Hurricanes, as powerful natural events, can wreak havoc on industrial facilities, especially those with critical equipment relying on oil-based lubrication and hydraulic systems. While most industries prepare for the physical damage hurricanes can cause, the impact on machinery and fluid systems is often underestimated. After a hurricane, the immediate need for a high velocity oil flush becomes apparent to restore operational integrity, remove contaminants, and prevent costly failures down the line.
Water Ingress and Contamination
Cause: During a hurricane, heavy rainfall and high winds can lead to water ingress into the plant or directly into the machinery’s oil systems. Wind-driven rain can breach seals, ventilation systems, and containment barriers, allowing water to enter lubrication reservoirs, oil tanks, and piping systems. Additionally, flooding is a common byproduct of hurricanes, which can further submerge equipment, increasing the likelihood of water contamination.
Effect: Water in oil systems is a serious contaminant. It can lead to corrosion of internal components, particularly in bearings, gearboxes, and turbines. Water also reduces oil’s lubricating properties, resulting in increased friction, wear, and heat generation. If left untreated, this will cause premature equipment failure, increased maintenance costs, and unplanned downtime.
A high velocity oil flush can rapidly and thoroughly remove water contamination by forcing high volumes of oil through the system at increased velocities. This process ensures that any residual water or emulsified oils are flushed out, restoring the system’s lubrication properties and protecting the equipment.
Debris and Solid Contaminants
Cause: Hurricanes often generate large amounts of debris from damaged structures, such as rooftops, trees, and other materials. This debris can find its way into open oil reservoirs or through compromised seals. In some cases, the air systems or filtration mechanisms designed to keep contaminants out may be overwhelmed or bypassed entirely due to the extreme weather conditions.
Effect: Solid particles and debris in oil can cause abrasive wear on internal components, especially in hydraulic systems. These particles act like sandpaper, wearing down precision surfaces, causing misalignments, and increasing the likelihood of equipment failure. Contaminants can also clog filters, leading to restricted oil flow, overheating, and component damage.
A high velocity oil flush is an effective solution for removing solid contaminants from oil systems. By circulating oil at high speeds, the flush dislodges debris and carries it out of the system, leaving behind clean, particle-free oil.
Oxidation and Oil Degradation
Cause: Hurricanes often disrupt power supplies, leading to equipment shutdowns or irregular operating conditions. This can result in partial degradation of the oil due to exposure to high temperatures or moisture. Additionally, if the oil is exposed to the open air, it can oxidize more rapidly, especially when combined with water contamination or metal surfaces prone to corrosion.
Effect: Oxidized oil loses its ability to lubricate effectively and can form sludge, varnish, or acidic byproducts that further corrode equipment surfaces. Over time, degraded oil contributes to the formation of deposits in critical areas, such as valves, bearings, and heat exchangers, causing blockages and reducing efficiency.
High velocity oil flushing not only cleans the system of degraded oil but also helps remove any varnish or sludge deposits that may have accumulated due to oxidation. The flush restores the oil system to its optimal condition, ensuring the machinery can function efficiently without risking damage from oil degradation, thereby contributing to the longevity and reliability of your equipment.
Post-Hurricane Restart Challenges
Cause: After a hurricane, facilities may need to restart equipment that has been idle or exposed to harsh conditions for extended periods. During downtime, oil systems can suffer from a lack of circulation, allowing contaminants to settle and corrosion to develop. Additionally, moisture ingress during the storm can accelerate the rusting of internal components.
Effect: Restarting equipment without first addressing these issues can lead to catastrophic failure. Oil that has been contaminated or oxidized may not provide adequate lubrication, causing components to overheat or seize. Additionally, settled contaminants may be stirred up during startup, potentially clogging filters or damaging pumps and other sensitive components.
A high velocity oil flush is a proactive step before restarting machinery after a hurricane. Thoroughly cleaning the system ensures that contaminants are removed, fresh oil is circulated, and the equipment is primed for safe and efficient operation, helping you to be prepared for the challenges of post-hurricane restart.
Regulatory Compliance and Equipment Longevity
Cause: Many industries, especially in energy, manufacturing, and petrochemicals, operate under strict regulatory guidelines that require regular maintenance of lubrication systems to avoid environmental hazards and ensure worker safety. After a hurricane, these systems are at heightened risk due to the increased contamination potential.
Effect: Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can lead to fines, legal issues, or even the forced shutdown of operations. Beyond compliance, maintaining the health of your oil systems through high velocity flushing contributes to the long-term reliability of your equipment. By extending the lifespan of critical equipment components and avoiding costly emergency repairs, a well-maintained system reduces overall operating costs.
The Value of High Velocity Oil Flushing After a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, industries need to act quickly to restore the health of their oil systems. If left unaddressed, water ingress, debris, oxidation, and other contaminants can cause significant damage. High velocity oil flushing offers an efficient, effective solution to remove contaminants, restore lubrication quality, and safeguard equipment.
By investing in a high velocity oil flush after a hurricane, you mitigate the immediate risks and ensure that your equipment can continue to operate reliably, meet regulatory standards, and extend its operational life. This maintenance step is essential for any facility looking to protect its assets and minimize downtime after a natural disaster.
Contact us to discuss how IFM can help with your lubrication practice improvements.
Check out more of our educational resources:
Roadblocks to a Sustainable Lubrication Program
Which Kind of Oil Flush Should I Use for my Equipment?