Water Processing Vessel with Rotating Trays for Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination methods are energy-intensive and costly, with reverse osmosis systems facing challenges such as membrane clogging and high operational expenses due to energy consumption, and existing systems lack efficient real-time monitoring and control mechanisms to maximize water recovery and minimize energy use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a horizontal water processing vessel with rotating trays and fixed baffles, coupled with a control system and sensors to monitor and adjust operations, recycles contaminants, and employs a polymer-aided recovery system to extract trace elements, achieving high water recovery rates while reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reverse osmosis is used for desalination, then water purification is achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition (evaporation and condensation) as the core mechanism for water purification. Water is evaporated to separate it from dissolved solids and contaminants, then the vapor is condensed to produce purified water. This thermal process replaces the high-pressure mechanical process of reverse osmosis, achieving purification through natural phase changes rather than forced filtration, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with high-pressure pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system of reverse osmosis (which requires high-pressure pumps and membrane filters) with a thermal system using evaporation and condensation. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive membranes and high-pressure equipment, reducing both capital costs and operational energy requirements while maintaining purification effectiveness.
2Productivity
If membrane-based desalination is used, then water recovery is achieved, but membrane clogging and maintenance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water from the contaminated solution through evaporation, separating it from all dissolved solids and contaminants before condensation. This extraction process occurs in the vapor phase, eliminating contact between the purified water and any filtration media that could clog or require maintenance. The contaminants remain in the liquid phase and are discarded, ensuring continuous operation without membrane-related reliability issues.
3Reliability
If conventional evaporation-condensation systems are used, then water purification is achieved, but significant energy input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporation and condensation processes into an integrated system where the condensation of vapor provides heat that can be utilized in the evaporation process. This combined approach creates a more efficient thermal cycle, reducing the net external energy input required compared to conventional separate evaporation and condensation systems. The system leverages the latent heat of condensation to preheat feed water or sustain the evaporation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sustaining through the thermal coupling of evaporation and condensation processes. The condensation process naturally releases heat that serves the evaporation process, creating a self-service thermal cycle that minimizes external energy input. The system uses its own operational processes to provide the energy needed for purification, reducing dependence on external energy sources.
4Productivity
If large-scale desalination plants are built, then fresh water production increases, but infrastructure costs and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular design where the desalination system is divided into discrete functional units (evaporation chamber, condensation chamber, feed water delivery system). These modular segments can be replicated and combined to achieve desired production capacities without requiring complex integrated infrastructure. Each module operates independently, simplifying construction, operation, and maintenance while allowing scalable expansion of fresh water production capacity.
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 increases potable water recovery from 80% to 99% while minimizing energy use, reducing operational costs, and maintaining system efficiency through real-time monitoring and controlled mechanical operations.
Implementation Method 1
vaporize water, remove dissolved solids and maximize recovery of potable water
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger tubes are fluidly connected to the first vapor outlet and thermally connected to the contaminant tank
Implementation Method 3
heat exchanger tubes are fluidly connected to the first vapor outlet and thermally connected to the contaminant tank. Heat from the decontaminated vapor flow in the heat exchanger tubes dries the contaminant flow
Implementation Method 4
separates the intermediate fraction into a contaminant flow to the first contaminant outlet and a decontaminated vapor flow to the first vapor outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A process for decontaminating a fluid and recovered vapor, particularly processing and recycling contaminated water, utilizing a vaporizer-desalination unit to separate a contaminated water flow into a contaminated disposal flow and a clean water vapor flow. The contaminated disposal flow may be dried and separated into recovered minerals utilizing heat from the clean water vapor flow to dry the contaminated disposal flow.