The fractionator tower was decontaminated using vapor-phase steam injection. The typical cleaning process resulted in work stoppage and extended purging of steam through the system to void the equipment of hazardous levels of flammable gases and hydrogen sulfide. After 12 hours of chemical injection into the sparge steam, the equipment was successfully degassed with no benzene, hydrocarbon, or hydrogen sulfide remaining. All contaminants of concern were addressed simultaneously with the steam injection process. The starting benzene was recorded at 87 ppm with a hydrogen sulfide level of 71 ppm. The wash water was sent directly to waste water treatment without delay or upset.

Upon entry the equipment was found to be clean, requiring no additional work prior to maintenance activities. The client stated that previous decontamination work done by competitors typically required 24 hours to achieve acceptable entry conditions and often left heavy oil residue on the lower trays of the fractionator.