Innovative low-grade sorption desalination technology for application on board of vessels

This study aims to develop a high-water-yield adsorption desalination system by sorbents screening and lab-scale prototype testing, for future application on board of vessels. For sorbents optimization, silica gel-30%LiCl and vermiculite-45%LiCl composites were developed. The sorption isobars and sorption kinetics were measured and the results contributed to further calculations of SDWP (Specific Daily Water Production). Silica gel-30%LiCl composite was chosen as the optimized one with the highest SDWP. Afterwards, the ad/desorption dynamics of the adsorber made of finned flat-tubes heat exchanger and silica gel-30% LiCl composites were tested in a T-LTJ (thermal large temperature jump) adsorption apparatus. The obtained results were used to calculate the SDWP and optimized cycle time and to evaluate the performances of three system designs (2-reactors, 3-reactors and 4-reactors). The design of 3-reactors was selected, which can reach an SDWP as high as 69 m3/tonne/day under the condition of Teva/cond=20 °C and Tde=80 °C.