Purging issue
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This is the first time that our facility is undergoing purging; currently, there is no steam available only industrial air. I am in charge of the purging of the utility systems. May I ask if the gas pipelines can be cleaned thoroughly using industrial air? After repeated pressure holding, tapping, and purging, I tested it by hand and found that tiny particles still landed on my hand, which worried me a lot. But then the control valve needed to be adjusted again and reinstalled; would I have to wait until steam was available to use it for cleaning? Taking apart the control valve is also a hassle. I wonder if it will work after blowing it with air?
The cleanliness requirements for gas pipelines are not very high; there are buffer tanks and filters downstream, so even if dust gets into the burner nozzles, it can be removed easily. However, it’s best to avoid weld slag and metal shavings, as these substances can get stuck in the valve chambers and cause leaks. Therefore, it’s sufficient to clean the gas pipelines by using an industrial fan along with gentle tapping. If TIG welding is used for the root pass during pipe welding, it’s even more straightforward.
It is possible to use an industrial blower for cleaning, and pressure buildup blasting can also be used to clean it thoroughly. Poor control of steam purging can cause vibration and displacement of the pipelines; steam is not necessary unless there are specific requirements. In fact, it is best to combine pipeline purging with hydraulic testing of the pipelines; after the pressure test, the pipelines can be washed directly with water, which helps to remove all debris. Washing with water yields better results, and subsequent drying with industrial air ensures that the pipelines are completely clean.
These days, pipes are basically welded with TIG welding as a base layer, right?
It’s fine now. Steam purging will also have this effect.
Honestly, this pipeline shouldn’t be blown with steam; it’s not a thermal pipeline
It’s completely fine; even if it’s blown for a long time, impurities will still remain
Blow it out with compressed air; ultimately, it is necessary to verify whether the calibration for target shooting is satisfactory. If impurities can be seen by eye, it indicates that the flow rate is insufficient, and the presence of impurities is inevitable.