Vacuum Vaporization Distillation System for Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distillation and desalination systems face inefficiencies due to energy-intensive processes, membrane costs, and issues with non-condensable gases and surface scaling, particularly in seawater desalination.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum vaporization distillation system integrating condensation-induced vacuum generation, which uses low-temperature energy sources and active vapor extraction to prevent non-condensable gas accumulation and promote non-thermal-equilibrium vaporization, eliminating the need for expensive membranes and pre-filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermal distillation is used, then water purification is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) as the core mechanism for distillation. By controlling the phase change of water from liquid to vapor and back, the system achieves purification while managing energy consumption through the latent heat of vaporization and condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance or medium that facilitates heat transfer and mass transfer between the feed solution and the vapor phase, improving energy efficiency by reducing direct thermal contact requirements and minimizing energy losses.
2Use of energy by moving object
If membrane separation is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but operational costs increase due to membrane cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the membrane component from the separation system, replacing it with a membraneless distillation approach. This eliminates the need for membrane cleaning and replacement while maintaining separation functionality through phase-based separation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By eliminating expensive membranes, the system adopts a more economical approach using readily available materials and simple structural components that do not require periodic replacement, thereby reducing operational costs.
3Productivity
If vacuum membrane distillation is used, then permeate flux is increased, but non-condensable gases accumulate causing efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the presence of non-condensable gases from a harmful factor into a beneficial one by designing the system to utilize the gas phase for vacuum generation and heat transfer, thereby eliminating the negative effects of gas accumulation while maintaining high permeate flux.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent non-condensable gas accumulation, the system inverts the approach by actively utilizing the gas phase for its intended function (vacuum generation and heat transfer), thereby converting the problem into a solution.
4Reliability
If conventional distillation is used, then water purification is achieved, but surface scaling and fouling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the surface contact interface between the feed solution and heating elements, replacing it with a membraneless direct vaporization approach. This eliminates the surfaces where scaling and fouling would occur, while maintaining effective water purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical surface-based heating and separation with a vapor-phase based process, eliminating the need for physical surfaces that are susceptible to scaling and fouling, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
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 system enhances energy efficiency, reduces operational costs, and prevents surface fouling, achieving scalable and cost-effective distillation with improved water purification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
condensation-induced vacuum generation and heat transfer to a distillation unit
Implementation Method 2
latent heat of condensation during vacuum generation produces a more energy efficient thermal distillation system
Implementation Method 3
vacuum vaporization distillation system integrating condensation-induced vacuum generation
Implementation Method 4
active vapor extraction to prevent non-condensable gas accumulation
Implementation Method 5
a heating element or heat exchanging pipe configured to heat the input feed stream
Implementation Method 6
a sprinkler configured to produce fine droplets of the feed stream within the vaporization zone
Implementation Method 7
condensing portion of the vapor to produce an output flow of a condensed feed stream and an output flow of water condensate
Implementation Method 8
Distillation involves the production of evaporative/condensable solvents from non-evaporative solvents and/or solutes
Implementation Method 9
thermal distillation uses heat to boil to-be-treated water into vapor, leaving the non-evaporative solvents or solutes behind
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for vacuum distillation and desalination contains integrated vacuum generation. Latent heat and a vacuum produced with steam condensation are used for distillation and desalination of liquid. The distillation and desalination system could comprise a spray evaporator and a condenser for receiving a feed stream for distillation or desalination. Produced are water flow condensate and concentrated liquid flow. A vacuum pump is actuated with condensation-induced dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation technology. The vacuum generator is configured to transfer latent heat from condensing steam vapor in its cylinder to the feed stream. Steam is also configured to transfer latent heat directly to the feed stream circulated through evaporators and condensers. A distillation and desalination method with active vacuuming and self-distillation in staggered multi-stage arrangement provides for efficient energy recovery. Use of multi-stage arrangement maximizes thermal energy usage for increased distillation capacity and applicability.