Humidifier Gas Flow Velocity for Salt Precipitation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for forming solid salts from aqueous solutions face challenges in efficiently concentrating salt levels and preventing unwanted precipitation within humidifiers, particularly due to the formation of quiescent liquid zones during the desalination process.
Innovation Solution
The use of high gas flow velocities in multi-stage bubble column humidifiers disrupts liquid regions, preventing the formation of quiescent zones and enhancing thermodynamic effectiveness by increasing heat and mass transfer, thereby concentrating dissolved salts effectively and reducing unwanted precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional precipitation systems are used to concentrate dissolved salts, then salt concentration can be achieved, but quiescent liquid zones form causing unwanted precipitation and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous liquid motion through the humidifier using vapor flow to prevent quiescent zone formation. The liquid is continuously circulated and exposed to vapor streams, ensuring dynamic conditions that prevent unwanted precipitation while enabling efficient salt concentration through controlled evaporation and condensation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vapor flow (a gaseous phase) to drive the concentration process. Vapor streams are introduced to contact the liquid containing dissolved salts, creating aerated conditions that prevent quiescent zones. The vapor-liquid interaction provides both the driving force for mass transfer and the mechanical agitation needed to prevent unwanted precipitation.
2Productivity
If high gas flow velocities are used in the humidifier, then quiescent zone formation is prevented and heat/mass transfer is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transitions of water (evaporation and condensation) as the primary mechanism for salt concentration. Vapor is generated from a saline solution, travels through the humidifier, and condenses on cooler surfaces. This phase change process provides the necessary heat and mass transfer enhancement without requiring high gas flow velocities, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor flow itself provides the agitation and heat transfer enhancement needed in the system. The rising vapor streams naturally create liquid circulation and prevent quiescent zones without requiring additional external energy input for mechanical agitation. The system uses the energy inherent in the phase change process to drive both concentration and prevent unwanted precipitation.
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 approach effectively concentrates dissolved salts and minimizes unwanted precipitation, leading to improved efficiency in solid salt formation and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first vapor distribution region in fluidic communication with the first liquid layer
Implementation Method 2
a first bubble generator in fluidic communication with the gas inlet; and a second bubble generator in fluidic communication with the first vapor distribution region
Implementation Method 3
a precipitator in fluidic communication with the liquid outlet of the humidifier that precipitates at least a portion of the dissolved salt from the concentrated stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to hybrid desalination systems and associated methods. The hybrid desalination system can comprise a first desalination unit comprising a reverse osmosis unit and a second desalination unit fluidically connected to the first desalination unit, wherein the second desalination unit comprises a humidification-dehumidification desalination apparatus. The present disclosure is also related to systems and methods for the formation of solid salts using a humidifier. According to certain embodiments, the flow velocity of a gas in the humidifier can be relatively high during the formation of the solid salt. In some embodiments, the humidifier comprises a multi-stage bubble column humidifier.