Multiple Effect Distillation with Mechanical Vapour Compression (MED-MVC)

The technology

When no steam is available, it is still possible to use the MED process with a Mechanical Vapour Compressor (MED-MVC). In such case the vapour is recycled from the cold cell to the hot one by means of a centrifugal compressor driven by an electrical engine (refer to sketch). The electrical consumption of such system is in the range of 8 to 15 kWh/m3. Due to current limitation in compressors technology the maximum capacity of MED-MVC units is 5000 m3/day per unit.