GB2537343A - Device for treating contaminated water - Google Patents

Device for treating contaminated water Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2537343A
GB2537343A GB1501353.5A GB201501353A GB2537343A GB 2537343 A GB2537343 A GB 2537343A GB 201501353 A GB201501353 A GB 201501353A GB 2537343 A GB2537343 A GB 2537343A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
waterbody
water
contaminated water
piping
humidifying
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1501353.5A
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GB201501353D0 (en
GB2537343B (en
Inventor
Yosef Emmerich Ziev
Teshuva Moshe
Altman Joshua
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T S D DESALINATION Ltd
Original Assignee
T S D DESALINATION Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by T S D DESALINATION Ltd filed Critical T S D DESALINATION Ltd
Priority to GB1501353.5A priority Critical patent/GB2537343B/en
Publication of GB201501353D0 publication Critical patent/GB201501353D0/en
Priority to PCT/IL2016/050074 priority patent/WO2016120865A1/en
Publication of GB2537343A publication Critical patent/GB2537343A/en
Priority to IL253660A priority patent/IL253660A0/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2537343B publication Critical patent/GB2537343B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D1/00—Evaporating
    • B01D1/14—Evaporating with heated gases or vapours or liquids in contact with the liquid
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/02—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating
    • C02F1/04—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation
    • C02F1/14—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation using solar energy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D1/00—Evaporating
    • B01D1/0011—Heating features
    • B01D1/0029—Use of radiation
    • B01D1/0035—Solar energy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D5/00—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation
    • B01D5/0003—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation by using heat-exchange surfaces for indirect contact between gases or vapours and the cooling medium
    • B01D5/0006—Coils or serpentines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D5/00—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation
    • B01D5/0057—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation in combination with other processes
    • B01D5/006—Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation in combination with other processes with evaporation or distillation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F7/00—Aeration of stretches of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/007—Contaminated open waterways, rivers, lakes or ponds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/08—Seawater, e.g. for desalination
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/009—Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower or fuel cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/147—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
    • F25B39/04—Condensers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
    • Y02A20/208—Off-grid powered water treatment
    • Y02A20/212—Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/10—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Water, Waste Water Or Sewage (AREA)

Abstract

A device for treating contaminated water by means of an air humidification / dehumidification cycle comprises (a) a humidifying portion; (b) a blower 140 configured for blowing air via the humidifying portion; (c) a condensing portion 160 fluidly connected downstream of the humidifying portion; and (d) a pump for pumping purified water. The humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of a contaminated waterbody. The shell is transparent for solar radiation. The condensing portion includes piping submerged into the waterbody such that condensation heat released in the piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody. Heated contaminated water from the bottom portion of the waterbody ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists in the heating thereof. The waterbody can be natural, and may be selected from the group consisting of a sea, a lake, a river, an estuary and an ocean. Alternatively, the waterbody can be artificially impounded, and may be a wastewater treatment facility. A method of treating contaminated water is also claimed.

Description

DEVICE FOR TREATING CONTAMINATED WATER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to water treatment devices and, more specifically, to devices for water purification by means of humidification/dehumidification cycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Small-to moderate-scale water desalination systems are expected to be vital for hot and arid areas, where natural sources of water are absent and access to sweet water pipelines is considered challenging, either due to lack of energy sources to run a desalination system or to isolated geographical territories. These locations have an abundance of solar energy that provides a suitable environmentally friendly energy source.
One of the moderate-scale water production systems that utilizes solar energy is the humidification dehumidification (HDH) system. HDH systems have received significant attention from researchers within the last decade. HDH desalination uses separate components for each of the thermal processes, allowing each component to be independently designed and allowing much greater flexibility in the design of the thermodynamic cycle for vaporizing water into air and subsequently condensing the vapor.
US POP 20 140 197022 discloses a solar-powered humidification-dehumidification desalination system includes a supply of saline/brackish water passing through a dehumidifier/condenser. The saline/brackish water is preheated in the dehumidifier/condenser due to the condensation process. A plurality of humidifying stages includes respective humidifiers and respective solar collectors. The solar collectors heat air, and the heated air passes through respective humidifiers to evaporate the preheated saline/brackish water, separating pure water from the brine. The humid air is reheated and recirculated through the humidifying stages and the dehumidifier, and the desalinated water from the dehumidifier via condensation is collected to and processed. The system recirculates the brine successively from each humidifier to the next for more efficient evaporation and less energy consumption.
It is very important to use natural sources of heat and cold in a maximal manner. There is a long-field and unmet need to provide a device using a naturally impounded body such as a sea as a source cold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a humidifying portion; (b) a blower configured for blowing air via the humidifying portion; (c) a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of the humidifying portion; and (d) a pump for pumping purified water.
It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the humidifying portion including a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody. The shell is transparent for solar radiation. The condensing portion includes a piping submerged into the waterbody thereat condensation heat released in the submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody; heated contaminated water from the bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists heating thereof Another object of the invention is to disclose air blown via the device which is exhausted into environment.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the air circulating between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a close loop.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the waterbody which is natural and is selected from the group consisting of a sea and an ocean.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the waterbody which is artificially impounded.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the waterbody which is a wastewater treatment facility.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the humidifying portion comprising a screen disposed under a layer of the contaminated water. The aforesaid screen is configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating the absorbed energy into the layer of contaminated water.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the device comprising first and second conduits, which are horizontally oriented. The second conduit is disposed within the first conduit. The first conduit is partially filled with the contaminated water, while a space over the contaminated water conducts the air to be humidified which is blown by the blower. The second conduit is submerged within the contaminated water. The second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from the humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from the second conduit.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the combined arrangements disposed downstream successively in a cascade manner.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the submerged piping configured for collection of condensed water in a lowest point of the piping due to gravitational running-off.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the submerged piping shaped in a serpentine manner.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle. The aforesaid method comprises the step of: (a) providing a device for treating contaminated water with: (i) a humidifying portion; (ii) a blower configured for blowing air via the humidifying portion; (iii) a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of the humidifying portion; (iv) a pump for pumping purified water; (v) the humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; the shell is transparent for solar radiation; the condensing portion includes a piping submerged into the waterbody; (b) solar heating the contaminated within the humidifying portion; thereat condensation heat released in the submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody; heated contaminated water from the bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists heating thereof; (c) blowing air via the humidifying portion over the waterbody thereby producing humidified air; (d) conducting the humidified air along the piping thereby producing condensed water from water vapor on internal walls of the piping; (e) collecting the condensed water in a lowest point of the piping; and (t) pumping out the condensed water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. I is a concept diagram of a humidifying process; Fig. 2 is a concept diagram of a humidifying/dehumidifying cycle; Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a device for treating contaminated water; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a device for treating contaminated water; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a solar absorbing surface; Fig. 6 is an isometric view of underwater piping; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of underwater piping; and Fig. 8 is a diagram of water and air circulating piping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle and a method of doing the same.
The term of "humidifying portion" refers hereinafter to a portion of the system relating to the present invention, which functions in at least one manner listed below: increasing relative humidity of unsaturated vapor and increasing absolute humidity of saturated vapor. A shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody and a pipe accommodating contaminated water and air flow to be humidified are in the scope of the present invention.
The device of the present invention constitutes a closed-loop system. Every cycle of condensation process conveys heat back to the contaminated water. Then, water heated in proximity of condensing piping is conveyed by the contaminated water via convection currents and specific gravity changes to the upper layer, and a part of condensation heat transferred to contaminated water returns into the upper layer. Thus, the device of the present invention advantageously differs from the devices known in the art, because a part of the condensation energy is reused by means of convection heat transfer from lower water layers to upper water layers.
Humidifying/dehumidifying cycle can be characterized thermodynamically on the basis of first law of thermodynamics for the open system.
Heat transfer is given by where W is work rate and equals 0. /hi and The refer to mass rates of heat transfer agent at inlet of the system and at its outlet, respectfully. hi and he are values of specific enthalpy at inlet and outlet of the system, respectively.
Specific heat transfer per mass unit can be presented as = cp air X (AT) + w2 x arc -w1 X hp at = hi -he, ma 2 where Cp air is constant pressure specific heat, AT is difference between temperatures at inlet and outlet, wi and we are absolute humidity at inlet and outlet, h9 is convection heat transfer coefficient of saturated vapor, k and he specific enthalpy at inlet and outlet. Reference is now made to Fig. 1, presenting a humidifying portion A of the device. Pipe 10 is sufficiently transparent to solar radiation 20 such that contaminated water 50 is heated by the aforesaid solar radiation 20. Absolute humidity of inward flow 30 constituting unsaturated or saturated vapor increases progressively along pipe 10. Temperature and absolute humidity of outward flow 40 is higher than the aforesaid parameters of inward flow 30.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, presenting a humidifying/condensing arrangement B. In upper part of Fig. 2, flow 100, which can he an ambient air, flows via free space within pipe 60, while bottom part of aforesaid pipe 60 is filled by contaminated water 50. Numeral 110 refers to outward humidified flow 110. Sub-pipe 70 is submerged in contaminated water 50 and conducts moist air to be condensed. Optionally, arrangement B can function as a close cycle device, providing that the upper portion of arrangement B is transparent to solar radiation, while humidified flow 110 is directed to into sub-pipe 70, which is cooled by contaminated water 50.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Enclosure 130 is partially submerged. An above-water portion of enclosure 130 is substantially transparent to solar radiation heating the accommodated contaminated water. Numeral 120 refers to a level of the contaminated water. Under water level 120, there is panel 135 configured for absorbing the solar radiation, which penetrating into the contaminated water. According to one embodiment of the invention, panel 135 is made of black polyethylene plastic characterized by high integral absorption and emissivity 93-94% and 92 %, respectively. Blower 140 drives humidified and heated air 150 into condensing portion 160 of the device which constitutes piping completely submerged into a waterbody of the contaminated water. The aforesaid piping can have a serpentine shape. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aforesaid waterbody is a sea and is used as a natural source of cold. The humidified air is driven by blower 140 leaves water on internal piping walls. As seen in Fig. 3, the condensing portion (piping) 160 includes horizontal and vertical pipes. Optionally, the horizontal pipes can be flatly inclined for effective flowing down of condensed water. The exhausted air bubbles are indicated as 170. Exhausted air bubbles 170 ascending into enclosure 130 come to thermal equilibrium. As bubbles 170 leave contaminated water 120, they contain inside saturated vapor and make a contribution in humidification of above-water air within enclosure 130. Condensed water is received by stub pipe 180. Water 190 produced by the device of the present invention is evacuated from the pipe ISO is by a pump (not shown).
Reference is now made to Fig. 4, presenting a general view of a device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle. Waterbody is covered by cover 138 characterized by substantial transmissi vity of solar radiation. Similar to the embodiment described above, panel 135 is configured for absorbing solar radiation penetrating to the panel through a layer of contaminated water. The absorbed solar radiation heats both the water layer and air above the water layer. Thereat, the air accommodated under the cover 138 is saturated with water vapor. The overwater space is fluidly connected to underwater piping, which includes two types of pipes. Specifically, pipes 250 are partially filled with the contaminated water, and air heated and saturated with water vapor circulates within the free space, as described above. Pipes 260 are designed for condensing water vapor from air on pipe walls cooled by water body 120. Air circulation is provided by blower, which is not shown in the illustration. Heat transfer is assisted by heat ribs 290 thermally interconnecting pipes 250 and 260 into the integral thermal system. Condensed water is drained from pipe 260 by water pump (not shown).
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, presenting an exemplar surface of panel 135, which is configured for absorbing solar radiation and transferring absorbed energy (heat) to surrounding water. According to an exemplar embodiment of the present invention, a surface of the panel 135 has a denticulated surface provided with protrusions having, for example, pyramid or conic shape (truncated or not). Heat transfer efficiency is increased due to extension of contact area between panel 135 and waterbody 120.
It should be emphasized that condensation heat released in the submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody. The heated contaminated water from the bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists heating the upper portion of contaminated water.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6, presenting a piping arrangement per se. As said above, humidifying pipes 250 and condensing pipes 260 are thermally interconnected by heat rib 290. The piping mechanical arrangement is additionally specified by a cross-sectional view A-A (Fig. 7).
Reference is now made to Fig. 8, presenting a skeleton diagram of a closed loop humidifying/dehumidifying device. Air circulation is driven by means of blower 270. As mentioned above, pipes 250 and 260 are designed for humidifying/heating the circulating air and its condensing, respectively. Numeral 130 refers to air passage, which is over the water body. Pipes 250-1, 250-2, 250-3 and 250-4 constitute four humidifying cascades of the device, while pipes 260-1, 260-2 and 260-3 are three condensing cascades. Letters a and b indicate inlets and outlets of the abovementioned pipes, respectively. Arrows interconnects the pipes 130, 250 and 260 therebetween. The condensed water gravitationally runs down into pipe 280.
Example 1:
1. Dimensions of the water cell 2. Dimensions of the void volume 3. Dimensions of water surface 5. Contaminated water to be used 6. Temperature difference AT °C 7. Nominal production liter/hour 1*1*1 m3 0.12 rri3 1 m2 Salt water, brackish water, sewage, 50°C to 80°C on top to 25°C ambient 5 kg/hr for the lm2 Table 1. Calculated dependence of water production on temperature difference Temperature difference AT Water production Contaminant Diameter Length 1 Ambient 30°C to 50')C on top layer 2.5 kg/hr 15 % NaC1 80 mm 40 m 2. Ambient 30'C to 80°C. on top layer 4.4 kg/hr 3.5 % NaC1 80 mm 40 m 3. Ambient 25°C to 85°C on top layer 5.2 kg/hr 3.5 % NaC1 80 mm 40 m
Example 2:
1. Dimensions of the water cell 2. Dimensions of the void volume 3. Dimensions of water surface 5. Water description (contaminants) 5*4*1 2.4 m3 m2 Salt water, brackish water, sewage, 6. Temperature difference AT °C 50°C to 80°C on top to 25°C ambient 7. Nominal production liter/hour 100 kg/hr for the I m2 Table 2. Calculated dependence of water production on temperature difference Temperature difference AT Water production Contaminant Diameter Length I Ambient 30°C to 50°C on top layer 50 kg/hr 3.5 % NaC1 80 mm 960 m 2. Ambient 30°C to 80°C on top layer 88 kg/hr 3.5 % NaC1 80 mm 960 m 3. Ambient 25°C to 85°C on top layer 104 kg/hr 3.5 % NaC1 80 mm 960 m According to the present invention, a device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a humidifying portion; (b) a blower configured for blowing air via the humidifying portion; (c) a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of the humidifying portion; and (d) a pump for pumping purified water.
It is a core feature of the invention to provide the humidifying portion including a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody. The shell is transparent for solar radiation. The condensing portion includes a piping submerged into the waterbody thereat condensation heat released in the submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody; heated contaminated water from the bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists heating thereof.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air blown via the device is exhausted into environment.
According to further embodiment of the present invention, air circulates between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a close loop.
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the waterbody is natural and can be selected from the group consisting of a sea and an ocean.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the waterbody is artificially impounded.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the waterbody is a wastewater treatment facility.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying portion comprises a screen disposed under a layer of the contaminated water. The aforesaid screen is configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating the absorbed energy into the layer of contaminated water.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises first and second conduits, which are horizontally oriented. The second conduit is disposed within the first conduit. The first conduit is partially filled with the contaminated water, while a space over the contaminated water conducts the air to be humidified which is blown by the blower. The second conduit is submerged within the contaminated water. The second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from the humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from the second conduit.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the combined arrangements are disposed downstream successively in a cascade manner.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the submerged piping is configured for collection of condensed water in a lowest point of the piping due to gravitational running-off.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the submerged piping is shaped in a serpentine manner.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle. The aforesaid method comprises the step of: (a) providing a device for treating contaminated water with: (i) a humidifying portion; (ii) a blower configured for blowing air via the humidifying portion; (iii) a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of the humidifying portion; (iv) a pump for pumping purified water; (v) the humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; the shell is transparent for solar radiation; the condensing portion includes a piping submerged into the waterbody, thereat condensation heat released in the submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of the waterbody; heated contaminated water from the bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of the waterbody and assists heating thereof; (b) solar heating the contaminated within the humidifying portion; (c) blowing air via the humidifying portion over the waterbody thereby producing humidified air; (d) conducting the humidified air along the piping thereby porducing condensed water from water vapor on internal walls of the piping; (e) collecting the condensed water in a lowest point of the piping; and (f) pumping out the condensed water.

Claims (23)

1. A device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle, said device comprising: a. a humidifying portion; b. a blower configured for blowing air via said humidifying portion, c. a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of said humidifying portion; d. a pump for pumping purified water; wherein said humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; said shell is transparent for solar radiation; said condensing portion includes a piping submerged into said waterbody thereat condensation heat released in said submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of said waterbody; heated contaminated water from said bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of said waterbody and assists heating thereof.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein air circulates between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a closed loop.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said waterbody is natural.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said natural waterbody is selected from the group consisting of a sea, a lake, a river, an estuary and an ocean.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said waterbody is artificially impounded.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said waterbody is a wastewater treatment facility.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said humidifying portion comprises a screen disposed under a layer of said contaminated water; said screen is configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating said absorbed energy into said layer of contaminated water.
8. The device according to claim I, comprising a combined humidifying/dehumidifying arrangement; said arrangement further comprises first and second conduits, which are partially horizontally oriented; said first conduit is partially filled with said contaminated water, while a space over said contaminated water conducts said air to be humidified which is blown by said blower; the second conduit is submerged within said contaminated water; said second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from said humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from said second conduit.
9. The device according to claim 9, wherein said combined arrangements are downstream successively fluidly connected in a cascade manner.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said first and second conduits are thermally interconnected by at least one heat rib.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second conduit is configured for collecting condensed water in a lowest point of said piping due to gravitational running-off.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second conduits are shaped in a serpentine manner.
13. A method of treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle; said method comprising the step of: a. providing a device for treating contaminated water with: i. a humidifying portion; a blower configured for blowing air via said humidifying portion, iii. a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of said humidifying portion; iv. a pump for pumping purified water; said humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; said shell is transparent for solar radiation; said condensing portion includes a piping submerged into said waterbody; thereat condensation heat released in said submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of said waterbody; heated contaminated water from said bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of said waterbody and assists heating thereof; b. solar heating said contaminated within said humidifying portion; c. blowing air via said humidifying portion over said waterbody thereby producing humidified air; d. conducting said humidified air along said piping thereby producing condensed water from water vapor on internal walls of said piping; e. collecting said condensed water in a lowest point of said piping; and L pumping out said condensed water.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein air circulates between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a close loop.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said waterbody is natural.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said natural waterbody is selected from the group consisting of a sea and an ocean.
17. The method according to claim 13, wherein said waterbody is artificially impounded.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said waterbody is a wastewater treatment facility.
19. The method according to claim 13, comprising a step of solar heating a layer of said contaminated water located above a screen configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating said absorbed energy into said layer of contaminated water.
20. The method according to claim 13, wherein said device is provided with first and second conduits, which are horizontally oriented; said first conduit is partially filled with said contaminated water, while a space over said contaminated water conducts said air to be humidified which is blown by said blower; the second conduit is submerged within said contaminated water; said second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from said humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from said second conduit.
21 The method according to claim 20, wherein said combined arrangements are downstream successively fluidly connected in a cascade manner.
22. The method according to claim 13, wherein said submerged piping is configured for collection of condensed water in a lowest point of said piping due to gravitational running-off.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said submerged piping is shaped in a serpentine manner.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSI. A device for treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle, said device comprising: a. a humidifying portion; b. a blower configured for blowing air via said humidifying portion, c. a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of said humidifying portion; d. a pump for pumping purified water; wherein said humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; said shell is transparent for solar radiation; said condensing portion includes a piping submerged into said waterbody thereat condensation heat released in said submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of said waterbody; heated contaminated water from said bottom portion ascends to an upper portion of said waterbody and assists heating thereof; said device comprises a combined humidifying/dehumidifying arrangement; said arrangement further comprises first and second conduits, which are partially horizontally oriented; said first conduit is partially filled with said contaminated water, while a space over said contaminated water conducts said air to be humidified which is blown by said blower; the second conduit is submerged within said contaminated water; said second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from said humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from said second conduit.2. The device according to claim 1, wherein air circulates between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a closed loop.3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said waterbody is natural.4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said natural waterbody is selected from the group consisting of a sea, a lake, a river, an estuary and an ocean.5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said waterbody is artificially impounded.6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said waterbody is a wastewater treatment facility.7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said humidifying portion comprises a screen disposed under a layer of said contaminated water; said screen is configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating said absorbed energy into said layer of contaminated water.8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said combined arrangements are downstream successively fluidly connected in a cascade manner.9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second conduits are thermally interconnected by at least one heat rib.10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second conduit is configured for collecting condensed water in a lowest point of said piping due to gravitational running-off.11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second conduits are shaped in a serpentine manner.12. A method of treating contaminated water by means of air humidification/dehumidification cycle; said method comprising the step of: a. providing a device for treating contaminated water with: a humidifying portion; a blower configured for blowing air via said humidifying portion, a condensing portion fluidly connected downstream of said humidifying portion; iv. a pump for pumping purified water; said humidifying portion includes a shell defining a space above a surface of contaminated waterbody; said shell is transparent for solar radiation; said condensing portion includes a piping submerged into said waterbody; thereat condensation heat released in said submerged piping is transferred to a bottom portion of said waterbody; heated contaminated water from said bottom portion ascends to am upper portion of said waterbody and assists heating thereof; said device is provided with first and second conduits, which are horizontally oriented; said first conduit is partially filled with said contaminated water, while a space over said contaminated water conducts said air to be humidified which is blown by said blower; the second conduit is submerged within said contaminated water; said second conduit conducts humidified air, thereat water vapor from said humidified air is condensed; and condensed water is evacuated from said second conduit.b. solar heating said contaminated within said humidifying portion; c. blowing air via said humidifying portion over said waterbody thereby producing humidified air; d. conducting said humidified air along said piping thereby producing condensed water from water vapor on internal walls of said piping; e. collecting said condensed water in a lowest point of said piping; and f. pumping out said condensed water.13. The method according to claim 12, wherein air circulates between said humidifying portion and condensing portion within a closed loop.14. The method according to claim 12, wherein said waterbody is natural.15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said natural waterbody is selected from the group consisting of a sea and an ocean.16. The method according to claim 12, wherein said waterbody is artificially impounded.17. The method according to claim I 6, wherein said waterbody is a wastewater treatment facility.18. The method according to claim 12, comprising a step of solar heating a layer of said contaminated water located above a screen configured for absorbing solar radiation and radiating said absorbed energy into said layer of contaminated water.19. The method according to claim 13, wherein said combined arrangements are downstream successively fluidly connected in a cascade manner.20. The method according to claim 12, wherein said submerged piping is configured for collection of condensed water in a lowest point of said piping due to gravitational running-off.2!. The method according to claim 20, wherein said submerged piping is shaped in a serpentine manner.
GB1501353.5A 2015-01-27 2015-01-27 Device for treating contaminated water Expired - Fee Related GB2537343B (en)

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