SOLID-LIQUID-VAPOR MULTIPLE PHASE TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES WITH COUPLED ABSORPTION-MELTING OPERATIONS

摘要

A Multiple Phase Transformation Absorption Melting Process (MPTAM Process) comprises a step of subjecting a feed solution to a simultaneous vaporization and freezing operation, denoted as multiple phase transformation operation, to thereby form a first vapor, V13, and a solid-liquid mixture, K16, and is characterized in absorbing the first vapor into an absorbing solution of a moderate concentration to thereby elevate the absorbing temperature so that the heat released can be used to melt a mass of solvent solid. For the heat coupling to work, the absorbing solution is formulated by using a properly selected solute and is within a proper concentration range such that, while the absorbing pressure is near or slightly lower than the pressure of the freezing operation, the absorbing temperature is somewhat higher than the melting temperature of the solvent solid. In a Type A MPTAM process, the heat released in the absorption operation is used to generate a second vapor and the second vapor is used to melt the solvent solid; in the Type B MPTAM process, the heat released in the absorption operation is transferred through a heat conducting conduit to melt the solvent solid. Apparatuses that can be used to conduct both a Type A process and a Type B process have also been introduced.