Comparative performance evaluation of conventional multi-effect evaporation desalination processes

The three different configurations of the multi-effect evaporation system: the parallel/cross, forward and backward feed configurations were studied. On the basis of material and energy balances, mathematical models are developed for all the configurations. These models are used to study the effect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied thermal engineering 2014-12, Vol.73 (1), p.1194-1203
Main Authors: Al-Mutaz, Ibrahim S., Wazeer, Irfan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Consumption
Desalination processes
Design engineering
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Evaporation
Exact sciences and technology
Gain
Heat transfer
Mathematical models
MED
Multi-effect evaporation
Performance evaluation
Performance study
Specific heat
Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering
Thermal engineering
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Summary:The three different configurations of the multi-effect evaporation system: the parallel/cross, forward and backward feed configurations were studied. On the basis of material and energy balances, mathematical models are developed for all the configurations. These models are used to study the effect of all the parameters on total capacity, gain output ratio, specific heat transfer area, specific heat consumption and temperature difference between effects under different operating and design conditions. Results indicate that for the three feed schemes, steam temperature and temperature difference per effect have the major impact on the specific heat transfer area of the effects. Results also showed that the parallel/cross feed scheme has better performance characteristics than the other two feed configurations. Parallel/cross feed configuration has higher gain output ratio and lower specific heat consumption than the other two arrangements. •Parametric study of different schemes of the multi-effect evaporation (MEE) system has been conducted.•Mathematical models are developed for each MEE configuration.•Steam temperature has the major impact on the specific heat transfer area in MEE process.•Parallel/cross feed scheme of MEE process has better performance than the other two schemes.•Efficiency of each MEE configuration is measured in term of gain output ratio (GOR).
ISSN:1359-4311
DOI:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.09.025