HK1205040B - System for decontaminating water and generating water vapor - Google Patents

Description

System for purifying water and producing steam

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for purifying water to produce water vapor. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method of applying a series of sensors and control systems to vaporize water, remove dissolved solids, and maximize the recovery of contaminated water into potable water via a horizontal water treatment vessel.

Background

Desalination (also known as desalination or desalination) refers to one of many processes that remove excess salts, minerals, and other natural or unnatural contaminants from water. Historically, desalination has been used on ships to convert seawater into potable water. Modern desalination processes are still used on ships or submarines to ensure that sufficient drinking water is supplied to the crew. However, desalination is increasingly used in arid regions where fresh water resources are scarce. In these areas, saltwater from the ocean is desalinated to fresh water for consumption (i.e., drinking) or irrigation. The highly concentrated waste product from the desalination process, commonly referred to as brine, has salt (sodium chloride) as a typical major by-product. Currently the focus in desalination is to develop cost-effective processes to provide fresh water for use in these arid regions of limited fresh water resources.

Large scale desalination is generally expensive and generally requires a large amount of energy and expensive infrastructure. For example, the largest desalination plants in the world use predominantly multi-stage flash distillation and produce 3 billion cubic meters of water per year. The largest desalination plants in the united states are capable of desalinating 2500 ten thousand gallons (95000 cubic meters) of water per day. Nearly 13000 desalination plants in the world are capable of producing over 120 billion gallons (4500 kilocubic meters) of water per day. Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the art for improved desalination methods that reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the associated systems.

Desalting can be performed by many different processes. For example, there are several processes that use simple evaporation-based desalination methods, such as multi-effect evaporation (MED or simply ME), vapor compression evaporation (VC), and evaporative condensation. Generally, evaporation and condensation in natural water circulation is a natural desalination process. In water circulation, water evaporates from sources, such as lakes, oceans and rivers, into the atmosphere. The evaporated water then comes into contact with cold air to form dew or rain water. The water obtained is generally free of impurities. The water circulation can be reproduced by an artificial series of evaporative condensation processes. In basic operation, the brine is heated to evaporation. The salt and other impurities dissolve out of the water and remain in the evaporation stage. The evaporated water is then condensed, collected and stored as fresh water. The evaporative condensing system has been greatly improved over the years, and the advent of more efficient technology has particularly prompted the process. However, these systems still require a significant energy input to vaporize the water. Another evaporative desalination process involves a multistage flash distillation, as briefly described above. The multistage flash distillation is vacuum distillation. Vacuum distillation is a process of boiling water at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by inducing vacuum in an evaporation chamber. Vacuum distillation therefore requires much lower temperatures to operate than multi-effect evaporation or vapor compression evaporation, so that less energy is required to evaporate the water to separate the contaminants therefrom. This process is desirable in view of the rise in energy costs.

Another desalination method may include membrane-based (membrane-based) processes, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), electrodialysis reverse osmosis (EDR), Nanofiltration (NF), Forward Osmosis (FO), and Membrane Distillation (MD). Among these desalination processes, reverse osmosis is most commonly used. Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to apply pressure to separate salt and other impurities from water. Reverse osmosis membranes are considered selective. That is, the film is highly permeable to water molecules and highly impermeable to salts and other impurities dissolved therein. These films themselves are stored in expensive and highly pressurized containers. The container maximizes the surface area of the membrane and the flow rate of saline therethrough. Conventional osmotic desalination systems typically use one of two techniques to develop the high pressure environment in the system (1) a high pressure pump; or (2) a centrifuge. The high pressure pump will help filter the brine through the membrane. The pressure in the system will vary depending on the pump settings and the osmotic pressure of the brine. The osmotic pressure is dependent on the temperature of the solution and the concentration of the salt dissolved therein. Alternatively, centrifuges are generally more efficient, but more difficult to implement. The centrifuge rotates the solution at high speed to separate out materials of different densities in the solution. In the membrane combination, suspended salts and other contaminants are affected by a constant radial acceleration along the length of the membrane. One common problem with reverse osmosis processes is the removal of suspended salts and clogging of the membrane over time.

The operating costs of reverse osmosis desalination plants are largely dependent on the cost of the energy required to drive the high pressure pumps or centrifuges. Hydraulic energy recovery systems can be integrated into reverse osmosis systems to combat the rise in energy costs associated with energy intensive processes. This involves a recovery portion of the input energy. For example, turbines can be used to recover energy particularly in systems requiring high operating pressures and large amounts of brine. The turbine recovers energy during periods of reduced water pressure. Thus, energy recovery in a reverse osmosis system is dependent on the pressure difference between opposite sides of the membrane. The pressure on the brine side is much higher than the pressure on the desalinated water side. The pressure drop results in considerable water energy recovery by the turbine. Thus, the energy generated between the high and low pressure portions of the reverse osmosis membrane is utilized and not completely wasted. The recovered energy may be used to drive any system component, including a high pressure pump or centrifuge. Turbines and help reduce overall energy consumption to perform desalination processes.

In general, reverse osmosis systems typically consume less energy than thermal distillation and, therefore, are more cost effective. While reverse osmosis works well for treating somewhat dilute brine solutions, it may instead become overloaded and less efficient for treating high-strength brine solutions, such as seawater. In other aspects, less efficient desalination methods may include ion exchange, refrigeration, geothermal desalination, solar humidification (HDH or MEH), methane hydrate crystallization, high order water recovery, or radio frequency induction heating. Regardless of the process used, desalination requires the maintenance of high energy intensive resources. The cost and economic viability of the future continues to depend on the price of the desalination technology and the cost of the energy required to operate the system.

An alternative to desalination is disclosed in us patent No. 4,891,140 by Burke, Jr, a process for separating and removing dissolved minerals and organic materials from water by destructive distillation. Here, water is heated to steam under pressure control. Dissolved salt particles and other contaminants fall out of solution as the water evaporates. An integrated hydrocyclone centrifuge speeds up this separation process. This heated, high pressure clean water transfers energy back to the system through heat exchange and hydraulic motors. The net energy used is relatively less than in the previous processes. In fact, the net energy used is practically equal to the pump losses and heat losses during operation of the plant. One particular advantage of this design is that there is no membrane to replace. Otherwise the removal of chemicals and other materials in the process may damage or destroy the membrane-based desalination apparatus.

Another patent, us patent No. 4,287,026, discloses a method and apparatus by Wallace (Wallace) for removing salt and other minerals in the form of dissolved solids from salt and other brackish water to produce potable water. The water is forced through several desalting stages at high temperature and high centrifugation rate. Preferably, the water is turned by internal elements and accelerated to mach 2 to effectively separate and suspend dissolved salts and other dissolved solids from the evaporated water. The suspended salts and other minerals are centrifugally forced outwardly to be separately expelled by the water vapor. The separated and purified vapor or steam is then condensed back to potable water. The system requires significantly less operating energy than reverse osmosis and similar filtration systems in order to be able to purify water efficiently and economically. One disadvantage of this design is that the rotating shaft is assembled into a vertical chamber. As a result, the rotation shaft portion is secured to the base unit only by the bearing and the bearing cover. At high rotational speeds (e.g., over mach 1), vibration can cause excessive loading of bearings, shaft damage, and seal failure. Another disadvantage is that a series of internal chambers are bolted together to the housing portion. The perforated plates are coupled to the portions via O-ring seals. Because the housing portion and the plurality of chambers are connected together via nuts and bolts, the housing and O-rings wear over time causing salt infiltration. In particular, the components of the walles design are particularly laborious. Maintenance requires intensive labor and takes significant time to disassemble each housing part, including the O-rings, nuts and bolts. Of course, reassembly is required after necessary maintenance. Each housing portion must be carefully put back together to ensure a proper seal between them. The system is also prone to torque and maintenance problems as the equipment ages, such as O-ring leakage. Furthermore, the rotating shaft is connected to a power source via a gear transmission, which contributes to the above mentioned reliability issues regarding bearings, shafts and seals. The system also does not disclose a device for adjusting the rotational speed of the rotating shaft portion according to the osmotic pressure of the brine during the desalination process. Therefore, the holles desalination plant operates as inefficiently in a static state as other current desalination plants.

Therefore, there is a need for improvements in systems in the art, including sensors for monitoring actual system information and controllers for calibrating the mechanical operation of the system, to maximize the decontamination of water, such as water desalination, and to minimize energy consumption. Such a system would further integrate multiple recovery cycles to increase the recovery of potable water, from approximately 80% to between approximately 96% and 99%, incorporate a polymer assisted recovery system to extract trace elements of residual compounds, and would consume less energy than other desalination systems known in the art. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a system for treating a fluid, such as purifying or desalinating water, and producing steam, including steam. The system includes an elongated container defining an interior volume. The container is generally horizontally oriented. An inlet is formed in the container for introducing a fluid therein. A plurality of discs are disposed in the inner receiving space at intervals. The disk includes a scoop-shaped through opening to allow the passage of the fluid, including liquid and vapor. The scoop-shaped nozzle preferably includes an inlet end having a first diameter and an outlet end having a second, smaller diameter. A plurality of baffles, typically plates with holes, are disposed between the plurality of discs. Each baffle has a plurality of through holes for the passage of fluids, including liquids and vapors. Preferably, the through-hole has an inlet end of a first diameter and an outlet end of a smaller second diameter. In one embodiment, at least one of the disks has a flow director extending from a front surface of the disk for directing fluid toward a periphery of the disk.

A rotating shaft passes through the baffle and is mounted on the disk so as to enable the disk to rotate in the inner accommodating space, and the baffle is kept fixed. A driver rotates the rotary shaft. Typically, a gap or a spacer layer or sleeve of low friction material, or bearing, is provided between the shield and the shaft.

A contaminant discharge port is formed in the container and is typically connected to a contaminated water tank. An inner sleeve is disposed in the interior receiving space below the disc and the baffle. The inner sleeve is near the pollutant discharge port, and the inner sleeve forms an annular passage from the inner accommodating space to the pollutant discharge port. A steam vent is also formed in the container and is connected to the steam recovery tank to condense the steam into liquid water. In one embodiment, at least one treated contaminated water tank is fluidly coupled to the container for reprocessing the contaminated water by re-passing the treated contaminated water through the system.

In one embodiment, a controller is used to correct the rotational speed of the rotating shaft or the flow rate of fluid into the container. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller. The at least one sensor is used for at least one of (1) a rotational speed of the rotating shaft or disk, (2) a pressure of the interior volume, (3) a temperature of the fluid, (4) a fluid input rate, or (5) a degree of treatment of contaminants in the fluid.

In one embodiment, a turbine is connected to the vapor outlet of the vessel and is operably connected to a generator. The fluid is heated to at least a boiling point to produce a vapor, and the vapor and/or steam is operatively connected to the generator through the turbine. A treated fluid is returned between the turbine and the fluid inlet on the vessel. Alternatively, the shaft may extend outside the container and be coupled directly or indirectly to a generator.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system is mounted on a portable frame, an ISO box, or the like. The portable frame may be transported by a semi-trailer truck.

In use, the method for purifying a fluid and generating a vapor includes the step of introducing a contaminant fluid into a vessel. The fluid is moved through a series of rotating discs alternately separated by stationary baffles to rotate and heat the fluid to affect vapor therein to produce a vapor having at least some contaminants separated therefrom. Typically, if the system does not include a turbine and generator, the fluid is heated to at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit but less than 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the vapor is preferably raised to the pasteurization temperature. This is accomplished by rotating the disk to a speed to bring the vapor temperature to pasteurization temperature.

The vapor is withdrawn from the vessel to condense and separate the separated contaminants and the remaining fluid. The vapor in its flow path passes through a recovery tank having spaced apart features to coalesce or condense into a liquid.

In one embodiment, certain conditions are detected including at least one of (1) the fluid entering the vessel, (2) the rotational speed of the disk, (3) the pressure in the vessel, (4) the temperature of the fluid, or (5) the degree of separation of contaminants. The speed of rotation of the disc or the rate at which water enters the vessel can be adjusted by the detected conditions. The degree of separation of contaminants and fluid in the holding tank or the concentration of contaminants in the treated fluid may also be detected and the separated contaminants and fluid may be reprocessed by their recirculation in the vessel.

A system for processing fluids includes an elongated container having a fluid inlet and a rotational axis through the container. The system includes means for centrifugally and axially compressing fluid, including both liquid, liquid and vapor, but primarily vapor, passing through the vessel. The system also includes means for rotating the rotatable shaft to drive the centrifugal and axial compression. The fluid also includes a fluid outlet, which preferably includes separate liquid and vapor outlets.

The means for performing centrifugal and axial compression includes a proximal set of alternating disks and baffles. The disk is mounted on the rotating shaft and has a plurality of scoop-shaped openings for the passage of a fluid, including both liquid, liquid and vapor. The baffle is mounted in the vessel and has a plurality of through holes for the passage of a fluid, including both liquid, liquid and vapor.

The means for rotating the rotating shaft comprises a distal set of alternating disks and baffles that function like an unburnt steam turbine or hydraulic/hydraulic press. Like the device for centrifugal and axial compression, the disk is mounted on the rotating shaft and has a plurality of scoops for fluid to pass through. The baffle is installed in the container and has a plurality of through holes for fluid to pass through. In a particular embodiment, the scoops of the disk are at different angles in the means for centrifuging and axially compressing than in the means for rotating the rotating shaft.

The system further includes means for pumping fluid axially through the container. The means for performing axial pumping comprises an intake chamber disposed between the fluid inlet and the means for performing centrifugal and axial compression. The intake chamber functions like an axial pump once the system is run to an operational rotational speed.

The means for performing centrifugal and axial compression vaporizes at least a portion of the fluid through the gas pocket such that the fluid comprises non-vaporized dissolved solids, liquids, and vapors. The means for centrifugally and axially compressing causes centrifugal compression of the fluid to move the non-vaporized dissolved solids and at least a portion of the liquid toward the outer wall of the vessel. The means for performing centrifugal and axial compression causes axial compression of the liquid and vapor, increasing the liquid pressure.

The system further includes means for discharging the fluid to separate liquid and vapor outlets. The discharge device includes a discharge chamber having an inner sleeve forming an annular passage connected to the liquid outlet. The separation of the fluid into liquid and vapor results in a pressure reduction and a physical separation of the non-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid from the vapor.

A method for processing fluids comprising the step of pumping a fluid through a fluid inlet on an elongate container having an axis of rotation. The method also includes centrifuging and axially compressing the fluid through the vessel, and rotating the rotating shaft to perform the centrifuging and axially compressing. The method also includes discharging the fluid through a fluid outlet in the vessel.

The step of centrifuging and axially compressing includes passing the fluid through adjacent a set of alternating disks and baffles, the disks being mounted on the rotating shaft and the baffles being fixed in the vessel.

The step of rotating the rotatable shaft includes passing the fluid through a distal set of alternating disks and baffles, the disks being mounted on the rotatable shaft and the baffles being fixed in the vessel. The set of discs and baffles function like an unburnt turbine and a hydraulic/hydraulic turbine. The transferring step includes transferring the fluid through a plurality of scoop-shaped openings in the disk and a plurality of through-holes in the baffle.

The pumping step includes pumping the fluid axially through the container. The axially pumping step includes passing the fluid through an introduction chamber prior to centrifugation and axial compression. The function of the introduction chamber is to perform the axial pumping step as an axial pump once the system is run to an operational rotational speed.

The step of centrifuging and axially compressing includes the step of evaporating at least a portion of the fluid through the air pocket such that the fluid comprises non-vaporized dissolved solids, liquid, and vapor. The step of centrifuging and axially compressing further comprises the step of moving non-vaporized dissolved solids and at least a portion of the liquid toward the outer wall of the vessel. The step of performing centrifugation and axial compression also includes the step of increasing the pressure of the fluid by axial compression of the liquid and vapor. The step of discharging includes the step of physically separating the non-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid from the vapor and discharging the non-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid through a liquid outlet and the vapor through a vapor discharge outlet. The method further includes the step of reducing the pressure of the fluid in the discharge chamber.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Drawings

The figures show the invention, with the following schematic representation:

FIG. 1 is a top view and partial cross-sectional view of a system for purifying water and producing steam in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view and partial cross-sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating an opened upper portion of the water treatment device;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal end view of the water treatment device of the present invention attached to a portable frame, illustrating;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a disk having a plurality of scoops;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the disk and a scoop-shaped through opening therein;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a baffle plate used in the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view with a water deflector disposed on the front surface of the disk;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a baffle plate illustrating tapered holes therein;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the present invention illustrating the electric motor coupled to the actuator and to the shaft in the water treatment vessel;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a system of the present invention, similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the incorporation of a control box and various sensors;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the system of the present invention, incorporating a turbine and generator;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the water treatment device illustrating a steam vent therein;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view and a partial cross-sectional view of the system of the present invention, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the system for purifying water and generating steam disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the disk and baffle of the system, indicated by the circular dashed line 16 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the vessel depicted in the system shown in FIG. 15 having an inlet and an outlet;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 18-18 shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the shaft with disks and baffles of the system shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a puck in the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a baffle plate in the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the disk indicated by line 22-22 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is another corresponding side elevational view of the puck identified by line 23-23 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the baffle plate indicated by line 24-24 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft, disk and baffle disposed in the vessel;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the disc of FIG. 20 taken along line 26-26;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the baffle plate taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a control screen of the system of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of the process of the present invention in a different location in a water treatment vessel.

Detailed Description

For illustrative purposes, the present invention provides a system and method for purifying water and generating steam, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The system and method provided by the present invention are particularly suitable for desalination of salt water, such as sea water or other brackish water, and river water or other liquids/slurries. This improved water treatment process will be used herein for exemplary purposes, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the system and method of the present invention may be used to purify other water sources. The present invention can be used to remove undissolved or suspended solids (decontamination), as well as, heavy metals and other contaminants. In addition, as will be more fully described herein, the system and method of the present invention may be used in connection with relatively clean water to create steam in which there is sufficient pressure and temperature to pass through a turbine that is operatively connected to a generator to generate electricity, or other steam heating applications.

In the following description, there are several embodiments of the method and system for purifying water and generating steam of the present invention. Functionally identical components will be given the same reference numerals when these embodiments are referred to in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the system, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, includes a water treatment vessel or tank 12, the tank 12 having an interior volume 14 in which salt and other non-dissolved solids and contaminants are removed from the water to produce substantially mineral-free potable water. In one embodiment, the processing vessel 12 receives contaminated water from the feedwater tank 16 through an inlet valve 18 via a feedwater tank pipe 20. In this figure, inlet valve 18 is shown passing laterally through the sidewall into container 12. The inlet valves 18 can be arranged alternately in the following. The source of the water may be seawater or ocean water, other brackish water, or even water contaminated with other contaminants. Furthermore, the present invention assumes that the contaminated water is supplied directly from a source, and the feed tank 16 may not be needed.

Referring to fig. 3, in one embodiment, the container 12 includes a lower housing portion 12a and an upper housing portion 12b, such that the lower housing portion 12a and the upper housing portion 12b can be opened or closed relative to each other to access the contents in the inner receiving space 14 of the container 12. The container 12 can also be built as a single element with respect to the upper and lower housing parts. The water treatment vessel 12 includes a plurality of disks 22 spaced from one another in the interior volume 14 and a baffle 24 between each pair of disks 22. As described more fully herein, the rotary disk 22 includes a plurality of scoop-shaped openings 26 formed therethrough, while the baffle 24 generally includes a plate having a plurality of through-holes 28 formed therethrough. The baffle 24 is fixed in the container 12 so as to be in a stationary state. The barrier 24 may include a lower portion disposed at the lower case portion 12a of the container and an upper portion attached and disposed at the upper case portion 12b of the container 12, and may be designed as a single barrier when the lower case portion 12a and the upper case portion 12b of the barrier 24 are engaged and closed with each other. Alternatively, in earlier embodiments or in aspects of single element implementations, each baffle 24 may comprise a single component attached to one of the lower or upper shell portions 12a, 12 b. In another embodiment, the baffle 24 will generally remain stationary as water and water vapor pass through the baffle 24.

Variable frequency drive 30 adjusts speed as electric motor 32 drives a transmission 34 and a corresponding shaft 36. The shaft 36 is rotatably coupled to bearings or the like, typically non-friction bearings lubricated with synthetic oil, Schmidt couplings, or ceramic bearings 38 and 40 at generally opposite ends of the vessel 12. The shaft 36 extends through the disc 22 and the baffle 24 such that only the disc 22 is rotated by the shaft. That is, the disc 22 is coupled to the shaft 36. Bearings, or low friction materials such as teflon layers or teflon sleeves, are provided between the rotating shaft 36 and the perforated barrier 24 to reduce friction therebetween and to stabilize and support the rotating shaft 36. Teflon is not a good choice because it can wear and contaminate the fluid.

As can be seen from the drawings, the water treatment vessel 12 is generally horizontally oriented. This is in contrast to the walles' 026 device, in which the water treatment tank is generally vertically oriented and the top end of the rotating shaft is held fast by bearings and bearing caps, supporting the tank body itself. As a result, the rotating shaft portion only secures the base of the unit. At high rotational speeds, vibrations in the system cause excessive loading of the bearings, shaft damage, and seal failure. In contrast, the water treatment vessel 12 is mounted to the frame structure 42 in a horizontal mounting configuration, spreading rotational loads along the extent of the vessel 12 and reducing vibrations, such as simple harmonic vibrations, which can lead to bearing overload, shaft damage, and seal failure. In addition, mounting the container 12 to the frame structure 42 increases the portability of the system 10, as will be more fully described herein. Supporting the shaft 36 for rapid rotation through each baffle 24 further stabilizes the shaft and system and reduces vibration and damage caused thereby.

As described above, the shaft 36 and disk 22 rotate at a high speed, such as Mach 2, although slower speeds, such as Mach 1.7, have proven effective. This moves the water through the scoops 26 of the disk 22, rotates and heats the water to form steam, and contaminants, salts, and other non-dissolved solids can remain separated from the steam. Most of the feed water is vaporized by (1) vacuum distillation and (2) cavitation effected by the first rotating disk 22, centrifugal and axial compression causing temperature and pressure rise as this is directly related to the increase or decrease in shaft speed and temperature/pressure. The water and water vapor then pass through the apertures 28 of the baffle 24 before being processed again by the scoops 26 of the next rotating disk 22. The arrangement of the disc 22 and the baffle 24 is designed to minimize or eliminate drag and friction of the shaft 36 during rotation by providing sufficient clearance around the disc 22 and through the central opening 59 of the baffle 24. Where the degree of leakage around the disc 22 and through the central opening 59 of the baffle 24 is minimized to increase efficiency.

As the water and steam pass through each sub-tank of the vessel 12, the temperature of the steam may rise such that additional steam is generated and separated to leave salt, undissolved solids, and other contaminants in the remaining water. The centrifugal force of the water forces the contaminants to be moved to the walls of the interior volume 14 and into the set of channels 44, which directly carry the contaminants and non-evaporated water to the outlet 46. The generated water vapor passes through a steam discharge port 48 formed in the container 12. Thus, the water vapor and contaminants and the remaining water are separated from each other.

As described above, the disc 22 is rotated by the shaft 36. The shaft 36 is supported within the interior of the water treatment vessel 12 by a plurality of bearings, as described above. The bearings are typically non-friction bearings lubricated with synthetic oil, steel, or ceramic. The prior art desalination systems fail at high rotational speeds and high temperatures in combination with standard rotor bearings. Thus, prior art desalination systems have a high failure rate associated with standard rotor bearings. In the present invention, the lubricated non-friction bearings, sealed steel ball bearings, or ceramic bearings 38 and 40 are more durable than standard rotor bearings and fail less at high rotational speeds and temperatures. In addition, the shaft 36 may be intermittently supported by a low friction material, such as a teflon sleeve or bearing 50, disposed between the baffle 24 and the shaft 36. This further ensures that the weight and force on the shaft 36 is evenly distributed and improves the operation and life of the system.

Referring now particularly to fig. 5 and 6, an exemplary disk 22 having a plurality of scoops 26 formed therein is illustrated. While 14 scoops 26 are shown in FIG. 5, it should be understood that the number of scoops 26 can vary and there can be tens of scoops in a single disk 22, and thus the dashed lines are representative of different numbers of scoops.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the disk 22 and the scoop-shaped openings 26 formed therein. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the scoops 26 are tapered holes such that the diameter of their inlet end 52 will be larger than the diameter of their outlet end 54. The tapered scoop shaped nozzle 26 is essentially a venturi with an inlet end 52 that is either vertically open or substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface of the rotating disk 22. The liquid and vapor are accelerated through the tapered scoop shaped opening 26 because it has a larger volume at the inlet 52 and a smaller volume at the outlet 54. The change in volume of the tapered scoop shaped opening 26 from inlet to outlet causes an increase in velocity due to the Venturi effect. As a result, the liquid water and water vapor are further accelerated and agitated, resulting in an increase in temperature and pressure, which further separates contaminants from the water vapor. The tapered scoop-shaped openings 26 may be attached to the rotating disk 22 by any method known in the art.

Again, it should be understood that there will be more or fewer tapered scoops 26 distributed across the entire area of the rotating disk 22, and that the specific number and size of the scoops 26 will vary depending on the operation of the system 10 of the present invention. In addition, the angle of the scoops 26, as shown in FIG. 6 at approximately 45 degrees, may vary in each disk 22. That is, by increasing the angle of the spinning scoops, for example, from 25 degrees to 31 degrees to 36 degrees, further to 40 degrees, 45 degrees, etc. in a series of disks. The increased angle of the scoops 26 from the rotating disk 22 accommodates the increased pressure of the water vapor as it passes through the container 12. This increase in angle can also be used for further agitation and generation of steam, as well as increasing the pressure of the steam for use on the steam turbine, as will be described more fully below.

Referring to fig. 7 and 9, the baffle 24, in the form of a perforated plate, is shown in fig. 7. In this example, the baffle 24 is formed as a first panel 56 and a second panel 58, both connected to the interior wall of the vessel 12 with a connector 60. The connector 60 comprises a bolt, pin, bar, or any other suitable connection means. Alternatively, as described above, the baffle 24 can be formed as a single element connected to the lower or upper housing portion 12a or 12 b. When formed as double panels 56 and 58, the panels 56 and 58 preferably engage each other when the container 12 is closed, effectively forming a single baffle 24.

As mentioned above, the plurality of through holes 28 are formed through the baffle plate 24. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one such through-hole 28. Similar to the disc described above, the perforations preferably include an inlet end 62 having a diameter greater than the diameter of outlet end 64, such that perforations 28 are tapered to increase the pressure and velocity of the water and water vapor as they pass therethrough, and to further increase the temperature and generate additional water vapor from the water. Similar to the disc 22 described above, the through-hole 28 may be formed over the entire surface area of the baffle, as indicated by a series of dashed lines in the figures. The particular number and size of the vias 28 may vary depending on the operation of the system 10.

Referring to fig. 8, shaft 36 is shown extending through rotary disk 22. In one embodiment, a tapered water deflector 66 is located in front of the disk 22. The water deflector 66 may be angled at 45 degrees to direct the remaining water and water vapor from the shaft 36 through the central opening 59 of the baffle 24 toward the periphery or outer edge of the disk 22 for improved vaporization and increased percentage of potable water recovery.

Referring again to fig. 3 and 4, as noted above, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the container 12 can be formed as two shell portions 12a and 12 b. This enables quick inspection and replacement of container parts when required. The inner wall of the interior housing space 14 and any other components such as the disc 22, the baffle 24, the shaft 36, etc. are made of a material such as tellurium and nickel (Melonite), or other materials that reduce friction or resist corrosion. Of course, these components may be composed of corrosion resistant materials and have a low coefficient of friction, such as polished stainless steel or the like. The lower and upper housing portions 12a, 12b of the container 12 are preferably interconnected so as to be in an air-tight and water-tight condition when the container is closed. In addition, because of the water vaporization process performed under operation of the system 10, the closed container 12 needs to be able to withstand high temperatures and pressures.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 10, a transmission 34 typically interconnects the electric motor 32 and a drive shaft 36. The motor 32 may be an internal combustion engine (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.), an electric motor, a gas turbine, or other existing device capable of being driven. The speed of the transmission 34 is set by the variable frequency drive 30. Variable frequency drive 30 is primarily regulated by a computerized controller 68, as will be described more fully below. The shaft 36 may be belt or gear driven. The motor 32 can also be directly connected to the shaft 36, as described below. With particular reference to fig. 10, the motor shaft 70 is connected to an intermediate shaft 72 by a belt 74. The intermediate shaft 72 is in turn connected to the shaft by another belt 76. This high speed industrial belt and pulley system is shown in FIG. 10 for driving a shaft 36 inside the water treatment vessel 12. As shown, the plurality of belts 74 and 76 and the intermediate shaft 72 increase the output speed of the shaft 36 by the electric motor 32 applying a multiple of the input speed to the electric motor drive shaft 70. Of course, the ratio of input speed to output speed can be varied by the relative speeds of the belts 74 and 76 with respect to the intermediate shaft 72. By coupling the electric motor drive shaft 70 to the shaft 36 via the belts 74 and 76 and the intermediate shaft 72, and adding a Schmidt coupling to the shaft 36 between the transmission 34 and the vessel 12, the present invention avoids vibration and related problems that plague other prior art desalination systems.

Referring to FIG. 1, as described above, water vapor is directed through the steam vent 48 of the vessel 12. The water vapor passes through a recovery pipe 78 to a vapor recovery vessel or tank 80. The water vapor is then condensed and condensed into liquid water in the vapor recovery tank 80. To accomplish this, in one embodiment, a plurality of spaced apart dividing members 82, such as in the form of louvers, are disposed in the flow path of the water vapor so that the water vapor can condense and condense into liquid water on the louvers. The liquid water is then sent to either a potable water storage tank 84 or a pasteurization tank 86. This may be done in the holding tank 86 if the water and steam are heated in the container 12 to the necessary temperature for pasteurization to kill harmful microorganisms, zebra babyloid larvae, and other pests.

Referring to fig. 15-27, another preferred embodiment of the system 10 and water treatment vessel 12 is illustrated. Fig. 15 shows the entire system 10 including a spare, one-piece construction of the vessel 12. In this embodiment, container 12 has a structure similar to that of the previously mentioned embodiment, including components such as interior volume 14, inlet valve 18, disk 22 with scoop-shaped opening 26, baffle 24 with through hole 28, brine discharge port 46, and vapor discharge port 48. The inlet valve 18 includes a plurality of inlets, preferably two, to the vessel 12. These inlets 18 are provided at the end of the vessel along the axis 36 to more evenly distribute the fluid to the interior volume 14. The shaft 36, supported by ceramic bearings 38, 40, passes through the center of the disc 22 and the baffle 24.

The disc 22 is secured to the shaft 36 and extends outwardly toward the inner wall of the interior housing 14, as described above. The baffle 24 preferably comprises a single piece that extends from the inner wall of the interior housing space 14 to the shaft 36 and has a central opening 59 that forms a gap between the baffle 24 and the shaft 36, as described above. The baffle 24 is preferably secured to the inner wall of the interior volume by screws or pins, as also described above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container 12 comprises six discs 22 and five baffles 24 alternately dispersed in the interior volume 14.

In this alternative embodiment, inner housing space 14 includes an inner sleeve 45 disposed proximate brine discharge outlet 46. The inner sleeve 45 is annular in shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner receiving space 14. Inner sleeve 45 extends from a point immediately below last disk 22 to another point below brine discharge port 46. An annular channel 47 is created between the inner sleeve 45 and the outer wall of the inner space 14. In a typical configuration, the inner sleeve 45 is about 6 inches long and the annular channel 47 is about 1 to 1¹/₂Inch wide. The annular channel or channel 47 captures the above-mentioned brine or contaminant material spun from the rotating disk 22 to the outer wall of the containment space 14. The annular passage 47 facilitates movement of the brine and contaminant material to the outlet 46 and minimizes material build-up in the holding space 14 and the possibility of steam venting of contaminants.

Fig. 16 shows a close-up view of the disc 22 and the baffle 24. On the one hand it is clearly visible how the baffle 24 extends from the wall of the container 12 through the receiving space 14 to a point close to the axis 36. On the one hand, it can also be seen how the disk 22 is fixed to the shaft 36 and the scoop-shaped openings 26 penetrate into the disk 22. A cone 66 is preferably provided on each disc 22 to direct any fluid flow along the shaft as described above (fig. 8). Fig. 17 shows an exterior view of container 12 illustrating inlet end 18, outlet ends 46, 48, and shaft 36. Typically, the ends of the container 12 will be closed and sealed to prevent leakage. The opening is indicated here for clarity and ease of illustration. Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the container 12 of fig. 17, further showing the internal components, including the disc 22, the baffle 24, the inner sleeve 45 and the annular channel 47. Figure 19 shows the shaft 36 separated by the vessel 12, with the disc 22 and the baffle 24.

Fig. 20 and 21 show the disc 22 and the baffle 24, respectively. Figures 22, 23 and 26 show the disc 22 in figure 20 in different angular views and cross-sectional views. Fig. 24 and 27 likewise show the baffle 24 of fig. 21 in a different angled view and cross-sectional view. As discussed, the disk 22 includes a scoop-shaped opening 26 through the body of the disk 22. The scoop shaped opening 26 includes a scoop shaped inlet end 52 and a scoop shaped outlet end 54, as shown. The scoop-shaped inlet end 52 is preferably oriented such that its opening faces in a direction of rotation about the axis. This maximizes the amount of fluid that enters the scoop-shaped inlet end 52 and passes through the plurality of scoop-shaped openings. The angle of the scoops 26 can be calibrated as shown on a series of disks 22. The baffle 24 may also include a plurality of through holes 28, the location and profile of which are shown in FIG. 9. Fig. 25 shows the shaft 36 and the pair of disks 22 and the baffle 24. In this particular figure, the arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the shaft and thus also of the scoop shape as a disc 22. In the upper half of this figure, the scoop-shaped opening 26, with the scoop-shaped inlet end 52, faces in the direction of rotation as shown, that is, in the direction out of the page. In the lower half of this figure, the scoop shaped opening 26, with scoop shaped inlet end 52, is also oriented in the direction of rotation as shown in the figure, that is, into the page, as the disk 22 rotates about axis 36. The direction of rotation may be clockwise or counter-clockwise. The direction of rotation may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As in the previous embodiment, the scoop-shaped inlet end 52 has a larger diameter than the scoop-shaped outlet end 54 in order to increase the flow rate and reduce the fluid pressure.

In a particular embodiment, when the primary objective of the system 10 is to remove contaminants, such as salt water, from contaminated water to produce potable water, the temperature of the water vapor is heated to between 100 degrees fahrenheit and 212 degrees fahrenheit. Even more preferably, the steam is heated to between 140 degrees fahrenheit and 170 degrees fahrenheit to effect the pasteurization process. However, keeping the temperature of the water vapor to a minimum and almost always less than 212 degrees fahrenheit leaves the water with no means to boil into steam, which can make it more difficult to condense and condense the water vapor into liquid water. Increasing the rotational speed results in an increase in temperature and pressure. The rotational speed can be adjusted to achieve the desired temperature.

The water boils and the water vapor temperature is only ideal for heating if the steam produces an elevated temperature to about 212 degrees fahrenheit, which is used for power generation or other purposes as will be described more fully below. This allows the present invention to both pasteurize water vapor and condense water vapor into liquid water without the need for complex refrigeration or condensation systems that typically require additional electricity and energy.

In one embodiment, contaminated water, i.e., brine in the hold-off process, is collected at the outlet end 46 and moved to the brine holding tank 88. As shown in fig. 1, polymers or other chemicals 90 may be added to the brine to recover trace elements, etc. In addition, the salt removed from the brine can be treated and used in a variety of applications, including edible salt, agricultural brines, and/or fertilizers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the treated contaminated water is reprocessed by recycling the contaminants and passing the remaining water through the system again. This can be done several times so that the amount of drinking water extracted from the contaminated water increases, up to 99%. This may be accomplished by directing the contaminants and wastewater from outlet port 46 to a first brine (or contaminant) reprocessing tank 92. The remaining wastewater, in the form of brine or other contaminants, is then reintroduced through inlet end 18 of vessel 12 and is reprocessed and recycled through vessel 12, as described above. Additional potable water is then extracted in the form of water vapor for condensation and connection to the vapor recovery tank 80. The remaining contaminants and wastewater are then directed to a second brine (or contaminant) reprocessing tank 94. The concentration of contaminants or brine will be much higher in the reprocessing tank 92. Once the wastewater or brine has accumulated to a sufficient degree in the reprocessing tank 92, this contaminated water is then transported to the inlet end 18 and circulated through the system 10 and disposed of, as described above. The extracted potable water is sent to outlet port 48 and converted to liquid water in vapor recovery tank 80, as described above. The resulting contaminants and wastewater can then be placed in another reprocessing tank or in a brine holding tank 88. It is anticipated that initial straight-through of seawater will produce, for example, 80% to 90% potable water. The first re-treatment will produce additional potable water so that the total extracted potable water will be between 90% and 95%. The delivery of brine and remaining water again through the system can be improved to 99% potable water recovery with little increase in unit cost to recover brine. In addition, this reduces the volume of brine or contaminants, facilitates recovery of trace elements and/or reduces the cost of disposal thereof.

Referring to FIG. 11, in a particular embodiment, a computer system is integrated into the system 10 of the present invention for regulating the variable frequency drive 30 based on measurements from a plurality of sensors that continuously read the temperature, pressure, flow rate, component rotation speed, and remaining capacity of each tank connected to the water treatment vessel 12. Usually, the reading of such information is real-time.

For example, temperature and/or pressure sensors 96 may be used to measure the temperature of water or water vapor present in the vessel 12, as well as the pressure therein, if desired. In response to the information read by these sensors, control box 68 will cause variable frequency drive 30 to maintain the speed of shaft 36, decrease the speed of shaft 36, or increase the speed of shaft 36 to allow the water or water vapor to maintain the respective temperature and pressure, decrease the temperature and pressure, or increase the temperature and pressure. This may, for example, ensure that the temperature of the water vapour is at the temperature required for pasteurisation to kill all harmful micro-organisms and other organisms therein. Alternatively, or in addition to a sensor, can be used to detect the rotational speed (RPMS) of the shaft 36 and/or disk 22 to ensure that the system is operating properly and that the system produces steam at a desired temperature and/or pressure. The computerized controller may also adjust the water input (GPMS) via inlet port 18 to admit the appropriate amount of water to allow water vapor and waste water to be removed and the system 10 to operate efficiently. The control box 68 may regulate the rate at which water enters the container 12, or even regulate the water input.

FIG. 28 illustrates a computer screen 112 or similar device. The computer screen illustrates the container 12 and its respective inlet and outlet ends 18, 46, 48, as well as the shaft 36 and the plurality of disks 22. The shaft 36 has a plurality of vibration and temperature sensors 114 disposed along its extent. The bearings 38, 40 may also include vibration and temperature sensors 114. Vibration and temperature sensors 114 are used to detect horizontal and vertical vibrations at each point, as well as the temperature generated by the rotational friction of shaft 36. The bearings 38, 40 include a lube supply line 116a and a return line 116b to provide lubricity thereof. Inlet port 18 and brine discharge port 46 include flow meters 118 to detect the corresponding flow rates. Temperature and pressure sensors 96 are disposed throughout the vessel 12. Temperature and/or pressure sensors 96 are also provided throughout the vessel 12 to measure information at various predetermined points.

As described above, the contaminated water may come from the watering tank 16, or may come from any other tank for trees, including the reprocessing tanks 92 and 94. It is also contemplated that a jointed water storage tank could be fluidly coupled to inlet port 18 to ensure that the water is purified to some extent, or for other purposes, such as that the water required to produce the steam may provide a higher purity than the contaminated water. In this way, one or more sensors 98 can track information in the tank to determine the volume, concentration, or flow rate of water or wastewater/brine into or out of the tank. The controller 68 may be used at the inlet and outlet ends of the conversion tank, such as when the brine is reprocessed from the first brine reprocessing tank 92 to the second brine reprocessing tank 94 and finally to the brine disposal tank 88, as described above. Thus, when the first brine reprocessing tank reaches a predetermined capacity, fluid flow from the feedwater tank 16 is cut off, and instead fluid is provided from the first brine reprocessing tank 92 into the container 12. The treated contaminants and remaining wastewater are then directed to a second brine reprocessing tank 94 until it reaches a predetermined capacity. From the secondary brine reprocessing tank 94, the water is then directed through the system and water treatment vessel 12 to, for example, the brine holding tank 88. The brine in primary brine reprocessing tank 92 can be approximately 20% of the contaminated water, including most of the non-dissolved solids. The residual brine eventually directed to the brine placement tank 88 may comprise 1% of the contaminated water initially introduced into the purification system 10 via the feedwater tank 16. Thus, temperature and pressure sensors, rotational speeds and flow meters can be used to control the desired water output, including temperature control of the water vapor to produce pasteurized water.

The controller 68 may be used to direct the variable frequency drive 30 to power the motor 32 such that the shaft 36 rotates at a sufficiently high rotational speed to cause the rotation of the disk to boil the incoming water and produce steam at the desired temperature and pressure, as shown in fig. 12. FIG. 12 illustrates a steam turbine 100. The steam turbine 100 may also be used with the vessel disclosed in fig. 15-27. Steam in the form of steam can be generated in the water treatment vessel 12 to drive a high pressure, low temperature steam turbine by supplying a steam exhaust 48 to an inlet end of the steam turbine 100. The turbine 100 is in turn coupled to a generator 102 to produce electricity at significant economic cost. Alternatively, the shaft 36 of the vessel 12 may be extended to directly or indirectly rotate the generator 102.

In one steam turbine example, the steam may be heated to over 600 degrees Fahrenheit and pressurized to over 1600 pounds per square inch (psi), which is sufficient to drive the steam turbine 100. In addition to the increase in the rotational speed of the disk, the addition of the conical scoop-shaped openings 26 in the disk 22 and the conical through-holes 28 in the baffle 24 also promotes the production of steam and steam. The increase in the angle of the scoop-shaped openings 26, such as from 25 degrees for the first disk to 45 degrees for the last disk, also increases the generation of steam in the form of steam and the pressure therein to enable the steam turbine 100 to be driven. Fig. 13 and 14 show an embodiment in which a steam exhaust 104 is formed at the end of vessel 12 and steam turbine 100 is directly connected thereto such that pressurized steam passes through steam turbine 100 to rotate blades 106 and shaft 108 thereon to produce electricity via a generator coupled thereto. A steam outlet 110 delivers steam to the steam recovery tank 80 and the like. The vapor recovery tank 80 may need to include additional piping, condensers, refrigerators, and the like in order to cool the steam or high temperature water vapor, condensing it into liquid water.

Of course, it should be understood to those skilled in the art that the steam generated by the system 10 can be used for other purposes, such as heating purposes, removing oil from oil wells and bitumen and shale pits, and the like.

It should also be understood that the system accelerates the production of high temperature steam or steam through the steam turbine 100 to produce the required power by means of the sensor and controller 68 being able to produce lower temperature and/or lower pressure steam to produce potable water, wherein the steam is directed through the exhaust 48 to the steam recovery tank. For example, at night, the system 10 can be used to produce potable water when very little power is required. However, during the day, the system 10 can be adjusted for steam and power generation.

As described above, many of the components of the present invention, including the variable frequency drive 30, the electric motor 32, the transmission 34, and the water treatment vessel 12, can be attached to a portable frame 42. The entire system 10 of the present invention can be designed to fit into a 40 feet long ISO housing box. This containment box may be insulated with a refrigeration unit (HVAC) to control the operating environment and transport and storage. Various tanks, including a water feed tank, a vapor recovery tank, a potable water storage tank, and a contaminant/brine reprocessing or disposal tank, can be loaded into the transportable containment tank and transported and connected to the inlet and outlet ends, respectively, as desired. Thus, the entire system 10 of the present invention can be easily transported in an ISO container, or the like, via a ship, semi-tractor trailer, or the like. Thus, the system 10 of the present invention can be used in locations where needed to handle disasters, military applications, etc., even at remote locations. Such an arrangement results in a high level of mobility, rapid deployment and activation of the system 10 of the present invention.

Fig. 29 illustrates the process occurring at a different point, i.e. the sub-compartments, through the container 12. The interior receiving space 14 of the container 12 is effectively divided into a series of sub-receiving spaces as shown. The vessel 12 contains 5 sub-compartments for performing the functions of an axial flow pump, an axial flow compressor, a centrifugal flow compressor, an unburnt turbine and/or a hydraulic/hydraulic turbine. In operation, the system 10 has the ability to evaporate water through mechanical treatment, thus enabling efficient and effective desalination, purification, and vaporization of various damaged fluids. Prior to entering the vessel 12, the fluid is subjected primarily to a pre-treatment step 120, wherein the fluid is passed through filters and various other processes to separate out contaminants that are more easily removed or that may damage or reduce the integrity of the system 10. Upon passing through inlet port 18, the fluid enters the intake chamber 122, which has an effect on the fluid similar to an axial flow pump once the system 10 reaches its operating rotational speed. An external priming pump (not shown) can be turned off so that the system 10 draws contaminated water through the inlet port, i.e., the function of the intake chamber is like an axial flow pump, without the priming pump running continuously. A significant reduction in the pressure introduced into the chamber can cause vacuum distillation or vaporization to occur at temperatures below 212 degrees fahrenheit. After the introduction chamber 122, the fluid encounters the first disk 22 where it enters the first processing chamber 124. The first process chamber, through the combined action of the rotating disk 22 and the adjacent baffle 24, enables the first process chamber to function like both a centrifugal flow compressor and an axial flow compressor. The incoming water is subjected to the impact of the high speed turntable 22 in the first process chamber 124 as it passes through the pockets and a relatively high proportion is evaporated. The centrifugal flow compression process occurs in the first processing chamber 124 and each subsequent processing tank. The centrifugal flow compression process throws the unevaporated dissolved solids and at least some of the liquid water onto the outer wall of the processing chamber 124. This action separates the undissolved solids from the remaining liquid that is mostly evaporated. The axial flow compression process also occurs in the first processing chamber 124 and each subsequent processing slot. The axial flow compression process compresses vapor and liquid water to increase the temperature and pressure in the treatment tank. Both second processing chamber 126 and third processing chamber 128 function like the features of the compound action of the centrifugal flow compressor and the axial flow compressor in first processing chamber 124.

By the time the fluid reaches the fourth processing chamber 130, it has been primarily subjected to centrifugal flow compression and axial flow compression such that the properties of the fluid and its flow through the container 12 have been altered. In the fourth chamber, the fluid behaves as if it were flowing through an unburnt turbine or hydraulic/hydraulic turbine by rotation of shaft 36. The fifth treatment chamber 132 integrates the process of an unburned turbine or hydraulic/hydraulic turbine. The turbo-process forces of the fourth and fifth processing chambers 130, 132 drive the rotation of the shaft 36 such that power from the motor 32 can be saved without loss of function in the system 10. After exiting the fifth treatment chamber 132, the fluid has been separated to such an extent that substantially all of the contaminants pass through the annular passage 47 to the discharge outlet 46 in the form of brine and the purified vapor passes through the central portion of the interior volume 14 to the vapor discharge outlet 48. In contrast to the start-up phase, the turbine operation of the fourth and fifth processing chambers 130, 132 allows the system 10 to continue operation with reduced input energy (up to 25%) once equilibrium is reached in operation.

After the fifth processing chamber 132, the system includes an exhaust chamber. The exhaust chamber 134 is larger than any of the previously described process chambers and includes two exhaust ports 46, 48. The large volume increase causes a significant reduction in pressure and separation of undissolved solids and remaining water from the vapor.

The container 12 is preferably preferentially positioned such that the combined processing chambers, 124 and 132, occupy about half of the total range. The discharge chamber 134 occupies about one third of the total range. The remaining range of the container, about one-sixth of the total range, is occupied by the intake chamber 122. The processing chambers 124-132 are divided into three fifths of compression function and two fifths of turbo function. Once the fluid exits the last processing chamber 132, it may complete about 80% of the vaporization as it enters the exhaust chamber 134 and is directed to the respective outlets 46, 48.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A system for treating a fluid, comprising:

a slender container defining an internal accommodating space, the container and the internal accommodating space being horizontally positioned;

a fluid inlet formed in the container;

a plurality of disks positioned vertically and spaced apart from one another and disposed along a horizontal orientation of the interior volume, each of the plurality of disks including a scoop shaped opening therethrough for passage of fluid, wherein the scoop shaped opening includes an inlet end of a first diameter and an outlet end of a second, smaller diameter;

a plurality of baffles positioned vertically and arranged along a horizontal orientation of the interior volume, each of the plurality of baffles being alternately spaced from each of the plurality of discs, each of the plurality of baffles having a through-hole therethrough for fluid to flow through, wherein the through-hole has an inlet end of a first diameter and an outlet end of a second, smaller diameter;

a rotating shaft disposed along the horizontal direction of the inner receiving space, the rotating shaft passing through the baffle and being mounted on the disc so as to rotate the disc in the inner receiving space;

a contaminant discharge port formed in the container opposite the fluid inlet port along a horizontal orientation of the interior receiving space;

an inner sleeve disposed in the interior volume below the plurality of discs and the baffle proximate the contaminant discharge port, the inner sleeve forming an annular passage leading from the interior volume to the contaminant discharge port; and

a vapor outlet formed in the container opposite the fluid inlet along a horizontal orientation of the interior volume and coupled to the vapor recovery tank to condense vapor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is mounted on a portable frame.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for rotating the rotating shaft.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the disks includes a flow director extending from a front surface of the disk and adapted to direct fluid flow toward a periphery of the disk.

5. A system as in claim 3, further comprising a controller for correcting the rotational speed of the rotating shaft or the flow rate of fluid into the vessel.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one sensor coupled to the controller and determining at least one of:

(1) the rotational speed of the rotating shaft or disk,

(2) the pressure of the internal receiving space is reduced,

(3) the temperature of the fluid is such that it,

(4) fluid input rate, or

(5) The extent of treatment of the contaminants in the fluid.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least one treated contaminated fluid tank fluidly coupled to the contaminant discharge port of the container, which in turn is connected to the fluid inlet port on the container, for reprocessing the contaminated fluid by passing treated contaminated fluid through the system.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a turbine connected to the steam outlet of the vessel and operatively connected to a generator.

9. The system of claim 8, comprising a treated fluid return between an outlet on the turbine and a fluid inlet on the vessel.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotating shaft extends out of the vessel and is coupled to a generator.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the rotating shaft is directly coupled to the generator.

12. A system for treating a fluid, comprising:

an elongated container having a fluid inlet and a rotational axis through the container, wherein the elongated container and the rotational axis are horizontally oriented;

means for centrifuging and axially compressing fluid passing through the container once the system is operated to an operational rotational speed, wherein the means for centrifuging and axially compressing comprises a proximal set of vertically positioned, alternately spaced disks disposed along the horizontal orientation of the container and mounted on the rotational shaft and having a plurality of scoop-shaped openings for passage of fluid and a baffle disposed along the horizontal orientation of the container and mounted in the container and having a plurality of through-holes for passage of fluid, wherein each of the plurality of scoop-shaped openings and the plurality of through-holes has an inlet end of a first diameter and an outlet end of a smaller second diameter;

means for rotating the rotatable shaft to drive the means for centrifuging and axially compressing once the system is operated to the operational rotational speed, wherein the means for rotating the rotatable shaft comprises a distal set of vertically positioned, alternately spaced disks disposed along the horizontal orientation of the container and mounted on the rotatable shaft and having a plurality of scoop-shaped openings for passage of fluid and baffles disposed along the horizontal orientation of the container and mounted in the container and having a plurality of through-holes for passage of fluid, wherein each of the plurality of scoop-shaped openings and the plurality of through-holes has an inlet end of a first diameter and an outlet end of a second, smaller diameter, and wherein the means for rotating the rotatable shaft is driven by fluid flowing from the means for centrifuging and axially compressing;

a vapor vent and a contaminant vent on the vessel, the vapor vent and the contaminant vent positioned opposite the fluid inlet along the horizontal plane of the vessel; and

an inner sleeve disposed in the container below the means for rotating the rotatable shaft and separating the vapor vent from the contaminant vent, the inner sleeve defining an annular passage leading to the contaminant vent.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising means for pumping the fluid axially through the container.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the means for axially pumping the fluid comprises an intake chamber disposed between the fluid inlet and the means for centrifuging and axially compressing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the introduction chamber acts as an axial pump once the system is operated to an operational rotational speed.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the means for rotating the rotating shaft is in the form of the distal set of vertically positioned, alternately spaced disks and baffles, functioning like an unburned turbine or hydraulic/hydraulic turbine with the fluid flowing out of the means for centrifugal and axial compression once the system is operating to the operational rotational speed.

17. The system of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the means for performing centrifugation and axial compression evaporates at least a portion of the fluid through the gas cavity such that the fluid comprises non-vaporized dissolved solids, liquids, and vapors.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for centrifugally and axially compressing causes centrifugal compression of the fluid to move the non-vaporized dissolved solids and at least a portion of the liquid toward an outer wall of the vessel.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for centrifugally and axially compressing causes axial compression of the liquid and vapor to increase the pressure of the liquid.

20. The system of claim 17, further comprising means for venting the fluid to the contaminant vent and the vapor vent such that the pressure is reduced and the non-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid are physically separated from the vapor.