Apparatus and method for energy production and mineral recovery from geothermal and geopressured fluids

Apparatus and method for using the vapor fraction of geothermal or geopressured fluid to produce useful work and for using the solid fraction of the fluid for producing minerals of commercial value while providing protection from scaling. The fluid is directed into a first chamber in which the fluid flashes to generate the vapor fraction. A circulatory flow through the first chamber occurs as a result of the flashing of the vapor fraction, causing the vapor fraction to separate from the solid and liquid fractions and allowing the vapor fraction to pass to a fluid-actuated, work-producing apparatus. The solid and liquid fractions gravitate into a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber and extending below the first chamber. The second chamber permits at least a portion of the liquid fraction to separate from the solid fraction by clarification. Crystal growth continuously occurs in the first and second chambers as the circulation of the fluid continues through the first chamber. When the crystals become large enough, they gravitate to the bottom of the second chamber and can be removed therefrom. The separated liquid fraction of the fluid can be directed to a point of disposal or through one or more additional reactor stages to recover the remaining energy and mineral values therefrom. Several embodiments of the apparatus as disclosed.