AQUATHERM TECHINCAL BULLETIN: CLEANING AND FLUSHING OF COMPRESSED AIR LINES

After the compressed air system is completely installed and has successfully completed the Aquatherm pressure testing requirements, and before it is put into service, the piping system must be flushed to remove all loose debris, dirt, moisture and oil that may have accumulated during the installation process.

The following are suggested step to take to flush and clean the Aquatherm compressed air piping system. The goal of the flushing process is to ensure each line is dry and free of debris, dust, dirt, oil, or other contaminants, and to allow 4 – 5 times the expected flow through each outlet of the system or pipe volume to that outlet.

1. Disconnect supplies to all equipment and shut-off all take-offs.
2. Pressurize the system with compressed air to normal working pressure.
3. Flush each take-off in turn starting at the take-off nearest the compressor and generally working from larger lines to smaller lines.  Flushing is done by opening the shut-off valve at the equipment connection point and allowing air to flow at full system pressure.
4. Continue flushing until each line is dry and free of dust, dirt and oil. At a minimum, this step should allow 4-5 times the air volume that would be expected for the equipment operating cycle, or 4-5 times the air volume of the piping up to the equipment take-off location, whichever is larger.
5. After final flushing the piping should be left pressurized at the system working pressure.