Vertech Treatment Systems, Inc.

Mark T Atwood

Ronald H Hall

Hermann W Peterscheck

Frank Carlson

A process for reducing calcium, magnesium and aluminum salt scale build-up in continuous flow or plug flow tube reactors in which a fluid waste undergoes a chemical reaction under heat and pressure to form more environmentally desirable compounds. The process includes the injection of a precipitating reagent into the influent path of a fluid waste stream in a tube reactor to preferentially precipitate calcium, magnesium and aluminum ions which are then carried through and out of the reaction apparatus in a non-scale forming suspension.

Process for mitigating scale formation in tube reaction apparatus

A method of removing scale from the surfaces of a fluid treatment apparatus by directing a base solution and an acid solution through the fluid treatment apparatus. The fluid treatment apparatus cleaned by the method of the present invention is a vertical tube wet oxidation treatment apparatus in which an aqueous slurry of organic materials is oxidized in a tube which extends deep into the surface of the earth. Water rinses are performed between the steps of circulating the aqueous base solution, circulating the aqueous acid solution, and operating the fluid treatment apparatus. The water used for separating the sequential steps is preferably buffered water. The aqueous acid solution is preferably a mineral acid and most preferably nitric acid. The aqueous base solution is preferably potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The method also contemplates a sectional wash of the apparatus by directing a base or acid solution partially into the apparatus.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Mark T Atwood