Cleaning Mechanism
RXSOL System Flushing & Cleaning Chemical is intended to work through a combination of cleaning mechanisms:
Degreasing: Surfactants and compatible cleaning agents help emulsify cutting oils, grease and oily fabrication residues.
Wetting and Penetration: Wetting agents improve contact between the cleaning solution and deposits on internal metal surfaces.
Dispersion: Dispersing agents help suspend fine rust particles, sludge and other removable solids in the circulating water.
Chelation: Where included in the formulation, chelating agents can assist in mobilizing certain metal-containing deposits.
Flushing Action: Circulation and filtration physically remove loosened particles, welding debris and construction contamination.
Limitation: A mildly alkaline cleaner will not reliably dissolve heavy, adherent mill scale or iron oxide. These may require a separate inhibited acid or specialized chelant-based cleaning procedure.
Recommended Concentration and Contact Time
The following ranges are proposed for initial trials with a validated, mildly alkaline flushing formulation.
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Cleaning Condition
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Concentration
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Circulation Time
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Light construction dust and residues
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0.5–1.0%
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2–4 hours
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General pre-commissioning cleaning
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1.0–2.0%
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4–8 hours
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Moderate oil, grease and loose rust
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2.0–3.0%
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6–12 hours
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Heavy iron oxide or adherent mill scale
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Separate treatment
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Determined by deposit analysis
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Concentrations are expressed as percentage by volume of the final cleaning solution.
These values are provisional development recommendations, not verified field instructions for an existing RXSOL product.
Recommended Circulation Cleaning Procedure
System inspection and preparation
Confirm system volume, piping materials, pump capacity, valve arrangement and drainage facilities. Isolate sensitive components and provide suitable temporary bypasses where required.
Initial water flushing
Fill with suitable clean water and carry out dynamic flushing to remove loose construction debris. Clean strainers and filters regularly.
Chemical preparation
Prepare the selected cleaning concentration using water of suitable quality. Introduce the cleaner through an approved dosing or circulation point.
Chemical circulation
Circulate the cleaning solution through all intended sections of the system. Maintain sufficient flow to reach remote branches without exceeding equipment limits. Monitor pH, temperature, appearance and filtration condition.
Cleaning verification
Inspect strainers and representative samples. Where practical, measure suspended solids, iron concentration and oil contamination to evaluate cleaning progress.
Drainage and final flushing
Collect spent solution for appropriate treatment or disposal. Flush thoroughly with clean water until residual cleaner and suspended contamination meet the agreed acceptance criteria.
Post-cleaning passivation
Immediately apply a compatible corrosion inhibitor or passivation treatment to exposed metal surfaces, then establish the permanent water treatment programme.
Post-Cleaning Passivation Procedure
After cleaning, exposed carbon steel surfaces can be particularly susceptible to flash rusting. Passivation should therefore follow promptly after the final rinse.
Recommended Approach
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Confirm the system is free of excessive cleaning chemical and suspended solids.
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Select a corrosion inhibitor compatible with the system metallurgy and operating conditions.
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Prepare the passivation solution using water of suitable quality.
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Circulate the solution to ensure contact with all wetted surfaces.
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Monitor pH and inhibitor residual.
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Establish the permanent closed-loop corrosion inhibitor concentration.
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Maintain circulation or an approved lay-up treatment until commissioning.
Suggested Passivation Technologies
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System Material
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Potential Treatment Approach
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Carbon Steel
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Nitrite-based or nitrite-free corrosion inhibitor
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Stainless Steel
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Compatible low-chloride treatment
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Copper / Brass
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Azole-containing corrosion inhibitor programme
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Mixed Metal Systems
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Multi-metal inhibitor formulation
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Aluminium-Containing Systems
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Specially selected inhibitor and controlled pH
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A nitrite-free formulation based on suitable molybdate, organic inhibitors or other approved technologies may be considered for mixed-metal cooling systems.
Passivation concentration and duration: These must be established from the selected inhibitor's formulation, manufacturer instructions and system conditions. A universal dosage cannot be recommended.
Cleaning and Passivation Monitoring
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Parameter
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During Cleaning
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After Final Flushing / Passivation
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pH
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Monitor chemical activity and compatibility
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Maintain approved system range
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Conductivity
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Track solution changes
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Confirm flushing and final water quality
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Dissolved Iron
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Evaluate oxide mobilization
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Confirm acceptable residual concentration
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Suspended Solids
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Monitor particulate removal
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Meet project cleanliness criteria
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Oil and Grease
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Evaluate degreasing
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Confirm acceptable residual levels
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Inhibitor Residual
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Not applicable unless included
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Maintain required treatment level
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Microbiological Activity
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Assess where relevant
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Control through approved programme
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Acceptance criteria should be agreed before cleaning and based on the system specification, water treatment programme and applicable commissioning standards.
Material Compatibility
The proposed alkaline formulation is intended for use in appropriately evaluated water systems.
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Material
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Consideration
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Carbon Steel
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Generally a target material; verify cleaning chemistry
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Stainless Steel
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Confirm chloride and chemical compatibility
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Copper and Brass
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Evaluate chelant and inhibitor effects
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Aluminium
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Sensitive to elevated alkalinity; special assessment required
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Galvanized Steel
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Can be damaged by alkaline formulations
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Rubber Seals
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Confirm chemical resistance
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Plastic Pipes
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Verify temperature and solvent compatibility
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Protective Coatings
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Conduct a compatibility test
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Do not use a strongly alkaline formulation on aluminium or galvanized components without specific validation.
Safety and Handling
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Read the approved Safety Data Sheet before handling.
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Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
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Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
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Provide adequate ventilation.
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Do not mix concentrated cleaning chemicals with acids, oxidizers or biocides.
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Use chemical-resistant pumps, hoses and storage containers.
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Monitor pressure, temperature and circulation conditions.
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Prevent uncontrolled release of spent cleaning solution.
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Follow site-specific isolation, lockout and confined-space safety procedures.
Storage and Packing
Storage: Keep in tightly closed, properly labelled containers in a cool, dry, ventilated location.
Packing Options: 25 L cans, 210 L drums and 1,000 L IBCs, subject to commercial confirmation.
Shelf Life: To be established through finished-product stability testing.