Aqueous Fluid Reactor and Method for Performing Water Oxidation and / or Water Vaporization - Patent application

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor configured to contain an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor, where oxidation occurs, said fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials. The reactor preferably comprises an enclosure dividing the inner cavity of the reactor cavity into an inner cavity inside the enclosure and an outer cavity outside the enclosure. A preferred embodiment also relates to carrying out water oxidation by use of the reactor according to the present invention.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor configured to contain an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor during oxidation, said fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials. The reactor preferably comprises an enclosure dividing the inner cavity of the reactor cavity into an inner cavity inside the enclosure and an outer cavity outside the enclosure. A preferred embodiment also relates to carrying out water oxidation by use of the reactor according to the present invention. [Background technology]

[0002] Some wastewater contains undesirable pollutants associated with organic and / or inorganic materials that, if released into the environment, would represent an environmental hazard, and such materials, if oxidized, could become less harmful or be completely destroyed.

[0003] Oxidation of organic and / or inorganic materials in aqueous fluids at high pressures and temperatures has proven to be an efficient method of carrying out such oxidation. In such processes, an aqueous fluid containing the material to be oxidized is typically introduced into a cavity together with an oxidizing agent, in which the oxidation process is accelerated by the prevailing high pressures and temperatures.

[0004] While such processes are efficient methods of oxidation, there are several technical problems associated with providing reactor equipment which is easy to maintain and operate and which can be manufactured and used at a financially attractive cost.

[0005] Some of the problems associated with providing a reactor suitable for oxidation are that the pressure and / or temperature inside the reactor can be supercritical conditions (water) and that the fluids during oxidation or oxidation by-products are often highly corrosive, requiring special care in the selection of materials from which the reactor is constructed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention may be to provide a reactor that reduces the cost of manufacturing or maintaining. Another object of the present invention relates to providing an in-line monitoring of the corrosion level of the reactor walls.

[0007] An object of the present invention may be to provide such a reactor which at least mitigates the problems associated with reactor maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention in a first aspect relates to an aqueous fluid reactor, preferably an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor and / or an aqueous fluid vaporization reactor, configured to accommodate an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor, preferably whereby oxidation and / or vaporization occurs, said fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic material, preferably comprising: a reactor body in the form of an elongated tubular element arranged, in use, with its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, and closed at its upper and lower ends thereby defining a reactor cavity inside the reactor body; an enclosure extending from the lower end toward the upper end, the enclosure dividing the reactor cavity into an inner cavity inside the enclosure and an outer cavity outside the enclosure; ● a flush fluid connection extending from the exterior cavity and into the interior cavity from a location at a top end of the enclosure and to a first vertical height, the vertical height being greater than zero; a flush fluid intake arranged to deliver flush fluid into the external cavity; a treated fluid output connection having an inlet disposed at a second vertical height inside the internal cavity and an outlet disposed outside the reactor body, the second vertical height being preferably greater than the first vertical height, the treated fluid output connection extending downwardly from the inlet towards a lower end of the reactor; an aqueous fluid inlet connection located at the lower end of the reactor body for admitting aqueous fluid, and preferably oxidant, to be brought to high pressure and temperature within the internal cavity; The present invention relates to a reactor comprising:

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides an aqueous fluid reactor, preferably an aqueous fluid oxidation and / or aqueous fluid vaporization reactor, configured to accommodate an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor, preferably whereby oxidation and / or vaporization occurs, said fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials, comprising: a reactor body in the form of an elongated tubular element arranged, in use, with its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, and closed at its upper and lower ends thereby defining a reactor cavity inside the reactor body; an enclosure extending from the lower end toward the upper end, the enclosure dividing the reactor cavity into an inner cavity inside the enclosure and an outer cavity outside the enclosure; a flush fluid intake arranged to deliver flush fluid into the external cavity; A flush fluid connection, o extending downward from the outer cavity and into the inner cavity from a location at a top end of the enclosure and to a first vertical height, the vertical height being greater than zero; and / or a flush fluid connection extending upward from a bottom portion of the reactor and into the internal cavity and fluidly connected to the flush fluid inlet for delivering flush fluid into the flush fluid connection; a treated fluid output connection having an inlet disposed at a second vertical height inside the internal cavity and an outlet disposed outside the reactor body, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height, the treated fluid output connection extending downwardly from the inlet toward a lower end of the reactor; an aqueous fluid inlet connection located at the lower end of the reactor body for admitting aqueous fluid, and preferably oxidant, to be brought to high pressure and temperature within the internal cavity (5); The present invention relates to a reactor comprising:

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, internal fluid communication between the internal and external cavities, if present, is provided through a flush fluid connection, and preferably only through a flush fluid connection.

[0011] The terms used herein are used as is conventional to those skilled in the art. Some of the terms used are explained in more detail below: Treated fluid, as used herein, is used in a broad sense to include treated fluids produced by a water oxidation process, where the fluid resulting from the oxidation process is carried out in accordance with the present invention. "Water oxidation" or "water oxidation process" is preferably used to refer to one or more chemical oxidation processes occurring at the aqueous fluid intake to the reactor, e.g., generally oxidizing organic contaminants and / or inorganic constituents.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for carrying out water oxidation, the method comprising the use of a reactor according to the first aspect claim, Introducing an aqueous fluid containing organic and / or inorganic material to be oxidized, and preferably mixed with an oxidizing agent, into the interior cavity through the aqueous fluid inlet connection; - introducing a flush fluid, preferably water such as demineralized water, into the external cavity through a flush fluid intake; maintaining a pressure and temperature inside the internal cavity sufficient to promote at least some oxidation of said organic and / or inorganic material, said maintaining of said pressure being provided by flow control of an aqueous fluid in combination with back pressure control at a treated fluid output connection; The present invention relates to a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:

[0013] The invention, and in particular its preferred embodiments, will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate ways of implementing the invention and are not to be construed as limiting other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claim set. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor in a cross-sectional view. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 illustrates the reactor of the first embodiment in a simplified three-dimensional exploded view, where some features have been omitted for clarity and where the top and bottom members are shown separated from the elongated tubular wall section. It will be appreciated that Figure 2 is drawn so as not to disclose the thickness of the various parts. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates, in cross-section, a schematic of another embodiment of an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor, in cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an aqueous fluid oxidation reactor 1. The reactor 1 is used to oxidize organic contaminants in an aqueous fluid, which is often water, containing one or more contaminants that can be oxidized to purify the water. However, the reactor can also be used to oxidize other aqueous fluids. The oxidation is carried out at pressure and temperature levels that are relatively high with respect to atmospheric conditions (1 bar and 20° C.). In some embodiments, the oxidation is carried out in a subcritical and / or supercritical stage, although typically it is carried out at supercritical pressure. Embodiments in which the lower section of the reactor is at subcritical conditions and the upper section of the reactor is at supercritical conditions are also considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Thus, the reactor 1 is configured to contain an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor 1 where oxidation occurs, the aqueous fluid may comprise organic and / or inorganic materials to be oxidized.

[0017] In other embodiments, the reactor is used for vaporization of an aqueous fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials, and in such embodiments, reactor 1 is configured to contain an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside reactor 1 whereupon vaporization occurs.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the reactor comprises a reactor body 2 in the form of an elongated tubular element 2 (see Figure 2 for more details). It is emphasized that the tubular element does not imply a cylindrical shape, although this shape may be preferred, since other shapes than cylindrical may be selected as the shape for the tubular element 2.

[0019] This tubular component 2 is arranged to have its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity during use of the reactor 1, and the reactor body 2 is closed at its upper and lower ends to define a reactor cavity 3 inside the reactor body 2. As shown in Figure 2, the reactor body 2 can be closed by specific closure members 18 and 22, but the reactor body does not have to be made of such separate components.

[0020] The reactor also comprises an enclosure 4 extending from said lower end towards said upper end. This enclosure 4 is a physical component typically made from a material of thickness. The enclosure is a tubular component that may be cylindrical, but other shapes are also considered within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 4 divides the reactor cavity 3 into an internal cavity 5 inside the enclosure 4 and an external cavity 6 outside the enclosure 4. As is self-evident from FIG. 1, the enclosure 4 is shaped to allow fluid to flow between the external cavity 6 and the internal cavity 5 through an opening provided at the upper end of the enclosure. Thus, the enclosure 4 may also be disclosed as a tubular component comprising an upper wall member that is typically closed at the lower end by sealing from the inside to the lower end of the reactor body 2 and that comprises an opening.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention aims to have the oxidation of water occur primarily, e.g. essentially only, within the internal cavity 5. This is accomplished in a preferred embodiment by providing a flow of flush water into the cavity 5 through the flush fluid connection 7. This flow of flush water into the internal cavity 5 essentially prevents the transport of salts and / or other chemical compounds from the internal cavity 5 to the outside 6. This is described in further detail below.

[0022] Thus, a flush fluid connection 7 is provided from the external cavity 6 and into the internal cavity 5, typically extending from a position of the upper end of said enclosure 4 and to a first vertical height h1 (greater than zero). The flush connection 7 is used to introduce fluid into the internal cavity 5 at a lower region thereof to prevent direct contact with the reactor body 2 of salts and / or other debris, sediments or the like that may accumulate in the internal cavity during oxidation of the aqueous fluid. The first vertical height h1 is provided to provide flow clearance between the lower end of the flush fluid connection 7 and the inner lowest part of the reactor body 2. As will be explained in further detail below, the volume inside the flush fluid connection 7 may be considered as a buffer volume when the pressure conditions in the reactor may provide for a flow of water from the internal cavity 6 towards the external cavity 5. If this occurs, the fluid flowing into the external cavity 6 will at least partly be pure flush fluid contained in the flush fluid connection 7, thereby reducing the risk that the fluid in the internal cavity 5 will come into contact with the internal wall of the reactor body 2. The buffer volume also serves to slow down and prevent the diffusion of unwanted contaminants from the internal cavity 5 into the external cavity 6. The volume of the flush fluid connection 7 can be selected in such a way that a fast equalization of the pressure in the internal cavity 5 and the pressure in the external cavity 6 can be achieved. It is generally preferred to have a long flush fluid connection 7 with a narrow cross section, since this provides a more efficient flush of the fluid connection 7 and minimizes the unwanted diffusion of contaminants, but the invention is not limited to such a configuration of the flush fluid connection 7.

[0023] It should be emphasised that although in the figures and specification only a single flush fluid connection 7 is referred to, there may be provided a plurality of flush fluid connections 7. Similarly, the various inlets and outlets may comprise a plurality.

[0024] 1, the flash fluid enters and flows through the external cavity 6 into the internal cavity 5 via the flash fluid connection 7. A flash fluid intake 8 is positioned to feed the flash fluid into the external cavity 6, the flash fluid intake 8 being preferably located at a low position in the reactor body 2.

[0025] The flush fluid is fed into the outer cavity 6 at a pressure level that is only slightly higher compared to the pressure in the inner cavity 5 during oxidation. This allows the pressure acting on the enclosure to be significantly reduced, resulting in lower requirements for the mechanical strength of the enclosure 4.

[0026] Furthermore, since the inner surface of the reactor body 2 is not in contact with the contaminated aqueous fluid to be treated, the material of the reactor body 2 can be selected essentially without having to take into account the rather harsh chemical conditions or aqueous fluids in general that are present during oxidation.

[0027] On the other hand, the inner surface of the enclosure 4 is exposed to the chemical conditions of aqueous fluids and oxidative reactions, but since high mechanical strength of the enclosure is not required, the amount of material that is desired to withstand the chemicals and oxidative conditions, at least for a while, can be reduced.

[0028] It may also be advantageous to enhance the heat transfer capacity of the flush fluid connection 7, for example by shaping this connection as a tubular spiral similar to the treated fluid output connection 9 as shown in Figure 1, or by simply adding thermally conductive fins to the outer surface of the flush fluid connection 7. Similarly, the heat transfer capacity of the enclosure 4 may also be improved by adding further heat transfer area, for example in the form of thermally conductive fins, to the outer and / or inner surface of the enclosure tubular wall section 16.

[0029] As detailed above, oxidation takes place inside the internal cavity 5 and a treated fluid output connection 9 is provided to allow the treated fluid to escape from the reactor. This treated fluid output connection has an inlet 10 located inside the internal cavity 3 at a second vertical height h2 and an outlet 11 located outside the reactor body 2. It is noted that the second vertical height h2 is preferably greater than the first vertical height h1 and that the treated fluid output connection 9 extends from said inlet 10 downwards towards the lower end of the reactor. Thus, the treated fluid enters the treated fluid output connection 9 at a high level from the bottom of the reactor and flows downwards towards and through the outlet 11 to the outside.

[0030] Aqueous fluid is introduced into the internal cavity 5 through an aqueous fluid inlet connection 12 located at the lower end of the reactor body for admitting aqueous fluid into the internal cavity 5, which is to be brought to high pressure and temperature.

[0031] The oxidation may, according to a preferred embodiment, comprise:

[0032] Initially, the external and internal cavities 6, 5 are filled with flush water by introducing flush water into the external cavity through the flush fluid inlet 8. Once the internal and external cavities 5, 6 are filled with water, the pump 19 (or another pump) increases the pressure to a preselected pressure level. The pressure can be provided by a pressure regulator valve 21 located at the outlet 11. Such a pressure regulator can be set in a closed state, after which the regulator valve 21 is opened to flow, resulting in a preselected back pressure. If the pressure drops below the preselected pressure, the regulator valve 21 is closed. During this filling, or once the pressure regulator 21 is opened, the temperature inside the reactor 2 can be raised to the desired operating temperature before the aqueous fluid to be treated is taken into the internal cavity 5.

[0033] It is noted that while oxidation is often an exothermic process, providing sufficient energy to heat the incoming aqueous fluid, thereby making the oxidation process self-sustaining, heating during the start-up phase of operation is often provided by transferring heat to the fluid contained within the reactor. Furthermore, as the temperature increases, the pressure may also subsequently increase as the pressure regulating valve 21 is closed, although the primary means of increasing pressure within the reactor (the pump or pumps) is achieved by using the pump or pumps in conjunction with increasing the set pressure of the pressure regulating valve 21.

[0034] Once pressure and temperature have reached levels sufficient for oxidation, the start-up phase may be said to be complete and intake of aqueous fluid through inlet connection 12 is provided, thereby commencing oxidation.

[0035] During oxidation, aqueous fluid is typically continuously introduced into the internal cavity 5 and flush fluid is continuously introduced into the external cavity 6. The pressure at which the flush fluid is introduced is slightly greater to provide a flow of flush fluid into the internal cavity 5. A non-limiting example of a slightly greater pressure may be 0.1 bar or 1.0 bar greater than the pressure inside the internal cavity 5 to prevent aqueous fluid from "backflowing" through the flush fluid connection 7 into the external cavity 6 and to ensure that the flush fluid does enter the internal cavity 6. Furthermore, the level of pressure difference between the internal and external cavities 5, 6 is typically selected to minimize the pressure forces acting on the enclosure 4 while simultaneously preventing backflow of fluid from the internal cavity 5 and into the external cavity 6, and the pressure difference can typically be determined to avoid damage by combining calculations and experiments of the stresses induced in the enclosure 4. It is noted that even in the case of zero pressure difference, there will be no backflow and such zero pressure difference is considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Such a flow of flush fluid from the external cavity 6 and into the internal cavity 5 substantially reduces, and even avoids, the risk of aqueous fluid entering the external cavity 6, thereby avoiding or at least reducing the possibility of any corrosive species contained within the internal cavity 5 coming into contact with the inner surface of the reactor 2.

[0037] The flush fluid connection 7 is purposefully provided with a length to provide what is considered a buffer volume of the flush fluid, which is the amount of flush fluid contained in the flush fluid connection 7. Such a buffer volume may start to act, for example causing pressure fluctuations, where the pressure in the external cavity 6 may occasionally be less than the pressure in the internal cavity 5 driving the flow in the direction from the internal cavity 5 towards the external cavity 6. If this occurs, the fluid flowing through the flush fluid connection 7 is a buffer volume, which reduces the risk of introducing corrosive fluid contained in the internal cavity 5 into the external cavity 6. The buffer volume is present to reduce the risk of general diffusion of contaminants from the internal cavity 5 into the external cavity 6.

[0038] During oxidation, salts and / or other debris, deposits may be present or generated, and these components may settle at the bottom of the reactor. However, the branching component 13 acts as an extension of the flush fluid connection 7, increasing the buffer volume of the flush water and further reducing the risk of contaminants entering the external cavity 6. Any contaminants that may enter the branching component 13 due to the flushing action of the flush water are, at least to a certain extent, carried along with the flush fluid due to the flushing action. However, if the outlet of the branching component 13 is located at the top of the reactor operating with supercritical water, the amount of salts and contaminants that may enter the flush fluid connection 7 is extremely minimized. The flush water mixes with the aqueous fluid in or at the outlet of the branching component 13, and this mixture of aqueous fluid, flush water, and oxidation products and other components leaves the reactor through the treated fluid output connection 9.

[0039] Since the inlet 10 of the treated fluid output connection is located at a higher position than the aqueous fluid inlet connection, the flow of the aqueous fluid, if considered as plug flow, will flow from the bottom to the top of the reactor, and the outflow from the reactor will be from the top to the bottom. A vertical temperature gradient typically prevails in the fluid inside the internal cavity 5, with the lowest temperature at the bottom of the reactor. Thus, an oxidation zone, in which oxidation occurs, may be vertically above the heating zone, in which the aqueous fluid is heated. Heating of the aqueous fluid is at least assisted by the flow of the aqueous fluid downwards inside the treated fluid output connection 10, by heat conduction through the treated fluid output connection 10 to the aqueous fluid surrounding the connection 10. Alternatively or in combination, a heating component may be provided to heat the fluid inside the reactor 1.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the reactor 1 may have a height between 10 meters and 2 meters, for example between 8 meters and 4 meters. In some preferred embodiments, the reactor has a height of about 6 meters. Preferably, the reactor is configured to process between 100-700 liters per hour, for example between 200 and 500 liters per hour.

[0041] The organic matter to be oxidized can be essentially any oxidizable substance, and preferred organic matter includes pesticides, oils, PFAS, and the like.

[0042] As presented herein, an advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the rather corrosive fluid contained in the internal cavity 5 can be prevented from contacting the inner surface of the reactor body 2. This allows the reactor body 2 to be manufactured from a relatively inexpensive material that is not resistant to chemical corrosion. However, the enclosure 4, which contacts the fluid in the internal cavity 5, is desirably manufactured from a material that can at least resist, for example, corrosive action for a certain period of time until the corrosion completely penetrates the enclosure 4. Such a period can be on the order of months or even years. Furthermore, since the pressure difference across the enclosure is small, the wall thickness of the enclosure can be small, thereby requiring less material to manufacture the enclosure, which can lead to the enclosure 4 being replaced by a relatively inexpensive component. Non-limiting examples of the enclosure wall thickness are between 0.5 mm and 7.0 mm, for example between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

[0043] While it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a certain permeability to the enclosure 4, for example to provide for the flow of flush fluid through pores into the internal cavity 5, the enclosure 4 is in a preferred embodiment made from a fluid impermeable material such as an alloy. Such impermeability typically allows for greater possibilities to control the flow of flush fluid through the flush fluid connections into the internal cavity and to create a buffer volume.

[0044] In many preferred embodiments, the enclosure 4 is removably disposed within the reactor body 2. This generally refers to the situation where the enclosure 4 can be accessed by disassembling the reactor and removed from the reactor 1. Such removal depends on the manner in which the enclosure is mounted within the reactor 1, and in some preferred embodiments, the bottom of the enclosure 4 is locked in place by a suitable locking mechanism. Alternatively, the enclosure 4 may be mounted and fixed, for example by welding, such that removal of the enclosure 4 requires a material removal process.

[0045] Reference is made to Figure 2, which shows a reactor according to a preferred embodiment in a three-dimensional exploded view. To make the figure more clear, not only has the thickness been shown as zero, but some of the components otherwise presented in Figures 1 and 3 have been omitted.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 2, the enclosure comprises an elongated tubular wall section 16 having a longitudinal direction parallel or substantially parallel to gravity. Tubular is not limited to cylindrical, although this shape is preferred in some embodiments. In Figure 2, gravity is directed downwards, and this orientation shown in Figure 2 is the typical orientation in which the reactor 1 is in use.

[0047] The elongated tubular wall section 16 is closed at its upper end by a top member 17 at the base of the downwardly extending flush fluid connection 7. The top member 17 may be a separate member welded to or otherwise connected to the tubular wall 16. Alternatively, the top member 17 may be formed during manufacture of the enclosure, for example by a deep drawing process (if metal) to form the top member 17.

[0048] The tubular wall 16 has an open end that in some embodiments is fluidly sealed to the reactor body 2 at the lower end of the reactor body 2. In addition to the above, this connection can be a weld or other connection that can provide a fluid seal between the tubular wall 16 and the reactor bottom 2. The fluid seal typically allows for a pressure differential between the inner and outer cavities 5, 6 to ensure that any flow between said cavities travels through the flush fluid connection 7.

[0049] Instead of sealing the tubular wall 16 to the reactor body, the enclosure 4 may comprise a bottom member that closes the elongated tubular wall section 16 at its lower end. In such an embodiment, sealing of various connections into / out of the internal cavity 5 may be necessary, for example, to prevent leakage of flush fluid along the bottom member of the enclosure 4 and into the internal cavity 5.

[0050] Reference is made to Figure 3 illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 has some similarities to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, except that the embodiment of Figure 3 comprises a tubular fluid branching component 13. The fluid branching component 13 is disposed inside the internal cavity 5 and has a flush fluid connection 7 extending at least partially internally into the tubular fluid branching component 13. The flush fluid connection 7 and the fluid branching component 13 are arranged coaxially, although other arrangements may be used.

[0051] The internal dimensions of the tubular fluid branching component 13 are larger than the external dimensions of the flush fluid connection 7 so as to accommodate at least a section of the flush fluid connection 7 and to provide flow passage between at least a section of the outer surface of the flush fluid connection 7 and at least a section of the inner surface of the fluid branching component 13.

[0052] The lower end 14 of the tubular fluid branching component 13 is located at the lower end of the reactor body 2. Fluid closure of the fluid branching component 13 can be provided, for example, by closing the lower end of the tubular fluid branching component 13 or by sealing the fluid branching component 13 to the bottom of the reactor or to the bottom component of the enclosure 4 if the enclosure comprises a bottom component.

[0053] The upper end of the tubular fluid branching component 13 is positioned at a distance from the inner upper end of the enclosure to provide fluid passage between the upper end of the tubular fluid branching component 13 and the inner upper end.

[0054] By using such a fluid branching component 13, the incoming flush fluid leaving the flush fluid connection 7 at its lower end is forced to flow upwards as it passes between the flush fluid connection 7 and the fluid branching component 13, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The fluid branching component 13 increases inter alia the above-disclosed buffer volume associated with the flush fluid buffer volume connection by at least as much as the volume between the inner surface of the fluid branching component and the outer surface of the flush fluid connection. The fluid branching component 13 also increases the tortuosity of the connection between the inner and outer cavities 5, 6, which may further reduce the risk of a highly corrosive fluid diffusing into the outer cavity 6. In addition, the fluid branching component 13 also provides a means of heat exchange between the flush fluid and the incoming aqueous fluid.

[0055] The tubular fluid branching component may have some permeability, but in another preferred embodiment, the tubular fluid branching component is made from a fluid impermeable material, preferably an alloy.

[0056] To enhance heat transfer capabilities, the branching component 13 may be formed, for example, as a tubular spiral similar to the treated fluid output connection 9 shown in FIG. 1, or by adding thermally conductive fins on the exterior and / or interior surfaces of the branching component 13 to increase the heat transfer area.

[0057] As mentioned, the temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the reactor typically prevails inside the reactor body, where the highest temperature is typically found in the upper region of the reactor. It is often energy economical to transfer heat from the fluid in the upper region of the reactor to the cooler fluid in the lower region of the reactor, since this can make external heating obsolete or at least reduce the need for external heating. This is provided in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 by at least a section of the treated fluid output connection 9, which comprises a heat exchanger 15. It is noted that the heat exchanger in this connection preferably refers to a device that increases the heat flux relative to the heat flux provided by a straight tube extending inside and below the internal cavity 5.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment of figures 1 and 3, the heat exchanger 15 is provided by at least a section of the treated fluid output connection 9 which is coiled, for example helically coiled. The pitch between adjacent coils is preferably larger than the external dimensions of the coils to allow fluid passage between the coils. Alternatively or in combination, the treated fluid external connection 9 may be provided with thermal fins or the like which increase the area through which the resulting heat flux passes.

[0059] The coil of the coiled section preferably encompasses at least a section of the flush fluid connection 7. In embodiments comprising a tubular fluid branching component, the coil preferably encompasses at least a section of the fluid branching component 13. However, deviations from such a coil around the flush fluid connection 7 or the tubular fluid branching component 13 are considered to be within the scope of the invention. The coil is primarily provided to heat the incoming aqueous fluid with the outgoing treated fluid, although it also heats the incoming flush fluid.

[0060] As detailed herein, it may be an advantage to be able to heat the fluid contained within the internal cavity 5, typically during start-up of the oxidation step or when sufficient heat is not generated by the oxidation reaction to power the oxidation. To this end, the reactor may comprise one or more heating components, e.g. electrical heating components, arranged to provide heat to the fluid inside the reactor cavity 3. There are different options available as to where to place such heating components, and in preferred embodiments the heating components may be located on the exterior of the reactor body 2 and / or internally within the internal cavity 5. In some embodiments, temperature sensors are provided to measure the temperature distribution in the reactor and provide temperature feedback to the heating components.

[0061] To introduce the flush fluid, the reactor typically comprises a pump 19 configured to pump the flush fluid into the apparatus through the flush fluid inlet 8. It is noted that the pump 19 is typically a separate component located at a distance from the reactor 2 and connected to the flush water inlet 8 by a pipe. The pump 19 provides a pressure greater than the pressure in the internal cavity during the oxidation of water using the reactor. The greater pressure takes into account the flow resistance during passage providing a flow of the flush fluid from the flush fluid inlet 8 to and into the internal cavity 5. Such pressure can be empirically or experimentally determined, but can also be controlled by a flow measuring device that measures whether the flow is in the direction towards the internal cavity 5 and controls the pressure to control the flow of the flush fluid.

[0062] It is often desirable to be able to control the pressure inside the reactor, for example to be greater than a preselected pressure. The preselected pressure is typically determined with respect to the expected oxidation process. It is noted that it is mainly the temperature that initiates the oxidation reaction, and that increased pressure accelerates this reaction. To accomplish this, the reactor 1 may comprise a pressure regulating valve 21 arranged to control the flow of treated fluid leaving the reactor through the outlet 11. The pressure regulating valve is configured to allow flow when a preselected pressure difference across said pressure regulating valve 21 exceeds a preselected threshold. This allows the pressure inside the reactor to be kept substantially constant.

[0063] In some oxidation processes, there is enough oxygen present in the aqueous fluid to allow the oxidation reaction to proceed. However, in other oxidation processes, an excess of oxygen relative to the amount present in the aqueous fluid may be required. To provide such excess oxygen, preferred embodiments of the reactor have an oxidant inlet 23 configured to introduce an oxidant, such as air, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, and / or oxygen, into the interior cavity 5. In combination with or instead of this, the oxidant may be mixed with the aqueous fluid, typically prior to the introduction of the aqueous fluid into the reactor.

[0064] It may be advantageous to remove a sample of the fluid contained in the internal cavity 5, for example for chemical analysis. To this end, a preferred embodiment comprises a sample port 20 arranged and configured to remove a fluid sample from the internal cavity 5 and / or the external cavity 6, for example to sample the flush fluid entering the internal cavity 5 and / or the aqueous fluid in the internal cavity 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sample port 20 is located directly below the port of the flush fluid connection 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the sample will typically contain essentially only flush water, if it is ensured that there is no backflow of flush water. If contaminants are detected in the sample, this may mean backflow or contamination of the external cavity 6. If further sampling of the process fluid is to be obtained, the sample port is located in a desired position for monitoring. The sample port 20, as illustrated, comprises a closable valve mechanism.

[0065] While the description herein has focused on disclosing the enclosure 4 as a replaceable part, any such other part or parts housed within the internal cavity 5 may preferably be considered as replaceable parts. That is, in a preferred embodiment, the flush fluid connection 7, the tubular fluid branching component 13, the treated fluid output connection 9, and / or the heat exchanger 15 may be replaceable parts.

[0066] Oxidizing using a reactor may typically comprise the operations of introducing an aqueous fluid containing the organic and / or inorganic material to be oxidized into the internal cavity through the aqueous fluid inlet connection 12, introducing an oxidant either through the aqueous fluid inlet connection 12 and / or a dedicated oxidant inlet connection 23, introducing a flush fluid, preferably water such as demineralized water, into the external cavity 6 through the flush fluid inlet 8, and maintaining a pressure and temperature inside the internal cavity 5 sufficient to provide at least some oxidation of said organic and / or inorganic material. Maintaining the pressure and temperature may be provided in several ways, and in some embodiments this maintenance may be summarized in controlling the flow rate of the treated fluid in combination with controlling the back pressure at the treated fluid output connection 11. It is noted that if the aqueous fluid contains an oxidant in a sufficient amount for the oxidation step, there is no need to introduce the oxidant separately.

[0067] Reference is made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a further embodiment according to the invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 has many similarities with other embodiments disclosed herein, except that the flash fluid connection 7 proceeds in a different way. As illustrated, the flash fluid connection 7 extends from the bottom of the reactor 1 upwards and into the internal cavity 5. The flash fluid connection 7, in the illustrated embodiment, is fluidly connected to a flash fluid inlet 8 to feed the flash fluid into said flash fluid connection 7. It is noted that fluidly connected to the flash fluid connection is broadly interpreted in the sense that there is a fluid connection that feeds the flash fluid into the external cavity 6 and into the flash fluid connection 7, and that the pressure of the flash fluid fed into the external cavity and the pressure of the fluid fed into the flash connection are essentially the same. This can be accomplished by a direct fluid connection from the flash fluid inlet 8 and to the flash fluid connection 7, or by a separate connection branched at a location between the pump 19 and the inlet to the flash fluid connection 7.

[0068] The embodiment of Figure 4 has the advantage, among other things, that during stable operation, there will typically be no flow, or at least limited flow, within the external cavity 6, which would particularly enhance heat transfer. Furthermore, a crack in the enclosure 4 will result in a continuous positive flow through the flush fluid inlet connection 8, which can be immediately detected by the flow transmitter. In addition, the embodiment of Figure 4 may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install.

[0069] While maintaining the pressure and temperature, an oxidizer may be introduced in a controlled amount. Because the amount of oxidizer accounts, at least to some extent, for the amount of heat generated by oxidation, the temperature and pressure may be controlled, at least in part, by controlling the amount of oxidizer. Additionally, some embodiments include a heating component, and such a heating component may be used to at least assist in controlling the temperature and pressure by controlling the heat flux from the heating component.

[0070] In some embodiments, the oxidation occurs under subcritical and / or supercritical conditions, including that the reactor may be operated under purely subcritical conditions or a combination of subcritical and supercritical conditions.

[0071] In some embodiments, the oxidation and / or vaporization occurs under subcritical and / or supercritical conditions, including that the reactor may be operated under purely subcritical conditions, purely supercritical conditions, or a combination of subcritical and supercritical conditions.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it is desirable that the present invention is not in any way limited to the examples presented. The scope of the present invention is presented by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Furthermore, references to indications such as "a" or "an" shall not be interpreted as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims for elements shown in the figures shall also not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. Moreover, although individual features mentioned in different claims may in some cases be advantageously combined, references to these features in different claims do not exclude that combinations of features are not possible or advantageous.

[0073] List of Preferred Embodiments Item 1. An aqueous fluid oxidation reactor (1) configured to contain an aqueous fluid at high pressure and temperature therein, where oxidation occurs, the fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials, ● a reactor body (2) in the form of an elongated tubular element arranged such that, during use, it has its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, and closed at its upper and lower ends thereby defining a reactor cavity (3) inside the reactor body (2); an enclosure (4) extending from the lower end toward the upper end, the enclosure (4) dividing the reactor cavity (3) into an inner cavity (5) inside the enclosure (4) and an outer cavity (6) outside the enclosure (4); a flush fluid intake (8) arranged to deliver flush fluid into the external cavity (6); A flush fluid connection (7), o extending downwards from the external cavity (6) and into the internal cavity (5) from a position at the upper end of the enclosure (4) and up to a first vertical height (h1), said vertical height being greater than zero; and / or o extending from the bottom of the reactor (1) upwards and into the internal cavity (5) and fluidly connected to the flash fluid inlet (8) for delivering flash fluid into the flash fluid connection; With flush fluid connections; a treated fluid output connection (9) having an inlet (10) arranged at a second vertical height (h2) inside said internal cavity (3) and an outlet (11) arranged outside the reactor body (2), said second vertical height (h2) being greater than said first vertical height (h1), said treated fluid output connection (9) extending downwards from said inlet (10) towards the lower end of the reactor; an aqueous fluid inlet connection (12) located at the lower end of the reactor body for admitting aqueous fluid, and preferably oxidant, to be brought to high pressure and temperature within the internal cavity (5); A reaction apparatus comprising:

[0074] Item 2. (4) The reactor of item 1, wherein the wall thickness of the enclosure is between 0.5 mm and 7.0 mm, for example between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

[0075] Item 3. The reactor according to item 1 or 2, wherein the enclosure (4) is made of a fluid-impermeable material, preferably an alloy.

[0076] Item 4. The reaction apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the enclosure (4) is removably disposed inside the reaction apparatus body (2).

[0077] Item 5. an elongated tubular wall section (16) extending with a longitudinal direction parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, closed at its upper end by a top member (17) at the base of the downwardly extending flush fluid connection (7); has an open end that is fluidically sealed to the reactor body (2) at said lower end of the reactor body (2), or an elongated tubular wall section (16) having a bottom member closing the elongated tubular wall section (16) at its lower end; 5. The reactor according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the enclosure comprises

[0078] Item 6. The reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 5, further comprising a tubular fluid branching component (13) disposed inside the internal cavity (5), the tubular fluid branching component (13) having a flush fluid connection (7) extending at least partially therein, the internal dimensions of the tubular fluid diversion component (13) are larger than the external dimensions of the flush fluid connection (7) so as to provide flow passage between at least a section of the outer surface of the flush fluid connection (7) and at least a section of the inner surface of the fluid diversion component (13); a lower (14) end of the tubular fluid branching component (13) is disposed at and fluidly sealed to the lower end of the reactor body (2); an upper end of the tubular fluid diverging component (13) is positioned at a distance from an inner upper end of the enclosure to provide fluid passage between the upper end of the tubular fluid diverging component (13) and said inner upper end; Reactor.

[0079] Item 7. The reactor according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising a tubular fluid branching component (13) disposed inside the internal cavity (5) and having a flush fluid connection (7) extending at least partially therein, wherein the tubular fluid branching component (13) is a direct extension or continuation of the flush fluid connection (7).

[0080] Item 8. The reactor according to item 1, wherein the tubular fluid branching component (13) is made from a fluid-impermeable material, preferably an alloy.

[0081] Item 9. The reactor according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein at least a section of the treated fluid output connection (9) is equipped with a heat exchanger (15) and / or at least a section of the flash fluid connection (7) is configured as a heat exchanger and / or at least a section of the fluid branching component (13) is configured as a heat exchanger.

[0082] Item 10. The reactor according to item 9, wherein the heat exchanger (15) is provided by at least a section of the treated fluid output connection (9) which is coiled, for example helically coiled, preferably with a pitch between adjacent coils which is greater than the external dimensions of the coils to allow fluid passage between the coils.

[0083] Item 11. The reactor according to item 10, wherein the coiled section of the coil includes at least a section of the flush fluid connection (7) and, in the case dependent on claim 6 or 7, the coiled section of the coil includes at least a section of the fluid branching component (13).

[0084] Item 12. The reactor according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising one or more heating components, e.g., electrical heating components, arranged to provide heat to the fluid inside the reactor cavity (3), e.g., arranged on the exterior surface of the reactor body (2) and / or internally inside the internal cavity (5).

[0085] Item 13. The reactor of any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a pump (19) configured to pump a flash fluid through the flash fluid intake (8) at a pressure greater than the pressure in the internal cavity during use of the reactor to oxidize water.

[0086] Item 14. The reactor of any one of items 1 to 13, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (21) positioned to control the flow of treated fluid exiting the reactor through the outlet (11), the pressure regulating valve being configured to allow flow when a preselected pressure differential across the pressure regulating valve (21) exceeds a preselected threshold.

[0087] Item 15. The reactor of any one of items 1 to 14, further comprising an oxidant intake (23) configured to introduce an oxidant, such as atmospheric air, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, and / or oxygen, into the internal cavity (5).

[0088] Item 16. The reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 15, further comprising an oxidant intake for introducing and mixing an oxidant, such as air and / or oxygen, into the aqueous fluid prior to feeding the aqueous fluid into the reactor.

[0089] Item 17. The reaction device according to any one of Items 1 to 16, further comprising a sample outlet (20) arranged and configured to extract a fluid sample from the internal cavity (5) and / or the external cavity 6.

[0090] Item 18. A method for carrying out water oxidation utilizing a reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Introducing an aqueous fluid containing organic and / or inorganic material to be oxidized into the internal cavity through the aqueous fluid inlet connection (12); introducing an oxidant, preferably as a separate intake and / or mixed into the aqueous fluid; Introducing a flush fluid, preferably water such as demineralized water, into the external cavity (6) through a flush fluid inlet (8); maintaining a pressure and temperature inside the internal cavity (6) sufficient to promote at least some oxidation of said organic and / or inorganic material, said maintaining of said pressure and temperature being provided by controlling the flow rate of the aqueous fluid in combination with controlling the back pressure at a treated fluid output connection (9); The method comprising:

[0091] Item 19. The method of item 18, wherein while maintaining the pressure and temperature, the oxidant is introduced in a controlled amount and, if a heating component is present, the heat flux from the heating component is also controlled.

[0092] Item 20. The method of item 18 or item 19, wherein the oxidation occurs under subcritical and / or supercritical conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Reactor 2. Reactor body 3. Reactor Cavity 4 Enclosure 5 Internal cavity 6 External Cavity 7 Flush Fluid Connection 8 Flush Fluid Intake 9 Processed Fluid Output Connection 10 Intake (for treated fluid output connection) 11 Outlet (for treated fluid output connection) 12 Water-Based Fluid Intake Connection 13 Tubular fluid branching components 14 Lower end (of tubular fluid branching components) 15 Heat exchanger 16 Long, narrow tubular wall sections (of enclosures) 17 Top member (of enclosure) 18 Bottom member (of reactor body) 19 Pump 20 Sample outlet 21 Pressure Regulating Valve 22 Top member (of the reactor body) 23 Oxidizer intake h1 First vertical height h2 Second vertical height

Claims

1. An aqueous fluid reaction apparatus (1) configured to contain an aqueous fluid at high pressure and temperature therein, said fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials, a reactor body (2) in the form of an elongated tubular element arranged, during use, with its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, closed at its upper and lower ends thereby defining a reactor cavity (3) inside the reactor body (2); an enclosure (4) extending from said lower end towards said upper end, said enclosure (4) dividing the reactor cavity (3) into an inner cavity (5) inside the enclosure (4) and an outer cavity (6) outside the enclosure (4); a flush fluid intake (8) arranged to deliver flush fluid into the external cavity (6); A flush fluid connection (7), o extending downwards from the external cavity (6) and into the internal cavity (5) from a position at the upper end of said enclosure (4) and up to a first vertical height (h1), said vertical height being greater than zero; and / or Extending from the bottom of the reactor (1) upwards and into the internal cavity (5) and fluidly connected to the flash fluid intake (8) for delivering flash fluid into the flash fluid connection; a flush fluid connection; a treated fluid output connection (9) having an inlet (10) arranged at a second vertical height (h2) inside said internal cavity (3) and an outlet (11) arranged outside the reactor body (2), said second vertical height (h2) being greater than said first vertical height (h1), said treated fluid output connection (9) extending downwards from said inlet (10) towards the lower end of the reactor; an aqueous fluid inlet connection (12) located at the lower end of the reactor body for admitting aqueous fluid, and preferably oxidant, that will be brought to high pressure and temperature within the internal cavity (5); A reaction apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The reactor of claim 1, further comprising an aqueous fluid inlet connection (12) for admitting an oxidant that is to be brought to high pressure and temperature within the internal cavity (5).

3. 3. The reactor of claim 1 or 2 configured to contain therein the aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature, wherein oxidation occurs.

4. 4. The reactor of claim 1, configured to contain therein the aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature, whereby vaporization occurs.

5. (4) A reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall thickness of the enclosure is between 0.5 mm and 7.0 mm, for example between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

6. 6. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the enclosure (4) is made from a fluid-impermeable material, preferably an alloy.

7. 7. The reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the enclosure (4) is removably arranged inside the reactor body (2).

8. an elongated tubular wall section (16) extending with a longitudinal direction parallel or substantially parallel to gravity, closed at its upper end by a top member (17) at the base of a downwardly extending flush fluid connection (7), has an open end that is fluidically sealed to the reactor body (2) at said lower end of the reactor body (2), or an elongated tubular wall section (16) having a bottom member closing said elongated tubular wall section (16) at its lower end; 8. The reactor of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises:

9. 9. The reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a tubular fluid branching component (13) arranged inside the internal cavity (5) and having a flush fluid connection (7) extending at least partially therein, the internal dimensions of the tubular fluid branching component (13) are larger than the external dimensions of the flush fluid connection (7) so as to provide flow passage between at least a section of the outer surface of the flush fluid connection (7) and at least a section of the inner surface of the fluid branching component (13); the lower (14) end of the tubular fluid branching component (13) is located and fluidly sealed at the lower end of the reactor body (2); an upper end of the tubular fluid-diverting component (13) is positioned at a distance from an inner upper end of the enclosure to provide fluid passage between the upper end of the tubular fluid-diverting component (13) and said inner upper end; Reactor.

10. 10. The reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a tubular fluid branching component (13) arranged inside the internal cavity (5) and having a flash fluid connection (7) extending at least partially therein, wherein the tubular fluid branching component (13) is a direct extension or continuation of the flash fluid connection (7).

11. Reactor according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the tubular fluid branching component (13) is made from a fluid-impermeable material, preferably an alloy.

12. 12. The reactor according to claim 1, wherein at least a section of the treated fluid output connection (9) is equipped with a heat exchanger (15) and / or at least a section of the flash fluid connection (7) is configured as a heat exchanger and / or at least a section of the fluid branching component (13) is configured as a heat exchanger.

13. 13. The reactor according to claim 12, wherein the heat exchanger (15) is provided by at least a section of the treated fluid output connection (9) which is coiled, for example helically coiled, preferably with a pitch between adjacent coils which is greater than the external dimensions of the coils so as to allow fluid passage between the coils.

14. 14. The reactor of claim 13, wherein the coiled section of the coil comprises at least a section of a flush fluid connection (7) and, in the case of dependency on claim 6 or 7, the coiled section of the coil comprises at least a section of a fluid branching component (13).

15. 15. The reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising one or more heating components, e.g. electrical heating components, arranged to provide heat to the fluid inside the reactor cavity (3), e.g. arranged on the outer surface of the reactor body (2) and / or internally inside the internal cavity (5).

16. 16. The reactor of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a pump (19) configured to pump a flash fluid through the flash fluid intake (8) at a pressure greater than the pressure in the internal cavity during the use of the reactor to oxidize water.

17. 17. The reactor of claim 1, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (21) arranged to control the flow of treated fluid exiting the reactor through an outlet (11), the pressure regulating valve being configured to allow flow when a preselected pressure differential across the pressure regulating valve (21) exceeds a preselected threshold.

18. 18. The reactor of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising an oxidant intake (23) configured to introduce an oxidant, such as atmospheric air, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, and / or oxygen, into the internal cavity (5).

19. 19. The reactor of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising an oxidant intake for introducing and mixing an oxidant, such as atmospheric air and / or oxygen, into the aqueous fluid prior to feeding the aqueous fluid into the reactor.

20. 20. The reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a sample outlet (20) arranged and configured to withdraw a fluid sample from the internal cavity (5) and / or the external cavity (6).

21. 21. A method for carrying out the oxidation and / or evaporation of water, utilizing a reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising the steps of: Introducing an aqueous fluid containing the organic and / or inorganic material to be oxidized into the internal cavity through the aqueous fluid inlet connection (12); introducing an oxidant, preferably as a separate intake and / or mixed into the aqueous fluid; Introducing a flush fluid, preferably water such as demineralized water, into the external cavity (6) through a flush fluid intake (8); maintaining a pressure and temperature inside the internal cavity (6) sufficient to promote at least some oxidation and / or vaporization of said organic and / or inorganic material, said maintaining of said pressure and temperature being provided by controlling the flow rate of the aqueous fluid in combination with controlling the back pressure at the treated fluid output connection (9); The method comprising:

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein while maintaining the pressure and temperature, the oxidant is introduced in a controlled manner with respect to amount, and if a heating component is present, the heat flux from the heating component is also controlled.

23. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the oxidation occurs under subcritical and / or supercritical conditions.

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