Method and apparatus for treating waste water streams

An apparatus for treating waste water streams is constructed by introducing a mixture of pre-heated waste water and an amount of a oxidant lower than that required to oxidize all the organic matter in the waste stream into the front port of an elongate tubular reaction chamber maintained at supercritical temperatures and pressures. The amount of oxidant is high enough, it initially raise the temperature of the stream in the reaction chamber to 750-1,200 DEG F. A first injection side port is located downstream from the front port of the reaction chamber at a distance at which the temperature has reached a maximum value, and 90-100% of the available oxidant has been consumed. Oxidant and water are simultaneously injected through the first port, in a manner that the amount of oxidant is adequate to oxidize to oxidize a specified amount of organic matter, and the amount of water is effective to counterbalance the heat produced by the ration of the co-injected oxidant with the respective organic matter. At the point that 90-100% of the newly injected oxidant has been consumed, a second port is used to introduce more oxidant and water in a similar manner and under similar conditions. More ports are also used, following similar rules, until the organic matter has been substantially exhausted.