Method of cleaning an industrial tank using electrical energy and critical fluid
US7875120B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10J2200/152
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of cleaning an industrial tank using electrical energy and critical fluid comprises the steps of transmitting electrical energy into an industrial tank to a first predetermined temperature, providing a critical fluid with a reactant or catalyst into the tank for diffusion into the contents of the tank at a predetermined pressure, transmitting electrical energy into the tank to heat the contents including the critical fluid to a second predetermined temperature to initiate reaction of a reactant in the critical fluid with a portion of the contents of the tank causing hydrocarbons and contaminants to be released for extraction as a vapor, liquid or dissolved in the critical fluid. A step of pressure cycling may be performed prior to a step of removing the contents of the tank including the hydrocarbons and contaminants. A further step includes separating the hydrocarbons, critical fluid, gases, and contaminants removed from the tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.