AU5819500A - Method and device for distilling a liquid substance from a solution, especially for the purpose of desalination of seawater - Google Patents

Description

WO.01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 1 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING A LIQUID MATERIAL FROM A SOLUTION, ESPECIALLY FOR SEA WATER DESALINATION 5 The invention concerns an apparatus for distillating a liquid material from a solution. A preferred application field of the invention is the distillation of salt free water from sea water, salty well water or brackish water, for producing potable water, water for common 0 use and for plant irrigation. Another application field of the invention is the concentration of hazardous materials that are solved in a liquid, e.g. to facilitate their transport or disposal. In the field of distillation of water from sea water, apparata are known, where water is evaporated by the supply of heat by a heat carrier at higher temperature at an evaporation 5 device, transported to a condensation device and is condesed under release of heat by a heat carrier at lower temperature at the condensation device. In well known apparata of this kind, the sea water itself is used as a heat carrier. As an example, such a distillation apparatus is known from the DE 43 40 745 Al and from Renewable Energy, Vol. 14, Nos. 1 - 4, Page 311 - 318 (1998). a Figure 12a) and b) show a representation of the well known apparatus, schematically in perspective, and in side view, respectively. The evaporation device V and the condensation device K are enclosed in a joint casing G. The sea water is supplied at M to the lower side of the condensation device K and flows upwardly therein, whereby it absorbs condensation heat, and leaves the condensation device K at the upper side thereof at N. 5 Upon reception of further heat QE, e.g. in a solar collector, the sea water is supplied at 0 to the upper side of the evaporating device V, in order to trickle down on the evaporator area of the evaporation device V, whereby the circulating air picks up the water vapor evaporating in the evaporation device V. The solution is drained off from the lower side of the evaporating device V at P. The liquid material (water) condensed at the condensation ) device K is collected as distillate D at the lower side of the condensation device K and can be taken up from there. As is shown in figure 12b), the air circulating in the casing G can circulate freely at any height between the evaporating device V and the condensation device K.

WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 2 Figure 13 shows a schematic graph of the flow path of the sea water, that is used as a heat carrier, in the well known apparatus. In the evaporating device 101, the sea water, which is used as heat carrier, trickles freely downward at an evaporator surface, whereby part of the water is evaporated. Due to the high latent heat, that is required for the 5 evaporation of the liquid material contained in the solution, the solution used as a heat carrier must be lead with a mass flow rate through the condensation device 102 and the evaporation device 101, which is essentially higher than the quantity of the liquid material evaporated from the evaporating device 101. A similar system is known from the DE-OS 24 59 935. Different from the 0 DE 43 40 745 C2, the air circulating within the casing, cannot circulate freely in each height between the evaporation device and the condensation device, but only in the upper half of the casing, in the casing's lower half, a division wall is arranged between the evaporation device and the condensation device. Also here, the sea water to be evaporated, must absorb the whole condensation heat, so that its flow rate is much bigger than the 5 quantity of the actually evaporated water. From the DE 30 10 208 Al an apparatus for producing water for common use from sea water is known, whereby in a casing being transmissive for sun light, an evaporation device having the form of a plate shaped heat exchanger is arranged and on which there is a fleece for the evaporation of the sea water. Furthermore a condensation device is arranged 0 in the casing, through which the sea water supplied from the outside and to be evaporated, is flowing, which then, after warming up through the absorption of the condensation heat, is distributed on the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger itself, in addition to its warming-up through solar radiation, is heated up via a separate sun collector. The circulation of the heat carrier through the heat exchanger is separated from the circulation of the sea water 5 through the condenser. The objective of the present invention is to create an improved apparatus for distilling a liquid material from a solution, especially for distilling water from sea water or salt water. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the set objective is reached by the apparatus for distilling a liquid material from a solution, mentioned in patent claim 1. In 0 accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the set objective is reached by the apparatus mentioned in patent claim 3. Advantageous further developments are mentioned in the dependent patent claims.

WO O-/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 3 In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the set objective is reached by an apparatus for distilling a liquid material from a solution, with an evaporation device through which a heat carrier flows through and having an evaporation area at which the liquid material is evaporated through heat supply by the heat carrier, and including a condensation 5 device, through which a heat carrier flows through and having a condensation surface, at which the liquid material is condensed through heat release to the heat carrier, and with a device arranged at the condensation device for collecting the condensed liquid material, and including a casing enclosing the evaporation device and the condensation device, forming a flow path for a flow that transfers the evaporated material between the evaporation device 0 and the condensation device. According to the invention it is provided that the evaporation device has walls that are liquid-nonpermeable, yet are well heat conducting, by which the heat carrier is separated from the solution containing the material to be evaporated, that the same heat carrier flows through the condensation device and the evaporation device, and that means are provided for supplying and distributing the liquid to be evaporated at the 5 evaporation area of the evaporation device, so that the fluid is separated from the heat carrier flowing through the evaporating device. The special advantage resides in that, in view of the ratio of latent heat to sensible heat, the mass flow rate of the heat carrier can be set much higher than the flow rate at which the solution containing the liquid material to be evaporated is lead over the evaporation area !0 of the evaporation device. The solution can be be supplied to the evaporation device with a mass flow rate which is small in view of an optimal evaporation. Furthermore, a heat carrier can be used which is advantageous for the requirements of the destillation device in view of corrosion characteristics, freezing resistance etc.. According to a especially advantageous further development of the embodiement of 25 the first aspect of the invention, the evaporation device and the condensation device are each longitudinally extended structures, each having a first end with higher temperature and a second end with lower temperature, wherein the heat carrier flows through the evaporation device from said first end to said second end and the heat carrier flows through the condensation device from said second end to said first end, and wherein there is provided a 30 flow path for the flow leading the evaporated material, which, in the evaporation device and the condensation device, runs essentially transversely to their longitudinal extension, whereby the material transfer of the evaporated material is occurring, respectively, from WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 4 portions of high temperature of the evaporation device to portions of high temperature of the condensation device, and from portions of low temperature of the evaporation device to portions of low temperature of the condensation device respectively, and from portions of medium temperature of the evaporation device to portions of medium temperature of the 5 condensation device. (It is meant that the portions of high, medium and low temperature at the evaporation device and the condensation device, respectively, preferably pass into each other continuously.) An essential advantage resides in the course of the flow leading the evaporated material transvers to the evaporation device and the condesation device, respectively, 3 whereby an intermixing of partial flows of different temperature can be extensively avoided and a high efficiency can be reached. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the set objective is reached by an apparatus for distilling a liquid material from a solution, with an evaporation device through which a heat carrier flows through and having an evaporation area, and at which the liquid 5 material is evaporated through heat supply by the heat carrier, and with a condensation device through which a heat carrier flows through, and at which the liquid material is condensed through heat release to the heat carrier, with a device arranged at the condensation device for collecting the condensed liquid material, and with a casing enclosing the evaporation device and the condensation device, forming a flow path for a flow that transfers ) the evaporated material between the evaporation device and the condensation device, wherein the evaporation device and the condensation device each are longitudinally extended structures, each having a first end with higher temperature and a second end with lower temperature, wherein the heat carrier flows through the evaporation device from said first end to said second end and the heat carrier flows through the condensation device from said second end to said first end. According to the invention, it is provided that for the flow leading the evaporated material, a flow path is provided, which runs transversely to the longitudinal extension through the evaporation device and the condensation device, wherein the material transfer of the evaporated material takes place, respectively, from portions of high temperature of the evaporation device to portions of high temperature of the condensation device, respectively, from portions of low temperature of the evaporation device to portions of low temperatur of the condensation device, respectively, from portions WO01/00533 rYutrruuVooi 5 of medium temperature of the evaporation device to portions of medium temperature of the condensation device. An essential advantage resides in the course of the flow leading the evaporated material transverse to the evaporation device and the condesation device, respectively, 5 whereby a high efficiency can be reached. In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, which is picked up here again, it is provided that the evaporation device has walls that are liquid-nonpermeable, yet are well heat conducting, by which the heat carrier is separated from the solution containing the material to be evaporated, and that means are provided for supplying the liquid to be 0 evaporated at the surface of the evaporation device, so that the fluid is separated from the heat carrier flowing through the evaporating device. The special advantage of this embodiement resides in that, as already stated above, in view of the ratio of latent heat to sensible heat, the mass flow rate of the heat carrier can be set much higher than the flow rate at which the solution containing the liquid material to be evaporated is lead over the 5 evaporation area of the evaporation device. Furthermore, a heat carrier can be used which is advantageous for the requirements of the destillation device in view of corrosion characteristics, freezing resistance etc.. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, means are provided to distribute the solution containing the liquid to be evaporated, which is used as a heat carrier in the 20 evaporation device, at the surface of the evaporating device. According to this aspect, the solution containing the liquid to be evaporated itself is used as heat carrier, what simplifies the construction of the destilling apparatus. In accordance with an especially advantageous embodiement of the invention, it is provided that the flow carrying the evaporated material is lead in a closed loop on a first path 25 from the evaporation device to the condensation device, and is lead on a second path, which is separated from the first path, again from the condensation device to the evaporation device. The advantage hereof is an improvment of the efficiency because the flow characteristics for the flow leading the the evaporated material are improved and "flow short-circuits" are avoided. 30 In accordance with an especially prefered further development hereof it is provided that between the evaporation device and the condensation device a separation wall is arranged, and that the flow carrying the evaporated material is lead in a closed loop around WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 6 the separation wall from the evaporation device to the condensation device and again from the condensation device back to the evaporation device. These two latter embodiements are preferably further developed in that the evaporation device and/or the condensation device have flow paths that extend transversely 5 the longitudinal direction, by which the evaporation device and the condensation device, respectively, are flown through from a first side to a second side, and which each are parts of the flow path that is leading the evaporated material in the form of a closed loop. In accordance with a prefered embodiement of the apparatus of the invention, it is provided that the evaporation device and the condensation device each are longitudinally 0 extended structures and basically extend parallel to each other, wherein the evaporation device and the condensation device are flown through in counter flow course. The advantage of the adjacent and parallel arrangement of the evaporation device and the condensation device is that the flow carrying the evaporated material can circulate between the evaporation device and the condensation device on the shortest path and, therefore, with least resistance. .5 According to one embodiement the evaporation device and the condensation device are arranged essentially horizontally with their longitudinal extension. According to an alternative embodiement, the evaporation device and the condensation device are arranged with their longitudinal extension in a direction that is inclined to the horizontal direction, wherein the first end which has the higher temperature is 20 arranged above. This is advantageous in view of stabilizing the flow carrying the evaporated material, whereby an intermixing of partial flows of different temperature and, therefore, a reduction of the efficiency is avoided. In accordance with an embodiement which is of special advantage and which is of special own inventive importance, the evaporation device and the condensation device and 25 the casing enclosing them, are arranged in a spiral shape or helical shape around a vertical axis, wherein the first end, having the higher temperature, of the evaporation device and the of the condensation device is situated above. A first advatage of this embodiement resides again in the stabilization of the flow carrying the evaporated material, in the way that, following the helical shaped course of the evaporation device and the condensation device 30 from top to bottom, also the temperature of the flow carrying the evaporated material decreases and, therewith, a high stability without a mutual intermixing of partial flows of different temperature is achieved. Another advatage is that the evaporation device and the WO 01/00533 ItYUUIU'60 I 7 condensation device can extend in parallel with one another over a relatively great length, whereby, extensively, an operation near the equilibrium condition and, therewith, a high efficiency can be achieved, and on the other hand the apparatus shows no to great space requirement. 5 In accordance with a prefered embodiement of the invention, the evaporation device and the condensation device are arranged extending side by side to each other, wherein the evaporation device has essentially vertically arranged evaporation areas, at which the solution containing the liquid material to be evaporated flows down under the effect of gravitation, and wherein the flow path for the flow leading the evaporated material runs from bottom to 0 top through the evaporation device and from top to bottom through the condensation device, and connects between them the upper side of the evaporation device with the upper side of the condensation device, and the lower side of the condensation device with the lower side of the evaporation device. The special advantage hereof is that already small temperature differences existing between the evaporation device and the condensation device are .5 sufficient to realize, with free convection, a high mass transfer between the evaporation device and the condensation device and therewith a high efficiency. In accordance with another preferable embodiement of the invention, the condensation device and the evaporation device are arranged above each other, wherein the condensation device is arranged above the evaporation device, and wherein the the 2o evaporation device has horizontally arranged evaporation areas at which the solution containing the evaporated liquid material is flowing, and wherein the flow path for the flow leading the evaporated material essentially is leading essentially horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal extension through the evaporation device and from top to bottom through the condensation device, and connects the side, on which the flow exits from the evaporation 25 device, with the upper side of the condensation device, and connects the lower side of the condensation device with the side of the evaporation device at which the flow enters into the evaporation device. The advantage of this embodiement is that the solution containing the liquid material to be evaporated is evenly distributed on the evaporation areas, remains long time thereon and is exchanged only slowly, whereby losses can be maintained small. The 30 mass transfer can occur with high efficiency by free convection. In accordance with an especially advantageous practical embodiement of the inventive apparatus, the evaporation device and/or the condensation device are formed by a WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 8 number of plate shaped elements through which the heat carrier flows and which are arranged in parallel. In accordance with a prefered embodiement hereof it is provided, that the plate shaped elements forming the evaporation device are vertically arranged. This arrangement 5 allows to use the buoyancy forces occuring in the evaporation device due to the heating up of the circulating flow as a"motor" for a free convection. In accordance with another embodiement of the invention, the plate shaped elements that form the evaporation device are horizontally arranged. This results in that the solution containing the liquid material to be evaporated is evenly distributed on the evaporation areas, 0 remains long time thereon and is exchanged only slowly, whereby losses are maintained small. The plate shaped elements that form the condensation device are preverably vertically arranged. This arrangement allows to use the inverse buoyancy forces occuring in the condensation device due to the cooling down of the circulating flow as a "motor" for a free 5 convection. In accordance with an especially prefered further development of the invention, on the surfaces of the plate shaped elements forming the evaporation device, a fleece layer made of a well wettable material is arranged, which keeps the liquid to be evaporated evenly distributedat the evaporation area. !O Finally it is provided according one embodiement of the invention to form the condensation device and/or the evaporation device by pipes. Hereby the construction of especially the condensation device can be essentially simplified. In accordance with a prefered embodiement of the inventive apparatus, also the casing enclosing the evaporation device and the condensation device has a form 25 longitudinally extended and essentially extending in parallel with the longitudinal extension of the evaporation device and the condensation device, respectively. Preferably, the casing enclosing both the evaporation device and the condensation device has a rectangular or circular shaped cross section. Preferably it is provided that the heat carrier, upon absorption of the condensation 30 heat at the condensation device is heated by means of an external heat source to a higher temperature and is supplied to the evaporation device.

WO 01/00533 PCT/EP00/05867 9 Of special advantage are embodiements of the invention, wherein the heat carrier circulates in an essentially closed circuit between the condensation device and the evaporation device. The external heat source can be formed by burning fossil fuel or by waste heat of a 5 internal combustion machine. Of special advantage are embodiements of the invention, wherein the external heat source is formed by solar energy, wherein the heat carrier receives solar radiation energy from a solar collector apparatus. The heat carrier, after leaving the evaporation device, can be, in order to release waste 0 heat, cooled down or be mixed with colder heat carrier and supplied to the condensation device. In accordance with a further development of the embodiement already especially emphasized earlier, wherein the evaporation device and the condensation device, together with the cover enclosing them, are arranged in a spiral shape or helical shape around a 5 vertical axis, it is provided that inside the helical shaped arrangement of the evaporation device and the condensation device a storage container is provided for storing the heat carrier that is to be supplied to the evaporation device at high temperature. The advatage of such a storage container as such is, that therby an uniform continuous operation of the destilling appparatus, also with intermitting heating up of the heat carrier by an external heat source, e. o g. by solar energy, is possible, wherein the central arrangement of such a storage container inside the helical shaped arrangement, in accordance with the invention, reduces heat losses. Thereby it is provided, advatageously, that the evaporation device and the condensation device with their casing and the storage container are arranged inside a common isolating housing. This reduces the heat losses compared to an arrangement, :5 wherein the destilling apparatus and the storage container are arranged in separate casings. Of very special advantage are embodiements of the invention, wherein the transfer of the evaporated material takes place by free convection of a flow that is driven by the temperature difference between the evaporation device and the condensation device. This allows to omit mechanical energy for driving the flow, and by the free convection a 0 self-regulation of the mass and heat transfer occurs in the sense of an optimal efficiency. One prefered use of the inventive apparatus is for distilling water from sea water or brackish water.

WO 01/00533 ruinrvIuioo/ 10 Another prefered use of the inventive apparatus is for the concentration of hazardous materials that are solved in a fluid, especially water. The invention also extends to processes for distilling of a liquid material from a solution, especially for distilling water from sea water or saltish water, or for the 5 concentration of hazardous materials that are solved in a liquid, especially water, with the features stated above. In the following, embodiements of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings. They show: 0 Figure 1 a schematic block diagram of an implementation form, for the purpose of explaining the basic features of a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 a schematic diagram of an apparatus for distilling of a liquid material from 5 a solution, e.g. for distilling of water from sea water, salt water or brackish water in accordance with a second aspect of the invention; Figure 3 a) and b) in perspective view and in a sectional view, respectively, a strongly schematic diagram of a first embodiement of the invention; Z0 Figure 4 a) and b) each a cross sectional view of practical implementation forms of a first and a second embodiement of an apparatus for distilling a liquid material from a solution; 25 Figure 5 a) and b) each a cross sectional view of practical implementation forms of a third and a fourth embodiement of an apparatus for the distilling a liquid material from a solution; Figure 6 a cross sectional view of a practical implementation form of a fifth 30 embodiement of an apparatus for distilling of a liquid material from a solution; WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 11 Figure 7 a sectional view of an apparatus for distilling a liquid material in accordance with a further, sixth embodiement of the invention in two variants; Figure 8 a), b) and c) schematic, sectional views of components, of which the 5 evaporating device and/or the condensation device of the apparatus in accordance with the invention can be constructed, according to three different embodiements; Figure 9 a) through d) cross sectional views of details of components, which can form the evaporating device of the apparatus, in accordance with the invention, according 0 to four different embodiements; Figure 10 a) and b) cross sectional views through evaporating and condensing devices which are arranged in a common casing, in accordance with two embodiements, as they can be part of the sixth embodiement of the destilling apparatus of the invention 5 as shown in Figure 7; Figure 11 a) and b) cross sectional views of evaporating and condensing devices which are arranged in a common casing, in accordance with two further embodiements, as they can be again part of the sixth embodiement of the destilling .0 apparatus of the invention as shown in Figure 7; Figure I1c) through e) side views of condensing devices in accordance with three different embodiements, as they can be part of the destilling apparatus of the invention; 5 Figure 12 a) and b) a schematic view in perspective and a schematic side view, respectively, of a distillation apparatus according to prior art; and Figure 13 a schematic block diagram of the distillation apparatus shown in Figure 12, 0 according to prior art.

WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/0586'/ 12 Figure 1 shows, in a schematic block diagram, an implementation that explains the basic features in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. A distillation apparatus 100 serves for distilling of a liquid material from a solution, e.g. for distilling of water from sea water or brackish water, or for concentration of materials contained in a solution, by 5 withdrawing of liquid. The distillation apparatus 100 contains an evaporation device 101 and a condensation device 102. The evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102 are arranged in a common housing 105. A heat carrier of high temperature T2 is supplied to the evaporation device 101 at 0 and flows through this, as shown by the arrows. The heat carrier is supplied to the condensation device 102 at the point M with lower temperature Tl' 0 and flows through the condensation device 102 in the direction, as shown by the arrows. In the evaporating device 101, the heat carrier is hermetically enclosed by walls which form an external limitation of the evaporation device 101. The solution containing the material to be evaporated is distributed on the surface of the evaporation device 101. The heat carrier and the solution are hermetically separated from one another within the evaporation device 101. .5 The liquid material (water) is evaporated from the solution at the evaporation device 101 and is transferred within a flow, as shown by arrows, from the evaporation device 101 to the condensation device 102, and here, condensed and collected, wherein the latter is shown in Figure 1 at D. By the release of heat during the evaporation of the liquid material at the evaporation device 101, the heat carrier cools down from the entry temperature T2 at 0, to an 20 exit temperature TI at P. After release of further heat QA , e.g. in a heat exchanger or by mixing it with colder heat carrier, the heat carrier having a temperature Tl' , which is lower than the temperature T1, is supplied at M to the condensation device 102 and flows through it. When flowing through the condensation device 102, the heat carrier receives the condensation heat, being released by condensing of the evaporated liquid material, and 25 warms up, wherein the heat carrier leaves the condensation device 102 at N with a temperature T2', which is lower than the temperature T2. with which the heat carrier enters into the evaporation device 101 at the first end A. Between leaving the condensation device 102 and the entry into the evaporation device 101, the heat carrier is warmed up from temperature T2' to temperature T2, by supply of heat QE, which is for example effected by a 30 solar collector 121 through which the heat carrier is pumped by a pump P. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a distillation apparatus in accordance with an embodiement of the present invention. The heat carrier is supplied to the WO 01/00533 PCT/EPU0/!(t0st/ 13 evaporation device 101 at a first end A thereof, with a high temperature T2, and the same flows through the evaporation device 101 in the longitudinal direction thereof, as shown by the arrows. The heat carrier is supplied to the condensation device 102 at its second end B with lower temperature Tl', and flows through the condensation device 102 in counter flow to 5 the flow direction of the heat carrier in the evaporating device 101, in the direction which is also shown by the arrows. The liquid material (water) is evaporated from the solution at the evaporating device 101 and is transported in a flow, shown by the arrows, essentially in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102, to the condensation device 102, and collected. The temperatures of 0 the heat carrier are as in Figure 1. The longitudinal direction of the evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102 runs horizontally or slantingly inclined to the horizontal direction. Figure 3a) shows in a strongly schematic perspective diagram the basic features of a second aspect of the invention. The distillation apparatus 100 contains an evaporation device 5 101 and a condensation device 102. The evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102 each are longitudinally extended structures and are flown through by a heat carrier. In the evaporation device 101, the liquid material (water) is evaporated and is transferred from there to the condensation device 102, where the liquid material will be condensed. The evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102 each have a first end A with higher 10 temperature and a second end B with lower temperature. The evaporation device 101 is being flown through by the heat carrier from the first end A to the second end B, and the condensation device 102 is being flown through by the heat carrier from the second end B to the first end A. This basic flow direction is shown in Figure 3 a) by arrows drawn in double lines, wherein the flow can be guided inside the evaporation device 101 and the condensation 25 device 102 in the inner also in of zig-zag form or meander form, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 8. As shown by the arrows drawn in simple lines in Figure 3a), the liquid material evaporated from the solution at the evaporation device 101 (water vapour) is lead in a flow that flows in a direction transversely to the evaporation device 101 and transversely to the 30 condensation device 102. Therein, the transfer of the evaporated material is carried out, respectively, from portions AV of high temperature of the evaporation device 101 to portions AK of high temperature of the condensation device 102, and from portions BV of medium WO 01/00533 PCT/EFUU!U6/ 14 temperature of the evaporation device 101 to portions of medium temperature BK of the condensation device 102, and from portions CV of low temperature of the evaporation device 101 to portions CK of low temperature of the condensation device 102, wherein, of course, the temperatures at AV, BV, CV at the evaporation device 101 respectively are higher than 5 the temperatures of the assigned to portions AK, BK and CK at the condensation device 102, in order to enable a mass transfer from the evaporation device 101 to the condensation device 102. Herein, the portions of high, medium and low temperatures at, respectively, the evaporating surface and the condensing surface merge continuously into one another, the temperature profile has preferably a smooth, continuous course. 0 Preferably is, as shown in the cross sectional graph in Figure 3b), the flow carrying the evaporated material lead in a closed loop on a first path I from the evaporation device 101 to the condensation device 102, and is lead on a second path II, which is separated from the first path, from the condensation device 102 again to the evaporation device 101. By the way of Figures 4 to 6, now five practical implementations of distillation 5 apparata shall be explained on the basis of cross sectional illustrations through these: Figure 4a) shows a distillation apparatus 100, wherein an evaporation device 101 and a condensation device 102 are enclosed by a common housing, respectively, casing 105. The evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102 each are formed by plate shaped elements 109, 110, which are vertically arranged and run with their longitudinal direction !0 horizontally or slantingly inclined to the horizontal direction. The plate shaped elements 109, 110 are flown through by the heat carrier in a counter flow. The heat carrier is hermetically enclosed by respective walls 119, 120 of the plate shaped elements 109, 110. Between the evaporation device 101 and the condensation device 102, a separating wall 107 is arranged, which, together with the casing 105, forms a flow path for a flow leading the 15 evaporated liquid material (water vapour) from the evaporation device 101 to the condensation device 102. The solution (salt water) is supplied via distribution pipes 108 on the upper side of the plate shaped elements 108 and distributed. The liquid material evaporating from the evaporation area 103 is taken up by a flow ascending in the evaporation device 101, transferred from the upper side of the evaporation device 101 to the upper side of 30 the condensation device 102 and is condensed at the condensation device 102. Therein, the flow is sinking in the condensation device 102 downwards and is lead from the lower side of the condensation device 102 to the lower side of the evaporation device 101, thus the flow . WO 01/00533 FuT/bFUU/UNS / 15 path leading the evaporated liquid material being closed. Under the condensation device 102 a device 106 for collecting the condensed liquid material (water) is provided. Figure 4b) shows a second implementation of a distillation apparatus according to the present invention. Different from the first embodiement as shown in Figure 4 a), here, however, the 5 condensation device 102' is formed by a bundle of heat exchanger pipes 112', which are flown through by the heat carrier. In the third and fourth embodiements shown in Figure 5a) and b), distillation apparata 100, 101', respectively, are illustrated, which have evaporation surfaces 103' being essentially horizontal. Between the evaporation device 101' and the condensation device 0 102, 102' , respectively, a vertical separating wall 107 is arranged, which continues further from its lower side to a horizontal leg 107'. The flow leading the evaporated liquid material is sinking in the condensation device 102 (Figure 5a)) and in the condensation device 102' (Figure 5b)), respectively, downwards and flows passing under the separating wall 107 to the left side of the evaporating elements 109', then spreads there in several partial streams, 5 flows transversely to the longitudinal extension of the evaporating device 101', passing by the evaporating areas 103', to the right and escalates at the separating wall 107 upwards and further to the upper side of the condensation device 102, 102' respectively. In Figure 6 is shown, in a cross sectional view, a distillation apparatus 200 according to a fifth embodiement of the invention. In a housing, respectively a cover 205, an evaporation !0 device 201 and a condensation device 202 are arranged parallel to each other. The evaporation device 201 is formed by a number of evaporating elements 209, at which there are the evaporating areas 203. Above the evaporation device 201, the condensation device 202 is arranged, which are essentially vertically aligned. The evaporation elements 209 and the condensation elements 210 each are formed by plate shaped elements. The solution is !5 distributed on the evaporation area 203. Between the evaporation device 201 and the condensation device 202, a separating wall 207 is arranged, which is vertically aligned and which continues further from its lower side into a essentially horizontaly extending leg 207'. The horizontally extending leg 207' of the separating wall forms simultaneously a collection device 206 for the liquid material. The flow sinks between the condensation elements 210 30 downwards, flows to the right side of the evaporation device 201, is lead between the single evaporation elements 209 horizontally passing by the evaporating areas 203 to the left, is escalating between the separating wall 207 and the housing 205 upwards and is lead to the . WO 01/00533 1-U 1IFUU/U350 / 16 upper side of the condensation device 202, whereby the circuit for the flow leading the evaporated liquid material is closed. The condensation device 202 can also be formed by a bundle of pipes. Figure 7 shows a sixth embodiement of the present invention, wherein is shown in 5 Figure 7a) on the left side of the double drawn separation line a first variant and in Figure 7b) on the right side a second variant. In the illustrated embodiement, a distillation apparatus referred to altogether 300, 300', respectively, is arranged in spiral form, respectively, helical form inside an isolating housing 314. The distillation apparatus 300; 300' contains an evaporation device 301; 301' and a 0 condensation device 302; 302'. Arranged between the evaporation device and the condensation device is a separating wall 307; 307'. The evaporation device 301; 301' and condensation device 302; 302 are surrounded by a common casing 305; 305', which extends in parallel to these and follows the helical shaped course of the arrangement. The evaporation device 301; 301' is formed by evaporating elements 309; 309', which 5 with their longitudinal direction follow the helical shaped course of the distillation apparatus 300; 300'. In the first variant shown in Figure 7a), the condensation device 302 is formed by plate shaped elements 310. In the second variant shown in Figure 7b), the condensation device 302' is formed by a bundle of heat exchanger pipes 312'. In the distillation apparatus 300; 300', the first end A (higher temperature) of the 0 evaporation device 301; 301' and condensation device 302; 302' is arranged above, the second ends B of the evaporation device 301; 301' and the condensation device 302; 302' (lower temperature) are arranged at the bottom. The heat carrier flows through the evaporation device 301; 301' from the first end A to the second end B from top to bottom, the condensation device 302; 302' is flown through from the second end B from bottom to top .5 towards the first end A. In the embodiement shown in Figure 7, in the central portion of the isolating housing 314 inside the helical shaped arrangement, a storage container 315 is arranged for the heat carrier. At the lower side of the distillation apparatus 300; 300', a distillate collecting device ;0 306, 306' and a collecting device 313; 313' for the not evaporated part of the solution are provided.

. WO U1/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 17 Different from Figure 7b), the condensation device also can comprise only one or also more pipes 302", for evaporation, the solution, which then itself serves as a heat carrier, can directly flow down in the casing 305; 305', as shown at 301" in Figure 10b) and further discribed later. The casing 305' can be of pipe shape having circular or rectangular cross section. Figure 8a) through to c) show sectional side views of plate shaped evaporating elements 109, respectively, condensation elements 110, having different flow courses inside thereof, parallel, of zig-zag form or of meander form. The basic flow direction is, however, also here in the longitudinal direction of the evaporation device, respectively, the condensation device. Figure 9a) through d) show different kinds of implementation on how the solution containing the fluid to be evaporated can be distributed on the evaporating area 103; 103' of an evaporating element 109' 109'. In Figure 9a) the plate shaped evaporation element 109 is formed by a double board bridged plate, which is vertically arranged and has on its surface, on both sides, a wettable fleece 111. On the upper side of the evaporating element 109,. a distribution pipe 108 with distribution holes 116 is provided. In Figure 9b) is the plate shaped evaporation element 109' is aligned horizontally and comprises a double board bridged plate, on which a wettable fleece Ill' is provided. The solution will be distributed on the wettable fleece 111'. A collecting apparatus 113' is provided under the evaporation element 109' for the draining solution. In Figure 9c), the evaporation element 109' is formed by a flat built tub 113', in which a wettable fleece 111' is arranged. The solution will be distributed on an end of the tub 113' on the wettable fleece 111', so that it can flow, following the longitudinal direction of the evaporation element 109', over the wettable fleece 111. Figure 9d) finally shows a horizontally aligned plate shaped evaporation element 109' with a carrier board 117', where at both its upper and lower surface, a wettable fleece 111' is provided. The carrier board 11 7'has penetrating holes or openings 118'. The solution will be distributed on the upper side of the carrier board 117' on the wettable fleece 111', whereby a part of the solution enters through the penetrating holes 118' to the lower side of the carrier board 117'. Figur I Oa) and b) show cross sections through two implementation examples of destilling apparata 300; 300', as they can be used in the sixth embodiement in helical shaped . WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 18 arrangement, as shown in Figur 7. In Figure 10a), an evaporation device 301 and a condensation device 302' are arranged in a comman casing 305'. Between the evaporation device 301 and the condensation device 302' a separation wall 307 is arranged, which defines, together with the casing 305' the flow path for the flow leading the evaporated 5 liquid. The evaporation device 301 is formed by one (or more) vertically arranged evaporation elements 309. At the surface of the evaporation element 309 on both sides are arranged layers of a wettable fleece 111, on which the solution containing the liquid to be evaporated will be distributed evenly. At the upper end side a distribution pipe 308 is provided which serves for supplying the solution containing the fluid to be evaporated, and to ) distribute the same onto the wettable fleece 111 through distribution holes that are provided on the sides thereof. The evaporation element is flown through by the heat carrier in longitudinal direction. The condenstion device 302' is formed by a number of heat exchanger pipes 312 which each are flown through by the heat carrier in longitudinal direction. In Figur 10b), the evaporation device 301' is formed by a wettable fleece 311" which is provided on 5 the bottom of a casing 305 and over which the solution containing the liquid to be evaporated, which, here, itself serves as a heat carrier, is flowing. The condensation device 302" comprises a number of condensation elements 310" arranged in parallel to one another, which are flown through by the heat carrier in longitudinal direction. One side and the bottom side of the condensation device 302" are defined by a L-shaped separation wall 307 of which the lower, horizontally extending leg 307' is forming a collecting device 306" for the destillate rinsing from the condensation elements 310". Between the lower side of the condesation elements 310" and the collection device 306", there is provided a sufficient gap to allow it the flow sinking downwards between the condensation elements 310" to exit to the side and to reach the upper side of the wettable fleece 311" from the right. The flow is i running transversely over the fleece 311" and is then ascending on the side between the housing 305 and the separation wall 307 upwards to the top of the condensaton elements 310". The Figures 11 a) and b) show cross sectional views through two embodiements of destilling apparata, as they also can be used in a helical shaped arrangement in accordance with the sixth embodiement shown in Figure 7, wherein here the destilling apparata 300 are surrounded by a casing 305' of circular shaped cross section , i.e. in the form of a pipe. In Figure 1 a) both the evaporation device 301 and the condensation device 302 each comprise SWO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 19 vertically alinged elements, which are formed by double board bridged plates. Therebetween an also vertically aligned separation wall 307 is arranged. In the embodiement shown in Figure 11 b), the evaporation device 301" is formed by a wettable fleece 311" which is arranged in the lower portion of the pipe shaped housing 305', extending in the longitudinal 5 direction thereof, and on which the solution containing the liquid to be evaporated is flowing in the longitudinal direction. The condensation device 302" is formed by a heat exchanging pipe below of which an element 307" is arranged which simultaneously is forming both a separation wall between the evaporation device 301" and the condensation device 302", and a collecting device for the liquid condensed on the condensing device 302". At the heat exchanger pipe forming the evaporation device 302" cooling fins 322 can be arranged. The Figures II c) through d) show side views of sections of a heat exchanging pipe, as it can be used for the condensation device shown in Figure 11 b), but also for other condensation devices formed by heat exchanging pipes. In Figure 11 c) a smooth heat exchanging pipe 302a is shown. Figure 1ld) shows a heat exchanging pipe 302b which has cooling fins 321 formed by the wall of the pipe itself. In the embodiement shown in Figure lIe), finally, the heat exchanging pipe 302c has attached, disc shaped cooling fins 322. In the embodiements illustrated in Figures 4a) and b), 5a) and b), 7a) and b), 1 Oa) and b), and 1 la), the separation wall 107, respectively, 207, respectively, 307 between the evaporation device 101, respectively, 201, respectively, 301 and the condensation device 102, respectively, 202, respectively, 302 also can be omitted. The function of the destilling apparatus also is ensured in this case, however, with free convection, the buoyancy forces, because of the missing "chimney effect", and, presumably, the efficiency of the destilling apparatus will be smaller.

Claims (33)

1. Apparatus for distilling of a liquid material from a solution, especially for distillation 5 of water from sea water or salt water, with an evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') flown through by a heat carrier, at which the liquid material is evaporated by supply of heat by the heat carrier, and with a condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 3 02; 302'), flown through by a heat carrier, at which the liquid material is condensed by release of heat to the heat carrier, with a device (106; 206; 306) arranged at the condensation device (102; 102'; 0 202; 302; 302') for collecting the condensed liquid material, and with a casing (105; 205; 305) enclosing the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'), which defines a flow path for a flow that transfers the evaporated material between the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'), wherein the evaporation device (101; 101'; .5 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302') each have walls (119; 119'; 219; 319; 319') that are liquid-nonpermeable, but are well heat conducting, by which the heat carrier is separated from the solution, the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302') and the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') can be flown through by the same heat carrier, wherein the heat carrier is a liquid different from the solution, and wherein 20 means (108; 208; 308) are provided for supplying and distributing the solution at the surface of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'), and wherein the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302') each have a first end (A) of higher temperature and a second end (B) of lower temperature and are flown through by the heat carrier in counter flow. 25

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302') each are longitudinally extended structures, each having a first end (A) with higher temperature and a second end (B) with lower temperature, and in that there are provided flow paths for the 30 flow leading the evaporated material, which, in the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302') essentially run transversely to their longitudinal extension, so that the material transfer of the evaporated material is WO 01/00533 PCT/EPO0/05867 29 occurring, respectively, from portions (AV) of high temperature of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') to portions of high temperature of the condensation device (102; 102; 202; 302; 302'), respectively, from portions (CV) of low temperature of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') to portions (CK) of low temperature of the condensation 5 device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'), respectively, from portions of medium temperature (BV) of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') to portions of medium temperature (BK) of the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302').

3. Apparatus for distilling of a liquid material from a solution, especially for distilling of .0 water from sea water or salt water, with an evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301', 301") flown through by a heat carrier, at which the liquid material is evaporated through heat supply by the heat carrier, and with a condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302', 302"), flown through by a heat carrier, at which the liquid material is condensed through heat release to the heat carrier, with a device (106; 206; 306; 306'; 306") for collecting the [5 condensed liquid material, and with a casing (105; 205; 305) enclosing the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), which defines a flow path for a flow that transfers the evaporated material. between the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), wherein the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 20 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") each are longitudinally extended structures, each having a first end (A) with higher temperature and a second end (B) with lower temperature and being flown through in counter flow, characterized in that for the flow that transfers the evaporated material flow paths are provided, which essentially run transversely to the longitudinal extension through the 25 evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), so that the material transfer of the evaporated material takes place, respectively, from portions (AV) of high temperature of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') to portions of high temperature of the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), respectively, from portions (CV) of low temperature of the evaporation 30 device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") to portions (CK) of low temperatures of the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), respectively, from portions of medium temperature (BV) of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") to WO 01/00533 FCI/EF k'0/Ub/I 30 portions of medium temperature (BK) of the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), wherein the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") are arranged, with the longitudinal direction thereof, essentially horizontally or inclined to the horizontal diretion, the first end 5 (A) having the higher temperature being higher than the second end (B) .

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') has walls liquid-nonpermeable but well heat conducting, by which the heat carrier is separated from the solution, that the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 0 302; 302') and the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') can be flown through by the same heat carrier, and that means (108; 208; 308) are provided for supplying and distributing the solution at the surface of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301').

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that means are provided to .5 make the solution itself flow as heat carrier through or over the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301").

6. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 5, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 0 202; 302; 302'; 302") are formed so that the flow carrying the evaporated material is lead in a closed loop on a first path (I) from the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") to the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), and is lead on a second path (II) which is separated from the first path, again from the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") to the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301"). 15

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that between the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") is arranged a separation wall (107; 207; 307; 307'; 307"), so that the flow carrying the evaporated material is lead in a closed loop around the separation wall (107; 0 207; 307; 307'; 307") from the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") to the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), and again from the condensation WU UI/0U533 PCT/EPOO/05867 31 device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") back to the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301").

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the evaporation 5 device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and/or the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") have flow paths extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, flowing through the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), respectively, from a first side to a second side, and which each are parts of the flow path that is leading the evaporated material D in the form of a closed loop.

9. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") each are longitudinally extended structures and basically extend parallel to each other.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201) and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202) are, with their longitudinal extension, essentially horizontally arranged.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 3 01") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202 ; 302; 302'; 302") are, with their longitudinal extension, arranged in a direction that is inclined to the horizontal direction, wherein the first end (A) which has the higher temperature is arranged higher than the second end (B).

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the evaporation device (301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (302; 302'; 302") and the casing (305; 305'; 305") enclosing them, are arranged in a helical shape (spiral shape) around a vertical axis, wherein the first end (A), having the higher temperature, of the evaporation device (301; 301'; 301") and the of the condensation device (302; 302'; 302") is situated above. WO 01/00533 PCT/EPO0/05867 32

13. Apparatus in accordance with one of claims I to 12, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 302; 302; 302") are arranged side by side to each other, wherein the flow paths for the flow leading the evaporated material run from bottom to top through the evaporation device (101; 5 101'; 301; 301'; 301") and from top to bottom through the condensation device (102; 102'; 302; 302; 302"), and connect between them the upper side of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 301; 301'; 301") with the upper side of the condensation device (102; 102'; 302; 302; 302") and the lower side of the condensation device (102; 102'; 302; 302; 302") with the lower side of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 301; 301': 301"). 0

14. Apparatus in accordance with one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the condensation device (202) is arranged above the evaporation device (201), wherein the flow path for the flow leading the evaporated material essentially is leading essentially horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal extension through the evaporation device 5 (201) and from top to bottom through the condensation device (202), and connects the side, on which the flow exits the evaporation device (201), with the upper side of the condensation device (202) and connects the lower side of the condensation device (202) with the side of the evaporation device (201) on which the flow enters into the evaporation device (201). ,0

15. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') and/or the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302;302") is formed by a number of plate shaped elements (109; 209; 309; 110; 210; 310; 310") through which the heat carrier flows and which are arranged in parallel. 5

16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the plate shaped elements (109; 209; 309) that form the evaporation device (101; 101', 201; 301; 301') are vertically arranged.

17. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the plate shaped 0 elements (109; 209) that form the evaporation device (101'; 201) are horizontally arranged. . WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 33

18. Apparatus in accordance with patent claims 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the plate shaped elements (110; 210; 310) that form the condensation device (102; 202; 302) are vertically arranged. 5

19. Apparatus in accordance with one of the patent claims 15 to 18, characterized in that on the surfaces of the plate shaped elements (109; 209; 309), that form the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'), a fleece layer (111; 111') made of a well wettable material is arranged, which keeps the liquid to be evaporated evenly distributed on the surface of the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301') . 0

20. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 19, characterized in that the condensation device (102'; 302'; 302") and/or the evaporation device (301") is formed by pipes. 5

21. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 9 to 20, characterized in that the casing (105; 205; 305; 305') enclosing the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301' 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") has a form longitudinally extended and essentially extending in parallel with the longitudinal extension of the evaporation device and the condensation device, respectively. 0

22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21, characterized in that the casing (105; 205; 305; 305') enclosing the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302"), has a rectangular or circular shaped cross section. 5

23. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 22, characterized in that there is provided an external heat source (QE) for heating up the heat carrier, upon absorption of the condensation heat at the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") to a higher temperature before supplying the heat carrier to the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 0 301'; 301"). WO 01/00533 PCT/EPOO/05867 34

24. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 23, characterized in that there is provided an essentially closed circuit for circulating the heat carrier between the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302") and the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 301"). 5

25. Apparatus in accordance with claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the external heat source (QE) is formed by means for burning fossil fuel or by means for using waste heat of an internal combustion machine. 0

26. Apparatus in accordance with claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the external heat source (QE) is formed a solar collector apparatus (121).

27. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 26, characterized in that means are provided for cooling the heat carrier, after leaving the evaporation device (101; 101'; 201; 5 301; 30 '; 301"), in order to release waste heat (QA), or for mixing with colder heat carrier and for supplying the heat carrier to the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302; 302").

28. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 12 to 27, characterized in that inside 0 the helical shaped (spiral shaped) arrangement of the evaporation device (301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (302; 302'; 302") a storage container (315) is provided for storing the heat carrier that is to be supplied to the evaporation device (301; 301'; 301") at high temperature. 5

29. Apparatus in accordance with claim 28, characterized in that the evaporation device (301; 301'; 301") and the condensation device (302; 302'; 302") with their casing (305; 305') and the storage container (315) are arranged inside a common isolating housing (314).

30. Apparatus in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the 0 apparatus is provided so that the transfer of the evaporated material takes place by free convection in a flow that is driven by the temperature difference between the evaporation WU UI/UU)33 PCT/EPOO/05867 35 device (101; 101'; 201; 301; 301'; 3 01") and the condensation device (102; 102'; 202; 302; 302'; 302").

31. The use of the apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 30 for distilling 5 water from sea water, salt water, polluted water or brackish water.

32. The use of the apparatus in accordance with one of the claims I to 30 for the concentration of hazardous materials that are solved in a fluid, especially water. D

33. Process for distillation of a liquid material from a solution, especially for distilling water from sea water or salt water, or for the concentration of hazardous materials that are solved in a liquid, especially water, using the apparatus of one or more of the patent claims 1 to 32.