Countercurrent direct contact heat exchange process and system
US4167099A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1978 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G4/074
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Recovery of energy from geothermal brines and other hot water sources by direct contact heat exchange with a working fluid, such as a hydrocarbon working fluid, e.g. isobutane. The process and system consists of a plurality of stages, each stage including mixing and settling units. In the first stage, hot brine and arm working fluid are intimately mixed and passed into a settler wherein the brine settles to the bottom of the settler and the hot working fluid rises to the top. The hot working fluid is passed to a heat engine or turbine to produce work and the working fluid is then recycled back into the system. The system is comprised of a series of stages each containing a settler and mixer, and wherein the working fluid and the brine flow in a countercurrent manner through the stages to recover the heat from the brine in increments and raise the temperature of the working fluid in increments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.