COUNTER CIRCULATING LIQUID PROCESSING SYSTEM BY REPEATEDLY RE-USING THERMAL ENERGY

Abstract

A liquid desalination, distillation, disinfection, purification, or concentration system by repeatedly re-using thermal energy is provided. Thermal heat source can be solar, fossil fuel, or low grade heat discharged from industrial systems. Multiple thermally insulated and isolated stages of vaporization-condensation chambers can be connected to enhance production yield. Vapor is generated by direct heating of liquid and flash evaporation. Vapor generated is condensed in condenser cooled by intake liquid. Counter circulating intake liquid will be heated by released latent heat from vapor. Externally provided thermal energy will accumulate and be re-used in the system. Vaporization and condensation process will be continuously re-cycled to enhance production yield. The system can be configured to support flexible deployment in various configurations and in different locations, including direct floating installation on water surface.

Claims

1. A method to desalinate, distill, disinfect, purify, or concentrate original liquid by repeatedly re-using thermal energy, comprising

2. A multi-staged apparatus in claim 1 further including heating original liquid to generate vapor and condensing vapor into separated liquid. It further comprises of plurality of vaporization devices, condensers, tanks, and means to control pressure, temperature, vapor and liquid flow rates, etc. at each stage.

3. A method in claim 1 further including re-using thermal energy by means of counter-circulating condensed liquid, brine liquid, and vapor in opposite direction of original liquid in plurality of stages.

4. A method in claim 1 further including reducing thermal loss to the environment and increasing thermal isolation between stages by means of method or plurality of methods selected from a group of the following methods: 1) Using low thermal conductivity materials 2) Thermal shielding 3) Solar energy absorbing coating applied to the apparatus 4) Vacuum shielding 5) Controlled heating of the apparatus.

5. A method in claim 1 further including generating vapor by means of externally heated heat transfer medium circulating through brine liquid in the first stage. A demister is used to separate brine liquid droplets in the stage from mixing with distilled vapor.

6. A method in claim 1 further including generating additional vapor by means of plurality of vapor generation stages. At each stage, pressure and temperature is controlled to provide progressively lower temperature and pressure at each stage from the first stage to the last stage. At each stage A demister is used to separate brine liquid droplets in the stage from mixing with distilled vapor.

7. A method in claim 1 further including optimally maintained pressure and temperature at each stage by means of dynamically adjusting predetermined pressure and temperature.

8. An apparatus in claim 1 further including high heat transfer efficiency vaporization devices and condensers in plurality of stages, with or without device surface treatment.

9. A method in claim 1 further including removing non-condensable vapor in each stage by means of extraction. Condensable distilled vapor extracted together with non-condensable gas will be condensed into distilled liquid in the next stages.

10. A method in claim 1 further including pre-heating intake original liquid by means of heat extracted from condensed distilled liquid, discharged brine liquid, and vapor.

11. A method in claim 1 further including continuously removing organic, particular, and dissolved mineral content in original liquid at plurality of stages by means of filtration.

12. A method in claim 1 further including desalinating or disinfecting original water into consumable freshwater. In one exemplary embodiment intake water can be drawn from ocean, sea, bay, river, lake, waste water, or runoff water that require desalination or disinfection.

13. A method in claim 1 further including concentrating original liquid. In one exemplary embodiment, brine liquid is mixed with intake original liquid or continuously re-introduced as intake liquid to continue the concentration process till reaching predetermined concentration level.

14. An apparatus in claim 1 further including using concentrated solar energy as heat source. In one exemplary embodiment concentrated solar energy is used to heat transfer medium to be used to heat and vaporize original liquid. In another exemplary embodiment concentrated solar energy is used to heat original liquid directly to generate distilled vapor to be used to heat and further vaporize original liquid.

15. A method in claim 1 further including using fossil fuel, low grade heat, or released steam from industrial plants to provide thermal energy to vaporization liquid for desalination, distillation, disinfection, purification, or concentration.

16. A distributed and networked system to deploy liquid desalination, disinfection, distillation, purification, or concentration system on land or at water surface, comprising

17. An apparatus in claim 16 further including a networked system with inter-connected module to form a larger network.

18. A method in claim 16 further including floating the system at water surface by means of attaching flotation devices, or directly using pipelines and storage devices in the apparatus as flotation devices.

19. An apparatus in claim 16 further including a solar tracking mechanism for intra-day solar movement. Motorized propellers attached to opposite side of the system can rotate the system floating at water surface to track intra-day sun movement by means of predetermined program and plurality of sensors.

20. An apparatus in claim 16 further including water wave reduction by means of a perimeter wave reducing devices around the deployed system at water surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates the side view of one embodiment for the first stage of the apparatus. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view of the same embodiment as in FIG. 1 for the first stage of the apparatus. For clarity purpose the bottom portion of the stage (heat exchanger to vaporize brine liquid) non-condensable gas and vapor extraction and regulation, and demister are not shown. They can be inferred from side view in FIG. 1. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates the side view of one embodiment for intermediate stages. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of the same embodiment as in FIG. 3 for the intermediate stages. For clarity purpose the bottom portion of the stage and demister are not shown. They can be inferred from side view in FIG. 3. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment for the last stage, pre-heater stage, in a distillation or desalination configuration. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment for the last stage, pre-heater stage, in a concentration configuration. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the apparatus in a horizontally connected multi-stage configuration. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus in a vertically stacked multi-stage configuration. It operates similarly as in FIG. 7 horizontally connected configuration. Pressure and temperature controls are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the apparatus configuration and application in floating solar thermal desalination configuration. Anchor of the platform to sea floor is not shown for clarify purpose.

[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus in a distributed, networked configuration for solar thermal desalination.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus utilizing waste heat from power plant or other industrial systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates the side view of one embodiment of the first stage in the distillation embodiment. In desalination embodiment intake original liquid will be saltwater. The heating medium can be heat transfer medium heated by external heat source, or can be vapor directly.

[0069] External thermal energy (from solar or other heat sources) is pumped in to heat and vaporize brine liquid. Brine liquid is already near boiling temperature when it is released from condenser into this stage, because it has circulated through condensers in other stages as coolant. Vapor generated will condense to form distilled liquid. Distilled liquid and remaining brine liquid will be pumped into next stage to heat and vaporize additional brine liquid. Demister is used to filter brine liquid droplets formed during vaporization.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Side-view of the first vaporization stage numerals and parts Numeral Description Notes 100 Vaporization chamber 102 Vapor condenser. Condenser is cooled by the intake liquid. Intake liquid has been used as coolant in condensers and heated by previous stages. At discharge point (116) its temperature will be near boiling temperature. 104 Condenser coolant Pipeline is connected to the output of pump and pipeline. pervious stage's condenser coolant output. 106 Distilled liquid In desalination embodiment distilled collection pan. liquid will be freshwater. 108 Distilled liquid It is pumped to next stage as heat extraction pipeline source to heat brine liquid (324). and pump. 110 Demister. Used to filter liquid droplets that may form when vaporizing original liquid. 112 Pump to distribute Brine liquid is near boiling heated intake temperature at this point. brine liquid from condenser output. 114 Pipeline to transport heated intake brine liquid from condenser to distribution nozzle. 116 Nozzle to distribute Brine liquid is near its boiling intake brine temperature. It is then further heated liquid for and vaporized by external heating vaporization. medium circulating in vaporization device (122). 118 Boiling brine liquid. Its temperature is at boiling temperature for this stage equilibrium state. 120 Pump and pipeline Medium can be heat transfer medium to supply externally or vapor directly. heated heat transfer medium. 122 Vaporization device to heat and vaporize brine liquid in first stage. 124 Pipeline and pumps Brine liquid temperature is at its to transfer brine thermal equilibrium boiling liquid to the next temperature at this stage. It will be intermediate stage. “superheated” for the next intermediate stage since next intermediate stage's thermal equilibrium temperature will be lower. 126 Stage wall and Insulation can be either passive insulating layer. insulation or active insulation (heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 128 Heat transfer Heat transfer medium will return to medium return Concentrated Solar Panel to be re- pipeline. heated. 130 Pipeline and It will enter next stage to provide regulator to additional heating. At meantime vapor extract non- will condense into distilled liquid to be condensable gas extracted. Pressure regulator will and to regulate dynamically adjust the stage's stage pressure. pressure to pre-determined level.

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view of one embodiment for the first stage. For clarity purpose, bottom half of the chamber (heat exchanger to vaporize brine liquid, and associated pipelines and pumps) is omitted. They have similar structure as the top half and can be inferred from side view illustration.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Top-view of the first vaporization stage numerals and parts Numeral Description Notes 200 Insulated low thermal conductivity Insulation can be either passive chamber for the first stage. insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 202 Apparatus wall. 204 Condenser. It is cooled by intake brine liquid. 206 Distilled liquid collection pan. 208 Nozzle and pipeline to distribute Brine liquid is already near its boiling brine liquid for vaporization. temperature. It is then further heated and vaporized by external heating medium circulating in vaporization heat exchanger (122). 210 Apparatus chamber. 212 Condenser output. Intake liquid at near boiling temperature is introduced to the first stage to be further heated and vaporized. It has been used as coolant in previous stages' condensers and in the first stage as. Its temperature has been rising progressively to near boiling temperature near the output point of the first stage condenser. 214 Pipeline to extract distilled liquid In desalination embodiment, distilled from collection pan. liquid is freshwater. 216 Pump to extract distilled liquid. 218 Pump and pipeline to transport intake Coolant (intake liquid) is already liquid as coolant for the condenser to heated by circulating through previous the first stage condenser. stage condensers as coolant.

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates the side view of one embodiment for the intermediate stage in the distillation embodiment. In desalination embodiment intake original liquid will be saltwater. At each of the intermediate stage, equilibrium temperature and pressure of that stage are set at pre-determined, progressively lower level than the temperature and pressure at previous stage. Brine liquid from previous stage will become “superheated” upon entering this stage. It will immediately flash vaporize into distilled vapor in order to maintain proper thermal equilibrium at this stage.

[0072] Distilled liquid collected from previous stage will also enter this stage and is used as heating medium to heat brine liquid. Distilled liquid temperature will decrease to reach thermal equilibrium temperature at this stage. In addition, as pipeline containing non-condensable gas, vapor, and distilled liquid flow through intermediate and final stage, it will provide additional heating to brine liquid in each stage.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Side-view of intermediate stage numerals and parts Numeral Description Notes 300 Output of condenser coolant (intake Coolant temperature at this stage is liquid) into next stage condenser. lower than the temperature at next stage. Hence it can be served as coolant to condense liquid vapor. 302 Brine liquid input from previous Input brine liquid is “superheated” stage. It is pumped and distributed when entering this stage because into this stage (318 & 320). previous stage thermal equilibrium temperature is higher. 304 Intermediate stage walls and Insulation can be either passive insulating layer. insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 306 Condenser. It is cooled by intake liquid. 308 Pipeline and pump to transport intake liquid (coolant) through condenser. 310 Distilled liquid collection pan. 312 Distilled liquid transport pipeline to In desalination embodiment distilled merge into main distilled liquid liquid will be freshwater. pipeline. 314 Demister to filter out brine droplets may form during vaporization. 316 Intermediate stage chamber. 318 Pipeline, pump, and spray nozzle to “Superheated” liquid will quickly distribute brine liquid from previous vaporize (“flash vaporize”) when stage. entering a lower pressure and temperature region. 320 Spray nozzle to “flash” vaporize part “Superheated” liquid will quickly of brine liquid. vaporize (“flash vaporize”) when entering a lower pressure and temperature region. 322 Brine liquid. It is at boiling point for this stage's pressure and temperature. It is being further heated by the distilled liquid transported from previous stage. Distilled liquid from previous stage is at higher temperature than brine liquid at this stage. Hence it can further vaporize some of the brine liquid in this stage. 324 Main pipeline and pump to combine Distilled liquid temperature will and transport collected distilled gradually be lowered as it circulates liquid. through each intermediate stage to heat brine liquid and release its thermal energy to vaporize brine liquid. 326 Combiner to combine distilled liquid generated in this stage and from previous stage. 328 Heat exchanger to heat and vaporize Distilled liquid from previous stage is brine liquid. at higher temperature than the equilibrium temperature at this stage. Therefore, it can be used to further heat and vaporize brine liquid. 330 Pipeline and regulator to transport It will enter next stage to provide non-condensable gas, vapor, and additional heating. At meantime vapor distilled liquid to next stage. will condense into distilled liquid to be extracted. Pressure regulator will dynamically adjust the stage's pressure to pre-determined level. 332 Pipeline and pump to transport distilled liquid to next stage. 334 Combiner, pipeline, and stage Intake pipeline takes in current stage gas/vapor intake line. non-condensable gas and vapor. They are combined in combiner with previous stage's non-condensable gas, distilled liquid, and vapor.

[0073] FIG. 4 illustrates the top view of one embodiment for the intermediate stage. For clarity purpose, bottom half of the chamber (distilled liquid heat exchanger, demister, pipelines, and pumps) is omitted. They have similar structure as the top half and can be inferred from the side view illustration.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Top-view of intermediate stage numerals and parts Numeral Description Notes 400 Apparatus wall 402 Apparatus insulation layer. Insulation can be either passive insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 404 Distilled liquid collection pan. 406 Condenser. 408 Pipeline and pump to transport and distribute brine liquid from previous stage to this stage. 410 Apparatus chamber. 412 Output of condenser coolant (intake Coolant is the intake liquid from liquid) to next stage condenser. previous stage condenser. At output its temperature will be at thermal equilibrium boiling temperature for this stage. 414 Main condenser pipeline and pump When distilled liquid leaving this stage to collect and transport distilled its temperature will be at equilibrium liquid. temperature of this stage. 416 Pipeline and pump to transport Entering intake liquid will have lower condenser coolant (intake liquid). temperature than the equilibrium temperature at this stage.

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates the side view of one embodiment for the last stage (pre-heater stage) in distillation embodiment. In desalination embodiment intake original liquid will be saltwater and distilled liquid will be freshwater.

[0075] Intake original liquid is pumped to this stage from the environment or external storage at ambient temperature. Discharged brine liquid and distilled liquid are pumped through this stage in opposite direction in heat exchangers. Remaining heat from discharged brine liquid and condensed distilled liquid are transferred to intake original liquid. Discharged liquid and condensed liquid will be pumped away at near ambient temperature. At this stage essentially all remaining thermal energy above ambient thermal energy level in distilled and discharged brine liquid is recovered.

[0076] Pipeline and pump transporting non-condensable gas will also flow through this stage.

[0077] For clarity purpose it is not shown in the drawing. Distilled liquid from previous stage extracted through this path is combined with other distilled liquid before entering the last pre-heater stage. It is also not shown for clarity purpose.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Side-view of the last stage (pre-heater) numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 500 Pump and pipeline to extract heated Intake liquid has absorbed heat from intake original liquid, distilled and brine liquid. Its temperature has risen from ambient temperature. 502 Pipeline to transfer distilled liquid In desalination configuration distilled from previous intermediate stage to liquid will be freshwater and original the last pre-heater stage, liquid will be saltwater. 504 Thermal insulating layer. Insulation can be either passive insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 506 Pre-heater last stage wall. 508 Heat exchanger containing distilled liquid. 510 Pre-heater (last stage) heat Colder intake liquid will be near the exchange chamber holding intake bottom while warmed up intake liquid original liquid, will rise to the top of the chamber. 512 Heat exchanger containing distilled liquid. 514 Pipeline to introduce intake original liquid into pre-heater stage. 516 Pump and pipeline to transport distilled liquid. 518 Pipeline and pump for intake liquid. 520 Pump and pipeline for discharged Discharged brine liquid temperature brine liquid, will be near ambient temperature. 522 Re-mixer to mix brine liquid with At pre-determined level part of the intake liquid. brine liquid can be re-introduced into intake liquid circulation flow. 524 Pipeline to transport to be discharged brine liquid from previous intermediate stage.

[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates the side-view for the last stage (pre-heater stage) in concentration embodiment.

[0079] Intake original liquid is pumped to this stage from the environment or external storage at ambient temperature. Distilled liquid is pumped through this stage in opposite direction in heat exchanger. Remaining heat from condensed distilled liquid is transferred to intake original liquid. Condensed distilled liquid will be pumped away at near ambient temperature. Brine liquid will be re-circulated back into condenser as coolant. Brine liquid may also be mixed with intake liquid to be introduced into condenser as coolant. Once pre-determined concentration level is reached, brine liquid will be pumped away. At this stage essentially all remaining thermal energy above ambient thermal energy level in distilled is recovered.

[0080] Pipeline and pump transporting non-condensable gas will also flow through this stage. For clarity purpose it is not shown in the drawing. Distilled liquid from previous stage extracted through this path is combined with other distilled liquid before entering the last pre-heater stage. It is also not shown for clarity purpose.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Side-view of the last (pre-heater) stage numerals and parts descriptions in liquid concentration embodiment Numeral Description Notes 600 Pump and pipeline to transport Brine liquid and intake liquid mixing heated intake original liquid from ratio can be pre-determined. pre-heater. It can also combine brine liquid with intake liquid back to condenser (616). 602 Pipeline to transfer distilled liquid from previous intermediate stage to the last, pre-heater stage. 604 Thermal insulating layer. Insulation can be either passive insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 606 Last, pre-heater stage wall. 608 Pre-heater chamber holding intake Colder intake liquid will be near the original liquid, bottom while warmed up intake liquid will rise to the top of the chamber. 610 Heat exchanger. Distilled liquid in the exchanger will transfer its thermal energy to intake original liquid. Its temperature will be lowered to near ambient temperature near exit. 612 Pipeline and pump to transport distilled liquid. 614 Pipeline and pump to transport Intake original liquid is at ambient intake original liquid. temperature. 616 Pipeline to transport brine liquid Brine liquid and intake liquid ratio can from intermediate stage back into vary according to pre-determined mixing with intake liquid (600). ratio.

[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates multiple stage horizontally connected embodiment. Different stages can be connected physically together or connected through insulated pipelines and pumps. Temperature and pressure controller for each stage are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0082] Intake liquid will be pumped into the last (pre-heater) stage. It will be filtered for organic, particular, and dissolved contents through a series of filtration devices. Intake liquid will enter into condenser circulation as coolant. As it moves through different stages it will absorb latent heat released by condensing vapor. At the first stage condenser output, its temperature will be close to boiling temperature and released into first stage. Once the liquid enters into first stage, it will be heated and vaporized partially by thermal energy provided by external sources such as solar, conventional fossil heat, or waste heat.

[0083] Distilled liquid will be pumped into next stages as heat source. As it moves through different stages and release its thermal energy, its temperature will gradually drop. At the last stage, most remaining thermal energy in distilled liquid will be transferred to intake liquid. Distilled liquid will be pumped away at near ambient temperature.

[0084] Brine liquid, as it moves into the next stage, will be partially flash evaporated. Its thermal energy will be gradually transferred to coolant in condenser (i.e. intake liquid). Its temperature will be progressively lowered. At the last stage, remaining thermal energy above ambient thermal energy level will be mostly transferred to intake liquid. It will be released at near ambient temperature.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Multi-stage connected embodiment numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 700 Distilled liquid collection pan. 702 Stage walls and thermal insulating Insulation can be either passive layer for each stage. insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 704 Stage chamber. Thermal equilibrium temperature and pressure at each stage are controlled at pre-determined. progressively lowered levels. Temperature and pressure controller for each stage are not shown for clarity purpose. 706 Condensers. Condenser coolant (intake liquid) will absorb latent heat released by vapor as it condenses vapor at different stages. Its temperature will progressively rise. 708 Filtration devices. 710 Pump and pipeline to extract brine liquid from the last intermediate stage to the last, pre-heater stage. 712 Additional intermediate stages can be added according to different pre- determined operating parameters. 714 Pump and pipeline for intake liquid. Intake liquid circulates through condensers as each stage as coolant to condense distilled vapor. Between stages it will undergo further filtration (708). 716 Last (pre-heater) stage wall and Insulation can be either passive insulating layer. insulation or active insulation (Heated by external heat source such as solar energy or conventional heat source.) 718 Heat exchanger containing to-be- discharged brine liquid. 720 Last, pre-heater stage chamber Colder intake liquid will be near the holding intake liquid. bottom while warmed up intake liquid will rise to the top of the chamber. 722 Pump and pipeline to transport discharged brine liquid. 724 Pump and pipeline for intake original liquid. 726 Pump and pipeline to extract Discharged brine liquid temperature is distilled liquid. near ambient temperature. 728 Heat exchanger containing distilled liquid. 730 Pump to extract distilled liquid. 732 Combiner to combine distilled liquid from current stage collection pan and distilled liquid from previous stages. 734 Heat exchanger containing distilled Distilled liquid from previous stage liquid. has higher temperature than current stage's brine liquid temperature. Therefore, it can be used to heat and vaporize additional vapor. 736 Demister to filter brine liquid droplet. 738 Brine liquid. At each stage its temperature is at stage's boiling temperature. 740 Pipeline and pump for transferring Pump omitted in drawing to aid of distilled liquid between stages. clarity. 742 Pipeline and pump for transferring Pump omitted in drawing to aid of brine liquid between stages. clarity. 744 Pipeline and pump for external Heating medium can be heat transfer heating medium entering heat medium or vapor. Pump omitted in exchanger. drawing to aid clarity. 746 Pipeline and pump for external Heating medium can be heat transfer heating medium returning to medium or vapor. Pump omitted in external heating source. drawing to aid clarity. 748 Pipeline and nozzle to distribute Dispenser omitted in drawing to aid intake liquid from condenser. clarity. Intake brine liquid has been heated to near boiling temperature when entering the first stage.

[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus in vertically stacked multi-stage configuration. Pipelines and pumps can be either internal to the stacks or on the exterior of the chamber walls. It operates similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Multi-stage vertically “stacked” embodiment numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 800 Apparatus exterior walls and Insulation can be passive or actively insulating layers. heated insulation by either solar or conventional heating. 802 Condenser. Heated intake brine liquid is distributed to the first stage when it is near boiling temperature (842). 804 Continuous filtration devices To continuously remove particular materials and dissolved mineral contents. 806 Heat transfer medium input into Heat transfer medium can be indirect vaporization device. heating using heat transfer medium or direct vapor heating. 808 Distilled liquid collection pan. In desalination distilled liquid is freshwater. 810 Demister. To filter out brine liquid droplets formed during vaporization. 812 Brine liquid. Its temperature is at stage's thermal equilibrium temperature. 814 Pipelines and pumps to extract and Distilled liquid is used in each transport distilled liquid. intermediate stage to further heat the brine liquid until its temperature is near ambient environment temperature near exit outlet. 816 Additional filtration devices can be connected to additional intermediate stages. 818 Additional intermediate stages can be connected to add more stages at pre-determined operating parameters. 820 Pipeline and pump to transport Intake brine liquid is pre-heated from intake liquid to next stage ambient temperature by to be condenser. discharged brine liquid and distilled liquid. 822 Heat exchanger for brine liquid. 824 Last Pre-heater stage walls and insulating layer. 826 Pump to transport brine liquid to Discharged brine liquid temperature discharge. will be near ambient temperature when exiting the last stage. 828 Pipeline and pump to transport intake liquid into the last pre-heater stage. 830 Pipeline and pump to transport distilled liquid pre-heater stage. 832 Heat exchanger for distilled liquid. Pipeline and pump (830) will transport distilled liquid to the last pre-heater stage. 834 Combiner, pipeline, and pump to combine and transport distilled liquid. 836 Pipeline, pump, & brine liquid Details of pump and spray nozzle are spray nozzle to distribute brine not shown for clarify. liquid to the next intermediate stage. 838 Heat transfer medium return (output) pipeline and pump. 840 Vaporization device to generate Vaporization device is heated by distilled liquid vapor. externally heated heat transfer medium. 842 Pipeline, pump, and spray nozzle to Intake brine liquid, after being used as distribute intake brine liquid from coolant at different stages' condensers, condenser in the first stage. its temperature will be near boiling temperature when exit the condenser.

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of using Concentrated Solar Panel (CSP) to heat saltwater to generate distilled freshwater. The unit is mounted on a floating platform that can be deployed directly on water surface.

[0087] Solar energy is concentrated by Concentrating Solar Panel (CSP). One embodiment of using parabolic reflective panel is used as example. Heated heat transfer medium is pumped into the apparatus as heat source. It will vaporize saltwater and produce freshwater. Floatation devices can be attached to the system to provide buoyancy at water surface. The platform can also be constructed to provide buoyancy. CSP and the apparatus are secured on rigid structure to the platform. The floating platform can also track intraday sun movement through motorized propelling devices attached to the platform on opposite sides.

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Concentrated Solar Panel (CSP) desalination embodiment numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 900 Supporting and solar tracking Solar tracking structure and structure for CSP. mechanism are not shown in the illustration for clarity purpose. 902 Concentrated Solar Panel (CSP). CSP can be parabolic or flat Fresnel types CSP panel. 904 Evacuated solar tube to collect solar Solar heat is concentrated and used to energy. heat transfer medium in the evacuated tube. 906 Pipeline and pump to transfer Pump and pipeline details are not heated heat transfer medium into shown. the apparatus to generate distilled vapor and liquid. 908 Return pipeline and pump to transfer heat transfer medium back to evacuated solar tube. 910 Apparatus to generate distilled vapor and liquid, or concentrated liquid. 912 Multiple CSP can be connected to form a larger system. 914 Pipeline and pump to transfer Distilled liquid is at near ambient distilled liquid. temperature after transferring remaining excessive heat above ambient thermal energy level back to intake liquid. 916 Pipeline and pump to supply intake liquid 918 Floatation devices and motorized Discharged brine liquid is at near propelling devices attached to the ambient temperature. Motorized platform to provide buoyancy. propellers can be added to rotate the platform in order to track sun trajectory throughout the day. 920 Floating platforms can be extended to accommodate multiple units. 922 Platform to provide structure Itself can serve as floatation or liquid support for all the CSP, apparatus, storage device. pipeline, pumps, and other devices. 924 Storage tanks to hold distilled Storage tank can also provide liquid. additional buoyancy to the platform. 926 Pipeline and pump to discharge Discharged brine liquid is at near brine liquid. ambient temperature. 928 Anchor to hold platform and In floating installation the platform structure in position. can be rotated. 930 Supporting structure for CSP.

[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of using multiple CSP panels to desalinate saltwater. CSP panels are connected to provide concentrated heat transfer medium to heat and vaporize salt water in an apparatus. The number of CSP panels is flexible. It can be as large as a CSP field in centralized desalination plant. Or it can be assembled into sub unit to provide distributed, but networked desalination system.

[0089] Multiple CSPs can be combined to form a sub-system. Heated heat transfer medium from each unit is combined and then pumped into the apparatus to produce freshwater from saltwater. It can also be used for other liquid processing using solar energy.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Distributed solar desalination system numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 1000 Concentrated Solar Panel (CSP). 1002 Evacuated solar tube to heat heat transfer medium. 1004 Pipeline and pumps to collect and Details and pumps are not shown for transport heated heat transfer clarity purpose. medium. 1006 Pipeline and pumps for return and Details and pumps are not shown for re-distribute of heat transfer clarity purpose. medium from the apparatus. 1008 Apparatus to generate distilled liquid or concentrated liquid. 1010 Pipeline and pump to extract In desalination embodiment distilled distilled liquid. liquid is freshwater. Details and pumps are not shown for clarity purpose. 1012 Pipeline and pump to supply intake In desalination embodiment intake liquid. liquid is saltwater. Details and pumps are not shown for clarity purpose. 1014 Pipeline and pump to discharge Discharged brine liquid will be at near brine liquid. ambient temperature. Details and pumps are not shown for clarity purpose.

[0090] FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of using waste heat discharged from industrial plant to power the apparatus to generate distilled liquid.

[0091] Waste heat is used to heat and vaporize brine liquid or saltwater to generate distilled liquid or freshwater respectively.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Desalination system using waste vapor numerals and parts descriptions Numeral Description Notes 1100 Pipeline and pump to extract Generally, liquid condensed from condensed distilled waste vapor waste vapor from power plant should liquid for further processing. be separated from the distilled liquid produced by the apparatus. Pump is not shown for clarity purpose. 1102 Pipeline to supply vapor from discharged waste vapor from industrial plant. 1104 Regulator to control the pressure and flow rate of waste vapor. 1106 Water supply to steam generator (1108). 1108 Steam generator. 1110 High pressure steam to drive generator. 1112 Power generator or other industrial equipment. 1114 Waste steam (vapor) pipeline and pump. 1116 Distilled liquid output pipeline and pump for consumption. 1118 Intake liquid input pipeline and Intake liquid will be at ambient pump. temperature. 1120 Pipeline and pump to transport to- be-discharged brine liquid. 1122 The apparatus to generate distilled liquid or concentrate liquid.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0092] As demonstrated in this disclosure, the apparatus and methods can be used broadly in many different types of applications, including solar thermal desalination. It is based on solid physical principles. It can significantly increase energy use efficiency and production yield. With retro-fitting, systems and applications in use today can be upgraded to drastically improve its energy use efficiency and production yield, including many currently deployed thermal desalination plants based on MED and MSF.

[0093] In summary, the said apparatus and methods can provide many significant advantages over current best available technologies to desalinate, distill, disinfect, purify, or concentrate liquid: [0094] 1) It can significantly increase energy use efficiency and production yield in liquid processing. In current MED or MSF systems, thermal energy re-use is limited. With continuous re-use and accumulation of thermal energy, their efficiency can increase significantly. Production yield using the same amount of thermal energy will also be significantly increased. [0095] 2) It can use renewable energy source such as solar energy or low grade waste heat to power liquid processing. [0096] 3) When combined with concentrated solar energy, it can provide virtually unlimited supply of freshwater worldwide at high production yield. Because of high production yield, and low cost construction, maintenance, and operation, it can provide unlimited amount of freshwater at highly competitive price to current municipal water supply. [0097] 4) When combined with solar energy, it is very environmentally friendly and sustainable. It does not release harmful chemicals to the environment. Disturbance to the environment is minimal. In solar desalination released brine water is near ambient temperature. Released brine water is broadly distributed to large areas. Its intake of saltwater is small “sip”. Its released brine water just has slightly more salt concentration than ambient saltwater. Released brine water temperature is near ambient temperature. [0098] 5) Its construction and deployment is simple and reliable. [0099] 6) It offers option to install and deploy in different locations, even include direct water surface installation. With water surface installation, it can be deployed in less intrusive or environmentally impactful locations. Because of its modular, distributed design, units can be installed at different types of locations to meet local requirement. [0100] 7) With solar energy as thermal energy source, it can operate “off-grid” in remote and un-developed locations. There is minimal dependency or pre-requirement to infrastructure such as electrical grid. [0101] 8) With boiling of water to generate freshwater vapor, freshwater produced is already sanitized. It can be directly consumed, if the system and pipelines are properly maintained. [0102] 9) Because of the simple design and construction, the system is high reliable and robust. Materials used can be long lasting. In turn it will significantly reduce long term operation and maintenance cost. [0103] 10) Its modular, distributed, networked design can scale to different requirement. They can be custom tailored to local needs. As need changes, they can be scaled up or down quickly. Investment can be re-deployed.

[0104] Although the descriptions above contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, the apparatus could be designed and constructed using different configurations in addition to illustrated horizontally connected or vertically stacked configurations. The apparatus could be designed and constructed using widely available different materials, shapes, configurations, or techniques, not limited to the above described materials, shapes, configurations or techniques. Heat source could be of many different types and generated through different means, in addition to solar energy or waste heat. Liquid to be processed could be of many different types and for different applications, not just limited to desalination, disinfection, purification, or concentration purposes. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather by the examples given.