Fernley, Nevada Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

Hines, Garold Paul has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for his innovative approach to water desalination. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11905186, titled ‘Cryo-thermal desalinator’, introduces a novel method for extracting potable water from raw water sources.

This advanced desalination system utilizes a multi-stage process involving heat exchangers and natural gas to efficiently convert raw water into clean drinking water. The system employs a first heat exchanger to cool raw water using liquid natural gas, forming a mixture of ice and brine. Subsequent heat exchangers further process this mixture, separating water vapor from the brine and condensing it into potable water.

One of the key innovations of this system is its ability to handle both thermal and cryogenic processes, making it more energy-efficient compared to traditional desalination methods. The integration of liquid natural gas allows for effective heat transfer and phase changes, optimizing the desalination process.

Designed for scalability, this technology has the potential to address water scarcity issues in various regions by providing a reliable and efficient means of producing potable water from abundant raw water sources. Its application could be particularly beneficial in areas where traditional desalination methods are not feasible due to energy constraints or environmental concerns.