Process and apparatus for vapor compression distillation using plate and frame heat exchanger
US5858177A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D3/42
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved process and apparatus for vapor compression distillation is provided comprising a heat exchanger, a vapor compressor, and a liquid-vapor separator. The heat exchanger is preferably of the plate and frame type, with the plate faces being spaced apart to allow for the microscopic movement of the plates during the distillation process. This movement aids in the breaking off of hard scale which has accumulated on the plates. The process involves passing pressurized vapor and liquid into the heat exchanger, the pressurized vapor condensing to form a distillate, the liquid being heated to form a heated liquid and a non-pressurized vapor, the heated liquid and non-pressurized vapor being passed into a liquid-vapor separator where they are separated, the heated liquid being passed back into the heat exchanger and the non-pressurized vapor being passed into a vapor compressor for passage back into the heat exchanger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.