Hot Oil Flushing

The procedure of “hot oil flushing” is used to thoroughly clean and lubricate industrial machinery, particularly pipelines and heat exchangers. As a cleaning agent, the heated oil helps to get rid of pollutants like dirt, sludge, rust, and other things that may build up over time.

Industries like oil and gas, petrochemical, power generating, and refining frequently use hot oil flushing. By removing pollutants that can lead to corrosion, blockages, or decreased heat transmission, it helps to enhance the performance and efficiency of equipment, lower the likelihood of operational issues, and lengthen the lifespan of the system. It is often carried either during maintenance or commissioning tasks or as a preventative precaution to guarantee the equipment’s optimal performance.

Pre heating Induction

Here’s a general overview of the hot oil flushing process:

1. Preparation: Before starting the hot oil flushing process, it’s important to prepare the equipment and the system. This includes isolating and draining the equipment to be flushed, removing any removable components, and ensuring that the system is safe for the process.

2. Selection of oil: A suitable oil is chosen for the flushing process. Typically, a high-quality mineral oil with good cleaning properties and high thermal stability is used.

3. Flushing circuit setup: The flushing circuit is set up, which includes connecting hoses, pumps, and filters to create a closed loop for circulating the hot oil through the equipment.

4. Flushing procedure: The flushing procedure begins by filling the equipment with the hot oil. The oil is heated to a predetermined temperature, typically between 140 to 180 degrees Celsius (280 to 355 degrees Fahrenheit), to enhance its cleaning effectiveness. The hot oil is then circulated through the equipment for a specific period, often several hours or even days, depending on the size and condition of the system.

5. Filtration: During the flushing process, filters are used to remove contaminants and debris from the circulating oil. This helps prevent recontamination of the equipment and ensures a thorough cleaning.

6. Monitoring: Throughout the hot oil flushing process, various parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and pressure are monitored to ensure the effectiveness of the cleaning and the safety of the equipment.

7. Completion: Once the flushing process is complete, the hot oil is drained from the system, and the equipment is then flushed with a suitable flushing fluid, such as a solvent or a mild detergent, to remove any remaining residues.