Falling-film heat exchangers used in desalination systems: A review

With growing demand for fresh water, there has been an increasing interest in energy-efficient desalination technologies. Falling-film-based, multi-effect distillation (MED) systems have been extensively deployed world-wide. The performance of such systems heavily depends on the efficiency of the evaporation process. In the current paper, research on falling-film heat exchangers used in desalination systems, especially MED systems, is critically reviewed to assess the state of the technology. The review includes falling-film evaporation mechanisms, system operation, and scaling issues. Finally, opportunities for further application and areas where more research is needed are identified. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper provides a critical review of falling-film heat exchangers used in desalination systems, particularly multi-effect distillation (MED) systems, to assess the current state of the technology. The review covers falling-film evaporation mechanisms, system operation, and scaling issues, and identifies opportunities for further application and areas that require more research.