Mechanical vapour compression

Principle of operation and use

The operation of vacuum evaporators by mechanical compression of the vapor is based on the recovery of the heat of condensation of the distillate as a heat source. In these systems the process starts with the supply of external energy to the evaporator in order to start the evaporation process. Vacuum sealing reduces the boiling temperature of the liquid, thus improving the energy efficiency of the process. The steam that is produced, when extracted, is compressed using a positive displacement compressor, with the intention of increasing its temperature.

This superheated heat returns to the evaporator as a heating fluid. When the cycle has begun, there is no need to continue the external supply of heat, since with the mechanical compression of the vapor, the heat produced is sufficient to maintain liquid evaporation. Compressed, and therefore superheated, vapor when it passes through the evaporator exchanger, fulfills a double purpose: firstly, it heats the liquid to be evaporated and then it condenses, saving the use of a refrigerant fluid.