Method for purifying waste water with open-flame, thin film evaporation

Abstract

A thin film, direct convection, evaporative process and apparatus for treating waste water on-site at a production area or waste water processing area relies on direct exposure of waste water to an open flame in an evaporation chamber, despite the waste water containing volatile substances, resulting in up to 99% reduction of total flow rate of waste water, and creating steam capable of being introduced safely to the environment.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for purifying waste water comprising thin film evaporation of waste water in a substantially enclosed burner unit wherein said waste water is exposed to an open flame to produce a concentrated waste effluent and water vapor. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising delivering the waste water to the burner unit in sequential flow rates comprising a ramp-up flow rate and at least one running flow rate greater than the ramp-up flow rate. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising filtering the waste water before delivery to the burner unit. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising processing the concentrated waste effluent in a separator. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising processing the water vapor in a particulate matter scrubber. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising processing the water vapor with chemical reagent scrubbers. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein flow rate of the concentrated waste effluent out of the burner unit is less than about 15 percent of flow rate of the waste water into the burner unit, whereby the waste water flow rate is reduced by greater than about 85 percent. 
     
     
         21 - 25 . (canceled)