Patent attributes
An apparatus includes a set of atomizers, a housing and a separator. Each atomizer includes an inlet portion that receives an inlet flow of a solution and an outlet portion that produces an atomized flow of the solution. The housing defines a flow path. Each atomizer is disposed at least partially within the housing such that the outlet portion of each atomizer is in fluid communication with the flow path. The housing is configured such that a gas flowing within the flow path can be sequentially mixed with the atomized flow of the solution produced by the outlet portion of each atomizer to produce a mixture of the gas and the solution. The separator produces a first outlet flow including a portion of the gas and a vaporized portion of a solvent, and a second outlet flow including a liquid portion of the solvent and a solute.