![]() ![]() In a properly designed system, contaminants from pumps or motor failures are restricted to a certain part of the system by in-line filters. Cleaning after breakdown, repair or time-based maintenance (inspections, etc.).Ī. Providing for these specific recommendations in the overall plan builds confidence and eliminates costly rework at the end of the project.įlushing Strategies for Systems In-serviceġ. It is important to include verification routines each time a subsystem is connected to the main system. The authorization should be independent of discipline with respect to technical and commercial departments (piping, instrumentation, purchasing, etc). The specialist should also handle cases of procedure deviation from suppliers. Authorize a technical specialist to manage and approve the performance and documentation of flushing procedures. Specify sampling points to be used for condition monitoring - during flushing and in-service.Ħ. Describe standards for flushing connectors (dimensions, placement, etc.) as a part of the design handbook for the engineering contractor.ĥ. Document results as part of the total flushing procedure.Ĥ. The important issue is to prevent spreading infections between systems. Develop a plan for how to systematically control hook-up of subsystems into the main system. Report compliance to the overall program plan.ģ. Make flushing documents for equipment an important part of acceptance checks in your quality assurance program. Request the equipment supplier to perform the flushing as specified and to obtain permission to deviate from the specifications.Ģ. Traceability is as important as liability insurance. It is important to specify any templates required for documentation in order to support the results from fluid analysis. can support your own requirements (these standards are guidelines only). Reexamine if flushing guidelines from API, ASTM, ISO, etc. Include it in all suppliers’ bids and contracts. To transition past flushing practices to best practice, follow these steps:ġ. Although such shortcuts can postpone problems, they don’t always solve them. Shortcuts often become an easy and sometimes preferred choice. This is why the final flushing of complex systems often becomes a challenge for management because of increasing costs and delayed completion and recommissioning. In addition, sufficient requirements for subcontractors regarding procedures and documentation for flushing subsystems are needed. This seldom occurs, for it is not common to design special flushing connection ports, top and bottom air-bleed ports, premounted by-pass loops, etc. Well-planned and well-performed flushing practices give considerable return on investment.īecause flushing is designed as a part of the lifelong maintenance program, preparations for such should be included in the design phase. Two-thirds of the time is used to mobilize flushing equipment and workers, disassemble sensitive components, assemble by-pass lines, connect flushing hoses, preclean the flushing fluid, fill up the system and heat the flushing fluid and piping. Often, due to system design constraints, as little as one-third of the total time is spent on the flushing activity itself. It is important to consider that flushing can become time-consuming, and it may be difficult to predict the time needed to do so. This is because of different procedural methods deployed, but more so because of practical limitations and overall requirements of individual machines. After the flushing, the system experienced no failures in two years.Ī newly fabricated system or one that is in-service requires different approaches for when and how to perform flushing. The cleaning was performed with the system pressurized and in full service. The top sample was from the reservoir after 15 years of service, before proper cleaning. The system had a history of component failures. These samples were taken from a hydraulic system operating in the North Sea. ![]()
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