The Benefits of Regular Oil Flushing

Keeping contaminants and debris out of equipment can ensure a long life for machinery. Proper care and cleaning techniques are essential, and while maintenance can be a chore sometimes, it often prevents disaster in the future. Using an immersion heater, refineries located in Houston Texas regularly perform oil flushing, a technique that can help keep industrial equipment in good shape. Oil flushing however, is not a term that is widely known. What is oil flushing? What is involved in the process? As with many cleaning techniques for industrial equipment, there are benefits and a few risks, but the proper care for both equipment and procedure ensures quick delivery of the product, and longer lasting machinery.
 
What is Oil Flushing?
 
In hydraulic and lubrication systems, oil flushing is a procedure using flanged immersion heaters that removes residue build up, dirt, chemicals, oils, water, or any other contaminants from equipment, keeping it clean, safe, and properly functioning. Oil flushing consists of fluid, sometimes containing solvents or detergents to help with the breakdown of debris, being forced through the piping system at a rather high velocity, often higher than the usual flow of liquid through the pipes. This liquid works to pick up or catch debris such as sand, particle buildup, and oil film that adheres to the inside of the pipes. Temperatures of the liquid are raised using an immersion heater, which helps to dissolve some of the contaminants.
 
Why is Oil Flushing Important?
 
As with most industrial facilities around the world, there are certain standards to be met. Cleanliness is key in any corporation, especially when it comes to the equipment used. Not only must the workspace be well cared for, but the machinery and the piping must be as well. The flushing process helps to keep the product clean and the manufacturing operation running smoothly. In addition to making sure industries are meeting the proper standards, keeping pipes clean and clear can help extend the life of lubrication and hydraulic systems, saving money, time, and effort in the long run.
 
How Do Industrial Heaters Fit In?
 
During oil flushing, it is important to make sure the liquid being forced through the piping is hot enough to dissolve the contaminants, or at the very least, work them loose enough to be swept away from what they have become attached to. Industrial heaters, also known as immersion heaters, are lowered into the liquid, heating it on contact and helping to provide the temperature necessary to complete the oil flushing process. Circulation oil heaters using flanged immersion heaters are used to raise the temperature of the oil to extremely high temperatures to complete the task.
 
Are There Risks?
 
The short answer is yes, but such risks are most often overcome with proper preparation. As always, safety measures must be taken and proper procedures followed in order to ensure operator safety at all times. If pipes are not fully connected, or some other avoidable issues arrives, carefully checking over the system can eliminate any potential issues. When examining the risks involved with oil flushing, one must consider several things. Ultimately, different problems can arise with different components or equipment. This includes the oil used, any solvents or detergents to be newly introduced, or leakage after disturbing contaminants close to or attached to seals.
 
In the end, oil flushing with a flanged immersion heater has benefits that far outweigh the risks, ensuring high productivity, clean facilities and equipment, and proper and timely manufacturing. Making sure pipes are clean and machinery is running smoothly can help to ensure your business stays in efficient working order. Avoid issues with cleanliness and prevent wear and tear on hydraulic and lubrication systems by oil flushing after installation and at regular intervals to keep things running smoothly.