circulating process liquid 115. The circulating process liquid 115 can be carried in the evaporator flow. The evaporated water is then carried by the air stream 240, e.g. towards the condensing assembly 202. The method can typically be performed with air stream 240 at atmospheric pressure, such as substantially atmospheric pressure, e.g. including some fluctuations in pressure due to operation, as explained above. As mentioned, the temperature of the process fluid in the evaporating circuit 110 before the evaporator can be 40-99 degrees Celsius. After the evaporator, the temperature of the process fluid, travelling towards the evaporating process tank, can be 10 to 50 degrees Celius less than the temperature before the evaporator.

[0102] The temperature of the air stream 240 before the evaporator can be 30 to 60 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the air stream 240 after the evaporator can be 40 to 80 degrees Celsius.

[0103] Action S130

[0104] The system 100 replenishes, via the inlet 150, the evaporating circuit 110 with inbound process liquid 101, which thereby forms part of the circulating process liquid 115. As an example, Action S130 can be performed during the circulating S120. When the evaporating circuit 110 is replenished, a filling level of the evaporating process tank can increase.

[0105] The system 100 can, in this manner, ensure that the evaporating circuit 110 is sufficiently filled with inbound process liquid 101. As an example, the evaporating process tank 120 can be provided with a sensor (not shown) measuring a level of the surface of process liquid in the evaporating process tank 120. The sensor can be electrically and communicatively connected to the control unit 510 for sending and / or receiving of data, such as measurement values, or the like, and / or commands. In this manner, the control unit 510 can monitor the evaporating process tank 120 and control the level, i.e. increase / decrease filling level of the evaporating process tank 120.

[0106] In more detail, one or more further amounts of the inbound process liquid 101 can be replenished into the evaporating circuit 110. Said one or more further amounts of the inbound process liquid can thus form part of the circulating process liquid 115.

[0107] Action S135

[0108] The system 100 can pause the circulating S120 and the replenishing S130 during the following action of conveying, referred to as Action S140, of final process fluid from the evaporating process tank 120 to the outlet 140. However, in some examples, the system 100 can continue to perform Action S120 and Action S130 even when Action S140 has begun, or is performed, e.g. at least for a limited time period and / or until the process tank 120 includes a particular amount of final process fluid.

[0109] Action S140

[0110] At the final volume reduction factor of the circulating process liquid 115 in the evaporating process tank 120, the system 100 conveys, e.g. using a pump, at least some of, or all of, the final process liquid to the outlet 140. The final volume reduction factor is given by comparing the amount of inbound process fluid to the amount of process fluid in the evaporating process tank 120.

[0111] Action S150

[0112] Returning to the evaporation of water in action S120, the system 100 continuously operates the fan 203, whereby the water evaporated to the air stream 240 is carried downstream to the condensing assembly 202.

[0113] Action S160

[0114] The system 100 circulates water, as an example of the first fraction, in the condensing circuit 410, whereby the water is conveyed and distributed to each condensing heat exchange block 212. The circuited first fraction can be part of the condenser flow. When the air stream 240 runs, such as flows, blows, or the like, through said each condensing heat exchange block 212, water in the air stream 240 is condensed in said each condensing heat exchange block 212. The circulated water can have a temperature of 20 to 40 degrees Celsius before the condenser 202. After the condenser 202 the temperature can be 10 to 30 degrees Celsius higher on entry into the condenser 202. The system 100 can further cool down water circulated in the condensing circuit 410, e.g. by means of the cooling device 440, i.e. before the water enters the condenser 202.

[0115] In general, the temperature of the air stream can be between 40 and 80 degrees Celsius, e.g. directly, before entry into the condenser 202. The temperature of the air stream can be between 30 and 60 degrees Celsius after the condenser 202.

[0116] Flow speed in the condensing circuit 410, or at least parts of it, can be from 1 to 25 l / s (1 l / s = 1 dm3 / s).

[0117] Action S170

[0118] The system 100 can then output water at the first fraction outlet 430.

[0119] Figure 8 shows an example of the method for managing inbound process fluid 101, comprising water and contaminations, to obtain output process fluid 102 at an output volume reduction factor relatively the inbound process fluid 101. The inbound process fluid 101 can have an inbound concentration of water. The method can be performed by the system 100, the control unit 510, or the like.

[0120] As mentioned, the system 100 comprises an evaporating circuit 110 arranged to circulate process fluid while evaporating at least some water from the process fluid, a process tank 120 arranged to receive non-evaporated process fluid, a container 130, connected to the process tank 120, for intermediate storage of process fluid, an outlet 140 for providing the output process fluid 102, and an inlet 150 for providing the evaporating circuit 110 with inbound process fluid 101.

[0121] One or more of the following actions can be performed in any suitable order.

[0122] Action A110

[0123] The system feeds, via the inlet 150, the evaporating circuit 110 with process fluid 101, e.g. an amount of the inbound process fluid 101, to form a circulating process fluid 115. The inbound process fluid 101 is typically in liquid phase, i.e. the inbound process fluid 101 can be an inbound process liquid 101. Likewise, the circulating process fluid 115 is typically in liquid phase, i.e. the circulating process fluid 115 can be a circulating process liquid 115.

[0124] Action A120

[0125] The system 100 circulates, in the evaporating circuit 110 of the system 100, the circulating process fluid 115, while - e.g. simultaneously as - evaporating at least some water from the circulating process fluid 115. As an example, during the circulating A120, at least some water evaporates, e.g. in the evaporating assembly, from the circulating process fluid 115. The evaporated water can be carried by the air stream. The method can typically be performed with the air stream at atmospheric pressure, such as substantially atmospheric pressure, e.g. including some fluctuations in pressure due to operation.

[0126] Action A130

[0127] The system 100 replenishes, via the inlet 150, the evaporating circuit 110 with inbound process fluid 101, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid 115. As an example, action A130 can be performed during the circulating A120.

[0128] The system 100 can, in this manner, ensure that the evaporating circuit 110 is sufficiently filled with inbound process fluid 101.

[0129] In more detail, one or more further amounts of the inbound process fluid 101 can be replenished into the evaporating circuit 110. Said one or more further amounts of the inbound process fluid can thus form part of the circulating process fluid 115.

[0130] Action A135

[0131] The system 100 can pause the circulating A120 and the replenishing A130 during the following action of conveying, referred to as action A140, of intermediate process fluid from the process tank 120 to the container 130. However, in some examples, the system 100 can continue to perform action A120 and action A130 even when action A140 has begun, or is performed, e.g. at least for a limited time period and / or until the process tank 120 includes a particular amount of intermediate process fluid.

[0132] A set of actions, referred to as "repeatable set of actions", comprises the following actions, i.e. action A140, action A150, action A160 and action A170 below. The method herein thus comprises the repeatable set of actions. The repeatable set of actions are performed at least once, at least twice, at least three times, or the like. As shall be explained later, the number of times the repeatable set of actions can be performed can depend on relationships between the volume of the process tank 120 and the volume of the container 130. In one example, the volume of the container 130 is at least twice as large as the volume of the process tank 120, then the repeatable set of actions can be performed at least three times.

[0133] Action A140

[0134] At an intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115, referred to as "respective intermediate process fluid", in the process tank 120, the system 100 conveys at least some of, or all of, the respective intermediate process fluid to a container 130, in which the respective intermediate process fluid 135 forms part of an intermediate process fluid 135. The respective intermediate process fluid 135 is associated with a respective repetition of the repeatable set of actions. In some examples, this can be expressed as that as the process moves along and the process fluid is circulated, the volume reduction factor increases over time. Once it surpasses a predetermined threshold, the system 100 conveys at least some of, or all of, the respective intermediate process fluid to the container 130.

[0135] In order to achieve that all of the respective intermediate process fluid 115 is conveyed to the container 130, action A120 and action A130 should preferably be paused and / or stopped, e.g. during the conveying of the respective intermediate process fluid 115 to the container 130.

[0136] This action can thus be performed when it is detected, e.g. by the system 100, that the volume of the circulating process fluid 115 in the process tank 120 relates to the total volume of input inbound process fluid, e.g. the initial feeding and the replenishing, as given by the intermediate volume reduction factor. The intermediate volume reduction factor can preferably be chosen below or at a predetermined concentration, which is less wearing, e.g. in terms of debris, clogging, and the like getting stuck on various parts of the system 100, such as in the heat exchange blocks, or the like. Further, the predetermined concentration can be less corrosive and / or less challenging, e.g. due to a more suitable viscosity. The intermediate volume reduction factor can e.g. be less than 20, 15, 10, or the like and greater than 5, 7, 9, or the like.

[0137] The system 100 can continue to convey the respective intermediate process fluid until the process tank 120 is empty, or almost empty.

[0138] Action A150

[0139] The system 100 feeds the evaporating circuit 110 with inbound process fluid 101, e.g. a respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101, to form at least a portion of, or all of, the circulating process fluid. The inbound process fluid 101 is new, e.g. non-concentrated. The respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101 can be at the inbound concentration. In case the evaporating circuit 110 is not empty, the fed inbound process fluid 101 forms a portion of the circulating process fluid, and in case the evaporating circuit 110 is empty, the fed inbound process fluid 101 forms all of the circulating process fluid. The respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101 can be associated with a respective repetition of the repeatable set of actions.

[0140] The feeding A150 of the inbound process fluid 101 can comprise feeding a respective amount of cleaning chemicals to form part of the circulating process fluid 115. Expressed differently, the system 100 can feed the inbound process fluid 101 and a respective amount of cleaning chemicals, which thereby together form part of the circulating process fluid 115. In this manner, the evaporating circuit 110 is advantageously cleaned from remains and debris, e.g. caused by the circulation of the processing fluid.

[0141] When the cleaning chemicals are included in the circulating process fluid 115, the evaporating circuit 110 can be said to be refreshed, e.g. before a new amount of inbound process fluid is introduced into the evaporating circuit 110, i.e. a new amount for each repetition of action A150. The new amount of inbound process fluid is thus the respective amount of the inbound process fluid for each repetition of the repeatable set of actions. The cleaning chemicals can become a portion of the non-evaporated process fluid that is collected, e.g. in the evaporating process tank 120, at least temporarily.

[0142] This means that the method becomes efficient, e.g. in terms of time required for cleaning, since the cleaning of the system is performed at the same time as fresh process fluid is fed into the system 100 for concentration thereof.

[0143] Action A160

[0144] The system 100 circulates, in the evaporating circuit 110, the circulating process fluid 115, while evaporating, e.g. in the evaporator assembly, at least some water from the respective intermediate process fluid 135.

[0145] Action A170

[0146] The system 100 replenishes the evaporating circuit 110 with inbound process fluid 101, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid 115. This means that the evaporating circuit 110 is provided with unconcentrated process fluid 101, e.g. the circuit is topped-up with top-up process fluid. This action can be performed during, or simultaneously as, action A160, i.e. while action A160 is performed. In this manner, e.g. generally during replenishing, the volume reduction factor, e.g. in the evaporating process tank 120 increases, such as gradually, stepwise, continuously, or the like, increases.

[0147] For each repetition of the repeatable set of action, the system can replenish the evaporating circuit 110 with one or more further respective amounts of inbound process fluid 101, which thereby - as mentioned -forms part of the circulating process fluid 115.

[0148] Furthermore, the method can comprise one or more of the following actions, which can be performed after the repeatable set of actions has been performed, e.g. repeatedly.

[0149] Action A180 At the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115 in the process tank 120, the system 100 feeds the evaporating circuit 110 with the intermediate process fluid 135, from the container 130, forming a re-circulating process fluid 137 together with the circulating process fluid 115 in the evaporating circuit 110. As an example, once the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115 has been reached, the system 100 can feed the evaporating circuit 110 with the intermediate process fluid 135 from the container 130 to perform further concentration thereof to reach the desired output reduction factor.

[0150] In some examples, when the system 100 detects that the volume of the circulating process fluid 115 in the evaporating process tank 120 relates to the volume of the inbound process fluid fed into the evaporating circuit 110 as specified by the intermediate volume reduction factor, then the system 100 begins to feed the intermediate process fluid 135, e.g. an amount thereof or all of it, from the container 130 into the evaporating circuit 110. In this manner, the intermediate process fluid 135 forms part of the re-circulating process fluid 137 together with the circulating process fluid 115 already present in the evaporating circuit 110.

[0151] Action A190

[0152] The system 100 circulates A190, in the evaporating circuit 110, the re-circulating process fluid 137, while evaporating at least some water from the re-circulating process fluid 137. This can mean that the circulation A160 can simply continue to be performed, while the re-circulating process fluid 137 is replenished from the container 130, as described in action A200, e.g. until the output volume reduction factor is achieved.

[0153] Action A200

[0154] The system 100 replenishes the evaporating circuit 110 with the intermediate process fluid 135 from the container 130, which thereby forms part of the re-circulating process fluid 137. In some examples, action A200 can be performed while or during, e.g. simultaneously as, the circulating A190.

[0155] In more detail, one or more further amounts of the intermediate process fluid 135 can be replenished into the evaporating circuit 110 from the container 130. Said one or more further amounts of the intermediate process fluid 135 can thus form part of the re-circulating process fluid

[0156] 137.

[0157] Action A210 1

[0158] At the output volume reduction factor of the re-circulating process fluid 137 in the process tank 120, the system 100 provides, from the process tank 120, the output process fluid 102 at an outlet of the system 100. This can mean that when a desired volume reduction factor has been reached, i.e. the output volume reduction factor, the process fluid present in the process tank 120 can be conveyed, such as pumped, guided, or the like, to the outlet of the system 100, e.g. for further handling, recycling, and / or processing.

[0159] Again with reference to Figure 8, in this example the separating device 601 can be a membrane separating assembly 550 as shown in Figure 6.

[0160] Figure 8 shows another example of the method for managing inbound process fluid 101, comprising water and contaminations, to obtain output process fluid 102 at an output volume reduction factor relatively the inbound process fluid 101. The inbound process fluid 101 can have an inbound concentration of water. The method can be performed by the system 100, the control unit 510, or the like.

[0161] As mentioned, the system 100 comprises a separator circuit 210 arranged to circulate process fluid while separating at least some water from the process fluid, a process tank 120 arranged to receive non-separated process fluid, a container 130, connected to the process tank 120, for intermediate storage of process fluid, an outlet 140 for providing the output process fluid 102, and an inlet 150 for providing the separator circuit 210 with inbound process fluid 101. In the following, separation of the first fraction can be that the first fraction travels through a membrane of the membrane separating assembly 550.

[0162] One or more of the following actions can be performed in any suitable order.

[0163] Action A110

[0164] The system feeds, via the inlet 150, the separator circuit 210 with process fluid 101, e.g. an amount of the inbound process fluid 101, to form a circulating process fluid 115. The inbound process fluid 101 is typically in liquid phase, i.e. the inbound process fluid 101 can be an inbound process liquid 101. Likewise, the circulating process fluid 115 is typically in liquid phase, i.e. the circulating process fluid 115 can be a circulating process liquid 115.

[0165] Action A120

[0166] The system 100 circulates, in the separator circuit 210 of the system 100, the circulating process fluid

[0167] 115, while - e.g. simultaneously as - separating at least some water from the circulating process fluid 115. As an example, during the circulating A120, at least some water separates, e.g. in the membrane separating assembly, from the circulating process fluid 115.

[0168] Action A130

[0169] The system 100 replenishes, via the inlet 150, the separator circuit 210 with inbound process fluid 101, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid 115. As an example, action A130 can be performed during the circulating A120.

[0170] The system 100 can, in this manner, ensure that the separator circuit 210 is sufficiently filled with inbound process fluid 101.

[0171] In more detail, one or more further amounts of the inbound process fluid 101 can be replenished into the separator circuit 210. Said one or more further amounts of the inbound process fluid can thus form part of the circulating process fluid 115.

[0172] Action A135

[0173] The system 100 can pause the circulating A120 and the replenishing A130 during the following action of conveying, referred to as action A140, of intermediate process fluid from the process tank 120 to the container 130. However, in some examples, the system 100 can continue to perform action A120 and action A130 even when action A140 has begun, or is performed, e.g. at least for a limited time period and / or until the process tank 120 includes a particular amount of intermediate process fluid.

[0174] A set of actions, referred to as "repeatable set of actions", comprises the following actions, i.e. action A140, action A150, action A160 and action A170 below. The method herein thus comprises the repeatable set of actions. The repeatable set of actions are performed at least once, at least twice, at least three times, or the like. As shall be explained later, the number of times the repeatable set of actions can be performed can depend on relationships between the volume of the process tank 120 and the volume of the container 130. In one example, the volume of the container 130 is at least twice as large as the volume of the process tank 120, then the repeatable set of actions can be performed at least three times.

[0175] Action A140

[0176] At an intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115, referred to as "respective intermediate process fluid", in the process tank 120, the system 100 conveys at least some of, or all of, the respective intermediate process fluid to a container 130, in which the respective intermediate process fluid 135 forms part of an intermediate process fluid 135. The respective intermediate process fluid 135 is associated with a respective repetition of the repeatable set of actions. In some examples, this can be expressed as that as the process moves along and the process fluid is circulated, the volume reduction factor increases over time. Once it surpasses a predetermined threshold, the system 100 conveys at least some of, or all of, the respective intermediate process fluid to the container 130.

[0177] In order to achieve that all of the respective intermediate process fluid 115 is conveyed to the container 130, action A120 and action A130 should preferably be paused and / or stopped, e.g. during the conveying of the respective intermediate process fluid 115 to the container 130.

[0178] This action can thus be performed when it is detected, e.g. by the system 100, that the volume of the circulating process fluid 115 in the process tank 120 relates to the total volume of input inbound process fluid, e.g. the initial feeding and the replenishing, as given by the intermediate volume reduction factor. The intermediate volume reduction factor can preferably be chosen below or at a predetermined concentration, which is less wearing, e.g. in terms of debris, clogging, and the like getting stuck on various parts of the system 100, such as in the heat exchange blocks, or the like. Further, the predetermined concentration can be less corrosive and / or less challenging, e.g. due to a more suitable viscosity. The intermediate volume reduction factor can e.g. be less than 20, 15, 10, or the like and greater than 5, 7, 9, or the like.

[0179] The system 100 can continue to convey the respective intermediate process fluid until the process tank 120 is empty, or almost empty.

[0180] Action A150

[0181] The system 100 feeds the separator circuit 210 with inbound process fluid 101, e.g. a respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101, to form at least a portion of, or all of, the circulating process fluid. The inbound process fluid 101 is new, e.g. non-concentrated. The respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101 can be at the inbound concentration. In case the separator circuit 210 is not empty, the fed inbound process fluid 101 forms a portion of the circulating process fluid, and in case the separator circuit 210 is empty, the fed inbound process fluid 101 forms all of the circulating process fluid. The respective amount of the inbound process fluid 101 can be associated with a respective repetition of the repeatable set of actions.

[0182] The feeding A150 of the inbound process fluid 101 can comprise feeding a respective amount of cleaning chemicals to form part of the circulating process fluid 115. Expressed differently, the system 100 can feed the inbound process fluid 101 and a respective amount of cleaning chemicals, which thereby together form part of the circulating process fluid 115. In this manner, the separator circuit 210 is advantageously cleaned from remains and debris, e.g. caused by the circulation of the processing fluid.

[0183] When the cleaning chemicals are included in the circulating process fluid 115, the separator circuit 210 can be said to be refreshed, e.g. before a new amount of inbound process fluid is introduced into the separator circuit 210, i.e. a new amount for each repetition of action A150. The new amount of inbound process fluid is thus the respective amount of the inbound process fluid for each repetition of the repeatable set of actions. The cleaning chemicals can become a portion of the non-separated process fluid that is collected, e.g. in the separating process tank 120, at least temporarily.

[0184] This means that the method becomes efficient, e.g. in terms of time required for cleaning, since the cleaning of the system is performed at the same time as fresh process fluid is fed into the system 100 for concentration thereof.

[0185] Action A160

[0186] The system 100 circulates, in the separator circuit 210, the circulating process fluid 115, while separating, e.g. in the membrane separating assembly, at least some water from the respective intermediate process fluid 135.

[0187] Action A170

[0188] The system 100 replenishes the separator circuit 210 with inbound process fluid 101, which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid 115. This means that the separator circuit 210 is provided with unconcentrated process fluid 101, e.g. the circuit is topped-up with top-up process fluid. This action can be performed during, or simultaneously as, action A160, i.e. while action A160 is performed. In this manner, e.g. generally during replenishing, the volume reduction factor, e.g. in the separating process tank 120 increases, such as gradually, stepwise, continuously, or the like, increases.

[0189] For each repetition of the repeatable set of action, the system can replenish the separator circuit 210 with one or more further respective amounts of inbound process fluid 101, which thereby - as mentioned -forms part of the circulating process fluid 115.

[0190] Furthermore, the method can comprise one or more of the following actions, which can be performed after the repeatable set of actions has been performed, e.g. repeatedly.

[0191] Action A180

[0192] At the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115 in the process tank 120, the system 100 feeds the separator circuit 210 with the intermediate process fluid 135, from the container 130, forming a re-circulating process fluid 137 together with the circulating process fluid 115 in the separator circuit 210. As an example, once the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid 115 has been reached, the system 100 can feed the separator circuit 210 with the intermediate process fluid 135 from the container 130 to perform further concentration thereof to reach the desired output reduction factor.

[0193] In some examples, when the system 100 detects that the volume of the circulating process fluid 115 in the separating process tank 120 relates to the volume of the inbound process fluid fed into the separator circuit 210 as specified by the intermediate volume reduction factor, then the system 100 begins to feed the intermediate process fluid 135, e.g. an amount thereof or all of it, from the container 130 into the separator circuit 210 . In this manner, the intermediate process fluid 135 forms part of the re-circulating process fluid 137 together with the circulating process fluid 115 already present in the separator circuit 210.

[0194] Action A190

[0195] The system 100 circulates A190, in the separator circuit 210, the re-circulating process fluid 137, while separating at least some water from the re-circulating process fluid 137. This can mean that the circulation A160 can simply continue to be performed, while the re-circulating process fluid 137 is replenished from the container 130, as described in action A200, e.g. until the output volume reduction factor is achieved.

[0196] Action A200

[0197] The system 100 replenishes the separator circuit 210 with the intermediate process fluid 135 from the container 130, which thereby forms part of the re-circulating process fluid 137. In some examples, action A200 can be performed while or during, e.g. simultaneously as, the circulating A190.

[0198] In more detail, one or more further amounts of the intermediate process fluid 135 can be replenished into the separator circuit 210 from the container 130. Said one or more further amounts of the intermediate process fluid 135 can thus form part of the re-circulating process fluid 137.

[0199] Action A210

[0200] At the output volume reduction factor of the re-circulating process fluid 137 in the process tank 120, the system 100 provides, from the process tank 120, the output process fluid 102 at an outlet of the system 100. This can mean that when a desired volume reduction factor has been reached, i.e. the output volume reduction factor, the process fluid present in the process tank 120 can be conveyed, such as pumped, guided, or the like, to the outlet of the system 100, e.g. for further handling, recycling, and / or processing.

[0201] The methods described with reference to Figure 8 extends the method in Figure 7, whereby increased operating time can be achieved. Otherwise, the same or similar features as described with reference to Figure 7 can also be applicable in the methods relating to Figure 8. The methods herein can be computer-implemented methods, e.g. performed by the system and / or the control unit.

[0202] The exemplifying temperatures mentioned herein applies to all embodiments.

[0203] Figure 9 shows a diagram, illustrating the volume reduction factor, e.g. in the evaporating process tank 120, for examples of the methods according to Figure 7 and Figure 8, respectively. Time, e.g. in hours, is along the x-axis (horizontal axis) and volume reduction factor, e.g. as mentioned being a ratio between input process fluid volume and volume of process fluid in the evaporating process tank 120, is along the y-axis (vertical axis). The dotted graph illustrates how the volume reduction factor can vary with time in the examples described with reference to Figure 7 and the solid graph illustrates how the volume reduction factor can vary with time in the examples described with reference to Figure 8. In the example of Figure 7, the volume reduction factor is driven to a desired volume reduction factor in one go, which typically includes replenishing. Figure 9 illustrates an example of the method according to Figure 8 in which cleaning chemicals are added twice, e.g. at 10 hours and at 20 hours. At a first point in time 901, action A140 can be performed. Followed by action A150 at a second point in time 902. E.g. after action A150, action A160 and action A170 can be performed until the intermediate volume reduction factor is reached. At a third point in time 903, action A180 can be performed, e.g. if the container 130 is full, but not necessarily. In this example, the intermediate volume reduction factor is 10 and the output volume reduction factor is 30. In some examples, the intermediate volume reduction factor can be in a range of 5 to 15. In some examples, the output volume reduction factor can be in a range from 20 to 40. In the example of Figure 9, the output volume reduction factor is three times the intermediate volume reduction factor. In some examples, the output volume reduction factor can be between 2 and 10 times the intermediate volume reduction factor.

[0204] As used herein, the term "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", or the like, is to be read to indicate the inclusion of any recited feature, such as element, characteristic, property, method / process step or limitation, or the like, or group of features, but not the exclusion of any other feature or group of features. Thus, as used herein the term is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited features. As used herein, the term "action" may refer to an action, a step, an operation, a response, a reaction, an activity or the like. It shall be noted that an action herein may be split into two or more subactions as applicable. Moreover, also as applicable, it shall be noted that two or more of the actions described herein may be merged into a single action.

[0205] Each embodiment, example or feature disclosed herein may, when physically possible, be combined with one or more other embodiments, examples, or features disclosed herein.

[0206] Even though embodiments of the various aspects have been described above, many different alterations, modifications and the like thereof will become apparent for those skilled in the art. The described embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0207] LISTING OF EXAMPLES

[0208] 1. A method, performed by a system (100), for managing inbound process fluid (101), comprising a first fraction and contaminations, to obtain output process fluid (102) at an output volume reduction factor relatively the inbound process fluid (101), wherein the system (100) comprises a separating circuit (210) arranged to circulate process fluid while separating at least some of the first fraction from the process fluid, a process tank (120) arranged to receive non-separated process fluid, an intermediate tank (130), connected to the process tank (120), for intermediate storage of process fluid, an outlet (140) for providing the output process fluid (102), and an inlet (150) for providing the separating circuit (210) with inbound process fluid (101), wherein the method comprises: feeding (A110), via the inlet (150), the separating circuit (210) with process fluid (101) to form a circulating process fluid (115), circulating (A120), in the separating circuit (210) of the system (100), the circulating process fluid (115), while separating at least some of the first fraction from the circulating process fluid (115), and replenishing (A130), via the inlet (150), the separating circuit (210) with inbound process fluid (101), which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid (115), wherein the method comprises a set of actions, performed at least once, preferably twice, wherein the set of actions comprises: at an intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid (115) in the process tank (120), the process fluid (115) in the process tank (120) being referred to as "respective intermediate process fluid", conveying (A140) at least some of or all of the respective intermediate process fluid to an intermediate tank (130), in which the respective intermediate process fluid (135) forms part of an intermediate process fluid (135), wherein the respective intermediate process fluid (135) is associated with a respective repetition of the set of actions, feeding (A150) the separating circuit (210) with the inbound process fluid (101) and a respective amount of cleaning chemicals to form part of the circulating process fluid (115) to form at least a portion of, preferably all of, the circulating process fluid (115), circulating (A160), in the separating circuit (210), the circulating process fluid (115), while separating at least some of the first fraction from the respective intermediate process fluid (135), and replenishing (A170) the separating circuit (210) with inbound process fluid (101), which thereby forms part of the circulating process fluid (115), wherein the method comprises, after performing the set of actions: at the intermediate volume reduction factor of the circulating process fluid (115) in the process tank (120), feeding (A180) the separating circuit (210) with the intermediate process fluid (135) from the intermediate tank (130), forming a re-circulating process fluid (137) together with the circulating process fluid (115) in the separating circuit (210), circulating (A190), in the separating circuit (210), the re-circulating process fluid (137), while separating at least some of the first fraction from the re-circulating process fluid (137), and replenishing (A200) the separating circuit (210) with the intermediate process fluid (135) from the intermediate tank (130), which thereby forms part of the re-circulating process fluid (137), and at the output volume reduction factor of the re-circulating process fluid (137) in the process tank (120), providing (A210), from the process tank (120), the output process fluid (102) at an outlet (140) of the system (100). The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method comprises: pausing (A135) the circulating (A120) and the replenishing (A130) during the conveying (AMO) of the respective intermediate process fluid (135) to the intermediate tank (130). The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the conveying (A140) of the respective intermediate process fluid continues until the process tank (120) is empty. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the separating of at least some of the first fraction is performed by a separating device (601) comprised in the separating circuit (210), wherein preferably the separating device (601) comprises an evaporating assembly (201) or a membrane separating assembly (550). The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the repeatable set of actions are repeated at least twice. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the output volume reduction factor corresponds to a multiple of the intermediate volume reduction factor, wherein preferably the multiple is in a range of two to ten, preferably two to five, more preferably three. A system (100) configured to perform a method according to any one of the preceding examples.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air stream arrangement (200) configured for separating a first fraction (103) by evaporating the first fraction (103) from a process liquid (101) to an air stream (240) and by condensing the first fraction (103) from the air stream (240), wherein the air stream arrangement (200) comprises: a closed conduit (205) arranged to convey the air stream (240), a gas circulating device (203) arranged to circulate the air stream (240) in the closed conduit (205), through an evaporating assembly (201) and a condensing assembly (202) a first port (231) arranged to receive the process liquid (101), an evaporating assembly (201) arranged in the closed conduit (205), whereby the air stream (240) is flowable through the evaporating assembly (201), wherein the evaporating assembly (201) comprises a vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks (211), arranged spaced away from each other, wherein the evaporating assembly (201) is arranged to receive and convey the process liquid (101) from the first port (231) to each evaporating heat exchange block (211) and to distribute the process liquid (101) over said each evaporating heat exchange block (211), whereby the first fraction (103) is evaporable into the air stream (240), wherein the evaporating assembly (201) comprises a respective evaporator collecting tray (221) for said each evaporating heat exchange block (211), wherein the respective evaporator collecting tray (221) is arranged under said each evaporating heat exchange block (211), wherein the respective evaporator collecting tray (221) is arranged to receive and guide nonevaporated fractions of the process fluid (101, 115), drained from said each evaporating heat exchange block (211), towards an evaporating process tank (120) connected to each respective evaporator collecting tray (221), a second port (252) arranged to receive a condenser flow (103) of the first fraction, a condensing assembly (202) arranged in the closed circuit (205), whereby the air stream (240) is flowable through the condensing assembly (202), wherein the condensing assembly (202) comprises a vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks (212), arranged spaced away from each other, wherein the condensing assembly (202) is arranged to convey the condenser flow from the second port (252) to each condensing heat exchange block (212) and to distribute the first fraction (103) of the condenser flow over said each condensing heat exchange block (212), whereby the first fraction (103) in the air stream (240) is condensable from the air stream (240) to the condenser flow, wherein the condensing assembly (202) comprises a respective condenser collecting tray (222) for said each condensing heat exchange block (212), wherein the respective condenser collecting tray (222) is arranged under said eachcondensing heat exchange block (212), wherein the respective condenser collecting tray (222) is arranged to guide the condenser flow, including condensate of the first fraction (103) from the air stream (240), drained from said each condensing heat exchange block (212), towards a condensing process tank (121) connected to each respective condenser collecting tray (222), a first outlet (232) for outputting of the non-evaporated process fluid (115), wherein the first outlet (232) is connected to the evaporating process tank (120), and a second outlet (253) for outputting of the first fraction (103), wherein the second outlet (253) is connected to the condensing process tank (121), wherein the air stream arrangement (200) is arranged to provide the air stream (240) parallel ly to the evaporating heat exchange blocks (211) in the vertical stack of the evaporating assembly (201), wherein the term "heat exchange block" refers to a structure allowing a mixing exchange of heat between a primary medium and a secondary medium.

2. The air stream arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein a container comprises the air stream arrangement (200).

3. The air stream arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical stack of evaporating heat exchange blocks (211) comprises at least two evaporating heat exchange blocks (211) and / or wherein the vertical stack of condensing heat exchange blocks (212) comprises at least two condensing heat exchange blocks (212).

4. The air stream arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air stream arrangement (200) is arranged to provide the air stream (240) parallelly to the condensing heat exchange blocks (212) in the vertical stack of the condensing assembly (202).

5. The air stream arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air stream arrangement (200) is arranged to provide the process liquid parallelly to the evaporating heat exchange blocks (211) in the vertical stack of the evaporating assembly (201).

6. The air stream arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air stream arrangement (200) is arranged to provide the condenser flow (103) of the firstfraction paral lelly to the condensing heat exchange blocks (212) in the vertical stack of the condensing assembly (202).

7. A system (100) comprising: an air stream arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a heating assembly (300) arranged to heat the process fluid (101) to be received, by the air stream arrangement (200), at the first port (231) of the air stream arrangement (200), wherein the heating assembly (300) is arranged to circulate the process fluid (101) in an evaporating circuit (110).

8. The system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the system (100) comprises: a cooling assembly (400) arranged to cool the liquid first fraction (103) from the second outlet (253) of the air stream arrangement (200), wherein the cooling assembly (400) is arranged to circulate the liquid first fraction (103) in a condensing circuit (410) while condensing at least some first fraction from the air stream (240).

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