Vacuum Distillation Unit

Abstract

A system for distilling a liquid having high levels of dissolved solids including an initial filter, a dynamic heat generator and a vacuum distillation unit. The liquid may be preheated by an exhaust gas or cooling fluid associated with a power source for operating the dynamic heat generator.

Claims

1. A vacuum distillation apparatus for fluids containing dissolved solids comprising a) an initial fluid filter, b) a dynamic heat generator having an inlet and outlet, the inlet connected to the initial fluid filter, and c) a vacuum distillation unit having an inlet connected to the outlet of the dynamic heat generator, and including a vacuum pot and a condenser.

2. A vacuum distillation apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a fluid preheater connected between the initial fluid filter and the dynamic heat generator.

3. A vacuum distillation apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further including a combustion power source for driving a drive shaft of the dynamic heat generator and a conduit directing coolant fluid or exhaust gases from the combustion power source to the fluid preheater.

4. A vacuum distillation apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a relief valve connected between the dynamic heat generator and the vacuum distillation unit.

5. A vacuum distillation apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a pump for withdrawing solids that accumulate at the bottom of the vacuum pot.

6. A method of distilling a fluid haven dissolved solids therein comprising: a. pre-filtering the fluid to remove some of the dissolved solids, b. passing the fluid through a dynamic heat generator to raise the temperature of the fluid, c. directing the fluid from the dynamic heat generator directly to a vacuum distillation unit for distillation.

7. The method of claim 5 further including: providing a power source for the dynamic heat generator and using heat generated by the power source to preheat the fluid prior to entering the dynamic heat generator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The FIGURE illustrates a fluid purifying and vacuum distillation system according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As shown in the FIGURE, a system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention includes a source of fluid to be treated flowing in an inlet pipe 11. Pipe 11 is connected to an initial filter 12 which may be of the type having a submerged membrane having a filter size of about 0.01 micros for example. However any type of known micro filter may be used.

[0009] Fluid from filter 12 is directed to a preheater 14 having coils that are heated by cooling fluid or gases via a conduit 18 from a combustion type engine 17 which also serves as the power source for dynamic heat generator 16.

[0010] Consequently fluid exiting preheater 14 is heated to a certain degree prior to entering dynamic heat generator 16 via tubing 15. Dynamic heat generators are well known in the art, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,814, and include a pocketed rotor and end plates, a drive shaft and a group of rotating plates. Fluid entering the generator is heated by shearing force. A source of dynamic heat generator is Island City LLC located in Merrill, Wis.

[0011] The drive shaft of the generator is driven by a combustion engine 17. Heated fluid leaves the generator 16 via a conduit 19 which leads directly to a vacuum pot 20. A relief valve 21 is positioned in conduit 19 upstream of vacuum pot 20. Air and water vapor leave the upper portion of vacuum pot 20 by virtue of a vacuum pump 25 via conduit 22. Output from the vacuum pumps enter a condenser unit 26 in the vapor stage and is condensed and collected in a tank 30. Solids that accumulate in the bottom portion of vacuum pot 20 can be pumped out as a slurry by pump 23 connected to a holding tank or other receptacle 24 via conduit 29.

[0012] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.