OISD - STD-171

JULY 1998

FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY

PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC & ROTARY

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

Prepared by

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE ON PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC &

ROTARY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

2nd FLOOR, “KAILASH”,
26, KASTURBA GANDHI MARG,
NEW DELHI 110 001
 NOTES

OISD publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas industry
under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These are the
property of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and shall not be
reproduced or copied and loaned or exhibited to others without
written consent from OISD.

Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and
reliability of data contained in these documents, OISD hereby
expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage
resulting from their use.

These documents are intended only to supplement and not replace

the prevailing statutory requirements.
 FOREWORD

The Oil Industry in India is 100 years old. Because of various collaboration
agreements, a variety of international codes, standards and practices have been in vogue.
Standardisation in design philosophies and operating and maintenance practices at a
national level was hardly in existence. This, coupled with feed back from some serious
accidents that occurred in the recent past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for
the industry to review the existing state of art in designing, operating and maintaining oil
and gas installations.

With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986 constituted a
Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) staffed from within
the industry in formulating and implementing a series of self regulatory measures aimed at
removing obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing standards to ensure
safe operations. Accordingly, OISD constituted a number of functional committees of
experts nominated from the industry to draw up standards and guidelines on various
subjects.

The present document on " Preservation of Idle Static & Rotary Mechanical
Equipment", has been prepared by the Functional Committee on " Preservation of Idle
Static & Rotary Mechanical Equipment". This document is based on the accumulated
knowledge and experience of industry members and the various national and international
codes and practices. This document is meant to be used as supplement and not as a
replacement for existing codes and practices. It shall be borne in mind that no standard
can be a substitute for the judgment of a responsible qualified Engineer. Suggestions are
invited from the users after it is put into practice to improve the document further.
Suggestions for amendments to this document should be addressed to

The Coordinator
Functional Committee on
" Preservation of Idle Static & Rotary Mechanical Equipment",
Oil Industry Safety Directorate, 2nd Floor, “Kailash”,
26, Kasturba Gandhi Marg,
New Delhi - 110 001.

This standard in no way supersedes the statutory requirements of bodies like IBR,
CCE, Factory Inspectorate or any other Government Body which must be followed as
applicable.
 FUNCTIONAL PANEL ON PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC &
ROTARY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

LEADER

SHRI L.J. ROHEKAR, SR. INSP. MGR. IOC, GUWAHATI REFINERY,

GUWAHTI

MEMBERS

SHRI R.K. NATH, SR. INSP MGR., BPCL REFINERY, MUMBAI

SHRI S. NEELAKANTAN, SR.MGR (ENGG SERVICES), MRL,CHENNAI

SHRI M.S. RATHOR, SR. INSPN. MGR. HPCL REFINERY, MUMBAI

SHRI V.K. GOEL, MANAGER-LPG, HPCL, AHMEDABAD

SHRI S.B. SARKAR, SR.DY MGR, GAIL, ALIBAGH

SHRI B. RAJEEVE, MAINT MGR., CRL, COCHIN

MEMBER COORDINATOR

SHRI A.K. RANJAN, JOINT DIRECTOR(ENGG), OISD, NEW DELHI

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In addition to the above, various other experts from the industry contributed in the preparation,
review and finalisation of this document.

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S.No. CONTENTS

1.0 General
1.1. Introduction
1.2 Scope
1.3 Definition
1.4 Consideration for Selection of Protective System
2.0 Preservation of Idle Static Equipment
2.1 Preservation of Heat Exchangers
2.2 Preservation of Columns & Vessels
2.3 Preservation of Fired Heaters, Ducts and Stacks
2.4 Preservation of Equipment in Cooling Towers
2.5 Preservation of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
2.6 Preservation of Idle Boilers
2.7 Preservation of Pipelines
3.0 Preservation of Idle Rotary Equipment
3.1 Preservation of Idle Pumps
3.2 Preservation of Idle Compressors
3.3 Preservation of Steam Turbines
3.4 Preservation of Gas Turbine
3.5 Preservation of Diesel Engines
3.6 Preservation of Fans & Blowers
4.0 Preservation of Materials in Stores
4.1 Preservation of Heater Component
4.2 Preservation of Pipes, Pipe Fittings and Valves
4.3 Preservation of Heat Exchangers/Condensers/Coolers
4.4 Preservation of Plates
4.5 Preservation of Structural Steel
4.6 Preservation of Column Trays & Fittings
4.7 Preservation of Vessel & Exchanger Shell
4.8 Preservation of Refractory
4.9 Preservation of Spare Parts of Pumps and
Reciprocating Compressors
4.10 Preservation of Anti-Friction Bearings
4.11 Preservation/ Represervation of Components of Centrifugal
Compressor/Steam Turbine/Gas Turbine/Diesel Engine
4.12 Preservation Procedure for Equipment not Installed/
kept at Store

5.0 References
Annexure I
Commonly Used Preservative
 OISD-STD-171
PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC
& ROTARY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

1.0 GENERAL mechanical equipment installed at

plant and for the equipment/spares
1.1. INTRODUCTION kept in stores. The scope does not
include the electrical equipment,
Preservation of idle equipment instruments and chemicals.
installed in the plant involves
safeguarding unattended and 1.3 DEFINITIONS
inactive equipment from
deterioration during their down a) Preservation :
period, generally above one month Preservation is safeguarding of
arising out due to the reasons like unattended and inactive equipment
feed problems, haulage problem, from deterioration during their down
major repairs, revamps, period.
modifications, retrofitting, etc.
Deterioration of equipment during b) Coating :
periods of idling is usually caused Coating means an application of a
by conditions entirely different from coat of preservative media like
those that exist during operation. paint, Oil or grease etc.,
Many deposits formed during
operations turn usually corrosive c) Surface Preparation :
under shutdown conditions. Surface Preparation includes
Moisture, oxygen, dirt, dust, cleaning of the parent metal surface
ultraviolet rays, extreme pressure for removing foreign particles like
and temperature, corrosive rust, scale, liquid etc., by
environment of coastal areas and mechanical or chemical cleaning
closeness to other chemical plants, techniques.
are the some of the factors causing
deterioration. 1.4 CONSIDERATION FOR SELECTION
OF PROTECTIVE SYSTEM:-
Preservation of static and rotary
equipment and their spare parts, A careful study should be undertaken
which are required to be kept in before finalising a protection system.
store for prolonged periods, needs This should consider the type of
to be carried out to prevent their equipment, its cost and ease of
deterioration, and as such repair/replacement, period of
preservation procedures for the protection, rate of deterioration
equipment/spares kept in store expected and allowable deterioration
should be adopted. New equipment etc. Equipment, which can be shifted
received at plant/project site should easily, should preferably be moved to
be preserved considering warehouse.
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Before going for protective measures,
1.2 SCOPE:- following should be considered:

This standard lays down the a) Period of shutdown

preservation procedures to be
followed in oil and gas installations b) Allowable deterioration and rate of
for various static and rotary idle deterioration
 2.1 PRESERVATION OF HEAT
c) Probability of reuse EXCHANGERS

d) Expenditure for repair/replacement Exchangers need to be carefully

protected when idle. Exchangers may
e) Time for repair/replacement after deteriorate due to conditions, which are
the shutdown different from those that exist during
operation. The deterioration may be
f) Type of protection systems(various primarily due to water, sludge or other
alternatives) corrosive elements in the entrapped
process fluids and environmental
g) Condition of the equipment conditions. Some fluids may have a
tendency to congeal after a long time
h) Criticality of the service of retention. Preservation technique
should be based on the duration of
i) Type of environment in which idleness, type of equipment, its service
equipment/spares are to be stored. and environment. Exchangers in non-
corrosive service should be preserved
Equipment/spares will need no in case idle period is more than six
preservation if months. For exchangers in corrosive
services, preservation should be done
a) It has become obsolete and will based on corrosiveness of the fluid.
not be put to service again. The following procedures for
preservation should be adopted:
b) It has deteriorated beyond
economical repair and required a) Open the exchangers, remove the
to be condemned. bundle, disassemble all
components.

c) The estimated value of the b) Clean all the parts thoroughly by

equipment is not worth the hydroblasting / hydrojetting or
expenditure to be made for chemical cleaning. No deposits
preservation, if it is not in critical should be left on inside or outside
service. surface of the equipment/bundle.

2.0 PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC c) Thoroughly coat with preservative

EQUIPMENT oil/grease on the required surfaces
including bolting flange and gasket
This section covers the Preservation faces, etc.
of following idle equipment.
d) Reassemble all components, blank
a) Heat Exchangers off all nozzles and close all vents
and drains.
b) Columns & Vessels
e) All the exposed bolts and flanges to
c) Fired Heaters, Ducts & Stacks be coated with grease.

d) Cooling Towers f) Austenitic stainless steel

component should be suitably
e) Storage Tanks passivated before exposure to
atmosphere in line with the
f) Boilers procedure as laid down in NACE
Standard RP-01-70.
g) Pipelines
 g) Depending on the environmental e) Austenitic stainless steel
conditions, coating to be applied on components shall be suitably
the external surfaces. If the passivated before exposure to
weather is very humid, completely atmosphere in line with the
remove the insulation and apply the procedure as laid down in NACE
paint. Standard RP-01-70.

h) For finned air cooler, clean the 2.3 PRESERVATION OF FIRED

tubes internally, circulate HEATERS, DUCTS AND STACKS
preservative oil through the tubes
and seal off all the header boxes. In heaters when idle, corrosion may
take place either due to condensation
i) When the tube bundle is to be or chemical reaction of atmospheric
stored separately, bolt wooden moisture with scale/deposits on the
flanges to both the tube sheets and tubes. Following procedures for
cover with waterproof tarpaulin, if preservation should be adopted.
necessary.
a) Tubes should be completely
2.2 PRESERVATION OF COLUMNS & cleaned from outside and inside
VESSELS surface. After cleaning the header,
boxes should be sealed. For
In columns/vessels when idle, vertical heater drying with nitrogen/
corrosion can take place either due to air should be considered. If the
condensation of retained vapours or complete cleaning is not possible,
from the moisture in the atmosphere. suitable neutralising agent should
Corrosive products may also form due be flushed through the tubes to
to the chemical reaction of water with avoid any damage that may occur
scales/deposits. Following during idle period.
procedures for preservation should be
adopted: b) All the hinges on access doors,
peep holes, drains and dampers,
a) Flush/clean the equipment, carry etc. should be coated with grease
out neutralisation wherever to ensure smooth operation after
applicable and drain. shutdown.

b) Purge with nitrogen after ensuring c) When the external surface of the
that all the openings are sealed furnace/ducts/stack reveals paint
and leak free. Maintain a positive failure, it is advisable to touch up
pressure of 100 mm of water and maintain the paint on a regular
column. Alternatively spraying oil schedule. Sulphur deposits if
on the inner surfaces or filling and found, should be removed.
draining oil or placing desiccants
like bags of lime or silica gel may d) Refractory should be kept dry at all
be considered. the times to prevent any cracking
due to water ingress. The ingress
c) Remove the safety valves (bolted of atmospheric moisture should be
only) and close all the openings. avoided by proper capping of stack
Safety valves shall be stored and duct opening and by sealing all
indoors. those locations from where water or
moist air can seep in.
d) Coat all the exposed bolts anchor Supplementary heat or a desiccant
bolts, gaskets, flange faces with can also be considered.
grease/preservative oil.
2.4 PRESERVATION OF EQUIPMENT IN
COOLING TOWERS
 perforated hose should be laid around
The cooling tower consists of concrete the tower and spray water periodically to
basin, main structure of red wood, fan keep wood in wet condition all the time.
and fan motor. The conditions are more For extended shutdowns, the plenium
severe when the cooling tower is in and fill should be sprayed with a fire
operation than it is idle. Following retarding chemical and a biocide.
preservation procedures should be
adopted while cooling tower is idle. 2.5 PRESERVATION OF ATMOSPHERIC
STORAGE TANKS
a) Drain and flush all the pipe lines.
Tank interiors can be corroded by the
b) Drain all water from the basin, water present in the product or by
remove all debris, muck, etc. and condensation of the vapours in fixed
clean the basin thoroughly. type of roofs. Floating roof is subjected
to exterior corrosion due to stagnant
c) Replace all unsatisfactory structural water on the roof. Following
members. Replace warped and procedures for preservation should be
missing slats. adopted.

d) Carryout repairs to the concrete a) The tank shall be made free of gas
walls and floors of the basin for and any residue. Extra precautions
cracks, loose concrete, slope of the shall be taken when pyropheric iron
floor, etc. sulphide or residue of leaded
gasoline are present.
e) Remove fan motor and protect it as
per OISD-146 (Preservation of idle b) All the loose scales on the internal
electrical equipment). surface of the tank should be
removed.
f) Drain the oil from gear box and refill
it with a high grade mineral oil. c) The internal surface should be
Clean the exterior surfaces of the coated with preservative oil by
gear reducer housing and paint spraying. Brushing can be used in
them. Wrap all exposed shaft with the case of structural members.
Plastic tape. Store the reducer in a
warm and dry area. d) All the manholes should be closed.

g) Clean the fan with appropriate e) The external surface should be

cleaner and apply suitable paint, if cleaned and protected by suitable
required. repainting as necessary.

h) Cover the fan drive gear with a light f) Tanks located in areas subjected to
grease and water proof paper. windstorms of high velocity shall be
filled with an inhibited water.
i) Secure the fan blades to prevent
rotation and to provide supports. g) If the tank is with steam coils, the
codensate should be drained off and
In areas where it is undesirable or the steam coil should be positively
unnecessary to remove the fan drive blinded.
components, the fan should be
operated every 3-4 weeks and routine h) The tanks isolated from service shall
preventive maintenance be carried out. be externally inspected annually.

The dry wood of an idle cooling tower is i) In case of floating roof tanks, the
a serious fire hazard. Therefore, for idle floating roofs should preferably be
periods of about two months, a kept afloat by filling with inhibited
 water and roof drains be kept open. available, dissolved gases should be
Water accumulated on the roof tops expelled by boiling water for a short
due to rain etc, if any, shall be time with boiler vented to atmosphere.
cleaned periodically. The boiler water alkalinity should be
adjusted with caustic soda to a
2.6 PRESERVATION OF IDLE BOILERS minimum of 400 PPM. Sufficient
Sodium sulfite should also be added
Unless proper storage procedures are to produce a minimum sulfite residual
followed, severe corrosion may occur of 100 PPM. After the boiler is cooled
in idle boilers. The method to protect and before a vacuum is created, the
idle boilers depend primarily on length unit should be filled completely with
of downtime. Cold storage of boilers water and all connections closed.
include dry or wet storage. Dry
storage is preferred when the boilers Test should be conducted on weekly
will be out of service for a period of 45 basis and additions to the treatment
days or more while wet storage may chemicals should be made necessary
be suitable for a shorter duration. to maintain the minimum
recommended concentrations. When
2.6.1 Cold storage treatment additions are required, the
boiler water should be circulated by
a) Dry Storage means of an external pump or by
lowering the water to operating levels
The boiler should be drained, and steaming the boiler for a short
thoroughly cleaned and dried time. The boiler should then be
completely by means of hot air. Close completely flooded as outlined
attention should be given to complete previously. The temperature of boiler
elimination of moisture from should be maintained as low as
nondrainable superheater tubes. A possible since the corrosion rate
suitable absorbing material in a water increases at higher temperatures.
tight container should be placed in
the boiler drums or on top of the flues When the boiler is returned to service,
in a fire tube boiler. The most a high rate of blowdown should be
commonly used moisture absorbents maintained initially so that alkalinity
are quick lime and silica gel. Silica gel and sulfite be reduced to normal
is more efficient in absorbing moisture operating levels rapidly.
and can be regenerated by heating so
that it can be used over again and In some small installations or where
again. Since it is not a caustic weekly testing is not practicable,
substance, can be used more easily Chromate salts can be employed to
and safely, it is generally preferred. protect idle boilers against corrosion.
The concentration maintained should
After placing the quick lime or silica be 2000-2500 PPM as sodium
gel in the boiler as per manufacturer’s chromate. The boiler should be
recommendation, all openings should completely filled and closed tightly. To
be tightly closed. The unit should be assure good mixing, circulation of the
checked at an interval of every two or water with a pump is recommended.
three months, as experience dictates, Boilers stored in this manner should
for renewal of the lime or regeneration be blown down heavily to dissipate the
of silica gel. chromate colour, before being
returned to service.
b) Wet Storage
Nitrogen or other inert gas may also
The boiler should be cleaned and be used for storage purpose. A slight
inspected and then filled to the normal positive pressure of the gas is
water level. If deaerated water is not maintained after the boiler has been
 filled to operating level with deareated
feed water. 2.6.2 Hot storage

c) Superheater Storage Instead of keeping standby boilers in

banked condition or operating all the
In some boilers it is not possible to boilers in lower capacity, standby
separate the superheater section from boilers can be kept under pressure
rest of the boiler. Accordingly, it is as “Accumulator” with a simple
necessary to follow the same storage modification. The modification
procedure for the superheater section required is a 2” steam line from main
as for the other portions of the boiler. steam header to be connected to
Wet storage of drainable the blowdown line upstream of
superheaters is relatively simple while blowdown valves with 2 nos. of 2”
wet storage of nondrainable NRV. Through this accumulator
superheaters is more complicated. In steam line, steam from the main
dry storage, care must be taken to steam header enter into MUD
remove all the moisture from the DRUM and get condensed and
nondrainable superheaters by hence the boiler will be under
reheating the superheaters sufficiently pressure without keeping the
to evaporate all the water. This may burners in service. About 3 to 5
be accomplished by means of a small Tonnes per hour of steam may be
fire in the boiler furnace. In some consumed in this way to keep the
cases it may be possible to dry the boiler as Accumulator- depending
nondrainable superheaters with hot air upon the insulation of the boiler.
diverted from the air heaters of one of
the operating boiler. Depending on the To keep the boiler as accumulator
actual design, there may be a choice
as to whether the dry air is directed a) Stop the burner/s
over the external surfaces or
internally. b) Stop the FD fan

Since a residue will be left in c) Close the main stop valve

nondrainable superheater tubes after
boiling out, if the superheater has d) Open both accumulator steam
been flooded with water containing line block valves slowly avoiding
boiler water salts, it is desirable to water hammering
employ a method of wet storage which
does not involve the use of solid To put back the boiler in service
chemicals.
a) Open the start up vent line
Volatile chemicals or inert gases can
be used in superheater section. The b) Open the SH drain
volatile chemicals recommended are
hydrazine and ammonia or c) Start FD fan
neutralizing amine. If high purity is not
available to fill the entire boiler, the d) Take the burner/s into service
superheater tubes can be filled with
condensate or demineralised water e) After about 5 minutes of venting
from the outlet end. The of steam, open the main stop
recommended treatment valve and close the start up vent
concentrations are approximately 100 and SH drain valve
PPM of hydrazine and sufficient
ammonia or neutralizing amine to To operate blowdown valves during
elevate the PH to approximately 9.0- accumulator condition (drum level
10.0. may rise during accumulator
 condition due to the condensation of On idle units, process and utility lines
the accumulator steam in the MUD (except fire water lines) should be
DRUM) to lower the drum level. blinded off near the battery limit.

a) Close the accumulator steam 2” 3.0 PRESERVATION OF IDLE

gate valve near the MUD DRUM ROTARY EQUIPMENT

b) Operate the blowdown valves This section covers preservation of

the following Rotary Equipment
c) After blowdown - close the while they are idle.
blowdown valves and open the
Accumulator Steam 2” gate a) Pumps
valve
b) Compressors
2.7 PRESERVATION OF PIPELINES
c) Steam Turbines
The following procedures should be
adopted d) Gas Turbine

a) Flush the lines clean e) Diesel Engine

b) Open the flange joints and valves f) Fans & Blowers

at low points to ensure complete
draining. 3.1 PRESERVATION OF IDLE PUMPS

c) Dry the lines or circulate an The following procedure should be

inhibited or uninhibited oil through adopted for preserving an idle pump
them
3.1.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal
d) Inspect insulated and wrapped Pumps
lines, uncovering the piping
where leaks are suspected. a) Close the suction and discharge
valves and blind the same.
e) Repair all damaged insulation Isolate the pump from all other
and wrapping. Bare pipe should connected auxiliary lines. In
be wire brushed and painted. case the pump is to be removed
and kept in storage, disconnect
f) Lubricate all valves. all pipe connections and blind
the suction and discharge
g) Spray all external surfaces of the flanges.
valves with oil and cover valve
stem with grease. Relief valve b) Open all vents and drains in the
should be rotated or separated pump casing and bearing
from their discharge piping. Their housing. Flush the casing and
discharge side should be sprayed housing with a suitable solvent
with oil and covered with water or cleaning agent.
proof paper or plastic.
c) For pumps with gland packing,
h) Tighten all flanges. Spray mating remove the packing, coat the
flanges joints with oil, and wrap interior of the stuffing box with
them with suitable wrapper to light grease, repack with a few
prevent crevice corrosion rings of ordinary non-metallic
between mating flanges. packing to avoid ingress of water
into the stuffing box and then
retighten the gland.
 box with a non-metallic packing
d) For pumps with single and re tighten the gland.
mechanical seal, loosen the seal
gland, pack the seal with a light d) Remove the valve cover plate
grease and tighten the seal from liquid end of the pump and
gland lightly. slide valve cover from steam/air
end. Remove a valve from each
e) For pumps with double end of each cylinder on the liquid
mechanical seal, drain the end. Flush the cylinders with a
stuffing box and flush it with a cleaning agent. Fill all cylinders
cleaning agent, plug the lower with a suitable preservative oil.
stuffing box drain and fill it with a Fill the steam/ air cylinders with
light weight grease or lubricating a suitable preservative oil
oil. through slide valve opening at
the steam/air end. Slowly bar
f) Plug the bearing housing drains each piston back and forth.
and fill the bearing housing
completely with lubricating oil. e) Apply a suitable rust preventive
to all valves and valve covers
g) Close all drains and fill the entire and install them back.
pump casing with a lubricating
oil. Rotate the pump shaft f) Drain the excess preservative
slowly to ensure complete oil from the cylinders and close
coating of the inner surfaces. all vents and drains.

h) Rotate the pump shaft every g) Clean and cover exposed rods
three to four weeks, leaving it in with grease.
a different position each time.
h) Fill all lubricators with oil.
i) Clean the exposed pump shaft
and protect with grease. II) Preservation of idle motor driven
Injection/Metering Pumps
j) Protect the shaft couplings by
filling them with grease or a) Open all vents and drains.
coating them with a rust
preventive. b) Remove the pump, clean, fill the
liquid chamber with a lubricating
3.1.2 Preservation of Reciprocating oil and fix back the pump.
Pumps.
c) Blind the suction and discharge
I) Preservation of idle steam/air valves
driven Reciprocating Pumps
d) In case of diaphragm type pump
a) Open all vents and drains on drain the hydraulic oil from the
both the liquid end and steam/air hydraulic chamber, flush and fill
end of the pump. the hydraulic chamber with a
lubricating oil.
b) Disconnect all pipe connections,
blind the suction, discharge and e) Drain the gear box oil; flush and
steam flanges/ air connections. fill the gear box with a lubricating
oil.
c) Remove the packing from the
stuffing box and coat the stuffing f) Close all vents and drains in the
box and rods inside the box with pump and gear box.
light grease. Repack the stuffing
 g) For pumps with gland packing, • It should be rotated by 180
remove the packing, coat the degree from the standstill
interior of the stuffing box with condition after three months
light grease, repack with a few
rings of ordinary non-metallic • It should be rotated by 90
packing to avoid ingress of water degree after 3 months.
into the stuffing box and then
retighten the gland. • It should be again rotated by
180 degree after 3 months.
3.2 PRESERVATION OF IDLE
COMPRESSORS. • It should be rotated by 90
The following procedure should be degree position after 3 months.
adopted for preserving idle
compressors. • This procedure shall be
continued subsequently.
3.2.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal
Compressors For compressors which are
idle for a period over 6
Whenever the centrifugal months, the following
compressor is required to be at preservation methods may be
stand still for a prolonged shutdown used.
of more than 3 months the following
method may be used for preserving a) Blind off all process, oil supply and
the compressor components. oil drain openings
a) The compressor casing may be b) Remove the rotor and associated
charged with a low positive parts, such as bearing and seals
pressure of dry nitrogen 50 to and diaphragms.
70 mm WG during the whole
time of shutdown at stand still c) Preserve the removed parts with a
condition for all the protective material as detailed in
compressors which are not Para 4.9
provided with oil seals. For the
type of compressors, which are d) Fill the compressor system with oil
provided with oil seals nitrogen through a drain opening and
supply, may be given after displace all air from the case by
putting into operation the seal venting and close all drain and vent
oil system. However, if the connections.
nitrogen pressure can be
maintained around 70 mm WG e) Fill the oil seal system with oil.
even without seal oil system in
service, nitrogen supply can be f) The water cooling system shall be
given without operating seal oil drained, flushed and filled with
system clean fresh water dozed with
anticorrosive chemical.
b) The lube oil and seal systems
should be operated for half an g) Change water every six months.
hour once a week to protect the
system against corrosion. 3.2.2. Preservation of idle Reciprocating
Compressor.
c) The compressor rotor shall be
rotated by turning gear or by The following procedures should be
hand by the following adopted for preserving an idle
procedures: reciprocating compressor.
 e) For lubricated compressors
a) Close and seal all frame keep the compressor valves
openings to prevent immersed in suitable rust
contamination of frame interior. preventive oil. As an alternative
apply rust preventive oil on the
b) When the compressor compressor valves and keep
(lubricated as well as dry them in plastic bags with
lubricated) compressor is kept dehydrator. For dry lubricated
idle for a period less than six compressors remove the valves
months, run the motor from cylinder, put sufficient
driven/hand driven crank quantity of dehydrating agent in
mechanism lube oil pump for 10- the valve chambers and
15 minutes once in every week. assemble the valve covers.
Clean the valves and keep them
While the crank mechanism lube oil in plastic bags with dehydrator
pump in operation, rotate the shaft
by a few revolutions at least once in f) When lubricated compressors
every two weeks. The shaft need are kept idle for less than 6
not to be stopped at previous months, wet the cylinder and
locations. packing with sufficient quantity of
lube oil and also have 10-15
c) When the compressor piston strokes at the same time.
(lubricated as well as dry Repeat the operation once in
lubricated) is kept idle for more every two weeks.
than six months fill up the
crank case with enough suitable g) When dry lubricated
preservative oil to bring the oil compressors are kept idle for
level to the mark on the oil level less than 6 months, Seal all
gauge window. Close all holes/ holes of the cylinder, purge with
opening of the crank case and dry nitrogen and maintain a
purge the air inside the crank pressure of about 100 mm WG.
case with dry nitrogen and keep If nitrogen is not available, keep
a nitrogen pressure of about 100 sufficient quantity of dehydrating
mm WG. Run the lube oil pump agent such as silica gel and
for 10-15 minutes and at the close tightly. Check periodically
same time rotate the shaft, by a effectiveness of the dehydrating
few revolutions, manually or by a agent.
barring jack. Avoid that the shaft
stops in previous position. h) When lubricated compressors
Repeat the operation once in and dry-lubricated compressors
two weeks. In case dry nitrogen (for process that allow traces of
is not available, introduce in the grease), are kept idle for more
crank case a suitable quantity of than 6 months, take out the
dehydrating agent at such a pistons out of the cylinders.
location that it does not get Remove the piston rings and
soaked with oil during the rider rings. For metallic piston
running of lube oil pump. Check rings, apply grease on the entire
the effectiveness of the surface and keep them in sealed
dehydrating agent periodically. polythene bags with dehydrator.
Non metallic piston rings do not
d) Apply suitable grease on the require any special protection.
shaft end outside the crank case Clean thoroughly and apply
and all other exposed surfaces. suitable grease inside the
cylinder and the housing for
valves and packing. Seal all
 holes of the cylinder, purge with The following procedure should be
dry nitrogen and maintain a adopted when the compressor kept
pressure of about 100 mm WG. idle for a period up to two months
If dry nitrogen is not available, the compressor should be run on
keep sufficient quantity of no load once a week for approx. 10-
dehydrating agent such as silica 15 minutes
gel inside the cylinder and check
the effectiveness of the When the compressor kept idle for
dehydrating agent periodically. more than two months, the following
Fill lubricators with lubricating oil. steps should be adopted
For dry-lubricated compressor all
traces of rust preventive grease a) With the compressor running on
shall be removed before putting LOADED condition open the
into service. manual condensate drains of
inter cooler and after cooler and
i) When dry-lubricated ensure all drain pipes are free.
compressors for process that do Close the drains and reopen
not allow traces of grease, are them only after the unit has
kept idle for more than 6 stopped.
months, the pistons, piston
rings, valves and packing shall b) Remove the moisture trap flange
be degreased with thinners and of the inter cooler and place
kept in sealed polythene bags sufficient quantity of moisture
with dehydrator. Seal all holes absorbing agent inside the
of the cylinder, purge with dry moisture trap.
nitrogen and maintain a pressure
of about 100 mm WG. If dry c) Close the flange hole of moisture
nitrogen is not available, keep trap airtight. Keep the flange
sufficient quantity of dehydrating separate in dry condition.
agent such as silica gel inside
the cylinder and check the d) Close the manual drains.
effectiveness of the dehydrating
agent periodically. e) Rotate the compressor drive
shaft a few turns by hand once a
j) Drain cooling water from cylinder week.
jackets, inter coolers and after
coolers wherever applicable. f) Drain off the lubricating oil and
refill the oil sump with a suitable
k) Purge the piping with dry preservative oil
nitrogen. Close all openings and
maintain a nitrogen pressure of g) Run the compressor on no load
100 mm of WG. As an after first two months for at least
alternative, close all openings half an hour to ensure that the
tightly and keep inside the piping normal working temperatures
sufficient quantity of dehydrating have been reached. Before
agent such as silica gel, in running the compressor, remove
accordance with their and discard the moisture
dimensions and shape. Check absorbing agent and refit the
the dehydrating agent moisture trap flange.
periodically.
h) Proceed further as described
3.2.3 Preservation of idle oil free screw under steps (a) to (e) above
type Air Compressor. using a new moisture absorbing
agent.
 i) When the unit is standing idle for tapping points in the turbine
an extended period the above exhaust hood of turbine case.
mentioned procedure should be This shall be done during a
repeated every six months. period of minimum humidity and
air inside the turbine is to be
j) Drain the cooling water, close purged out completely.
the inlet and outlet valves and fill
the line with fresh water. c) Maintain a positive pressure of
about 50 to 75 mm WG during
3.2.4 Preservation of idle oil flooded the idle time and monitor the
screw Compressor same.

When the compressor is going to be The turbine rotor shall be rotated by

idle fore more than six months turning gear or by hand by the
following procedures:
a) Blind off suction and discharge
valves • It should be rotated by 180
degree from the standstill
b) Drain the oil in the casing of the condition after three months
screw elements.
• It should be rotated by 90
c) Flush and fill the casing of the degree after 3 months.
screw elements with a suitable
preservative oil. • It should be again rotated by 180
degree after 3 months.
d) Close all drains and vents
• It should be rotated by 90
e) Drain the cooling water, close degree position after 3 months.
the inlet and outlet valves and fill
the line with fresh water dozed • This procedure shall be
with anticorrosive chemical. continued subsequently.
f) Rotate the compressor drive 3.4 PRESERVATION OF GAS
shaft a few turns by hand once a TURBINE
week.
The following procedure should be
g) Change the preservative oil adopted for preserving idle gas
every six months/one year as turbine
per schedule.
Machine already erected at site and
h) Change water every six months. the final commissioning of the
machine is expected to be longer
3.3 PRESERVATION OF STEAM than one month.
TURBINES
a) For a single shaft turbine,
a) The lube oil system and cranking has to be done for half
governing oil system shall be an hour once in a week keeping
either kept in service on a the lube oil system under
weekly basis or filled with a low operation. Apart from cranking of
positive pressure of dry nitrogen. HP shaft, Low pressure (LP)
shaft of two-shaft turbine has to
b) Dry nitrogen may be admitted be rotated manually for a few
into the turbine including all complete revolutions every week
steam spaces and gland sealing with help of suitable fixtures
through one of the pressure
 fitted with coupling hub in the d) The rotor in no case shall be
direction of rotation keeping the rotated without lube oil
lube oil under operation. circulation.

b) The lube oil has to be internally 3.5 PRESERVATION OF DIESEL

circulated through a centrifuge ENGINES
every day for 8 hours or
whatever time required to drive The following procedure should be
out the moisture/ dirt/ dust from adopted for preserving an idle diesel
the lubricating oil when the Gas engine when the diesel engine is
Turbine is lying in idle condition. kept idle for a period less than
6 months, run the engine on load
c) If the cranking is not possible by for 10-15 minutes once in a week.
motor not being provided with If the engine cannot be run on load,
electrical connections, in such idle run the engine till the
case rotation of the machine to temperatures of cooling water and
be done manually using suitable lubricating oil reach the normal
fixtures keeping the lube oil operating range.
under operation.
When the engine is kept idle for a
d) The rotor in no case shall be period more than six months the
rotated without lube oil following steps should be adopted.
circulation.
a) Start the engine, increase the
Machine already commissioned and speed gradually up to 1200 rpm
the idle period is longer than one or a fast idle, operate the engine
month with no load until the engine is
thoroughly warm and then stop
a) The unit should be operated on the engine.
NO LOAD for at least 30 minutes
in every month to dry out any b) Drain all lubricating oil from the
moisture inside the ducting and oil sump and refill the oil sump
other components and to with suitable preservative oil.
recirculate the lubricating oil to
recoat the moving parts to c) Drain coolant from cooling
prevent rust and corrosion. system and thoroughly flush with
clean water and suitable
b) The lube oil has to be internally radiator cleaner. Refill the
circulated through a centrifuge cooling system with mixture of
every day for 8 hours or water and suitable radiator
whatever time required to drive protector in the ratio
out the moisture/ dirt/ dust from recommended by the
the lubricating oil when the Gas manufacturer.
Turbine is lying in idle condition.
d) Fill two portable containers one
c) If the cranking is not possible by with diesel and other with the
motor not being provided with preservative oil mentioned in (b)
electrical connections, in such above
case rotation of the machine to
be done manually using suitable e) Start the engine with engine
fixtures keeping the lube oil pulling fuel from the container
under operation. with diesel through the filter and
the injector drain line flowing into
the container with diesel. Once
the engine is running smooth at
 idle, switch the fuel line to the m) Repeat the engine preservative
container with preservative oil. treatment as mentioned above
Run the engine 5-10 minutes on once in every six months.
NO LOAD till it is observed that
the preservative oil is coming out n) Before taking into service, the
from injector return line. Stop engine shall be represerved as
the engine. per the procedure given below

f) Drain the oil sump, fuel filter and i) Clean off all accumulated dirt
fix back the drain plugs. and rust preventive using
suitable solvent from exterior
g) Turn fuel pump manual shut off of engine.
valve to ‘OFF’ position so that
the engine will not start. ii) Remove all paper cover,
tape and wrappings and
h) When the engine has become reinstall the dismantled
cool, disconnect the inlet and components. Carry out
exhaust manifolds, spray precommissioning checks.
suitable preservative oil into air
intake and exhaust outlets, iii) Flush cooling system.
engine being turned by hand
during spray operation. Cover all iv) Refill the oil sump with clean
intake manifold opening with lubricating oil
tape to prevent entry of dirt and
moisture. Cover all engine v) Adjust the injectors, valve
openings of cylinder block, oil and belts and check cylinder
breather and crank case head cap screws, filters, air
including coolant inlets and filter and screens.
outlets. All vents, dynamo,
starter motor, magneto if any vi) Pressurise the lubricating
and air cleaners to be carefully system about 1 Kg/ cm2
sealed with water proof paper including turbo charger or
and water proof adhesive tape. supercharger prior to starting
the engine.
i) Loosen V belt tension. Remove
rock lever covers and spray vii) Run the engine with diesel
preservative oil over rocker on NO LOAD LOW IDLE for
levers, valve springs & stems, 5 minutes to flush the entire
guides, cross head and push fuel system out of any
tubes. Replace cover. preservative oil

j) Do not rotate the crank shaft viii) Remove any foreign matter,
after the above operations. which may collect on
screens and strainers, before
k) Tag the Engine with date of regular operation of the
treatment to indicate it has been engine.
treated with preservatives and
should not be turned over. When the diesel engine is kept in
store as a spare complete set and
l) Periodically inspect engines for likely to be unused for more than
rust or corrosion and take six months
corrective action if necessary.
a) Keep the engine on a suitable
pedestal
 b) Just after six months from the fan/blower with a suitable rust
date of despatch, the preventive.
preservative oil should be
drained off from the engine. b) Blind the suction and discharge
After flushing the internal parts end of the fans/blowers.
with a suitable solvent, wipe and
clean the parts with the solvents. c) Close all openings in the
Clean the parts with dry felt casings.
cloth.
d) Clean and coat the exposed
c) After drying suitable rust shaft with grease.
preventive should be again
sprayed and dried on the parts e) In case of grease lubricated
bearings remove the grease,
d) The crank case should be filled clean the bearing and bearing
with suitable rust preventive housing and fill the bearing
and should be filled up to the housing fully with fresh grease.
high oil level mark of crank ease Close all openings of the bearing
housing.
e) Connect a electrical motor driven
lube oil priming pump with f) In case of oil lubricated bearings
suction of the pump connected drain the oil. Flush and fill the
to the crack case drain point and housing fully with suitable grade
discharge connected to the inlet of fresh lubricating oil. Close all
of the lube oil filters openings of the bearing housing

f) All the openings to be covered or g) Coat all the exterior surface of

blinded to make the engine air the casing/bearing housing with
tight suitable rust preventive.

g) Run the lube oil pump once in h) Drain the oil from gear box and
week to achieve the operating refill it with a high grade mineral
pressure inside the engine and oil. Clean the exterior surfaces of
then stop the pump. By this the gear box and paint them.
method all bearings, pistons Wrap all exposed shaft with
connecting rod, rocker arms, Plastic tape. Store the reducer in
valves, etc. will be lubricated a warm and dry. The gear box
rotor shall be rotated by the
h) After six months repeat the following procedures:
above procedure as per steps
(b) to (g) mentioned above • It should be rotated by 180
degree from the standstill
condition after three months
i) Replace the preservative oil as
per schedule. • It should be rotated by 90
degree after 3 months.
3.5 PRESERVATION OF FANS &
BLOWERS • It should be again rotated by 180
degree after 3 months.
The following procedure should be
adopted for preserving idle fans and • It should be rotated by 90
blowers degree position after 3 months.

a) Coat the interior of the casing

and the impeller of the
 • This procedures shall be position to avoid any accumulation of
continued water inside the bend.

4.0 PRESERVATION OF MATERIALS 4.1.3 Heater Tube Support or Hangers,

IN STORES etc. :

Moisture, oxygen and atmospheric These shall be stored indoor. No

conditions are the main contributing preservative is needed for these
factors causing deterioration. components.
These may cause rusting, pitting of
surfaces and other forms of 4.2 PRESERVATION OF PIPES, PIPE
deterioration. Proper identification FITTINGS AND VALVES
system should be used for material
stored in the warehouse to avoid 4.2.1 Preservation of Pipes:
mixing. Procedure for preservation
of stored material should be adopted Both CS and low alloy steel pipes
as follows. can be stored outdoor in a self
draining position on a concrete
4.1 PRESERVATION OF HEATER surface either on steel racks or
COMPONENT: woody rafter placed in such a
position that rain water does not
4.1.1 HEATER TUBES: accumulate and affect pipes. Pipes
shall not be allowed to get
Both CS and low alloy steel heater submerged in ground or pool of
tubes can be stored outdoor on a water.
sloped concrete surface. These
tubes shall be kept either on steel Pipes/ pipe fittings shall be
racks or wooden rafter. Tubes shall protected with an external coat of
not be allowed to get submerged in black bituminous paint. Pipes shall
the ground or in contact with water. also be painted internally at the
Both the ends of tubes shall be ends, upto a length of 12" or as
suitably capped or plugged. CS practicable.
heater tubes shall be given a coat
of oil preservative externally Stainless steel pipes shall be stored
before stacking the tubes. 300 mm indoor on wooden rafters/ concrete,
length at each end of tube shall be separate from CS, with ends opened
coated with grease and water proof or plugged. The ink used for
wrapping paper where rolling marking, if any shall be free from
operation is performed. To avoid chloride, sulphur and lead.
chloride attack, it is preferable to
store Stainless steel heater tubes For pipes with threaded connection,
indoors on wooden rafter with both extra care shall be taken in
the ends plugged. protecting the threads by putting
plastic caps or wrapping with jute
4.1.2 Return Bends: cloth.

CS/ Low alloy steel cast plug type 4.2.2 Preservation of Flanges:
return bends should be stored in a
covered shed. Grease preservative Flanges with anticorrosive painting
shall be applied on all the machined shall be stacked on stands
and threaded surfaces. However /concrete or wooden sleepers with
other type of return bend can be their gasket seating surfaces at the
stored outdoors after applying bottom and covered with tarpaulin.
necessary protective coatings as All the flange gasket seating surface
given to heater tubes in downward must have a protective coating &
 extreme care must be taken during CS & AS tube bundles shall be
handling to avoid damage. stored suitably covered on wooden
rafters. Oil preservation spray on
All SS flanges should be stored tube extended surface shall be
indoors. done once in a year. Tube sheets
shall be greased properly and
4.2.3 Preservation of Pipe Fittings: covered with wooden boards.

Forged fittings can be stored CS & AS tube bundles can also be

outdoor on sloped concrete surface stored in wooden boxes with
or wooden platform. All fittings shall tarpaulin cover on top.
be preferably given a coat of
anticorrosive paint and shall be Tube bundles of brass/ stainless
stored in such a location that rain steel and high alloy steel shall be
water does not accumulate in it. stored on wooden rafters with
proper covers. Special care needs
Stainless steel fittings should be to be taken for SS bundle to avoid
stored indoors. chloride attack. No preservative is
needed for these bundles.

4.2.4 Preservation of Fasteners: 4.3.2 Tubes:

Fasteners shall be kept indoors. All the exchanger/ condenser tubes

Carbon steel and alloy steel shall be stored indoor on steel
fasteners shall be stored in separate racks. CS and alloy steel tubes shall
bays after oil preservation spray. be coated with oil preservative or
Stainless steel fasteners do not black bituminous paint whereas
require any protection. brass/ stainless steel tubes do not
require any preservative. Tubes
4.2.4 Preservation of Valves: may be provided with tightly fitted
HDPE/ PVC end caps.
End cover of all the valves shall be
plugged by wooden/ rubber/ PVC 4.3.3 Tube Sheets:
blanks.
CS and alloy steel tube sheets shall
Valves shall be stacked on a be stored indoor on wooden
concrete surface on wooden rafters, rafters with grease applied on it.
with wooden planks on flanges. Brass/ SS tube sheets shall be
stored indoor without any
Grease shall be applied on valve preservative.
steel spindle and flange faces of CS
& AS valves. Valves shall be kept 4.4 PRESERVATION OF PLATES:
in upright with spindle upward and
gate in closed position. CS plates can be stored in a
sloping fashion on wooden rafters
All SS valves shall be stored indoor in bunches keeping sufficient
without any preservative. clearance from the ground. Top,
bottom and side surface of the
4.3 PRESERVATION OF HEAT bunch (of same size) coming in
EXCHANGERS/ CONDENSERS/ contact with atmosphere should be
COOLERS: coated with preservative oil/grease/
paint.
4.3.1 Bundles:
Alloy Steel/ Stainless steel plates
may be stored indoor. No
 preservative is required for these above ground level. If the floor is not
plates. dry ensure storage of bags above
the damp floor by providing timber
4.5 PRESERVATION OF boards on bricks, planks or any
STRUCTURAL STEEL: other suitable device.

Structural steel shall be positioned Bags of castables shall be stacked

in a way to allow self draining. at least 30 cm away from the walls
Structural steel should not be in to ensure that they shall not come in
contact with soil during preservation. contact with walls which may be
damp. In very large sheds, bags
4.6 PRESERVATION OF COLUMN shall be covered with plastic
TRAYS & FITTINGS: sheets.

These shall be stored indoor. 4.9 PRESERVATION OF SPARE

CS/AS fittings shall be kept after a PARTS OF PUMPS AND
spray of oil preservatives. Stainless RECIPROCATING
steel parts shall be kept as it is. COMPRESSORS:

4.7 PRESERVATION OF VESSEL & Preservation should be carried out

EXCHANGER SHELL: in accordance to Para 4.4 of OISD-
STD-126
Closed vessel shall be kept on
their steel supports. In absence of 4.10 PRESERVATION OF ANTI-
steel support, wooden saddles FRICTION BEARINGS:
shall be used. Vessel shall be
painted externally with Zinc Oxide Preservation should be carried out
primer. Preservative oil spray shall in accordance to Para 4.5 of OISD-
be done on internal surface. STD-126
Flanged faces shall be greased and
covered with wooden boards. All 4.11 PRESERVATION/
the nozzles shall be suitably REPRESERVATION OF
covered so that rain water will not COMPONENTS OF
ingress. CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR /
STEAM TURBINE / GAS TURBINE
4.8 PRESERVATION OF / DIESEL ENGINE
REFRACTORY
4.11.1 Rotor:-
4.8.1 Refractory Bricks:
Preservation/Represervation of rotor
Refractory bricks shall be stored should be carried out in accordance
indoors in a dry shed. The storage to Para 4.3 of OISD-STD-126.
shed shall be at a well-drained
location. In stacking, the bricks, 4.11.2 Casing:-
shall be stacked on edge with laths
in horizontal joints. Casing surface to be sprayed with
suitable rust preventive oil. To the
4.8.2 Refractory Castables: extent possible the parting planes of
the casing shall be kept on top. If
Castables shall be kept in dry this is not possible and if the casing
storage and protected from rains is required to be kept in the inverted
and moisture. The stacking of position, the parting planes shall be
castables shall start approximately kept on dry wooden beams. To
15 cms above the concrete floor avoid rusting of the contact area
which itself shall be sufficiently between the casing parting plane
 and the wooden beams, rubber d) All piping connections and openings
pads or grease/ oil immersed felt should be carefully plugged, blinded.
shall be kept.
e) Lubricated cylinders should be
4.11.3 Journal Bearings, Thrust lubricated by manually turning the force
Bearings, Oil Seals And feed lubricator, which should be kept
Couplings: filled up with suitable preservative oil.
Wherever the force feed lubricators are
These small spare parts which are not available apply suitable preservative
to under go forced lubrication, oil inside the cylinder surfaces.
should be protected by coating with
suitable grease and wrapped in f) For non-lubricated cylinders, keep
water proof plastic paper/ VCI sufficient dehydrating agents such as
paper. silica gel inside the cylinder and close
all the openings tightly. Check the
4.11.4 Crank case/Connecting rods/ effectiveness of the dehydrating agent
pistons/liners and other components periodically.
to be stored in a covered shed
preferably with a coating of g) The barring of the compressor to be
anticorrosive paint. All shaft done at least once in three months.
connecting rods shall be provided
with proper wooden supports. When the oil free screw air compressor
is not commissioned and kept idle for
4.12 PRESERVATION PROCEDURE more than five months.
FOR EQUIPMENT NOT
INSTALLED/ KEPT AT STORE. a) Renew the drying agent such as silica
gel placed in the inter cooler moisture
When the Reciprocating Compressor is trap immediately upon receipt of the
not installed at site and likely to be kept compressor at site
idle more than six months.
b) Renew the drying agent such as silica
a) Inspect the Crank case cover to check gel kept in the inter cooler moisture trap
the condition of crank shaft, connecting once in every 3 months
rod and other components. After
cleaning them thoroughly flush and c) Store the compressor units indoors in a
drain the Crankcase by filling suitable dry space
preservative oil and then fill the same oil
upto the Crank Case oil level. d) Ensure that there is absolutely no water
in the crate, on any plastic cover, or any
b) Open the inspection cover to check the where along the canopy or the base
condition of piston rod, rod nut, cross frame of the unit
head, etc and after cleaning these are
to be coated with rust protective layers. e) Install a motor driven special lube oil
Close the crank case cover to prevent pump of small capacity capable of
the entry of dirt/ dust and moisture. developing the maximum operating
pressure of the main oil pump of the
c) Suction and Discharge valves, piston compressor with suction of the pump
rod pressure packing rings should be connected to the oil sump drain point
taken out and cleaned thoroughly by and the discharge of the pump
some solvent and then coat them with connected to the upstream of the lube
some rust preventive oil and wrap then oil filter.
in polythene pack and should be kept
separately. f) Fill the lubricating circuit with a rust
inhibiting oil.
g) Run the special oil pump for 15 minutes. Corrosion Cracking by Use of
While the oil circulates, turn the Neutralizing Solutions During Shut
compressor coupling by hand. The silica Down.
gel kept in the inter cooler moisture trap
is to be removed before starting the lube (iii) ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel
oil pump. After lubrication insert new Code, Sec VII – Recommended
silica gel. Rules for care of Power Boilers.

h) Repeat the procedure mentioned in (g) (iv) The Preservation of

above once in six months Equipment and Piping Standing
Idle – DEP – 70.10.70.11 – GEN
5.0 REFERENCES of Shell Group.

(i) API Guide for Inspection of (v) OISD-STD-126 – Specific

Refinery Equipment - Chapter Maintenance Practises for
XVIII – Protection of Idle Rotating Equipment.
Equipment.
(vi) OISD-STD-146 – Preservation of
(ii) NACE Standard – RP - 01 – 70 - Idle Electrical Equipment.
Protection of Austenitic Stainless
Steel in Refineries against Stress
 ANNEXURE I

COMMONLY USED PRESERVATIVES

I. OIL PRESERVATIVES: Generally, it is a lubricating oil of viscosity SAE 30,
compounded with inhibitor and wetting agent. It may
be applied by brushing, splashing or spraying. In
absence of any oil preservatives, spent lubricating oil
can also be used in exigency.

II. GREASE PRESERVATIVE: It is an asphaltic/ petroleum type base cutback with

solvent. It leaves a greasy film that can be easily
removed by a petroleum solvent. It may be applied
by brushing or dipping.

III. PAINTS: Bituminous anti corrosive paints manufactured by various

reputed manufacturers can be used. It is applied by
brushing or spraying.

IV. WRAPPING: Water proof wrapping papers may also be used.

Papers coated with volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI
paper) are available and have got longer life.