Can the cylinders of a reciprocating compressor be steamed?
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Today, welding work is to be carried out inside one of our company’s compressor cylinders. Since the piston rings in these cylinders are oil-lubricated, there is lubricating oil present inside them. Before starting the welding, the maintenance supervisor requested that the cylinder be cleaned using steam. However, the workshop supervisor, handshake, disagreed with this idea. May I ask whether it is indeed possible to use steam for cleaning?
I haven’t seen this before, but it can be cleaned with carbon tetrachloride
In my personal opinion, it can be cleaned with a degreaser; if that’s not possible, steaming can be used, but the steam temperature should not be too high. After steaming, the condensed water must be removed carefully. Moreover, before starting welding, it is necessary to conduct an analysis and obtain approval before proceeding with the welding.
I have tried using steam to remove scale from oil-free lubricated cylinders
Steam degreasing is the right solution; analyze the composition of the scale to remove it. Also, whether the maximum operating temperature of this piston cylinder is suitable for steam cleaning.