Vapor Compression Distiller

[frankjur]

Anybody have any usage experience with Vapor Compression Distillers (ref.:

http://www.aquatechnology.net/vaporcompressiondistillers.html

et al)? I'm particularly interested in its use in water treatment.


Frank A. Jur, P.E.
Electrical Engineer

 

[bimr]

The technology is not widely used because of the large amount of energy required by the process. Most competitive water treatment processes use substantially less energy.

 

[chief]

I have had many years experience with water maker systems of various designs. Waste heat vacuum distillation,steam distillers, flash evaporation and Reverse Osmosis.
The advantages of vapor compression is that it is ideal for areas where the supply water is brackish and the produced water is naturally sterilised because of the high temperature attained.
They are simple to install, requiring only a water supply and electric cable , not forgetting the drain line for brine discharge. The unit comes fully packaged and has a small footprint. It can be mounted in any area almost, but allow space for removal of tube banks on rare occasions.
They take a little extra maintenance, because the water jets can become choked with salt over a period, but this is not a big chore, if the chemical injection treatment is used.
They use more power in the heating element, but overall I found them to be highly reliable and much prefer them to RO units.
If you have a source of waste steam this can augment your heat supply along with the usual electric element.
Check out the main makers , Aqua-Chem and Meco.

Offshore Engineering&Design