Inventors:
Brian C. Considine - Chelmsford MA, US
John A. Cogliandro - Dedham MA, US
Maureen P. Cogliandro - Dedham MA, US
John M. Moses - Dedham MA, US
John R. Hannon - Quincy MA, US
John P. Markiewicz - Andover MA, US
Assignee:
Raytheon Company - Waltham MA
International Classification:
B08B 7/00
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.