| abstract |
An apparatus for purifying water 1700, such as for desalination, includes a source of a heated air stream 1705, the heated air stream having a temperature above an ambient temperature. A diffusion tower 1715 having high surface area material therein receives a water stream including at least one impurity and creates at least one region having thin films of water therein from the water stream. The heated air stream is directed over the thin films of water to create a humidified air stream that is at least substantially saturated. At least one direct contact condenser 1750 is in fluid communication with the humidified air stream for condensing the humidified air stream, thus producing purified water. A power plant 1701 can include the apparatus for purifying water, where energy to heat the air stream is provided by low pressure condensing steam. |