Method for treating waste water streams by oxidation in high temperature

Abstract

A method for treating waste water streams by introducing a mixture of pre-heated waste water and an amount of oxidant lower than that required to oxidize all the organic matter in the waste stream into the front port of an elongate tubular reaction chamber. The amount of oxidant is preferably high enough, however, to raise the temperature of the stream in the reaction chamber to 750.degree.-1,200.degree. F. A first injection side port is preferably located downstream from the front port of the reaction chamber at a distance at which the temperature has reached a maximum value, and 90-100% of the available oxidant has been consumed. Oxidant and water may be simultaneously injected through the first port, in a manner that the amount of oxidant is adequate to oxidize a specified amount of organic matter, and the amount of water is effective to counterbalance the heat produced by the reaction of the co-injected oxidant with the respective organic matter. At the point that 90-100% of the newly injected oxidant has been consumed, a second port is used to introduce more oxidant and water in a similar manner and under similar conditions. More ports are also used, following similar rules, until the organic matter has been substantially exhausted. The reaction chamber preferably has a multiplicity of ports, so that depending upon the particular stream, its BTU value, and other parameters, the appropriately spaced ports are selected as injection ports. Highly improved output is achieved by the process and apparatus of the present invention.