Cleaning oil pipework

[SmokeyJ]

Hi all
Office have taken an enquiry about cleaning a golf clubs oil lines. Its a commercial installation so will likely be steel pipes.
I have no experience in cleaning oil lines so not sure whats involved.
Tbh it's not a job i'm interested in but office have asked me to find out whats involved.
So, can anyone help with how to carry out oil line cleaning?
Is it as 'simple' as blowing out with a compressor?

Thanks Jason

 

[SimonG]

First question would be why a customer thinks an oil line needs a clean?

 

[SmokeyJ]

First question would be why a customer thinks an oil line needs a clean?

Not sure of the background info tbh. I would imagine who ever services the boilers has recommended it. Possibly the filters keep blocking up? I'm not sure why they won't do it themselves, either they see it as a specialist job or just that it's a crap job?
Regardless of the need to carry it out, I was wondering what's involved in doing so?
Also if it's got to the point where the pipework needs cleaning, surely the tank would also require cleaning

 

[rpm]

Isn`t there filters somewhere at the start?
Not oil guy, just thinking out loud.

 

[Best]

Isn`t there filters somewhere at the start?
Not oil guy, just thinking out loud.

Yes, should really be paper element filter at tank to prevent most dirt getting into oil line.

 

[rpm]

Not sure of the background info tbh. I would imagine who ever services the boilers has recommended it. Possibly the filters keep blocking up? I'm not sure why they won't do it themselves, either they see it as a specialist job or just that it's a crap job?
Regardless of the need to carry it out, I was wondering what's involved in doing so?
Also if it's got to the point where the pipework needs cleaning, surely the tank would also require cleaning

Sorry SmokeyJ, I didn`t read this from you before I posted re filters.

 

[DaveyHep]

Depends why they need cleaning. If it's slime then this is due to bacterial growth which can happen where you get water building up in the low points. All you need to do is get a good flow going to sweep the water out. Whether you achieve this using an external pump or using the burners' own oil pump depends on the set-up.

 

[SmokeyJ]

Went out to have a look today. Only a 2500L bunded tank and 10m of 10mm part buried copper. Gas oil.
Background (from the receptionist) - Other 'engineer' replaced boiler just under a year ago and has been back every month or two to 'clean it out' as it starts pumping out smoke/soot. He said the oil line is 'gunked' up and is causing the boiler to 'block up'.
Where to start...
Dipped tank 5mm at most water. Took tank filter out, wasn't very dirty. Ran oil from tank into bucket, ran clear. Disconnected burner end and also ran clear with a decent flow. Can't see the need to clean the pipework if fuel is clear and flow is decent.
The boiler Worcester danesmoor utility 25/32 erp only suitable for c2 kerosene... Absolute mess for a not even year old boiler.
Didn't check combustion or anything as seemed a pointless task given the incorrect fuel.

I'll list the issues
Fire valve removed, phial is about 1m short of the boiler anyway.
No filter installed at the appliance
Boiler not suitable for gas oil
Incorrect nozzle (0.65 x 80EH) only undersized but am sure EH and ES also aren't suitable for gas oil
Oil line is partly buried in unsheathed copper
Tank clearances don't comply (not many do)

Called oil delivery company (Delivery note under lid - 2000L 2 weeks ago) to check delivery history and has always been gas oil.

Also spoke to oftec before going regarding cleaning. They said there is no set procedure and some engineers use a compressor, just pressure test before and after if doing so.

Makes me wonder if the installer know's what he's doing

 

[ShaunCorbs]

He doesn't

 

[SimonG]

Is the new boiler a steamer. Condensers can't run on gas oil. Too many particulates.

 

[SmokeyJ]

Only put the flue up as have never seen a joint like that. Didn't look right to me but holes where its screwed are from the
factory, not drilled (rear one missing). Any ideas?

 

[SmokeyJ]

Is the new boiler a steamer. Condensers can't run on gas oil. Too many particulates.

Yes condensing. 1st Danesmoor one ive seen.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I would say boilers going to get shagged if left like that needs sorting

I'm not even an oily and I know there's something wrong

 

[SimonG]

Aye not to be run on gas oil. Kerosene only then.

 

[Best]

Unbelievable!
Boiler probably is already badly damaged inside.
The baffles in main heat exchanger will be wrecked due to excess heat created by sooted exchanger, I can almost guarantee.
Perhaps excess heat has also damaged flue.
Could be a total replacement boiler and flue needed, otherwise it will need a load of parts and labour.
Shows that the new boiler was installed by a bluffer.