Evaporative and centrifugal apparatus for effecting concentration and/or

Abstract

A low temperature purification system is provided which is particularly adapted for use to mechanically purify in a continuous operation solutions containing solids and dissolved substances. The purification system includes a solution supply means, and a centrifugal vacuum evaporator to which the solution to be purified is fed. Drive means is operatively connected to the evaporator for subjecting the solution within the evaporator to centrifugal acceleration and causes the solids in the solution to be displaced outwardly of the axis of rotation of the solution and the liquid of the solution to be displaced inwardly toward the axis of rotation. Outlet means is embodied in the evaporator for discharging the solids therefrom. The liquid as it is being displaced inwardly is simultaneously subjected to a reduced pressure to produce vapor which is conducted to a condenser means wherein the vapor is condensed to a substantially pure liquid. Heat pump means is provided in the system including the centrifugal vacuum evaporator and the condenser means to transfer the heat of condensation absorbed by the condenser means to the solution in the centrifugal vacuum evaporator to supply heat to the solution in the evaporator to replace the heat lost therein as the liquid is transformed to vapor whereby the solution within the evaporator is maintained above a predetermined minimum temperature. The heat pump means includes mechanical means for providing additional heat energy in the system to provide a temperature for the vapors being condensed above that of the solution being withdrawn from the solution supply means. This mechanical means is preferably blower means increasing its saturation pressure of the vapors which are brought into heat exchange contact with the solution in the condenser means to effect heat transfer therewith.