Abstract: A novel Salt Repellent Technique is presented to remove all inorganic salts from seawater to get potable water. The repellent additives recommended throws out all salts of sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and the like ions from seawater and paves way to get salt free potable water. The conventional washing of ice crystals is completely avoided due to the presence of additives. This technique helps to remove last traces of salts from seawater and analogous waters, without undertaking the conventional washing process. The new salt repellent process assures of high water recovery, ease of operation, lesser pollution, smaller plants, simpler machinery and technology, lower energy cost, nil or lesser pre-treatment and recovery of valuable by-products. To reduce the TDS still lower, it is recommended to have a simplified reverse osmosis unit in addition, as a post-operative arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create falling snow for use at ski resorts, theme parks and test and training facilities for use with drones, motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles and aircraft components.

Abstract: A pressure exchanger includes a rotor, a seal plate, and a seal structure. The rotor is configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The seal plate has a first substantially planar seal plate surface and a second substantially planar seal plate surface disposed opposite the first substantially planar seal plate surface. A piston structure extends from the first substantially planar seal plate surface to form a substantially planar piston surface that has a surface area and is substantially parallel to the first substantially planar seal plate surface. The seal plate and the piston structure form a hydraulic chamber routed from a first opening formed by the substantially planar piston surface to a second opening formed by the second substantially planar seal plate surface. The seal structure is configured to couple the second substantially planar seal plate surface to a corresponding surface of the pressure exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle system (80) configured for injecting an aqueous solution in an air intake line (12) upstream of a combustion chamber (14) of an internal combustion engine, or in the combustion chamber (14) of the internal combustion engine, said vehicle system (80) comprising the following constituents: ?a tank (16) to store an aqueous solution; ?a pump (18); ?an air intake line (12) upstream of a combustion chamber (14) of an internal combustion engine; ?one or more injectors (20) configured for injecting aqueous solution in the air intake line (12), in the combustion chamber (14) or both; ?a feed line (22) configured in for feeding said injector (20) with aqueous solution pumped by the pump (18). In the vehicle system, at least a portion of at least one of the vehicle system constituents (16, 18, 12, 20, 22) or of a tank (16) component (24) is made of a polymer material.

Abstract: A fluid manifold segment operable for detachably coupling with another instance of the fluid manifold segment to form a fluid manifold assembly. The fluid manifold segment may include a plurality of pressure exchangers each having a clean fluid inlet a clean fluid outlet, a dirty fluid inlet, and a dirty fluid outlet. The fluid manifold segment may further include a first fluid conduit having opposing end ports and intermediate ports, a second fluid conduit having opposing end ports and intermediate ports each fluidly connected with the clean fluid outlet of a corresponding pressure exchanger, a third fluid conduit having opposing end ports and intermediate ports each fluidly connected with the dirty fluid inlet of a corresponding pressure exchanger, and a fourth fluid conduit having opposing end ports and intermediate ports each fluidly connected with the dirty fluid outlet of a corresponding pressure exchanger.

Abstract: A method for solidifying a polar substance, in particular water, is presented which comprises the steps of: providing a coolable, hydrophobic, preferably super-hydrophobic, condensation surface within an interior of a container; partially filling the container with a polar substance, preferably in liquid form, and an immiscible additive, preferably in liquid form, so that the condensation surface remains at least partially unsubmerged; cooling the hydrophobic condensation surface to a temperature Tcond below a solidification temperature Tsolid of the polar substance; and removing solidified polar substance from the container.

Abstract: A resin containing a desirable compound is extracted from plant material and dissolved in a volatile non-polar solvent. The solvent is evaporated, cooling the solution and increasing the saturation level of the compound in the solution. A second volatile non-polar solvent, in which the compound is less soluble, is then added to the solution and evaporated. This again cools the solution and increases the saturation level until the compound has started to crystallize. The crystals are then filtered and rinsed. Crystallization is more rapid compared to traditional techniques. The resin is obtained from the plant material using an extraction solvent to form a solution, which is then floated above an immiscible liquid, where it is drawn off through a screen and the extraction solvent evaporated.

Abstract: A heat pump includes an evaporator for evaporating working liquid within an evaporator space bounded by an evaporator base, and a condenser for condensing evaporated working liquid within a condenser space bounded by a condenser base, the evaporator space being at least partially surrounded by the condenser space, the evaporator space being separated from the condenser space by the condenser base, and the condenser base being connected to the evaporator base.

Abstract: There is provided a method that includes (a) controlling a vibrator to produce an acoustic wave in accordance with a signal that includes (i) an on-time during which a packet of pulses is generated, followed by (ii) an off-time during which no pulses are generated, and thus includes (iii) a frequency component, (b) receiving an electrical representation of the acoustic wave that has been detected from a body of water that is being frozen on a structure, (c) extracting, from the electrical representation, (i) the frequency component, and (ii) a magnitude of the frequency component, (d) recognizing that the magnitude of the frequency component exceeds a threshold value, thus yielding a recognition, and (e) issuing a command to remove the body of water from the structure, in response to the recognition. There is also provided a system that employs the method, and a storage device containing instructions for the method.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a motor driven compressor (MDC) power network electrically isolated and independent from a balance of plant (BOP) power network within an electrical power system and methods for operating the same. In one embodiment, the MDC power network can include one or more MDC trains, and each of the MDC trains can include an MDC distribution bus, one or more MDC turbine generators, one or more electric motors, and one or more compressors. The BOP power network can include a BOP distribution bus, one or more BOP turbine generators, and one or more plant circuits comprising the balance of the plant.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, intake electromagnetic valves and exhaust electromagnetic valves, two-position three-way electromagnetic valves or two-position five-way electromagnetic valves, a cylinder group, a volume-variable airproof container, two-position two-way electromagnetic valves and a generator. The cylinder group is composed of two or more cylinders, refrigerant flows successively through the compressor, the intake electromagnetic valves, the cylinder group, the exhaust electromagnetic valves, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator and finally enters the compressor from the evaporator, the cylinder group can do work to generate electricity through atmospheric pressure in the volume-variable airproof container and compensates for electric energy consumed by the compressor, and therefore the electric energy can be saved.

Abstract: Embodiments are described herein to provide refrigerant and/or refrigerant composition that is suitable for providing lubrication to, for example, moving parts of a chiller system. Embodiments are also described herein to provide an additive, such as a corrosion inhibitor and/or stabilizers, that can be added to the refrigerant to form refrigerant compositions that is suitable for providing lubrication to, for example, moving parts of a chiller system.

Abstract: Heat exchange devices (30) and methods of using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides for heat exchange devices (30) that are cooling devices having a double helical coil (32) in a phase-mixing-cooling section, a helical coil (36) in a phase-separation-cooling section, and a back-pressure valve (34) intermediate the two coils (32,36). The cooling devices provide maximum extraction of the heat content from a heated food product using a direct-injected liquid cryogen, and complete separation of the gaseous cryogen phase from the cooled product, while avoiding the formation of a stable foam. Hybrid direct-indirect cooling devices are also provided, as well as methods for using same.

Abstract: A sample vitrification system includes a capsule structure configured for carrying a biological sample within a compartment while the sample is subjected to ultra-rapid freezing by way of a cryogenic coolant jet, and while the sample is exposed to pulsed microwave radiation in a manner that disrupts water molecule pentamer formation and which disrupts initial ice crystal nucleation events within the compartment within tens of microseconds to provide a vitrification depth within the compartment of tens of microns or more. The sample can reside between a very high thermal conductivity substrate and a cover. The cryogenic coolant jet is applied to the substrate from beneath the sample. The cover can carry a set of microwave excitation elements configured for providing microwave radiation to internal portions of the compartment. Portions of the capsule structure's interior can be imaged during microwave assisted jet freezing, such as by way of an optical microscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of freezing a liquid substance contained in at least one receptacle, comprising the steps of: providing the liquid substance in at least one receptacle, providing a cooling chamber and a cooling device having a cooling surface; setting the temperature of the cooling surface, starting a freezing procedure by placing the receptacle with the liquid substance therein on the cooling surface to form a seed or initial zone of nucleation; and continuing the freezing procedure to completely freeze the substance.

Abstract: Desalination and rinsing methods and systems are provided, which use a liquid column to efficiently perform freeze desalination and enable recyclable washing of produced minerals or combustible material. The liquid column comprises alternating layers of water immiscible liquids and water solutions which form a vertical density gradient (discrete or continuous) and exhibit a lower freezing zone from which ice floats to an upper melting zone. Cooling of introduced upwards flowing salt solutions is carried out by a countering downwards flow of cold water immiscible liquid. The process is cyclical, involves few if any mechanical moving parts and is easily controllable and adaptable to varying desalination circumstances. Rinsing of minerals or combustible material may be integrated in the heat and matter flows of the desalination system to allow effective rinsing, desalination and recycling of the used water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and low cost method for processing radioactively-contaminated water. The method for processing radioactively-contaminated water comprising a freeze concentration step of generating ice having lowered concentration of radioactive substance from radioactive substance containing contaminated water and concentrating the radioactive substances in the residual contaminated water by the interface progressive freeze concentration process. Preferably, the method further comprises a nitrogen substitution step of reducing dissolved oxygen in the contaminated water and adding nitrogen gas to the contaminated water, as a previous step of the freeze concentration step. Preferably, the radioactive substance is radioactive cesium.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided that provide for efficient production of highly pure natural I-menthol. In some embodiments, a method for preparing natural I-menthol involves providing crude mentha oil in a crystallizer and gradually reducing the temperature of the crystallizer in a step-wise manner, thereby producing highly pure crystals in less than two weeks. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for pharmaceutical GMP.

Abstract: A freeze desalination process uses cyclopentane (“C5H10”) (14) as an agent for the formation of a gas hydrate as a clathrate (13). A crystallizer vessel (10) containing a mixture of seawater (11) and diffuse bubbles (18) of C5H10 is cooled to allow a gas hydrate phase to form. An ultrasonic transducer (21) located in the bubble stream encourages nucleation and thus clathrate formation.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mineral recovery system that processes concentrated brine leftover from a desalination system, wherein the brine is introduced into a crystallization chamber in the form of a spray, and wherein by mixing it with super chilled air from the desalination system, the droplets will flash freeze and form a super chilled slurry mixture, wherein an agitator for mixing the super chilled slurry is provided at or near the bottom of the crystallization chamber. Multiple stilling chambers are preferably provided for further separating the water from the concentrated brine, to produce a heavily concentrated sludge containing mineral solids that can be removed from the brine and recovered for commercial purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating a racemic compound-forming chiral substance by a cyclic crystallization process which is conducted in at least one first crystallization unit (10) and in at least one second crystallization unit (18), wherein in a first process cycle an enantiomer is crystallized in the first crystallization unit (10) and a racemic compound is crystallized in the second crystallization unit (18), wherein in a second process cycle the enantiomer is crystallized in the second crystallization unit (18) and the racemic compound is crystallized in the first crystallization unit (10), wherein during each process cycle in at least one process sub-step (B?C, F?G) a mother liquor (12) being contained in the first crystallization unit (10) is mutually exchanged with a mother liquor (20) being contained in the second crystallization unit (18). An auto-seeding process sub-step is applied at the beginning of a process cycle.

Abstract: Devices used in conjunction with detecting analytes and methods of their manufacture are disclosed. A pre-concentrator device includes a thermoelectric material and an aerogel which includes a nanostructured material disposed on, and in thermal communication with, the thermoelectric material. Such a pre-concentrator is part of a detection system including a sensor. The detection system is used in a method for detecting analytes.

Abstract: The system includes a first heat exchanger in which the refrigerant is injected directly into the content of the first liquid circuit through at least one nozzle to simultaneously capture latent heat from the content as purified frozen liquid pieces are formed. It also includes a second heat exchanger in which the refrigerant transfers the latent heat captured from the content of the first liquid circuit to a content of the second liquid circuit, thereby raising the content of the second liquid circuit in temperature. The proposed concept provides designers with opportunities to create highly efficient systems and methods where the latent heat extracted for the purification is immediately employed to a useful purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method for removing tritium oxide contamination from a solution with water. The method captures the tritium oxide in a much smaller volume suitable for economical disposal. In so doing the original water is decontaminated of the tritium oxide and may be discharged.

Abstract: A system for the drying of exhaust gases from a fuel cell system comprises two heat exchangers alternately exposed to exhaust gas, which ice and accumulate water vapour from the exhaust gas by means of a coolant. A valve arrangement with a number of valves is adapted in such a manner that it operates one of the heat exchangers in an icing phase and the other heat exchanger in a regeneration phase, in which the accumulated ice melts and is extracted. This system is especially suitable in aircraft for drying an oxygen-depleted exhaust gas from a fuel cell system for inerting a tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for concentrating dilute solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating a racemic compound-forming chiral substance by a cyclic crystallization process which is conducted in at least one first crystallization unit (10) and in at least one second crystallization unit (18), wherein in a first process cycle an enantiomer is crystallized in the first crystallization unit (10) and a racemic compound is crystallized in the second crystallization unit (18), wherein in a second process cycle the enantiomer is crystallized in the second crystallization unit (18) and the racemic compound is crystallized in the first crystallization unit (10), wherein during each process cycle in at least one process sub-step (B?C, F?G) a mother liquor (12) being contained in the first crystallization unit (10) is mutually exchanged with a mother liquor (20) being contained in the second crystallization unit (18). An auto-seeding process sub-step is applied at the beginning of a process cycle.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for storing and providing electrical energy are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a system for purifying fluid, as well as embodiments of a system in which energy storage and fluid purification are combined. One disclosed embodiment of the system comprises a latent heat storage device, a sensible heat storage device, a vapor expander/compressor device mechanically coupled to a motor/generator device, a heat-exchanger, and a liquid pressurization and depressurization device. The devices are fluidly coupled in a closed-loop system, and a two-phase working fluid circulates therein. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to store and generate energy also are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to purify fluid, as well as embodiments of a method for operating a combined energy storage and fluid purification system are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for concentrating contaminants in a solution comprising contaminated sorbate and clean sorbate wherein the contaminated sorbate freezes at a higher temperature than the clean sorbate. 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 may be evaporated off for processing through a sorbent/sorbate working pair adsorption/desorption cycle. Sensors in the adsorption chamber monitors for the presence of contaminated sorbate vapor. Sensors in the evaporator chamber monitor the temperature of the solution and partial pressure within the evaporator chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for separating at least a part of the solids from brine having an initial temperature T1, the system comprising a crystallizer comprising a crystallizer inlet for receiving therein said brine, a crystallizer first outlet for discharging vapor having a first pressure P1, evaporated from at least a part of said brine, and a crystallizer second outlet for discharging a slurry having a final temperature T2 lower than said initial temperature T1; a separator comprising a separator inlet for receiving therein said slurry, a separator first outlet for discharging therefrom said part of the solids separated from said slurry, and a separator second outlet for discharging therefrom a remaining liquid having a temperature substantially equal to T2; a compressor comprising a compressor inlet for receiving therein said vapor, and a compressor outlet for discharging therefrom a compressed vapor having a second pressure P2 higher than said pressure P1; and a condenser comprising a condenser first inlet f

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose processes and systems for the off-line in-vitro purification of plasma harvested from a patient. In an embodiment of a process, in a first step cellular components are capable of being eliminated by membrane plasma separation at temperatures sufficiently high to avoid formation of a cryoaggregates, and in a second step the resulting plasma solution is cooled to a temperature that allows the formation of cryoaggragated molecules, but no formation of a cryogel.

Abstract: A syngas cooler that includes an outer wall defining a cavity. A first membrane water wall is positioned within the cavity. A thermal siphon is positioned between the first membrane water wall and the outer wall and is configured to channel a flow of syngas therethrough to facilitate cooling the channeled syngas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a mixture to be separated (solid-liquid or liquid-liquid mixture) using a deliquescent filter medium. The mixture to be separated is separated into a liquid passing through a filter layer of the filter medium and a captured material captured in the filter layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for adiabatic cooling type crystallization of organic compound and an apparatus therefore, by which running cost and facility cost can be reduced. The method comprises carrying out adiabatic cooling and evaporation operation of a coolant in a crystallizer 20 for a mixture solution of a target organic compound containing the coolant; taking out crystal slurry produced by the operation from the crystallizer 20; pressurizing evaporated vapor to a pressure higher than the operation pressure in the crystallizer 20 by a compressor 30, introducing the vapor to an absorption condenser 10; cooling for condensation the mixture solution of organic compound and the evaporated vapor that has been pressurized while allowing them to contact each other in the absorption condenser 10; and introducing this absorption condensate to the crystallizer 20.

Abstract: A metal capturing apparatus and an atomic layer deposition apparatus, which are capable of discharging an exhaust gas from a process chamber, in which a metal atomic layer is deposited on a substrate using a reaction gas containing a metal catalyst, without a scrubber, and easily reusing the metal catalyst contained in the exhaust gas. The metal capturing apparatus includes a capturing chamber having a capturing space, a capturing plate disposed at one side of the capturing chamber and partially inserted into the capturing chamber, a refrigerant source feeding a refrigerant cooling the capturing plate, and an attachment unit attaching the capturing plate to the capturing chamber. The atomic layer deposition apparatus includes a process chamber, a vacuum pump connected to an exhaust port of the process chamber, and a metal capturing apparatus disposed between the process chamber and the vacuum pump.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for purifying a foreign-substance-laden gas flow of the foreign substance, with the gas flow being conducted through a heat exchanger and being placed in thermal contact with a cooling medium in order to freeze and/or condense the foreign substance out, wherein the purification takes place in only one tube heat exchanger, through the interior space of which the gas flow is conducted from a first end region to a second end region, and here, is cooled by means of contact with a first group of tubes which are traversed by the coolant, and in that the gas flow, in the second end region, is directly deflected again and is conducted back through the interior space of the heat exchanger to the first end region through a second group of tubes while undergoing an exchange of heat with the gas flow flowing into the interior space.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from a gas, preferably through condensation and adsorption, followed by liquefaction of the gas.

Abstract: A chiller assembly includes an enclosure having a separator panel provided therein that divides the enclosure into first and second compartments. The separator panel is mounted at an angle relative to the horizontal. A condenser is provided with the first compartment. A heat exchanger is provided with the second compartment. The heat exchanger and the condenser utilize refrigerant flowing therebetween to remove heat from a supply of fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. The enclosure includes a debris opening to provide access to debris collected on the separator panel when one of air and fluid is directed through the condenser in a direction towards the separator panel during a cleaning operation of the condenser.

Abstract: A dendritic ice crystallizer having a mercury wetted surface (14) from which heat is extracted while the mercury wetted surface is in contact with water at the freezing temperature. The mercury wetted surface can be protect from ionization or corrosion by a cathodic protection means (68). In addition, new or recycled mercury can be used to displace old mercury on the mercury wetted surface (56) in situ by inclining the mercury wetted surface from the horizontal and depositing mercury from a mercury nozzle (60) to the high end of the mercury wetted surface and collecting displaced mercury with a mercury collector (62) at the low end of the mercury wetted surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for adiabatic cooling type crystallization of organic compound and an apparatus therefore, by which running cost and facility cost can be reduced. The method comprises carrying out adiabatic cooling and evaporation operation of a coolant in a crystallizer 20 for a mixture solution of a target organic compound containing the coolant; taking out crystal slurry produced by the operation from the crystallizer 20; pressurizing evaporated vapor to a pressure higher than the operation pressure in the crystallizer 20 by a compressor 30, introducing the vapor to an absorption condenser 10; cooling for condensation the mixture solution of organic compound and the evaporated vapor that has been pressurized while allowing them to contact each other in the absorption condenser 10; and introducing this absorption condensate to the crystallizer 20.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from a mixture or solution, comprising an outer wall provided with an inlet for the mixture or solution and provided with a first discharge for discharging an ice slurry and a second discharge for discharging a salt slurry, one or more raking or scraping elements for scraping solidified material from cooled wall portions which are cooled at or close to a temperature where the mixture or solution solidifies, preferably the eutectic temperature thereof.

Abstract: A water production system (1) for making potable water (7) in an environment of humid tropical air (6) and cold deep ocean water (8) comprising a heat exchanger (2), means for controlling (3) the volume of the deep ocean water (2) passing through the heat exchanger (2) based on the amount of heat absorbed by the heat exchanger (2) in the process of condensing water vapor (7a) from the humid air (6), and means for enhancing (4) the rate of at which water vapor (7a) is condensed including a positive air pressure dome (9) system for enhancing the humidity, condensation rate, and water quality, and a continuous coil (2a) disposed in the flow of humid air (6) to condense additional potable water (7), and means for vibrating (38) elements of the system to increase condensation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for concentrating dilute solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of recycling LiCl salt wastes comprising radionuclides and an apparatus using the same. The method includes a) solidifying a LiCl salt contained in the LiCl salt wastes and contacting the outer wall of a housing, by charging a crystallizer comprising the housing having an internal accommodating space and an air cooler in the internal accommodating space into a crystallizing furnace accommodating the LiCl salt wastes comprising the radionuclides, and by cooling the housing to a temperature of two-phase region where the liquid state and the solid state of the LiCl salt waste coexist, b) separating the crystallizer where the LiCl salt is solidified from the crystallizing furnace, c) recycling the LiCl salt by heating the separated crystallizer to melt the solidified LiCl salt.

Abstract: In method of providing uniformity of vapour and liquid phases in two or more streams derived from a mixed vapour and liquid stream (10), the mixed vapour and liquid stream (10) passes from a first heat exchanger (101) into a distribution vessel (12) via one or more inlets (14). The distribution vessel (12) has two or more outlets (16) connected to a second heat exchanger (102). The liquid part of the mixed stream (10) is allowed to collect in a first area (20) in the distribution vessel (12), and the vapour part of the mixed stream (10) is allowed to collect in a second area (30) of the distribution vessel (12), preferably above the first area (20). The liquid in the first area (20) passes into the outlets (16) via one or more liquid apertures (18) in each outlet (16) that communicate with the first area (20), and the vapour in the second area (30) passes into the outlets (16) via one or more vapour apertures (28) in each outlet (16) communicating with the second area (30).

Abstract: An apparatus to purify a melt is disclosed. A first portion of a melt in a chamber is frozen in a first direction. A fraction of the first portion is melted in the first direction. A second portion of the melt remains frozen. The melt flows from the chamber and the second portion is removed from the chamber. The freezing concentrates solutes in the melt and second portion. The second portion may be a slug with a high solute concentration. This system may be incorporated into a sheet forming apparatus with other components such as, for example, pumps, filters, or particle traps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a chamber, wherein a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The droplets then settle at the bottom of the chamber, wherein they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature, to form an ice/brine slush mixture. A slush removal mechanism with a screw-like helical blade is provided to continuously remove the ice particles from the chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing a clathrate hydrate slurry, includes a step of heat-exchanging an aqueous solution of a guest compound for the clathrate hydrate or a slurry of the clathrate hydrate dispersed or suspended in an aqueous solution or water with a refrigerant thereby generating the clathrate hydrate in the aqueous solution or the slurry, in which a part of the clathrate hydrate deposited on the heat transfer surface in the process of heat exchange with the refrigerant is removed by adjustment of a temperature of the refrigerant and flow force of the aqueous solution or the slurry and the rest is kept remained as it covers the heat transfer surface.