Kamyr, Inc.

Kyle D Infante

Carl L Elmore

Carl E Elmore

Evaporation of saline water in a desalinization process, or evaporation of other types of liquid such as black liquor from paper pulp processing, is accomplished utilizing a multiple effect evaporator. Each effect includes one or more (e.g. first and second) sets of horizontally elongated dimpled plate evaporator elements. Horizontally flowing heating fluid, such as steam, is introduced to the internal passage of at least the second set in all the effects, and a head of circulation liquid is provided to cause liquid being evaporated to flow downwardly from the head over the external surfaces of the sets of dimpled plates in a thin film. The vapor evaporated is drawn through a demistor and is used as the heating fluid for the next effect. Recirculating liquid that has not evaporated and liquid separated by the demisting process are recirculated to the head associated with each effect. Clean condensate--such as distilled water--is withdrawn from the last effect. The liquid to be evaporated may be preheated by passing it through the first sets of dimpled plates countercurrent to the flow of vapor. A vapor compressor may be used to raise the temperature of the vapor withdrawn from the last effect and return it to the heating fluid inlet of the first effect.

Dimple plate horizontal evaporator effects and method of use

A multi-stage flash evaporator is constructed so that the evaporator elements are dimpled plates mounted so that they extend horizontally. One, two, or more sets of plates may be mounted in each evaporator stage, the sets stacked upon one another in a tier arrangement. Each stage may be formed by a circular cross-section vessel, with I-beams--or like supports--extending horizontally at about the horizontal diameter of the vessel, and supporting the dimpled plates on them. A condensate collection trough is mounted below the dimpled plates and at the I-beams, the I-beams having openings in them through which condensate collected by the trough passes from one end of the vessel to the other. The hot liquid --such as sea water to be desalinated--to be evaporated is passed into a bottom chamber of each stage vessel, with vapor flowing upwardly through demistors and channels, into contact with the dimpled plates, and the condensate falling as a thin film down the plates and collecting in the condensate trough. The brine is preheated by passing it into the passageways within the dimpled plates counter to the direction of flow of the brine into and through the bottom chambers. The plates are preferably titanium or aluminum, but may be stainless steel if brackish water is distilled. A sacrificial anode may be mounted adjacent the plates.

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Glens Falls, NY, United States of America

Kyle D Infante