Cleaning and Flushing of Process Lines and Equipment
Cleaning and flushing of process lines and equipment containing product or product residuals. Methods include high air velocity vacuum trucks, liquid vacuum trucks, “snaking” or “pigging” procedures.
Energy Supplier - Mid-West
As part of a DOT improvement project on the Cicero Avenue bridge over the Chicago River, a 42 inch diameter PCB contaminated pipe that was attached beneath the bridge required decontamination prior to removal.
Following permit acquisition and site setup, the 260 linear foot 42 inch diameter pipe was accessed by excavating the pavement to expose the top of the pipe from each end.
Access holes were cut at the top of the steel pipe to allow for personnel access and cleaning.
The pipe was vented and proper confined space entry procedures were performed using supplied air for personnel access through holes cut in the pipe.
The interior surfaces of the pipe were manually decontaminated with kerosene, and then a biodegradable detergent was applied and collected to remove oil residue.
All decontamination waste collected in drums for transportation and disposal at a licensed Disposal Facility.
Global Paper Manufacturer - Mid-West
Prior to removal of buildup within the system, access points with closure valves (Butterfly valves) were placed in the six inch line down stream of the vacuum pumps.
Utilizing a high velocity vacuum truck connected to the piping, the initial “loose” bulk product was removed from the system and contained within the truck. This was done by systematically opening and closing the valves to increase and decrease the pressure force within the system.
Following bulk removal of the oil and paper buildup, a bio degradable detergent was inserted into the vacuum system piping and allowed time to soak the hardened sediment and pipe interior. After an allotted soak time, the detergent and all remaining sediments were removed from the piping following the same procedure as the bulk product removal.
The collected oil and paper sediment waste was removed from the vacuum truck and placed into drums for disposal by the facility.
