Energy efficiency

These processes can be optimized by compression, which improves energy recovery.

Recoverable energy source

The recovered energy can come from several sources:

• hot water from cogeneration engines
• vapour from another facility
• Stripping column headings
• sources of energy hot enough   

Depending on the amount of energy available, the diagram of the unit can be adapted to single effect or multiple effect. It is also possible to recover energy and to complement vapour or Mechanical Vapour Compression.

Optimisation is on a case-by-case basis.

Cogeneration engine

France Evaporation expertise allows full or partial recovery following a cogeneration engine. This enhancement reduces the energy consumption of the treatment facility, while justifying the use of this energy within the framework of the resale of electricity (TGAP, green ticket, etc.).

The case of multiple effect

On a multi-effect unit, the evaporator operates at a different pressure.

To transform the evaporator into MVC, all the separators are connected to collect the evaporation vapour from each evaporation body, in order to direct them to a vapour scrubber and then to one or more MVC units, depending on the installation, to maintain the production capacity.

The compressed vapours at the MVC outlet can then be sent to the evaporator radiators to be reused.

It is possible to keep the existing multiple effect operation by using a set of valves, if the MVC is not available.

A pilot project with EDF

France Evaporation has jointly developed with EDF, a high temperature heat pump which includes an MVC compressing vapour at 80°C to increase to 120°C.

This compressor will soon be installed on an industrial site for validation in the long term. The compressor's inlet temperature and capacity will subsequently be adjusted to meet different needs.

France Evaporation is working on various MVC applications

• Recovery of vapour at the exit of a multiple effect and return leading the multiple effect (without altering the existing sheath network)
• Vapour compression on ethanol columns
• Compression on benders   

Multiple applications

Mechanical Vapour Compression (MVC) has several applications:

• transformation of a single effect or multiple effect evaporator into Mechanical Vapour Compression
• vapour recovery for reuse in another workshop   

MVC applications are multiple and are systematically the subject of specific studies conducted in collaboration with your team to define the most relevant patterns.

Investment return

With an investment return of 1 to 3 years, Mechanical Vapor Compression installed on your existing units will sustainably reduce your operating costs.

The changes proposed by France Evaporation do not impact the processes and capacity in any way.

High level technology

MVC/MVR is very reliable when properly sized and installed. We have been using this technology for over 20 years and maintenance costs are extremely low on the compressors we use.

To ensure this reliability, we use:

• A large separator, which allows for maximum separation of the evaporation vapour and avoids droplets forming in the MVC, in order to ensure the fan's lifespan.
• Among our facilities, in addition to the separator, a vapour scrubber cleans the evaporation vapours and helps spread any remaining product droplets to preserve the blower mechanism. It also helps in countering foaming.
• on leaving the scrubber, a mist eliminator prevents any droplets
• Many additional securities to monitor and ensure the proper functioning of the installation: levels, temperatures, vibrations, etc.