Wyoming Offline Decontamination and Fluid Purification - Unit 3

Overview

Frontline Global Services was contracted by a company in Pine Bluffs, WY to provide comprehensive mechanical cleaning and fluid services for a newly installed centrifugal compressor unit. The scope of work included off-line decontamination, high-velocity oil flushing, new fluid purification, and an optional slip-stream run-in process. The project, executed over an 26-day period, ensured the asset met cleanliness and performance standards ahead of commissioning, supporting long-term operational integrity and reliability.

Project Objectives

Safety and Efficiency

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

High-Velocity Oil Flush

Ensure all contaminants are flushed out from the lube oil piping and heat exchanger.

New Fluids

Ensure that fluids meet OEM cleanliness specifications

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

The project followed a structured multi-phase protocol, beginning with pre-flush inspections and staging. Our team utilized proprietary flushing skids and ISO-certified filtration units to achieve fluid cleanliness targets. Real-time monitoring and particle count sampling validated each stage before progression. Final certification was completed in compliance with OEM specifications and client expectations.

Process

1. Reservoir Decontamination (Initial): Initial cleaning and flushing of the reservoir to remove major contaminants and construction debris.

   
   

2. High-Velocity Oil Flush: Executed flush across fluids. Targeted Reynolds number (Re) >20,000 ensuring turbulent flow conditions.

   
   

3. Reservoir Decontamination (Final): Secondary flushing and inspection to ensure the reservoir meets required cleanliness specifications.

   
   

4. Fluid Purification Process: Circulate and filter newly added fluids to ensure they meet ISO 16/14/11 or better.

   
   

5. Final Fluid Fill: System re-inventoried with new, purified Compressor Oil VG- 32, meeting OEM standards.

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 assets are now better positioned to operate at optimum efficiency and reduce the risk of downstream issues.

Clean Screens & Particle Counts

The final particle counts for the assets were below 16/14/11, meeting and exceeding the customer’s requirements.

Conclusion

Frontline Global Services successfully met and exceeded all objectives for Project #630867, delivering a fully decontaminated and fluid-certified system ready for operational startup. The combination of technical precision, flexible field adjustments, and adherence to ISO cleanliness standards ensured long-term performance and reliability for the Atlas Copco Centrifugal Compressor.