Abstract: Improvements in tubes, which increase the heat exchange capacity of tubular heat exchangers using the tubes, are described. These improvements involve the use of one or more external surface enhancements, optionally combined with an internal enhancement and/or differing tube geometries. These improvements apply, for example, to internal condensers, including those in which the tube bundles are oriented vertically, in vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses such as distillation columns.

Abstract: Safely processing fluid via monitoring and decreasing explosiveness of vapor-gas species formed therefrom, or contained therein. Fluid input unit 12, for transporting source fluid 24; first fluid processing unit 14, for receiving and processing fluid 26, and forming processed fluid including vapor-gas portion 30; vapor-gas explosiveness monitoring and decreasing unit 16, for measuring at least an indication of explosiveness level of vapor-gas portion 30, wherein if the measurement exceeds a pre-determined threshold explosiveness level (PDTEL), then vapor-gas portion 30 is condensed, for forming condensate and output vapor-gas 32 whose explosiveness level is less than lower explosion limit (LEL) of output vapor-gas 32; second fluid processing unit 18, for processing output vapor-gas 32, and forming processed vapor-gas product 34.

Abstract: Described herein is a solution for use in cleaning articles comprising, a dry cleaning agent, wherein the dry cleaning agent comprises a siloxane solvent, a hydrocarbon solvent or a combination thereof, and an enhancer, which raises a KBV value of the solution. The enhancer can be soluble in the dry cleaning agent and water. Also described herein is a dry cleaning system that utilizes the solution, as well as a purification system for purifying the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the distillation of ocean and brackish water that includes insulation means for preventing heat from escaping to the atmosphere is disclosed. The insulation means comprises a second wall surrounding the basic assemblies of a desalination system in which the space between the second wall and basic assemblies is under low partial vacuum and is partially or totally filled with an insulation material for structural support. The system provides a means for flash evaporation of heated input water and condensing the resultant vapors into pure distilled water. A means for recapturing and using the heat of condensation as well as heat from the salt byproduct to preheat the input contaminated water is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger unit having an evaporator device configured for evaporating a heat exchanger operating fluid, and a condenser device for condensing the heat exchanger operating fluid, wherein the evaporator device and the condenser device are fluidically connected to each other in a frontal configuration. The invention further relates to a thermotechnical system having a plurality of heat exchanger units.

Abstract: A system and method of water purification includes a dirty water tank (1), and a power source (2), to create clean water (8). A fuel cell (3) is utilized to convert clean water to oxygen and hydrogen which is mixed (4) to create Oxyhydrogen. The Oxyhydrogen is burned in torches (6) producing heat and pure water. The pure water is collected, and the heat is used in a steam still (7) to boil water to steam, the steam is condensed and collected as clean water (8). This clean water is provided for consumption as well as supplied to the fuel cell (3) for further production.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing wastewater into a flushing fluid are described, in which wastewater flows into a holding tank from one or more restroom fixtures. A vacuum distillator can be coupled to the holding tank, and a heater can be configured to heat at least a portion of the wastewater in the vacuum distillator to produce a vapor. The vapor can be condensed by a condenser fluidly coupled to the vacuum distillator to produce a distilled stream. The stream can either be fed into a tank or passed to one or more restroom fixtures.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain comprises a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit, wherein the body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end; a steam pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end communicates with the heating room; a condensing unit having a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end; a water-collecting container having a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube; an energy-saving heating unit comprising an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device, wherein the energy-saving heat-exchanging tube comprises a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room; and an outlet valve communicating with the water-outgoing end.

Abstract: A distiller including an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly has a wiper applicator which can move over the at least one evaporation surface, for wiping and applying a thin even film of the liquid on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation.

Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid, which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation. Additionally, vapor exiting the submerged gas evaporator is condensed in a condensing unit thus precipitating vapor into a liquid for removal.

Abstract: An efficient flash evaporation water purification system located at a hydrocarbon well site. An internal combustion engine uses hydrocarbon fuel from the well and drives a pump to pressurize production water from the well. The engine also generates thermal energy used to preheat the production water. An electrical generator is also driven by the engine to produce electrical power for the water purification system, as well as produce AC power for off-site consumers.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.

Abstract: A system for treating recovered fluids in-line that includes a thermal reactor for separating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants by applying heat to the contaminated drill cuttings so as to vaporize contaminants from the contaminated drill cuttings; a first condenser in fluid connection with the thermal reactor for condensing the vaporized contaminants; a separator in fluid connection with the first condenser for separating the condensed vapors into an oleaginous liquid and an aqueous liquid, wherein at least a portion of one of the aqueous liquid and oleaginous liquid is fed back into the first condenser via a feedback line; and an ozone generator operatively coupled to the feedback line, wherein at least the portion of the fed back liquid is ozonated by the ozone generator and fed into the condenser is disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating a liquid substance mixture by distillation, a method for producing a tetrahydrofuran homopolymer and copolymer in which the oligomers in a liquid starting mixture containing oligomers are separated by distillation in such an apparatus, tetrahydrofuran homopolymers and copolymers which can be obtained using said method and have a narrow distribution of the relative molar mass, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe2O3. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.

Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a plurality of beads in a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; pumping water into the chamber; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor.

Abstract: System and process for producing no-salt water by desalination of salt water, by heating salt water directly with heated synthetic gas produced in a gasification reaction or by using steam produced using heated synthetic gas, to evaporate the salt water and produce no-salt water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for dewatering mixture of ethanol and water. The method comprises steps for feeding mixture of ethanol and water (1) into an evaporator (2), evaporating said mixture of ethanol and water (1) and feeding a stream of vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) to a vapor recompression unit (4), pressurizing vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) in the vapor recompression unit (4) and feeding a stream of pressurized vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (5) to a membrane unit (6), and dividing said stream of pressurized mixture of ethanol and water (5) in to a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (8) and into a stream of dewatered mixture of ethanol and water (7).

Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for purifying a chlorine supply that includes a chlorine component, a bromine component, and nitrogen trichloride. The method includes the steps of introducing the chlorine supply into a vaporizer, heating the chlorine supply in the vaporizer to form a vapor, and introducing the vapor into a distillation system to provide purified chlorine gas, a distillate that includes liquid chlorine and the bromine component, and a bottoms component including the nitrogen trichloride. The method also includes the steps of condensing the vapor in a reflux condenser, heating the condensate in a reboiler, removing the purified chlorine gas from the distillation system, and removing the distillate from the distillation system.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for recovery of energy and by-products from automobile and truck tires. The tires are heated in an oxygen poor environment, and the off gases are condensed to recover a liquid oil product and compressible natural gas. The tires are reduces to ash and steel, both of which can be feed streams for other processes. The apparatus includes a condenser with cooled plates, and oil recovery structures.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an apparatus and method for restoring plastic, to oil, thereby efficiently recycling waste plastic. The apparatus comprises a decomposer, an oil reduction body, a cooling tank, and a filter and emission part. The decomposer comprises a decomposition space comprising an opening to receive the plastic, a heating coil inside the decomposer to heat the decomposition space to pyrolyze the plastic, and a pyrolyzing gas exhaust pipe in an upper part of the decomposer connected to the decomposition space to exhaust pyrolyzing gas produced in pyrolyzing the plastic. The oil reduction body positioned in one side of the decomposer is divided into a cooling space and a oil catchment space by a partition. The cooling space is connected to the pyrolyzing gas exhaust pipe to receive the pyrolyzing gas from the decomposition space.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and device for purifying a liquid (4) comprising liquid particules and residual particles, comprising the steps of;—heating the liquid particules and residual particules for purifying; (6)—carrying the liquid in of liquid droplets into a purification space,—applying a similar electric charge to the liquid droplets and to a condensation surface; (20)—evaporating liquid particles in the purification space;—condensing the evaporated liquid particles to form condensation on the condensation surface; (20)—discharging the condensation (22) and the unevaporated residual particles separately (24).

Abstract: A condenser includes: a top face of a tube plate on which acrylic acid may be condensed inside the condenser; a spray for spreading a polymerization inhibitor on the tube plate; a first polymerization inhibitor supply tube for supplying the polymerization inhibitor to the spray; and a supporter for supporting the spray at a predetermined position. The supporter supports the first polymerization inhibitor supply tube outside the condenser. The condenser allows a stable continuous operation for a long period of time by preventing polymerization of an easily polymerizable compound in the condenser into which a vapor of an easily polymerizable compound is supplied with a simple structure thereof.

Abstract: A system for desalinating water includes a generally cylindrical enclosure (10) and a vacuum generator (46) for forming a partial vacuum within the enclosure. Eductor (24) within a lower end of the enclosure receives heated air and brine water, and outputs a mixture of heated air and water vapor and droplets into the enclosure. Condensate collector (34) is positioned above the eductor for collecting desalinated condensate, and heat exchanger (18) above the condensate collector transfers heat within the enclosure to the brine water and condenses the water vapor to desalinated condensate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean.

Abstract: (1) A vinyl sulfonic acid, having a double bond content of 95 wt. % or more, and (i) a sodium (Na) content of 1 ppm or less, and (ii) a content of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of alkali earth metal and first row transition metal of 1 ppm or less. Alternatively, (2) a vinyl sulfonic acid, having a double bond content of 95 wt. % or more, and (i) a sodium (Na) content of 100 ppb or less, and (ii) a content of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of alkali earth metal and first row transition metal of 100 ppb or less. Further, a homopolymer or copolymer thereof, a production method thereof, or a thin-film distillation apparatus suited for the production thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an evaporative desalination apparatus of sea water using a phase change medium, and more particularly, a desalination method by evaporation, for producing fresh water from sea water by using various high heat sources, such as solar heat, engine heat and the like. Instead of a conventional method in which warm water is supplied to an evaporator of an desalination apparatus to evaporate seawater, the present invention provides the phase change medium capable of supplying a much more amount of heat to the evaporator, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the desalination apparatus to produce a great quantity of fresh water or manufacturing a compact desalination apparatus. The method of providing the amount of heat according to the present invention is to circulate the phase change medium. In the present invention, the latent heat generated when a gas of high heat is injected and is phase-changed to a liquid state is used to evaporate sea water.

Abstract: The invention involves a micro-fluidic separation device for liquid mixtures with different boiling points. According to the invention it is intended that a head and a sump are formed in a separating channel; further intended is a thermo unit along the entire length of the separating channel consisting preferably of individually controllable heating and/or cooling elements. This makes it advantageously possible to perform a rectification of the liquid mixture with the separating device where individual fractions of the liquid mixture may be removed via the outlets. This allows continuous operations of the separating device at a simultaneously high degree of efficiency of the separation.

Abstract: A device for producing drinking water is described, said device comprising supply means (10, 10a, V1, 11) able to provide a quantity of inlet water; a distillation system (20, 21, 23) able to distil said quantity of inlet water so as to obtain a corresponding quantity of distilled water; a salt supply system (40) able to provide, in the form of a concentrated aqueous solution, at least one reserve supply of salts necessary for obtaining water which may be defined as drinking water; and a mixing system (30) able to receive at least a part of this salt reserve and mix it in a controlled manner with the quantity of distilled water, at the same time aerating the latter, so as to provide drinking water; and a dispensing tap (50) able to dispense this quantity of drinking water.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing aqueous stream purification services. The system includes at least one separation unit. Each separation unit may include a mechanical vapor recompression separator, a steam stripper, and a secondary recovery heat exchanger. The system for wastewater purification may receive water from a waste water storage, purify the water, and return the purified water to a purified water storage. The system may include a controller. The controller may include an operating conditions module configured to interpret at least one operating condition.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for purifying a waste fluid stream. The system includes a recirculation pump having an inlet for a recirculation stream and an outlet to expel a pressurized stream. The system includes a compressor having an inlet for an evaporation stream and an outlet for a pressurized evaporation stream. A primary heat exchanger has inlets for the pressurized stream and the pressurized evaporation stream, an internal surface area for heat transfer from the evaporation stream to the pressurized stream, and outlets for a cooled product stream and a heated pressurized stream. The heated pressurized stream is formed by heating the pressurized stream and the cooled product stream is formed by cooling the evaporation stream. The system includes an evaporation unit having an inlet for the heated pressurized stream and outlets for an evaporation stream and the recycled liquid bottoms stream.

Abstract: A method for reducing and re-using waste heat and water resulting from thermal hydrocarbon recovery operations involving accessing a hot water stream produced in a thermal hydrocarbon recovery operation; vaporizing water from the water stream by applying a vacuum, thereby producing water vapor; and condensing the water vapor to produce high quality water. A system is described including a hot water intake interfacing with a hot water stream from a thermal hydrocarbon recovery operation; a vaporization module receiving the hot water stream from the hot water intake, comprising a vacuum chamber in which a vacuum is applied to produce water vapor from the hot water stream; a condensation module in which water vapor produced in the vaporization module is condensed to form high quality water; and a water outlet for releasing the high quality water from the condensation module for re-use within the thermal hydrocarbon recovery operation.

Abstract: A water purification system for saltwater or otherwise polluted water. The system employs one or a plurality of tower like structures formed of a plurality of engaged modular individual boilers. Increased energy efficiency is obtained using rising heat from lower situated boilers in a communication with above situated modular boilers, through a channel surrounding the exterior of the stacked modular boilers. Incoming water is thereby subjected to a super heating process to render it potable and collected on exiting the top of the stacked modular boilers.

Abstract: A water purification system has a copper-chlorine thermochemical water decomposition system, combustion, evaporation, and condensation chambers; hydrogen and oxygen channels; and a water vapor conduit. The copper-chlorine thermochemical water decomposition system generates hydrogen and oxygen from water. The hydrogen and oxygen are transported to the oxygen chamber in channels. The hydrogen is combusted in the oxygen in the combustion chamber to generate heated water vapor. The evaporation chamber generates water vapor from water. The water vapor conduit is disposed between the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber. Heated water vapor from the combustion chamber traveling from the combustion chamber into the condensation chamber generates a vacuum on the water vapor conduit, drawing water vapor from the evaporation chamber into the condensation chamber. The condensation chamber receives water vapor from both the combustion chamber and the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: A fluid recycling system includes a separator for physically separating glycol from at least a portion of other substances mixed with the glycol to produce a first effluent stream having separated glycol and a second effluent stream having the other substances and residual glycol. A catalytic reactor receives the second effluent stream and chemically reacts the other substances and residual glycol to produce a hydrogen stream and a remainder stream.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide means by which energy required for treating sewage sludge can be saved.

Abstract: A liquid purifying device for separation and removal of volatile contaminants from liquids, and more particularly relating to such a device that is secured directly to the liquid source and utilizes improvements which allows the device to operate through a wide variety of angles from horizontal to vertical.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: A system for treating feedwater includes a fluidized bed heat exchanger unit connected to receive feedwater and a flash concentrator column connected to receive feedwater discharged from the fluidized bed heat exchanger unit. A spray dryer is provided to receive a solids/liquid slurry discharged from the flash concentrator column. Feedwater can be treated by converting dissolved solids in the feedwater to suspended solids, vaporizing a portion of the feedwater to produce a solids/liquid slurry, and separating solids from the solids/liquid slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus for purification or water having an evaporation chamber (3), a roof (5) and a condensation chamber (8) and wind air inlet means (14, 15). The evaporation chamber (3) contains a body of impure water (2) and the roof (5) can transmit solar radiation. The solar radiation heats the impure water, increases evaporation and wind air from the wind air inlet (14, 15) moves the water laden air into the condensation chamber (8) where water condenses.

Abstract: A top temperature T1 of a distillation tower 1 is held below a liquefying temperature of a light fraction by returning a part of an exhaust gas W, which is cooled by a condenser 5, to the upper zone of the distillation tower 1. A bottom temperature T2 is raised up to 300° C. at highest by returning a part of a liquid product P from a re-boiler 3 to a lower zone of the distillation tower 1. When a liquid hydrocarbon L comes in countercurrent contact with a stripping gas G inside the distillation tower 1 with the temperature profile that an inner temperature gradually falls down along an upward direction, mercury is efficiently transferred from the liquid L to a vapor phase without effusion of the light fraction in accompaniment with the exhaust gas W.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving dense gas solvent extraction of a solute and recovery of the solvent are provided. A pressure of the solvent/solute mixture obtained from an extraction chamber is increased, e.g. with a pump, thereby providing the mixture above saturation conditions. The increased pressure provides greater solubility of the solute and less solvent being vaporized in a heat exchanger. A buildup of solute in the system is reduced, thus improving system longevity. Also, process conditions of the separation process are isolated from those of the extraction process. Accordingly, the process conditions for the separating process are maintained while the process conditions of the extraction chamber vary with ambient temperature, thus saving cost and energy. This isolation also provides an ability to use, in the gas recovery cycle, a heat pump that can be used for many applications and environmental conditions while still using a conventional refrigerant.

Abstract: A distillation device for treating liquid to be purified comprising: a) a boiler having an upper chamber (1B) and a lower chamber (1A); b) a liquid delivery system (1) for delivering the liquid to the lower chamber (1A); c) a heater (14) to heat the lower chamber (1A) to a predetermined temperature at which the liquid will be vaporized upon entering and/or contacting a surface of the lower chamber (1A); d) a vapor collector (9, 11) located in the upper chamber (1B) to receive and collect the vapor emanating from the lower chamber (1A); and e) a condenser (1C) in communication with the vapor collector (9, 11) to receive and condense that vapor into purified liquid.

Abstract: A desalinization device is provided. The desalinization device may comprise a tank body divided into a condenser chamber and a vaporization chamber. The vaporization chamber is operative to receive salt water and transfer water vapor to the condenser chamber via a turbine. The remaining salt water may be concentrated with solid and removed from the vaporization chamber through a brine outlet. As the water vapor is transferred through the turbine, the water vapor experiences a temperature drop from the inlet to the outlet of the turbine. The temperature drop of the water vapor and water outlet introduced into the condenser chamber at a temperature about equal to the temperature of the water vapor at the turbine condenses the water vapor to fresh water. The fresh water produced by the device may be siphoned and reintroduced into the condenser chamber or used in another condenser chamber of a second desalinization device.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.

Abstract: A device for producing a purified liquid from an uncleaned liquid has at least one evaporator (10) for evaporating the supplied uncleaned liquid, and at least one condenser (23) for condensing the supplied steam, each condenser (23) being connected to the steam outlet of at least one upstream evaporator (10) by a connection pipe (47). A pressure difference is provided between the evaporator (10) and the condenser (23). In order to also generate energy, besides producing the purified liquid, at least one steam-operated working machine (70) to which the steam which can be supplied to the condenser (23) can be applied, is associated with the connection pipe (47).