Geometrical analysis of thermo-compressors in multiple-effects distillation units based on the second law of thermodynamics

Abstract

AbstractThermo-compressors are used instead of mechanical compression devices in many industries and play a main role in the process. Through the process of designing desalination systems, amount of exergy dissipation is a very important economical factor. Most of the exergy losses in multi-effect distillation systems with thermal vapor compression (multiple-effect desalination–TVC) occur in the thermo-compressor. The aim of this article is to investigate geometrical effects in thermo-compressors by numerical methods based on the second law of thermodynamics to obtain lower exergy loss and consequently, higher entrainment ratio. A lot of geometrical parameters such as converging and diverging angles in mixing section, diffuser, nozzle location and also its throat area ratio affect thermo-compressors’ performance. The modifications in the above-mentioned parameters were applied to a thermo-compressor established in a desalination unit in Kavian petrochemical company which is working with 15 barg of motive ...