Method and apparatus for flash evaporation of liquids
- Lakewood, CO
A vertical tube flash evaporator for introducing a superheated 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.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EG-77-C-01-4042
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4474142
- OSTI ID:
- 865173
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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apparatus
flash
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flared
diffuser
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upper
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plurality
annular
screens
positioned
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spaced-apart
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preferably
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ocean
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differential
temperature
gradients
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sheets
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vertical tube
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axially spaced
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