Abstract: A method of continuous flow hydrothermal oxidation which provides for a low cost means of reaction initiation and propagation. The aqueous-organic feedstock and oxidant are introduced to a small reaction chamber and allowed to mix with the hot, partially reacted contents thereof. This backmixing serves to initiate the reaction of the incoming feedstock. Optionally, the contents of the chamber then pass to a second reactor located downstream, in order to allow for completion of the oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A method for pretreating a halogenated hydrocarbon feed to a hydrothermal oxidation reactor which includes forming a combination of a halogenated hydrocarbon with added alkali under hydrothermal conditions, adding water to the combination, thereby effectuating hydrolysis of the halogenated hydrocarbon so as to liberate halogen ions which are neutralized by the alkali. The neutralized halogen ion, a salt, may be removed from the process prior to or during the oxidation step as brine droplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for high temperature water oxidation of combustibles in which during at least a part of the oxidation, corrosive material is present and makes contact with at least a portion of the apparatus over a contact area on the apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface area comprises a zirconia based ceramic, with the temperature of the oxidation process in excess of about 300.degree. C. and the pressure of the oxidation process is in excess of about 27.5 bar (400 psi).

Abstract: This invention relates to improved wet oxidation process for the destruction of organic components in a wastewater stream contaminated with inorganic salts. In wet oxidation, the wastewater stream is contacted with an oxygen-containing water stream at elevated temperatures and pressures. The improvement for treating aqueous wastewater streams contaminated with inorganic salts wherein the organic contaminants are present in an amount from about 0.5 to 2% by weight resides in oxidizing the organic components in a tubular reactor at a temperature ranging from 325.degree. C. to not more than 370.degree. C. and a pressure ranging from 220 to 345 bar. The oxidation reaction is carried out in a reaction time of 5 minutes or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of substantially completely oxidizing material in an aqueous phase at supercritical temperatures and sub- or supercritical pressures by initiating the oxidation in the presence of small amounts of strong oxidizing agents that function to increase the initial reaction rate for the oxidation. The strong oxidizing agents suitable for use in the present invention comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of ozone (O.sub.3), hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2), salts containing persulfate (S.sub.2 O.sub.8.sup.2-), salts containing permanganate (MnO.sub.4.sup.-), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), salts containing nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.-), oxyacids of chlorine and their corresponding salts, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), salts containing hypochlorite (OCl.sup.-), chlorous acid (HOClO), salts containing chlorite (ClO.sub.2.sup.-), chloric acid (HOClO.sub.2), salts containing chlorate (ClO.sub.3.sup.), perchloric acid (HOClO.sub.3), and salts containing perchlorate (ClO.sub.4.sup.-).

Abstract: In a supercritical oxidation process, the oxidized supercritical fluid effluent (46) discharged from the upper region of the reactor vessel (10) is contacted with a cold quench liquid (66) so as to produce a relatively solids free vapor stream (53) and a liquid stream (51) containing the bulk of the precipitates and other solids carried over in the oxidized supercritical fluid effluent (46). The temperature of the resultant liquid stream (51) is maintained at a temperature below the solids solubility inversion temperature, typically below 600.degree. F., so as to dissolve a substantial portion of the precipitates and other solids collected therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aqueous-phase oxidizer and solids separator reactor. More particularly, the invention relates to a two zone pressure vessel in which precipitates and other solids fall or are sprayed from a supercritical temperature super zone into a lower temperature sub zone. The feed material may consist of various waste products which are subsequently oxidized in the super zone of the pressure vessel. The resultant brine or slurry which is found at the lower temperature sub zone of the vessel is removed via a pipe and disposed of accordingly.