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                       [SERV-TECH LETTERHEAD]




                                  NEWS RELEASE



SERV-TECH CONTACTS:                           HYRDOCHEM CONTACT:
David P. Tusa                                 Dorothy Botnick
Senior Vice President,                        Manager, Corporate Communications
Finance & Administration                      713/462-2130, extension 4403
Pat Solis                                 
Treasurer and Director, Investor Relations
713/644-9974


                      SERV-TECH ANNOUNCES LETTER OF INTENT
                            TO MERGE WITH HYDROCHEM

         HOUSTON, TEXAS ( April 26, 1996 ) -- Serv-Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: STEC)
announced today the signing of a letter of intent to merge with HydroChem
Industrial Services, Inc. of Houston.  HydroChem shareholders would be issued
shares representing 55 percent of the total outstanding shares (including
Serv-Tech stock options) of a new entity formed for such purpose.   Serv-Tech
shareholders would receive shares representing 45 percent of the new entity.
The transaction would be tax-free for shareholders of both companies.

         The letter of intent calls for both parties to negotiate and finalize
a definitive merger agreement by July 1, 1996.  Consummation of the merger will
be subject to approval by the board of directors and shareholders of each
company, and upon usual and customary conditions, including necessary
regulatory approvals.

         HydroChem generated $156.5 million in revenue, $13.5 million in
operating income, and $3.3 million in net income for the year-ended December
31, 1995.
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Serv-Tech revenues for the year-ended December 31, 1995, were $279.6 million.  
Operating income was $6.5 million, while net income was $2.1 million.

         Spokesmen for the companies said they believe this merger would
provide expanded market and service opportunities.  The resulting synergy would
create a stronger, broader-based company to respond to customer needs, provide
greater growth opportunities for employees, and should substantially improve
returns for shareholders.

         HydroChem Industrial Services, Inc. has offices throughout the United
States and in Singapore.  The company provides hydroblasting, chemical
cleaning, vacuum, and other specialty industrial cleaning services to the
petrochemical, refinery, utility, and pulp and paper industries.

         Through its offices in the United States and its international
locations, Serv-Tech provides innovative specialty maintenance, engineering,
construction, and environmental services and products to the hydrocarbon
processing, oil production, food, power, and pulp and paper industries
worldwide.