Theoretical analyses of energy saving in a direct contact evaporative crystallization through the installation of heat pump Original Research Article

Utilization of heat pumps in various industrial technological processes is considered as an important approach to reduce the demand of energy. One of a prospective chemical processes for heat pumps being used is crystallization process. This work presents a theoretical analysis of the feasibility and potential use of a heat pump in direct contact evaporative crystallization process. This process has advantages compared to traditional open solar pond system for the extraction of mineral salts by producing additional amount of desalinated water. Principle schemes of the process were proposed and the needed calculations were performed. A noticeable saving in energy was obtained compared to that of the ordinary process (without introducing a heat pump). Effect of some process variables such as initial air temperature and humidity on the energy saving was investigated.