Non-iterative design of multiple effect evaporators using excel add-ins

Abstract

All undergraduate engineering texts that cover multiple effect evaporation present the solution procedure as necessarily trial-and-error. We present a solution method for multiple effect evaporators that directly solves the nonlinear equations. We do this in Excel by using the solver function and a free add-in that automates steam table look-ups. The solution procedure draws heavily from the degree of freedom analysis taught in the introductory material and energy balances course. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.