Systems including a condensing apparatus such as a bubble column condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desalination systems, such as those using humidification-dehumidification (HDH) processes, face inefficiencies due to the presence of non-condensable gases, which reduce heat and mass transfer rates and increase energy consumption in condensers.
Innovation Solution
The use of bubble column condensers with a configuration that includes a vessel with a liquid inlet and outlet, and a chamber with perforations for vapor flow, where a vapor distribution region allows for efficient removal of condensable fluids from gas mixtures, improving heat and mass transfer by utilizing gas bubbles for condensation rather than metallic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If surface condensers are used in HDH processes, then condensation can occur, but the presence of non-condensable gases increases thermal resistance and reduces heat and mass transfer rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bubble column condenser where the vapor-gas mixture is sparged through a liquid medium, utilizing pneumatic principles to create rising bubbles. This configuration eliminates the thermal resistance issue of surface condensers by allowing direct contact between vapor and liquid, enabling efficient heat and mass transfer even in the presence of non-condensable gases like air.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of water vapor to liquid water through condensation within the bubble column. The vapor undergoes phase change as it contacts the cooler liquid medium, and this phase transition process is enhanced by the bubble configuration which increases surface area and contact time, thereby improving heat and mass transfer rates despite the presence of non-condensable gases.
2Productivity
If traditional condensers are used in HDH processes, then water vapor can be condensed, but large amounts of energy are required to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble column condenser operates using the inherent buoyancy of rising vapor bubbles and the natural circulation of liquid. The system utilizes the density difference between vapor and liquid phases to drive the condensation process without requiring additional energy input for pumping or forced circulation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high water production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing pneumatic principles where vapor bubbles naturally rise through the liquid column driven by buoyancy forces, the system eliminates the need for energy-intensive mechanical pumping. The hydraulic circulation of liquid is maintained through natural convection currents generated by the heat and mass transfer process itself, significantly reducing operational energy requirements.
3Reliability
If surface condensers are used, then condensation occurs on cold surfaces, but the presence of non-condensable gases reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from surface-based condensation to volume-based bubble column condensation. Vapor is sparged through liquid in the form of bubbles, creating extensive liquid-vapor contact throughout the column volume. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach eliminates the thermal resistance barrier that non-condensable gases create on surface condensers, as the condensation occurs throughout the bulk liquid phase where non-condensable gases do not impede heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation process occurs through phase transition of vapor to liquid within the bubble column environment. The phase change happens as vapor bubbles rise and contact the cooler liquid, with condensation occurring at the liquid-vapor interface within bubbles. This mechanism maintains high condensation effectiveness regardless of non-condensable gas presence, as the phase transition is driven by direct thermal contact rather than surface condensation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances heat transfer properties, reduces pressure drop across the condenser, and decreases energy requirements, leading to more efficient water purification with reduced component costs and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the bubble column condenser is configured to remove at least a portion of the water vapor from the humidifier outlet stream to produce a condenser gas outlet stream lean in water relative to the humidifier outlet stream and a condenser water outlet stream
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger separate from the bubble column condenser and fluidically connected to the condenser water outlet and configured to remove heat from the condenser water outlet stream
Data Source
AI summary
Condensing apparatuses and their use in various heat and mass exchange systems are generally described. The condensing apparatuses, such as bubble column condensers, may employ a heat exchanger positioned external to the condensing vessel to remove heat from a bubble column condenser outlet stream to produce a heat exchanger outlet stream. In certain cases, the condensing apparatus may also include a cooling device positioned external to the vessel configured and positioned to remove heat from the heat exchanger outlet stream to produce a cooling device outlet stream. The condensing apparatus may be configured to include various internal features, such as a vapor distribution region and/or a plurality of liquid flow control weirs and/or chambers within the apparatus having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. A condensing apparatus may be coupled with a humidifier to form part of a desalination system, in certain cases.