Abstract: A water-containing pond for collecting solar energy for utilization in a process for recovering potable water from non-potable water and/or for the generation of power. The solar pond is designed to increase the quantity and efficiency of water evaporation, from heated pond water, into a heated flowing air stream. Construction in such that there is afforded an increase in the absorptivity/emissivity (a/e) ratio with respect to the incidence of solar radiation.

Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea and/or ocean water. Certain modifications afford the simultaneous generation of power. A portion of salinous water and an air stream are introduced into a solar radiation heat sink, with the air stream flowing over the salinous water. Heated, water-containing air is withdrawn from the heat sink and reduced in temperature to recover potable water. The heated salinous water, from the heat sink, may be recycled thereto, or at least in part introduced into a flash separation zone, maintained at a subatmospheric pressure to provide a non-salinous vaporous phase which is passed through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated. The exiting turbine vapors are cooled and/or condensed via indirect contact with a second portion of salinous water to recover additional potable water.

Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea and/or ocean water. Certain modifications afford the simultaneous generation of power. A portion of salinous water and an air stream are introduced into a solar radiation heat sink, with the air stream flowing over the salinous water. Heated, water-containing air is withdrawn from the heat sink and reduced in temperature to condense potable water. The heated salinous water, from the heat sink, is at least in part recycled thereto, while the remainder is introduced into a plurality of flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower subatmospheric pressure than the preceding, and through which the liquid phase passes in series. In order to afford a 24-hour continuous process, the hourly rate of heated salinous water withdrawal, including evaporated water, is less than the rate of salinous water introduction to the heat sink.