ENERGY-CONSUMPTION OF ABSORPTION-DRIVEN MULTIPLE-EFFECT EVAPORATORS

Theoretical and experimental studies of absorption-driven multiple-eff ect evaporators were carried out. Theoretical predictions for such uni ts were compared with existing industrial-scale conventional evaporato rs. It was calculated that the total energy consumption of an absorpti on-driven evaporator is considerably lower than that of a conventional multiple-effect evaporator Theoretical predictions were also verified with an experimental four-effect absorption-driven evaporator, couple d with a two-effect regenerator, using sodium hydroxide solution as th e absorptive medium. Energy savings of 30% to 45% were obtained.