System and method for simultaneous evaporation and condensation in connected vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water distillation methods are energy-intensive and costly due to inefficient heat recovery, making them non-viable for commercial water purification applications, and existing solutions are complex and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A distillation system comprising an evaporation vessel and a condensation vessel connected by a pipe, where the vapor transfer rate is controlled by pressure differential and pipe opening area, allowing for efficient heat transfer and vapor condensation using heat transfer fluids, enabling flexible and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods are used to purify water, then high purity condensate is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high due to lack of efficient heat recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporation and condensation vessels into a single integrated system where the condensation vessel is positioned to receive vapors directly from the evaporation vessel. The heating coil in the evaporation vessel and cooling coil in the condensation vessel work in close proximity, allowing direct heat transfer from vapor to condensing surface, eliminating the need for separate heat recovery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat from condensing vapors into a useful resource by using the cooling coil in the condensation vessel to condense vapors directly. The heat released during condensation is efficiently captured and used to pre-heat the feed water in the evaporation vessel, turning what would be wasted energy into a beneficial pre-heating function.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation systems are implemented, then water purification is achieved, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple heat recovery circuits and scaling-resistant exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated vessel system. The evaporation vessel contains both the heating coil for vapor generation and the condensation vessel with cooling coil for vapor condensation. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat recovery circuits and complex scaling-resistant exchangers required in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation vessel serves multiple functions: it acts as a condenser for vapors, a heat exchanger for cooling, and a collection vessel for purified condensate. The single integrated design provides universal functionality that replaces multiple separate components in conventional distillation systems.
3Loss of energy
If forced convection heat recovery circuits are used to maximize heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more complex and expensive due to scaling-resistant exchanger requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat transfer functions into a simple direct contact system where vapors from the evaporation vessel directly contact the cooling coil in the condensation vessel. This eliminates the need for complex forced convection circuits and scaling-resistant exchangers while maintaining efficient heat transfer through direct condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical forced convection heat recovery systems with a simpler thermal field-based approach. The natural condensation process and associated heat transfer replace the need for mechanical pumps, fans, and complex heat exchanger networks used in conventional forced convection systems.
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
The system achieves efficient water purification with reduced energy consumption and lower capital costs, allowing for continuous operation and flexibility in heat transfer methods, making it suitable for various water treatment applications.
Implementation Method 1
heating means for heating a liquid contained in the evaporation vessel and producing vapours thereof
Implementation Method 2
cooling means for cooling and condensing the vapours produced in the evaporation vessel
Implementation Method 3
the amount of vapours transferred from the evaporation vessel to the condensation vessel depends upon the pressure differential between the evaporation vessel and the condensation vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A distillation system and process thereof are provided. The system includes an evaporation vessel having a system for heating a liquid contained therein and producing vapours thereof and a condensation vessel having a system for cooling and condensing the vapours produced in the evaporation vessel. A connecting pipe for connecting the evaporation vessel and the condensation vessel transfers the vapours from the evaporation vessel to the condensation vessel. The amount of vapours transferred from the evaporation vessel to the condensation vessel depends upon the pressure differential between the evaporation vessel and the condensation vessel and area of opening of the connecting pipe.