Importance

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Abstract

Systems and methods for separating components from a fluid stream are described. The systems and methods described herein may be specifically well suited for separating solids, hydrocarbons, chemicals, non-evaporable components, etc., from wastewater produced by oil and gas recovery. The systems and methods may generally include the use of a heat exchanger through which a fluid stream is passed to thereby evaporate some or all of the fluid stream. The heated stream exiting the heat exchanger may include vapor, liquids and/or solids. This heated stream is then subjected to phase separation to separate a vapor stream from a liquid/solids stream. The vapor stream is then transported back to the heat exchanger where it is used to transfer heat from the vapor stream to the fluid stream. During the operation of the heat exchanger, a scraping system may be used to scrape the one or more surfaces of the passage through which the fluid stream flows in order to prevent buildup of solids and liquids thereon.

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First Claim