Rotating plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved evaporator and condenser unit for use in distilling a liquid such as water. The evaporator and condenser unit includes a plurality of stacked, spaced-apart plates disposed within a housing. The plates are horizontally arranged around a common, vertical axis for rotation. Adjacent plates define spaces between their oppositely facing surfaces, which are alternating configured as evaporating and condensing chambers. An outlet tube transfers vapor generated within the housing to a compressor and an inlet tube delivers compressed vapor to the condensing chambers. A sump containing the liquid to be distilled is located at a lower portion of the housing. A rotating element extends into the sump and forces liquid to be distilled up a stationary feed pipe where it is discharged into the evaporating chambers which are open at both their inner and outer ends. Each plate further includes at least one port for distributing compressed vapor to and extracting condensate from the condensing chambers which are sealed at both their inner and outer ends. The ports cooperate to form a generally vertical fluid flow path through each condensing chamber, by-passing the adjacent evaporating chambers. A stationary scoop tube removes condensate generated within the condensing chambers.