A static devolatilisation apparatus 1 for germ reduction of a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10, an inlet 12, an outlet 14, a fluid-contacting surface 20 comprising a biocide 22 embodied to reduce the germ count of the fluid 2, wherein the fluid-contacting surface 20 is a fluid-contacting surface 20 of a static mixing element 30. The present invention further relates to a process for reducing the germ count of a fluid containing germs 2' using the apparatus 1 and also to the use of the apparatus 1 in the germ reduction of fuel oil, of food products, or water decontamination, preferably decontamination of waste water, industrial process water, or the treatment of drinking water.
