PLATE EVAPORATORS

A plate type evaporator of the falling film type, comprising a pack of plates arranged in spaced face-to-face relationship and gasketed to define flow spaces for heating medium and feed liquid between the plates, characterized in that distribution means is provided to distribute the feed liquid across the flow spaces, the said distribution means comprising at least one restriction leading to a transversely extending distribution zone in communication with one or more flow spaces, the restriction being adapted to cause some flashing of vapor from the feed liquid whereby a mixture of liquid and vapor is present in the distribution zone, the or each distribution zone communicating with the respective flow spaces through a series of laterally spaced further restrictions which are adapted to produce further flashing as the liquid and vapor mixture passes through them.