The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

An apparatus includes an atomizer with a first flow member defining a first flow path and a second flow member defining a second flow path such that a solution and an inlet gas can flow in the first and second flow path to a mixing volume defined by the first flow member. A vane of the second flow member redirects a portion of at least one of a tangential velocity component or a circumferential velocity component of the flow to produce a rotational velocity component therein. The solution and the inlet gas mix within the mixing volume to produce a mixture. A separator is fluidically coupled to the second flow member to receive the mixture. The separator produces a first flow including a vaporized portion of a solvent from the solution and a second flow including a liquid portion of the solvent and a solute from the solution.

Methods and systems are described for treating a fluid that includes a particulate fraction and a soluble fraction, such as wastewater fluid including biosolids. The treatment includes biochemically transforming solids in the particulate fraction of the fluid in a biochemical process while simultaneously subjecting the fluid to a vacuum pressure, and evaporating off at least a portion of the soluble fraction of the fluid and thereby thickening a remaining portion of the fluid. A residence time of the particulate fraction can be controlled to be at least 25% greater than a residence time of the soluble fraction, for example. A solids content of the particulate fraction can be controlled to be in a range of from 2% to 99%, for example.

Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.

The present invention relates to the distillation and crystallization of feed water. In particular, the present invention relates to the distillation and crystallization of industrial wastewater or saline or brackish water. The present invention relates to both an apparatus and method for carrying out the distillation. In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distillation apparatus comprising: (a) an crystalliser for evaporating a feed water to produce water vapour; (b) adsorption means in vapour communication with the crystalliser for reversibly adsorbing the water vapour from the crystalliser; and (c) desorbing means for desorbing the adsorbed water vapour from the adsorption means, wherein the crystalliser evaporates the feed water under pressure that is substantially lower than atmospheric pressure to form a concentrated solution or slurry comprising crystallised solids.

The present invention is directed to a system and process for fractionating a hydrocarbon liquid feed using a single dividing wall column (DWC), an externally heated reboiler connected to the DWC, and a deisobutanizer (DIB) integrated with a compressor. The majority of all externally supplied heat energy supplied to the system is input to the system via the externally heated reboiler of the DWC.

Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.

A system and method to partially vaporize a process or feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is partially vaporized, any solids present in the process stream together with the unvaporized process or feed water stream move into the heating medium. These solids and unvaporized liquids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized process stream can be further condensed. Any heat recovered can be used to pre-heat the process stream or in the pump-around loop's heater in case of mechanical vapor recovery.

A Brayton cycle adsorption desalination system includes an adsorption desalination system including an evaporator for evaporating saline water to obtain water vapor, an adsorbent bed for adsorbing and desorbing the water vapor, and a condenser for condensing the water vapor to obtain distilled water. The Brayton cycle adsorption desalination system further includes a Brayton cycle system including a primary heat exchanger (PHE) and a cooler configured to cool an exhaust from the PHE. The Brayton cycle system and the adsorption desalination system are connected at the PHE so that the PHE is configured to function as a heat source for the adsorbent bed. The Brayton cycle system and the adsorption desalination system are connected at the cooler so that the evaporator is configured to absorb heat rejected from the cooler.

This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.