Technology
The evaporator
CEVAP (Cartridge EVAPorator) Technology has developed a water treatment system based on the Multi-Effect Distillation principle. Distillation under vacuum allows the system to be driven by low-grade heat input (<90 °C), as vacuum lowers the boiling point of liquids. The use of multiple distillation steps allows for the heat to be used several times to form distillate, where each step boils at a lower pressure. The number of effects in a CEVAP-installation can be varied according to the requirements for distillate output against thermal energy efficiency.
The basic working principle of Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) is a known and widespread concept when it comes to water treatment. The picture above shows schematically the Multi-Effect Distillation process, as it takes place in a CEVAP evaporator. Please note: no membranes are present in CEVAP Evaporators!
The evaporator is first brought to almost absolute vacuum pressure via a vacuum pump. Feed water is then let into the system and heated up to 70°C-75°C: part of it evaporates and is separated from the liquid in a vapour separator; the remaining hot feed is distributed equally over the distillation effects.
Vapour is redirected to one side of the first evaporation surface (the so-called “cartridge”): here it condenses and allows part of the feed flow in the first effect to evaporate. This process repeats in the following distillation effects, until the vapour produced in the last effect condenses against cooling water. Distillate and Concentrate are collected in separate vessels and are pumped out of the evaporator.
The evaporator’s operations are monitored by a PLC that allows for remote control of the unit and that will safely stop operations, should irregularities and/or damages be detected.
The cartridge
Our self-wetting evaporation surfaces are packed in compact, low-cost, replaceable units, called cartridges. These innovative components are particularly resistant against scaling and fouling, and being made 100% out of plastic, are immune from corrosion. When in need of replacement, cartridges can be replaced in under one hour, maximising uptime and production.
