WO2002042221A1 - Water treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Water treatment apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002042221A1
WO2002042221A1 PCT/AU2001/001536 AU0101536W WO0242221A1 WO 2002042221 A1 WO2002042221 A1 WO 2002042221A1 AU 0101536 W AU0101536 W AU 0101536W WO 0242221 A1 WO0242221 A1 WO 0242221A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
treatment apparatus
water treatment
water
chamber
evaporator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2001/001536
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Phillip Bellamy
Original Assignee
Solar Sustain Western Australian Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solar Sustain Western Australian Pty Ltd filed Critical Solar Sustain Western Australian Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2002223293A priority Critical patent/AU2002223293A1/en
Publication of WO2002042221A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002042221A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D1/00—Evaporating
    • B01D1/16—Evaporating by spraying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D3/00—Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping
    • B01D3/34—Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping with one or more auxiliary substances
    • B01D3/343—Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping with one or more auxiliary substances the substance being a gas
    • B01D3/346—Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping with one or more auxiliary substances the substance being a gas the gas being used for removing vapours, e.g. transport gas
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02A20/211—Solar-powered water purification
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus that utilises solar energy as a heat source.
  • salt water is intended to encompass salt water, including sea water, brine, brackish water and other impure water capable of purification by traditional evaporation and/or distillation processes.
  • a water treatment apparatus comprising an air flow means, a condenser, a pump, one or more spray means and an evaporator body having an evaporator chamber wherein, in use, the evaporator body is heated by solar energy, the pump forces salt water through the or each spray means such that salt water is introduced into the evaporation chamber in a finely divided form, and the air flow means forces air through the evaporator chamber, to the condenser where the humidified air is cooled to induce condensation and produce potable water.
  • the spray means is provided in the form of one or more atomisers, such as those commonly used in the automated application of agricultural chemicals and the like.
  • the spray means is provided in the form of one or more sprayers of the type used in reticulation systems.
  • the evaporator chamber comprises an inner surface
  • the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
  • the inner surface of the evaporator chamber comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being proximate a region of the evaporator body exposed to direct solar radiation and the lower portion being complementary to the upper portion, wherein the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
  • the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of pipe, such that the evaporator chamber is provided in the form of the bore thereof.
  • the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of black polypropylene pipe.
  • the evaporator body is provided in the form of plurality of lengths of pipe, each having a first end and a second end
  • the water treatment apparatus further comprises a header chamber and a footer chamber wherein the first end of each length of pipe is in communication with the header chamber, and the second end of each length of pipe is in communication with the footer chamber, the air flow means being adapted to induce airflow into the header chamber, through each length of pipe, and into the footer chamber, to the condenser.
  • the or each length of pipe is provided in the form of a length of black polypropylene pipe having a length of at least approximately 2.5 metres, and an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm.
  • the or each length of polypropylene pipe is approximately 4m long and has an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm.
  • the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of at least 8mm.
  • the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of 10 mm.
  • the pump, or a further pump is adapted to provide a flow of salt water through the evaporation chamber.
  • the pump, or the further pump is adapted to provide a flow of water through the evaporation chamber counter-current to the flow of air therethrough.
  • water flowing through the evaporator chamber provides for further evaporation and thus further humidification of the air stream.
  • the spray means must be adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
  • the spray means is provided in the form of an atomiser or a sprayer as discussed above, the atomiser or sprayer is preferably positioned above a surface of the flow of water through the evaporation chamber.
  • the air flow means is provided in the form of one or more fan assemblies.
  • the air flow means is provided in the form of first and second fan assembles wherein the first fan assembly is provided upstream of the evaporation chamber and in communication therewith, and the second fan assembly is provided downstream from the evaporation chamber in communication therewith, the two fan assemblies co-operating to force air through the evaporation chamber.
  • the condenser comprises one or more refrigerative air-conditioning units. In an alternate of the invention, the condenser comprises an anhydrous ammonia refrigerator.
  • the water treatment apparatus comprises a pre-cooling assembly wherein the pre-cooling assembly is adapted to receive potable water from the condenser and utilise such to cool the humidified air flow before such passes to the condenser.
  • a method for the treatment of salt water comprising the steps of:
  • the method comprises the additional step of:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a water treatment apparatus in accordance with the embodiment, showing six lengths of pipe;
  • Figure 2 is an axial cross-section through one of said lengths of pipe of
  • Figure 3 is a transverse cross section through the pipe segment of Figure 2. Best ode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
  • the water treatment apparatus comprises an evaporator body in the form of six lengths of black polypropylene pipe 12, a header chamber 14 and a footer chamber 16.
  • Each length of polypropylene pipe 12 is 4m long, has an inside diameter of 25cm, and a thickness of 10mm.
  • Each length of pipe 12 has a first end 18 and a second end 20.
  • the first ends 18 of the lengths of pipe are in communication with the header chamber 14 by way of air pipes 19, whilst the second ends 20 are in communication with the footer chamber 16 by way of air pipes 21.
  • the water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a condenser 22, in communication with the footer chamber 16, and an airflow means in the form of first and second fan assembles 24 and 26.
  • the first fan assembly 24 is provided in communication with the header chamber 14, and is configured to draw air into such, whilst the second fan assembly is provided in communication with the condenser 22 and is configured to draw air from such, such that the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26, in cooperation, draw air through the lengths of pipe 12.
  • each length of pipe 12 defines an evaporator chamber 28, having an inner surface comprising an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 32.
  • the upper portion 30 is proximate a region of the length of pipe 12 exposed to direct solar radiation and the lower portion 32 is complementary to the upper portion 30.
  • the water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises spray means in the form of three atomisers 34.
  • Each atomiser 34 projects through the lower portion 32 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber 28, and is positioned such that water forced therethrough is projected at the upper portion 30 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber 28, as can best be seen in Figure 3.
  • the water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a pump 36, the pump 36 being adapted to provide salt water to the atomisers 34, and to provide a flow of water 38 through each length of pipe 12, counter-current the airflow induced by the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26.
  • Each length of pipe 12 comprises first and second end panels 39, adapted to allow the flow of water to attain a desired level.
  • Each end panel 39 is provided with an aperture 39a in communication with one of said air pipes 19 or 21.
  • the atomisers 34 are provided above the level of the water 38.
  • the water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a pre-cooling assembly 40, adapted to receive potable water from the condenser 22 and utilise such to cool he humidified air flow before such passes to the condenser 22.
  • solar radiation is absorbed by the lengths of pipe 12, causing such to be heated.
  • the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26 draw air into the header chamber and force such through the evaporator chambers 28 of the lengths of pipe, into the footer chamber 16 and to the condenser 22.
  • Salt water is forced, by way of the pump 36, through the atomisers 34, such that it is introduced into the evaporator chamber 28 as a fine mist and is at least partially projected against the upper portion 30 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber, thereby causing evaporation therefrom, and humidification of the airflow.
  • the pump 36 causes a flow of water 38 through each length of pipe 12, counter-current the airflow induced by the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26, causing further evaporation and humidification of the air flow.
  • the humidified and heated air is then passed to the condenser 22, by way of the pre-cooling assembly 40, where it is cooled, and potable water condensed therefrom.
  • the cool, potable water is then recycled to the pre-cooling assembly 40 before being collected for use.

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

Abstract

A water treatment apparatus (10) comprising an air flow means (24, 26), a condenser (22), a pump, one or more spray means and an evaporator body (12, 14, 16) having an evaporator chamber wherein, in use, the evaporator body (12, 14, 16) is heated by solar energy, the pump forces salt water through the or each spray means such that salt water is introduced into the evaporation chamber in a finely divided form, and the air flow means (24, 26) forces air through the evaporator chamber, to the condenser (22) where the humidified air is cooled to induce condensation and produce potable water.

Description

"Water Treatment Apparatus"
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus that utilises solar energy as a heat source.
Background Art
Numerous devices for the treatment of water using solar energy are known. The fundamental principle underlying such devices is the same. Solar energy is used to heat a body, then sea water, brackish water or other contaminated water is caused to contact the heated body to induce evaporation therefrom and thereby produce a humidified airstream. The humidified airstream is, in turn, contacted with a heat sink to effect condensation and thereby produce a condensate free from salt and/or other contaminants.
However, known devices for the treatment of water using solar energy are generally reliant on relatively expensive components or are relatively inefficient and thus are not capable of producing large quantities of potable water at a reasonable cost.
The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. The term 'salt water', as used throughout the specification, is intended to encompass salt water, including sea water, brine, brackish water and other impure water capable of purification by traditional evaporation and/or distillation processes.
Disclosure of the Invention
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a water treatment apparatus comprising an air flow means, a condenser, a pump, one or more spray means and an evaporator body having an evaporator chamber wherein, in use, the evaporator body is heated by solar energy, the pump forces salt water through the or each spray means such that salt water is introduced into the evaporation chamber in a finely divided form, and the air flow means forces air through the evaporator chamber, to the condenser where the humidified air is cooled to induce condensation and produce potable water.
It has been found that the introduction of water into the evaporation chamber by way of the or each spray means results in vastly improved humidification of the air passed through the evaporator chamber to the condenser, and thus improved yields of potable water.
In one form of the invention, the spray means is provided in the form of one or more atomisers, such as those commonly used in the automated application of agricultural chemicals and the like. In an alternate form of the invention, the spray means is provided in the form of one or more sprayers of the type used in reticulation systems.
Preferably still, the evaporator chamber comprises an inner surface, and the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
It has also been found that the air temperature inside the evaporation chamber, despite being substantially higher than the exterior air temperature, is lower than that of the evaporator body itself. Accordingly, improved efficiencies are attained by bringing the finely divided water into direct contact with the evaporator body.
Preferably, the inner surface of the evaporator chamber comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being proximate a region of the evaporator body exposed to direct solar radiation and the lower portion being complementary to the upper portion, wherein the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
Preferably, the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of pipe, such that the evaporator chamber is provided in the form of the bore thereof. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of black polypropylene pipe.
In a specific form of the invention, the evaporator body is provided in the form of plurality of lengths of pipe, each having a first end and a second end, and the water treatment apparatus further comprises a header chamber and a footer chamber wherein the first end of each length of pipe is in communication with the header chamber, and the second end of each length of pipe is in communication with the footer chamber, the air flow means being adapted to induce airflow into the header chamber, through each length of pipe, and into the footer chamber, to the condenser.
In a specific form of the invention, the or each length of pipe is provided in the form of a length of black polypropylene pipe having a length of at least approximately 2.5 metres, and an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm. In a highly specific form of the invention, the or each length of polypropylene pipe is approximately 4m long and has an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm. Preferably, the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of at least 8mm. In a preferred form of the invention, the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of 10 mm. In one form of the invention, the pump, or a further pump is adapted to provide a flow of salt water through the evaporation chamber. Preferably the pump, or the further pump, is adapted to provide a flow of water through the evaporation chamber counter-current to the flow of air therethrough.
In addition to the water introduced to the evaporator chamber by the spray means, water flowing through the evaporator chamber provides for further evaporation and thus further humidification of the air stream.
Where the pump apparatus or the further pump apparatus is adapted to provide a flow of salt water through the evaporation chamber, the spray means must be adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
Where the spray means is provided in the form of an atomiser or a sprayer as discussed above, the atomiser or sprayer is preferably positioned above a surface of the flow of water through the evaporation chamber.
Preferably, the air flow means is provided in the form of one or more fan assemblies. In a specific form of the invention, the air flow means is provided in the form of first and second fan assembles wherein the first fan assembly is provided upstream of the evaporation chamber and in communication therewith, and the second fan assembly is provided downstream from the evaporation chamber in communication therewith, the two fan assemblies co-operating to force air through the evaporation chamber.
In one form of the invention, the condenser comprises one or more refrigerative air-conditioning units. In an alternate of the invention, the condenser comprises an anhydrous ammonia refrigerator.
In a preferred form of the present invention, the water treatment apparatus comprises a pre-cooling assembly wherein the pre-cooling assembly is adapted to receive potable water from the condenser and utilise such to cool the humidified air flow before such passes to the condenser. In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a method for the treatment of salt water, the method comprising the steps of:
allowing an evaporator body, having an evaporator chamber, to be heated by solar radiation;
introducing a quantity of water into the evaporator chamber in finely subdivided form;
passing a stream of air through the evaporator chamber thereby causing such to be humidified; and
cooling the humidified air stream in a condenser to induce condensation therefrom and thereby produce potable water.
In one form of the invention, the method comprises the additional step of:
utilising the potable water to cool the humidified air stream before passing such to the condenser.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The water treatment apparatus of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings in which:-
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a water treatment apparatus in accordance with the embodiment, showing six lengths of pipe;
Figure 2 is an axial cross-section through one of said lengths of pipe of
Figure 1 ; and
Figure 3 is a transverse cross section through the pipe segment of Figure 2. Best ode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
In Figure 1 there is shown a water treatment apparatus 10. The water treatment apparatus comprises an evaporator body in the form of six lengths of black polypropylene pipe 12, a header chamber 14 and a footer chamber 16. Each length of polypropylene pipe 12 is 4m long, has an inside diameter of 25cm, and a thickness of 10mm. Each length of pipe 12 has a first end 18 and a second end 20. The first ends 18 of the lengths of pipe are in communication with the header chamber 14 by way of air pipes 19, whilst the second ends 20 are in communication with the footer chamber 16 by way of air pipes 21.
The water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a condenser 22, in communication with the footer chamber 16, and an airflow means in the form of first and second fan assembles 24 and 26. The first fan assembly 24 is provided in communication with the header chamber 14, and is configured to draw air into such, whilst the second fan assembly is provided in communication with the condenser 22 and is configured to draw air from such, such that the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26, in cooperation, draw air through the lengths of pipe 12.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the bore of each length of pipe 12 defines an evaporator chamber 28, having an inner surface comprising an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 32. The upper portion 30 is proximate a region of the length of pipe 12 exposed to direct solar radiation and the lower portion 32 is complementary to the upper portion 30.
The water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises spray means in the form of three atomisers 34. Each atomiser 34 projects through the lower portion 32 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber 28, and is positioned such that water forced therethrough is projected at the upper portion 30 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber 28, as can best be seen in Figure 3.
The water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a pump 36, the pump 36 being adapted to provide salt water to the atomisers 34, and to provide a flow of water 38 through each length of pipe 12, counter-current the airflow induced by the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26. Each length of pipe 12 comprises first and second end panels 39, adapted to allow the flow of water to attain a desired level. Each end panel 39 is provided with an aperture 39a in communication with one of said air pipes 19 or 21. The atomisers 34 are provided above the level of the water 38.
The water treatment apparatus 10 further comprises a pre-cooling assembly 40, adapted to receive potable water from the condenser 22 and utilise such to cool he humidified air flow before such passes to the condenser 22.
In use, solar radiation is absorbed by the lengths of pipe 12, causing such to be heated. The first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26 draw air into the header chamber and force such through the evaporator chambers 28 of the lengths of pipe, into the footer chamber 16 and to the condenser 22. Salt water is forced, by way of the pump 36, through the atomisers 34, such that it is introduced into the evaporator chamber 28 as a fine mist and is at least partially projected against the upper portion 30 of the inner surface of the evaporator chamber, thereby causing evaporation therefrom, and humidification of the airflow.
Simultaneously, the pump 36 causes a flow of water 38 through each length of pipe 12, counter-current the airflow induced by the first and second fan assemblies 24 and 26, causing further evaporation and humidification of the air flow. The humidified and heated air is then passed to the condenser 22, by way of the pre-cooling assembly 40, where it is cooled, and potable water condensed therefrom. The cool, potable water is then recycled to the pre-cooling assembly 40 before being collected for use.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as follows:
1. A water treatment apparatus comprising an air flow means, a condenser, a pump, one or more spray means and an evaporator body having an evaporator chamber wherein, in use, the evaporator body is heated by solar energy, the pump forces salt water through the or each spray means such that salt water is introduced into the evaporation chamber in a finely divided form, and the air flow means forces air through the evaporator chamber, to the condenser where the humidified air is cooled to induce condensation and produce potable water.
2. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spray means is provided in the form of one or more atomisers.
3. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spray means is provided in the form of one or more sprayers.
4. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the evaporator chamber comprises an inner surface, and the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
5. A water apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the evaporator chamber comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being proximate a region of the evaporator body exposed to direct solar radiation and the lower portion being complementary to the upper portion, wherein the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
6. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of pipe, such that the evaporator chamber is provided in the form of the bore thereof.
7. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the evaporator body is provided in the form of one or more lengths of black polypropylene pipe.
8. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the evaporator body is provided in the form of plurality of lengths of pipe, each having a first end and a second end, and the water treatment apparatus further comprises a header chamber and a footer chamber wherein the first end of each length of pipe is in communication with the header chamber, and the second end of each length of pipe is in communication with the footer chamber, the air flow means being adapted to induce airflow into the header chamber, through each length of pipe, and into the footer chamber, to the condenser.
9. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the or each length of pipe is provided in the form of a length of black polypropylene pipe having a length of at least approximately 2.5 metres, and an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm.
10. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the or each length of polypropylene pipe is approximately 4m long and has an inside diameter of at least approximately 25 cm.
11. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of at least 8mm.
12. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the the polypropylene pipe has a thickness of 10 mm.
13. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pump, or a further pump is adapted to provide a flow of salt water through the evaporation chamber.
14. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the pump, or the further pump, is adapted to provide a flow of water through the evaporation chamber counter-current to the flow of air therethrough.
15. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the spray means is adapted to project at least a portion of the finely divided water against the upper portion of the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.
16. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, where the spray means is provided in the form of an atomiser or a sprayer, the atomiser or sprayer is positioned above a surface of the flow of water through the evaporation chamber.
17. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the air flow means is provided in the form of one or more fan assemblies.
18. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the air flow means is provided in the form of first and second fan assembles wherein the first fan assembly is provided upstream of the evaporation chamber and in communication therewith, and the second fan assembly is provided downstream from the evaporation chamber in communication therewith, the two fan assemblies co-operating to force air through the evaporation chamber.
19. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the condenser comprises one or more refrigerative air-conditioning units.
20. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the condenser comprises an anhydrous ammonia refrigerator.
21. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the water treatment apparatus comprises a pre-cooling assembly, the pre-cooling assembly being adapted to receive potable water from the condenser and utilise such to cool the humidified air flow before such passes to the condenser.
22. A method for the treatment of salt water, the method comprising the steps of:
allowing an evaporator body, having an evaporator chamber, to be heated by solar radiation;
introducing a quantity of water into the evaporator chamber in finely subdivided form;
passing a stream of air through the evaporator chamber thereby causing such to be humidified; and
cooling the humidified air stream in a condenser to induce condensation therefrom and thereby produce potable water.
23. A method according to claim 22 comprising the step of:
utilising the potable water to cool the humidified air stream before passing such to the condenser.
24. A water treatment apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 3.
PCT/AU2001/001536 2000-11-27 2001-11-27 Water treatment apparatus WO2002042221A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002223293A AU2002223293A1 (en) 2000-11-27 2001-11-27 Water treatment apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR1729A AUPR172900A0 (en) 2000-11-27 2000-11-27 Water purification apparatus
AUPR1729 2000-11-27

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006056026A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2006-06-01 Aquamill Five Star Pty Ltd Liquid treatment device and method
GB2489989A (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-17 Mads Landrok Water supply system
CN109323337A (en) * 2018-11-05 2019-02-12 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 A kind of humidification system and air conditioner

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2922348A1 (en) * 1979-06-01 1980-12-04 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Sea water desalination - by atomisation of solar preheated sea water in ascending natural draught and condensn.
DE3435614A1 (en) * 1984-09-28 1986-04-10 Bernhard Dipl.-Ing.(FH) 5040 Brühl Longerich Process and apparatus for producing fresh water by desalination of sea water
EP0626345A1 (en) * 1993-05-27 1994-11-30 Willy Kaufmann Apparatus for sea-water desalination
CN1277155A (en) * 2000-07-24 2000-12-20 魏仕英 Spray propulsion ventilation evaporation-condensation type seawater desalination device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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