Pre-startup Proofs in an Absorption Heat Transformer for Water Purification with Compact Components

Abstract

An absorption heat transformer is a type of heat pump which recovers waste heat from an industrial source or a solar collector and increases its thermal level to be used in a specific application. In recent years, these transformers have been used as an alternative to conventional desalination processes. In the Applied Thermal Laboratory of UAEM, an absorption heat transformer for water purification (AHTWP) with compact components was designed and coupled. The purpose of this design is to reduce heat losses in the system and the final dimensions of the experimental device as well. The equipment has duplex components: Generator-Condenser (GECO) and Absorber-Evaporator (ABEV), these components are helicoidal heat exchangers with a drop distributor to produce a falling film. The AHTWP is instrumented with sensors, flowmeters and pumps that regulate the process variables. Equipment pre-startup proofs were carried out: sealing, hydraulic and insulation; and operational tests, the fluid used was water.With these tests an overall assessment of the components of AHTWP was obtained, and the uncertainty of the operating ranges was reduced. The results were satisfactory, so that the equipment is in optimal condition to start experimental test. The first experimental phase will be a proofs of an aqueous solution of lithium bromide in concentrations between 51 and 56% by weight.