Thermal Fan Compressor Atomization for High TDS Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination technologies face challenges such as high operating costs, membrane fouling, high electricity consumption, and inability to achieve zero liquid discharge, particularly when processing high salinity water, which limits their effectiveness and scalability, especially in small or remote communities.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable, and scalable desalination system using thermal vapor compression and humidification-dehumidification processes, incorporating a thermal fan/compressor that atomizes saline water with a flowing gas, reducing energy consumption and capital costs, and incorporating a cyclonic separator to recover fresh water while minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If membrane-based processes are used for desalination, then desalination efficiency is improved, but operating cost and electricity consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the desalination process into multiple stages with different functions: pre-treatment stage (screen, grit remover), main desalination stage (spiral wound elements with semi-permeable membranes), and post-treatment stage (chlorine injection, UV disinfection). This segmentation allows each stage to operate optimally with lower energy requirements compared to a single high-energy process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple desalination technologies into a hybrid system: reverse osmosis membranes for salt removal, electrodialysis for ion separation, and thermal distillation for final purification. This merging of processes achieves high desalination efficiency while distributing energy consumption across different mechanisms, reducing overall electricity demand compared to using only membrane-based RO.
2Productivity
If membrane-based processes are used for desalination, then desalination efficiency is improved, but membrane fouling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary treatment actions before the main desalination process: screen filtration removes large particles, grit removers eliminate sand and heavy solids, and coagulation/flocculation processes precipitate suspended solids. These preliminary actions prevent fouling substances from reaching and clogging the semi-permeable membranes, maintaining desalination efficiency over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and feedback mechanisms including turbidity sensors, pressure differential sensors across membrane elements, and automated backwashing cycles. When fouling is detected through increased pressure differential or decreased flow rate, the system automatically initiates cleaning protocols or adjusts operating parameters to prevent severe fouling, thereby maintaining reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If large desalination plants are built to reduce energy consumption, then SEC is reduced, but capital cost and entry barriers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The desalination system is designed as modular units that can be deployed independently or combined. Each module contains complete functional elements (pre-treatment, desalination membranes, post-treatment). This segmentation allows small communities to deploy only the necessary capacity without requiring large centralized plants, achieving acceptable energy consumption at scales appropriate for local needs while avoiding excessive capital costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with universal applicability across different scales and water quality conditions. The same fundamental technology platform (hybrid membrane-electrodialysis-thermal process) can treat various feed water qualities (seawater, brackish water, agricultural runoff) and can be scaled from small community units to larger installations. This multi-functionality reduces capital barriers by allowing deployment in diverse settings without requiring completely different system designs.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional desalination processes are used, then water purification is achieved, but zero liquid discharge capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates thermal distillation and evaporation stages where water undergoes phase transition from liquid to vapor and back to liquid. The vapor phase carries only water molecules, leaving all dissolved salts and contaminants in the residual liquid. This phase transition mechanism enables complete separation of water from contaminants, allowing the purified water to be collected while the concentrated brine can be evaporated to dryness, achieving zero liquid discharge while maintaining high purification standards.
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 competitive energy consumption and cost with large reverse osmosis plants while handling high TDS waters, is suitable for remote areas, and operates efficiently with reduced fouling, producing fresh water and minimizing waste, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Hot air jets humidified in a thermal fan/compressor carry solid particles
Implementation Method 2
carry solid particles to a cyclonic separator
Implementation Method 3
The salt-free humid air stream enters a condenser to recoup the heat and condense the water
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure concerns a system and a method for removing dissolved solids from liquids. Specific implementations concern desalinating water. The system may comprise a blower, such as a thermal fan/compressor, configured to atomize a solid-bearing liquid to produce a hot, humid gas containing dissolved solids; a gas-solid separator configured to receive hot, humid gas containing entrained dissolved solids from the blower to separate the solids from the humid gas and to transmit the humid gas with solids removed through an exit port; a heater configured to heat the hot, humid gas received from the exit port of the gas-solid separator; and a condenser configured to receive heated humid gas from the heater and to condense solids-free liquid therefrom. The thermal fan/compressor may comprise a plurality of nozzles with outlets positioned adjacent atomization apertures across which a solid-bearing liquid flows and through which gas exiting the nozzles passes.