ASTM D6439-11

This guide is intended to aid the equipment manufacturer, installer, and turbine operator in coordinating their efforts to obtain and maintain clean lubrication and control systems.

The flushing and cleaning philosophies stated in this guide are applicable to both large and small lubrication systems.

Clean lubrication systems result from proper system design and good planning, execution, and communication by all involved during commissioning. No phase of these procedures should be undertaken without a thorough understanding of the possible effects of improper system preparation. The installation, cleaning, and flushing of the equipment should not be entrusted to persons lacking in experience.

Because of the knowledge and specialized equipment that is required, the operator may wish to employ an outside specialist contractor for the system flushing. Review of this guide can provide guidelines for discussion with prospective contractors.

1.1 This guide covers types of contaminants, oil purification devices, contamination monitoring, contamination control during building or refurbishing of turbine systems, lubrication system flushing, and maintenance of pure lubrication oil.

1.2 To obtain maximum operating life and reliability, or lubricants and system, it is vital that the turbine lubrication system has pure oil. This guide is intended to aid the equipment manufacturer, installer, and turbine operator in coordinating their efforts to obtain and maintain clean lubrication and control systems. These systems may be on land or marine turbine generators and propulsion and mechanical drive equipment. This guide is generalized due to variations in the type of equipment, builder's practices, and operating conditions.

1.3 This guide primarily addresses petroleum based lubricating oil. For systems using nonpetroleum based fluids, this guide may not be appropriate. For nonpetroleum products, consult the equipment and fluid manufacturers.

1.4 This guide is applicable to both large and small lubrication systems. Some equipment specified herein, however, may not be appropriate for all systems. Moreover, in situations where specific guidelines and procedures are provided by the equipment manufacturer, such procedures should take precedence over the recommendations of this guide.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.