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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