Power generation and potable water recovery from salinous water
A process is disclosed for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water, e.g., seawater. Seawater from a locus which is proximate to the surface thereof and at a relatively high temperature, e.g., about 85/sup 0/F, is exposed to radiant solar energy to increase significantly the temperature thereof, e.g., to a level of at least about 135/sup 0/F. The heated water is introduced into a plurality of flash spearation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower subatmospheric pressure than the preceding zone, to provide substantially non-salinous vaporous phases. The salinous liquid phase is introduced in series through the plurality of flash zones. The vapor phases are passed through separate, individual turbines, or are introduced into different stages of a multi-stage turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated. Vapors exiting from the turbines are condensed via indirect heat-exchange with a second salinous water portion, obtained from a second depth substantially below the surface, and at a comparatively lower temperature, e.g., about 70/sup 0/F to recover liquid potable water. The salinous liquid phase emanating from the last flash zone is used to vaporize, via indirect heat-exchange, a hydrocarbon; this is passed through a separate turbine, and additional power is generated. The exiting hydrocarbon vapors are condensed and re-vaporized. The last salinous liquid portion is introduced into a separate vacuum flash separation zone, maintained at an absolute pressure less than that of the last flash zone in said plurality, and additional potable liquid water is recovered. The second salinous water portion, following condensation of the exciting turbine vapors, and the last obtained salinous liquid phase, are returned to the original source of salinous water at a temperature not more than 15/sup 0/F greater than the temperature of said second salinous water portion.
- Assignee:
- UOP Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4072579
- OSTI ID:
- 6518406
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 22 Nov 1976
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Power generation and potable water recovery from salinous water
Power generation and potable water recovery from salinous water
Related Subjects
DESALINATION PLANTS
DESIGN
OPERATION
DUAL-PURPOSE POWER PLANTS
SEAWATER
DESALINATION
POWER GENERATION
DEMINERALIZATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WATER
200104* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Components
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