DecomClear® Mercury CLEAR
A one-step aqueous cleaning and chelation formulation designed for offshore and onshore decommissioning operations.
Product Overview
DecomClear® Mercury CLEAR is a one-step aqueous cleaning and chelation formulation designed for offshore and onshore decommissioning operations. It removes elemental, ionic, and organically bound mercury from oil-wet and contaminated steel surfaces without requiring a separate degreasing stage. The product penetrates hydrocarbon films, complexes mercury into a water phase for safe handling, and minimises wastewater volume. It is particularly suited to subsea and topside platform equipment being prepared for scrap or recycling.
Applications
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Offshore platform decommissioning (topside and subsea)
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Onshore decommissioning of oil & gas equipment
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Steel pipework, valves, exchangers, tools contaminated with mercury
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Oil-wet and scale-covered steel components
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Pre-scrap cleaning to meet recycling acceptance criteria
Product Features
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Removes oil films and mercury in one operation
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Effective on elemental, ionic, and organic-bound mercury
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Low-corrosion formulation with steel inhibitors
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Reduces waste volume compared to multi-step processes
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Works in circulation or static soak applications
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Easy post-treatment waste stabilisation with TMT or sulfide
Technology Postition Statement
DecomClear® Mercury Clear is positioned at the front of the practical technology curve for offshore and onshore mercury decontamination in oil & gas decommissioning. It combines proven multi-species mercury chelation with an advanced surfactant/solvent package, enabling oil-wet surface penetration and contaminant removal in a single step. While laboratory-stage innovations such as thiol-functionalised nanomaterials and magnetic nanoparticle sorbents can achieve ultra-low mercury levels in clean, filtered fluids, these are not yet operationally viable or cost-effective for bulk offshore decontamination. This product delivers field-proven, modern chemistry optimised for safety, efficiency, and waste minimisation in real-world decommissioning environments.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odour: Mild characteristic
pH (as supplied): 7.0 – 9.0
Specific Gravity: 1.03 – 1.08
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Fully water soluble
Boiling Point: >100°C
Application Guidelines
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Prepare equipment by draining free liquids and isolating from other systems.
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Fill or circulate DecomClear® Mercury CLEAR through the equipment at 20–100% strength depending on contamination.
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Contact time: 2–6 hours, with agitation or recirculation if possible.
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Rinse with water to remove spent solution.
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Stabilise waste solution using TMT-15 or sodium sulfide to form an insoluble mercury complex for compliant disposal.
Storage and Handling
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Store in HDPE or compatible containers
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Keep between 5°C and 40°C
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Avoid strong oxidisers and acids
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Shelf life: 24 months in unopened containers