By far the most common way to clean piping systems prior to commissioning is via the flush method. This form of cleaning uses a good force of water, typically flowing down to various low points, to create the velocities required to remove construction and general debris from the pipe system to be cleaned. Excellent guidance can be found in publications such as the BSRIA (Building Services Research & Information Association), guide to cleaning water systems, however as a “rule of thumb” an exit flush where the water travels around 1 meter before hitting grade is a good guide, (this “rule of thumb” is purely for guidance, I cannot accept responsibility for any specific cleaning you my reader may be undertaking, please seek professional assistance).
Safety must be the number 1 priority when flushing and clear communication of the pending activities, barricading and signage must be incorporated in the work to be done. Good practice dictates we should always flush away from vessels and major plant items and from as many low points as is possible. Please be aware of any environmental considerations, allow your flush water to go only to an approved, regulatory compliant source and store, sentence, sample and then responsibly dispose of flush water during the activity.
Flushing is an important activity, we do not want nuts, washers or welding rods interfering with our commissioning activities, so good practice here really does help us towards a “right first time” commissioning effort.
Safe and successful commissioning always…
