Marine Vessel Chemical Cleaning and Oil Flushing
Job Scope:
As part of the pre-commissioning process for our client, there is a requirement for cleaning and hot oil flushing various piping systems onboard vessels currently undergoing construction. During the fabrication and implementation of piping systems aboard these vessels, the piping is exposed to moisture, heat and foreign materials, causing rust or debris to be caught inside. These contaminants have the potential to decrease the longevity, and increase maintenance requirements of the machinery components that these pipe systems support.
The Solution:
All necessary equipment of pumps, heaters and hoses were brought to site. Crews began installing temporary equipment and piping to these systems and jumpers at key locations to isolate and protect important machinery that could be damaged by chemicals. AFT implemented various planned stages such as: degreasing, acid wash and passivation. These stages targeted materials to be removed chemically and to preserve the piping once cleaned. Attention for reagents chosen allowed production to continue while flushing was on-going. Waste generated was neutralized and taken off-site. High velocity hot oil flushing was conducted through all the cleaned piping as the final stage.
The Results:
This hot oil flush provided the capability to remove the fine particulate matter within the system. Visual screen and instrumental analysis of the oil were used to confirm progress. The flushing was finished and oil removed from the piping when the analytical results of the oil met and exceeded the flushing standards set by the client. The cleaning was carried out successfully over multiple systems in removing contamination, with AFT accomplishing all requirements for oil flushing set forth. The newly cleaned and flushed piping will lead to decreases in maintenance costs and longevity of equipment for these vessels.