Process media pipelines, steam and condensate lines, recirculating water systems, intermediate tanks and vessels may contain deposits of various kinds. They contaminate the transported medium, reduce the flow cross-section and increase hydraulic resistance.
Deposits and why they are dangerous
The composition of deposits depends on the working medium. In water systems — scale (carbonate deposits), corrosion products and silt; in recirculating water systems, biofouling is added. In steam and condensate lines, iron oxides form and are carried back to the boilers with the condensate. In crude oil and petroleum product pipelines and tanks — asphaltene, resin and paraffin deposits (ARPD) and bottom sediments; in process pipelines — deposits and polymerisation products of the transported medium. Sludge and bottom sediments accumulate in tanks and vessels.
In practice this leads to:
- a smaller flow cross-section and lower pipeline throughput;
- higher hydraulic resistance and higher pumping power consumption;
- contamination of the transported medium and carry-over of deposits into heat exchangers, boilers and pumps;
- local (under-deposit) corrosion, up to through-wall damage and leaks.
Cleaning methods
- Chemical flushing — dissolving deposits with chemicals circulated through the internal cavities of the equipment, followed by neutralisation and passivation of the metal; used where tools cannot reach.
- Hydrodynamic cleaning — breaking up deposits with a high-pressure water jet using high-pressure units, channel-cleaning hoses and special nozzles; for tubes, channels and vessels accessible to the nozzle.
- Mechanical cleaning — removal of dense and fully blocking deposits with manual and power tools; as a rule, requires disassembly or opening of the equipment.
- Dry ice blasting (cryoblasting) — gentle cleaning of accessible surfaces with solid carbon dioxide pellets, without chemicals, water or abrasives.
- Laser cleaning — non-contact removal of rust, mill scale, carbon deposits and coatings from accessible metal surfaces.
The applicability of a method to specific equipment is determined after inspection and agreed with the customer; methods are often combined. The methods used for each type of equipment are listed in its description on this page.
How the work is carried out
- Inspection. Examination of the equipment and, if necessary, video inspection (endoscopy) of internal surfaces. We determine the composition and thickness of deposits.
- Method selection. The method and mode are agreed with the customer for the specific equipment, material and deposits.
- Preparation. Any assembly and disassembly work required by the selected cleaning method.
- Cleaning. Cleaning by the selected method with control of the result.
- Protection. After chemical flushing — neutralisation of chemical residues, water rinsing and passivation of the metal surface against corrosion.
We work on a one-off basis or under a scheduled maintenance contract, with periodic inspections and preventive cleaning.
What we need for a quote
- system type and working medium;
- pipeline diameters and lengths or vessel volumes;
- material, nature of deposits;
- photos and videos, equipment passport or diagram — if available;
- preferred timing and whether a shutdown is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Why clean a pipeline rather than replace it?
Cleaning restores throughput in days rather than weeks and costs less than replacement if the metal is in working condition.
Which pipelines can be cleaned hydrodynamically?
The method suits most pipelines and vessels with access for the nozzle. We assess diameter, length and material based on your data.
Does the system have to be shut down?
The section is taken out of operation for flushing. The timing and shutdown procedure are agreed in advance.