Modeling and energy reduction of multiple effect evaporator system with thermal vapor compression

A general and rigorous mathematical model is developed for a multiple effect evaporator system which includes various energy reduction schemes (ERSs). These ERSs are thermal vapor compression, vapor bleeding, condensate flashing and solution flashing. The model can achieve the function of pumping steam at any effect and can work as an effective screening tool for the selection of optimal feed flow sequence (OFFS). In order to solve the model, the iteration method combining with matrix methods is proposed. To study effect of different ERSs on steam consumption (SC), an example of the co-current quadruple effect evaporator system is considered. These schemes can reduce the SC up to 46.56% if the feed is heated up to 88 °C and ejection coefficient at 3rd effect is set to 0.3. The OFFS is forward sequence as long as preheating temperature is high enough when constraints of heat transfer driving force can be satisfied.