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Experimental and theoretical investigation of a novel system for progressive freeze-concentration based desalination process
Journal
Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification
ISSN
02552701
Date Issued
2022-03-01
Author(s)
Najim, Abdul
Krishnan, Shankar
Abstract
This paper develops a novel vertical freezing system for an energy-efficient progressive freeze-concentration (PFC) based desalination process. Unlike the stirrer-based PFC process, we develop and provide proof-of-concept for a PFC system wherein the liquid precooling removes the latent heat of freezing gained by the liquid during its crystallization. In addition, the liquid circulation substitutes the mechanical stirrer. It was found that the required coolant temperature in the proposed system is increased by 55% compared to conventional vertical freezing apparatus, and thus saving energy consumed and cost by 30.1%. A parametric study was carried out to study the effect of liquid circulation flow rate and initial salinity of the liquid on the salinity of thawed ice and the salinity of the liquid. A mathematical model was developed to study the PFC-based desalination process. The solute redistribution during the process was predicted by using Scheil equation. The predicted temperature distribution in the ice, thickness of the ice, and salinity of thawed ice agree well with experimental values. The proposed heat and mass transfer model can predict the maximum duration of the process to tap ice as potable or as irrigation water, thus enabling batch process design.
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