Process Water Distillation Heating Control for Boiling Point Rise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process water distillation systems face inefficiencies due to the buildup of low-volatility impurities in the concentrate collection area, leading to increased boiling points and reduced heat transfer, which slows down the distillation process and can cause it to come to a standstill.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an energy source, such as a hot gas source or electrical heating device, to supply additional thermal energy based on process progress, controlled by sensors to maintain heat transfer and continue distillation despite the boiling point increase of the concentrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distillation process continues without additional energy input, then energy efficiency is maintained through heat transfer from condenser to evaporator, but the process slows down and eventually stops due to boiling point increase of concentrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing additional thermal energy through an energy source to alter the thermodynamic parameters of the system. This compensates for the boiling point elevation caused by concentrate accumulation, maintaining the temperature difference necessary for continuous distillation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device periodically monitors the distillation process and adjusts energy supply accordingly. When the temperature difference between evaporator and condenser decreases due to boiling point increase, the system periodically activates additional heating to restore the temperature gradient and maintain process speed.
2Productivity
If additional energy is supplied to maintain distillation process, then productivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature difference between evaporator and condenser. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently activates or deactivates the energy source, supplying additional energy only when necessary to maintain the minimum temperature difference, thus optimizing energy consumption while ensuring process continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermal energy from the condenser to preheat the feed water, creating a self-service heating mechanism. This internal heat recovery reduces the burden on external energy sources, minimizing additional energy consumption while maintaining distillation productivity.
3Loss of energy
If heat transfer between condenser and evaporator is relied upon, then energy efficiency is high, but the temperature difference decreases as concentrate accumulates, slowing down the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of feed water using thermal energy from the condenser before it enters the evaporator. This preliminary action increases the temperature of the feed water, reducing the thermal load on the evaporator and maintaining a larger temperature difference, thereby preserving both energy efficiency and heat transfer rate.
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 effectively maintains and enhances the distillation process by compensating for the boiling point rise of the concentrate, ensuring continuous operation and efficient purification of wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor (28) is configured to generate a desired pressure in at least a region of the process water distillation system (10) and to convey steam from the evaporator (18) into the condenser (34)
Implementation Method 2
the condenser (34) is in thermal contact with the evaporator (18) such that, at least during certain phases of operation of the process water distillation system (10), thermal energy released during condensation of steam conveyed into the condenser (34) is transferred to a fluid in the evaporator (18)
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy released during condensation of steam conveyed into the condenser (34) is transferred to a fluid in the evaporator (18)
Implementation Method 4
The evaporator unit serves to evaporate contaminated liquid supplied to the vessel
Implementation Method 5
The treatment of industrial wastewater by vacuum distillation represents an effective and at the same time economical method for the purification of contaminated liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A process water distillation system comprises an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor configured to generate a desired pressure in at least a region of the system and to convey steam from the evaporator into the condenser during operation of the system. The condenser is in thermal contact with the evaporator so that, at least during certain phases of operation of the system, thermal energy released during condensation of steam conveyed into the condenser is transferred to a fluid in the evaporator. The system further comprises a concentrate collection area configured to receive concentrate produced during operation of the system and an energy source configured to supply energy to the process water distillation system. A control device is configured to control the supply of energy from the energy source to the system (10) in dependence on the progress of the distillation process in the system.