LOW ENERGY FLUID PURIFICATION SYSTEM

摘要

A low energy fluid purification system and method of implementation including some embodiments having a vacuum-rated first chamber placed in or near a body of water with higher temperature near the surface and lower temperatures at greater depths. The vacuum-rated first chamber holds a quantity of non-potable water and a low pressure area less than or equal to the water's vapor pressure. Vaporization occurs when the higher temperature surface water is brought into contact with the low pressure area. A tubular vapor transport passage allows the vaporized water to pass to a lower temperature and lower pressure condensation chamber. The lower temperature condensation chamber is cooled by lower temperature water from a selected depth below the surface. As the temperature of the vapor lowers, the vapor will condense. This condensation is collected as a quantity of potable water. Additional embodiments and methods are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for purifying, e.g. desalinating, water utilizing naturally occurring temperature gradients, comprising the steps of:
identifying a non-potable body of water having temperatures decreasing with depth comprising a first section of water having a first or higher temperature near an upper surface and a second section of water underneath said first section of water a with a second or lower temperature that is at least a condensation temperature required to condense water from water vapor at said first or higher temperature; providing a vacuum-rated first chamber and a quantity of said first section of water and disposing said first chamber in or in proximity to said first section of water; determining a vapor pressure for said first section of water using a measuring system and a vapor pressure determination system; establishing a partial vacuum in said first chamber less than or equal to the vapor pressure of a first quantity of water in said first chamber, and introducing said first quantity of water at a first temperature to said partial vacuum so as to achieve boiling of said first quantity of water, resulting in a quantity of water vapor; providing a condenser-heat exchanger exposed to a second temperature water; transporting the pure water vapor away from a first container by a pressure differential and into contact with said condenser-heat exchanger; and employing said condenser-heat exchanger to lower the vapor's temperature and pressure sufficiently to create said pressure differential and achieve condensation so as to produce condensed water; capturing said condensed water resulting in a quantity of potable water; and storing said condensed water as potable water in a potable water storage system.