| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 604 698 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
11.12.1996 Bulletin 1996/50 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
06.07.1994 Bulletin 1994/27 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 17.03.1993 |
|
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE |
| (30) |
Priority: |
30.12.1992 US 998556
|
| (71) |
Applicant: SERV-TECH, INC. |
|
Houston,
Texas 77087 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Mehta, Nishaneth K.
Houston,
Texas 77057 (US)
- Krajicek, Richard W.
Houston,
Texas 77005 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Baillie, Iain Cameron |
|
c/o Ladas & Parry
Altheimer Eck 2
80331 München
80331 München (DE) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
Process for vessel decontamination |
(57) An improved process for the decontamination of process equipment and vessels is described
wherein an extractant material for the contaminant and a surfactant are vaporized,
heated with steam, to condense on the internal surfaces of the vessel to trap contaminants,
such as benzene, for removal from the vessel to allow safe entry for humans for inspection
and maintenance.