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(11)

EP 1 015 801 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 05.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/27 (21) Application number: 97934345.6 (22) Date of filing: 22.07.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F16L 9/14 (86) International application number: PCT/US9713/342 (87) International publication number: WO 9908/033 (18.02.1999 Gazette 1999/07)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (71) Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (Delaware Corp) Florham Park, New Jersey 07932-0390 (US)	(72) Inventors: MONETTE, Liza Annandale, NJ 08807 (US) CHIU, Allen, S. Florham Park, NJ 07932 (US) MUELLER, Russell R. Washington, NJ 07882 (US) ANDERSON, Michael, P. Clinton, NJ 08809 (US) (74) Representative: Somers, Harold Arnold et al ESSO Engineering (Europe) Ltd.Patents & LicencesMailpoint 72Esso HouseErmyn Way Leatherhead,Surrey KT22 8XE Leatherhead,Surrey KT22 8XE (GB)