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Title: Method and apparatus for flash evaporation of liquids

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5354195

A vertical tube flash evaporator for introducing a super-heated liquid into a flash evaporation chamber includes a vertical inlet tube with a flared diffuser portion at its upper outlet end. A plurality of annular screens are positioned in axially spaced-apart relation to each other around the periphery of the vertical tube and below the diffuser portion thereof. The screens are preferably curved upward in a cup-shaped configuration. These flash evaporators are shown in an ocean thermal energy conversion unit designed for generating electric power from differential temperature gradients in ocean water. The method of use of the flash evaporators of this invention includes flowing liquid upwardly through the vertical tube into the diffuser where initial expansion and boiling occurs quite violently and explosively. Unvaporized liquid sheets and drops collide with each other to enhance surface renewal and evaporation properties, and liquid flowing over the outlet end of the diffuser falls onto the curved screens for further surface renewal and evaporation.

DOE Contract Number:
AC02-77CH00178
Assignee:
EDB-84-042550
Application Number:
ON: DE84006191
OSTI ID:
5354195
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English