PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STABILIZING LIQUIDS CONTAINING SALT, PARTICULARLY THERMAL WATERS

The proposed method is based on the addn of crystal seeds and the establishment of favourable thermodynamic conditions for crystal growth. The formation of crystal seeds is speeded up by having the correct conditions for polycrystalline growth. Secondary crystal seed formation is also encouraged by providing for the collision of crystals. - The proposed equipment is based on interconnected mixing and settling spaces. Heat exchangers are provided upstream of the mixing space and downstream of the settling space. These are also interconnected through a heat pump. A water eductor capable of moving crystal seeds is connected to the inlet of the equipment. A resonator is connected to a stub which extends into the mixing space. This stub is arranged tangentially to give a rotating motion to the incoming liquid. A sludge discharge connection and a de-gasser connection is located at the bottom and the top of the mixing space respectively. The inlet connection of the settling space has a cross-section decreasing in the downward direction. This connection is also arranged tangentially. A sludge discharge connection is provided for the lower part of the settling space.