Wood River Chemical Clean and Oil Flush

Overview

Frontline executed a turnkey pre-commissioning decontamination process at a facility in Wood River, Nebraska for two interconnecting compressor lube-oil piping systems. The work combined water-based HVCC (degreasing, chelation, passivation), high-velocity oil flushing using FF-2020. Despite heavy construction debris discovered during initial proving, the team sequenced screens and maintained round-the-clock flushing to reach cleanliness targets and prepare the systems for reliable start-up.

Project Objectives

Safety and Efficiency

Efficiently minimize equipment downtime while ensuring all operations are conducted safely, protecting personnel and equipment

Perform High-Velocity Oil Flushing:

Perform high-velocity fluid flushing to eliminate system contamination.

Reservoir & System Decontamination:

Ensure that any remaining fluids meet OEM cleanliness specifications. Execute reservoir and system decontamination to remove any contamination build-up.

Cleanliness Standards

Achieve a final particle count of 16/14/11 or better, per industry standards (API 614), and ensure clean screens free of particulates.

Methodology

Frontline deployed a staged process: water-based HVCC (chemistries 5150/9803) to degrease, chelate, and passivate wetted internals; removal/neutralization of sacrificial fluid. Real-time ISO particle counting and API 614 screening verified progress; optional slip-stream purification was available to maintain spec during run-in as needed.

Process

1. High-Velocity Chemical Cleaning: Full HVCC - 9802

   
   

2. High-Velocity Oil Flush: Pressurized oil flushing throughout the lubrication system using operation oil to remove finer particulates and contaminants.

   
   

   
   

Project Summary

Efficient & Safe

Timely execution, proven methodology, and delivery of a thoroughly cleaned and tested system satisfied our customer’s operational and cleanliness standards, all done in a safe and fast manner.

Increased Equipment Reliability

By removing built-up contaminants, the asset is now better positioned to operate at optimum efficiency and reduce the risk of downstream issues.

Clean Screens & Particle Count

The final particle count for the asset was well below 16/14/11, meeting and exceeding the customer’s requirements.

Conclusion

Frontline successfully prepared the two interconnecting compressor lube-oil systems in Wood River, Nebraska for commissioning by executing the specified HVCC → HVOF → validation workflow and meeting industry targets. The combination of staged screening, high-velocity circulation, and real-time cleanliness verification delivered reliable system readiness for the company’s operations.