High Velocity Oil Flushing Services

Turn-Key Oil Flushing

IFM provides turn-key high velocity oil flushing services to remove contaminants and deposits on the internal surfaces of large lube oil systems such as gas and steam turbines, compressors, stationary engines, and hydraulic systems. IFM leverages over 94 years in lubrication to offer an unmatched level of quality and lubrication expertise. 

Applications

Gas Turbines

Steam Turbines

Hydraulic Systems

Compressors

Stationary Engines

Pre-Commissioning

Before starting up a turbine, compressor, or other pieces of rotating equipment, it is important to remove all traces of metal and other hard contaminants left behind during the fabrication and installation process of the lube oil piping. If not removed using a high velocity oil flush, these hard contaminants can find their way to the bearing housing as well as other critical areas and cause irreparable damage.

Preventative Maintenance

As part of a lubrication best practice, it is important to routinely perform a high velocity oil flushing service on critical pieces of equipment. A rule of thumb would be every five years on critical systems and every ten years on non-critical systems.

Catastrophic Failure

Wear metals and other contaminants can be left behind as the result of an unexpected bearing failure. A high velocity oil flush should be used to remove these contaminants before the system is brought back online to reduce the chances of contaminants causing further damage to the system.

Oil Conversion 

When converting to a different lubricating oil, it is sometimes important to use a high velocity oil flush in order to remove all traces of the old oil left behind in the piping. This prevents any non-compatibility issues. A sacrificial charge of the new oil is typically used to remove all residue from the previous product to ensure that the new oil performs as designed.

Our Process

Flush Design & Flow Path Engineering

Our Mechanical Engineers will work with the project team to design the most effective flow path ensuring no part of the unit is left uncleaned. A properly sized flushing unit will be selected to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the project as well as exceed any required Reynolds Number.

 

Pipefitting & Jumper Installation

All necessary piping, fittings, and spool pieces will be removed prior to the installation of all flushing equipment. All critical components not being flushing will be removed, mechanically cleaned, bagged, and tagged until reinstatement.

 

Pre-Startup Inspection

Prior to beginning the circulation phases of the project, IFM technicians and customer representatives will conduct a visual analysis of the entire project. This examination will ensure that IFM’s equipment is correctly and safely applied to the systems being serviced.

 

High Velocity Oil Flush

IFM technicians will perform a HVOF on the system piping. Depending on the customer and/or OEM’s procedures and specifications, the following techniques may be used to dislodge debris and contaminants from the walls of the piping:

• Heat/Cool Cycles
• Active Purging Strategy
• Mechanically Knocking Piping
• Reverse Flow Manifolds

These techniques along with IFM’s proprietary flushing technologies will be utilized to free all debris from the piping. All flushing tactics will be agreed upon in writing through the process and procedure prior to the start of any flushing.

 

Console Inspection / Cleaning

A confined-space entry (if necessary) is performed in order to thoroughly clean the inside of the console. At this time, wet-vacs, squeegees, scrapers, and lint-free rags are used to remove contaminants from the inside of the reservoir. The reservoir including gaskets and suction strainers are inspected for potential signs of ingression or leakage. IFM takes before and after photos that are included in the customer’s post job report.

Learn more about our Reservoir Cleaning Services

 

Verification of Cleanliness

The ISO 4406 or NAS 1638 cleanliness requirement will be established by either the customer or OEM during the planning phase of the project. Typically the inspection test will consist of the following verification methods:
• Pipe Cleanliness – Visual inspection of mesh screens – No visible ferrous or gritty particles
• Oil Cleanliness – 16/14/12 ISO 4406 verified by patch test

 

Post Job Reporting / Documentation

The site POC will receive nightly emails including project status, pictures, daily goals, and budgetary updates. This will be included in a comprehensive post-job report which will be available within 30 days of the completion of the project.

Turn-Key Reliability with IFM

  • Process and Procedures in accordance with API 614 and major OEM oil flushing standards including GE, Elliott, Solar, Dresser-Rand, and Siemens
  • Reliable Quality Flushing Equipment
  • Excellent Contractor-Client Communications
  • Honest and Accurate Bidding
  • Safe, Professional, and Experienced Crews
  • Nightly Job Progress Updates
  • Detailed Post Job Reporting

Our Clients

We work with reliability and maintenance professionals from industry leading manufacturers to improve equipment reliability through quality lubrication.

CONTACT US

Learn how IFM’s high velocity oil flushing services can deliver turn-key reliability to your equipment operations.

Contact an Expert from IFM

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Call Us

(832) 781-0610

Reach Us

10 Rienzi Dr.
Thibodaux, LA 70301

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00 - 5:00 CST

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