FAQ
What type of equipment is used during IAS services?
IAS utilizes purpose built, state-of-the-art vacuum distillation, high velocity VFD pumps, thermostatically controlled electric heaters, and sub-micron particle filters.
Can you filter out fluid oxidation?
Yes! We employ proprietary IAS technologies to remove oxidative byproducts from fluid and fluid systems thereby lowering the overall oxidation and save dollars in fluid replacement.
Does IAS’s High Velocity Oil Flush create turbulent or laminar flow?
We create turbulent flow of the flushing oil. Turbulent flow begins at Re 4,000. We typically achieve Re> 25,000.
What oil can we use when flushing?
It’s the customer’s choice, we can flush with the existing charge of oil or new oil. Either way the oil will be cleaner and dryer upon completion of the flush.
Will you supply all the bearing jumpers for a High Velocity Oil Flush project?
Yes, part of our 24/7 turnkey service is to design, fabricate and install the jumpers. No need to use customer’s craft labor.
Will I receive a Final Project Report upon completion of your service?
Yes, After all written and photographic documentation is completed by the Project Manager, it is forwarded to the Account Manager to complete the report.
We have varnish in our gas turbine lube oil system that is causing valve stiction and depleting the anti-oxidants in my turbine oil. How can IAS help me?
IAS has developed a Rapid Varnish Mitigation service that will reduce your MPC rating into the normal range (<15) typically within seven to eight 24 hour days. When reducing the varnish potential or MPC number we are removing the oxidation by products that deplete the healthy anti-oxidants that prevent valve stiction and premature oil life.
What does your High Velocity Chemical Cleaning process entail?
First, all our IAS chemicals are designed to be environmental safe to use and easy for disposal. We begin by using our Interior Surface Cleaner to remove all traces of hydrocarbon, varnish and oxidation residue, second is the Chelation stage to remove rust and scale. Finally our Passivation stage that provides short term protection against rust and corrosion. The treated lines will have a gun metal grey finish once completed.
All I need on my Steam Turbine is an oil flush, why should I invest in your High Velocity Chemical Cleaning service?
Over the years we have found that investing in our High Velocity Chemical Cleaning compresses the High Velocity Oil Flush schedule. It removes the varnish and rust an oil flush will not remove.
How long does the High Velocity Chemical Cleaning take?
This service is like baking a cake, we following a precises recipe for success. We estimate it takes 3-4 days to complete.
What hours does IAS operate?
Because of the nature of our customers’ operations, our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Is color a good indication of my fluid’s cleanliness?
No. Color has little to do with cleanliness levels. In fact, fluids can often appear to be normal while actually they are severely contaminated.
What is fluid purification?
Purification is the mechanical and thermal vacuum method of separating damaging contaminants from a fluid so the fluid and equipment can experience significantly higher levels of reliability.
Where do you perform your services?
Services are generally performed on-site. Occasionally, fluids can be remotely purified as necessary.
How many times can a fluid be purified?
IAS has demonstrated that most fluids can be purified many times over. In fact, when fluids are kept in good operating condition, their useful life can be extended.
How often should I decontaminate my fluid system?
Because IAS is a reliability focused organization, we recommend system decontamination at each equipment outage, prior to initial commissioning, and after any catastrophic failure.
Who does the actual work?
We do! Our technicians are highly trained and hold various industry certifications and credentials.
How do I know that my fluid and system have successfully been purified?
IAS utilizes real-time state-of-the-art technology in fluid analysis such as laser particle counters. Our on-site instruments will measure fluid and system conditions throughout the process and the data is immediately available to us and our clients.
What happens to the contaminants that are removed?
Solid contaminants are collected in drums and in filter media. Moisture and gases are collected in drums or scrubbed out during the process. Removed contamination is left behind at the plant or IAS will arrange for its disposal according to local rules and regulations.
What does the fluid purification process cost?
Depending on volumes processed, typically costs far less than the cost of new replacement fluid. Most of our clients can expect to save tens of thousands of dollars annually in reduced new fluid.
What types of fluid can be purified?
Most commercial, industrial fluids and coolants can be purified – with very few exceptions.
Do you rent equipment for the Rapid Varnish Removal?
All our programs are services, we man our equipment and monitor your equipment 24/7 to ensure the most reliable and efficient service is afforded to our customers.