WDAAA116767 - J - 16 Cleaning and Flushing of External Piping

Installation Manual
16 Cleaning and flushing of external

piping
Document ID WDAAA116767j
Date of issue 16.10.2012
Status Approved
INSTRUCTIONS
Classification Confidential
Installation Manual
Table of Contents
16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping................................................................................................ 16-1

16.1. Cleaning procedure............................................................................................................................. 16-1
16.1.1. Steel pipes.................................................................................................................................... 16-1
16.1.2. Stainless steel pipes..................................................................................................................... 16-2
16.2. Pickling of steel pipes.......................................................................................................................... 16-2
16.2.1. Preparation for pickling................................................................................................................. 16-2
16.2.2. Various types of pickling methods................................................................................................ 16-3
16.2.3. Pickling bath.................................................................................................................................. 16-3
16.2.4. Pickling procedures...................................................................................................................... 16-3
16.2.4.1. Citric acid method.................................................................................................................. 16-4
16.2.4.2. Hydrochloric acid method...................................................................................................... 16-5
16.2.4.3. Phosphoric acid method........................................................................................................ 16-6
16.2.5. Neutralizing/rinsing of piping after pickling................................................................................... 16-6
16.3. Pickling of stainless steel pipes........................................................................................................... 16-7
16.3.1. Stainless is not always stainless................................................................................................... 16-7
16.3.2. Chemical surface treatment.......................................................................................................... 16-8
16.3.3. Mechanical surface treatment....................................................................................................... 16-8
16.4. Sandblasting........................................................................................................................................ 16-8
16.5. Flushing of pipes................................................................................................................................. 16-8
16.5.1. Preparation for flushing................................................................................................................. 16-9
16.5.2. Flushing system setup.................................................................................................................. 16-9
16.5.3. Specifying the flushing equipment.............................................................................................. 16-11
16.5.4. Flushing temperature.................................................................................................................. 16-12
16.5.5. Flushing procedure..................................................................................................................... 16-13
16.5.6. After flushing............................................................................................................................... 16-14
16.6. Flushing of external LO piping systems............................................................................................. 16-14
16.6.1. Pipe module final flushing check, W38 & W46 engine................................................................ 16-14
16.6.2. Pipe module final flushing check, W32 engine........................................................................... 16-17
16.6.3. Lube oil filling and emptying pipes.............................................................................................. 16-17
16.7. Flushing of external LFO unloading system...................................................................................... 16-17
16.7.1. Flushing unloading piping with diesel oil.................................................................................... 16-17
16.7.2. Flushing of piping from storage tank to feeder unit and return.................................................. 16-19
16.7.3. Flushing of piping from LFO tank to pipe racks and return........................................................ 16-20
16.7.4. Flushing of fuel piping inside the power house........................................................................... 16-21
16.7.5. Final flushing check of the LFO system...................................................................................... 16-23
16.7.5.1. Part 1 (and 3)........................................................................................................................ 16-24
16.7.5.2. Part 2 (and 4)........................................................................................................................ 16-25
16.8. Flushing of external HFO piping system............................................................................................ 16-27
16.8.1. Hand cleaning of piping between buffer tank, day tank and separator unit............................... 16-27
16.8.2. Flushing of piping between the buffer tank and the separator unit............................................ 16-27
16.8.3. Cleaning of the pipeline from the HFO separator to the HFO day tank...................................... 16-28
16.8.4. Diesel oil flushing of piping from HFO day tank to HFO feeder and return................................ 16-29
16.8.5. Flushing of HFO piping from the day tank up to the pipe racks and return from the pipe racks 16-30
16.8.6. Flushing of the HFO pipeline in the pipe rack and booster connection(s) inside the power house 16-31
16.8.6.1. Flushing the HFO pipes in the pipe rack (step 1)................................................................. 16-32
16.8.6.2. Flushing the booster connections (step 2)........................................................................... 16-33
16.9. Cleaning and flushing of gas systems of SG and DF engines........................................................... 16-33
16.9.1. Cleaning TIG welded carbon steel piping................................................................................... 16-33
16.9.2. Cleaning TIG welded stainless steel piping................................................................................ 16-34
16.9.3. Storing and cleaning of stainless steel pipes.............................................................................. 16-34
16.10. Flushing of compressed air systems............................................................................................... 16-35
16.11. Flushing of cooling water system.................................................................................................... 16-36
16.11.1. Flushing the expansion pipes................................................................................................... 16-36
WDAAA116767j Confidential i
Installation Manual
16.11.2. Flushing the pipes between pipe module and radiators........................................................... 16-36
16.11.3. Flushing the whole cooling radiator system.............................................................................. 16-37
16.11.4. Flushing the pipes between pipe module and cooling tower................................................... 16-37
16.11.5. Flushing the whole cooling tower system................................................................................. 16-37
16.12. Cleaning of steam boilers, steam drums, feed water tanks and related water spaces................... 16-38
16.12.1. Alkaline boiling-out.................................................................................................................... 16-38
16.12.2. Acid boiling-out......................................................................................................................... 16-39
16.12.3. Neutralization boil-out............................................................................................................... 16-40
16.12.4. Passivation................................................................................................................................ 16-40
16.12.5. Inspection, flushing and precautions........................................................................................ 16-40
16.12.6. Boil-out of an oil-fired boiler..................................................................................................... 16-40
16.13. Cleaning of steam pipes and feed water pipes............................................................................... 16-41
16.13.1. Cleaning the pipes between auxiliary boiler, steam header and exhaust gas boilers.............. 16-41
16.13.2. Cleaning the steam pipes between header, pipe rack, consumers inside the power house
and blow-down tank............................................................................................................................... 16-41
16.13.3. Cleaning the steam pipes between header, consumers outside the power house and blow-
down tank............................................................................................................................................... 16-42
ii Confidential WDAAA116767j
Installation Manual 16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping
16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping
16.1 Cleaning procedure
16.1.1 Steel pipes

Properly clean all pipelines between the engine and its auxiliary units, tanks, heat recovery
units, etc. prior to the startup of the plant. Cleanliness is an utmost prerequisite for the
trouble-free operation of the power plant. The various cleaning procedures for pipelines in
different systems are shown in Table 16-1.
All pipes (dimensions) are according to EN 10220.
Table 16-1 Various cleaning methods
System Pipelines A B C D E F G H
Pipes acc. to EN 10305-4,
Fuel oil X X X [1] X
EN 10216-2
Lube oil X X X X
EN 10216-2
Nozzle temp. control X X X X
EN 10216-2
Compressed air X X X
EN 10216-2
Cooling water X X X X
EN 10216-2
District heating X X X
EN 10216-2
Steam Pipes acc. to EN 10217-1 X X X
Natural gas X X X
EN 10216-2
Exhaust gas All pipes X X
Charge air All pipes X X X X
Sludge Pipes acc. to EN 10216-2 X X
[1]
For details, see WDAAA180387.
A = Washing with alkaline solution in hot water at 80 °C for degreasing (to be done only if
pipes are greased)
B = Removing of slag, rust and scaling with tools (steel brush, hammer, etc.) and grinding
welding seams inside the pipe
C = Blowing with compressed air
D = Pickling (refer to section 16.2)
E = Sandblasting or shot blasting (refer to section 16.4)
F = Flushing with lube oil (refer to section 16.5)
G = Flushing with LFO (refer to section 16.5)
H = Flushing with water
D and E are alternative cleaning methods, but only use sandblasting or shot blasting if it is
possible to visually check the cleaning result.
WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-1

16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping Installation Manual
16.1.2 Stainless steel pipes
Storing
Place stainless steel pipes in a dry and ventilated location, if they are to be stored for a long
period. If the pipes are greased, use a non-chlorinated solvent to remove the grease. This
must be done to avoid leaving residue of chlorine ions. The chlorine ions can initiate
crevice, pitting and stress corrosion.
Cleaning
Do not clean stainless steel pipes with any type of metallic wire brush other than stainless
steel. Avoid grinding or polishing with grinding wheels or belt sanders, as they tend to
overheat the surface to the point where corrosion resistance cannot be restored even with
pickling. If a very heavily contaminated stainless steel surface is to be cleaned by
sandblasting, ensure that the sand is truly clean (not recycled). Another method is glass ball
blasting. Do not use blasting methods that could roughen the surface. Do not use steel shot
blasting.
16.2 Pickling of steel pipes

Pickling removes rust, slag, weld spatter, etc. from the pipes. Before starting pickling of a
pipeline construction, mechanically remove all weld spatter, coarse slag, etc. (if accessible),
as described in Table 16-1. Check the cleaning results visually. After completing the
pickling, no further welding is allowed. However, if additional welding of a pickled pipe is
required, pickle the pipe again.
16.2.1 Preparation for pickling

Before the pickling work starts, the following procedures have to be agreed between
Wärtsilä and the pickling Contractor:
● The chemicals used for pickling have to be approved by Wärtsilä.
● The mixing properties have to be agreed and a pre-test must be done.
● The method to be used has to be explained and agreed.
● The equipment to be used has to be verified (pumps, heaters, pools, sealings, bolts and
nuts, etc.).
● The environmental protection has to be agreed (neutralization and discharge).
● Personnel safety equipment has to be reviewed and accepted.
● The pickling method must be verified (see section 16.2.2).
● Passivation and protection must be done before re-installation.
● Final tightening and re-installation (sealings, bolts and nuts, tightening torque, etc.) must
be planned.
● The way of working has to be discussed in detail, in order to get a general understanding
on why, how and for how long time the flushing shall be done.
● Design documents like flow diagrams, lists, etc. have to be identified.
The following documents shall be established at the site:
● Flushing order and time schedule
● Logbook defining the status and progress of work (signed by the Contractor and the
Wärtsilä representative)
16-2 Confidential WDAAA116767j

● Inspection report
○ The report has to be approved by Wärtsilä. The report will be part of the
commissioning report later on.
● Organisation and responsibilities
○ The Contractor and Wärtsilä representative shall each name a person who will have
the authority to sign the reports for each system. The authorized persons shall have
the knowledge to decide on what to look for and to decide when the systems are
acceptably clean.
16.2.2 Various types of pickling methods

The following methods can be used for pickling:
1 Sending the pipes to a shipyard or factory for pickling.
2 Pickling at site pipe by pipe: Disassemble all pipes and fill them one by one with
chemicals according to the pickling procedure. Put blind flanges in one end of the pipes
and lift up the other end of the pipes on some kind of support.
NOTE
The pickling should be done outside the powerhouse, since a lot of toxic fumes
are coming from the solutions (affecting both humans and equipment).
3 Pickling at site: Pickling baths of adequate size, into which the pipes are put for pickling,
are manufactured at site.
4 Pickling at site using a pump for filling the pipes:
● Alternative 1: Take the pipes outside of the building and connect them together into a
loop.
● Alternative 2: Do the pickling inside the building, system by system.
NOTE
Remove all air from the pipes in order to ensure a good pickling result.
For methods 2–4, the following equipment is needed:

● Pools for the chemicals and for hot water
● Heaters for heating of water and for the neutralization solutions
● Compressed air for blowing of the pipes
● Oil for protecting the inside of the pipes (after a Wärtsilä supervisor has accepted the
pickling result).
16.2.3 Pickling bath

Pickling baths should be made of PVC, polyethylene, wood or stainless steel, class AISI
316. The size of the baths must be large enough to fully cover the pipes sunk into the baths
for treatment with pickling chemicals. Heaters for the hot water pool and the neutralizing
pool should be installed.
16.2.4 Pickling procedures

Three different pickling methods are presented: Citric acid, Hydrochloric acid and
Phosphoric acid.

Wärtsilä recommends the use of Citric acid as the first choice in site conditions.
16.2.4.1 Citric acid method
Prerequisites
NOTE
Wash greased pipes with a hot alkaline solution before starting the pickling
procedure.
NOTE
Remove any paint from inside pipes or pipe components.
Complete all steps from 1 to 5 without any interruptions. Long breaks between the steps
might affect the pickling result.
Procedure
1 Pickle the pipes with an acid solution.

Fill the pipes or immerse them in an acid solution of 6–8% citric acid (C6H8O7). Add a bit of
alcohol (methylated spirits) to break down the surface tension, and a squirt or two of
detergent to help with any degreasing.
● The key is to adjust the concentration to the task – light concentration for lightly rusted
items, heavy concentration for encrusted items.
● Remember to put the powder into the water, not the other way around.
● Using heated (the hotter the better) water (60–80 °C) speeds the process.
● The acid is working when you notice bubbles rising.
De-rusting can take 2-4 hours depending on the condition of the pipe and the
concentration/temperature of the solution. It is possible to cut a test piece of the same pipe
material and put it in a plastic bucket that contains the same citric acid solution. By
monitoring the test piece, it is possible to determine the proper processing time.
When pickling at site and using a pump to circulate the solution, the pump pressure and
flow depend on the pipe system to which the pump is connected. The main idea is that the
pickled pipes are full of solution and the solution circulates.
Product information:
● Name: Citric acid monohydrate, E330
● Importer: Algol Chemicals Oy
● Foreign producer: Jungbunzlauer B.V.
NOTE
Remember that you are working with an acid. Citric acid is irritating to eyes and
may cause skin irritation. Always use proper protection (rubber gloves and
boots, protective glasses). If the ventilation is poor, or if working for long times
close to the acid, a mask should be used to prevent inhalation of toxic fumes.
2 Blow the lines with compressed air to remove all pickling solution.
3 Rinse the pickled pipe properly with a sufficient amount of hot water and blow with
dry compressed air immediately after the rinse.

4 Check the result.

● A Wärtsilä supervisor must check the result. If the result is not good, repeat the pickling
procedure. After the pickling result is approved by Wärtsilä, fill the pipes with protection
oil.
5 Plug the pipes when they are dry at the inside surface.
Postrequisites
NOTE
To avoid corrosion of the pipes, start the flushing immediately after the pickling
procedure. Make sure that the water is clean. The use of dirty water might affect
the pickling result.
Disposal considerations:
● Crystal or flour can be disposed of as a solid waste or burned in a suitable installation
subject to the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.
● Small amounts of citric acid solution can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of
water (the pH value must be between 6 and 11), unless local rules prohibit this.
● For large amount, discuss with the local sewerage station how to handle the solution.
16.2.4.2 Hydrochloric acid method
Prerequisites
NOTE
Wash greased pipes with a hot alkaline solution before starting the pickling
procedure.
Complete all steps from 1 to 8 without any interruptions. Long breaks between the steps
might affect the pickling result.
Procedure
1 Pickle the pipes with an acid solution.

Fill the pipes or immerse them in an acid solution of 10% hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 10%
formalin inhibitor (HCHO) for 4–5 hours.
Examples of brands:
● Armohib 28
● Rhodine 213
● Metacorr AC1100.
CAUTION
Remember that you are working with an acid. Always use proper protection
(rubber gloves and boots, protective glasses). If the ventilation is poor, or if
working for long times close to the acid, a mask should be used to prevent
inhalation of toxic fumes.
2 Blow the lines with compressed air to remove all pickling solution.
3 Rinse the pipes with hot water at 70 °C.
4 Perform the neutralization.

Fill the pipes or immerse them in a neutralizing solution of 10% caustic soda (NaOH) and 50
g Na3PO4 (sodiumtriphosphate) per litre.
The temperature of the neutralizing solution should be 40–50 °C. Keep the pipes in the
solution for 20 minutes.
CAUTION
Remember that you are working with an alkaline. Always use proper protection
(rubber gloves and boots, protection glasses). If the ventilation is poor or if you
are working long times close to the solution, wear a mask to prevent inhalation
of toxic fumes.
5 Blow the lines with compressed air.

6 Rinse with hot water at 70 °C.
7 Check the pickling result.
● A Wärtsilä supervisor must check the result. If the result is not good, repeat the pickling
procedure. After the pickling result is approved by Wärtsilä, fill the pipes with protective
oil.
8 Put protection covers on the pipe ends.
Postrequisites
NOTE
To avoid corrosion of the pipes, start the flushing immediately after the pickling
procedure. Make sure that the hot water is clean. The use of dirty water might
affect the pickling result.
16.2.4.3 Phosphoric acid method

When using the phosphoric acid method, the pipes are immersed in a pickling bath. Do not
use this method on site.
Pickle the pipes in 15–72% phosphoric acid for a time of 20 minutes to four hours. The
recommended pickling temperature is 45 °C. Check the concentration of the pickling
solution regularly and add acid if the check shows a low concentration. This chemical is
suitable to use for steel, aluminium and zinc. Generally, the supplier's recommendation has
to be followed.
Example of brand:
● Antox Supra.
16.2.5 Neutralizing/rinsing of piping after pickling

Rinse the pickled pipe properly with a sufficient amount of hot water and corrosion inhibitor
at 60 °C, and blow with dry compressed air immediately after the rinse. Steam can also be
used to rinse the pipes from pickling solution. It is important to remove the pickling solution
completely from the pipe in all bends and possible pockets inside the pipe. Plug the pipes
when they are dry on the inside surface. If the pipes are stored for a long time (days) in a
corrosive environment without protection, corrosion will take place and the pickling has to
be repeated.
WARNING
Always remember that you are working with an acid. Make sure that your skin is
covered and you are using protective glasses.

16.3 Pickling of stainless steel pipes

Use these instructions for guidance and information only. Always obtain valid instructions
from the supplier of the pickling chemicals for each specific project.
16.3.1 Stainless is not always stainless

The concept of "stainless" or "rust-free" steel must be qualified. Common stainless steel
will not usually rust when exposed to normal atmospheric conditions; but in other
surroundings, e.g. in acids or in water containing chlorides, the risk for corrosion increases.
The fact that stainless does not rust in many situations does not mean that the metal itself
is noble.
The corrosion resistance is due to the steel surface reacting to oxygen, which results in the
formation of a thin protective layer that prevents corrosion. The oxide layer, consisting
mainly of chromium oxide, is called a passive layer, and the process of building the layer is
called passivation. Corrosion of the stainless steel may occur when this thin, protective
oxide layer is damaged, disturbed, or depleted in chromium. Chromium depletion often
happens during exposure to high temperatures, for example during welding.
The need for postweld treatment of stainless steel welds

A protective oxide layer can be rebuilt if both the weld heat tint and the underlying
chromium depleted layer are removed in the proper manner. The corrosion resistance of the
stainless steel will then be restored. There are two ways to do this:
● Chemical surface treatment
● Mechanical surface treatment.
Chemical treatment means that the damaged oxide layer is dissolved, usually with acid
solutions. There are two main methods: pickling and electrolytic polishing. Mechanical
treatment means that the surface layer is removed by grinding, abrasive blasting or
brushing.
Pickling is the superior method

Research has been carried out to evaluate which method produces the best corrosion
resistance. The comparisons show that pickling is the best method for achieving optimum
corrosion resistance.
Requirements for successful pickling

The pickling agent needs to adhere well to the surface. Different pickling products are
available on the market: pickling paste, pickling gel, and pickling solution. Pickling paste is
often preferred because it adheres best to the stainless surface, and neither runs nor falls
off. Additionally, paste is more worker friendly, in that the splash danger is minimized. The
agent should remove all heat tint, the underlying chromium depleted layer, as well as
residual slag. The pickling agent should, under normal conditions (15–22 °C), give a clean
surface after about an hour.
The following accessories are necessary when pickling:
● A suitable acid burn ointment for treating small areas of the skin that may have come in
contact with pickling acid.
● A "neutralising agent" for treating the resulting wash water after pickling. The wash water
is acidic, and contains heavy metals dissolved from the stainless steel.
● An indicator, which facilitates spray-pickling through its colour and at the same time
reduces the formation of hazardous nitric fumes.

16.3.2 Chemical surface treatment

When pickling, the metal oxides are dissolved by the combination of hydrofluoric and nitric
acids. These acids dissolve the heat tint and the underlying chromium depleted zone. The
clean surface is then re-passivated rapidly by the oxygen in the air, and thus the welded
object achieves an optimal (for the alloy) corrosion resistance. This method is technically
superior for the surface treatment of stainless steel since it removes, through chemical
action, any areas of inferior corrosion resistance on the surface. The disadvantage is that
pickling acids are corrosive and poisonous, and must be handled with care.
Electrolytic polishing is an electrochemical pickling method which requires costly
equipment. It requires that the object be immersed in a bath, which can be difficult for large
fabrications. Portable units do exist, but they are generally limited to the cleaning of
relatively smooth surfaces (80–400 grit).
16.3.3 Mechanical surface treatment

Grinding can be done with a rotating abrasive disc, or with coarse abrasive coated papers.
If this method is correctly done, it gives good results. Heat tint and weld spatter are
efficiently removed. However, the resultant rough grinding marks (more than 120 grit
roughness) are areas where localized corrosion may start, especially pitting, crevice
corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. This means that a further treatment after grinding
should be done, e.g. a mechanical polishing followed by a chemical cleaning or passivation.
Shot blasting or peening is the process where glass beads, or abrasive particles such as
corundum or olivine sand of varying size are sprayed with high pressure against the surface.
It needs to be done at a sufficiently oblique angle to prevent blasting particles into the
surface. Done properly, blasting is a quick and effective way of removing heat tint, but not
always the underlying chromium depleted layer. Depending on the abrasive particle size, it
may leave a too rough surface. High demands are also made on the cleanliness of the blast
media, especially for iron contamination.
Brushing with a stainless steel wire brush can be used when surface quality requirements
are lower, e.g. on the outside of pipes and equipment.
16.4 Sandblasting
Sandblasting is used in the cleaning of pipelines when pickling is not enough, but it is not
an alternative for pickling. When sandblasting, ensure that no harmful particles are left
inside the pipelines. Also remember the limitation of sandblasting: use it only if it is possible
to visually check the cleaning result.
16.5 Flushing of pipes

The purpose of the flushing is to remove all debris and foreign material, which could cause
damage to the engine or to auxiliary equipment, from the pipelines.
NOTE
The flushing tank, heater, pump, filters, pipes and hoses are not included in the
Wärtsilä supply.

16.5.1 Preparation for flushing

Before the flushing work starts, the following procedures have to be agreed between
Wärtsilä and the flushing (pickling) subcontractor:
● The flushing media has to be decided (LFO, lube oil, water, depending on the line to be
cleaned).
● The method to be used has to be explained and agreed (mesh sizes, check points and
checking intervals).
● The equipment to be used has to be verified (pumps, heaters, pools, sealings, bolts and
nuts, etc.).
● The working areas and environmental protection must be agreed (neutralization and
discharge of the flushing media).
● Personnel safety equipment has to be reviewed and accepted.
● The pipe routing and looping must be identified and agreed.
● Passivation and protection must be done before re-installation.
● Final tightening and re-installation (sealings, bolts and nuts, tightening torque, etc.) must
be planned.
● The way of working has to be discussed in detail, in order to get a general understanding
on why, how and for how long time the flushing shall be done.
● Design documents like flow diagrams, lists, etc. have to be identified.
The following documents shall be established at site:
● Flushing order and time schedule
● Logbook defining the status and progress of the work (signed by the Contractor and
Wärtsilä representative)
● Inspection report
○ The report has to be approved by Wärtsilä. The report will be part of the
commissioning report later on.
● Organisation and responsibilities.
○ The Contractor and Wärtsilä representative shall each name a person who will have
the authority to sign the reports for each system. The authorized persons shall have
the knowledge to decide on what to look for and to decide when the systems are
acceptably clean.
16.5.2 Flushing system setup

To perform the flushing at the site, build a movable flushing system. The flushing system set
up is shown in Fig 16-1.
NOTE
Drain the flushing tank regularly to remove condensed water from the tank.
Install flushing filters horizontally to the return line just before the flushing oil
tank. See Fig 16-2.

Fig 16-1 Flushing unit for external piping GUID-E6EB7112-6643-46CA-9F42-923CD8C0798D v1
Table 16-2 Flushing system equipment
Item No Pieces Part

1 1 Flushing oil tank (normal steel or stainless steel)
2 1 Heater with temperature controller (electric or steam)
3 1 Ventilation filter
4 1 Manhole
5 1 Temperature indicator
6 1 Closing valve
7 1 Strainer (safety filter for flushing pump)
8 1 Pump with electric motor (screw pump or impeller pump)
9 8 Closing valve
10 2 Flexible rubber hoses (industrial type for pipe connections)
11 2 Pressure indicator
12 2 Flushing filter (see Fig 16-2)

Fig 16-2 Flushing filter GUID-5079C561-9AE0-45EE-ABB6-AA1BB0ECC52F v1
16.5.3 Specifying the flushing equipment

When choosing the flushing pump, tank, heater capacity and filter size, determine the
following values for the different systems:
● Flow rate in each system
● Operating temperature of the liquids
● Liquid volume in the system plus the tank and piping.
The flushing pump capacity is directly related to the flushing time and also to the flushing
result. The heater capacity has to be calculated (the flushing temperature must be at least
be the same as the temperature during normal operation).
The capacity of the flushing pump should be dimensioned so that the Reynolds number
(Re) exceeds 25000. For the inner pipe diameter, the largest pipe size in the system shall be
used. A higher oil temperature decreases the viscosity and consequently increases the
Reynolds number. The cleaning efficiency increases with the Reynolds number. A Reynolds
number of 25000 is considered the lower limit for efficient cleaning.
Where:
∂ = Viscosity [cSt]
d = Pipe inside diameter [mm]
Q = Flow [l/min]
Re = Reynolds number
Example:
Flushing oil Shell Tellus TX 32
∂ = 10 cSt at 80 °C
d = 150 mm
Q = 1770 l/min

or
Table 16-3 Minimum flow capacity for different pipe diameters
DN Flow (l/min) for Shell Tellus at 80 °C, Re = 25000

25 336
32 442
40 508
50 643
65 829
80 973
100 1263
125 1545
150 1879
200 2445
Fig 16-3 Flushing flow rate for different pipe size GUID-F0F44DB0-3D76-4938-A506-4F54939B7793 v1
16.5.4 Flushing temperature

The temperature of the flushing oil is very important to achieve optimal flushing results. The
flushing temperature must be at least the same as the temperature during normal operation.
The relationship between the Reynolds number and the oil temperature and viscosity is
shown in Fig 16-4 and Fig 16-5. The diagrams are based on the flow rate in Table 16-3.

Fig 16-4 Reynolds number variation depending on temperature

(Shell Tellus TX 32) GUID-78F1B807-956A-4914-B59C-23AF7FF847AD v1
Fig 16-5 Reynolds number variation depending on viscosity

GUID-36C42928-06C1-448A-8D7D-1510F1AE7BD6 v1
16.5.5 Flushing procedure

During the flushing, inspect the filters regularly and clean them when necessary, according
to the flushing procedure.
Use the following flushing filters:
● 30 mesh ≈ 0.5 mm
● 60 mesh ≈ 0.25 mm
● 100 mesh ≈ 0.15 mm.
NOTE
For more detailed information concerning screens and mesh, refer to chapter 1.
Start the flushing with the 30 mesh, continue with the 60 mesh and finally use the 100
mesh. If the pipes are very clean, the 100 mesh can be used directly. The systems that
should be flushed with these meshes are:
● lubricating oil piping
● LFO piping
● HFO piping
● nozzle heating piping.

Perform the flushing systematically according to the flow diagrams. Complete the flushing
for one engine at a time and only one step at a time. First flush the lubricating oil system,
then the LFO system and finally the HFO system.
16.5.6 After flushing
Procedure
1 Drain the entire system of flushing oil.

2 Dismount some pipes and check visually that the pipes are clean.
Place a piece of paper or cloth on the floor. Hold the pipes vertically by hand above the
paper sheet, give a couple of blows with a hammer on the pipe and check that no debris
comes out. If debris is found on the paper, clean the whole pipe system again. Also check
any hidden spaces inside the piping by means of a swivelled mirror.
3 If the piping system includes valves, such as thermostatic valves, disconnect and
drain them one by one to ensure that no flushing oil is left in them.
4 Plug all pipelines and ensure that no dirt can enter the system.
Remove the plugs at the last moment before the remounting of the pipework.
5 If the engine oil sump was used as flushing tank, drain the sump and clean it properly
from flushing oil.
Sweep the sump bottom with a magnetic pick-up to verify an acceptable result.
6 As soon as the sump has been cleaned from all flushing oil, shut the crankcase
covers and seal them.
If possible, fill up the sump right after completing the flushing.
CAUTION
Reuse of flushing oil as engine or system oil is forbidden!
16.6 Flushing of external LO piping systems

Since the arrangement to flush a large system requires planning and material procurement
locally, be prepared to reserve time well enough in advance to comply with the erection
schedule. Note that a flushing unit is not available even by request from the product
factories nor network offices. In general, the required hoses and accessories must be
purchased locally and a team must be assigned to carry out the flushing.
16.6.1 Pipe module final flushing check, W38 & W46 engine
See the flow diagram WDAAA167409.
Perform the final flushing check after the pipe and cooler module assembly has been
completed.
NOTE
The flushing of the pipe module must be supervised.

Procedure
1 Fabricate all needed equipment: flushing tank, hose connections and flushing filters.
Carry out a pickling cleaning on all steel equipment. See drawing WDAAA167687.
2 Install the flushing tank slightly higher than the pre-lubrication pump, to avoid harmful
cavitation.
If an electrical heater is used for heating the flushing oil, install it in the flushing tank.
3 Open the pipe module lube oil connections number 201, 204 and 205, located on the
engine side. If a lube oil separator is used for heating the flushing oil, open number
213 and 214 as well.
Visually inspect the inside of the piping and clean it if it is dirty.
4 Install all hoses, couplings and flushing filters.
See drawing WDAAA180309.
Carefully tighten the connections and make sure that there are no loose parts or any dirt
inside the pipes or hoses. Cover the flushing tank with a tarpaulin.
5 Visually inspect the pipe and cooler module.
Check that all flange connections are tight and that they have gaskets.
6 Follow the pipe/cooler module lube oil pipe flow diagram and do the following:
● Check the position of the non-return valve and open the closing valve after the pre-
lubrication pump.
● Open the inlet and outlet valves of the lube oil cooler.
● Close the inlet and outlet valves of the automatic filter.
● Open the automatic filter bypass valve.
● Open the lube oil safety filter top covers (two).
● Take out the filters from the safety filter; cover and store them in a dry place. Do the
same with the filter tightening nuts.
● Inspect visually the cleanness of the inside of the safety filter; check the condition of the
cover’s O-ring gasket and reinstall the covers on the filter.
● Close the drain valves at the bottom of the lube oil safety filter and if the piping has
several drain valves, close them all.
● In order to fill the system with flushing oil, turn the change-over valve’s position from the
safety filter to both filters.
● Close the drain valve from the hose coupling number 201.
● Open the valve from the hose coupling number 204.
● If a lube oil separator is used for heating the flushing oil, check the hoses, pipes and the
position of the valves leading from the separator. Close the valve.
7 Install the flushing mesh to the filters on top of the flushing tank.
Start with mesh 60.
8 Fill the flushing tank with clean oil (fill through a fine filter).
Check that there are no leaks.
9 Start heating the oil.
Stop the heating when the temperature of the oil reaches 60 °C.

NOTE
Check the cable connection of the heater. Continuously check the oil
temperature. When using the LO separator for oil circulation, monitor the
flushing oil pressure and temperature. When the flushing oil pressure has
increased by 2 bar from the starting pressure, stop the flushing and clean the
mesh.
10 Fill the pump and the motor bearings with grease according to the service manual.
Check the direction of rotation for the pre-lube oil pump. Turn the pump pressure adjusting
screw a few rounds anticlockwise in order to decrease the pressure. Check the level in
flushing oil tank.
11 Start filling the system.
Run the pump for a few seconds only and top up the tank when required until the system is
filled up. Open the venting valves at the LO cooler and the safety filter during the filling.
Close the valves when oil starts to come out. Turn the safety filter change-over valve to the
one-filter position.
12 When the flushing oil tank is full and oil is circulating from the flushing tank to the pipe
module and returning back to the tank via the flushing filter, adjust the oil pressure to
1 bar.
Record the starting pressure and use it as reference pressure for deciding when the mesh
has to be cleaned.
13 During the flushing, observe the following important things:
● Open or close the valve from connection 204 every 3 or 4 hours.
● Check the temperatures of the casing and bearings.
● Check that pump does not cavitate.
● Check the oil level in the tank and the temperature of the oil. Check that there are no
leaks.
● Check the filters every 4 hours.
● Change to mesh 100 when, after 4 hours of flushing, no more dirt is trapped in mesh 60.
(Note: minimum flushing time is 4 hours.)
● When no more particles are trapped in mesh 100 after 4 hours running, stop the oil
heating and circulation.
● Let the oil temperature drop to 40 °C and start the flushing again. The job is ready when
after 4 hours of flushing no particles can be found in the mesh 100.
● Change the valve position of the safety filter to “change-over valve”.
NOTE
The flushing result has to be inspected and approved by personnel authorized
by Wärtsilä.
14 Disassemble the flushing arrangement.

a Disconnect the power supply.
b Empty the flushing tank to clean barrels.
Use the mobile LO transfer pump.
c Connect the mobile pump to the hose coupling 2/201 drain valve and empty the
piping system.

Start the pre-lubricating oil pump a few seconds also in order to empty the suction side.
When the system is drained, disconnect the power supply to the pre-lubricating pump.
Open the venting valves of the LO cooler and the safety filter.
d If the LO separator was used for heating, drain the hoses, piping and separator.
Disconnect the hoses and couplings. Do not let oil drip on the floor. Inspect the piping.
Drain the remaining oil from the pipes with the mobile pump. Cover connections 213 and
214 with temporary plastic caps. Check the cleanness of the separator inlet strainer.
e Drain thoroughly and disconnect all flushing devices. Inspect the piping.
15 Install the filter cartridges in the safety filter.
a Open the top covers.
b Pump out the oil from the chambers.
c Open the drain valves, and inspect and clean the filter chambers.
d Take new filters from the store (inspect cleanness before installation).
e Check the cleanness of covers and the condition of O-rings.
f Install the covers to the filters.
g Close the drain and venting valves.
16 Start the bellow assembly from the middle of the pipe module/engine.
See the installation instructions. Check that all draining and venting valves are closed.
The pipe module is now ready for the start of the commissioning.
16.6.2 Pipe module final flushing check, W32 engine

See final flushing for W32 module, document number WDAAA182786. For external
systems, see this instruction.
16.6.3 Lube oil filling and emptying pipes

See the flow diagram, document number WDAAA175712 and WDAAA175775.
16.7 Flushing of external LFO unloading system
16.7.1 Flushing unloading piping with diesel oil

NOTE
Never leave the flushing process unsupervised. Do not let the pump run dry.
Keep an eye on the pump bearing temperatures. Before flushing, clean all the
temporary steel piping materials (used for flushing) with a pickling solution. For
flushing with diesel oil, extra pipes and flushing filter are not included in the
Wärtsilä scope of supply.
Procedure
1 Install the flushing tank slightly higher than the unloading pump unit.
2 Connect the flushing or unloading hose (2) from the flushing tank to the unloading
pump unit.

The hose has to be a reinforced rubber hose of the same diameter as the suction piping, or
larger.
3 If the suction piping before the unloading pump unit is long, equip the unit suction
strainers (4) with a flushing mesh.
Begin with mesh size 30 and end with size 100.
4 Turn the vertical part of the filling pipe leading to the LFO storage tank down towards
the ground, in order to make the flushing easier and faster. Connect the flushing hose
(2) from the end of the piping (11) to the flushing filter at the top of the flushing tank
(1).
The hose has to be of the same size as the piping or at least 3" in diameter. If the distance
between the LFO storage tank and the unloading pump unit is long, a piece of some other
suitable pipeline can be used for the return. Make sure that the pipeline used has been
cleaned with pickling solution first.
5 If the unloading system has been equipped with a flow meter, bypass the meter to
begin with.
Let the flushing pass through the meter only during the last few hours of the process.
6 Double-check all connections and venting devices. Inspect the flushing tank, clean it
and fill it with clean flushing oil. Check that there are no leaks.
7 If needed, install a mesh of size 30 inside the flushing filter as well as in the unloading
pump unit suction strainer.
8 Grease the pump bearings in accordance with the pump manual before the pumps are
started. Check that the inlet and outlet valves are open and that the pump rotates in
the correct direction.
9 Start by slowly filling the pipes with flushing oil. Only run the pump for short periods of
time. Check the flushing oil level in the flushing tank and check for leaks.
10 Begin by running one pump. Carefully vent the air and make a note of the suction
pressure and the pressure after the pumps.
Rising pressures indicate that the flushing mesh is dirty and that the pumps must be
stopped for cleaning of the mesh.
11 Start the other pump and check the pressures.
If the pressures are too high, or the pumps are cavitating, or the flushing diesel oil begins to
foam excessively; stop one of the pumps for a while.
12 Begin flushing using a mesh of size 30. When the mesh stays almost clean, continue
with mesh size 60, and finally size 100. During the flushing, gently hammer the welding
seams.
Cover the flushing tank openings during the flushing. To avoid water in the oil, drain the
flushing tank regularly.
13 The flushing is ready when after three hours of continuous circulation mesh 100 is
free of any sand, metal, dirt or other harmful particles.
14 If the unloading system will be out of use for a longer period of time, fill the system
with clean diesel oil.
Mix the flushing oil with 25–50% engine oil and circulate it in the piping for a few hours to
give protection.
15 When the flushing has been approved, drain the whole system.
Use oil barrels or similar for storing the flushing oil.

NOTE
Do not let the oil leak onto the ground.
16 Open a flange connection and inspect the cleaning.

17 Reassemble the unloading system, close draining and venting devices and cover the
suction hose inlet.
16.7.2 Flushing of piping from storage tank to feeder unit and

return
NOTE
Before flushing, clean all the temporary steel piping materials (used for flushing)
with a pickling solution. Never leave the flushing process unsupervised. Do not
allow the pump to run dry. Keep an eye on the temperatures of pump bearings
and electric motors.
Procedure
1 If the LFO tank is larger than 150 cubic metres, or the tank is not completely ready, or
it has already been filled with clean fuel, use a separate flushing tank (400 l or larger).
2 If a separate flushing tank has to be used, separate the piping from the LFO storage
tank by closing the valve and installing a blind flange on the valve for safety reasons.
3 Install the flushing tank slightly higher than the LFO feeder unit and in a suitable place
near the LFO storage tank.
4 Connect a hose or steel pipe between the flushing tank (1) and the pipeline leading
from the storage tank to the feeder.
The hose has to be a reinforced rubber hose of good quality and of the same diameter as
the piping, or larger. Mount the hose as straight as possible.
5 Check the piping leading from the storage or flushing tank to the LFO feeder as well
as the venting and drain devices and flange connections.
6 Check the condition of the LFO feeder unit and install a flushing mesh of size 30 in the
suction strainers (11).
7 Close the feeder outlet valve and, for safety reasons, install a blind plate between the
flanges in the outlet of the feeder as well as in the piping between the feeder and the
pipe rack/booster.
8 Loosen the tension adjusting screw in the feeder’s pressure control valve or replace
the valve with a pipe spool. Cover the valve and store it in a dry place.
9 Check the return piping from the LFO feeder to the LFO storage tank. Also check
venting/draining devices and flange connections.
10 Install and connect the flushing filter in a suitable place at the end of the return piping
between the storage tank and the pipe flange connection. Alternatively, install the
flushing filter in the manhole at the top of the storage tank or the flushing tank and
connect it to the return pipe with a hose or pipe of the same diameter as the pipeline.
11 Install a mesh of size 30 inside the flushing filter.
12 Inspect the tank to make sure it is clean and fill the tank with clean flushing oil.

Use a filter when filling the tank. Check that there are no leaks.
13 Grease the pump bearings in accordance with the pump manual. Open the inlet valve
of the feeder unit and check that the pump rotates properly.
14 Slowly start to fill the piping with flushing oil.
Only run the pump for short periods of time. Check the oil level in the flushing tank and
check for leaks. Carefully vent the air from all pipes.
15 Run the pump and make a note of the suction pressure and the pressure after the
pump.
Increasing pressure during flushing indicates that the flushing mesh is dirty. Stop the
pumps and clean the mesh.
16 If the unit has two feeder pumps for LFO, start the second pump as well. Check the
pressures.
If the pressures are not too high and the pumps are not cavitating, use both pumps for
flushing. If the oil starts to foam excessively, stop one of the pumps for a while.
17 Begin flushing using mesh size 30. When the mesh is clean, change to mesh 60 and
finally to mesh 100. Gently hammer the welding seams during the flushing.
To avoid water in the oil, drain the flushing tank at regular intervals. Cover the flushing tank
openings during the flushing.
18 The flushing is complete, when after three hours of continuous circulation using mesh
100), the mesh is free of any sand, metal, dirt or other harmful particles.
19 Before ending the flushing, check the pressure regulating valve adjusting screw. If it
has loosened, adjust the feeder line pressure back to 4 bar. (This is needed for the
following part of the flushing). If the valve was removed, reinstall it and test the
working pressure.
20 Drain the piping slightly and open a flange connection in order to check if the pipes
are clean.
Postrequisites
Do not remove the flushing arrangement if some of it is needed later on.
16.7.3 Flushing of piping from LFO tank to pipe racks and return
NOTE
Before flushing, clean all the temporary steel piping materials with a pickling
solution. Never leave the flushing process unsupervised. Do not allow the pump
to run dry. Keep an eye on the temperatures of pump bearings and electric
motors.
Procedure
1 Check that the LFO feeder outlet valve is closed. Remove the blind plate or flange and
connect the outlet piping to the feeder.
Do not let oil leak onto the floor.
2 Check the piping leading from the feeder up to the pipe racks inside the power house.
Check the flange connections, the venting and draining devices and the position of
the valves. If the pipeline has an external connection to other LFO consumers,
separate the pipe from the main pipeline and install a blind plate or flange at the
nearest place.

Flush the pipe for other LFO consumers together with other smaller piping.
3 Separate the LFO inlet pipe and the return fuel pipe from the pipe racks. Fabricate and
install a bypass with a flushing filter. Install a mesh of size 30 inside the filter.
All steel parts must be cleaned with pickling solution.
4 Check the return piping from the bypass up to the LFO storage tank. Also check
flange connections, and venting and draining devices.
If the pipeline has the option of a flow meter, turn the valves to the bypass position. Only let
the flushing oil pass through the meter for the last few hours of the process.
5 Lock the return line valve(s) position to the LFO storage tank position..
6 Connect the flushing hose between the pipeline (after the three-way valve) and the
flushing filter arrangement. Disconnect the suction pipe from the storage tank as well
as the pipeline from the safety valve and install the flushing hoses number 16 and 17.
7 Install a mesh of size 30 inside the flushing filter and a mesh of size 60 inside the
suction strainer in the LFO feeder.
8 Check the oil level in the flushing tank, and open the valves in the feeder and the pipe
to check for leaks.
9 Start filling the piping with flushing oil.
Run the pumps only for short periods of time and vent the pipes at the same time.
10 When the whole system has been filled with oil and the air has been vented, start
running the pumps continuously. Make a note of the suction and line pressures.
Rising pressures during the flushing indicate that the mesh is dirty. Stop the pumps and
clean the filter.
11 During the flushing, perform the following important checks and actions:
● Gently hammer the welding seams with a hammer or a piece of pipe.
● Check that there are no leaks.
● Check the flushing oil level in the tank.
● Check that there is no cavitation noise from the pumps and check the casing
temperatures.
12 Begin the flushing process using a mesh 30. When the mesh is clean, change to mesh
60 and finally to mesh 100.
The flushing is ready when after 3–4 hours of continuous flushing with mesh 100, the mesh
is free of sand, metal, dirt or any other harmful particles. The person responsible for the
flushing must approve the piping cleanness before the flushing is terminated.
13 If the pipes will be out of use for a longer period of time, fill them with LFO. During the
last hours of the flushing procedure, mix the flushing oil with engine oil to give
protection to the pipes.
14 In order for the flushing to be approved, drain the piping and open a few flange
connections to inspect the cleanness of the piping.
15 Remove all flushing equipment and install the piping permanently. Remove the
flushing mesh from the suction strainers. Close all valves.
16.7.4 Flushing of fuel piping inside the power house


Example: If the plan is to start with DG1 or DG2 (both using the same booster unit), flush
the piping marked with dashed flow lines first and the piping marked with divided flow lines
next. Parts of DG3 and DG4 need to be flushed together with the first pipes in order to
avoid any extra isolation valves. WDAAA204630.
NOTE
Never leave the flushing process unsupervised.
Procedure
1 Finish the pipe installation and check that all pipes have the needed equipment,
draining and venting devices.
2 After the piping assembly has been approved, mark all pipes on location and in their
correct positions.
3 Disassemble all pipes and transport them to the testing and cleaning area outside the
power house.
4 Connect the pipes in a way that is suitable for the flushing. In order to avoid air
pockets, install temporary venting plugs.
Plan the flushing flow in such a direction that it first passes through the pipes of larger
diameter and passes last through the pipes of the smallest diameter in the end of the
flushing loop. Do not install any valves or instruments because the pickling solution will
damage them.
5 Carry out a pressure test with water and carefully vent the air.
6 Do the pickling by circulating the acid in the piping loop.
Use a suitable acid-proof pump and equipment. Vent the air carefully.
7 Open a few flanges after neutralizing and check the result of the cleaning. If the pipes
are still rusty, repeat the pickling process.
8 Start the flushing as soon as possible after the pickling.
Flushing equipment needed:
● Flushing tank, 400 l or larger
● Heavy-duty suction filter and isolation valves
● Flushing pump with large flow capacity, more than 30 cubic metres/hour – preferably a
pump that has a pressure regulating valve
● Reinforced hoses of good quality, 5–10 cm in diameter
● Heavy-duty hose couplings
● Flushing filter with large filter mesh surface and mesh sizes 30, 60 and 100
● Pressure gauge 0–6 bar
● Clean diesel oil.
9 Assemble the flushing equipment according to drawing WDAAA169857.
10 Double-check all connections, inspect the cleanness of the flushing tank and fill it
with clean diesel oil for flushing. Check that there are no leaks.
Only run the pump for short periods of time. Check the oil level in the tank.
13 After filling the pipes, run the flushing pump and carefully vent the air.

Make a note of the flushing pressure, because a pressure increase during the flushing can
indicate that the mesh is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
14 Begin flushing the pipes with mesh 30. When the mesh is clean, change to mesh 60
and finally to mesh 100.
During the flushing, gently hammer the welding seams. Cover the flushing tank during the
flushing procedure.
15 The flushing is ready when, after 3–4 hours of continuous circulation with mesh 100,
the mesh is free of any sand, metal, dirt or other harmful particles.
16 After the flushing, drain the system.
Use oil barrels or similar for storing the flushing oil.
NOTE
Do not spill oil on the ground.
17 Open a flange connection and inspect the cleaning. Protect the pipes with engine oil
and carefully cover all pipe ends with plastic caps or similar.
18 Move all pipes inside the power house and do the final installation in the correct
place.
Do the final flushing of the fuel system with all units connected together.
A pressure test can also be done for separate pipes.
The pickling can be performed in different ways: by filling each pipe with acid separately or
by using a pickling bath.
16.7.5 Final flushing check of the LFO system

Procedure
1 After the final tank inspection, fill the LFO storage tank with clean diesel fuel.
Use at least enough oil to fill and circulate the LFO system.
2 Check the piping leading from the tank to the LFO feeder as well as the return piping.
Fill the piping from the tank to the feeder and carefully vent the air and check for
leaks.
3 Keep the feeder outlet valve closed. Start the feeder pump and make a note of the
outlet pressure; adjust the pressure, if needed. Check for leaks along the return
pipeline to the LFO storage tank.
4 Do the following checks:
● Check the piping from the LFO feeder to the pipe rack modules. Check flanges and
venting/draining devices.
● Check the interconnections of the pipe rack modules and all the fuel piping between the
engines, the fuel oil units, the boosters and the pipe rack modules. Tighten the bolts of
the blind flanges at the end of the pipe rack.
● Check that all fuel oil unit inlet and outlet valves are closed.
● Check that the three-way valve in the booster unit is positioned so that the return fuel
from the fuel oil units runs to the LFO storage tank – not to the booster mixing tank.
● If the return piping from the pipe rack modules to the LFO storage tank has a flow meter,
open the bypass valve and lock the return line valve(s) in LFO storage tank position.

5 Start the feeder and slowly open the outlet valve. Fill the pipeline, the pipe rack
modules and the piping between the pipe rack modules and the fuel oil units. Vent the
air and check for leaks.
Now the feeder can be run non-stop.
6 Remove the filter inserts from all fuel oil units and store them in a dry place. Check
that the pump suction strainer is clean, but do not remove it.
7 The final check of the pipeline for LFO to other consumers can be done by placing a
flushing mesh of size 100 in the last flange connection before the consumer tank. Fill
the tank and check the cleanness of the mesh.
8 Fabricate a bypass flushing filter for the fuel oil hose connection before the tank.
Clean all steel parts with pickling solution.
See drawings WDAAA193579 (W38 & W46), WDAAA215229 (W32) and WDAAA193580.
16.7.5.1 Part 1 (and 3)

See the flow diagrams WDAAA169905 and WDAAA171033.
Procedure
1 Install the bypass flushing filter in the pipeline of the last DG set.
If the time schedule for the commissioning is tight, install the filter to the DG set when the
commissioning is planned to start. Inspect the cleanness of the flushing filter and install it
between the engine and the pipe module or the fuel oil unit.
2 Install a mesh of size 60 inside the bypass flushing filter.
3 Open the fuel oil unit LFO inlet valve manually. Fill the unit and the flushing filter with
fuel and vent the air from the fine fuel filter. Check that there are no leaks.
4 Open the fuel oil unit fuel return valve (HFO) manually. Check that there are no leaks in
the return piping from the fuel oil units to the pipe racks, the booster and up to the
LFO storage tank.
As the fuel oil is circulated by the feeder pump, make a note of the pressure from the
flushing filter manometer.
5 Check that the fuel oil feeder pump inlet valve from the fuel oil unit is open. Perform
grease filling on the pump bearings and check the pump’s rotation and seal guard
devices.
6 Start the fuel oil feeder pump.
Make a note of the pressure in the flushing filter and listen for cavitation noise.
7 During the flushing, when the pressure rises above one bar (14.5 psi), the flushing
filter valves must be closed and the mesh cleaned.
8 In order to clean the bypass flushing filter mesh, stop the feeder pump in the fuel oil
unit and close the valves in the flushing filter.
9 When cleaning the LFO feeder unit suction strainer, stop the fuel oil unit feeder pump
as well as the LFO feeder unit pump and close the LFO feeder inlet/outlet valves.
10 When after four hours of continuous circulation with mesh 60 the mesh is almost
clean, change to mesh 100.
11 During the flushing, do the following checks:
● Check for cavitation noise (this is very harmful to the pump).
● Check the pump casing temperatures (bearing).

● Check the fuel level in the LFO tank.

● Check the mesh every six hours (at least).
● Check the pressures in the LFO feeder and flushing filter.
12 When, after four hours of continuous circulation using mesh 100, the mesh is free of
sand, metal, dirt or other harmful particles, the flushing is ready.
13 Start part two of the flushing process.
16.7.5.2 Part 2 (and 4)

See also the following drawings:
WDAAA170675: Final flushing check, Booster unit

WDAAA171023: Booster service filter insert
WDAAA171079: Flushing filter device between engine and pipe module
WDAAA193579: Flushing filter assembly W38 & W46
WDAAA215229: Flushing filter assembly W32
WDAAA193580: Flushing filter frame.
Procedure
1 Follow the booster unit flow diagram and start preparing the booster for flushing.
a Turn the three-way valve to the LFO position.
b Open the service filter and place a flushing mesh of size 100 around the filter
insert. Reinstall the insert with the mesh back into the service filter and turn the
position of the valve in the service filter.
The mesh prevents dirt from entering the insert.
c Bypass the flow meter.
Only let the flushing oil pass through the meter during the last few hours of the process.
d Set the three-way valve on the fuel return pipe from the engine(s) to the booster in
the correct position, so that all the return fuel flows to the fuel tank(s) and not to
the mixing tank.
e Open the booster pump inlet and outlet valves.
f Open the inlet and outlet valves of one of the heaters.
Keep the valves of the other heater closed; switch over every few hours.
g Bypass the viscosity meter/sensor.
h Close the final booster outlet valve.
i Check that all venting and draining devices are closed.
j Open all manometer valves.
k Check the booster unit inlet and outlet piping.
l Connect to the main power supply.
2 Start filling the booster unit by slowly opening the valve from the pipe racks. Vent the
air and open the mixing tank’s air vent. Wait until the indication light “low level in
mixing tank” switches off. Close the venting valve. Check that there are no leaks.
3 Change the flushing filter mesh to size 60.
4 Slowly open the booster outlet valve and check that there are no leaks in the piping to
the pipe racks/fuel oil units.

5 Carry out a first grease filling on the pump bearings and check the booster pump’s
rotation.
6 Start one of the booster pumps and keep an eye on the outlet pressure.
The pressure should be around 6 bar (when all fuel oil unit valves are closed). If not, correct
the pressure by means of the pressure regulating valve from the pipe rack.
7 Manually open the HFO inlet and fuel return valves from the fuel oil unit as well as the
valves from the flushing filter.
The pressure in the flushing filter should be lower than 6 bar.
8 Start the fuel oil unit feeder pump. Check the pressure in the flushing filter.
9 Check and record the pressures in the LFO feeder, the booster unit and the flushing
filter.
Increased pressures indicate that the meshes and filters should be cleaned.
10 During the flushing, observe the following important things:
● Cavitation can be reduced by turning the booster three-way valve in position to let part
of the return fuel oil from the fuel oil unit run to the booster mixing tank.
NOTE
Cavitation is very harmful for the pumps.
● Monitor the pump bearing (casing) temperatures.

● Monitor the pressures – suction and outlet.
● Check for leaks.
● Monitor the fuel level in the LFO tank.
● Monitor the cleanness of the mesh in the flushing filter. Check it every 4 hours.
● During each mesh-cleaning stop, switch booster operating pumps.
11 In order to clean the flushing filter mesh, it is only necessary to stop the fuel oil unit
feeder pump and to close the valves from the flushing filter.
12 In order to clean the booster service filter mesh, it is necessary to first stop the fuel oil
unit feeder pump and then stop the booster pump. Also close the booster inlet valve
from the pipe racks and turn the valve position from service filter to automatic filter.
When restarting the pumps, first start the booster pump and then the fuel oil unit feeder
pump.
13 If the LFO feeder suction filter needs to be cleaned and the unit does not have a
bypass possibility, begin by stopping the fuel oil unit feeder pump. Next, stop the
booster pump and finally the LFO feeder pump. Close the feeder inlet/outlet valves.
When restarting, start the LFO feeder pump first, the booster pump second and the feeder
pump from the fuel oil unit last.
14 When the mesh 60 filter is clean, switch to mesh 100.
15 If the mesh of size 60 in the booster service filter is clean as well, change to size 100.
16 The flushing process is ready when, after four hours of continuous flushing with mesh
100, the mesh in the bypass flushing filter is free of sand, metal, dirt or other harmful
particles.
The cleanness of the mesh in the booster service filter is not critical.
17 The person responsible for the flushing must approve the result of the flushing.
18 Close all valves. Cut off the power supply to the units.

19 Remove the flushing equipment and install it to the next DG set for flushing.
20 Reinstall the filter inserts inside the fuel oil unit fine filter casing.
16.8 Flushing of external HFO piping system

16.8.1 Hand cleaning of piping between buffer tank, day tank

and separator unit
If the piping is of a very large diameter (> DN 100) and it is difficult to get a flushing pump of
suitable capacity, or if each pipeline is very short, equip the piping with several flange
connections to enable cleaning by hand.
Procedure
1 Carefully clean welds and flanges to remove welding slag.

2 Perform a pressure test.
3 Perform the pickling process in a suitable way.
4 Use LFO, rags and – if possible – compressed air to clean the piping pipe by pipe.
5 After the cleaning, protect the piping with lube oil.
6 Inspect each pipe carefully before the final assembly. Also inspect tanks and the unit
side of the piping.
16.8.2 Flushing of piping between the buffer tank and the

separator unit
Procedure
1 Fabricate and arrange all needed flushing equipment.

The flushing pump must have a large pumping capacity. All steel flushing equipment must
be cleaned with pickling solution. All flushing hoses must be of a suitable diameter for the
pump capacity or of the same diameter as the piping.
2 If the volume of the buffer tank is larger than 150 cubic metres, it is possible to use a
separate flushing tank (> 400 l).
Flushing when using a large buffer tank requires a large amount of flushing LFO because
the tank must be filled up to the height of the outlet pipe. See drawing WDAAA167687.
3 Open the first flange connection after the buffer tank and the outlet pipe and valve.
Separate the pipe flanges in order to connect the flushing hoses.
4 Install the flushing hose from the flushing or buffer tank to the flushing filter/pump.
Use strong hose clamps of good quality.
5 Install the flushing hose from the flushing filter/pump to the pipeline from the buffer
tank to the HFO separator unit.
Use strong hose clamps of good quality.
6 Check the pipelines from the HFO buffer tank to the HFO separator unit and return.
Also check venting and draining devices.

7 Separate the piping from the HFO separator connection flanges and install the bypass
pipe or hose.
If the pipe is long, the bypass can be equipped with a flushing filter to reduce the flushing
time. Do not remove the blind plates from the HFO separator connection flanges.
8 Install the flushing filter and hose to the end of the pipeline.
9 Install a mesh of size 30 inside the flushing filter(s) first.
10 Inspect the cleanness of the tank, close the outlet valve and fill the tank with flushing
LFO.
Use enough oil for the flushing process.
11 Open the tank outlet valve and fill the piping. Check that there are no leaks.
12 Start the flushing pump, vent the air and record the pressure in the flushing filter.
A rising pressure will indicate the intervals for cleaning the flushing filter mesh. Check that
there are no leaks.
13 During the flushing, perform the following checks and actions:
● Check the LFO level in the flushing tank. Make sure the tank openings are covered.
● Check the flushing meshes every three hours.
● Gently hammer the welding seams with a piece of DN 50 pipe or similar.
● Check the pump temperatures and pay attention to signs of cavitation.
● Check the pressures.
14 When the flushing filter mesh 30 is almost clean, change to mesh 60 and
correspondingly, when mesh 60 is almost clean, change to mesh 100.
15 The flushing is ready when after three hours of continuous flushing using mesh 100
the mesh is free of dirt or harmful particles such as sand, metal or welding slag.
The person responsible for the flushing and commissioning must approve the cleaning.
16 If the piping will be kept dry for a longer period of time, mix the flushing oil with lube
oil and circulate it the last few hours of the flushing process.
This will give protection to the pipes.
17 Close the flushing tank outlet valve, drain the piping and inspect the cleaning.
Do not let flushing oil leak onto the ground or onto the concrete floor.
16.8.3 Cleaning of the pipeline from the HFO separator to the

HFO day tank
Procedure
1 Change the location of the bypass before the HFO separator, from the HFO inlet pipe
to the clean HFO outlet pipe. Inspect the return pipe to the buffer tank, cover or if
possible, assemble the HFO separator unit. Remove the blind plate.
2 Check the clean HFO piping from the HFO separator to the HFO day tank.
3 Move the flushing filter with the hose from the HFO return pipe to the clean HFO pipe
before the HFO day tank and flushing tank.
The HFO return pipe can be connected to the HFO buffer tank.
4 Change mesh 30 to inside of the flushing tank.

If bypass has equipment with flushing filter the mesh size can remain 100.
5 Continue flushing according to steps 11–17 in section 16.8.2.
6 Drain the piping and the flushing tank. If the buffer tank was used, inspect the
cleanness and close the tank.
7 Remove all flushing equipment, inspect the piping and connect all pipes permanently
without any blind plates. Close all draining and venting devices.
16.8.4 Diesel oil flushing of piping from HFO day tank to HFO
feeder and return
NOTE
All temporary steel piping materials used in the flushing procedure must be
cleaned with pickling solution. Never leave the flushing process unsupervised.
Do not run the pump dry. Keep an eye on the temperatures of pump bearings
and electric motors.
Procedure
1 Use a separate flushing tank (400 l or larger) if the HFO day tank is larger than 150
cubic metres, if the tank is not completely ready or if it is already filled with clean
separated fuel.
2 If a separate flushing tank is needed, separate the piping from the HFO day tank
closing valve and install a blind flange on the valve for safety.
3 Install the flushing tank slightly higher up than the HFO feeder unit and in a suitable
place near the HFO day tank.
4 Connect a hose or steel pipe from the flushing tank to the pipeline leading from the
day tank to the feeder.
The hose has to be of the same diameter as the piping or larger. Use a reinforced rubber
hose of good quality and mount the hose as straight as possible.
5 Check the piping leading from the day tank or flushing tank to the feeder. Also check
venting/draining devices and flange connections.
6 Check the condition of the HFO feeder unit and install a flushing mesh of size 30
inside the suction strainers.
7 Close the feeder outlet valve and for safety reasons, install a blind plate between the
flanges in the outlet of the feeder and in the piping from the feeder to the pipe rack/
booster.
8 Loosen the tension adjusting screw in the feeder pressure control valve or
alternatively, replace the valve with a pipe spool. Cover and store the valve in a dry
place.
9 Check the return piping from the HFO feeder to the HFO day tank. Check venting/
draining devices and flange connections.
10 Install and connect the flushing filter in a suitable place at the end of the return piping
between the HFO day tank and the pipe flange connection. Alternatively, install the
flushing filter in the manhole at the top of the day tank or flushing tank, and connect it
to the return pipe with a hose of the same diameter as the pipeline.
12 Inspect the cleanness of the tank and fill it with clean flushing oil.

Use a filter when filling the tank. Check that there are no leaks.
13 Open the feeder unit inlet valves, carry out a first grease filling on the pump bearings
in accordance with the pump manual and check that the pump rotates properly.
Start one of the pumps and run it only short periods of time. Check the flushing oil level in
the tank. Check that there are no leaks. Carefully vent the air from all pipes.
15 Run the pump and record the suction pressure after the pump.
Rising pressures later on will indicate that the flushing mesh is dirty and that the pumps
need to be stopped for cleaning of the mesh.
16 If the unit has two feeder pumps for HFO, start the second pump as well. Keep an eye
on the pressures.
If pressures are not too high and the pumps are not cavitating, use both pumps for flushing.
If the flushing oil starts foaming excessively, stop one of the pumps for a while.
17 Begin flushing using mesh 30. When the mesh is almost clean, change to mesh 60 and
finally to mesh 100.
Gently hammer the welding seams during the flushing. Drain the flushing tank at regular
intervals to avoid water in the oil. The flushing tank openings must be covered during the
flushing.
18 The flushing is ready when after three hours of continuous circulation using mesh 100,
the mesh is free from dirt, sand, metals or other harmful particles.
19 Before terminating the flushing procedure, check if the pressure regulating valve
adjusting screw has loosened.
If so, the feeder line pressure must be adjusted back to 4 bar (this is required for the
following part of the flushing process). If the valve was removed, reinstall it and test the
working pressure.
20 Drain the pipes slightly in order to open a few flange connections and inspect the
cleanness of the pipes.
21 Close all valves and clean the flushing filters.
22 Do not remove the flushing arrangement since some of it will be needed later on.
Cover the flushing tank and piping openings.
16.8.5 Flushing of HFO piping from the day tank up to the pipe
racks and return from the pipe racks
See the flow diagram WDAAA190746 and WDAAA190747.
NOTE
All temporary steel piping materials must be cleaned with pickling solution.
Never leave the flushing process unsupervised. Do not run the pumps dry. Keep
an eye on the temperatures of pump bearings and electric motors.
Procedure
1 Check that the HFO feeder outlet valve is closed. Remove the blind plate or flange and
connect the outlet piping to the feeder.
Do not spill oil on the floor!
2 Check the piping leading from the feeder up to the pipe racks inside the power house.
Check the flange connections, the position of the valves and the venting/draining devices.

3 Separate the HFO inlet and the return fuel pipe from the pipe racks. Fabricate and
install a bypass with a flushing filter. Install a mesh of size 30 inside the filter.
All steel parts must be cleaned with pickling solution.
4 Check the return piping from the bypass up to the HFO buffer tank. Also check flange
connections as well as venting and draining devices.
If the pipeline has the option of a flow meter, turn the valves in bypass position and only let
the flushing oil pass through the meter the last few hours of the process.
5 Lock the return line valves position to HFO buffer tank position.
6 Change the tank area flushing filter from HFO feeder return to pipe racks return.
Connect the HFO feeder return to the flushing tank (HFO day or separate flushing
tank).
The pressure regulating valve in the HFO feeder will work as a safety valve. The needed
hoses must be of at least the same size as the piping.
7 Install a mesh of size 30 inside the flushing filter and a mesh of size 60 inside the
suction strainers in the HFO feeder.
8 Check the flushing oil level in the flushing tank and open the valves in the feeder and
in the flushing tank. Check that there are no leaks.
9 Start filling the piping with flushing oil.
Only run the pump short periods of time. Vent the air from the pipelines. Check the oil level
in the flushing tank and check for leaks during the filling.
10 When the whole system has been filled and vented, run the pump continuously. Keep
an eye on the pressures.
If the pressures are fine and there is no cavitation, start the other feeder pump as well.
Record the suction and line pressures. Rising pressures later on will indicate that the filter
meshes need to be cleaned.
11 During the flushing, perform the following important checks and actions:
● Gently hammer the welding seams with a piece of pipe or similar.
● Make sure that there are no leaks.
● Check the flushing oil level in the tank.
● Make sure that there is no cavitation noise in the pumps and check the pump casing
temperatures.
● Check the flushing mesh every four hours.
12 Begin flushing the pipes using a mesh of size 30. When the mesh is clean, change to
mesh 60 and finally to mesh 100. The flushing is ready when, after 3–4 hours of
continuous circulation using mesh 100, the mesh is free of sand, metal, dirt or any
other harmful particles.
The person responsible for the flushing must approve the cleanness of the pipes before the
process is terminated.
13 For the approval of the flushing, the piping needs to be drained and a few flange
connections must be opened for the inspection.
14 Close the piping, remove the bypass before the pipe racks, inspect the piping and
connect the pipes to the pipe racks.
15 Start the last part of the HFO pipe flushing in the pipe racks and the booster(s).
16.8.6 Flushing of the HFO pipeline in the pipe rack and booster
connection(s) inside the power house

Procedure
1 Check the pipe rack's internal piping and the HFO piping leading from the HFO feeder
up to the pipe racks.
2 Fabricate and install a bypass with a valve at the end of the pipe racks.
The bypass should lead from the end of the HFO pipeline to the return fuel pipe end of the
pipe racks. The bypass can be a steel pipe or hose, but make sure that it is not of a smaller
diameter than the pipeline. Close the bypass valve.
3 Fabricate and install a bypass for the last booster unit in the pipe rack connection.
The bypass is for the “counter connection flanges” between connections A and D. The
bypass can be a hose or steel pipe of the same diameter as the piping or larger.
4 Close all HFO inlet valves to the booster in the pipe racks.
5 Turn the booster unit’s inlet three-way “change-over” valve to the LFO position.
6 Turn the booster’s return three-way valve in such a position that the return fuel from
the engines flows to the mixing tank.
7 To reduce the flushing time, fabricate and install a flushing filter in the return fuel
pipeline in a suitable place near the pipe racks – if possible, with valves.
8 Install or change the mesh in:
● the tank area, the flushing filter for the return to the flushing tank; mesh 100
● the HFO feeder suction strainers; mesh 100
● the pipe rack flushing filter for return fuel; start with mesh 60.
16.8.6.1 Flushing the HFO pipes in the pipe rack (step 1)

NOTE
All temporary steel equipment used in the flushing procedure must be cleaned
with pickling solution. Never leave the flushing process unsupervised. Never run
the pumps dry. Keep an eye on the pump and electric motor bearing
temperatures. Make sure that there is no cavitation noise. Check the flushing oil
level in the flushing tank.
Procedure
1 Start the HFO feeder pump, check the pressures and check that there are no leaks in
the pipe rack or in the bypass.
2 Open the bypass valve in the end of the pipe rack. When the flushing oil is circulating,
start the second pump as well and check the pressures.
3 Record the HFO feeder suction and outlet pressures.
Rising pressures will indicate the intervals for cleaning the mesh.
4 When the return line flushing filter mesh 60 near the pipe rack is clean, change the
mesh inside the filter to size 100.
When after 3–4 hours of continuous circulation mesh 100 is free of dirt, sand, metal or other
harmful particles, the flushing is ready.
Postrequisites
When step 1 of the flushing procedure has been completed, proceed with step 2 (flushing
of the booster connections).

16.8.6.2 Flushing the booster connections (step 2)
Prerequisites
Before starting the flushing of the booster connections, step 1 of the flushing procedure
(flushing of the HFO pipes in the pipe rack) must be completed and the actions recorded.
See the flow diagram WDAAA190764 and WDAAA190765. The flushing should be
performed starting from the last booster unit.
Procedure
1 Close the flushing bypass valve at the end of the pipe rack.
2 Start the HFO feeder pump and check the pressures.
3 Slowly open the booster HFO inlet valve in the pipe rack and check that there are no
leaks.
4 Start the second HFO feeder pump as well. Check and record the pressures.
5 When after 3–4 hours of continuous circulation the return line flushing filter mesh 100
is clean, if the plant has more than one booster unit, move the flushing equipment to
the next booster unit and start the same process.
6 The flushing is ready when all booster units have been flushed.
7 If the HFO pipelines will be empty of fuel for a longer period of time, mix the flushing
oil with lube oil and circulate it for a few hours before removing the equipment.
This will protect the pipes.
8 Drain the piping and the units, remove all flushing equipment, and assemble all pipes
and flanges permanently.
Do not spill any oil on the ground or floor!
9 The HFO pipelines are ready for commissioning after the trace heating and insulation
assembly.
16.9 Cleaning and flushing of gas systems of SG and DF

engines
Gas pipes can be made of carbon steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel pipes require less
work; for instance, the pickling containing rinsing is not required, which saves time.
16.9.1 Cleaning TIG welded carbon steel piping
Procedure
1 Remove slag, rust and scaling; use tools such as a steel brush, or hammer. Grind the
flanges.
2 Perform a visual inspection.
3 Wash with alkaline solution in hot water at 80 °C for degreasing.
4 Perform the pickling (including neutralizing/rinsing of piping).
5 Dry by blowing with air, 1.5 times the nominal pressure.
6 Perform LFO or water flushing for long pipe lines.

7 Blow with air after erection of the pipe system.

8 Perform the pressure and leak tests.
9 Fill the lines with nitrogen at a pressure of 0.5 bar(g), to prevent corrosion.
10 Fill the lines with gas.
Postrequisites
After startup, check the lines for leakage (natural gas leaks easier than air).
16.9.2 Cleaning TIG welded stainless steel piping
Procedure
1 Perform a visual inspection.

2 Perform pickling and passivation according to section 16.9.3.
3 Blow with compressed air.
4 Perform the pressure and leak tests.
5 Fill the lines with nitrogen if a flammable mixture is possible.
6 Fill the lines with gas.
Postrequisites
After startup, check the lines for leakage (natural gas leaks easier than air).
Blowing of the lines is done as follows:
● First with an open valve
● Then by sequentially opening and closing the valve several times so that there will be
pressure shocks.
16.9.3 Storing and cleaning of stainless steel pipes

If the stainless steel alloy is correctly selected and stored, there should not be any
corrosion. Sea water, or water in general with a high content of chlorides will speed up the
corrosion, particularly water standing still in pipes. The risk of this is higher in “normal”
stainless steel grades (304, 316) than in high performance stainless steels. This risk is
reduced by choosing a higher grade of stainless steel or by pickling the pipes.
Place stainless steel pipes in a dry and ventilated location, if they are to be stored for a long
period. If the pipes are greased, use a non-chlorinated solvent to remove the grease. This
must be done to avoid leaving residue of chlorine ions. The chlorine ions can initiate
crevice, pitting and stress corrosion.
Do not clean stainless steel pipes with any type of metallic wire brush other than stainless
steel. Avoid grinding or polishing with grinding wheels or belt sanders, as they tend to
overheat the surface to the point where corrosion resistance cannot be restored even with
pickling. If a very heavily contaminated stainless steel surface is to be cleaned by
sandblasting, ensure that the sand is truly clean (not recycled). Another method is glass ball
blasting. Do not use blasting methods that could roughen the surface. Do not use steel shot
blasting.

Pickling
After the pipe fabrication (welding, cutting, etc.), pickle the pipes in order to get the best
corrosion resistance. At least all welds shall be pickled. The pickling can be done by
immersion or locally by pickling paste. Pickling paste is sold at least by the stainless steel
manufacturers (e.g. Avesta Polarit). Different types of paste used for different grades of
stainless steel. The nitric-HF [1] pickling method is the most widely used and effective
method (10% HNO3, 2% HF and the rest water at 50–60 °C). Always pickle the pipes if they
are sandblasted.
NOTE
After pickling, a new, intact oxide layer is formed on the pipe surface. The oxide
layer prevents the pipe from corrosion.
Passivation
If pickling is not performed, the pipe must be passivated or treated by acid cleaning.
Passivation is carried out similar to pickling, but the active component is simply 18–30%
nitric acid (HNO3) at room temperature. The passivation time is 20–60 minutes. Small parts
can be passivated by immersion and large parts can be sprayed or brushed. The parts must
be rinsed thoroughly in water after the treatment.
NOTE
Passivation will only strengthen the old oxide layer.
CAUTION
Environmental risks and health hazards must be considered when working with
acid solutions.
16.10 Flushing of compressed air systems

In addition to the information in section 16.1 for the compressed air system, perform the
final cleaning of the compressed air pipes prior to commissioning as follows:
NOTE
Clean the compressed air system before pressurizing the engine or any
auxiliaries.
CAUTION
Make sure that the personnel are aware that the compressed air system will be
blown clean. Inform everyone possibly concerned and close off the area by
means of zebra (warning) tape.
Procedure
1 Once the pressure test of the system is completed successfully, close the isolating
valve from the outlet of the starting air bottle manifold and the instrument air dryer.
2 Disconnect the flexible hoses for the starting air and instrument air at the engine
inlets and fasten the hoses firmly with rigid steel clamps to the closest structures.
[1] HF = Hydrofluoric acid

The discharge from the hoses must be directed in such a way that the blowing air stream
will not be able to damage or disturb the surroundings.
3 Hammer the weld seams thoroughly throughout the piping system.
4 For the starting air system: Open up the isolating valves for some fifteen seconds and
close the valves again.
Repeat this procedure one more time to obtain the best results. The same procedure
applies to auxiliaries connected to compressed air.
5 For the compressed air system: Open and close all valves several times.
16.11 Flushing of cooling water system

NOTE
Perform the pressure testing and record the results before flushing the system.
NOTE
The flushing pump arrangement is not delivered by Wärtsilä.
16.11.1 Flushing the expansion pipes

Flush the expansion pipes with water until they are clean from debris. Drain the expansion
system and completely clean the bottom of the expansion tanks.
16.11.2 Flushing the pipes between pipe module and radiators

Before the flushing with water, clean the bigger pipes by hand. The pipe module and the
radiators do not need to be flushed. Therefore, disconnect the pipes from the module and
the radiators and build a pipe loop as shown in Fig 16-6. For the flushing, use an external
flushing pump arrangement (e.g. by using the fire water pump) that has an adequate flow
capacity and is equipped with strainers to collect the debris coming from the pipes during
the flushing procedure.
Fig 16-6 Flushing arrangement for cooling water pipes GUID-873F61CA-48BF-4A4E-8A6C-DA87D77308A1 v1

16.11.3 Flushing the whole cooling radiator system

When the pipes between the pipe module and the radiators are clean, reconnect the pipes
to the pipe module and the radiators. Install running filters on HT and LT inlet pipes to the
engine. Fill up the whole system with untreated water. Run until the engine is warm; then
shut down the engine. Check the running-in filters. If no debris is found in the filters or in the
expansion tanks, the system can be considered clean. Drain all water from the system and
refill it with chemically treated water. Remove the running-in filters at the first 50 hours
service interval of the engine.
16.11.4 Flushing the pipes between pipe module and cooling

tower
Cooling tower installations will basically follow the same principle as radiator installations.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the pipes from the pipe module.

2 Install a mesh in the pipe end of the return pipe to the cooling tower basin.
This mesh is for trapping the debris.
3 Use the cooling tower pumps.
There is no need to install a separate flushing pump.
NOTE
Protect the pumps with adequate strainers on the suction side during the
flushing sequence.
16.11.5 Flushing the whole cooling tower system
Procedure
1 When the pipes between the pipe module and the cooling towers are clean, reconnect
the pipes to the pipe module.
2 Fill up the primary circuit (engine and pipe module) with untreated water.
3 Run until the engine is warm; then shut down the engine.
4 Check the running-in filters.
If no debris is found in the filters or in the expansion tanks, the system can be considered
clean.
5 Drain all water from the primary circuit and refill it with chemically treated water.
6 Remove the running-in filters after the first 50 hours service interval of the engine.

16.12 Cleaning of steam boilers, steam drums, feed water

tanks and related water spaces
Procedure
1 The storage, sea transportation or improper covering or protection of the equipment

may result in extensive corrosion of the water spaces. Tanks and vessels can be
either sandblasted or pickled, depending on which method is most applicable on
location.
The information about neutralizing and rinsing of pickled items and sand blasting in section
16.2.5 and section 16.4 also applies to the cleaning of the items specified in the title of this
chapter. Excessively corroded coil-type boiler sections can be pickled and neutralized in a
normal fashion as stated earlier. The priority is to conduct a blow-through of the coil-type
boiler with steam, if available. Steam treatment provides a well acceptable result.
2 Tube boilers may require cleaning of the tubes or the furnace, or both.
The priority is to blow both sides clean with steam to ensure the gentlest treatment. If steam
is not available at the plant, a portable steam generator can be rented locally in many
cases. Furthermore, if an auxiliary boiler container is provided in the scope of supply, its
steam generation should be considered for cleaning purposes.
3 After mechanical cleaning, a clean boiling procedure must be executed before taking
the boiler into use, according to a specific detailed program provided by the supplier.
Exhaust gas boiler manufacturers recommend cleaning with boiler chemicals mixed to
double concentration, compared to the normal concentration for own consumption boilers.
This step is an integral part of commissioning procedure that must be documented.
The procedure is linked to the validity of the warranty.
NOTE
Flush steam and condensate lines before taking them into use. In plants with
steam turbines or other equipment that are sensitive to impurities, the flushing of
the live steam line has to be approved by the turbine (equipment) manufacturer
before taking the equipment into use.
4 Boiling-out of the boiler shall be done:

● before initial start of full output boilers
● in case of oil in the waterside
● in case of heavy corrosion.
There are two methods of cleaning: alkaline boil out and acid cleaning.
16.12.1 Alkaline boiling-out
Procedure
1 Before a full output boiler is put in service or if there is oil in the water, boil out the
impurities.
Fill the boiler to the normal level with softened water. The water must be properly treated
and deaerated to guarantee minimum formation of scaling as soon as the boiler is set in
operation.
2 Dissolve the chemicals entirely prior to pouring the mix into boiler. Fill the boiler first
half full with soft water and then top it up with the chemical blend.

Add the chemical solution through the manhole or the chemical feed connection.
Any of the following combinations will give a proper cleaning result:
● Trisodium phosphate + caustic soda, 2500 ppm + 2500 ppm
● Trisodium phosphate + caustic soda, 5000 ppm + 500 ppm
● Trisodium phosphate + caustic soda + soda ash, 3 × 1500 ppm
● Caustic soda + soda ash, 3000 ppm + 3000 ppm.
3 Blow down the boiler or each piece of the system every 8 hours.
The amount of blown water equals half the sight glass. Add feed water if required, to keep
within the limits. After every blow down, add the chemical mix to replenish the
concentration.
4 Continue boiling for 40 hours.
Take condensate samples through the sample points to ensure that impurities are no longer
present.
16.12.2 Acid boiling-out

Use this procedure when rust or mill scale is known to exist to a high degree in the boiler.
Normally, acid boiling is not required for new boilers.
Use a solvent composition of 5% hydrochloric acid, 0.5% ammonium biflouride, and 0.1%
inhibitor.
Procedure
1 Heat up the boiler until the boiler metal reaches a temperature of 70–80 °C.
Control the temperature with the bypass damper in the exhaust gas outlet.
2 Fill up the boiler with solvent solution of about 65 °C.
Prepare this solution by diluting the chemicals with warm water.
3 Let the boiler soak six hours with the acid solution.
4 Ensure that the vents are open.
The vents must be open because hydrogen gas is evolved through the reaction between
steel surfaces and acid.
Avoid all open flame and sparks because the gas may ignite. If indoors, run the boiler house
fans to keep the space well ventilated.
5 Drain the system by gravity and boost the draining with compressed air, if needed.
Open the venting valves while draining.
6 Rinse the boiler with soft water.
a Fill the boiler with soft water.
Open the venting valves while filling.
Shut the valves and run the feeder pump to get it rinsed.
b Shut the vent valves.
c Run the feed pump for rinsing.
7 Open the drain in the bottom of the boiler slightly and continue filling from the top
with soft water.
Let the system run until you consider that a full cycle of fresh water has gone through. The
boiler is rinsed as soon as the pH value of purged water exceeds 5.

16.12.3 Neutralization boil-out
Procedure
1 Fill up the boiler with a 1% sodium carbonate solution to the normal level.
Run the boiler feeder pump and top up the boiler to normal operating level.
2 Raise the pressure to the normal operating level and maintain it for approximately four
hours.
3 Stop the heating, let the pressure drop to 1 bar and then drain the boiler.
16.12.4 Passivation
Procedure
1 While the unit is still hot, fill it with a 0.5% sodium nitrite solution and let soak for one
hour.
2 Drain the boiler.
16.12.5 Inspection, flushing and precautions

NOTE
Never heat or fire boiler with exhaust gases while there is acid solvent in the
unit.
Procedure
1 When the boiler has cooled down, inspect the steam drum and the boiler waterside
surfaces.
Remove any loose iron oxide or other scaling manually with a steel brush or flat chisel.
Flush out the loose deposits with clean water.
Do not damage the passivated layer.
2 Put the manholes back in place and close the access doors.
The boiler is ready for normal service.
3 Store neutralizing boil out chemicals in a dry place prior to use.
4 Keep protective clothing available for those working with the process handling
chemicals.
Always use proper protection (rubber gloves, boots, aprons, and protective glasses).
5 Keep a record of the process and have it signed duly by both parties.
16.12.6 Boil-out of an oil-fired boiler

The interior of oil-fired auxiliary boilers may have protective coatings that must be boiled
out.

Procedure
1 Fill up the boiler.

a Prepare a 2.5-% mixture in a separate container.
Normally, manufacturers suggest trisodium phosphate and caustic soda.
b Fill the boiler with water.
c Add the acid solvent to the top of the tubes.
2 Heat the boiler to the boiling point and let the boiling last for five hours.
3 Wait until the boiler has cooled down a to a safe level and drain the water to the
sewage.
4 Rinse the tubes with high pressure water.
5 Perform a visual inspection to determine if the result is acceptable.
16.13 Cleaning of steam pipes and feed water pipes

Steam pipes that are not clean on the inside are to be pickled prior to the cleaning by steam
blowing (see section 16.2). Feed water pipes are to be flushed with water only.
16.13.1 Cleaning the pipes between auxiliary boiler, steam

header and exhaust gas boilers
Prerequisites
CAUTION
Make sure that the personnel are aware that the steam system will be blown
clean. Inform everyone possibly concerned and close off the area by means of
zebra (warning) tape.
See the flow diagram, document number WDAAA196364.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the pipes at the inlets to the boilers. Fasten them firmly to the closest
structures with rigid steel clamps.
Direct the discharge of the pipes in such a way that the blowing air stream will not be able
to damage or disturb the surroundings.
2 Blow the steam beginning from the auxiliary boiler to the steam header and further on
to the exhaust gas boilers.
During this procedure, hammer the pipes in order to dislodge particles from the inside of
the piping.
Repeat this procedure several times.
Let the temperature of the pipes go down between the blows.
16.13.2 Cleaning the steam pipes between header, pipe rack,

consumers inside the power house and blow-down tank

Procedure
1 Disconnect the pipes at the inlets to the consumers. Fasten them firmly to the closest
a Direct the discharge of the pipes in such a way that the blowing air stream will not
be able to damage or disturb the surroundings.
b Install an extra pipe loop at the pipe rack.
2 Blow the steam beginning from the auxiliary boiler to the steam header and further on
to the pipe rack.
During this procedure, hammer the pipes in order to dislodge particles from the inside of
the piping.
Repeat this procedure several times.
Let the temperature of the pipes go down between the blows.
3 Plug the extra pipe loop at the pipe rack(s).
4 Open the valves to the consumers’ circulation pipe and start the clean blowing at the
very back engine. Blow all steam pipes for the consumers.
5 Install an extra pipe loop at the end of the circulation pipe out to the consumers and
blow the condense pipe line.
16.13.3 Cleaning the steam pipes between header, consumers

outside the power house and blow-down tank
Procedure
1 Disconnect the pipes at the inlets to the consumers. Fasten them firmly to the closest
The discharge of the pipes must be directed in such a way that the blowing steam stream
will not be able to extract any items from the surroundings. Install an extra pipe loop
between the main line and the condensate return line.
2 Blow the main and the condensate return lines.
This procedure is to be repeated several times. At the same time the pipes are to be
hammered in order to get possible particles to come off from the inside of the piping. Let
the temperature of the pipes go down between the blows.
3 Blow the steam lines to the consumers.
If there is a loop in a tank, the loop shall also be blown by disconnecting the flange
connection to the condensate line.
4 Install an extra pipe loop at the end of the steam and condensate lines and blow the
whole piping system back to the blow-down tank.

Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets.
By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental
and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. Wärtsilä is listed on the
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
See also www.wartsila.com
WÄRTSILÄ® is a registered trademark. © 2012 Wärtsilä Corporation.
Wärtsilä Services Main Office Vaasa, Finland

24hrs Phone +358 10 709 080
Switchboard +358 10 709 0000
Fax +358 10 709 1380
Find local offices at www.wartsila.com/addresses

WDAAA116767 - J - 16 Cleaning and Flushing of External Piping

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WDAAA116767 - J - 16 Cleaning and Flushing of External Piping

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Installation Manual

16 Cleaning and flushing of external

Date of issue 16.10.2012

16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping................................................................................................ 16-1

16. Cleaning and flushing of external piping

16.1 Cleaning procedure

16.1.1 Steel pipes

Table 16-1 Various cleaning methods

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-1

16.1.2 Stainless steel pipes

16.2 Pickling of steel pipes

16.2.1 Preparation for pickling

16-2 Confidential WDAAA116767j

16.2.2 Various types of pickling methods

For methods 2–4, the following equipment is needed:

16.2.3 Pickling bath

16.2.4 Pickling procedures

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-3

16.2.4.1 Citric acid method

1 Pickle the pipes with an acid solution.

16-4 Confidential WDAAA116767j

4 Check the result.

16.2.4.2 Hydrochloric acid method

1 Pickle the pipes with an acid solution.

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-5

5 Blow the lines with compressed air.

16.2.4.3 Phosphoric acid method

16.2.5 Neutralizing/rinsing of piping after pickling

16-6 Confidential WDAAA116767j

16.3 Pickling of stainless steel pipes

16.3.1 Stainless is not always stainless

The need for postweld treatment of stainless steel welds

Pickling is the superior method

Requirements for successful pickling

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-7

16.3.2 Chemical surface treatment

16.3.3 Mechanical surface treatment

16.5 Flushing of pipes

16-8 Confidential WDAAA116767j

16.5.1 Preparation for flushing

16.5.2 Flushing system setup

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-9

Fig 16-1 Flushing unit for external piping GUID-E6EB7112-6643-46CA-9F42-923CD8C0798D v1

Table 16-2 Flushing system equipment

Item No Pieces Part

16-10 Confidential WDAAA116767j

Fig 16-2 Flushing filter GUID-5079C561-9AE0-45EE-ABB6-AA1BB0ECC52F v1

16.5.3 Specifying the flushing equipment

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-11

Table 16-3 Minimum flow capacity for different pipe diameters

DN Flow (l/min) for Shell Tellus at 80 °C, Re = 25000

16.5.4 Flushing temperature

16-12 Confidential WDAAA116767j

Fig 16-4 Reynolds number variation depending on temperature

Fig 16-5 Reynolds number variation depending on viscosity

16.5.5 Flushing procedure

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-13

16.5.6 After flushing

1 Drain the entire system of flushing oil.

16.6 Flushing of external LO piping systems

16-14 Confidential WDAAA116767j

WDAAA116767j Confidential 16-15

14 Disassemble the flushing arrangement.