A simulator for thermal desalination processes

A computer package has been developed for design and simulation of thermal desalination processes. This was motivated by the unavailability of such pa ckages in the literature or on a commercial scale. The package includes mod els for various systems of single effect evaporation (SEE), multistage flas h (MSF), and multi effect evaporation (MEE). The MSF systems include brine circulation, brine mixing, once through, and thermal vapor compression. The MEE configurations include parallel and forward feed systems. The SEE and MEE systems include stand-alone and vapor compression units. Vapor compress ion systems include mechanical, thermal absorption, and adsorption heat pum ps. All models are based on a well developed set of materials and energy ba lance equations as well as correlations for evaluation of physical properti es, heat transfer coefficient, and thermodynamic losses. All mathematical m odels have been developed and previously tested and validated by the author s against available industrial and literature data. All models generate the design and simulation variables which have the strongest effect on the uni t product cost. These include the thermal performance ratio, the specific h eat transfer area, the conversion ratio, the specific power consumption, an d the specific flow rate of cooling water. The computer package includes di splays for process design, rating, flow charting, performance calculations, help files, and graphing of process schematics and performance curves. The package allows for parameter selection, printing of forms and data files, and selection of parameters for performance charts. The package performs ch ecks on parameter range and prevents pinch conditions in various heat excha nge processes. The package has been tested in a number of undergraduate, gr aduate, and training classes and is found simple to use and provides fast a nd accurate results.