Industrial Oil Flushing: Three Crucial Tips for Ensuring Equipment Cleanliness

Posted on: 25 May 2021

If you are planning on conducting oil flushing for your industrial equipment, choose a professional service for the task. This maintenance process is critical for the optimal function of fluid systems. If the flushing process is not effective, the particles and contaminants in the pumps and channels could affect equipment function. Moreover, the residue could damage the internal systems. If you use an oil flushing service, the quality of cleaning will be higher. Consequently, the risk of malfunctions will be reduced. If you would like to handle oil flushing in-house, use the outlined tips to ensure optimal system cleanliness.

Consider a Power Flush

Simple oil flushes are effective for new and well-maintained industrial equipment. In general, the flushing process involves draining the old and dirty fluid. Then, fresh oil is circulated in the system to agitate and remove impurities. This fluid is also drained before the equipment is refilled with oil. Unfortunately, if you have aged and neglected equipment, you will not achieve a good level of cleanliness through this basic oil change.

Therefore, consider using a more aggressive approach for dirty machinery. For example, if the residue on the walls of the pumps and pipes is stubborn, use a chemical flush. As implied, this procedure uses chemicals like acids and solvents to loosen up the dirt in the fluid systems. When the dirt is eliminated, the system is flushed with oil before being refilled. This approach is perfect for tough pollutants, but use it with caution because of corrosion risks.

Plan for Verification

Oil flushing does not guarantee a clean industrial system. If the process is not carried out correctly, the residue in the equipment will remain after the maintenance task. This problem is prominent if the individual handling the servicing is not experienced. Therefore, plan on verifying the effectiveness of your flushing process before resuming equipment use. As implied, verification involves checking the fresh oil for contaminants. If the volume of particles is high, another flush will be needed. The best approach to verification is collecting oil samples and sending them to a lab for analysis. However, you can also use techniques like visual inspection, filtration, straining and observing samples under a microscope.

Schedule Regular Flushes

Finally, plan for regular oil flushes for your equipment. A single flush will eliminate existing contaminants, but the build-up will begin again as soon as the machinery is in use. Maintenance of the right level of cleanliness will require a good schedule. When creating a timetable, consult an oil flushing specialist for professional advice. 

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