CA2531870C - Evaporator system - Google Patents
Evaporator system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2531870C CA2531870C CA 2531870 CA2531870A CA2531870C CA 2531870 C CA2531870 C CA 2531870C CA 2531870 CA2531870 CA 2531870 CA 2531870 A CA2531870 A CA 2531870A CA 2531870 C CA2531870 C CA 2531870C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- waste material
- evaporator
- tank
- vapour
- waste
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D1/00—Evaporating
- B01D1/30—Accessories for evaporators ; Constructional details thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D1/00—Evaporating
- B01D1/0011—Heating features
- B01D1/0017—Use of electrical or wave energy
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D1/00—Evaporating
- B01D1/02—Evaporators with heating coils
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/02—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating
- C02F1/04—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation
- C02F1/048—Purification of waste water by evaporation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
- Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Heat Treatment Of Water, Waste Water Or Sewage (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for evaporating a portion of a waste material, to reduce the amount of waste material, such as wastewater, that must be transported and disposed of. The waste material is received in a tank and heated using a steam tube, electric heater, or other heat source until at least a portion of the waste material evaporates, leaving an unevaporated portion, the unevaporated portion being a lesser amount than the original amount of waste material.
Description
FIELD OF')I'HE INVENTXON
The present invention relates generally to waste disposal. More particularly, the present invention relates to an evaporator for reducing the amount of waste materials, such as wastewater, by evaporating at least a portion of the waste materials to reduce the amount of nnaterial for disposal and returning clean water to the atmosphere while separating contaminants for removal and disposal.
BACKGROUND OF ~ IN'YhNTiON
Industrial sites, such as those associated with oil and gas well exploration, drilling or service operations, or processing plants often lead to the production of waste fluids such as wastewater. Wastewater produced at such sites must be collected, stored, and disposed of.
Usually, this is accomplished by collecting the wastewater in a storage tank and then trucking the wastewater to a disposal site for disposal, leading to trucking and disposal posts.
US Patent No. 4,534,828 (Eriekson et al.) discloses an evaporator apparatus having means for heating, particularly a fire tube, situated in the bottom poztian of a tank. A
disadvantage of this evapoFator in using a hue tube is that it requires a separate fuel and the flare of the fine tube presents an additional hazard; particularly where the materials to be evaporated include flammable materials.
i7S Fatent Na. 5,240,550 (Gregory) discloses a wastewater evaporation system including a tank having honeycomb plates which are rotated through the wastewater and a vapour space above the wastewater. An electric heater heats air which is blown through the vapour space in the taz~k, and the hot air evaporates water from the plates. A
disadvantage of this system is that it includes auxiliary equipment (blower and equipment to rotate the honeycomb plates) and would seem to require frequent maintenance.
US Patent No. 5,582,680 (Van'L~ouwenberg et al.) discloses a wastewater treating apparatus. Fluid is received in a receiving vessel/evaparator. A burner in a fire box below the vessel produces flue gas which heats the evaporator sidewalls and bottom to evaporate wastewater. A disadvantage of this apparatus is that flue gas can be very corrosive, which could result in a requirement for frequent maintenance on the apparatus, and the :ire box includes the same disadvantages of a fine tube, as mentioned above. In addition, heating via direct contact with the bottom or sides of the tank would be impeded if the fluid is at all insulating or if debris or solids interfere with the heat transfer.
S>UMMA1~Y OF T)HE IlYV)E1VTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous evaporator systems.
In one aspect, the invention is an evaporator for evaporating a waste material at an industrial site, including, a tank, comprising side walls and a bottom, the tank adapted to receive waste material, and heating means adapted to heat the waste material when in the tank, the heating means proxinnate to, but spaced from the bottom of the tank.
Preferably, the waste xzraterial is boiler blvwdown. Preferably, the heat source comprises a steam tube routed through a portion of the tank, the steam tube adapted to connect with a steam supply to receive steam. Preferably, the heat source is an electric heater, the electric heater adapted to connect to an electrical Bower source to generate heat. Preferably, a side wall eornprises a heat source opening, wherein the heat source opening is adapted tv receive the heat source.
Preferably, the side walls comprise double side walls, the double side walls having an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall and the inner wall separated by a wall space. Preferably, the wall space is adapted to be substantially filled with an insulating material. Preferably, the insulating material is an insulating foam installed as a liquid. Preferably, a boiler blowdown inlet, the boiler blvwdown inlet adapted to receive boiler blvwdown from, a boiler az~d to direct the boiler blowdown into the tank via a diffuser.
Preferably, the waste material comprises a first waste material and a second waste material, the first waste material and the second waste material genexally being mixable together and the second waste material having a lower density than the first waste material, wherein the tank is adapted to receive waste material, which then forms a surface level above the second waste material and an interface level between the first waste material and the second waste material, the evaporator further comprising a vent passage adapted to extend -z-between below the interface level and above the surface level, through which vapours generated below the interface Ievel may escacpe through the vent passage.
Preferably, a cover is adapted to generally cover the tank. Preferably, the cover includes a mesh grating, steel plate, or a combination of mesh grating and steel plate.
In another aspect, the invention is a method of disposing of a waste material or a method of reducing the volume or amount of a waste material including the steps of providing an evaporator adapted to evaporate at least a portion of the waste material, receiving the waste zxxaterial into the evaporator, applyiztg energy or heat to the waste material, and allowing a period of tune to pass, wherein at least a poztiori of the waste material is converted into a vapour.
Preferably, the waste material comprises the solids, liquids and/or vapours of a boiler blawdown wherein the vapour portion, if any, readily drifts ofF, the solids, if any, settle to the bottom of the evaporator, and at least a portion of the liquids, if any, are evaporated.
Preferably, the method includes the subsequent step of disposing of the waste material that remains in the evaporator. Preferably, the waste material that remains in the evaporator is removed from the evaporator by drainage or by vacuum.
Preferably, the waste material comprises snow contaminated with a contaminant.
Preferably, the waste material comprises water contaminated with a contaminant. ~'referably, the waste material comprises ice contaminated with a contaminant. ~'referably, the contaminant includes oil, soil, clay, dnih cuttings, drilling mud, mud, hydrocarbons, glycols, amines, reservoir fluids, fracturing fluids, human waste, sewagE, or boiler blowdvwns or a combination thereof, any or all of which may include solids, such as free solids or dissolved solids. Preferably, the waste material comprises oily water_ Preferably, the waste material coxz~prises oil and water, further comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the oil from the evaporator before applying heat to the remaining waste t~aaterial for evaporation.
Preferably, the waste material comprises solids (dissolved or suspended).
Preferably, the temperature of the waste material is maintained between about 85°C
and about 100°C. Preferably, the period of time is sufficient for a substantial quantity of the waste material td evaporate, further comprising floe step of removing any remaining waste material from the evaporator. Preferably, the substantial quantity is substantially 80% of the waste material initially received in the evaporator. Preferably, the rennoval is by vacuum.
Preferably, at least a portion of the vapour is converted to form condensed.
water by condensation. Preferably, at least a portion of the condensed water is recycled into the tank for further evaporation. Pre~erabIy, the vapour is exposed to a temperature sufficiently below the dew~point of the vapour, wherein thermal condensation occuzs.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying ~~gures.
BRIEF DESC~.IPTION OF THE DRAWYNG.S
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of as evaporator system of the present invention, of the variant having a grate cover;
Fig. 2 is a tap view of an evapoz~ator system of the present invention, of the variant having a plate cover;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the an evaporator system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a side view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2;
p'ig. 5 is an end view of the evaporator system of Fig. Z;
Fig. 6 is a section view of the evaporator system of Fig_ 2, along ttxe section 6-6 of Fig. 7, of the variant having an electric heater;
p'ig. 7 is a section view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2, along the section 7-7 of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is section view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2, along the section 8-of Fig. 6; and Fig. 9 is a perspective detail view of a boiler blowdawn inlet; and Fig_ LO is a partial view of an evaporator system of the present invention, detailing a vent passage.
n~xan.E~ nESCa~~rroN
Crenerally, the present invention pravides a method and apparatus for evaporating waste material at an industrial site.
Referring generally tv Figs. 1-8, an evaporator x 0 of the present invention includes a tank 20 having walls 30, 40, 50, and 60 and a bottom 70, adapted to receive and contain a waste material (not shown).
In the preferred embodiment, heating means in the forzxa of a steam tube 80 is adapted to heat the contents of the tank 20. Xn another embodiment, heating means in the form of an electric heater 90 is adapted to heat the contents of the tank 20 (see Fig.
6). 'fhe heating means (whether it be the steam tube 80, or the electric heater 90, or even both the steam tube 80 and the electric heater 90} may be positioned so that there is a space between the bottom of the heating means and the suz~'aee of the bottom 70 of the tank 20, and may he placed near the bottom 70 of the tank 20 or it may be a "stab-in" type inserted through a wall 30, 40, 50, or 6b of the tank 20. Preferably, as shown (Fig. 7}, the evaporator 10 includes the steam tube 80 positioned proxirtxate to the bottom 70 of the tank 20 iii addition to having an accessory flange $S, adapted to receive the electric heater 90.
The steam tube 80 receives steam visa a steam inlet 82 and steam leaves via a steam outlet $4. The steam inlet 82 and the steam outlet 84 are adapted to connect to a suitable beat or steam source, such as, but not linnited to a steam boiler o.f the type commonly found at industrial sites or well sites as part of a drilling rig ar service xig or other well site ar plant site eduipme~nt. In the preferred ettzbodiment, steam from a steam boiler Mows from the steam boiler through the steam inlet 82, through the steam tube 80, and out through the steam outlet 84, and the steam is then used for its usual purposes, such as heating.
Typically, 500-604 KPa (75-80 psi) steam, having a temperature generally around 150°C
(300°F) may be used.
The accessory flange 85 is adapted to receive the electric k~eater 90.
FIowever, another type of heat source could be received by the accessory flange 85. When not in use, the accessory flange 85 is sealingly cbvered with a blind 87.
In the variant of the evaporator 10 using the electric heater 90 (Fig. 6), a heating element 92 of the electric heater 90 is sealingly contained within a beater tube 94, the heater _5_ tube 94 being suppozted within the tank 20 with support 96. 'thus, the heating element 92 does not come into direct contact with the waste matezial. The heater tube 94 is filled with a heat transfer fluid, such as heat transfer oil 97. The heat transfer oil may be any suitable oil, such, as mineral oil or other oil, or may be Sun OiI CompanyTM Heat Transfer Oil Na. 21TM.
The heating element 92 may be approximately 6" outside dimension, with the heater tube being approximately 8" inside dimension. .After insetting the heating element 92 into the heater tube 94, the heater tube 94 zs~ay be substantially fzlled with tk~e heat transfer oil 97 via a fill opening 98. When required, the heater tube 94 may be drained of the heat transfer oil 97 via a drain opening 99.
The evaporator 10 may include a lore level shut-off (not shown), adapted to provide a warning signal ar adapted to activate, deactivate or otherwise control the heat output of the heat source, for example by shutting off the electricity to the electric heater 90 if the level of waste material in the tank 20 falls below a certain level.
In the preferred embodiment, the walls 30, 40, ~0 and 60 and the bottom 74 of the tank 20 are "double wall", having an outer wall 100 (typical) and an inner wall 110 (typical) separated by a sealed wall space 120 (typical). The wall space 120 may be substantially f~Iled with an insulating material 130, such as liquid foam 140 which is poured into the wall space 120 between the outer wall 100 and the inner wall I10 as a liquid and then allowed to set or harden to farm a durable insulating material 130 inside the wall space 120.
The insulating material 130 reduces heat lass from the tame 20 as well as lowers the operate temperature of the outer wall 100 (typical) to reduce the risk of heat damage or burning of operating personnel.
Referring to Figs. 6, 8, az~d 9, waste material (not shown) in the form of boiler blowdown from a boiler may be directed into the tank 20 via a boiler blowdown inlet 140.
The boiler blowdown is directed downwards into the tank 20 by a diffuser I50 which helps to separate the vapour, liquid, and even solids portions of the boiler blowdawn.
The boiler bla~xrdown is directed at the diffuser 1 ~0 by a nozzle 165 connected to the boiler blowdown inlet 140 by a conduit in the form of a pipe 160. The diffuser 1. SO rnay be a substantially semi-circular plate (as shown). The nozzle 16S may be an open elbow fitting (as shown). The pipe 160 and the diffuser 150 may be attached to a wall 30, 40, 50 or 60 of the ta~nlc 20 to give stability and strength.
The tank 20 may include a cover 170 to generally cover the tank 20. The cover may generally enclose the top of the tank 20 with a mesh ox grate type cover which allows vapours to escape the tank 20, but keeps any workers, tools and debris out of tlae tank 20 (see Fig. 1) or the tarxk 20 may he generally enclosed with a plate type cover with a portion of the cover 170 including a mesh or grate to allow vapours to escape (see Fig. 2).
Referring to Fig. 10, the tank 20 may include a vent passage 180 or a plurality of vent passages, oriented generally vertically in tb~e tank 20. As shown, the vent passage 210 extends substantially vertically along a wall 30, 40, 50 or 60 of the tanlt 20 from a lower end 190 to an upper end 200. The vent passage 210 may be constructed of a simple conduit such as a pipe or a section of square tubing I80. In operation, particularly where the waste material comprises a first waste material (not shown) and a second waste material (not shown), and the first waste material and the second waste material are not generally mixable with each other and the second waste xuaterial has a lower density than the first waste material, the waste material in the tank 20 could end up forming a lower layer of first waste material and an upper layer of second waste material. A surface level 230 is formed above the second layer and an interface level 220 is formed between the first waste material and the second waste material.
l7epending on the components and physical properties of the first az~d second waste materials, the vent passage 210 provides a safety Felease in the remote and unlikely event where the second waste nrxaterial is suf&ciently viscous or has a lower vapour pressure than the first waste maternal or otherwise prohibits or restricts the escape of evaporating first waste material. Preferably, the event where the first waste material evaporates oz boils underneath (below) the second waste material, aztd the second waste material prohibits or restricts the escape to atmosphere of the vapour from the evaporating or boiling first waste material such that pressure builds up is to be avoided. Tn such cases, evaporating frst waste material may travel from the Iower end 190 up through the vent passage 2I0 and out the upper end 200 regardless of any prohibition or restriction contributed by the second waste material.
In operation,, waste material, such as contaminated water is placed in the tank 20 where a steam coil 80, electric heater 90 or another heat source such as solar energy or geothernaa! energy, brings the waste material to a temperature su~cient for evaporation of at least a portion of the waste material, and a period of time is pezrnitted to elapse to allow the desired amount of waste material to be evaporated, l~Vhatever reduced waste material remains in the tartly 20 may then be disposed o~ for example by vacuum truck, thus reducing trucking and disposal casts.
The heat source may include the steam coil 80, the electric heater 90, or both.
The evaporator 10 is useful for a wide variety of waste materials, including, but not limited t4 oil, water, grey grater, snow, contaminated snow, ice, contaminated ice, oily water, oily snow, oily ice, dirt, drill cuttings, drilling mud, mud, hydrocarbons, glycols, amines, reservoir fluids, fracturing .fluids, human waste, sewage, boiler blowdowns, any of which may include solids, such as free solids or dissolved solids.
The temperature of the waste material in the tank 20 znay be controlled. In the case of evaporating water, the temperature may be maintained between about 85°C
and about 100°C.
The evaporator 10 may be operated in a continuous or a batch operation. The surface of the waste material in the tank 20 may be skimmed, vacuumed or otherwise removed to avoid evaporating volatile hydrocarbons or other waste materials that float on or near the surface or at or near an interface between differing waste materials.
Solids, such as free solids, dissolved solids, or sledge etc. that settle out in the tank 20 may be periodically removed or may be removed with the unevaporated portion of the waste materials in the tank 20.
Although flanged connections are shown, any suitable connection type known to one skilled in the art may be used for the connections.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing firom ttxe scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
_g_
The present invention relates generally to waste disposal. More particularly, the present invention relates to an evaporator for reducing the amount of waste materials, such as wastewater, by evaporating at least a portion of the waste materials to reduce the amount of nnaterial for disposal and returning clean water to the atmosphere while separating contaminants for removal and disposal.
BACKGROUND OF ~ IN'YhNTiON
Industrial sites, such as those associated with oil and gas well exploration, drilling or service operations, or processing plants often lead to the production of waste fluids such as wastewater. Wastewater produced at such sites must be collected, stored, and disposed of.
Usually, this is accomplished by collecting the wastewater in a storage tank and then trucking the wastewater to a disposal site for disposal, leading to trucking and disposal posts.
US Patent No. 4,534,828 (Eriekson et al.) discloses an evaporator apparatus having means for heating, particularly a fire tube, situated in the bottom poztian of a tank. A
disadvantage of this evapoFator in using a hue tube is that it requires a separate fuel and the flare of the fine tube presents an additional hazard; particularly where the materials to be evaporated include flammable materials.
i7S Fatent Na. 5,240,550 (Gregory) discloses a wastewater evaporation system including a tank having honeycomb plates which are rotated through the wastewater and a vapour space above the wastewater. An electric heater heats air which is blown through the vapour space in the taz~k, and the hot air evaporates water from the plates. A
disadvantage of this system is that it includes auxiliary equipment (blower and equipment to rotate the honeycomb plates) and would seem to require frequent maintenance.
US Patent No. 5,582,680 (Van'L~ouwenberg et al.) discloses a wastewater treating apparatus. Fluid is received in a receiving vessel/evaparator. A burner in a fire box below the vessel produces flue gas which heats the evaporator sidewalls and bottom to evaporate wastewater. A disadvantage of this apparatus is that flue gas can be very corrosive, which could result in a requirement for frequent maintenance on the apparatus, and the :ire box includes the same disadvantages of a fine tube, as mentioned above. In addition, heating via direct contact with the bottom or sides of the tank would be impeded if the fluid is at all insulating or if debris or solids interfere with the heat transfer.
S>UMMA1~Y OF T)HE IlYV)E1VTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous evaporator systems.
In one aspect, the invention is an evaporator for evaporating a waste material at an industrial site, including, a tank, comprising side walls and a bottom, the tank adapted to receive waste material, and heating means adapted to heat the waste material when in the tank, the heating means proxinnate to, but spaced from the bottom of the tank.
Preferably, the waste xzraterial is boiler blvwdown. Preferably, the heat source comprises a steam tube routed through a portion of the tank, the steam tube adapted to connect with a steam supply to receive steam. Preferably, the heat source is an electric heater, the electric heater adapted to connect to an electrical Bower source to generate heat. Preferably, a side wall eornprises a heat source opening, wherein the heat source opening is adapted tv receive the heat source.
Preferably, the side walls comprise double side walls, the double side walls having an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall and the inner wall separated by a wall space. Preferably, the wall space is adapted to be substantially filled with an insulating material. Preferably, the insulating material is an insulating foam installed as a liquid. Preferably, a boiler blowdown inlet, the boiler blvwdown inlet adapted to receive boiler blvwdown from, a boiler az~d to direct the boiler blowdown into the tank via a diffuser.
Preferably, the waste material comprises a first waste material and a second waste material, the first waste material and the second waste material genexally being mixable together and the second waste material having a lower density than the first waste material, wherein the tank is adapted to receive waste material, which then forms a surface level above the second waste material and an interface level between the first waste material and the second waste material, the evaporator further comprising a vent passage adapted to extend -z-between below the interface level and above the surface level, through which vapours generated below the interface Ievel may escacpe through the vent passage.
Preferably, a cover is adapted to generally cover the tank. Preferably, the cover includes a mesh grating, steel plate, or a combination of mesh grating and steel plate.
In another aspect, the invention is a method of disposing of a waste material or a method of reducing the volume or amount of a waste material including the steps of providing an evaporator adapted to evaporate at least a portion of the waste material, receiving the waste zxxaterial into the evaporator, applyiztg energy or heat to the waste material, and allowing a period of tune to pass, wherein at least a poztiori of the waste material is converted into a vapour.
Preferably, the waste material comprises the solids, liquids and/or vapours of a boiler blawdown wherein the vapour portion, if any, readily drifts ofF, the solids, if any, settle to the bottom of the evaporator, and at least a portion of the liquids, if any, are evaporated.
Preferably, the method includes the subsequent step of disposing of the waste material that remains in the evaporator. Preferably, the waste material that remains in the evaporator is removed from the evaporator by drainage or by vacuum.
Preferably, the waste material comprises snow contaminated with a contaminant.
Preferably, the waste material comprises water contaminated with a contaminant. ~'referably, the waste material comprises ice contaminated with a contaminant. ~'referably, the contaminant includes oil, soil, clay, dnih cuttings, drilling mud, mud, hydrocarbons, glycols, amines, reservoir fluids, fracturing fluids, human waste, sewagE, or boiler blowdvwns or a combination thereof, any or all of which may include solids, such as free solids or dissolved solids. Preferably, the waste material comprises oily water_ Preferably, the waste material coxz~prises oil and water, further comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the oil from the evaporator before applying heat to the remaining waste t~aaterial for evaporation.
Preferably, the waste material comprises solids (dissolved or suspended).
Preferably, the temperature of the waste material is maintained between about 85°C
and about 100°C. Preferably, the period of time is sufficient for a substantial quantity of the waste material td evaporate, further comprising floe step of removing any remaining waste material from the evaporator. Preferably, the substantial quantity is substantially 80% of the waste material initially received in the evaporator. Preferably, the rennoval is by vacuum.
Preferably, at least a portion of the vapour is converted to form condensed.
water by condensation. Preferably, at least a portion of the condensed water is recycled into the tank for further evaporation. Pre~erabIy, the vapour is exposed to a temperature sufficiently below the dew~point of the vapour, wherein thermal condensation occuzs.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying ~~gures.
BRIEF DESC~.IPTION OF THE DRAWYNG.S
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of as evaporator system of the present invention, of the variant having a grate cover;
Fig. 2 is a tap view of an evapoz~ator system of the present invention, of the variant having a plate cover;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the an evaporator system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a side view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2;
p'ig. 5 is an end view of the evaporator system of Fig. Z;
Fig. 6 is a section view of the evaporator system of Fig_ 2, along ttxe section 6-6 of Fig. 7, of the variant having an electric heater;
p'ig. 7 is a section view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2, along the section 7-7 of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is section view of the evaporator system of Fig. 2, along the section 8-of Fig. 6; and Fig. 9 is a perspective detail view of a boiler blowdawn inlet; and Fig_ LO is a partial view of an evaporator system of the present invention, detailing a vent passage.
n~xan.E~ nESCa~~rroN
Crenerally, the present invention pravides a method and apparatus for evaporating waste material at an industrial site.
Referring generally tv Figs. 1-8, an evaporator x 0 of the present invention includes a tank 20 having walls 30, 40, 50, and 60 and a bottom 70, adapted to receive and contain a waste material (not shown).
In the preferred embodiment, heating means in the forzxa of a steam tube 80 is adapted to heat the contents of the tank 20. Xn another embodiment, heating means in the form of an electric heater 90 is adapted to heat the contents of the tank 20 (see Fig.
6). 'fhe heating means (whether it be the steam tube 80, or the electric heater 90, or even both the steam tube 80 and the electric heater 90} may be positioned so that there is a space between the bottom of the heating means and the suz~'aee of the bottom 70 of the tank 20, and may he placed near the bottom 70 of the tank 20 or it may be a "stab-in" type inserted through a wall 30, 40, 50, or 6b of the tank 20. Preferably, as shown (Fig. 7}, the evaporator 10 includes the steam tube 80 positioned proxirtxate to the bottom 70 of the tank 20 iii addition to having an accessory flange $S, adapted to receive the electric heater 90.
The steam tube 80 receives steam visa a steam inlet 82 and steam leaves via a steam outlet $4. The steam inlet 82 and the steam outlet 84 are adapted to connect to a suitable beat or steam source, such as, but not linnited to a steam boiler o.f the type commonly found at industrial sites or well sites as part of a drilling rig ar service xig or other well site ar plant site eduipme~nt. In the preferred ettzbodiment, steam from a steam boiler Mows from the steam boiler through the steam inlet 82, through the steam tube 80, and out through the steam outlet 84, and the steam is then used for its usual purposes, such as heating.
Typically, 500-604 KPa (75-80 psi) steam, having a temperature generally around 150°C
(300°F) may be used.
The accessory flange 85 is adapted to receive the electric k~eater 90.
FIowever, another type of heat source could be received by the accessory flange 85. When not in use, the accessory flange 85 is sealingly cbvered with a blind 87.
In the variant of the evaporator 10 using the electric heater 90 (Fig. 6), a heating element 92 of the electric heater 90 is sealingly contained within a beater tube 94, the heater _5_ tube 94 being suppozted within the tank 20 with support 96. 'thus, the heating element 92 does not come into direct contact with the waste matezial. The heater tube 94 is filled with a heat transfer fluid, such as heat transfer oil 97. The heat transfer oil may be any suitable oil, such, as mineral oil or other oil, or may be Sun OiI CompanyTM Heat Transfer Oil Na. 21TM.
The heating element 92 may be approximately 6" outside dimension, with the heater tube being approximately 8" inside dimension. .After insetting the heating element 92 into the heater tube 94, the heater tube 94 zs~ay be substantially fzlled with tk~e heat transfer oil 97 via a fill opening 98. When required, the heater tube 94 may be drained of the heat transfer oil 97 via a drain opening 99.
The evaporator 10 may include a lore level shut-off (not shown), adapted to provide a warning signal ar adapted to activate, deactivate or otherwise control the heat output of the heat source, for example by shutting off the electricity to the electric heater 90 if the level of waste material in the tank 20 falls below a certain level.
In the preferred embodiment, the walls 30, 40, ~0 and 60 and the bottom 74 of the tank 20 are "double wall", having an outer wall 100 (typical) and an inner wall 110 (typical) separated by a sealed wall space 120 (typical). The wall space 120 may be substantially f~Iled with an insulating material 130, such as liquid foam 140 which is poured into the wall space 120 between the outer wall 100 and the inner wall I10 as a liquid and then allowed to set or harden to farm a durable insulating material 130 inside the wall space 120.
The insulating material 130 reduces heat lass from the tame 20 as well as lowers the operate temperature of the outer wall 100 (typical) to reduce the risk of heat damage or burning of operating personnel.
Referring to Figs. 6, 8, az~d 9, waste material (not shown) in the form of boiler blowdown from a boiler may be directed into the tank 20 via a boiler blowdown inlet 140.
The boiler blowdown is directed downwards into the tank 20 by a diffuser I50 which helps to separate the vapour, liquid, and even solids portions of the boiler blowdawn.
The boiler bla~xrdown is directed at the diffuser 1 ~0 by a nozzle 165 connected to the boiler blowdown inlet 140 by a conduit in the form of a pipe 160. The diffuser 1. SO rnay be a substantially semi-circular plate (as shown). The nozzle 16S may be an open elbow fitting (as shown). The pipe 160 and the diffuser 150 may be attached to a wall 30, 40, 50 or 60 of the ta~nlc 20 to give stability and strength.
The tank 20 may include a cover 170 to generally cover the tank 20. The cover may generally enclose the top of the tank 20 with a mesh ox grate type cover which allows vapours to escape the tank 20, but keeps any workers, tools and debris out of tlae tank 20 (see Fig. 1) or the tarxk 20 may he generally enclosed with a plate type cover with a portion of the cover 170 including a mesh or grate to allow vapours to escape (see Fig. 2).
Referring to Fig. 10, the tank 20 may include a vent passage 180 or a plurality of vent passages, oriented generally vertically in tb~e tank 20. As shown, the vent passage 210 extends substantially vertically along a wall 30, 40, 50 or 60 of the tanlt 20 from a lower end 190 to an upper end 200. The vent passage 210 may be constructed of a simple conduit such as a pipe or a section of square tubing I80. In operation, particularly where the waste material comprises a first waste material (not shown) and a second waste material (not shown), and the first waste material and the second waste material are not generally mixable with each other and the second waste xuaterial has a lower density than the first waste material, the waste material in the tank 20 could end up forming a lower layer of first waste material and an upper layer of second waste material. A surface level 230 is formed above the second layer and an interface level 220 is formed between the first waste material and the second waste material.
l7epending on the components and physical properties of the first az~d second waste materials, the vent passage 210 provides a safety Felease in the remote and unlikely event where the second waste nrxaterial is suf&ciently viscous or has a lower vapour pressure than the first waste maternal or otherwise prohibits or restricts the escape of evaporating first waste material. Preferably, the event where the first waste material evaporates oz boils underneath (below) the second waste material, aztd the second waste material prohibits or restricts the escape to atmosphere of the vapour from the evaporating or boiling first waste material such that pressure builds up is to be avoided. Tn such cases, evaporating frst waste material may travel from the Iower end 190 up through the vent passage 2I0 and out the upper end 200 regardless of any prohibition or restriction contributed by the second waste material.
In operation,, waste material, such as contaminated water is placed in the tank 20 where a steam coil 80, electric heater 90 or another heat source such as solar energy or geothernaa! energy, brings the waste material to a temperature su~cient for evaporation of at least a portion of the waste material, and a period of time is pezrnitted to elapse to allow the desired amount of waste material to be evaporated, l~Vhatever reduced waste material remains in the tartly 20 may then be disposed o~ for example by vacuum truck, thus reducing trucking and disposal casts.
The heat source may include the steam coil 80, the electric heater 90, or both.
The evaporator 10 is useful for a wide variety of waste materials, including, but not limited t4 oil, water, grey grater, snow, contaminated snow, ice, contaminated ice, oily water, oily snow, oily ice, dirt, drill cuttings, drilling mud, mud, hydrocarbons, glycols, amines, reservoir fluids, fracturing .fluids, human waste, sewage, boiler blowdowns, any of which may include solids, such as free solids or dissolved solids.
The temperature of the waste material in the tank 20 znay be controlled. In the case of evaporating water, the temperature may be maintained between about 85°C
and about 100°C.
The evaporator 10 may be operated in a continuous or a batch operation. The surface of the waste material in the tank 20 may be skimmed, vacuumed or otherwise removed to avoid evaporating volatile hydrocarbons or other waste materials that float on or near the surface or at or near an interface between differing waste materials.
Solids, such as free solids, dissolved solids, or sledge etc. that settle out in the tank 20 may be periodically removed or may be removed with the unevaporated portion of the waste materials in the tank 20.
Although flanged connections are shown, any suitable connection type known to one skilled in the art may be used for the connections.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing firom ttxe scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
_g_
Claims (32)
1. An evaporator for evaporating a waste material, comprising:
a) a tank, comprising side walls and a bottom forming a tank interior, the tank having at least one passage distal the botton, extending between the tank interior and atmosphere, the tank adapted to receive waste material; and b) heating means adapted to convert at least a portion of the waste material to a vapour when in the tank, the heating means proximate to, but spaced from the bottom of the tank.
a) a tank, comprising side walls and a bottom forming a tank interior, the tank having at least one passage distal the botton, extending between the tank interior and atmosphere, the tank adapted to receive waste material; and b) heating means adapted to convert at least a portion of the waste material to a vapour when in the tank, the heating means proximate to, but spaced from the bottom of the tank.
2. An evaporator as in claim 1, wherein the waste material is boiler blowdown.
3. An evaporator as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source comprises a steam tube routed through a portion of the tank, the steam tube adapted to connect with a steam supply to receive steam.
4. An evaporator as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source is an electric heater, the electric heater adapted to connect to an electrical power source to generate heat.
5. An evaporator as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source is a fire tube, the fire tube adapted to generate heat through the combustion of a fossil fuel.
6. An evaporator as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source is a heat exchanger adapted to receive heat from a geothermal energy source.
7. An evaporator as in claim 1, 4, 5 or 6 wherein a side wall comprises a heat source opening, wherein the heat source opening is adapted to receive the heat source.
8. An evaporator as in claim 1, 4, 5, or 6 wherein the side walls comprise double side walls, the double side walls having an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall and the inner wall separated by a wall space.
9. The evaporator as in claim 8, wherein the wall space is adapted to be substantially filled with an insulating material.
10. The evaporator as in claim 9, wherein the insulating material is an insulating foam installed as a liquid.
11. The evaporator as in claim 1, 3, or 4, further comprising a boiler blowdown inlet, the boiler blowdown inlet adapted to receive boiler blowdown from a boiler and to direct the boiler blowdown into the tank via a diffuser.
12. The evaporator as in claim 1, 3, or 4, the waste material comprises a first waste material and a second waste material, the first waste material and the second waste material generally being mixable together and the second waste material having a lower density than the first waste material, wherein the tank is adapted to receive waste material, which then forms a surface level above the second waste material and an interface level between the first waste material and the second waste material, the evaporator further comprising a vent passage adapted to extend between below the interface level and above the surface level, through which vapours generated below the interface level may escape through the vent passage.
13. The evaporator as in claim 1, further comprising a cover, adapted to generally cover the tank.
14. The evaporator as in claim 13, wherein the cover comprises a mesh grating, steel plate, or a combination of mesh grating and steel plate.
15. A method of disposing of a waste material comprising the steps of:
a) providing an evaporator adapted to evaporate at least a portion of the waste material;
b) receiving the waste material into the evaporator;
c) converting at least a portion of the waste to material to vapour by applying heat to the waste material; and d) allowing at least a portion of the vapour to escape from the evaporator to atmosphere, wherein at least a portion of the waste material is converted into a vapour.
a) providing an evaporator adapted to evaporate at least a portion of the waste material;
b) receiving the waste material into the evaporator;
c) converting at least a portion of the waste to material to vapour by applying heat to the waste material; and d) allowing at least a portion of the vapour to escape from the evaporator to atmosphere, wherein at least a portion of the waste material is converted into a vapour.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises the solids, liquids and/or vapours of a boiler blowdown wherein the vapour portion, if any, readily drifts off, the solids, if any, settle to the bottom of the evaporator, and at least a portion of the liquids, if any, are evaporated.
17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising the step of disposing of the waste material that remains in the evaporator.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the waste material that remains in the evaporator is removed from the evaporator by drainage or by vacuum.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein d1e waste material comprises snow contaminated with a contaminant.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises water contaminated with a contaminant.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises ice contaminated with a contaminant.
22. The method of claim 19, 20, or 21, wherein the contaminant comprises oil, soil, clay, drill cuttings, drilling mud, mud, hydrocarbons, glycols, amines, reservoir fluids, fracturing fluids, human waste, sewage, boiler blowdowns, any of which may include solids, such as free solids or dissolved solids.
23. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises oily water.
24. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises oil and water, further comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the oil from the evaporator before applying heat to the remaining waste material for evaporation.
25. The method of claim 15, wherein the waste material comprises solids (dissolved or suspended).
26. The method of claim 15, wherein the temperature of the waste material is maintained between about 85°C and about 100°C.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the period of time is sufficient for a substantial quantity of the waste material to evaporate, further comprising the step of removing any remaining waste material from the evaporator.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the substantial quantity is substantially 80% of the waste material initially received in the evaporator.
29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein the removal is by vacuum.
30. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the vapour is converted to form condensed water by condensation.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the condensed water is recycled into the tank for further evaporation.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the vapour is exposed to a temperature sufficiently below the dewpoint of the vapour, wherein thermal condensation occurs.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2531870 CA2531870C (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2005-12-30 | Evaporator system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2531870 CA2531870C (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2005-12-30 | Evaporator system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2531870A1 CA2531870A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
| CA2531870C true CA2531870C (en) | 2008-03-18 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2531870 Expired - Fee Related CA2531870C (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2005-12-30 | Evaporator system |
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| CA (1) | CA2531870C (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8216468B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2012-07-10 | Jc Environmental Inc. | Water treatment apparatus and method |
| CN102741170A (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2012-10-17 | 哈里逊油田解决方案公司 | Systems and methods for concentrating waste water fluids |
| AU2016304779A1 (en) | 2015-08-07 | 2018-03-29 | Cleantek Industries Inc. | Apparatus, systems and methods for management of raw water and emissions utilizing heat and/or pressure energy within combustion gas sources |
| RU2686656C1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2019-04-29 | Ануар Райханович Кулмагамбетов | Evaporator for producing steam using volcanic magma and method of operation thereof |
| CN109019730A (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2018-12-18 | 上海超惠通风环保设备有限公司 | Pollutant treatment system |
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2005
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| CA2531870A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
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