IMPROVED ADSORBENT-ADSORBATE DESALINATION UNIT AND METHOD

摘要

An adsorption-desalination unit utilizing a silica gel - water working pair adsorbent - adsorbate having an economizing heat exchanger to pre-heat the incoming source seawater to be desalinated in an evaporator from about 8° C to about 18° C above the ambient seawater temperature. The economizing heat exchanger employs heat captured during the adsorption cycle to pre-heat incoming source seawater, thereby increasing the efficient use of energy in the unit. The heating fluid utilized to drive the desorption cycle is further utilized to heat the evaporator. A mist eliminator positioned intermediate the evaporator and the adsorbent heat exchanger chambers prevents non-vaporized water from entering the adsorbent heat exchanger chambers.