WO2006016812A2

WO2006016812A2 - Transportable (movable) distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that use solar energy

Info

Publication number: WO2006016812A2
Application number: PCT/NL2005/000586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aernout Prosper Van Hees
Original assignee: Aernout Prosper Van Hees
Priority date: 2004-08-11
Filing date: 2005-08-10
Publication date: 2006-02-16
Also published as: WO2006016812A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a transportable (movable) device and methods for the purification of contaminated or salt and/or brackish water by means of distillation methods and procedures that use solar energy with the objective of producing clean (drinking-) water. More in particular to methods relating to a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean drinking-water that utilise solar energy that can be produced in a cost-effective, simple way, has a simple construction, is lightweight and transportable and can easily be stored in a small space when the device is not in operation.

Description

Transportable (movable) distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that use solar energy

The invention relates to a transportable (movable) device and methods for the purification of water that is either contaminated or salt and/or brackish by means of distillation methods that use solar energy with the objective of producing clean drinking-water.

Distillation of contaminated water by means of solar energy removes virtually all contaminating particles from contaminated water. Distillation of contaminated water by means of solar energy is generally applied for the removal of viruses, bacteria, nitrate, sodium, organic particles, heavy metals, chemicals, radioactive particles and the like. Distillation of water by means of solar energy removes 99.5% of all contaminating particles in contaminated water. The remaining 0.5% contaminating particles that are still present after the distillation process, in most cases organic particles, can be removed by means of, among others, a (carbon) filter. (Carbon) filters are inexpensive and are usually placed between the water inlet hose or water drain hose of the distillation device.

Distillation of contaminated water with the objective of obtaining clean drinking-water is not new; it has been applied since 1870. Distillation of contaminated water by conventional means, such as, among others, electricity, natural gas and oil is very expensive and not very cost- effective. This results in a high water price, which forms a problem, particularly in the developing countries. In addition such methods create a considerable burden and pressure on the environment and on the living conditions of humans and animals. An alternative is to investigate whether it is feasible to use solar energy for the distillation process. A distillation device that works on solar energy utilises the energy of the sun for the distillation process. A distillation device that works on solar energy utilises the energy of the sun to purify the contaminated water. The basic requirements of such a device consist of a tank or basin that is used as an evaporation chamber which is closed at the top of the device by means of a transparent glass or plastic cover plate. The sunlight passes through the glass or plastic cover plate of the device and heats up the contaminated water at the bottom of the device and causes it to evaporate. The water vapour condenses at the bottom of the glass or plastic cover plate of the device and subsequently drips to the lower part of the cover plate, which is placed in a slanting position, and is then collected by means of a water collecting vessel, pipe or line. Subsequently the clean water is transported to the outside of the device through the collecting vessel, pipe or line and is subsequently collected in a water collecting basin. In general distillation devices of the basin type that work on solar energy can produce three to five liter of clean drinking-water a day per square meter evaporation surface area of the device. This amount is dependent on geographic conditions and on the season. The distillation process will not start until the temperature in the basin of the device is ten degrees Celsius higher than the temperature outside of the distillation device.

Earlier examples of distillation devices that work on solar energy can be found in the relevant patent classifications, although these prior devices differ from the present device and methods according to the present invention.

The transportable (movable) distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that use solar energy in accordance with the present invention are intended to bring about an improvement in comparison with prior devices and methods. More in particular an improved transportable (movable) distillation device (and methods) for the production of clean drinking-water that use(s) solar energy that can be produced in a cost-effective, simple way and has a simple construction, is lightweight and movable, and can easily be stored in a small space if the device is not in operation.

A disadvantage of all the devices of the prior art is that these are entirely manufactured from rigid and inflexible materials and are therefore expensive and heavy in weight and take up a considerable amount of space during storage and transport. By way of an example: a prototype of the present invention with an evaporating surface area of one square meter, weighs less than 100 gram in total, and in folded condition the surface area is less than ten square centimetre. These characteristics render the present invention highly applicable for, among other things, travellers, expeditions to remote areas, military operations, applications at sea, as emergency devices aboard ships, vehicles or other applications that require clean drinking-water and where enough solar energy is available. In addition the device can be applied in disaster areas and developing countries where clean drinking-water is lacking and where only contaminated water is available. The device can be produced in such a cost-effective way that it is even affordable for people in developing countries. An additional advantage of the device is that it can easily be cleaned by placing the device into a washing machine or a dishwasher or simply by washing it by hand, using warm water and soap when the device is in an empty and flat condition.

The objective of the invention is to supply a simple, cheap and handy device for the purification of contaminated water that overcomes the aforementioned objections.

A particularly distinguishing characteristic of the device and methods of the type mentioned in the introduction in comparison with previous devices and methods, is that the transportable distillation device is kept in an upright position and standing by means of air or any other gas rather than by heavy construction materials such as aluminum, synthetic materials (plastics), steel, wood and the like; materials that were generally applied in prior devices and methods. Another improvement in comparison with previous devices is, among others, that the air or any other gas is also used as insulation material for the device. This is important for the proper functioning of the device in order to obtain maximum storage of the accumulated solar heat inside the device while minimizing the heat loss to the external environment of the device.

When using the present invention it is no longer necessary to use expensive insulating materials, which made previous devices so expensive and heavy in weight.

The device and various methods in accordance with the invention will be set forth below in conjunction with examples of the embodiments depicted in the Figures and the descriptions of the construction and methods in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 shows a view in perspective of a possible embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-section along line 2 of Figure 1 of a possible embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a further possible embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention.

Figures 4 and 5 show possible embodiments of different methods of the invention.

Figures 6 and 7 show further possible embodiments of the various methods in accordance with the invention.

A description of the numbered components of Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the device of the invention is as follows:

The transportable (movable) distillation device that uses solar energy comprises an evaporation chamber manufactured from an outer layer (membrane) 10, manufactured from flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, (PP), and an inner layer (membrane) 11 manufactured from flexible synthetic (plastic) foil (PP), the seams of which have been attached to each other. Preferably they are soldered or sealed. Any durable flexible synthetic (plastic) foil that is resistant to ultraviolet (sun) rays and is resistant to high temperatures and is non-toxic for humans may be used. As a possible example polypropylene (PP) or heat-resistant, high-density polyethylene (PE) may be used. Preferably the bottom 14 of the device is manufactured from black flexible synthetic

(plastic) foil to enable maximum capture and storage of solar heat within the device.

The inner spaces 12 and 13 between the outer layer (membrane) 10 and inner layer (membrane)

11 consist of air or any other mixture of gases which is blown into the device between the outer layer (membrane) 10 and the inner layer (membrane) 11 by means of the air inlet valves 16 and

27. Once enough air or any other mixture of gases has been blown into the device, the air inlet valves 16 and 27 are closed off by means of either stoppers or plugsl5 and 28. Once the device has reached its inflated state by means of air or any other gas mixture the plugs 15 and 28 will be inserted into the air inlet valves 16 and 27 so that no more air can escape from the device. Inflating the device can be done with the mouth or any possible type of air pump that is connected to the air inlet valves 16 and 27. Preferably the air inlet valves 16 and 27 and the plugs 15 and 28 are manufactured from durable soft flexible synthetic (plastic) material. The air that is now in the inner spaces 12 and 13 between the outer layer (membrane) 10 and the inner layer (membrane) 11 of the device has the double function of, on the one hand, keeping the entire construction upright as well as, on the other hand, insulating the device to ensure minimum transfer of solar heat sun from the inside of the device. When the device is in an inflated condition due to air or any other gas mixture that has been blown into the device, the device is ready for the addition of the contaminated water. Contaminated water is now added to the inner space 22 (evaporation chamber) of the device, until approximately one third of the inner space of the device has been filled with the contaminated water that requires purification. (Refer to number 25 in Figure 2.) It should be noted that it is best to keep the water level in the inner space 22 as low as possible, as this causes the device to operate faster because in this case the evaporation process will start faster. Once the contaminated water has been added to the device, the top of the device is closed off with the transparent double synthetic (plastic) covering foil that consists of an outer layer (membrane) 19 and an inner layer (membrane) 20 with air or any other gas 21 in between the two layers. This is applied and fastened to the top part of the constructions 10 and 11 of the device. The double synthetic (plastic) covering foil 19 and 20 can be fastened to the top parts 10 and 11 of the device by means of a zipper, Velcro, press-studs, or any other jointing media. Preferably the double synthetic covering foils 19 and 20 are manufactured from durable flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, (PP), that is non-toxic for humans and is resistant to ultraviolet light and resistant to high temperatures.

Once all the aforementioned activities have been performed, the device is ready for use and the device can be positioned towards the sun. When the sun rays (ultraviolet light) pass through the transparent double covering foil 19 and 20 of the device, the contaminated water 25 in the evaporation chamber 22 of the device is heated and because of the insulation by air or any other gas 12, 13 and 21 in the device, the heat is trapped in the device to the greatest possible extent. Once enough heat has been trapped in the evaporation chamber 22 of the device, the contaminated water 25 will be converted into vapour, which in turn condenses against the inner layer of the transparent double covering foils 19 and 20 of the device. (Refer to number 26 in Figure 2 for this.) Once enough condensed vapour has been collected against the inner layer 20 of the transparent double covering foil 19 and 20 of the device, the clean, purified drinking- water will start trickling slowly to the lower part of the inner layer 20 of the device due to the effect of gravitation. The clean, purified drinking-water is then collected by the water collecting vessel, pipe or line 17 of the device. The water collecting vessel, pipe or line 17 is preferably manufactured from durable, non-toxic, flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, (PP)₅ and is attached (preferably soldered or sealed) to the inner layer (membrane) 11 of the device. Then the clean, purified drinking-water that accumulates in the water collecting vessel, pipe or line 17 is transported to the outside of the device by means of a water drain hose 18. Preferably the water drain hose 18 is manufactured from non-toxic and durable flexible synthetic (plastic) or rubber material. The clean, purified drinking-water can now be collected in various ways and can be stored for further use. For example by means of a storage tank, jerrycan or simply in a drinking glass. If enough clean drinking-water has been produced or stored and no additional clean drinking-water needs to be prepared, the plugs 15 and 28 can be drawn from the air inlet valves 16 and 27. The air or the other gases will then flow out of the device. Once the device has been deflated and no longer contains any air or other gas and is in a flat condition, the device can be stored or transported to a new location for further use.

It should be pointed out that the distillation device in accordance with the present invention can also be applied and used on any surface of water (such as for example) at sea provided that the medium air is used to keep the construction of the transportable distillation device in an upright position and standing, since the device will float because of the air with which it has been inflated. Several applications are conceivable for this.

If any gas that is lighter than air, such as for example helium or hydrogen is used to keep the construction of the transportable distillation device in an upright position and standing it is also possible to keep it 'floating' in air such as for example attached to a balloon or air vessel (an appliance that is 'lighter than air') and to fasten the distillation device to the bottom of any basis, for example with an anchor or (steel) cables or any other type of founding and fastening. Several applications are conceivable for this as well.

Figure 3 provides a further possible embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention. The transportable distillation device that uses solar energy in accordance with Figure 3 comprises the water inlet hose 34 that can be connected to any source of water supply such as for example a water mains. Preferably the water inlet hose 34 is manufactured from flexible, soft, synthetic (plastic) material. At the lower side the water inlet hose 34 is connected with a float system that consists of float 37 and a float-operated system 36 and a float position support 47 and a water drain hose 35. If the water level 38 of the device drops, float 37 will be lowered and additional water will be added to the device through the water inlet hose until float 37 is back in the original pre-set position. As a consequence of this the water supply to the device stops. The transportable distillation device also comprises an air pump 40 with air inlet hose 39 and air outlet hoses 41 and 50, fastened through the outer layer (membrane) 10 and 19 of the device. Air pump 40 can either be fastened to the device or placed separate from the device. Any type of air pump can be used. The power supply 45 of the air pump 40 can be obtained from the usual grid or by any type of cell or battery as well as from solar energy. When the air pump 40 is activated by means of switch 46, air or any other gas mixture is drawn in through air inlet hose 39; subsequently the air passes through the air pump 40 and the air outlet hoses 41 and 50 and then flows into the empty spaces 12, 13 and 21 of the device until the device has reached an upright position from a flat position. Once enough air or another gas mixture has been blown into the device, the air pump 40 is switched off by means of switch 46. The device is now ready for use. If the device needs to be stored after use or needs to be transported in a flat condition to a new location, the air or any other gas can be removed from the device by having the air pump 40 operate in reverse by means of switch 46. The device may also be provided with an active (carbon) filter 42, which is connected between the water inlet hose 43 and the water drain hose 44 of the device.

The active (carbon) filter can also be connected between the water supply and the water inlet hose 34 of the device. The active (carbon) filter 42 can be used to purify and eliminate the last traces of contamination including flavouring substances and odorous (0.5 percent) substances that could still be present after distillation.

The clean, purified drinking-water flows from the device through water drain hose 43 and then gravitation causes the water to flow through the active (carbon) filter 42 and the water drain hose 44; then the water is fit for consumption or for other purposes.

A description of the numbered components of Figure 4 of the various methods in accordance with the invention is as follows:

The user who wants to use the distillation device purchases or rents this at the company concerned, in an empty and rolled-up or folded condition (so-called 'KIT' shape), step 1, 401. Once the distillation device has been acquired the user transports the distillation device in an empty and rolled-up or folded condition to the location where clean (drinking-) water is required, step 2, 402. Subsequently the user takes the distillation device in an empty and rolled- up or folded condition from the packing, step 3, 403. Then the user unrolls or unfolds the distillation device and places it in a flat and level position on the foundation concerned, step 4, 404. Subsequently the user blows air into the distillation device for example by blowing air into the distillation device with the mouth through the air inlet valves of the distillation device, step 5, 405. If the distillation device then has been inflated with air and enough air is present in the distillation device to keep the construction in an upright position and standing, the air inlet valves need to be closed by means of a stopper or plug, step 6, 406. During the following step the distillation device is positioned towards the sun, in such a way that possible sources of shadow cannot block the light rays, step 7, 407. Then the user detaches the cover plate from the evaporation chamber, step 8, 408. Now the user adds the contaminated water that requires purification or cleansing to the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 9, 409. Once the user has filled the evaporation chamber of the distillation device for one quarter of its volume with the contaminated water that requires purification, he stops adding contaminated water, step 10, 410. Subsequently the cover plate is placed back onto the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 11, 411.

Now sunlight passes through the cover plate and is captured in the closed evaporation chamber of the distillation device. The distillation device now begins to operate, step 12, 412. In order to collect the clean water the user subsequently places a clean water collecting tank or beaker or the like underneath the clean water drain hose of the distillation device, step 13, 413. Once the tank or beaker for the collection of clean water has been placed it will be filled with clean, purified (drinking-) water that flows out of the distillation device, step 14, 414. Once the clean water collecting tank or beaker subsequently has been completely filled with the purified (drinking-) water from the distillation device, the clean water collecting tank or beaker should be detached from the distillation device, step 15, 415. The clean (drinking-) water that has been collected can now be used for consumption or for further use or other purposes, step 16, 416. If subsequently again (more) clean (drinking-) water is required, the aforementioned procedure and method should be repeated as of step 8, 408 from Figure 4, step 17, 417.

A description of the numbered components of Figure 5 of the several methods in accordance with the invention is as follows:

Once the user has collected enough drinking-water, or in case no additional clean drinking-water is required, or if the user wants to go to another location, follow step 1, 501. Then the user first detaches the cover plate from the evaporation chamber of the distillation device and then removes this cover plate from the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 2, 502. Then the remaining contaminated water that is still present in the evaporation chamber of the distillation device is removed from the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 3, 503. Subsequently the user removes the air closing plugs or stoppers from the air inlet valves of the distillation device, step 4, 504. Now the accumulated air will flow from the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 5, 505. The distillation device is now in an empty and flattened condition (without air), step 6, 506. The user now prepares a mixture of (contaminated) water and vinegar in a 75% / 25% ratio or uses any other non-toxic cleansing agent, step 7, 507. Subsequently the user pours the mixture of (contaminated) water and non-toxic cleansing agent in or over the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 8, 508. Then the evaporation chamber is cleaned with a brush and/or a cloth, step 9, 509. It should be noted that it is also possible to clean the distillation device by placing the distillation device into a washing machine, should such a machine be available. Then the user should rinse the distillation device with (contaminated) water until all the cleansing agent has been removed from the distillation device, step 10, 510. The evaporation chamber of the distillation device is now completely clean and all the accumulated residuals have now been removed, step 11, 511. Now the user should leave the distillation device to dry in the sun until the distillation device is completely dry, step 12, 512. Then the user places the cover plate back onto the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 13, 513. Now the user can roll up or fold the distillation device until the desired size has been reached (the desired width and length), step 14, 514. If so desired, the user can then transport the distillation device to a new location where clean (drinking-) water is required, or, if so desired, store the distillation device in a location where the distillation device should be kept and stored, step 15, 515. Once the user again needs (more) clean drinking-water, the procedure and method as of Figure 4, step 16, 516 should be repeated.

A description of the numbered components of Figure 6 of the various methods in accordance with the invention is as follows: The user who wants to use the distillation device purchases or rents this from the company concerned, in an empty and rolled-up or folded condition (the so-called 'KIT' shape), step 1, 601. Once the distillation device has been purchased, the user transports the distillation device in an empty and rolled-up or folded condition to the location where clean (drinking-) water is required, step 2, 602. Then the user takes the distillation device in an empty and rolled-up or folded condition from the packing, step 3. 603. Then the user unrolls or unfolds the distillation device and places the distillation device flat and level on the foundation concerned, step 4, 604. Then the user connects any type of (electrical) air pump to the air inlet valve of the distillation device, step 5, 605. Then the user connects any power source such as for example a battery, solar cells or the like to the connecting poles of the air pump of the distillation device, step 6, 606. Now the user pulls the switch and the air pump of the distillation device will start to operate, step 7, 607. Now air or any other gas will begin to flow into the distillation device through the air inlet valve of the distillation device, step 8, 608. Once the distillation device has been inflated, by means of air or any other gas, and enough air (gas) is present in the distillation device to keep the construction in an upright position and standing, the switch is pulled, step 9, 609. Now the air pump will stop operating, step 10, 610. Subsequently the user disconnects the air pump from the air inlet valves and then closes off the air inlet valves by means of the stoppers, or the plugs, step 11, 611. Now the user should position the distillation device towards the sun in such a way that possible sources of shadow cannot block the light rays, step 12, 612. Now the user needs to check whether the cover plate has been attached onto the evaporation chamber of the distillation device in the appropriate manner, step 13, 613. Now connect the water inlet hose of the distillation device with the water source concerned whose water needs to be purified and cleaned, step 14, 614.

The contaminated water that requires purification will now start to flow into the evaporation chamber of the distillation device until the water has reached the water level that had been pre¬ set by means of the float, step 15, 615. Once the water that flows into the distillation device has reached the pre-set water level, the float will cut off the water supply to the distillation device, step 16, 616. Now connect the (carbon) filter with the water drain hose of the distillation device, step 17, 617. The sunlight now passes through the cover plate and ends up in the closed-off evaporation chamber of the distillation device. Now the distillation device will begin to work, step 18, 618. The user then places a clean water collecting tank or jerrycan or the like underneath the clean water drain hose of the distillation device, step 19, 619. The tank or jerrycan for the collection of clean water will now be filled with clean, purified (drinking-) water that is flowing from the distillation device, step 20, 620. The water level in the evaporation chamber has now dropped and the float will open the water supply through the water inlet hose of the distillation device, step 21, 621. Then the flow of contaminated water, through the water inlet hose into the distillation device will resume, until the pre-set water level has again been reached, step 22, 622. Now the float will close off the water supply that was formerly flowing through the water inlet hose, step 23, 623.

Once the collecting tank for clean water has then completely been filled with clean (drinking-) water, the user disconnects the clean water collecting tank from the distillation device, step 24, 624. The clean (drinking-) water that has been collected can now be used for consumption or for other purposes, step 25, 625. If subsequently again (more) clean (drinking-) water is required, the aforementioned procedure and method should be repeated as of step 19, 619 of Figure 6. Step 6, 626.

A description of the numbered components of Figure 7 of the various methods in accordance with the invention is as follows:

If the user has collected enough clean (drinking-) water, or if no additional (clean) drinking- water is required, or if the user wants to move to another location, step 1, 701 should be followed. Then the user detaches the cover plate from the evaporation chamber, and removes the cover plate from the distillation device, step 2, 702. The user then removes either the contaminated water plug or stopper from the contaminated water drain hose of the distillation device, step 3, 703. Any contaminated water that may still be present in the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, will now flow from the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 4, 704. The evaporation chamber of the distillation device is now in an empty condition (without water), step 5, 705. Now the user places the contaminated water plug/stopper back into the contaminated water drain hoses of the distillation device, step 6, 706. The evaporation chamber of the distillation has now been closed off again and is capable of containing water again, step 7, 707. Subsequently the user fills the distillation device again with (contaminated) water through the water inlet hose, step 8, 708. Now the evaporation chamber of the distillation device has again been filled with (contaminated) water, step 9, 709. Then the user prepares a mixture of (contaminated) water and vinegar in a ratio of 75% / 25% or uses any other non-toxic cleansing agent, step 10, 710. Leave the aforementioned solution to soak for at least an hour, the longer the better; this step can suitably be performed during the night, step 11, 711. Now the contaminated water drain plug/stopper has been removed from the contaminated water drain hose of the distillation device, step 12, 712. The solution of water and the non-toxic cleansing agent will now start to flow out of the evaporation chamber of the distillation device, step 13, 713. The user then rinses the evaporation chamber of the distillation device several times with (contaminated) water, until all deposits and residuals have been removed from the evaporation chamber and the evaporation chamber no longer contains any cleansing agent, step 14, 714. Now the evaporation chamber of the distillation device has been cleaned and entirely cleansed and all the accumulated residuals have been removed, step 15, 715. It should be noted that small embodiments of the distillation device with a surface area of up to several square metre can also be cleaned by placing the distillation device in an empty condition (without air or any other gas) into a washing machine, if such a machine is available. Then the user leaves the distillation device and the cover plate to dry in the sun until the distillation device is completely dry and no longer contains any water, step 16, 716. Once the distillation device and the cover plate are completely dry, they are re-assembled by the user, step 17, 717. Then the user places the switch in the drainage position (setting), step 18, 718. The air pump starts to operate in the opposite direction in comparison with steps 7 and 8, 607, 608 of Figure 6, step 19, 719. Now air or any other gas that is present in the distillation device will start to flow out of the distillation device, through the air valve and through the air pump. (It should be noted that the air inlet valve also comprises the air outlet valve), step 20, 720. Once all the air or any other gas has flown out of the distillation device, and the distillation device no longer contains any air or any other gas, the switch that operates the air pump should be pulled, step 21 , 721. Now the air pump will stop operating, step 22, 722. The distillation device is now in an empty and flattened state (condition), step 23, 723. Then the user disconnects the water inlet hose of the distillation device from the water source concerned, whose water required purification, step 24, 724. Then the user disconnects the (electrical) air pump from the air inlet valve of the distillation device, step 25, 725. Now disconnect the power source used from the distillation device, step 26, 726. Then the user needs to detach the (carbon) filter (dismantle) from the water drain hose, step 27, 727. Now the user can roll up or fold the distillation device until the desired size has been reached (the desired length and width), step 28, 728. Subsequently the user can transport the distillation device, if so desired, to a new location where clean (drinking-) water is required, or, if so desired, store the distillation device in a location where the distillation needs to or can be kept and stored, step 29, 729. If the user afterwards needs clean (drinking-) water again he is to repeat the aforementioned procedure and method as of step 4, 604 of Figure 6. Step 30, 730.

Claims

1. Transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water that uses solar energy for the distillation process, provided with an evaporation chamber that is capable of containing the fluid to be distilled, characterized in that the evaporation chamber is composed of a double layer of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), composed of an inner membrane, consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, and an outer membrane consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), which creates an empty space in between the inner and outer membranes, so that the resulting empty space is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases with the purpose of keeping the entire device in an upright position, supporting it and keeping it standing.

2. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, consisting of a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water that is provided with an evaporation chamber that is capable of containing the fluid to be distilled, characterized in that the evaporation chamber is composed of two layers of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), consisting of an inner membrane consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil and an outer membrane composed of flexible synthetic

(plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), which creates an empty space between the inner and outer membranes, so that the resulting empty space is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases with the purpose of keeping the entire device in an upright position, supporting it and keeping it standing.

3. Transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water that uses solar energy for the distillation process, characterized in that the distillation chamber is composed of two layers of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), composed of an inner membrane consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil and an outer membrane consisting of flexible synthetic

(plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), which creates an empty space between the inner and outer membranes, so that the resulting empty space is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases with the additional purpose of using the air or any other mixture of gases for the thermal insulation of the device.

4. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process comprising a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water, provided with an evaporation chamber that is capable of containing the fluid to be distilled, characterized in that the evaporation chamber is composed of two layers of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed) composed of an inner membrane, consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil and an outer membrane, consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), which creates an empty space between the inner and outer membranes, so that the resulting empty space is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases with the additional purpose of using the air or any other mixture of gases for the thermal insulation of the distillation device.

5. Any new or future device or methods in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 characterized in that the construction of the device has been composed of several layers of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil, the ends of which have been attached to each other, composed of an inner membrane, consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil and an outer membrane consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other, which creates an empty space between the inner and outer membranes so that the resulting empty space in between the layers is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases.

6. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the device has been provided with a transparent cover plate, composed of two layers of transparent flexible synthetic (plastic) foil that have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), consisting of an inner membrane of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil and an outer membrane consisting of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil the ends of which have been attached to each other (soldered or sealed), which creates an ^' empty space between the inner and outer membranes, so that the empty space is capable of containing air or any other mixture of gases, so that the air or any other mixture of gases is used to keep the transparent cover plate in an upright position, support it and keep it standing as well as for the thermal insulation of the cover plate.

7. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 characterized in that the evaporation chamber and transparent cover plate can be attached to each other.

8. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with Claim 7 characterized in that the evaporation chamber and transparent cover plate can be attached to each other by any type of jointing media and construction method.

9. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the preceding

Claims characterized in that any flexible synthetic (plastic) foil or flexible insulation foil / material that is non-toxic for humans may be used.

10. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with Claim 9 characterized in that any flexible synthetic (plastic) foil or any flexible insulating foil / material or any new and future variant of flexible synthetic (plastic) foil or flexible insulating foil / material that is non-toxic for humans may be used.

11. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 characterized in that the distillation device may be provided with one or more air inlet valves or air outlet valves and air closing plugs.

12. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the preceding Claims characterized in that the distillation device may be provided with any type of air pump.

13. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with Claim 12, characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with any type of power supply and switch or control unit(s) with the purpose of controlling an air pump.

14. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the power supply of the distillation device can be provided by solar energy or solar cells.

15. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with one or more means or hoses for water inlet or water drainage.

16. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with Claim 15, characterized in that means have been provided to control the water level in the distillation device.

17. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with Claim 16, characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with a float system.

18. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the distillation device has been provided with one or more of the following: water collecting vessel, pipe or line(s).

19. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the device can be provided with a (carbon) filter or any other type of water purification filter.

20. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, consisting of a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water, characterized in that the methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water consist of or can be performed in accordance with the descriptions as set forth in the numbers 401 up to and including 417 (the steps 1 up to and including 17) in accordance with Figure 4.

21. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, consisting of a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water, characterized in that the methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water consist of or can be performed in accordance with the descriptions as set forth in the numbers 501 up to and including 516 (the steps 1 up to and including 16) in accordance with figure 5.

22. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, consisting of a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water, characterized in that the methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water consist of or can be performed in accordance with the descriptions as set forth in the numbers 601 up to and including 626 (the steps 1 up to and including 26) in accordance with Figure 6.

23. Methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process, consisting of a transportable (movable) distillation device for the production of clean (drinking-) water, characterized in that the methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water consist of or can be performed in accordance with the descriptions as set forth in the numbers 701 up to and including 730 (the steps 1 up to and including 30) in accordance with Figure 7.

24. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with one or more drain hoses for contaminated water or closing plugs for contaminated water respectively.

25. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 24 characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with means to clean and cleanse the distillation device.

26. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 characterized in that the distillation device can be provided with means to add mineral salts or powdered milk to the clean (drinking-) water.

27. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims I₅ 2 , 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the distillation device can be applied and used floating on a water surface (such as for example the sea).

28. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the distillation device can be applied and used floating in the air for example in a device that is lighter than air if any gas that is lighter than air such as for example helium or hydrogen has been added to the distillation device.

29. Transportable distillation device and methods for the production of clean (drinking-) water that utilise solar energy for the distillation process in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 characterized in that the condensation surface area can be enlarged due to the unique form and construction of the double-walled transparent cover plate of the distillation device, with the result that an increased output of clean water can be realised.