Hot Oil Flushing Methodology

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Hot Oil Flushing Methodology
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What is Hot Oil Flushing?

• Hot Oil Flushing (HOF) is designed to remove
  contaminants from the manufacturing
  process/transportation/site assembly, or a
  contamination event during operation, of a lube
  oil circuit, by flushing hot oil through the
  circuit at a minimum of 150 of its operational
  flow rate, achieving a minimum of Reynolds 4000
  number, a unit of measure for turbulent flow.

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• The theory being that contaminants such as pipe
  scale, welding slag and particles, are removed at
  150 of operational flow and wont contaminate
  the system at operational flow rate.

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So what is the purpose of Hot Oil Flushing?

• We HOF for several reasons,
• New asset pre-commissioning,
• Lubricant type change,
• After a contamination event,
• Scheduled maintenance,

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• All OEM plant and equipment suppliers have their
  own methodology and specifications for
  pre-commissioning or hot oil flushing their
  assets.

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• Most conform to the two established standards
  ASTM D6439, and API 614. The Standards require
  you to capture bulk particles on the return
  circuit via a screen or filtration, to prevent
  tank contamination, as you will require this oil
  to achieve a cleanliness specification prior to
  start up.

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• BioKem Oil Services works with both ASTM D6439
  and API 614. Standards. WE believe its quite
  advantageous to capture all bulk particles and
  contaminants in the return circuit, to keep the
  lubricant within its ISO 4406 or NAS Class
  specification.

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• Also advantageous, is to apply fine filtration
  and vacuum dehydration, via kidney loop to the
  lube tank, not only are you removing contaminants
  and particles from the circuitry, but also
  purifying the oil to a minimum ISO 4406 code of
  16/14/12 (NAS Class 6), and moisture content to
  below 200 ppm.

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Service Oil or Base Flushing Oil?

• Depending on the application, a service oil or a
  base oil similar to the final service oil can be
  used to flush the circuitry. This decision is
  based on the availability of service oil, volume
  of oil needed for the flush, and the timings
  between flushing and equipment entering service.

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• In some circumstances the equipment
  circuits/spools may not enter service for some
  time afterwards and the final selection of
  service oil may not have been made or awarded.

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• In this circumstance a base oil can be used and
  then the pipework blown dry with compressed air
  and a purge of nitrogen or similar gas used. If
  service oil is used then the HOF team will need
  to polish (fine filter) the oil ready for
  service.

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Purging the system

• If the circuitry can be sealed at the conclusion
  of the flushing then nitrogen (or other inert
  gas) can be used to stave off corrosion. The
  methodology is to purge all oxygen from the
  circuits by venting the system whilst it is
  filled with inert gas. Correct safety protocols
  should be followed as Nitrogen can be dangerous
  in confined spaces.

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What Next?

• Should you require a professional service to HOF
  your circuitry, spools, coolers, lube tanks,
  manifolds then contact BioKem Oil Services
  www.biokem.com.au