Today’s fast-track projects mean utilizing the most innovative cleaning processes for pipe systems that can shave time and money off a project’s cleaning window. To that end, it becomes advantageous to develop a pre-commissioning cleaning program designed around the most effective processes available. The ideal process ensures achieving maximum cleanliness while using the minimum amount of resources, eliminating costly services such as waste disposal and reducing the overall project time and cost.
One solution that many companies are turning to is aqualazing, sometimes called hydrolazing or hydromilling. Aqualazing is an advanced cleaning process that utilizes high-pressure water jetting to clean even the most complex piping systems. Whether removing debris or process deposits, aqualazing effectively cleans even the most challenging and detailed plant components.
How aqualazing works: Aqualazing involves a high-pressure pump operating at up to 15,000 psi at 50 gallons per minute enclosed in a 78-decibel noise-suppressing container, ensuring plant engineers can work with minimal noise disruption. The process begins with the diesel pump energizing the ultra-high-pressure jetting pump supplying water through a rotating hose device and customized nozzle. The device advances at calculated, controlled speeds, guaranteeing the entire piping internal surface is cleaned, regardless of pipe diameter or direction change. The blast of the nozzle expels every internal foreign substance, from construction debris to toxic chemical residue.
It is always critical to take every precaution to safeguard the plant crew, including implementing technology to regulate the process. Advances in aqualazing technology include a hands-free wireless remote control device that allows operation of the aqualazing pump from up to 500 feet away. Anti-withdrawal devices can also be installed on system entry points to mitigate safety exposures.
Another facet to consider is the need to create custom solutions for your project’s standards and evolving environmental regulations. Look for a provider who offers additional services specially tailored to plants requiring special environmental accommodations. For example, for areas with limited water availability, utilizing alternative filtration systems to recycle the water and feed the aqualazing pump again guarantees high-quality water is reused instead of discarded.
The importance of expertise: Internal pipe cleaning is vital to the success and safety of your project, and choosing a team of industry experts is a critical decision. Look for a team with decades of collective experience, focusing on delivering solutions tailored to your project. The right aqualazing provider operates to the highest standards by utilizing engineering services that ensure quality, safety and reliability throughout each phase of your plant construction.
When done correctly, aqualazing can effectively clean piping systems of mill scale, construction debris and process deposits. In addition to piping systems, aqualazing can be used to clean other critical plant components that can become contaminated with water or process deposits.
When should you choose aqualazing? Aqualazing can be used as a primary method for cleaning or in conjunction with other pre-commissioning cleaning services such as steam blowing and air blowing to help reduce overall cleaning times and associated costs.
In many cases, aqualazing can also be applied to piping systems typically requiring chemical cleaning to achieve the same cleanliness level, at reduced costs and with zero environmental impact. Drying cleaned systems followed by applying a corrosion inhibitor can facilitate cleaning systems ahead of schedule and ensure you’re ready for start-up.
Not all aqualazing, hydrolazing and hydromilling service providers are the same. Smart choices will require more than a templated response to a request for proposal. Make sure you look for providers who can provide photos, videos, references and a track record of successful projects. Being well informed will be the key to your project’s success. Likewise, not all projects are the same. Working with a provider who understands when and how to utilize aqualazing can save your project significant time and money.
For more information, visit www. bwenergyservices.com or call (281) 534-9300.
