Abstract: A method and device for reducing the volume of waste water through evaporation including a tank with a combustion pipe and burner unit, wherein water is injected into the combustion pipe, flash evaporated, and gases are projected into the tank to drive evaporative and water treatment functions.

Abstract: The invention describes a new and simple method of construction of a stationary distillation unit and of a small portable distillation unit. The evaporation pans are made of simple materials and are covered with a transparent film. Additionally in the small portable unit its evaporation pan has a double bottom, which receives hot water. By connection of the evaporation pan with the solar collectors (12) its productive ability significantly increases. The portable and stationary desalination units of the invention use solar power exclusively and simultaneously produce two products: distilled water and salt. The exploitation of solar radiation occurs both in the part of the unit covered by the transparent film as well as in the use of hot water produced by the solar collector connected to it, thus speeding up the evaporation of sea water.

Abstract: Produced water from fraccing operations is treated by removing contaminants that are contained therein by evaporating the produced water and feeding the evaporated produced water to a combustion chamber preferably along with an oxygen gas and a hydrocarbon fuel source to separate solids from vapors. The vapors are condensed to produce liquid water and waste gases and the liquid water is recovered for reuse or more environmentally friendly disposal. The waste gases may also be employed in a turbine or expander to produce electricity.

Abstract: Water supply systems use readily available heat sources like the sun and waste heat from industrial plants to heat intake air and water so more water can be used to saturate the intake air. That extra water is condensed out at another place even miles away where the now distilled water would be more useful.

Abstract: A purification device for purifying dirty liquid is provided. The device includes a heating vessel for heating the dirty liquid, at least one inlet valve, at least one outlet valve, at least one gas overpressure valve for discharging gas located in the heating chamber, the valves being mechanically engaged with each other via a valve control unit such that in operation of the heating vessel, up to a limit gas pressure, the inlet valve can be operated in an open position and the outlet valve and the gas overpressure valve can be operated in a closed position), and once the limit gas pressure has been exceeded, the inlet valve can be closed by the valve control unit and the outlet valve and/or the gas overpressure valve can be opened by the valve control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for solar thermal energy production in which switching between daytime and nighttime operation is possible, and also to a device for solar thermal energy production. The present invention relates, in particular, to the use of the process and of the device for producing drinking water or service water.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method of pre-treatment of adulterated water for distillation, including adulterated water produced during hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of shale rock during natural gas drilling. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of treating adulterated water, said adulterated water having an initial level of bicarbonate ion in a range of about 250 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an initial level of calcium ion in a range of about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, said method comprising contacting the adulterated water with a non-thermal arc discharge plasma to produce plasma treated water having a level of bicarbonate ion of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the plasma treated water may be further distilled.

Abstract: A fresh water recovery system includes a solar heated evaporator and a heat exchanger operating in a waste heat recovery mode for recovering fresh water from a salt water supply.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid using waste heat is provided. Initially, a liquid is mixed with an anti-sealant agent in a first filtering unit to form a liquid mixture. Thereafter, the liquid mixture is filtered in the first filtering unit to separate foreign objects from the liquid mixture. Subsequently, the liquid mixture is heated in a pipe arrangement connecting the first filtering unit and one or more second filtering units to generate steam. The steam obtained from the heated liquid mixture is then purified in the one or more second filtering units. Thereafter, the purified steam is condensed in the pipe arrangement to obtain the purified liquid.

Abstract: Device for desalinating sea water comprising a unit (10) for spraying sea water in the form of droplets, a unit (20) for vaporizing the droplets into steam, a unit (30) for separating steam from salt particles, and a unit (40) for condensing steam into fresh water. The spraying unit comprises a sea water entry (12), an ambient-temperature dry air entry (14), and a device for generating acoustic waves at a frequency greater than 1 MHz focused by means of nozzles (17) receiving the sea water coming from the sea water entry so as to obtain microdroplets having a diameter comprised between about 2.5 microns and about 5 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of apparatuses for evaporative purification of a contaminated liquid. In each example, there is a first vessel for storing the contaminated fluid. The first vessel includes a surface coated with a layer of superhydrophobic material and the surface is at least partially in contact with the contaminated liquid. The contaminants do not adhere to the surface as the purified liquid evaporates, thus simplifying maintenance of the apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing that has at least an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to receive a volume of fluid via the inlet. The volume of fluid is in a substantially liquid state and at least a portion of the volume of fluid includes a dissolved impurity. The apparatus also includes a heat-transfer element coupled to an interior volume of the housing. The heat-transfer element includes a surface, at least a portion of which is disposed at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The volume of fluid includes a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a compression component configured to compress at least a portion of fluid boiled from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: A tent or covering with a pyramid-shaped structure, with an inner dark-coloured sheet and an outer transparent sheet, installed on a supporting base anchored to the ground or on floats on the surface of the sea, wherein in the apex of the pyramid there are included vaporizers with micronebulisers for nebulising the water to be treated, a device for capturing humid air through a continuous or sectioned condensation column and for subsoil distillation and heat dissipation in the smaller, water-collecting tank and recirculation of the air devoid of humidity into the enclosure. In addition, it includes a computerised control system of the processes includes controls of the air and nebulised water flow rates and of the working regime of the facility.

Abstract: A process for removing a solvent from a source solution, said process comprising a) contacting the source solution with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, b) contacting a draw solution having a higher osmotic pressure (higher solute concentration) than the source solution with the opposite side of the membrane, such that solvent from the source solution passes across the membrane to dilute the draw solution by direct osmosis, c) removing solvent from the diluted draw solution to regenerate the draw solution, and d) recycling the regenerated draw solution to step a), characterized in that a portion of the draw solution is discarded or treated before and/or after the draw solution is regenerated in step c) so as to reduce the concentration of any solute species present in the draw solution from the source solution.

Abstract: A desalination device includes a vessel, a breathable sheet, a water-repellent particle layer and a tank layer. The tank layer is positioned at the lower portion inside the vessel and the breathable sheet is interposed between the water-repellent particle layer and the tank layer. The breathable sheet includes a through-hole, the water-repellent particle layer is composed of a plurality of water-repellent particles, and the surface of the respective water-repellent particles includes a water-repellent film. The saltwater is desalted by a step of pouring saltwater into the vessel to dispose the saltwater on the surface of the water-repellent particle layer, a step of heating the saltwater to evaporate the saltwater into vapor; and a step of liquefying the vapor to obtain fresh water in the tank layer.

Abstract: A water supply system, the system comprising: an evaporation station, the evaporation station comprising a water inlet, an air conduit, and a water evaporation system coupled to the water inlet and to the air conduit for converting water from the water inlet into water vapour and for providing the water vapour onto the air conduit to provide humidified air; a condensation station having an air inlet to receive the humidified air, a water outlet, and a water condensation system coupled to the air inlet and to the water outlet to extract water from the humidified air and provide the extracted water to the water outlet; a pipe coupled between the air conduit of the evaporation station and air inlet of the condensation station; and a system for driving an airflow through the air conduit of the evaporation station past the water evaporation system to enhance the spray evaporation.

Abstract: Method and device (100) for purifying and bringing water up from a water body (50), the device including: a hollow, vertical structure, having a first space (110) with a supply opening (112) for water to be purified; a boiling device (111) for such water which is driven with light from an optical fiber (12); a condenser (133) for condensing water vapour from the boiling device; a container (131) for condensed water, which container is connected to the condenser; and a conduit device (120) for water vapour between the space and the condenser. The space communicates freely with the water body. The outlet of the container is arranged above a heating location in the boiling device.

Abstract: A water vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, an evaporator condenser whereby 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, and a steam chest fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser, whereby the steam flows from the evaporator condenser into the steam chest, the steam chest comprising a foam mitigation device wherein the foam mitigation device mitigates foam in the water vapor distillation apparatus.

Abstract: System and process for producing a H2-containing product gas and purified water from an integrated H2-producing reforming and thermal water purification process. Raw water, such as salt water, is heated by indirect heat transfer with reformate from the H2-producing reforming process for purifying raw water in a multiple effect distillation process.

Abstract: Device for purifying water, including a hollow structure in turn including a first space, includes a supply opening for water to be purified and a boiling device for such water, arranged to heat the water to the boiling point using energy from focused sunlight supplied via a supply device for sunlight to a heating location in the first space; a condenser for condensing water vapour from the boiling device; and a conduit device for water vapour, arranged to bring water vapour from the first space to the condenser. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer thermal energy from either hot water vapour which has been boiled off in the boiling device or condensed water which is still warm and originates from such vapour, to water to be purified and which is to be introduced into the first space through the supply opening. A method for purifying water is also described.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming contaminated water from a cooling tower in a power generation system includes a contaminant collection heat exchanger that receives a supply of extraction steam from the power generation system, and to receive and concentrate contaminants in the contaminated water by boiling the contaminated water and producing process steam using thermal energy from the extraction steam. A concentrate condensation device receives and further concentrates the contaminants collected in the contaminant collection heat exchanger. A process, heating, condensing and/or electrical generation subsystem receives the process steam from the contaminant collection heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for desalination of seawater, the method comprising at least conducting the seawater into a distillation container, vaporizing the seawater, condensing formed vapor into distilled water, and conducting said distilled water by the help of a pump into further use. In the method the seawater is heated and the vapor is condensed by the help of a heating and cooling means comprising at least a compressor, a hot circuit and a cold circuit. At least the energy for vaporizing the seawater, for condensing formed vapor into distilled water, and for conducting said distilled water by the help of a pump into further use is taken from the kinetic energy of the waves.

Abstract: A seawater desalinization device includes a container portion, a guiding pipe, a plug, a heat conduction cover, a switch, and a connecting pipe. The container portion defines a receiving chamber, a slot, and a through hole communicating with the receiving chamber. The guiding pipe is fixed on the container portion to communicating with the slot. The plug is detachably inserted into the guiding pipe. The heat conduction cover covers on the container portion and sealing the receiving chamber and the slot. The switch is assembled in the container portion to control open or close the through hole upon a seawater level in the container portion. The connecting pipe is inserted into the through hole and a seawater source.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.

Abstract: A seawater desalinization system includes a container portion, a heat conduction cover, and a heating device. The container portion defines a receiving chamber and a slot. The heat conduction cover covers on the container portion and seals the receiving chamber and the slot. The container portion is heated by the heating device. The heating device can absorb solar energy to heat the seawater under the dark condition. Therefore, the seawater desalinization system can heat the seawater to obtain fresh water continually.

Abstract: A seawater desalinization device includes a container portion and a heat conduction cover covering on the container portion. The container portion defines a receiving chamber and a slot. The receiving chamber is configured for receiving seawater, and the slot is defined around the receiving chamber for receiving fresh water evaporated from the seawater. The heat conduction cover defines a plurality of guiding slots facing the container portion for guiding the fresh water drop into the slot.

Abstract: There is provided a regenerative adsorption distillation system comprising a train of distillation effects in fluid communication with each other. The train of distillation effects comprises at least one intermediate effect between the first and last distillation effects of the train, each effect comprising a vessel and a condensing tube for flow of a fluid therein. The system further comprises a pair of adsorption-desorption beds in vapour communication with the last effect and at least one intermediate effect, wherein the beds contain an adsorbent that adsorbs vapour from the last effect and transmits desorbed vapour into at least one of the intermediate effect.

Abstract: The solar-powered distillation system is particularly adapted for small scale seawater distillation to produce fresh water. The system includes a single heat-absorbent evaporation panel having mutually opposed evaporation surfaces, the panel being contained within a single housing. Each side of the housing includes a lens panel. The lenses of each panel focus solar energy onto the respective surfaces of the evaporation panel. A mirror is positioned to each side of the housing to reflect solar energy onto the respective lens panels. Contaminated water enters the top of the housing to run down the surfaces of the evaporation panel. A fresh water collection pipe extends from the top of the housing to a collection tank. A scraper mechanism removes salt and/or other residue from the surfaces of the evaporation panel to allow the residue to be removed periodically from the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for distilling a fluid such as water includes a vessel and heat transfer plates within the vessel structures to form at least one each cooling channel, evaporative channel, and condensing channel. Air enters the vessel and passes through the cooling channel, where it is cooled due to evaporation taking place in an adjacent evaporative channel. In the evaporative channel, input fluid is supplied to the walls of the heat transfer plates facing into the evaporative channel and evaporation forms vapor. The vapor is condensed in a condensing channel. In some versions of the apparatus, an evaporation channel forms a vacuum chamber and a condensing channel forms a compression chamber.

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 desalination system including at least one pair of evaporators, said pair including a high pressure and a low pressure evaporator, each for evaporating saline water to produce water vapor; at least three adsorption beds in selective vapor communication with each evaporator, said adsorption beds arranged to reversibly adsorb the water vapor from the corresponding evaporator; said adsorption beds in selective vapor communication with a condenser, and in heat transfer communication with a heat source for selectively desorbing the adsorbed water vapor; said condenser arranged to condense the water vapor to desalinated water; wherein said system is arranged to sequentially connect, for a pre-determined period, each evaporator to a corresponding adsorption bed, and the heat source to the third bed.

Abstract: A method for concentrating contaminated sorbate in a solution which includes contaminated sorbate and clean sorbate is described wherein contaminated sorbate having a freezing point which is higher than the freezing point of the clean sorbate is cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of the contaminated sorbate and above the freezing point of the clean sorbate to concentrate the contaminated sorbate by cycling alternately from a desorption cycle to an adsorption cycle. By maintaining the solution at a temperature between the freezing point of the contaminated sorbate and the freezing point of the clean sorbate, the clean sorbate can be evaporated off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method to reclaim water. The water that may be reclaimed begins as untreated treatable water, which is water having solids, particulates, or minerals not originally in the water. Untreated treatable water is also natural water having solids, particulates, or minerals that are undesired. The invention provides for removal of the totally dissolved solids from the water by micronizing the water in a chamber having a first temperature, and condensing the water in a second chamber having an interior surface that is cooled to the ambient wet-bulb temperature of the surrounding environment. Reclaimed treatable water from this invention becomes usable water.

Abstract: A multi-effect evaporator, having an upstream and a downstream end, adapted for distillation of water. It includes a plurality of effects connected in a series manner and arranged into groups. Each group has a common parallel water feed inlet adapted to supply all effects in the group with feed water. The evaporator further includes a main feed water line in fluid communication with the most upstream group. An array of heaters is disposed along the line, adapted for heating the feed water before its entry into the effects of the latter group. Each effect includes means for forwarding the second outlet vapor into one of the heaters for heating the feed water. Each group includes a pump adapted to extract the concentrate from the effects of the group and pump it into the common parallel water feed of an adjacent downstream group.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a water separation membrane device 2 that separates a process-target fluid into a dehydrated product and water; and a temperature monitoring device 3 for the water separation membrane device 2. The temperature monitoring device 3 detects a temperature. Further, a temperature adjustment device 4 is provided in a previous stage of the water separation membrane device 2. The temperature adjustment device 4 controls a temperature of the process-target fluid on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature adjustment device 3 to thereby optimize an amount of water permeation in a separation process in the water separation membrane device 2.

Abstract: Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprising a treatment with at least one inorganic base, an evaporation treatment, a distillation and/or stripping treatment and a treatment with at least one organic base. Said process allows at least a part of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction to be used as process water in the production plant of synthesis gas subsequently sent to a Fischer-Tropsch plant for the production of hydrocarbons.

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

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to solar distillation methods and systems for recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, a process for water distillation includes a cycled arrangement, alternating between a day cycle and a night cycle to enhance the yield of potable water. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system includes a solar still having a design and orientation to maximize solar energy capture.

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: Disclosed is a process for improving the efficiency of a combined-cycle power generation plant and desalination unit. The process includes supplying exhaust gases from a gas turbine set used to generate electrical power to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and then directing the steam from the HRSG to a steam turbine set. Salinous water is supplied into an effect of the desalination unit. Steam exhausted from the steam turbine set is utilized in the effect of the desalination unit to produce a distillate vapor and brine from the effect by heat exchange. Additionally, steam is introduced steam from at least one additional heat source from the combined-cycle power generation plant to the effect to increase the mass flow rate of steam into the effect. In one embodiment, the additional heat source is an intercooler heat exchanger. Heated water from the intercooler heat exchanger is provided to a reduced atmosphere flash tank, and the steam flashed in the flash tank is provided to the effect.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for economically removing salts and heavy metals from water. The apparatus and method provide for flowing of the water across a transducer/resonator assembly which has enhanced resonation such that the water vaporizes and condenses without the salts or heavy metals. The water may then be used for drinking, irrigation, agricultural purposes, or injecting into subterranean formations related to mining or the recovery of hydrocarbons. The water may also be used to supplement or prepare water for reverse-osmosis desalination processes.

Abstract: A water desalination system includes an evaporator for evaporating saline water to produce water vapor and an adsorption means in selective vapor communication with the evaporator for reversibly adsorbing the water vapor from the evaporator. The adsorption means is in selective vapor communication with a condenser, and desorbing means for desorbing the adsorbed water vapor from the adsorption means for collection by the condenser. The condenser is adapted to condense the water vapor to desalinated water.

Abstract: Methods including a) volatilizing at least a portion of contaminated water contained in a contaminated water reservoir and thereby generating volatilized water, the contaminated water reservoir being fluidly coupled to a water generator reservoir; b) conveying the volatilized water to the water generator reservoir; c) cooling the volatilized water in the water generator reservoir and thereby generating purified water, substantially dehumidified gas, and heat; and d) conveying at least one of the substantially dehumidified gas and the heat to the contaminated water reservoir.

Abstract: Source water is treated by mixing a first component selected from the group comprising neutralized phosphonic acid compounds, neutralized phosphonate compounds, neutralized derivatives of phosphorus, neutralized anti-scalent polymers, and mixtures thereof, a second component from the group comprising chlorite salt and chlorate salt is admixed to the mixture of the water and the first component, and water. The water and the first and second components are present in amounts sufficient to form a stable liquid composition in which there is substantially no conversion of the second component to chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: To provide a water purifier, containing: a diluting unit configured to bring targeted water for purification into contact with an aqueous solution containing a volatile solute and a polymer via a semi-permeable membrane so as to separate water from the targeted water by the semi-permeable membrane, and configured to dilute the aqueous solution with the separated water; a separating unit configured to separate the volatile solute and the polymer from the diluted aqueous solution obtained by the diluting unit so as to obtain purified water; and a dissolving unit configured to return the separated volatile solute by the separating unit to the aqueous solution containing the polymer, and to allow the separated volatile solute to dissolve in the aqueous solution containing the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising an evaporation unit comprising a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with a second heat exchanger; where the first heat exchanger is operative to heat an effluent stream comprising an amine solvent and/or amine byproducts and water and to discharge the effluent stream to the second heat exchanger; where the second heat exchanger is operative to convert the effluent stream into a distillate stream and a concentrate stream; and a reverse osmosis unit in fluid communication with the evaporation unit; where the reverse osmosis unit comprises a first reverse osmosis unit that is operative to receive the distillate stream and to separate water from byproducts of the amine solvent such that the water has a purity of greater than 95%, based on the weight of the distillate stream.

Abstract: A desalination system wherein a latent heat of condensation produced by the temperature gradient across a membrane distillation (MD) module is transferred directly to a latent heat of vaporization during desalination of a liquid flow stream. The desalination system comprises the MD module disposed within an object and configured to receive an input feed stream for desalination and produce an output flow stream of a product. The system also comprises a vapor compressor in fluidic communication with the MD module and configured to introduce a hot steam to a high temperature side of the MD module and extract a cool steam, having a temperature less than the hot steam, from a low temperature side of the MD module, thereby creating a temperature gradient across of the MD module. A desalination method is also presented.

Abstract: A humidification-dehumidification apparatus featuring enhanced heat recovery includes a shared interior wall extending along a vertical axis and defining and separating humidifying and dehumidifying chambers. Heat-transfer members extend through the shared interior wall and across a majority of each chamber, while a spray device is configured to direct a spray of liquid feed composition onto the heat-transfer members inside the humidifying chamber. The liquid feed collects on the heat-transfer members in the humidifying chamber, and water evaporates from the liquid feed on the heat-transfer members, leaving a concentrated remainder of the liquid feed in liquid form. Carrier gas passes through the humidifying chamber where evaporated water is entrained in the carrier gas to form a moist carrier gas that passes from the humidifying chamber to the dehumidifying chamber, where the water vapor condenses from the moist carrier gas on the heat-transfer members.

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.