Large long-tube vertical evaporators for sea water distillation

Abstract In this feasibility study of multiple-effect long tube vertical (MELTV) evaporators for large scale sea water desalination (more than 10 U.S.-mgd), an optimization of temperature profiles and performance ratio is carried out for both smooth and double-fluted tubes. The results are correlated in a generalized form in order to extend their usefulness. The calculations confirm the economic potential of MELTV evaporators and indicate that under some economic circumstances MELTV evaporators could show an advantage over multi-stage flash (MSF) evaporators. There is yet no sufficient operational experience with double-fluted tubes in MELTV evaporators but the present calculations confirm that their use has a potential for further reduction of cost of desalted water. Comparative data are given for the cost of water desalted in nuclear dual-purpose plants using MSF and MELTV evaporators.