Evaporator: meaning, definitions and examples

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evaporator

 

[ ɪˈvæpəreɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

industrial device

An evaporator is a device used to convert a liquid into vapor through the application of heat. This process typically involves boiling the liquid so that the vapor can be collected and condensed back into a liquid form, often used in various industrial applications such as refrigeration and chemical processing. In the food industry, evaporators are used to concentrate liquids by removing water, enhancing the flavors and shelf-life of products. Their efficiency and design can vary based on the specific requirements of the process they are intended for.

Synonyms

distiller, vaporizer

Examples of usage

  • The evaporator in the refrigerator maintains cool temperatures.
  • They used an evaporator to concentrate the fruit juice.
  • In the lab, the evaporator is essential for purifying solvents.
  • The manufacturing plant installed a new evaporator for better efficiency.

Word origin

The word 'evaporator' originates from the Latin word 'evaporare,' which means 'to cause to disperse or to vanish.' The concept of evaporation has been understood for centuries, dating back to the times when people first learned to heat water to produce steam. In scientific terms, evaporation is part of the liquid-to-gas phase change, and this phenomenon was essential in early distillation processes. The use of evaporators became more refined with the advent of the industrial revolution, as technological advancements allowed for the development of efficient devices for various applications, including the food industry, refrigeration, and chemical manufacturing. The modern evaporator is an evolution of these early concepts, designed to optimize heat transfer and moisture removal.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,178, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.