Chemical Cleaning of Heat Exchangers – Phase 1

Plant Shutdown – September 2025 | Peru

During the scheduled plant shutdown in September, the Lubritech Peru team successfully carried out the chemical cleaning of heat exchangers from the Ring Motor and Lubrication System of the SAG 1, Ball 1, and Ball 2 Mills of Phase 1, at a major mining company in Peru.

The main goal was to remove scale, sediments, and contaminants accumulated in the cooling and lubrication circuits, which affected heat transfer and overall equipment performance.
This work aimed to restore optimal operating conditions, extend system life, and ensure process continuity and safety.

Activities included draining, connection of recirculation systems, and continuous monitoring of technical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, and TDS), ensuring a controlled and safe execution aligned with technical and environmental standards.

✅ Results

The intervention allowed the recovery of the heat exchangers’ thermal efficiency, improving heat transfer, reducing operating temperatures, and stabilizing the lubrication and cooling systems.
All neutralization and responsible environmental management procedures for generated effluents were properly completed.

Congratulations to the Lubritech Peru team for their commitment, professionalism, and outstanding performance

‍♂️ Technical Team:
José Zavala López
Benjamín Zapata
Jorge Aguirre
Alejandro Guerrero
Elvis Bracho
Yogrey Infante

Administrative Support Team:
María Zapata
Danitza Boulanger
Roberto Romero

Proud to continue contributing to industrial reliability in Peru.

#LubritechPeru #IndustrialMaintenance #Lubrication #ThermalEfficiency #PlantShutdown #ChemicalCleaning #MiningIndustry #OperationalReliability #LubritechGroup

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25 Years of Leadership in High-Velocity Oil Hydraulic Flushing in Argentine Refineries.

During the recent Catalytic Plant Shutdown at a major refinery in Argentina, Lubritech Argentina successfully carried out critical high-velocity oil hydraulic flushing on the Blower Turbocompressor, the Gas Compressor, and the hydraulic systems of the plant’s valves.
This service is of vital importance: the Blower is the first rotating equipment to start up after the shutdown, and any delay in flushing could postpone the restart of a plant that produces over USD 500,000 per day.

Commitment to Standards and Continuous Improvement
To ensure flawless results and completion within schedule, we strictly follow ASTM D6439. This year’s job had special significance: 25 years ago, we performed the same activity in this plant, and since then, we have kept up with every revision of the standard, incorporating all improvements.
In 2000, the standard required a Reynolds number > 4,000, and we used a 150 GPM pump (as seen in historical photos).
The current version requires a Reynolds number > 10,000, so we deployed a 500 GPM pump (visible in the service video). This leap demonstrates our leadership, expertise, and ongoing technical evolution.

For this project, we worked with the refinery’s local technicians and also had the support of four specialized technicians from our External Services Department. We congratulate everyone for their commitment and attention to detail.

International Presence and Specialization
These services are not only performed in Argentina: our team provides high-velocity oil hydraulic flushing solutions throughout the Americas and parts of Europe, always working with Safety, Quality, and on time, following procedures approved by OEMs and end users.

Our specialization has made us a trusted partner for critical projects during plant shutdowns, ensuring equipment is ready to operate without delays.

A Touch of History
In the year 2000, the technical team was led by the person who is now the General Manager of the Sicelub Lubritech Group, a testament to our continuity, commitment, and passion for what we do.

For more information, visit the Flushing section on our website: www.sicelub.com
Inquiries: info@sicelub.com

 

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High Velocity Oil Flushing at Olefins Plant in Portugal

From our company Sicelub Ibérico in Spain, we successfully carried out a major high velocity oil flushing project at an Olefins Plant in Portugal. This project highlights our ability to perform these specialized services anywhere in Europe, always ensuring maximum reliability during commissioning and a reliable startup of critical equipment.

During the shutdown and revamping, we performed three flushing jobs on main compressors:

  • 4-body Raw Gas Compressor: turbine replaced by motor, including two tanks (lubrication and seal) and a Run Down Tank.
  • Ethylene Compressor: installation of a new lubrication skid.
  • Propylene Compressor: addition of a new tank and replacement of turbine with motor, in compliance with European regulations for CO₂ emissions reduction.

In all cases, the lubrication systems are equipped with Thermojet purifiers installed in the tanks, with an approximate capacity of 8,000 liters each.

To achieve the required cleanliness levels, we circulated oil at high velocity for extended periods, especially through heat exchangers, where more contaminants usually accumulate. As a result, we reached very low ISO 4406 cleanliness codes, in compliance with ASTM D-6439-23, ensuring maximum lubricant purity.

This achievement was made possible thanks to the dedication of our technical team, with full support from our organization in Spain and Portugal.

We attach some photos of the work team and the filters used during the process.

Learn more about our projects by visiting our website www.sicelub.com or requesting further information at info@sicelub.com.

#HighVelocityOilFlushing #SicelubIbérico #Lubritech #ReliableStartup #Commissioning #Europe #Olefins #ISO4406 #ASTMD6439

 

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Platform in Brazil: Varnish Removal in Vorecon Compressor (Voith Turbo)

Project Scope
• SCOPE: Varnish removal from oil in Vorecon Compressor
• CLIENT: Private offshore platform in Brazil
• EQUIPMENT: REINJECTION B system, Vorecon model (Voith Turbo)

Initial Conditions
• Initial contamination level: MPC 22
• After only 5 days of operation, field analysis showed a reduction to MPC 18.

Team Involved
• Responsible technician: Rodrigo Cardoso

️ Oil Type Used
• Oil: Shell Turbo S4 GX 32

Timeline
• Start date: August 3, 2025
• Initial rental period: 90 days
• Work in progress (stabilization still underway)

Lubritech Solution Applied
• Equipment used: ISOPur MR (ISOPUR)
This technology is based on Balanced Charge Agglomeration and is recommended by General Electric and Nuovo Pignone to prevent and remove varnish in lubrication systems, according to TIL 1528.

Importance of Preventing Varnish Formation in Voith Turbo Vorecon Units

The Vorecon series, manufactured by Voith Turbo, is widely used in compression, injection, or pumping systems on oil platforms—especially in Brazil. However, varnish formation in oil is a serious issue: it shortens the life of bearings and gears, impairs heat exchange, and can lead to unplanned shutdowns.

Why is this service relevant?
• The ISOPur MR ISOPUR technology, based on Balanced Charge Agglomeration, directly addresses both the prevention and removal of varnish.
• Recommended by OEMs like General Electric and Nuovo Pignone (per TIL 1528), it delivers results aligned with the highest industry standards.
• The reduction in MPC from 22 to 18 within just a few days demonstrates its clear effectiveness in controlling contamination.

Expected Benefits

  • Faster operational recovery: restoring system integrity with lower failure risk.
    • Improved equipment reliability: less mechanical wear and greater process stability.
    • Technical credibility and market recognition: proven technology used by major players, reinforcing Lubritech/Sicelub’s image as a premium solution provider.

Call to Action

If your facility shows signs of varnish contamination in Vorecon systems, contact us. We offer fast assessments, intervention with ISOPur MR, and full operational support. Preventing or removing varnish in Voith Turbo Vorecon equipment ensures greater safety, efficiency, and operating life.

To learn more about our solutions for varnish control and removal in lubrication systems, visit our website www.sicelub.com and discover our success stories, technologies used, and areas in which Grupo Sicelub Lubritech operates.
For personalized assistance or more technical information, please contact us at info@sicelub.com — we’ll be happy to assist you!

#varnishremoval, #VoreconEquipment, #VoithTurboVorecon, #ISOPURMR, #TIL1528

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High Velocity Oil Flushing at Vaca Muerta Plant

Lubritech Argentina successfully carried out a high velocity oil flushing job on the suction and pumping system of an EPF Plant located in Añelo, central Vaca Muerta area.

The intervention covered over 100 meters of 6 and 8-inch diameter pipes, using high-flow centrifugal pumps to ensure an efficient and safe process. This plant is dedicated to gas and oil recovery and separation, supplying the market with both products independently.

This work, led by Andrés Yamín and supported by the External Services and Administrative team from La Plata, contributes to a reliable startup and a commissioned system that guarantees maximum operational performance.

For more details on similar projects, we invite you to visit the news section on our website www.sicelub.com.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and request more information by writing to info@sicelub.com.

#HighVelocityOilFlushing #LubritechArgentina #VacaMuerta #ReliableStartup #CommissionedSystem #OilFlushing

 

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Success Story – Flushing Service on Offshore Platform in Brazil

The team from Lubritech do Brasil successfully carried out a High Velocity Oil Flushing service in turbulent regime on the lubrication and control oil system of an HPU model MV-46, installed on a private offshore platform in Brazil.

Project Details:

• Personnel involved: Alexandre Adão and Anderson Moras
• Total volume treated: 1,600 liters in 8 days
• Mobilization time: 12 days
• Estimated time: 10 days
• Successfully completed in just 9 days

Technical Results:

• Initial particulate contamination: NAS 12
• Final result: NAS 5 in 24 hours
• Initial water contamination: 287 ppm
• Final result using Thermojet Oil Purifier: below 100 ppm in 2 hours

Client satisfaction level: Excellent

This is yet another demonstration of the Grupo Sicelub Lubritech commitment to technical excellence, operational safety, and high field performance. We continue working side by side with our clients, ensuring reliability and efficiency in critical lubrication and control systems.

To learn more about our solutions, visit: www.sicelub.com
For more technical or commercial information, contact us at: info@sicelub.com

 

 

 

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Two Success Stories in High Velocity Oil Flushing Services by Lubritech do Brasil

Lubritech do Brasil, part of Grupo Sicelub, reinforces its commitment to excellence in industrial reliability solutions, recently completing two major high velocity oil flushing services. These projects showcased speed, technical precision, and compliance with the highest standards of cleanliness and performance.

✅ 1. Flushing on Slide Valves – Client: IMI Critical / Refinery in Southern Brazil

High velocity oil flushing on four slide valves (model XV-30305), ensuring efficient removal of solid contaminants and moisture from the system.

Technical Details:
– Start date: May 23
– End date: June 13
– Oil type: Turbine X-32
– Average flushing time: 30 hours per stage
– Required cleanliness level: NAS 4 or lower
– Equipment used: TC-500 flushing machine – 1,800 LPM (500 GPM) flow rate
– Team: Rodrigo Cardoso, Lucas Silva, Ricardo Delmiro

✅ 2. Flushing on Pipeline Pump – Client LOGUM | Atibaia (SP)

High velocity oil flushing performed on pipeline pumps B-4250-14601 A/B/C in the city of Atibaia – SP, for client LOGUM.

Technical Details:
– Total service duration: 12 days
– Team: Magno and Eduardo Matheus

These services reinforce Lubritech do Brasil’s position as a reference in high velocity oil flushing, oil filtration and dehydration, and contamination control in critical industrial systems.

Learn more at: www.sicelub.com
Contact: info@sicelub.com

 

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Flushing to Remove Varnish and High Velocity Flushing at an Italian Refinery

Sicelub Ibérico was contracted to perform a major project at an Italian refinery. We worked on a lubrication system with 8,500 liters of oil that operates as a lubrication system for three turbo compressors, two of which also feature a seal system. Previous evaluations had determined the presence of varnish in the lubricant, which affected the reliability and availability of the equipment.

Therefore, a special procedure was designed to be carried out during a Scheduled Shutdown, which consisted of two phases.

In the first phase, an external solvent product was added, diluted to 10% in the lubricant, to increase the solubility of the mixture and, by high-temperature circulation through the system, to remove as much varnish as possible from pipes, heat exchangers, control system, etc. At the end of this phase, the reservoir was drained and cleaned, using a flushing oil to remove any remaining cleaning fluid from the system.

For the second phase, with bypasses already in place, a high velocity flushing was performed, as recommended by the new version of ASTM Standard D-6439, which states that a Reynolds number greater than 10,000 must be achieved for a successful flush. In this phase, oil analyses were performed, and as can be seen in the photographs, the oil level began with an ISO 22/21/17 code; in less than 48 hours, the reduction was achieved to ISO 17/14/10.

To better understand this reduction, it is noted that the particle count was reduced by a factor of 75 on average. In less than 48 hours, the particle count was 75 times lower, representing a significant increase in reliability for the lubricated equipment. Finally, a Thermojet Purification System was left operating to remove water, particles, and gases, a critical piece of equipment in terms of contamination levels.

We would like to say thanks to the personnel involved:

Marcelino Castejón, José Julián Gómez, and Aitor García.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through our website www.sicelub.com or send an email to info@sicelub.com

 

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Chemical Cleaning and Hydraulic Flushing Service in Argentina

Our company, Lubritech Argentina, was recently awarded to perform an intervention on a Siemens SST 300 Steam Turbine at a power plant in northeast of Argentina.

Four technicians, coordinated by our Service Leader, Martín Videla, were deployed to perform chemical cleaning and high velocity oil flushing of the various lubrication, control, and lifting systems, as well as oil-side heat exchangers.

A preliminary pre-engineering stage was conducted to determine the cleaning fluids to be used; once these were selected, degreasing, acid cleaning, and neutralization activities were performed, followed by high velocity oil flushing. It is very important to note here that the new revision of the ASTM D6439 Flushing Standard is more restrictive regarding the Reynolds number to be achieved for turbulent flushing. The Reynolds number is required to be greater than 10,000, whereas previous versions of the standard stated it was 4,000.

We attach some photographs of the work team, as well as the system before and after cleaning. The work was carried out with safety, quality, and meeting the client’s expectations.

Lubritech Argentina thanks the plant team consisting of Videla Martin, Sebastian Romero, Facundo Segura, Marcos Herrera, and Rodrigo Coppiarolo.

If you have any questions or needs, please contact us through our website www.sicelub.com or by emailing info@sicelub.com, indicating your location and your needs. Please note that the Sicelub Lubritech Group has a presence in Latin America and Europe.

 

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Sicelub Ibérico SL obtains Sustainability certification in Spain

Recently, our company in Spain, Sicelub Ibérico, obtained a Sustainability certification; being among the 15% best in Spain in this regard. The result indicated that we were in the 86th percentile, which indicates an excellent value.

We would like to thank Leila Martí, who led the audit and certification process.

At the Sicelub Lubritech Group, and as part of Reladyne, we believe that Sustainability is a very important value to follow, since we are aware of the changes that occur in the world; and we do our part to reduce the amount of harmful waste, make efficient use of resources, and care for the Environment.

We also seek to improve our labor and human rights practices, along with Professional Ethics. You can see more information at: https://reladyne.com/es/company/sustainability-in-motion/

If you have any questions on this topic, or need for solutions in the field of lubrication, please contact us via our email info@sicelub.com

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