Space Grant Consortium - University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

and heater adjusted to accommodate the varying brine volume and time constraints. In order to obtain the
most efficient processing ratio, the following equations were used.
Equations:
Figure 5: Brine Processing Modified Air Evaporation System
(Variables: R---cylinder radius (m); T---temperature (K); q---heat rate (W); L---length (m))
Equation of State 3
Boundary Conditions for Constant Surface Temperature (Tedge) 3
Boundary Conditions for Constant Heat Flux (q”) 3
In this system of equations, linearity and homogeneous parameters were assumed. Using separation of
variables, it is possible to solve the equations, given the assumption of either constant surface temperature or
constant heat flux. Using this system, an equation analogous to the Biot number in the dimensionless solutions
(θ* and x*) was found. The final volume and time ratio was selected based off of available equipment and total
VCD brine output.
FUTURE WORK:
After the Brine Processor assembly has been completed, daily test runs will begin in accordance with VCD
product output. Flow rate and tank size may be altered to accommodate daily VCD output and for time/product
volume efficiency maximization. Other technology options may be used to compare efficiency and purity of
42