FORCED CIRCULATION

Forced circulation evaporators contain a pump to circulate feed through the

apparatus.

(Copyright GEA Process Engineering Inc., Columbia, MD)

GENERAL INFORMATION
In forced circulation evaporators the feed is pumped into a heat exchanger, where
evaporation occurs. The evaporated mixture then flows into the vapor head where
any entrained liquid strikes the deflector plate. The vapor flows out the top of the
vapor head, while the liquor is either removed or recycled.

EQUIPMENT DESIGN
The most common type of forced circulation evaporator is the submerged-tube type.
In these evaporators the heating element is below the liquid level. This ensures that
no boiling occurs in the tubes.

The heating elements may be oriented either vertically or horizontally, depending on

the available head room. In the diagram below, the heating elements are oriented
horizontally.
 (Copyright GEA Process Engineering Inc., Columbia, MD)

The use of a pump in forced circulation evaporators ensures continuous liquid

flowrate. The pump also allows for the physical separation of the heat transfer and
vapor-liquid separation components within the evaporator.

The liquid velocity through the evaporator is limited only by the pump. This is unlike
other evaporators, where it is limited by other factors, such as the amount of
evaporation that takes place.

USAGE EXAMPLES
Forced circulation evaporators are used in the mining industry, where the solids are
concentrated. The one shown below is involved in a brine concentration process.
 (Copyright GEA Process Engineering Inc.,
Columbia, MD)

One of the main uses of forced circulation as well as other evaporators is in

crystallization. They may also be used when corrosive or highly viscous solutions are
to be evaporated.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Efficiently transfers heat from  Expensive
steam to liquid  Power necessary for circulating
 Continuous liquid flow pump
 Low amounts of salting, scaling,  Relatively high holdup or residence
and fouling time