Vortex separator for thin-film evaporation unit with angled baffles

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 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A separator unit comprising:
 a. a substantially enclosed cylindrical body having a front, a back, and a continuous wall therebetween, said continuous wall having a top and a bottom;   b. a horizontal inlet at an upper position in said front;   c. a vapor outlet comprising an elongated stack extending upward from said top near said back;   d. a concentrate outlet extending downward from said bottom near said back; and   e. a plurality of baffles extending inward from the inner side of said continuous wall so as to create a series of adjoining chambers, said baffles angled so as to create a vortex flow pattern therebetween.   
     
     
         22 . The separator unit of  claim 21  wherein said plurality of baffles comprises a front baffle extending from the top of the continuous wall at an angle relative to the inlet of about 100° to about 110°. 
     
     
         23 . The separator unit of  claim 22  wherein said plurality of baffles comprises a second baffle downstream of the front baffle, said second baffle extending from the continuous wall at about 90° relative to the bottom. 
     
     
         24 . The separator unit of  claim 21  comprising two baffles and three adjoining chambers. 
     
     
         25 . The separator unit of  claim 21  wherein the baffles are configured to result in a vortex flow pattern in the chamber therebetween, and in a cyclonic flow pattern in chambers adjacent to the front and the back.