Fluid mixture separation by low temperature glide heat
OwnerDonald C. Ericksoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and process for distilling a fluid mixture using low temperature glide heat are disclosed. A substantial portion of the glide heat is at a temperature lower than the peak distillation temperature. The disclosure achieves a maximal amount of distillative effect from a given heat source. Applications include absorption refrigeration and absorption power cycles. Referring to FIG. 1, column 104 and desorber 105 distill fluid in conduit 101 using low temperature glide heat. Divider 108 proportions fluid between them.
Claims20
An apparatus for distilling a fluid mixture using low temperature heat comprised of:
- a) a distillation column;
- b) a heat recovery vapor generator (HRVG);
- c) a splitter for the fluid mixture, which directs a minor fraction to the upper reflux portion of the distillation column, and the remainder to the heat recovery vapor generator;
- d) a flowpath for at least vapor from the HRVG to the lower portion of the distillation column;
- and
- e) a heat exchanger in the central portion of said column which is supplied column bottom liquid.
An apparatus for separating a weak absorbent solution into strong absorbent liquid plus sorbate vapor using low temperature heat, comprised of:
- a) a co-current mass exchange desorber which is heated by said low temperature heat;
- b) a distillation column which receives reboil vapor from said desorber;
- c) a flow divider which routes one part of said weak absorbent to said desorber and another part to the upper portion of said column;
- and
- d) a rectifying section for said column which produces said sorbate vapor and is cooled by internal heat exchange with at least part of the weak absorbent.
A process for distilling a fluid mixture with a low temperature heat source comprising:
- a) desorbing a major fraction of said fluid mixture by counter-currently exchanging heat with said low temperature heat;
- b) distilling the desorbed vapor;
- c) refluxing said distilling step with a minor fraction of said fluid mixture;
- and
- d) using distillate liquid to accomplish additional distillation by transferring heat from said liquid to produce additional reboiling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.