Thermocompression

4-6 Multiple stage steam ejectors with discharge tubes 

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The ideal mechanical power requirement of a thermocompression evaporator is given by the Carnot equation ... 

Thermocompression Evaporators Thermocompression-evap-orator calculations [Pridgeon, Chem. Metall. Eng., 28, 1109 (1923) Peter, Chimin Switzerland), 3, II4 (1949) Petzold, Chem. Ing. Tech., 22, 147 (1950) and Weimer, Dolf, and Austin, Chem. Eng. Prog., 76(11), 78 (1980)] are much the same as single-effect calculations with the added comphcation that the heat suppied to the evaporator from compressed vapor and other sources must exactly balance the heat requirements. Some knowledge of compressor efficiency is also required. Large axial-flow machines on the order of 236-mVs (500,000-ftVmin) capacity may have efficiencies of 80 to 85 percent. Efficiency drops to about 75 percent for a I4-mVs (30,000-ftVmin) centrifugal compressor. Steam-jet compressors have thermodynamic efficiencies on the order of only 25 to 30 percent. 

The two principal elements of evaporator control are evaporation rate a.ndproduct concentration. Evaporation rate in single- and multiple-effect evaporators is usually achieved by steam-flow control. Conventional-control instrumentation is used (see Sec. 22), with the added precaution that pressure drop across meter and control valve, which reduces temperature difference available for heat transfer, not be excessive when maximum capacity is desired. Capacity control of thermocompression evaporators depends on the type of compressor positive-displacement compressors can utilize speed control or variations in operating pressure level. Centrifugal machines normally utihze adjustable inlet-guide vanes. Steam jets may have an adjustable spindle in the high-pressure orifice or be arranged as multiple jets that can individually be cut out of the system. 

The cell is hermetically sealed. This is performed by a glass connection from the / "-alumina ceramic tube to a ring of a-alumina. Metal parts are connected to the a -alumina by thermocompression bonding and the metal parts are either con-... 

To achieve the goal of required performance, durability, and cost of plate materials, one approach is improvement of the control of the composition and microstructure of materials, particularly the composite, in the material designing and manufacturing process. For example, in the direction of development of thermoplastics-based composite plate, CEA (Le Ripault Center) and Atofina (Total Group) have jointly worked on an irmovative "microcomposite" material [33]. The small powders of the graphite platelet filler and the PVDF matrix were mixed homogeneously by the dispersion method. The filler and matrix had a certain ratio at the microlevel in the powder according to the optimized properties requirements. The microcomposite powders were thermocompressed into the composite plate. 

The cell design is shown schematically in Fig. 8.22. Two nickel components are sealed to a metallized j3-alumina collar by thermocompression bonding the 0-alumina tube is then attached to the alumina collar by a glass seal. This sub-assembly can then be welded to the prismatic metal can. A metal wick inserted in the steel can, before the sub-assembly is welded in place, acts as the cathode for sodium deposition when the cell is charged. The positive electrode is added as a mixture of nickel powder, salt and aluminium powder, and after addition of the molten sodium chloro-aluminate the cell is sealed by welding on the positive terminal... 

Table I. Capital Cost of 17,350,000-Gallon-per-Day Combination Thermocompression-10-Effect Sea Water Evaporation Plant...

To increase the value of the demonstration plant, features have been incorporated to permit operation under other than demonstration conditions. It will be possible to operate the evaporator at first-effect temperatures up to 300° F., thus almost doubling plant output if calcium sulfate scale can be prevented, and to use the acid method of scale prevention in place of the sludge method. Provisions have been made for later installation of a vapor compressor, which would convert the plant to a combination multiple effect-thermocompression system. This would add about 15% to plant output and would permit performance evaluation of vapor compressors in sea water service. 

In the electrical and electronic equipment market, adhesives compete with other joining methods such as mechanical fasteners, brazing, welding, soldering, and thermocompression bonding. Major uses of adhesives in the electrical and electronic equipment market are shown in Table 1.5. Adhesives are generally the preferred method of joining whenever... 

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