7/3/2017 Thermal Vapor Recompression (TVR) Evaporator - Swenson Technology

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THERMAL VAPOR RECOMPRESSION (TVR)

Swenson Technology is
a global leader in the EVAPORATOR
design and supply of
chemical process
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separation. We
specialize in designing
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innovative systems to
convert liquid solutions
into dry solids using
evaporation,
crystallization and
drying.

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NEWS & EVENTS
Exponor 2017
May 15-19, 2017
Antofagasta, Chile
Achema 2018
June 11-15, 2018
Frankfurt, Germany
Swenson thermal vapor recompression (TVR) evaporators use a thermocompressor to reduce the steam
required per pound of evaporation.
To reduce energy consumption, water vapor from an evaporator is entrained and compressed with high
pressure steam in a thermocompressor so it can be condensed in the evaporator heat exchanger. The
resultant pressure is intermediate to that of the motive steam and the water vapor. A thermocompressor is
similar to a steam-jet air ejector used to maintain vacuum in an evaporator.
Only a portion of the vapor from an evaporator can be compressed in a thermocompressor with the remainder
condensed in the next-effect heat exchanger or a condenser. A thermocompressor is normally used on a
single-effect evaporator or on the first effect of a double- or triple-effect evaporator to reduce energy
consumption. As with mechanical recompression, thermal recompression is more applicable to low boiling-
point rise liquids and low to moderate differential temperatures in the heat exchanger to minimize the
compression ratio.
To illustrate the energy effectiveness of a thermocompressor, compare the steam usage for a double-effect
evaporator with that of a double-effect evaporator with a thermocompressor. Motive steam at 85 psig is utilized
to compress first-effect vapor from 19 Hg to 32 Hg absolute. The forward-feed, double-effect evaporator is
used to concentrate a weak sodium sulfate solution. A rising-film evaporator is used for the first effect, and a
forced-circulation evaporator is required for the second effect where sodium sulfate crystals precipitate.

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7/3/2017 Thermal Vapor Recompression (TVR) Evaporator - Swenson Technology

Configuration lb/hr of 85 psig Steam lb evap./ lb Steam

Double Effect 12,800 1.94

Double Effect w/ Thermocompressor 8,540 2.90

The double-effect evaporator with thermal recompression requires 33% less steam than the conventional
double effect. In essence, the steam usage for the double effect with thermal recompression is comparable to
that of a triple-effect evaporator. The main advantage of thermal recompression is improved steam economy
for a moderate capital expenditure which is less than that for an additional effect.

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