Patent Publication Number: US-2017348611-A1

Title: Distiller

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/341,127, filed Jul. 25, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/185,894, filed Jul. 19, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,858,758, issued Oct. 14, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/366,448, filed on Jul. 21, 2010. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior distillers for purifying liquids, such as water, evaporate the liquid into vapor by heating and then condense the vapor by cooling to obtain distillate. Historically, the energy requirements in prior distillers for evaporating and condensing have been significant, making it uncompetitive with other methods of water purification, for example reverse osmosis. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention can provide a distiller which can distill a liquid in an energy efficient way, resulting in a distiller that can be more cost effective, and competitive with other purification methods, and therefore, be available for more applications than for prior distilling devices. The distiller includes an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly having a wiper applicator can move over the at least one evaporation surface, for wiping and applying a thin even film of the liquid on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation. 
     In particular embodiments, the at least one liquid applicator assembly can include a scraper for scraping residuals from the at least one evaporation surface prior to applying the thin even film of the liquid with the wiper applicator. The scraper and the wiper applicator can include scraper and wiper members, respectively. The scraper and wiper members can be positioned on opposite sides of a liquid supply conduit. The at least one evaporation surface, the scraper and the wiper members, and the liquid supply conduit, can extend in an upright orientation. The at least one evaporation surface can include at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces facing each other. The at least one movable applicator assembly can have a pair of scraper members and a pair of wiper members, for scraping residuals and applying the liquid to the at least two opposing evaporation surfaces simultaneously. The at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces can face each other and can be formed by at least two concentric elongate cylinders with the at least one movable liquid applicator assembly movable therebetween in a circular path. The pair of scraper members and the pair of wiper members can position the liquid supply conduit between the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces. The liquid supply conduit can extend vertically between and spaced from the at least two opposing evaporation surfaces. The liquid supply conduit can include at least one opening for distributing the liquid between the liquid supply conduit and the at least two opposing evaporation surfaces, whereby the wiper members which follow wipe and apply the liquid into the thin even film of liquid. The liquid supply conduit can include a series of intermittent openings along a length to distribute the liquid for application. The scraper and wiper members can include elongate blades which are positioned within respective elongate recesses of retaining structures extending from opposite sides of the liquid supply conduit. The scraper and wiper blades, and the respective elongate recesses, can be shaped to move the scraper and wiper blades against the at least one evaporation surface along respective contact lines. The scraper and wiper blades, and the elongate recesses, can also have curved surfaces that are shaped and sized to allow rocking movement of the scraper and wiper blades to optimize the contact lines. At least one wiper member can form a line of contact against the at least one evaporation surface. The wiper member can have intermittent openings sized and spaced along the line of contact to allow the liquid to pass through to provide a desired film thickness. The distiller can also include a condenser having at least one condenser surface to condense the vapor into distillate. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller including an evaporator having at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces facing each other for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly can move between the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces. The at least one liquid applicator assembly can have a pair of scraper members positioned on opposite sides of a liquid supply conduit forward of the liquid supply conduit, and a pair of wiper members positioned on opposite sides of the liquid supply conduit rearward of the liquid supply conduit. The scraper members can simultaneously scrape residuals from the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces, and the wiper members can subsequently wipe and apply liquid provided by the liquid supply conduit in a thin even film simultaneously on the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces for evaporation. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller including a condenser for receiving vapor having at least one condensing surface for condensing the vapor into distillate. At least one extractor assembly having at least one scraper can move over the at least one condensing surface and scrape distillate from the at least one condensing surface for collection. 
     In particular embodiments, the condenser can include at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces facing each other and sealed to form at least one condenser gap therebetween. The at least one condenser gap can have a sealed bottom end, and an opening at an upper end. A compressor can introduce the vapor under pressure into the upper end and downwardly into the at least one condenser gap. The vapor can condense on the upright condensing surfaces as a distillate. The at least one extractor assembly can be upright and movable within the at least one condenser gap for removing the distillate from the at least one condenser gap. The at least one scraper can scrape distillate from the upright condensing surfaces for collection at the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap. The at least one extractor assembly can also include a distillate extraction channel having an entrance opening at about the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap for entry of the distillate for removal from the condenser. The pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap is capable of forcing the distillate upwardly through the extraction channel and out of the condenser. The at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces can be formed by at least two concentric elongate cylinders forming an annular condenser gap therebetween. The extractor assembly can move within the annular condenser gap in a circular path. The at least one extractor assembly can include a noncondensable gas extraction channel having an entrance opening near the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap for entry of noncondensable gases for removal from the condenser. The pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap is capable of forcing the noncondensable gases upwardly through the noncondensable gas extraction channel and out of the condenser. A pump can create suction on the distillate extraction channel for aiding the removal of distillate from the condenser. The at least one extractor assembly can have two upright scrapers for simultaneously scraping distillate from opposing spaced apart condensing surfaces. The scrapers can include scraper members. The scraper members can include elongate blades which are positioned within respective elongate recesses of the at least one extractor assembly. The elongate blades and elongate recesses can be shaped to move the scraper blades against the opposing spaced apart condensing surfaces along respective contact lines. The scraper blades and the elongate recesses can have curved surfaces that are shaped and sized to allow rocking movement of the scraper blades to optimize the contact lines. The distiller can also include an evaporator to evaporate liquid into the vapor. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller including a condenser for receiving and condensing vapor having at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces facing each other and sealed to form at least one condenser gap therebetween. The at least one condenser gap can have a sealed bottom end, and an opening at an upper end. A compressor can introduce the vapor under pressure into the upper end and downwardly into the at least one condenser gap. The vapor can condense on the upright condensing surfaces as a distillate. At least one upright extractor assembly is movable within the at least one condenser gap for removing the distillate from the at least one condenser gap. The at least one extractor assembly can have at least one scraper for scraping distillate from the upright condensing surfaces for collection at the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap. A distillate extraction channel having an entrance opening at about the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap can allow entry of the distillate for removal from the condenser. The pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap is capable of forcing the distillate upwardly through the distillate extraction channel and out of the condenser. 
     The present invention can also provide a rotary device in a distiller that includes a stationary shaft having an internal cavity for accepting distillate lubricant. A rotor can be rotatably mounted to the shaft by at least one bearing member. The at least one bearing member is capable of rotating around an exterior surface of the shaft. The shaft can have at least one passage extending from the internal cavity to the exterior surface of the shaft for providing a quantity of distillate lubricant between the exterior surface of the shaft and the at least one bearing, to form a thin film of the distillate lubricant therebetween. 
     In particular embodiments, the shaft can be hollow and vertically oriented. The distillate lubricant can be introduced into the internal cavity of the hollow shaft at an upper portion of the shaft. The at least one passage can extend from the internal cavity to the exterior surface of the shaft at a lower portion of the shaft. The distillate lubricant provided to the at least one bearing can flow upwardly to a pump driven by the rotary device for recirculation back into the internal cavity of the hollow shaft. The rotary device can be a compressor motor in a vapor compression distiller and the distillate lubricant can be distillate water. The at least one bearing can be a sleeve bearing, and in some embodiments, can include two sleeve bearings. The shaft can be formed of ceramic material, and the at least one bearing can be formed from a material such as ceramic material and composite material. 
     The present invention can also provide a counterflow heat exchanger for a distiller. The distiller can receive incoming liquid and distill the incoming liquid into distillate liquid and concentrate liquid for discharge. The heat exchanger can have a spiral distillate liquid flow channel for conveying the distillate liquid, which is formed of a first tubing that is configured in a spiral configuration, and a spiral concentrate liquid flow channel for conveying the concentrate liquid, which is formed of a second tubing that is configured in a spiral configuration. The spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be housed in a housing. The spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be positioned in the housing relative to each other in a configuration to provide a spiral gap therebetween that form a spiral incoming liquid flow channel for conveying the incoming liquid adjacent to the spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels for heat exchange. The incoming liquid flow channel can have a flow direction that is opposite to the distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels. 
     In particular embodiments, the distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be formed of flat tubing. The edges of the flat tubing of the distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be abutted together and sealed. Each of the spiral flow channels can spiral around a vertical axis. The incoming liquid can enter the incoming liquid flow channel at a radially outwardly located inlet, and exit the incoming liquid flow channel at a radially inwardly located outlet. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can be a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger in a series. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller for receiving incoming liquid and distilling the liquid with an evaporator and condenser to form distillate liquid and concentrate liquid. The distiller can include a sealed housing having a sump at a bottom portion of the housing for collecting the incoming liquid for distillation. At least one rotating component can be positioned within the housing for moving at least one of liquid and gases within the distiller. The at least one rotating component can have non-contact dynamic seals that leak liquid slightly. The distiller can be configured for directing the leaked liquid from the seals to the sump. Some of the liquid in the sump can be directed to the evaporator for distillation, and some of the liquid in the sump can be removed for removing concentrate liquid. 
     In particular embodiments, the distiller can be a vapor compression distiller. The at least one rotating component can include a compressor that rotates on water lubricated bearings. The at least one rotating component can include a sump circulation pump, a concentrate liquid removal pump and a distillate liquid removal pump. The at least one rotating component can rotate about a vertical axis. The housing can be cylindrical in shape and positioned in a vertical orientation concentrically relative to the vertical axis. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller including an evaporator for heating and evaporating incoming liquid. The incoming liquid that has evaporated into distillate liquid can be condensed with a condenser. A dewar having inner and outer walls can contain the evaporator and condenser. The dewar can have an opening. A counterflow heat exchanger can be positioned within the dewar near and across the opening of the dewar. The counterflow heat exchanger can have a incoming liquid inlet located near the inner wall of the dewar into which the incoming liquid enters via a conduit extending through the opening of the dewar. An incoming liquid flow channel can be connected to the incoming liquid inlet and extend inwardly for heating the incoming liquid. A distillate flow channel can be adjacent to the incoming liquid flow channel for flowing distillate liquid in the opposite direction to flow of the incoming liquid in the incoming liquid flow channel for heat exchange and form an increasing temperature gradient relative to the incoming liquid flow channel extending away from the incoming liquid inlet. 
     In particular embodiments, the dewar can be generally cylindrically shaped with an open end. The counter flow heat exchanger can be a spiral heat exchanger, and the distiller can be a vapor compression distiller. The components in the opening of the dewar can have an increasing temperature gradient moving inwardly into the dewar. 
     The present invention can also provide a distiller including an evaporator condenser having at least three upright cylindrical members positioned concentrically relative to each other to form at least one annular evaporation channel with opposing walls that form evaporation surfaces, and at least one annular condensing channel with opposing walls that form condensing surfaces. The at least one annular evaporation channel can be open at a bottom end and sealed at an upper end, and the at least one annular condensing channel can be sealed at a bottom end and open at an upper end. 
     In particular embodiments, a sump can be positioned below the open bottom end of the at least one annular evaporation channel. The sump can contain liquid for application onto the evaporation surfaces for evaporation. A cylindrical housing can house the evaporator condenser. The sump can be located at the bottom of the housing. The housing can include a dewar for insulating the distiller. The cylindrical housing can extend around the evaporator condenser in a manner to form a annular evaporation gap therebetween. A compressor can be positioned within an innermost cylindrical member of the evaporator condenser. The compressor can draw vapor from the evaporation surfaces of the at least one annular evaporation channel and deliver the vapor to the condensing surfaces of the at least one annular condensing channel. The compressor can include a turbine driven by a motor. The compressor is capable of providing the vapor with a pressure, measured in water column height that is greater than a height of the at least one annular condensing channel. 
     A liquid applicator assembly can rotate within the at least one annular evaporation channel concentrically relative to the cylindrical members of the evaporator condenser. A liquid extractor assembly can rotate within the at least one annular condensing channel concentrically relative to the cylindrical members. Connecting members can axially connect the liquid applicator assembly to the liquid extractor assembly. A transmission can rotatably drive the liquid applicator assembly and the liquid extractor assembly. One assembly can have a drive ring gear that drives at least one drive planet gear having a planet shaft passing through a partition wall to drive at least one driven planet gear and a driven ring gear to drive the other assembly. At least three sets of drive and driven planet gears are evenly spaced apart from each other, centering the ring gears and the assemblies relative to each other by utilizing the sets of planet gears as rollers. The planet gears can be lubricated with distillate from the distiller. The liquid extractor assembly can drive the liquid applicator assembly, and a water motor can drive the liquid extractor assembly. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including providing an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. A thin even film of the liquid can be wiped and applied on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation with at least one movable liquid applicator assembly having a wiper applicator for moving over the at least one evaporation surface. 
     In particular embodiments, residuals can be scraped from the at least one evaporation surface with a scraper that is included with the at least one liquid applicator assembly, prior to applying the thin even film of the liquid with the wiper applicator. The scraping and wiping with the scraper and the wiper applicator, can be performed using scraper and wiper members, respectively. The scraper and wiper members can be positioned on opposite sides of a liquid supply conduit. The at least one evaporation surface, the scraper and the wiper members, and the liquid supply conduit, can extend in an upright orientation. The at least one evaporation surface can be provided with at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces facing each other. Residuals can be scraped and the liquid can be applied to the at least two opposing evaporation surfaces simultaneously with the at least one movable liquid applicator assembly having a pair of scraper members and a pair of wiper members. The at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces facing each other can be formed with at least two concentric elongate cylinders. The at least one movable liquid applicator assembly can be moved therebetween in a circular path. The liquid supply conduit can be positioned between the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces with the pair of scraper members and the pair of wiper members. The liquid supply conduit can extend vertically between and spaced from the at least two opposing evaporation surfaces. The liquid can be distributed between the liquid supply conduit and the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces with the liquid supply conduit through at least one opening. The liquid can be wiped and applied into the thin even film of liquid with the wiper members which follow. The liquid for application can be distributed with the liquid supply conduit through a series of intermittent openings along a length. The scraper and wiper members can be provided with elongate blades which are positioned within respective elongate recesses of retaining structures extending from opposite sides of the liquid supply conduit. The scraper and wiper blades, and the respective elongate recesses, can be shaped such that the scraper and wiper blades move against the at least one evaporation surface along respective contact lines. The scraper and wiper blades, and the respective elongate recesses, can be configured with curved surfaces that are shaped and sized to allow rocking movement of the scraper and wiper blades to optimize the contact lines. At least one wiper member can form a line of contact against the at least one evaporation surface. The wiper member can be provided with intermittent openings sized and spaced along the line of contact to allow the liquid to pass through to provide a desired film thickness. The vapor in the distiller can be condensed into distillate with a condenser having at least one condenser surface. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including providing an evaporator having at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces facing each other for evaporating liquid in the vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly can be moved between the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces. The at least one liquid applicator assembly can have a pair of scraper members positioned on opposite sides of a liquid supply conduit forward of the liquid supply conduit, and a pair of wiper members positioned on opposites sides of the liquid supply conduit rearward of the liquid supply conduit. The scraper members can simultaneously scrape residuals from the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces and the wiper members can subsequently wipe and apply liquid provided by the liquid supply conduit in a thin even film simultaneously on the at least two opposing spaced apart evaporation surfaces for evaporation. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including receiving vapor on at least one condensing surface of a condenser for condensing the vapor into distillate. At least one extractor assembly having at least one scraper can move over the at least one condensing surface and scrape distillate from the at least one condensing surface for collection. 
     In particular embodiments, at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces facing each other can be provided which are sealed to form at least one condenser gap therebetween. The at least one condenser gap can have a sealed bottom end, and an opening at an upper end. Vapor can be introduced under pressure with a compressor into the upper end and downwardly into the at least one condenser gap. The vapor can condense on the upright condensing surfaces as a distillate. The at least one extractor assembly which is upright, can be moved within the at least one condenser gap for removing the distillate from the at least one condenser gap. The at least one scraper can scrape distillate from the upright condensing surfaces for collection at the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap. The at least one extractor assembly can also include a distillate extraction channel having an entrance opening at about the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap for entry of the distillate for removal from the condenser. The pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap can force the distillate upwardly through the extraction channel and out of the condenser. The at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces can be formed with at least two concentric elongate cylinders which form an annular condenser gap therebetween. The extractor assembly can be moved within the annular condenser gap in a circular path. The at least one extractor assembly can be provided with a noncondensable gas extraction channel having an entrance opening near the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap for entry of noncondensable gases for removal from the condenser. The noncondensable gases can be forced upwardly through the noncondensable extraction channel and out of the condenser with the pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap. A suction can be created on the distillate extraction channel with a pump for aiding the removal of the distillate from the condenser. Distillate can be simultaneously scraped from opposing spaced apart condensing surfaces with two upright scrapers of the at least one extractor assembly. The scrapers can be formed with scraper members. The scraper members can be formed with elongate blades which are positioned within respective elongate recesses of the at least one extractor assembly. The elongate blades and the elongate recesses can be shaped to move the scraper blades against the two opposing spaced apart condensing surfaces along respective contact lines. The scraper blades and the elongate recesses, can be configured with curved surfaces that are shaped and sized to allow rocking movement of the scraper blades to optimize the contact lines. In the distiller, liquid can be evaporated into the vapor with an evaporator. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including receiving and condensing vapor with at least two opposing spaced apart upright condensing surfaces of a condenser that are facing each other and sealed to form at least one condenser gap therebetween. The at least one condenser gap can have a sealed bottom end, and opening at an upper end. The vapor can be introduced under pressure with a compressor into the upper end and downwardly into the at least one condenser gap. The vapor can condense on the upright condensing surfaces as a distillate. At least one upright extractor assembly can be moved within the at least one condenser gap for removing the distillate from the at least one condenser gap. The at least one extractor assembly can have at least one scraper for scraping distillate from the upright condensing surfaces for collection at the bottom end of the at least one condensing gap, and a distillate extraction channel having an entrance opening at about the bottom end of the at least one condenser gap for entry of the distillate for removal from the condenser. The pressure of the vapor entering the at least one condenser gap can force the distillate upwardly through the distillate extraction channel and out of the condenser. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of lubricating a rotary device in a distiller including providing a stationary shaft with an internal cavity for accepting distillate lubricant. A rotor can be rotatably mounted to the shaft with at least one bearing member. The at least one bearing member is capable of rotating around an exterior surface of the shaft. The shaft can be provided with at least one passage extending from the internal cavity to the exterior surface of the shaft for providing a quantity of lubricant between the exterior surface of the shaft and the at least one bearing, to form a thin film of the distillate lubricant therebetween. 
     In particular embodiments, the shaft can be configured to be hollow and vertically oriented. The distillate lubricant can be introduced into the internal cavity of the hollow shaft at an upper portion of the shaft. The at least one passage can extend from the internal cavity to the exterior surface of the shaft at a lower portion of the shaft. The distillate lubricant provided to the at least one bearing can flow upwardly to a pump driven by the rotary device for recirculation back into the internal cavity of the hollow shaft. The rotary device can be formed as a compressor motor in a vapor compression distiller, and distillate water can be employed as the distillate lubricant. The at least one bearing can be configured as a sleeve bearing, and in some embodiments, can be two sleeve bearings. The shaft can be formed from ceramic, and the at least one bearing can be formed from a material, such as ceramic material and composite material. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of exchanging heat between liquids entering and exiting a distiller with a counterflow heat exchanger in the distiller. The distiller can receive incoming liquid and distill the incoming liquid into distillate liquid and concentrate liquid for discharge. The distillate liquid can be conveyed through a spiral distillate liquid flow channel that is formed of a first tubing that is configured in a spiral configuration. The concentrate liquid can be conveyed through a spiral concentrate liquid flow channel that is formed of a second tubing that is configured in a spiral configuration. The spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be housed within a housing. The spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be positioned in the housing relative to each other in a configuration to provide a spiral gap therebetween that forms a spiral incoming liquid flow channel for conveying the incoming liquid adjacent to the spiral distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels for heat exchange between the incoming liquid and the distillate and concentrate liquids. The incoming liquid within the incoming liquid flow channel can have a flow direction that is opposite to the distillate liquid and concentrate liquid flowing within the distillate liquid and concentrate liquid flow channels. 
     In particular embodiments, the distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be formed from flat tubing. The edges of the flat tubing of the distillate and concentrate liquid flow channels can be abutted together and sealed. Each of the spiral flow channels can spiral around a vertical axis. The incoming liquid can enter the incoming liquid flow channel at a radially outwardly located inlet, and exit the incoming liquid flow channel at a radially inwardly located outlet. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can be a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger in a series. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller that receives incoming liquid and distills the liquid with an evaporator and condenser to form distillate liquid and concentrate liquid. The incoming liquid can be collected for distillation in a sealed housing having a sump at a bottom portion of the housing. At least one of liquids and gases can be moved within the distiller with at least one rotating component positioned within the housing. The at least one rotating component can have non-contact dynamic seals that leak liquid slightly. The distiller can be configured for directing the leaked liquid from the seals to the sump. Some of the liquid in the sump can be directed to the evaporator for distillation, and some of the liquid in the sump can be removed for removing concentrate liquid. 
     In particular embodiments, the distiller can be configured as a vapor compression distiller. The at least one rotating component can be provided with a compressor that rotates on water lubricated bearings. The at least one rotating component can be provided with a sump circulation pump, a concentrate liquid removal pump, and a distillate liquid removal pump. The at least one rotating component can be rotated about a vertical axis. The housing can be configured to be cylindrical in shape and positioned in a vertical orientation concentrically relative to the vertical axis. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including heating and evaporating incoming liquid with an evaporator. The incoming liquid that has been evaporated can be condensed into distillate liquid with a condenser. The evaporator and the condenser can be contained within a dewar having inner and outer walls. The dewar can have an opening. A counterflow heat exchanger can be positioned within the dewar near and across the opening of the dewar. The counterflow heat exchanger can have an incoming liquid inlet located near the inner wall of the dewar into which the incoming liquid enters via a conduit extending through the opening of the dewar. An incoming liquid flow channel can be connected to the incoming liquid inlet and extend inwardly for heating the incoming liquid. A distillate flow channel can be adjacent to the incoming liquid flow channel for flowing distillate liquid in the opposite direction to the flow of the incoming liquid in the incoming liquid flow channel for heat exchange and form an increasing temperature gradient relative to the incoming liquid flow channel extending away from the incoming liquid inlet. 
     In particular embodiments, the dewar can be configured to be generally cylindrically shaped with an open end. The counterflow heat exchanger can be configured to be a spiral heat exchanger. The distiller can be configured to be a vapor compression distiller. Components in the opening of the dewar can be configured to have an increasing temperature gradient moving inwardly into the dewar. 
     The present invention can also provide a method of distilling with a distiller including providing an evaporator condenser having at least three upright cylindrical members positioned concentrically relative to each other to form at least one annular evaporation channel with opposing walls that form evaporation surfaces, and at least one annular condensing channel with opposing walls that form condensing surfaces. The at least one annular evaporation channel can be open at a bottom end and sealed at an upper end, and the at least one annular condensing channel can be sealed at a bottom end and open at an upper end. Liquid on the evaporation surfaces can be evaporated into vapor, and the vapor can be condensed into distillate on the condensing surfaces. 
     In particular embodiments, a sump can be positioned below the open bottom end of the at least one annular evaporation channel for containing the liquid. The liquid can be applied onto the evaporation surfaces for evaporation. The evaporator condenser can be housed within a cylindrical housing. The sump can be located at the bottom of the housing. The housing can be provided with a dewar for insulating the distiller. The cylindrical housing can extend around the evaporator condenser in a manner to form an annular evaporation gap therebetween. A compressor can be positioned within the innermost cylindrical member of the evaporator condenser. Vapor can be drawn with the compressor from the evaporation surfaces of the at least one annular evaporation channel and deliver the vapor to the condensing surfaces of the at least one annular condensing channel. The compressor can be configured to include a turbine driven by a motor. The vapor can be provided with a pressure by the compressor, measured in water column height that is greater than a height of the at least one annular condensing channel. 
     A liquid applicator assembly can rotate within the at least one annular evaporation channel concentrically relative to the cylindrical members of the evaporator condenser. A liquid extractor assembly can rotate within the at least one annular condensing channel concentrically relative to the cylindrical members. The liquid applicator assembly can be axially connected to the liquid extractor assembly with connecting members. The liquid applicator assembly and the liquid extractor assembly can be rotatably driven with a transmission. One assembly can be configured with a drive ring gear which drives at least one drive planet gear have a planet shaft passing through a partition wall to drive at least one driven planet gear and a driven ring gear to drive the other assembly. At least three sets of drive and driven planet gears can be evenly spaced apart from each other. The ring gears and the assemblies relative to each other can be centered by utilizing the sets of planet gears as rollers. The planet gears can be lubricated with distillate from the distiller. The liquid applicator assembly can be driven with the liquid extractor assembly, and the liquid extractor assembly can be driven with a water motor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a distiller in the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger device in the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of two heat exchangers connected together in series. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of an evaporator condenser in the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective cross sectional view through an embodiment of an evaporator condenser in a distiller depicting embodiments of a liquid applicator assembly and distillate extraction assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of a lower portion of the distiller. 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an embodiment of a scraper blade for a liquid applicator assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is an end view of the scraper blade of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of a wiper blade for a liquid applicator assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is an edge view of the wiper blade of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is an end view of the wiper blade of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view of a portion of the wiper blade of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of an embodiment of a scraper blade for a distillate extraction assembly. 
         FIG. 19  is an end view of the scraper blade of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 1  looking upwardly at the top or upper manifold for the distillate extraction device. 
         FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 1  looking downwardly at the driven gears above a wall partition that is above the upper manifold. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 1  looking upwardly at the lower or bottom manifold for the liquid applicator device. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of an embodiment of a housing and distiller in the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the housing of  FIG. 24  with a portion broken away. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the top of the distiller of  FIG. 24  with a portion of the top cap broken away showing an arrangement of inlet and outlets. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective sectional view of a portion of the top of the distiller of  FIG. 24  showing an embodiment of a heat exchanger device. 
         FIGS. 28 and 29  are perspective sectional views of portions of the bottom of the distiller of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic drawing depicting an embodiment of liquid flow paths in a distiller in the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A description of example embodiments of the invention follows. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, distiller or distilling apparatus or device  10 , can be a vapor compression distiller and can distill liquids or fluids such as water, alcohol, etc., to produce a desired purified liquid. The water, can be recycled water, contaminated water, which can be lake, pond, river, stream or ground water, or waste water from a residential house or industrial building. Most often, the water is fresh, but in some embodiments, can be brackish or salt water. The following description will describe distiller  10  in conjunction with distilling water as the influent or incoming liquid, but it will be understood that distiller  10  can distill other suitable liquids. 
     Distiller  10  can have a sealed housing  12  formed in part from an insulating dewar  14 , which surrounds and contains the inner components of the distiller  10 , within the interior  18  of the housing  12 . The dewar  14  can be generally cylindrical and have outer  14   a  and inner  14   b  walls, that are separated by a gap  14   c  such as a vacuum, to provide a high or efficient insulating housing  12  for containing heat within the distiller  10 . A heat exchange or exchanger device  24 , such as a counterflow heat exchanger device ( FIGS. 2-5 ), can be positioned within the interior  18  of the dewar  14  across the opening  14   d  of the dewar  14  for receiving influent or incoming liquid  19 , and pre-heating the incoming liquid  19 . A top cap  16  can cover or extend over the heat exchanger device  24  and the opening  14   d  of the dewar  14 . The pre-heated incoming liquid  19  can flow to a sump  52  at the bottom  14   e  of the dewar  14  and housing  12 . A evaporator condenser  60  can be positioned within the interior  18  of the dewar  14  below the heat exchanger device  24  and above the sump  52 . The evaporator condenser  60  ( FIGS. 6-9 ) can have both an evaporator  60   a  for evaporating liquid  19  supplied from the sump  52  into vapor or steam  87 , and a condenser  60   b  for condensing the vapor  87  into condensate or distillate liquid  17  or water. The evaporator condenser  60  can have a series or plurality of concentric elongate cylindrical members or cylinders  64  positioned close to each other and around a vertical central longitudinal axis A which form alternating generally narrow annular evaporator or evaporation channels  66  with opposed evaporator or evaporation surfaces  66   a  facing each other, and annular condenser or condensing channels  72  with opposed condenser or condensing surfaces  72   a  facing each other. The evaporation surfaces  66   a  can be on opposite sides of cylinders  64  from the condensing surfaces  72   a.  A motorized rotary assembly  115  having a pump  54  for applying the heated liquid  19  from the sump  52  to the evaporator  60   a,  and a compressor  90  for delivering the vapor  87  to the condenser  60   b,  can be positioned within the dewar  14  near the bottom  14   e,  and adjacent to or within the evaporator condenser  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , in a general broad description of an example of use, influent or incoming liquid  19  such as water, can enter the distiller  10  through an influent or incoming liquid inlet  20   a  and an inlet valve  22 , to enter the heat exchanger device  24 . The heat exchanger device  24  pre-heats the incoming liquid  19  that enters the distiller  10  using exiting heated liquid or liquids that has been processed and heated by the distiller  10 . The heated liquid  19  flows to the sump  52 . A pump  54  in the rotary assembly  115  pumps the heated liquid  19  in the sump  52  to at least one liquid application or applicator assembly  85  of a moving or movable liquid application or applicator device  58 , which applies the heated liquid  19  in a thin film  86  onto the evaporation surfaces  66   a  of the evaporation condenser  60  with wipers  82 , where the thin film  86  evaporates into a vapor  87  such as water vapor or steam. A compressor  90  in the rotary assembly  115  can draw the vapor  87  downwardly from the evaporation surfaces  66   a  of the evaporator condenser  60  and direct the vapor  87  under pressure up above the evaporator condenser  60 , and then down into the condenser  60   b  of the evaporator condenser  60  over or onto the condensing surfaces  72   a.  The pressurized vapor  87  condenses on the condensing surfaces  72   a  into a thin film  97  of condensate or distillate  17 , such as purified water. The distillate  17  is then removed or extracted with at least one distillate extraction or extractor assembly  95  of a moving or movable distillate extraction or extractor device  62 , having scrapers or wipers  110  which scrape the thin film  97  of distillate  17  off the condensing surfaces  77   a,  ch then flows to the bottom of the condensing channels  72  in the condenser  60   b  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The distillate  17  is removed upwardly through a distillate extraction or extractor passage, tube, channel or conduit  98 , entering through inlet  98   a  and forced upwardly out of the evaporator condenser  60  by the pressure of the vapor  87 , into a rotating manifold  100 . The distillate  17  flows to a distillate pump  104  in the rotary assembly  115  which directs the distillate  17  through the heat exchanger device  24  and out of the distiller  10  through the distillate outlet  20   b.  Concentrated liquid  15  or concentrate in the sump  52  can be removed or pumped out by pump  55  in the rotary assembly  115  through heat exchanger device  24  and concentrate outlet  20   c.  Noncondensable gases can be exhausted as exhaust gas  13  through exhaust gas outlet  20   d.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the heat exchanger device  24  can include two counterflow heat exchangers  24   a  and  24   b,  which are fluidly connected together in series, and mounted on top of each other. Each counterflow heat exchanger  24  and  24   b  can have a generally annular cylindrical disc shape with an inward spiral or spiraling influent or incoming liquid flow channel  28 , formed between an outward spiral or spirally outgoing distillate liquid flow channel  34 , and an outward spiral or spirally outgoing concentrate liquid flow channel  36 , which can be positioned around a central axis X 1 . The axis X 1  can be aligned with the longitudinal vertical axis A of the distiller  10 , housing  12  and dewar  14 . The incoming liquid flow channel  28  can have an inlet  26   a  that is at a radially outer or outside location away from the axis X 1 , and an outlet  26   b  that is at a radially inner or inside location closer to axis X 1 . The outgoing distillate liquid flow channel  34  and concentrate liquid flow channel  36  can each have a respective inlet  42   a  and  40   a  at a radially inner or inside location near the axis X 1 , and an outlet  42   b  and  40   b  at a radially outer or outside location away from axis X 1 . 
     The distillate liquid flow channel  34  and the concentrate liquid flow channel  36  can each be made of flat tubing which can have a rectangular cross section, and configured in a spiral configuration. The cross section of the flat tubing of the distillate liquid flow channel  34  can have a small width W, and a base height H 1  that is many times the width W, which can be over 20 times the width W. The ratio H 1  to W of the tubing for flow channel  34  can be over 20 to 1, for example around 30 to 1. The cross section of the flat tubing of the concentrate liquid flow channel  36  can have the same width W as the tubing for channel  34 , but have a height H 2  that can be much less than height H 1 , and can be about 9 times less (H 1  to H 2 , 9 to 1). The ratio H 2  to W of the tubing for flow channel  36  can be about 3-4 to 1. The flat surfaces of the bottom width W of the tubing for channel  34  can be abutted to and sealed with a seal  38 , or welded, brazed or soldered, to the flat surfaces of the top width W of the tubing for channel  36 , thereby forming the channel  28  within the spiral gap therebetween. 
     A sealed housing  30  can house the spiral tubing for channels  34  and  36  to further form a sealed channel  28 , and can be annular in shape. The housing  30  can have an outer cylindrical wall  30   a,  flat annular end covers  30   b,  and an inner cylindrical wall  30   c,  which are all sealed together. The inner wall  30   c  can form a central cavity  32 . The incoming liquid  19  flowing through the inwardly spiraling incoming liquid flow channel  28 , flows adjacent to and in the opposite direction to the distillate  17  flowing in the outwardly spiraling distillate liquid flow channel  34  and the concentrate  15  flowing in the outwardly spiraling concentrate liquid flow channel  36 , for heat exchange therebetween, where the incoming liquid  19  can pick up heat removed from the distillate  17  and concentrate  15 . This forms a temperature gradient which increases in temperature moving radially inward from the radial outer edges of the counterflow heat exchangers  24   a  and  24   b,  the radially inward locations of the counterflow heat exchangers  24   a  and  24   b.  Dissolved gases in the incoming liquid  19  can become less soluble as the incoming liquid  19  heats up and can be vented through a vent  25  that can be connected by a conduit to exhaust gas outlet  20   d.    
     The housing  30  can be formed of metal, but can be formed of plastic for light weight and cost reasons. When housing  30  is plastic, the housing  30  can be sized to fit inside housing  12  in such a manner that the housing  12 , such as inner wall  14   b,  can provide the strength and structure of the housing  30  to withstand fluid pressures in the radial direction during use. The tubing for the channels  34  and  36  can each be formed of two flat strips of metal and two wires, which can be bent around a form and welded together in the curved form, rather than to later bend the tubing into a spiral. This can reduce the tendency to kink on the inside diameter wall, and stretch on the outer diameter wall of the spiral. 
     When connecting two counterflow heat exchangers  24  and  24   b  in series, the outlet  26   b  and inlets  42   a  and  40   a  of the upper counterflow heat exchanger  24   a  can be connected to inlet  26   a  and outlets  42   b  and  40   b  of the lower counterflow heat exchanger  24   b,  via respective connecting channels or conduits  44 ,  46  and  48 . 
     As previously mentioned, each counterflow heat exchanger  24   a  and  24   b  has an increasing temperature gradient, where the incoming liquid  19  enters inlet  26   a  and travels in spiral channel  28  radially inwardly away from inlet  26   a  towards outlet  26   b,  while at the same time increasing in temperature, due to heat exchange with distillate  17  and concentrate  15  flowing in adjacent spiral channels  34  and  36  in the opposite direction. The outwardly flowing distillate  17  and concentrate  15  lose heat and become cooler while flowing spirally outward. Consequently, in each counterflow heat exchange  24   a  and  24   b,  the temperature is lowest near the inlet  26   a  and the inner wall  14   b  of the dewar  14 , and highest near the outlet  26   b  near the central axis A. In addition, there is an increasing temperature gradient moving from the upper counterflow heat exchanger  24   a  to the lower counterflow heat exchanger  24   b.  Consequently, positioning the heat exchanger device  24  in or across the opening  14   d  of the dewar  14 , which has an increasing temperature gradient in both the inward radial direction from the inner wall  14   b  of the dewar  14 , and in the axial direction along axis A entering the opening  14   d,  heat loss within the interior  18  of the dewar  14  can be minimized where cooler areas of the heat exchanger device  24  are adjacent to the dewar wall  14   b  and the outer axial location of the opening  14   d,  so that the distiller  10  can efficiently maintain or retain heat within the distiller  10  for evaporation. In addition, by being highly insulative, the dewar  14  can also retain heat within the interior  18  without significant or much loss. 
     Typically, most heat loss from the distiller  10  would be radiated through or from components extending across the opening  14   d  of the dewar  14 , and the rim  14   f  of the opening  14   d  of the dewar  14 , if the outermost components and the rim  14   e  were hot. The temperature gradient of the heat exchanger device  24  can keep the upper rim  14   f  adjacent to inlet  26   a  where incoming liquid  19  enters, close to the ambient exterior temperature, while the inner wall  14   b  below the heat exchanger device  24  can be close to or about the boiling temperature or 212° F. during operation. Also, the upper counterflow heat exchanger  24   a  is at a lower temperature than the lower counterflow heat exchanger  24   b,  and is closer to ambient temperature, at the outer axial location of the opening  14   d.  Forming the housing  12  and dewar  14  in an elongate cylindrical shape promotes the formation of such a temperature gradient at the opening  14   d.  The temperature gradient can help conserve heat energy, thereby minimizing the amount of heat required to be input to run the distiller  10 . In one example, the housing  12  can have an axial longitudinal height H 3  of about 24 inches and a diameter D of about 10 inches, forming a H 3  to D ratio of about 2.4 to 1, but can often be 2-3 to 1. 
     Although heat exchanger device  24  has been described to have two counterflow heat exchangers  24   a  and  24   b  connected together in series, in some embodiments, only one or more than two heat exchangers can be employed, and other types of heat exchangers can be used. Typically, the concentrate liquid flow channel  36  has a smaller cross section than the distillate liquid flow channel  34 , the size ratios can be varied as desired. In some embodiments, the tubing used does not have to be flat and can have curved surfaces. 
     The heated incoming liquid  19  can exit the heat exchanger device  24  through a conduit  50  ( FIG. 1 ) that can be connected to outlet  26   b,  and flows down to the sump  52 . Sump  52  is insulated by being in the dewar  14 , such as at the bottom  14   e,  so that the heated liquid  19  can remain in a heated state. By being passively preheated prior to application to the evaporator condenser  60 , no extra energy is used for preheating, and also less heat and energy will be required to be applied later to the liquid  19  when on the evaporation surfaces  66   a  for evaporation, thereby conserving energy and reducing the cost of operation of the distiller  10 . 
     The rotary assembly  115  can be positioned at the bottom  14   e  of the dewar  14  and the housing  12 . Rotary assembly  115  ( FIG. 10 ) can include a central shaft  120  which can be stationary and upright or vertically oriented along axis A. A motor  116 , which can be an electric motor, or other suitable motor, can be rotatably mounted to shaft  120  for driving and rotating a rotatable rotor  118  about shaft  120  and axis A, on upper and lower bearings  122  and  124 . Rotation of rotor  118  rotatably drives pump  54 , which can be located at the bottom of the rotor  118  and act as a sump circulation pump, for pumping the heated incoming fluid  19  in the sump  52  to a rotating or rotatable manifold  56  that is positioned below the evaporator condenser  60 . The rotating manifold  56  can be part of the moving liquid applicator device  58  which applies the heated liquid  19  to the evaporation surfaces  66   a.    
     The rotor  118  can also include the compressor  90 , which can include a turbine for drawing vapor  87  down from the evaporation surfaces  66   a  of the evaporator condenser  60  and pressuring the vapor  87 . The compressor  90  can have compressor impeller  90   a  and stator  90   b.  The vapor  87  can be directed under pressure upwardly through channels  92  and  94  to plenum  96  ( FIGS. 1 and 9 ) and then downwardly onto the condensing surfaces  72   a  of the evaporator condenser  60 . The compressor  90  can compress the vapor  87  to a pressure, measured in water column height that is greater than a height of the condensing surfaces  72   a  and the annular condensing channels  72 . The vapor  87  can be compressed by an amount, for example, about 0.8 lbs/in 2 , that can provide a saturation temperature that is about 2° to 3° F., or about 2.5° F. above the boiling temperature of the liquid  19  or water in the evaporator  60   a,  so that the vapor  87  condensing on the condensing surfaces  72   a  can transfer heat through the cylinders  64  to the evaporation surfaces  66   a  on the opposite side of the cylinders  64  to efficiently provide heat for aiding evaporation of liquid  19 . 
     The rotor  118  can additionally include a distillate pump  104 , for receiving distillate  17  extracted by the movable extractor device  62  via rotating manifold  100 , through rotating seal  101  ( FIG. 9 ), reservoir inlet  103 , reservoir  105  and through entrance  102   a  to a stand pipe  102 . The stand pipe  102  can be fluidly connected to distillate pump  104 , where the distillate  17  can be pumped upwardly to the heat exchanger device  24  through a conduit or channel  106  fluidly connecting the distillate pump  104  at pump outlet  104   a  with the distillate inlet  42   a  of counterflow heat exchanger  24   b.  The distillate  17  then exits the heat exchanger device  24  and the distiller  10  at a reduced temperature, through outlet  20   b,  having exchanged some of its heat that was originally close to the boiling point of 212° F. with incoming liquid  19  within the heat exchanger device  24 . The distillate pump  104  can be a centrifugal pump. 
     The rotor  118  can further include a concentrate pump  55  for pumping heated concentrate liquid  15  upwardly from the sump  52  to the heat exchanger device  24  through a conduit or channel  55   a  that is connected between the concentrate pump  55  and the concentrate inlet  40   a  of counterflow heat exchanger  24   b.  The concentrate  15  can be made up of incoming heated liquid  19  that is in sump  52  and evaporated to have a higher concentration of materials, substances or particles. The concentrate  15  can either be periodically removed, or continuously removed, so that the liquid  19  in the sump  52  maintains a generally consistent level of materials, substances or particles. The heated concentrate  15  also exchanges heat with the incoming liquid  19  within heat exchanger device  24 , before exiting the distiller  10  through concentrate outlet  20   c.  The particular locations of the pump  54 , compressor  90 , pump  104  and pump  55  on the rotor  118  can differ if desired to suit the situation at hand. 
     The vertical shaft  120  about which rotor  118  rotates, can be formed of ceramic, and can be hollow with a vertical internal cavity  125  which is sealed by seal  128  at a lower end to prevent leakage below. The seal  128  can be a dynamic seal for sealing during rotation when centrifugal forces open a slight clearance between the inner part of the seal and the vertical shaft  120 , and can be act as a static seal when at rest when the seal makes contact with vertical shaft  120 . The internal cavity  126  can be filled at the top or upper portion of shaft  120  with distillate  17  circulated from pump  104  fluidly connected thereto, or other suitable pumping source. The shaft  120  can include a series of upper and lower lateral ports, holes, channels or passages  130   a  and  130   b,  extending laterally or radially from the internal cavity  126  to the exterior surface of the shaft  120  below each bearing  124  and  122 . The bearings  124  and  122  can engage the shaft  120  at upper and lower portions. The bearings  124  and  122  can be sleeve bearings that can be formed of a material such as ceramic of composite material, and can be fixed to upper and lower portions of rotor  118 , but rotatable about shaft  120 . The distillate  17  flows through the passages  130   a  and  130   b  to the outer surface of shaft  120 , and can flow upwardly to lubricate bearings  124  and  122 , with a quantity of distillate  17  between the exterior surface of the shaft  120  and the interior surface of the bearings  124  and  122 , forming a thin film of distillate lubricant therebetween. The distillate  17  from passages  130   a  flows upwardly into annular gap  132  between the shaft  120  and rotor  118 , driven by the high centrifugal force generated by rotation of the rotor  118 , which creates a steep sided parabolic bowl of distillate  17 , eventually joining distillate  17  from passages  130   b,  and both flowing to lubricate bearing  122 . The distillate  17  can then enter inlet  134  of pump  104  for recirculation back into internal cavity  126 . The distillate  17  flow can be sufficient to cool bearings  122  and  124 , but minimized to conserve pumping energy. 
     The rotating surfaces and mechanisms of the rotor  118 , including pump  54 , compressor  90 , pump  104  and pump  55 , can be sealed with non-contact dynamic seals and rotate on water or distillate lubricated bearings, which can slightly leak water or distillate  17 , which if not dealt with, can be problematic. A seal  135  is generally designated on rotor  118 , and can be associated with any of the rotating surfaces and mechanisms, including pump  104 . The sealed vertically oriented housing  12  and dewar  14  design with the opening  14   d  at the top and the sump  52  located at the bottom  14   e,  allows leaked water or distillate  17  to flow downwardly within the sealed dewar  14  into the sump  52  where it can mix with the incoming liquid  19  and be pumped by pump  54  to the evaporator condenser  60  for distillation as well as be pumped by pump  55  for removal with the concentrate  15 . As a result, expensive sealing arrangements are not needed for sealing the rotary components since the leaked liquids can be dealt with by being directed into the sump  52  for further processing. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 6-9 , the evaporator condenser  60  can be positioned and mounted concentrically within the interior  18  of housing  12  and dewar  14  along axis A, to be thermally insulated by the dewar  14 . The evaporator condenser  60  can have a series of concentric elongate cylinders or cylindrical members  64  which can be positioned vertically or upright about its axis X 2 , which can be along axis A. The evaporator condenser  60  can be generally elongate and cylindrical or annular in shape, having an outer cylindrical member  64   a  and an inner cylindrical member  64   b.  A mounting flange  61   a  can be connected to the top of outer cylindrical member  64   a  and a mounting flange  61   b  can be connected to the bottom of inner cylindrical member  64   b,  for mounting within the dewar  14  and housing  12 . Flange  61   a  can be relatively rigid and flange  61   b  can be relatively elastic. The evaporator condenser  60  has at least three upright cylindrical members  64  to form an evaporator  60   a  with at least one elongate annular evaporation chamber or channel  66  having opposed circular or curved concave and convex evaporation surfaces  66   a  facing each other, and a condenser  60   b  with at least one elongate annular condensing chamber or channel  72  having opposed circular or curved concave and convex condensing surfaces  72   a  facing each other. 
     The embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , has a series of 15 elongate concentric evaporator condenser cylinders or cylindrical members  64 , which can be made of metal, forming an evaporator  60   a  with a series of 7 concentric annular evaporation channels  66 , and a series of 7 concentric annular condensing channels  72 , arranged in alternating radial fashion. It is understood that the number of cylindrical members  64  can vary depending upon the situation at hand. The alternating series of adjacent annular evaporation  66  and condensing channels  72  have evaporation and condensing surfaces  66   a  and  72   a,  which are on opposite sides or surfaces of the walls of the cylindrical members  64 , one facing radially inwardly and the other facing radially outwardly. As a result, each adjacent evaporation channel  66  and condensing channel  72  has a common wall formed by a cylindrical member  64 , separating them, with one side or surface of the common cylindrical member  64  having an evaporation surface  66   a  and the other side or surface having a condensing surface  72   a.  Therefore, a series of alternating adjacent evaporation  66  and condensing  72  channels can have common cylindrical members  64  therebetween and forming the opposed evaporation  66   a  and condensing surfaces  72   a.  The annular evaporation channels  66  can each have a sealed upper annular wall  68  at the upper end for sealing the top of the evaporation channels  66 , while having an open annular bottom entrance  66   b  at the bottom end ( FIG. 9 ). The annular condensing channels  72  can have a sealed annular bottom wall  70  for sealing the bottom end, while having an open annular upper entrance  72   b  at the upper end. The cylindrical members  64  can be formed from a suitable metal, for example cupronickel or titanium, and can be formed from sheets which can be cut to size, rolled and welded together and with walls  68  and  70 , to form evaporation  66  and condensing chambers  72  with sealed ends, in a manner where there is minimal waste, which can be important with the cost of materials. 
     The cylindrical surfaces allow cylindrical members  64  with thin wall  63  thicknesses to be used while having a structural configuration that is strong enough to resist pressure of the vapor  87 , and the pressure of wiping and scraping by the liquid applicator device  58  and the extractor device  62 . Thin walled cylindrical members  64  allow heat to be readily conducted from the condensing pressurized vapor  87  condensing on the condensing surfaces  72   a  through the thin wall  63  to the evaporation surfaces  66   a  on the opposite surface or side. Each cylindrical member  64  has a different diameter D c  from each other, but can have the same height H c . The ratio H c  to D c  for the cylindrical members  64   a  can range from about 1.25-3.75 to 1. In some embodiments, the outer cylindrical member  64   a  can have a H c  to D c  ratio of about 1.4 to 1, and the inner cylindrical member  64   b  can have a H c  to D c  ratio of about 3.6 to 1. The spacing between the cylindrical members  64  can be kept to a minimum to provide sufficient evaporation and condensing surface area while being compact. 
     The rotary assembly  115  and compressor  90  can be positioned within the central interior region or cavity of the inner cylindrical member  64   b,  and heat generated by operation of the compressor  90 , pump  54 , pump  104 , pump  55  and motor  116 , can be absorbed by the surrounding evaporator condenser  60 . The dewar  14  can surround the outer cylindrical member  64   a  with an evaporation gap  142  ( FIG. 9 ) therebetween. By being located within the inner cylindrical member  64   b,  the compressor  90  is centrally located for drawing vapor from the annular evaporation channels  66  downwardly through the open bottom entrances  66   b  and radially inwardly, and then delivering the vapor  87  under pressure radially outwardly and downwardly to the annular condensing channels  72  through the open upper entrances  72   b.  The outer cylindrical member  64   a  can be in some cases in circumferential compression due to condenser pressure and stressed to the threshold of buckling. 
     The evaporator condenser  60  can have optimal heat transfer from the evaporator side of a cylindrical member  64  to the condensing side with a minimum temperature difference between the evaporation surfaces  66   a  and the condensing surfaces  72   a.  Heat can be further used efficiently while minimizing surface area in the evaporator condenser  60 . When operating in a steady state, the only energy required to operate the distillation process can be the energy to run the rotary assembly  115  or motor  116 . When starting the distiller  10 , the rotary assembly  115  and motor  116  can be run to operate compressor  90 , which then brings the distiller  10  up to operating temperature and begins distilling liquid  19 . Separate heating elements are not required, but can be used in some embodiments to bring the distiller  10  up to operating temperature more quickly, or to maintain temperature during standby. The compressor  90  can pressurize the vapor  87  only a slight or small amount, such as by 0.8 lb/in 2 , so that the saturation temperature in the condenser  60   b  is close to the saturation temperature of the evaporator  60   a,  which can be about a 2° or 3° F., or about 2.5° F. difference. The heat of the compressed vapor  87  and heat generated by the rotary assembly  115  and motor  116  can be efficiently retained within the dewar  14  due to the design and positioning of the dewar  14  and the distiller&#39;s  10  components, so that embodiments of the distiller  10  can generally run only on energy input to the rotary assembly  115  or motor  116 . In some embodiments 99% or more of the heat of vaporization can be recycled. 
     In the evaporator condenser  60 , a thin even film  86  of the liquid  19  can be applied on the evaporation surface  66   a  side of a cylindrical evaporator condenser member  64 , and a thin film  97  of distillate  17  is allowed to condense on the condensing surface  72   a  side so that the conductivity through the two layers of film  86  and  97 , which can be water, and the metallic layer of the wall  63 , can be maximized. In general, each cylindrical evaporator condenser member  64  can have three thermal resistances in series, the film  86  of the liquid  19 , such as water on the evaporation surface  66   a  side of the member  64 , the metal wall  63  of the member  64 , and the film  97  of the distillate  17 , such as water, on the condensing surface  72   a  side of the member  64 . The film  86  of the liquid  19  is made as thin as possible on the evaporation surface  66   a  side for rapid evaporation into vapor  87  that then can be compressed by compressor  90  to a slightly higher saturation temperature that condenses on the condensing surface  72   a  side into a very thin film  97  of distillate  17 , which is removed as quickly as possible to avoid building up a larger heat resistive film  97  of distillate  17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-10 , when applying liquid  19  to the evaporation surfaces  66   a,  liquid  19  from the sump  52  is pumped by pump  54  to rotatable manifold  56 . At least one and usually a plurality or series of movable upright liquid applicator assemblies  85  are fluidly connected to the manifold  56 , and can form the movable liquid applicator device  58 , which can move or rotate in a circular motion. 
     The liquid applicator assemblies  85  can move in a circular path about axis A, for example, in a clockwise motion, between the evaporation surfaces  66   a  of the evaporation channels  66 . Each liquid applicator assembly  85  can extend upwardly in an upright vertical manner into an annular evaporation channel  66  from the manifold  56  to about or close to the upper wall  68 . The manifold  56  can be positioned above the sump  52  and just below the evaporator condenser  60 , under the open annular bottom entrances  66   b  of the evaporation channels  66 . An evaporator condenser  60  having a series of 7 annular evaporation channels  66  can have an equal number or series of 7 corresponding liquid applicator assemblies  85 , one per evaporation channel  66 . Each assembly  85  can have an elongate vertical or upright liquid supply passage channel or conduit  74  that is in fluid communication with the manifold  56  and extending close to the upper wall  68  for directing fluid  19  upwardly in the supply conduit  74  and into the evaporation channel  66  along the height of the evaporation channel  66 . The liquid supply conduit  74  can be spaced between the opposing evaporation surfaces  66   a  and can have an upper opening  74   a  near the upper wall  68 , as well as a series of intermittently spaced side or lateral ports, holes or openings  74   b  on opposite sides of the liquid supply conduit  74 , which can extend the length of the conduit  74 , and face the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  for evenly distributing the liquid  19  onto the opposite evaporation surfaces  66   a  along the height of the evaporation channel  66  and the evaporation surfaces  66   a  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The space between the liquid supply conduit  74  and the evaporation surfaces  66   a  can form vertical irrigation channels  76  within which the delivered liquid  19  can fall or flow in a stream to cover the height of the evaporation surfaces  66   a.  Elongate retaining structures  78  can extend from the forward side or front of the liquid supply conduit  74  relative to the direction of travel  79 , and from the rearward side or back of the liquid supply conduit  74 . The retaining structures  78  can have a corrugated shape with corrugations  78   b  to provide elongate vertically extending or upright retaining grooves or recesses  78   a  on opposite sides for retaining two opposing upright or vertical scraper members or blades  80  on the front, and two opposing upright or vertical wiper members or blades  82  on the rear. The supply conduit  74  and retaining structures  78  can be integrally formed together, such as an extrusion, or such as from plastic, polymer, other suitable material, or can be an assembly of formed metal strips. 
     The scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades can each have a generally semicircular cross section with a curved, circular or semicircular rear surface  80   a  and  82   a  ( FIGS. 11-17 ), which can engage corresponding mating curved, circular or semicircular elongate retaining recesses  78   a,  formed in the retaining structures  78  by the corrugations  78   b.  The mating curved surfaces  80   a,    82   a,  and  78   a,  which can curve around axes parallel to axis A, can allow rocking motion or movement of the scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades within the recesses  78   a  when engagably moved in contact across the opposing evaporation surfaces  66   a  in the direction  79  with appropriate force with the viscous drag of the liquid  19  during operation. This can cause rocking of the curved surfaces of the scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades so that the lengths can form optimized driver sealed upright or vertical contact lines  80   d  and  82   d  with the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a,  and form sealed edges for the vertical irrigation channels  76 , while moving across the evaporation surfaces  66   a.  In addition, the curved rear surfaces  80   a  and  82   a  of the scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades can be driven against the corresponding curved surfaces of the retaining recesses  78   a  to also form upright or vertical elongate driven seals therebetween, to prevent or minimize leakage between the scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades, and the recesses  78   a.  The scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades can have generally flat surfaces riding against the evaporation surfaces  66   a  and can be driven at about a 45° angle, which allows movement in and out of the retaining recesses  78   a  which can conform to varying gaps while retaining a seal, or compensating for wear. This can also minimize contact forces normal to the evaporation surfaces  66   a  to minimize friction. The corresponding shapes of the blades and the recesses  78   a  can maintain a position of the retaining structure  78  near the center between the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a.  The angle of contact can be greater when the blades are pushed deeper into recesses  78   a,  and then tend to ride outward by pushing the retaining structure  78  toward the center between the evaporation surfaces  66   a  while moving in direction  79 . 
     The corrugations  78   b  of the retaining structures  78  can allow a thin wall thickness to be used, but also provide strength and rigidity to the retaining structures  78  along its elongate vertical length which can provide resistance to bending or flexing of the scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades, to ensure consistent contact with the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a.  The scraper blades  80  and the wiper blades  82  can be positioned close to the liquid supply conduit  74  in the travel direction  79 . The corrugations  78   b  also can retain opposed scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades in a slightly staggered arrangement in the direction of travel, which can minimize the width of the liquid applicator assembly  85  and spacing between the opposed surfaces  66   a.  The scraper  80  and wiper  82  blades can position the liquid supply conduit  74  between the two opposing evaporation surfaces  66   a  generally in a central location, or along the centerline of travel along the circular path. The corrugations  78   b  and the liquid supply conduit  74 , can provide the liquid applicator assembly  85  with stiffness in the vertical direction along the length, but can have a thin wall to allow the retaining structures  78  to be shaped to conform to the shape or curve of the path between the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  of the annular evaporation channel  66 . Positioning the retaining structures  78 , blades  80  and  82 , and conduit  74  close together in the direction  79  can minimize the amount of bending that is required in the design and can allow for one shape to be used in more than one annular evaporator channel  66 . 
     In use, a liquid applicator assembly  85  can move within each annular evaporation channel  66  in a circular path about axis A and in unison with each other and manifold  56 , in the direction of arrows  79  ( FIG. 8 ). The applicator assemblies  85  can be positioned at the same or different angular positions relative to each, but often are in the two groups, 180° apart from each other.  FIG. 8  depicts only one applicator assembly  85  for simplicity. The opposed scraper blades  80  on the front can simultaneously scrape any residual films  84  on the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  prior to applying the liquid  19  from the moving liquid supply conduit  74  while moving in the direction of arrows  79 . The residual films  84  can include liquid  19  that has not fully evaporated, as well as contaminants, scale, particulates, precipitants, etc., left behind by the evaporated liquid  19 . Scraping the residual films  84  can maintain consistent heat transfer on the evaporation surfaces  66   a,  and can also aid in applying a consistent film  86  of liquid  19  for rapid evaporation. After the residual film  84  is removed, which can flow down to the sump  52  after scraping, the liquid  19  is applied to the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  by the liquid supply conduit  74 . The amount of liquid  19  on the evaporation surfaces  66   a  at this point can be inconsistent so that the opposed wiper blades  82  which closely follow can simultaneously wipe and apply the liquid  19  into a thin even film  86  on the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  for quick evaporation. The wiper blades  82  can form a seal along the line of contact  82   d  to apply a thin even film  86  of liquid  19  that is between 0.0008 to 0.005 inches thick, and often about 0.0008 to 0.002 inches thick, and can be only 0.001 inches thick. The liquid applicator assemblies  85  can rotate with the manifold  56  at about 20-80 revolutions/min, or in some cases, about 30-60 revolutions/min. In the time between passes by the liquid applicator assemblies  85 , the film  86  of liquid  19  evaporates and the residual film  84  is scraped off by the scraper blades  82 . In the residual film  84 , as the concentration of contaminants increases with evaporation, certain contaminants will come out or precipitate out of solution, and can form on the surface of the film  84 , which can be effectively scraped off by the scraper blades  80 . The film  84  can be a fraction of a thousandth of an inch thick. An even thinner film can be left behind that provides lubrication for the scraper or wiper. The thinner residual film left behind has fewer contaminates than the film  84  because most of the contaminants were on the surface that was removed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12  scraper blades  80  can have a length L that is close to the height of the annular evaporation channels  66 . The scraping face  80   c  can have a slight concave radius to form two upright or vertical elongate scraping lines of contact  80   d  with the evaporation surfaces  66   a  for scraping the residual film  84 . The corners  80   b  can be radiused or rounded. Scraper blades  80  can be formed of polymeric material, ceramics or metal. In one embodiment the scraper blades  80  can be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and can have a length L this is about 14 inches long, a width that is about 0.15 inches, and a thickness of about 0.075 inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-17 , wiper blades  82  can be made of the same material and can have a length L, width and thickness that is the same as the scraper blades  80 . The wiping face  80   c  can have a slight convex radius to form an upright or vertical line of contact  82   d  with the evaporation surfaces  66   a.  Corners  82   b  can be radiused or rounded. The wiping face  80   c  can have a series of intermittent openings, grooves or recesses  81  along the length to distribute the liquid  19  for application. The openings  81  can be at a slight angle, for example 15° and spaced apart by a pitch P that is close enough together so that streams of liquid  19  passing through when wiped quickly merge together to achieve the desired film thickness, such as in about 0.3 seconds or less. The openings  81  can be spaced apart from each other by a pitch P of about 0.02 to 0.1 inches apart, such as 0.030 inches, and can have a depth d of about 0.004 inches. The seal along the line of contact  82   d  can ensure that the liquid  19  passes through the openings  81 , for film thickness control. In some embodiments the openings  81  can be omitted. In addition, in some embodiments, the scraper and wiper blades can have angled surfaces for forming contact lines and for engaging appropriately shaped recesses of the retaining structures  78 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 6-9 , at least one and usually a plurality or series of movably upright distillate extractor assemblies  95  of distillate extraction device  62  can move or rotate about axis A, within the annular condensing channels  72  between the condensing surfaces  72   a  in a circular motion or path, in the direction of arrows  79 , such as in the clockwise direction. Each extractor assembly  95  can extend in an upright vertical manner downwardly into an annular condensing channel  72  from a rotating manifold  100 . The manifold  100  can be part of the extraction device  62  and can be positioned above the evaporator condenser  60 , over the open annular upper entrances  72   b  of the condensing channels  72 . An evaporator condenser  60  having series of 7 concentric annular condensing channels  72  can have an equal number or series of 7 corresponding distillate extractor assemblies  95 , one per condensing channel  72 . Each extractor assembly  95  can have an elongate upright or vertical retaining structure  108  which can be corrugated with corrugations  108   b  to provide upright or vertical elongate retaining grooves or recesses  108   a  extending on opposite lateral sides for retaining two opposing upright or vertical scraper members or blades  110 . The length of the opposed scrapper blades  110  can engagably move in contact across opposing condensing surfaces  72   a  for scraping the film  97  of distillate  17  off the opposing condensing surfaces  72   a,  simultaneously along contact lines  110   d  therebetween ( FIG. 8 ). The corrugations  108   b  can provide recesses  108   a  which are staggered or slightly staggered in the direction of movement  79 . 
     The retaining structure  108  and scraper blades  110  can be positioned forward in the direction  79  of an upright or vertical distillate extraction conduit, tube or channel  98  that is connected to the retaining structure  108 . The distillate extraction channel  98  can have a lower entrance opening or inlet  98   a  at about the bottom end of the condensing channel  72  near the bottom wall  72 , and an upper exit opening or outlet  98   b  connected to and in fluid communication with manifold  100 . Distillate  17  scraped from the opposed condensing surfaces  72   a  falls or flows downwardly to the bottom of the condensing channel  72 . The distillate  17  collecting at the bottom or bottom wall  70  of the condensing channel  72  that rises and reaches the inlet  98   a  can be forced out of the condensing channel  72  upwardly through the extraction channel  98  by the pressure of the vapor  87  within the condensing channel  72 , and into the manifold  100  through outlet  98   b.  The flow of distillate  17  up through extraction channel  98  can be aided by the distillate pump  104  or other suitable pump, which can create a suction on the extraction channel  98 . Movement of the distillate  17  up through the extraction channel  98  to manifold  100  and back down through rotating seal  101 , reservoir inlet  103  and into reservoir  105  to pump  104 , can create a siphon action to further aid the flow of the distillate  17 , and can help minimize the energy input required for creating such a flow. 
     An upright or vertical noncondensable gas extraction passage, tube, channel or conduit  112  can be positioned behind, in back of, or at the rear of the distillate extraction channel  98  by a thin connecting web, wall or member  111 . The retaining structure  108 , extraction channel  98  and the extraction channel  112  can be integrally formed together, such as an extrusion, and can be formed of a suitable material such as plastic or polymeric materials, or an assembly of formed metal strips. The corrugations  108   b  of the retaining structure  108  and the extraction channels  98  and  112 , can provide the distillate extraction assembly  95  with stiffness in the vertical direction along the length, which can provide resistance to bending or flexing of the scraper blades  110 , to ensure consistent vertical contact with the opposed condensing surfaces  72   a.  At the same time, the retaining structure  108  and the connecting web  111  can have a thin wall to allow the retaining structure  108  and the connecting web  111  to be shaped and fit into narrow condensing channels  72 . Positioning the scraper blades  110  and extraction channels  98  and  112  close together in the direction  79  can minimize the amount of bending needed to conform to the curve of the annular condensing channel  72 , in the design and can allow for one shape to be used in more than one condensing channel  72 . 
     The noncondensable gas extraction channel  112  can have a lower inlet  112   a  ( FIG. 9 ) near the bottom wall  70  or the bottom end of the condensing channel  72 , which can be above the inlet  98   a  of the distillate extraction channel  98 . Noncondensable gases  13  within the condensing channel  72  near the bottom end can enter the inlet  112   a  and can be forced upwardly through the noncondensable gas extraction channel  112  out of the condensing channel  72  by the pressure of the vapor  87  within the condensing channel  72 . The noncondensable gas extraction channel  112  can be fluidly connected to passages in manifold  100  which can be connected in turn by suitable passages to exhaust gas outlet  20   d  ( FIG. 1 ), so that the noncondensable gases  13  can be exhausted from the distiller  10 . The noncondensable gases  13  can include dissolved gases in the incoming liquid  19  that come out of solution. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , the scraper blades  110  can have a length L that is similar to scraper blades  80 , and close to the height of the annular condensing channels  72 . The scraping face  110   c  can have a slight convex radius to form an upright or vertical elongate scraping line of contact  110   d  with condensing surfaces  72   a  for scraping the film  97  of distillate  17  from the condensing surfaces  72   a.  The corners  110   b  can be radiused or rounded. The axial ends can have protrusions  110   e  to aid in assembly. The scraper blades  110  can have a generally semicircular cross section with a curved, circular or semicircular rear surface  110   a  which can engage corresponding mating curved, circular or semicircular elongate retaining recesses  108   a,  formed in the retaining structure  108  by the corrugations  108   b.  The mating curved surfaces  110   a  and  108   a,  which can curve around axes parallel to axis A, can allow rocking motion or movement of the scraper blades  110  within the recesses  108   a  when engagingly moved in contact across the opposing condensing surfaces  72   a  in the direction  79  with appropriate force with the viscous drag of the distillate  17 . This can cause rocking on the curved surfaces of the scraper blades  110  so that the lengths can form optimized driver sealed vertical or upright contact lines  110   d  with the opposed condensing surfaces  72   a  for scraping distillate  17  from the condensing surfaces  72   a.  As can be seen, scraper blades  110  can operate in a similar manner as blades  80  and  82 , and can center each distillate extractor assembly  95  within a condensing channel  72 , and can be formed of the same or similar materials. In one embodiment, scraper blades  110  can have a length L of about 14 inches, a width of about 0.125 inches, and a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch. In some embodiments, the scraper blades  110  can have angled scraping and rocking surfaces, and the retaining recesses  108   a  can be shaped appropriately. 
     An evaporator condenser  60  having cylindrical members  64  with a Hc to Dc ( FIG. 6 ) ratio, as described, can provided substantial liquid  19  application and distillate  17  scraping for each revolution of the liquid applicator assemblies  85  and distillate extractor assemblies  95 . Although the liquid applicator assemblies  85  and the distillate extractor assemblies  95  have been described to preferably rotate for applying liquid  19  and removing distillate  17 , in some embodiments, a reciprocating motion can be used. In addition, in some embodiments, the opposed evaporation surfaces  66   a  and opposed condensing surfaces  72  do not have to be cylindrical and can have a partial curve or can be flat. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the rotating manifolds  56  and  100  can be connected together so that the rotation of the manifolds  56  and  100 , and the liquid applicator device  58  and the distillate extraction device  62 , can be synchronized and driven together in unison. The top manifold  100  can be driven by a motor, which can be in rotary assembly  115 , motor  116 , or by a water motor  117  shown as an example in  FIG. 21 . The top manifold  100  that is connected to the distillate extraction device  62  is preferably driven since the rotating components can be lubricated with distillate, while the lower manifold  56  that is connected to the liquid applicator device  58  is in a contaminated sump environment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 21-23 , a transmission  145  can rotatably drive the liquid applicator assemblies  85  and distillate extractor assemblies  95  in unison. The rotation of the manifold  100  and the distillate extraction device  62  can drive a drive ring gear  136   a  ( FIG. 9 ) connected thereto. The ring gear  136   a  can drive a set of four planet drive gears  138   a.  Gears  138   a  rotate four corresponding planet driven gears  138   b  via rotatable or rotating connecting shafts  140   a,  which extend through or penetrate a separating partition wall  142 , and can be rotatably mounted by bearings  140   b  that are mounted to wall  142 . The driven gears  138   b  drive a driven ring gear  136   b.  Axially extending connecting members  114  are connected to the driven ring gear  136   b,  and extend to and are further connected to the lower manifold  56 , to drive the lower manifold  56  and the liquid applicator device  58  in unison with the top manifold  100  and the distillate extraction device  62 . The sets of planet drive gears  138   a  and driven gears  138   b,  can be evenly spaced apart from each other, centering the ring gears  136   a  and  136   b,  the distillate extraction device  62 , the distillate extractor assemblies  95 , the liquid applicator device  58 , and the liquid applicator assemblies  85 , relative to each other, by utilizing the sets of planet gears as rollers. The planet gears  138   a  and  138   b  can be lubricated with distillate  17 . The sets of planet gears  138   a  and  138   b  can have at least three sets of gears evenly spaced apart. The partition wall  142  can separate pressurized and nonpressurized regions of the interior  18  of the distiller  10  from each other. The axially extending connecting members  114  can fit into sockets at one or both ends for easy assembly and disassembly. 
     The manifolds  100  and  56  can each have two radially extending arms, radially extending from axis A along a central axis M. Referring to  FIG. 21 , the distillate extractor assemblies  95  of the distillate extraction device  62  can be mounted to the manifold  100  along axis M, generally evenly, four distillate extractor assemblies  95  on one side of axis A and three on the opposite side. Referring to  FIG. 23 , the liquid applicator assemblies  85  of the liquid applicator device  58  can be mounted to the manifold  56  along axis M in a similar manner. The assemblies  85  and  95  can be arranged in an alternating fashion. In some embodiments, the manifolds  56  and  100  can have other suitable shapes and the assemblies  85  and  95  can be mounted in other suitable configurations and numbers, for example, more than one per channel  66  and  72 . 
       FIGS. 24-27  depict another embodiment of the distiller  10 , showing the housing  12 , dewar  14 , and a particular arrangement of the inlet  20   a,  outlets  20   b,    20   c  and  20   d,  inlet valve  22 , and electronics  11  for controlling the operation of the distiller  10 . Conduits and other components can extend through the central cavity  32  of heat exchanger device  24 .  FIGS. 28 and 29  depict components near the bottom  14   e  of the dewar  14 . The materials used in distiller  10  other than those described, can be those that are known in the art for distillers, and can include materials that are resistant to corrosion, thermally conductive, and thermally insulative. 
       FIG. 30  depicts an embodiment of a liquid flow path through distiller  10 . Incoming or influent liquid  19  can enter inlet valve  22 , and flow through heat exchanger device  24  to sump  52 . A float  150  can control inlet valve  22  to control the flow of liquid  19  into distiller  10 . Liquid  19  is applied to evaporator condenser  60 . Distillate  17  can flow from evaporator condenser  60  into reservoir  105  to distillate pump  104 . The distillate  17  can be pumped by distillate pump  104  through a check valve  154  out through heat exchanger device  24  to exit distiller  10 . A vent  158  can be connected to reservoir  105 . Concentrate  15  can be pumped by concentrate pump  55  through concentrate valve  156  and out through heat exchanger device  24  to exit distiller  10 . Distillate  17  can enter internal cavity  126  of shaft  120  of rotary assembly  115  for lubricating bearings  124  and  122 , and can also power water motor  117 , and lubricate other moving and rotating components of the distiller  10 . The distillate pump  104  or other suitable pump can provide the distillate  17  for lubricating purposes. 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. For example, suitable orientations, materials, shapes and sizes for the components in the distiller can be used, other than those described.