Design and Evaluation of an AFVC Wash Column with Direct Melting on the Ice Plug

摘要

Heist Engineering and the Office of Water Research jointly developed and satisfactorily tested a small-scale side stream direct melt wash column for the AFVC desalination pilot plant at the Wrightville Beach Test Facility. This evaluation of the direct melt approach was motivated by problems experienced with the existing AFVC wash column, particularily the air leaks that have been observed through the scraper shaft seal. The program also included a review of wash column design practice, and the identification of methods appropriate for design of commercial-scale direct melt units. Results at the small scale suggest that continued research, including both the conversion of the existing AFVC wash column to direct melt operation, and further development of design methods, should be pursued.