Mechanical vapor recompression
Mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) is an energy recovery process where energy is added to low-pressure vapor (usually water vapor) by compressing it. The result is a smaller volume of vapor at a higher temperature and pressure, which can be used to do useful work.[1] [2] Typically, the compressed vapor can be used to heat the mother liquor to produce the low pressure vapor.
Applications
Current
Mechanical vapor recompression is used chiefly in industrial processes such as evaporation and distillation. Heat from the condenser, which would otherwise be lost, can be recovered and used in the evaporation process.
Past
MVR was used in the Cristiani compressed steam system for locomotive transmission. Although it was technically feasible, it failed to become popular because of its complexity.[3]
Alternatives
Alternatives to mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) are:
- Thermal vapor recompression (TVR) (also known as thermocompression)
A combination of the three methods may be used depending on the process. For instance, a 3-effect evaporator circuit may be installed using MVR to transfer heat.