Method and apparatus for concentrating a solute in solution with a solvent

• Main Authors: Calfee, Richard V, Bueche, Kenneth M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.10.2002

This invention relates generally to the production of concentrated solutions, and, more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for forming a concentrated solution, of a prescribed concentration of solute in a solvent, from a comparatively dilute solution. The present invention provides a method, and an apparatus, for forming a prescribed concentration of a substance in a mixture with a fluid, from a comparatively dilute mixture. The mixture is most preferably a solution of a solute in a solvent. The following summary and description generally discuss the invention in terms of a particularly preferred solution and a preferred use for that solution; however, in its broadest embodiments, the invention encompasses both the use for other solutions, and the use for a suspension of a solid substance in a fluid to form a mixture (which can also be referred to as a slurry). The invention provides for significant economic, safety and quality benefits over conventional evaporative systems.