PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC & ROTARY

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
 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.
-
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 kept in
1.1. INTRODUCTION
stores. The scope does not include the
electrical equipment, instruments and
Preservation of idle equipment installed
chemicals.
in the plant involves safeguarding
unattended and inactive
1.3 DEFINITIONS
equipment from
deterioration during their down period,
a) Preservation :
generally above one month arising out
Preservation is safeguarding of
due to the reasons like feed problems,
unattended and inactive equipment
haulage problem, major
from deterioration during their down
repairs, revamps,
period.
modifications, retrofitting, etc.
Deterioration of equipment during
b) Coating :
periods of idling is usually caused by
Coating means an application of a coat
conditions entirely different from those
of preservative media like paint, Oil or
that exist during operation. Many
grease etc.,
deposits formed during operations turn
usually corrosive under shutdown
c) Surface Preparation :
conditions. Moisture, oxygen, dirt, dust,
Surface Preparation includes cleaning
ultraviolet rays, extreme pressure and
of the parent metal surface for
temperature, corrosive
removing foreign particles like rust,
environment of coastal areas and
scale, liquid etc., by mechanical or
closeness to other chemical plants, are
chemical cleaning techniques.
the some of the factors causing
deterioration.
1.4 CONSIDERATION FOR SELECTION
Preservation of static and rotary OF PROTECTIVE SYSTEM:-
equipment and their spare parts, which
are required to be kept in store for A careful study should be undertaken
prolonged periods, needs to be carried before finalising a protection system. This
out to prevent their deterioration, and as should consider the type of equipment, its
such preservation procedures for the cost and ease of repair/replacement, period
equipment/spares kept in store should of protection, rate of deterioration
be adopted. New equipment received at expected and allowable deterioration etc.
plant/project site should be preserved Equipment, which can be shifted easily,
considering manufacturer’s should preferably be moved to warehouse.
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 for various b) Allowable deterioration and rate of
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 deteriorate
e) Time for repair/replacement after the due to conditions, which are different from
shutdown those that exist during operation. The
deterioration may be primarily due to
f) Type of protection systems(various water, sludge or other corrosive elements
alternatives) in the entrapped process fluids and
environmental conditions. Some fluids
g) Condition of the equipment may have a tendency to congeal after a
long time of retention. Preservation
h) Criticality of the service technique should be based on the duration
of idleness, type of equipment, its service
i) Type of environment in which and environment. Exchangers in non-
equipment/spares are to be stored. corrosive service should be preserved in
case idle period is more than six months.
Equipment/spares will need no For exchangers in corrosive services,
preservation if preservation should be done based on
corrosiveness of the fluid. The following
a) It has become obsolete and will not procedures for preservation should be
be put to service again. adopted:

b) It has deteriorated beyond a) Open the exchangers, remove the

economical repair and required to bundle, disassemble all
be condemned. components.

b) Clean all the parts thoroughly by

c) The estimated value of the hydroblasting / hydrojetting or
equipment is not worth the chemical cleaning. No deposits should
expenditure to be made for be left on inside or outside surface of
preservation, if it is not in critical the equipment/bundle.
service.
c) Thoroughly coat with preservative
2.0 PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC oil/grease on the required surfaces
EQUIPMENT including bolting flange and gasket
faces, etc.
This section covers the Preservation of
following idle equipment. d) Reassemble all components, blank off
all nozzles and close all vents and
a) Heat Exchangers drains.

b) Columns & Vessels e) All the exposed bolts and flanges to be

coated with grease.
c) Fired Heaters, Ducts & Stacks
f) Austenitic stainless steel component
d) Cooling Towers should be suitably passivated before
exposure to atmosphere in line with
e) Storage Tanks the procedure as laid down in NACE
Standard RP-01-70.
f) Boilers

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

h) For finned air cooler, clean the tubes 2.3 PRESERVATION OF FIRED
internally, circulate preservative oil HEATERS, DUCTS AND STACKS
through the tubes and seal off all the
header boxes. In heaters when idle, corrosion may take
place either due to condensation or
i) When the tube bundle is to be stored chemical reaction of atmospheric moisture
separately, bolt wooden flanges to with scale/deposits on the tubes.
both the tube sheets and cover with Following procedures for preservation
waterproof tarpaulin, if necessary. should be adopted.

2.2 PRESERVATION OF COLUMNS & a) Tubes should be completely cleaned

VESSELS from outside and inside surface. After
cleaning the header, boxes should be
In columns/vessels when idle, corrosion sealed. For vertical heater drying with
can take place either due to condensation nitrogen/ air should be considered. If
of retained vapours or from the moisture the complete cleaning is not possible,
in the atmosphere. Corrosive products suitable neutralising agent should be
may also form due to the chemical flushed through the tubes to avoid any
reaction of water with scales/deposits. damage that may occur during idle
Following period.
procedures for preservation should be
adopted: b) All the hinges on access doors, peep
holes, drains and dampers, etc. should
a) Flush/clean the equipment, carry out be coated with grease to ensure
neutralisation wherever applicable smooth operation after shutdown.
and drain.
c) When the external surface of the
b) Purge with nitrogen after ensuring furnace/ducts/stack reveals paint
that all the openings are sealed and failure, it is advisable to touch up and
leak free. Maintain a positive maintain the paint on a regular
pressure of 100 mm of water column. schedule. Sulphur deposits if found,
Alternatively spraying oil on the should be removed.
inner surfaces or filling and draining
oil or placing desiccants like bags of d) Refractory should be kept dry at all the
lime or silica gel may be considered. times to prevent any cracking due to
water ingress. The ingress of
c) Remove the safety valves (bolted atmospheric moisture should be
only) and close all the openings. avoided by proper capping of stack
Safety valves shall be stored indoors. and duct opening and by sealing all
those locations from where water or
d) Coat all the exposed bolts anchor moist air can seep in. Supplementary
bolts, gaskets, flange faces with heat or a desiccant can also be
grease/preservative oil. considered.

2.4 PRESERVATION OF EQUIPMENT IN

COOLING TOWERS
 perforated hose should be laid around the
The cooling tower consists of concrete tower and spray water periodically to keep
basin, main structure of red wood, fan and wood in wet condition all the time. For
fan motor. The conditions are more severe extended shutdowns, the plenium and fill
when the cooling tower is in operation than should be sprayed with a fire retarding
it is idle. Following preservation chemical and a biocide.
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, remove water present in the product or by
all debris, muck, etc. and clean the condensation of the vapours in fixed type
basin thoroughly. of roofs. Floating roof is subjected to
exterior corrosion due to stagnant water on
c) Replace all unsatisfactory structural the roof. Following procedures for
members. Replace warped and missing preservation should be adopted.
slats.
a) The tank shall be made free of gas and
d) Carryout repairs to the concrete walls any residue. Extra precautions shall be
and floors of the basin for cracks, loose taken when pyropheric iron sulphide or
concrete, slope of the floor, etc. residue of leaded gasoline are present.

e) Remove fan motor and protect it as per b) All the loose scales on the internal
OISD-146 (Preservation of idle surface of the tank should be removed.
electrical equipment).
c) The internal surface should be coated
f) Drain the oil from gear box and refill it with preservative oil by spraying.
with a high grade mineral oil. Clean the Brushing can be used in the case of
exterior surfaces of the gear reducer structural members.
housing and paint them. Wrap all
exposed shaft with Plastic tape. Store d) All the manholes should be closed.
the reducer in a warm and dry area.
e) The external surface should be cleaned
g) Clean the fan with appropriate cleaner and protected by suitable repainting as
and apply suitable paint, if required. 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 the
In areas where it is undesirable or steam coil should be positively blinded.
unnecessary to remove the fan drive
components, the fan should be operated h) The tanks isolated from service shall be
every 3-4 weeks and routine preventive externally inspected annually.
maintenance be carried out.
i) In case of floating roof tanks, the
The dry wood of an idle cooling tower is a floating roofs should preferably be kept
serious fire hazard. Therefore, for idle afloat by filling with inhibited
periods of about two months, a
 water and roof drains be kept open. available, dissolved gases should be
Water accumulated on the roof tops due expelled by boiling water for a short time
to rain etc, if any, shall be cleaned with boiler vented to atmosphere. The
periodically. boiler water alkalinity should be adjusted
with caustic soda to a minimum of 400
2.6 PRESERVATION OF IDLE BOILERS PPM. Sufficient Sodium sulfite should
also be added to produce a minimum
Unless proper storage procedures are sulfite residual of 100 PPM. After the
followed, severe corrosion may occur in boiler is cooled and before a vacuum is
idle boilers. The method to protect idle created, the unit should be filled
boilers depend primarily on length of completely with water and all
downtime. Cold storage of boilers include connections closed.
dry or wet storage. Dry storage is
preferred when the boilers will be out of Test should be conducted on weekly basis
service for a period of 45 days or more and additions to the treatment chemicals
while wet storage may be suitable for a should be made necessary to maintain the
shorter duration. minimum recommended concentrations.
When treatment additions are required,
2.6.1 Cold storage the boiler water should be circulated by
means of an external pump or by
a) Dry Storage lowering the water to operating levels and
steaming the boiler for a short time. The
The boiler should be drained, thoroughly boiler should then be completely flooded
cleaned and dried completely by means as outlined previously. The temperature
of hot air. Close attention should be given of boiler should be maintained as low as
to complete elimination of moisture from possible since the corrosion rate increases
nondrainable superheater tubes. A at higher temperatures.
suitable absorbing material in a water
tight container should be placed in the When the boiler is returned to service, a
boiler drums or on top of the flues in a high rate of blowdown should be
fire tube boiler. The most commonly used maintained initially so that alkalinity and
moisture absorbents are quick lime and sulfite be reduced to normal operating
silica gel. Silica gel is more efficient in levels rapidly.
absorbing moisture and can be
regenerated by heating so that it can be In some small installations or where
used over again and again. Since it is not weekly testing is not practicable,
a caustic substance, can be used more Chromate salts can be employed to
easily and safely, it is generally preferred. protect idle boilers against corrosion. The
concentration maintained should be 2000-
After placing the quick lime or silica gel 2500 PPM as sodium chromate. The
in the boiler as per manufacturer’s boiler should be completely filled and
recommendation, all openings should be closed tightly. To assure good mixing,
tightly closed. The unit should be circulation of the water with a pump is
checked at an interval of every two or recommended. Boilers stored in this
three months, as experience dictates, for manner should be blown down heavily to
renewal of the lime or regeneration of dissipate the chromate colour, before
silica gel. being returned to service.

b) Wet Storage Nitrogen or other inert gas may also be

used for storage purpose. A slight
The boiler should be cleaned and positive pressure of the gas is maintained
inspected and then filled to the normal after the boiler has been
water level. If deaerated water is not
 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 rest boilers can be kept under pressure as
of the boiler. Accordingly, it is necessary “Accumulator” with a simple
to follow the same storage procedure for modification. The modification
the superheater section as for the other required is a 2” steam line from main
portions of the boiler. Wet storage steam header to be connected to the
of drainable blowdown line upstream of blowdown
superheaters is relatively simple while valves with 2 nos. of 2” NRV. Through
wet storage of nondrainable superheaters this accumulator steam line, steam from
is more complicated. In dry storage, care the main steam header enter into MUD
must be taken to remove all the moisture DRUM and get condensed and hence
from the nondrainable superheaters by the boiler will be under pressure
reheating the superheaters sufficiently to without keeping the burners in service.
evaporate all the water. This may be About 3 to 5 Tonnes per hour of steam
accomplished by means of a small fire in may be consumed in this way to keep
the boiler furnace. In some cases it may the boiler as Accumulator- depending
be possible to dry the nondrainable upon the insulation of the boiler.
superheaters with hot air diverted from
the air heaters of one of the operating To keep the boiler as accumulator
boiler. Depending on the actual design,
there may be a choice as to whether the a) Stop the burner/s
dry air is directed 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 been d) Open both accumulator steam line
flooded with water containing boiler block valves slowly avoiding water
water salts, it is desirable to employ a hammering
method of wet storage which does not
involve the use of solid chemicals. To put back the boiler in service

Volatile chemicals or inert gases can be a) Open the start up vent line
used in superheater section. The volatile
chemicals recommended are hydrazine b) Open the SH drain
and ammonia or neutralizing amine. If
high purity is not available to fill the c) Start FD fan
entire boiler, the superheater tubes can be
filled with condensate or demineralised d) Take the burner/s into service
water from the outlet end. The
recommended treatment e) After about 5 minutes of venting of
concentrations are approximately 100 steam, open the main stop valve
PPM of hydrazine and sufficient and close the start up vent and SH
ammonia or neutralizing amine to elevate drain valve
the PH to approximately 9.0- 10.0.
To operate blowdown valves during
accumulator condition (drum level 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 valve a) Pumps

PRESERVATION OF PIPELINES b) Compressors

2.7
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 at f) Fans & Blowers

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

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

or uninhibited oil through them adopted for preserving an idle pump

3.1.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal

d) Inspect insulated and wrapped lines, Pumps
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 be connected auxiliary lines. In case
wire brushed and painted. the pump is to be removed and kept
in storage, disconnect all pipe
f) Lubricate all valves. connections and blind the suction
and discharge flanges.
g) Spray all external surfaces of the
valves with oil and cover valve stem b) Open all vents and drains in the
with grease. Relief valve should be pump casing and bearing housing.
rotated or separated from their Flush the casing and housing with
discharge piping. Their discharge a suitable solvent or cleaning
side should be sprayed with oil and agent.
covered with water proof paper or
plastic. c) For pumps with gland packing,
remove the packing, coat the
h) Tighten all flanges. Spray mating interior of the stuffing box with
flanges joints with oil, and wrap light grease, repack with a few
them with suitable wrapper to rings of ordinary non-metallic
prevent crevice corrosion between packing to avoid ingress of water
mating flanges. into the stuffing box and then
retighten the gland.
 box with a non-metallic packing
d) For pumps with single mechanical and re tighten the gland.
seal, loosen the seal gland, pack the
seal with a light grease and tighten d) Remove the valve cover plate from
the seal gland lightly. liquid end of the pump and slide
valve cover from steam/air end.
e) For pumps with double mechanical Remove a valve from each end of
seal, drain the stuffing box and each cylinder on the liquid end.
flush it with a cleaning agent, plug Flush the cylinders with a cleaning
the lower stuffing box drain and fill agent. Fill all cylinders with a
it with a light weight grease or suitable preservative oil. Fill the
lubricating oil. steam/ air cylinders with a suitable
preservative oil through slide valve
f) Plug the bearing housing drains and opening at the steam/air end.
fill the bearing housing completely Slowly bar each piston back and
with lubricating oil. forth.

g) Close all drains and fill the entire e) Apply a suitable rust preventive to
pump casing with a lubricating oil. all valves and valve covers and
Rotate the pump shaft slowly to install them back.
ensure complete coating of the
inner surfaces. f) Drain the excess preservative oil
from the cylinders and close all
h) Rotate the pump shaft every three vents and drains.
to four weeks, leaving it in a
different position each time. g) Clean and cover exposed rods with
grease.
i) Clean the exposed pump shaft and
protect with grease. h) Fill all lubricators with oil.

j) Protect the shaft couplings by II) Preservation of idle motor driven

filling them with grease or coating Injection/Metering Pumps
them with a rust preventive.
a) Open all vents and drains.
3.1.2 Preservation of Reciprocating
Pumps. b) Remove the pump, clean, fill the
liquid chamber with a lubricating
I) Preservation of idle steam/air oil and fix back the pump.
driven Reciprocating Pumps
c) Blind the suction and discharge
a) Open all vents and drains on both valves
the liquid end and steam/air end of
the pump. d) In case of diaphragm type pump
drain the hydraulic oil from the
b) Disconnect all pipe connections, hydraulic chamber, flush and fill
blind the suction, discharge and the hydraulic chamber with a
steam flanges/ air connections. lubricating oil.

c) Remove the packing from the e) Drain the gear box oil; flush and fill
stuffing box and coat the stuffing the gear box with a lubricating oil.
box and rods inside the box with
light grease. Repack the stuffing f) Close all vents and drains in the
pump and gear box.
 g) For pumps with gland packing,  It should be rotated by 180 degree
remove the packing, coat the from the standstill condition after
interior of the stuffing box with three months
light grease, repack with a few
rings of ordinary non-metallic
 It should be rotated by 90 degree
packing to avoid ingress of water
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.
The following procedure should be  It should be rotated by 90 degree
adopted for preserving idle position after 3 months.
compressors.
 This procedure shall be continued
3.2.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal subsequently.
Compressors
For compressors which are idle
Whenever the centrifugal compressor for a period over 6 months,
is required to be at stand still for a the following
prolonged shutdown of more than 3 preservation methods may be used.
months the following method may be
used for preserving the compressor a) Blind off all process, oil supply and oil
components. drain openings

a) The compressor casing may be b) Remove the rotor and associated parts,
charged with a low positive such as bearing and seals and
pressure of dry nitrogen 50 to diaphragms.
70 mm WG during the whole time
of shutdown at stand still c) Preserve the removed parts with a
condition for all the compressors protective material as detailed in Para
which are not provided with oil 4.9
seals. For the type of compressors,
which are provided with oil seals d) Fill the compressor system with oil
nitrogen supply, may be given through a drain opening and displace
after putting into operation the seal all air from the case by venting and
oil system. However, if the close all drain and vent 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 clean
system 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 hand The following procedures should be
by the following procedures: adopted for preserving an idle
reciprocating compressor.
 e) For lubricated compressors keep
a) Close and seal all frame openings the compressor valves immersed in
to prevent suitable rust preventive oil. As an
contamination of frame interior. alternative apply rust preventive oil
on the compressor valves and keep
b) When the compressor (lubricated as them in plastic bags with
well as dry lubricated) compressor dehydrator. For dry lubricated
is kept idle for a period less than compressors remove the valves
six months, run the motor from cylinder, put sufficient
driven/hand driven crank quantity of dehydrating agent in the
mechanism lube oil pump for 10- valve chambers and assemble the
15 minutes once in every week. valve covers. Clean the valves and
keep them in plastic bags with
While the crank mechanism lube oil dehydrator
pump in operation, rotate the shaft by a
few revolutions at least once in every f) When lubricated compressors are
two weeks. The shaft need not to be kept idle for less than 6 months,
stopped at previous locations. wet the cylinder and packing with
sufficient quantity of lube oil and
c) When the compressor (lubricated also have 10-15 piston strokes at
as well as dry lubricated) is kept the same time. Repeat the operation
idle for more than six months once in every two weeks.
fill up the crank case with enough
suitable preservative oil to bring the g) When dry lubricated
oil level to the mark on the oil level compressors are kept idle for less
gauge window. Close all holes/ than 6 months, Seal all holes of the
opening of the crank case and purge cylinder, purge with dry nitrogen
the air inside the crank case with and maintain a pressure of about
dry nitrogen and keep a nitrogen 100 mm WG. If nitrogen is not
pressure of about 100 mm WG. available, keep sufficient quantity
Run the lube oil pump for 10-15 of dehydrating agent such as silica
minutes and at the same time rotate gel and close tightly. Check
the shaft, by a few revolutions, periodically effectiveness of the
manually or by a barring jack. dehydrating agent.
Avoid that the shaft stops in
previous position. Repeat the h) When lubricated compressors and
operation once in two weeks. In dry-lubricated compressors (for
case dry nitrogen is not available, process that allow traces of grease),
introduce in the crank case a are kept idle for more than 6
suitable quantity of dehydrating months, take out the pistons out
agent at such a location that it does of the cylinders. Remove the piston
not get soaked with oil during the rings and rider rings. For metallic
running of lube oil pump. Check piston rings, apply grease on the
the effectiveness of the dehydrating entire surface and keep them in
agent periodically. sealed polythene bags with
dehydrator. Non metallic piston
d) Apply suitable grease on the shaft rings do not require any special
end outside the crank case and all protection. Clean thoroughly and
other exposed surfaces. apply 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 idle
pressure of about 100 mm WG. If for a period up to two months the
dry nitrogen is not available, keep compressor should be run on no load
sufficient quantity of dehydrating once a week for approx. 10- 15 minutes
agent such as silica gel inside the
cylinder and check the When the compressor kept idle for
effectiveness of the dehydrating more than two months, the following
agent periodically. Fill lubricators steps should be adopted
with lubricating oil. For dry-
lubricated compressor all traces of a) With the compressor running on
rust preventive grease shall be LOADED condition open the
removed before putting into manual condensate drains of inter
service. cooler and after cooler and ensure
all drain pipes are free. Close the
i) When dry-lubricated drains and reopen them only after
compressors for process that do not the unit has stopped.
allow traces of grease, are kept idle
for more than 6 months, the b) Remove the moisture trap flange of
pistons, piston rings, valves and the inter cooler and place sufficient
packing shall be degreased with quantity of moisture absorbing
thinners and kept in sealed agent inside the moisture trap.
polythene bags with dehydrator.
Seal all holes of the cylinder, purge c) Close the flange hole of moisture
with dry nitrogen and maintain a trap airtight. Keep the flange
pressure of about 100 mm WG. If separate in dry condition.
dry nitrogen is not available, keep
sufficient quantity of dehydrating d) Close the manual drains.
agent such as silica gel inside the
cylinder and check the e) Rotate the compressor drive shaft a
effectiveness of the dehydrating few turns by hand once a week.
agent periodically.
f) Drain off the lubricating oil and
j) Drain cooling water from cylinder refill the oil sump with a suitable
jackets, inter coolers and after preservative oil
coolers wherever applicable.
g) Run the compressor on no load
k) Purge the piping with dry nitrogen. after first two months for at least
Close all openings and maintain a half an hour to ensure that the
nitrogen pressure of normal working temperatures have
100 mm of WG. As an alternative, been reached. Before running the
close all openings tightly and keep compressor, remove and discard the
inside the piping sufficient quantity moisture absorbing agent and refit
of dehydrating agent such as silica the moisture trap flange.
gel, in accordance with their
dimensions and shape. Check the h) Proceed further as described under
dehydrating agent periodically. steps (a) to (e) above using a new
moisture absorbing agent.
3.2.3 Preservation of idle oil free screw
type Air Compressor.
 i) When the unit is standing idle for tapping points in the turbine
an extended period the above exhaust hood of turbine case. This
mentioned procedure should be shall be done during a period of
repeated every six months. minimum humidity and air inside
the turbine is to be purged out
j) Drain the cooling water, close the completely.
inlet and outlet valves and fill the
line with fresh water. c) Maintain a positive pressure of
about 50 to 75 mm WG during the
3.2.4 Preservation of idle oil flooded idle time and monitor the same.
screw Compressor
The turbine rotor shall be rotated by
When the compressor is going to be turning gear or by hand by the
idle fore more than six months following procedures:

a) Blind off suction and discharge  It should be rotated by 180 degree

valves from the standstill condition after
three months
b) Drain the oil in the casing of the
screw elements.  It should be rotated by 90 degree
after 3 months.
c) Flush and fill the casing of the
screw elements with a suitable  It should be again rotated by 180
preservative oil. degree after 3 months.
d) Close all drains and vents
 It should be rotated by 90 degree
position after 3 months.
e) Drain the cooling water, close the
inlet and outlet valves and fill the
 This procedure shall be continued
line with fresh water dozed with
subsequently.
anticorrosive chemical.
3.4 PRESERVATION OF GAS
f) Rotate the compressor drive shaft a
TURBINE
few turns by hand once a week.
The following procedure should be
g) Change the preservative oil every
adopted for preserving idle gas turbine
six months/one year as per
schedule.
Machine already erected at site and the
final commissioning of the machine is
h) Change water every six months.
expected to be longer than one month.
3.3 PRESERVATION OF STEAM
a) For a single shaft turbine, cranking
TURBINES
has to be done for half an hour once
in a week keeping the lube oil
a) The lube oil system and governing
system under operation. Apart from
oil system shall be either kept in
cranking of HP shaft, Low pressure
service on a weekly basis or filled
(LP) shaft of two-shaft turbine has
with a low positive pressure of dry
to be rotated manually for a few
nitrogen.
complete revolutions every week
with help of suitable fixtures
b) Dry nitrogen may be admitted into
the turbine including all steam
spaces and gland sealing through
one of the pressure
 fitted with coupling hub in the d) The rotor in no case shall be rotated
direction of rotation keeping the without lube oil circulation.
lube oil under operation.
3.5 PRESERVATION OF DIESEL
b) The lube oil has to be internally ENGINES
circulated through a centrifuge
every day for 8 hours or whatever The following procedure should be
time required to drive out the adopted for preserving an idle diesel
moisture/ dirt/ dust from the engine when the diesel engine is kept
lubricating oil when the Gas idle for a period less than
Turbine is lying in idle condition. 6 months, run the engine on load for
10-15 minutes once in a week. If the
c) If the cranking is not possible by engine cannot be run on load, idle run
motor not being provided with the engine till the temperatures of
electrical connections, in such case cooling water and lubricating oil reach
rotation of the machine to be done the normal operating range.
manually using suitable fixtures
keeping the lube oil under When the engine is kept idle for a
operation. period more than six months the
following steps should be adopted.
d) The rotor in no case shall be rotated
without lube oil circulation. a) Start the engine, increase the speed
gradually up to 1200 rpm or a fast
Machine already commissioned and the idle, operate the engine with no
idle period is longer than one month load until the engine is thoroughly
warm and then stop the engine.
a) The unit should be operated on NO
LOAD for at least 30 minutes in b) Drain all lubricating oil from the oil
every month to dry out any sump and refill the oil sump with
moisture inside the ducting and suitable preservative oil.
other components and to recirculate
the lubricating oil to recoat the c) Drain coolant from cooling system
moving parts to prevent rust and and thoroughly flush with clean
corrosion. water and suitable radiator cleaner.
Refill the cooling system with
b) The lube oil has to be internally mixture of water and suitable
circulated through a centrifuge radiator protector in the ratio
every day for 8 hours or whatever recommended by the
time required to drive out the manufacturer.
moisture/ dirt/ dust from the
lubricating oil when the Gas d) Fill two portable containers one
Turbine is lying in idle condition. with diesel and other with the
preservative oil mentioned in (b)
c) If the cranking is not possible by above
motor not being provided with
electrical connections, in such case e) Start the engine with engine pulling
rotation of the machine to be done fuel from the container with diesel
manually using suitable fixtures through the filter and the injector
keeping the lube oil under drain line flowing into the container
operation. 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. Run treatment as mentioned above once
the engine 5-10 minutes on NO in every six months.
LOAD till it is observed that the
preservative oil is coming out from n) Before taking into service, the
injector return line. Stop the engine shall be represerved as
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 reinstall the
h) When the engine has become cool, dismantled components. Carry
disconnect the inlet and exhaust out precommissioning checks.
manifolds, spray suitable
preservative oil into air intake and iii) Flush cooling system.
exhaust outlets, engine being turned
by hand during spray operation. iv) Refill the oil sump with clean
Cover all intake manifold opening lubricating oil
with tape to prevent entry of dirt
and moisture. Cover all engine v) Adjust the injectors, valve and
openings of cylinder block, oil belts and check cylinder head
breather and crank case including cap screws, filters, air filter and
coolant inlets and outlets. All vents, screens.
dynamo, starter motor, magneto if
any and air cleaners to be carefully vi) Pressurise the lubricating
sealed with water proof paper and system about 1 Kg/ cm2
water proof adhesive tape. including turbo charger or
supercharger prior to starting
i) Loosen V belt tension. Remove the engine.
rock lever covers and spray
preservative oil over rocker levers, vii) Run the engine with diesel on
valve springs & stems, guides, NO LOAD LOW IDLE for 5
cross head and push tubes. Replace minutes to flush the entire fuel
cover. system out of any preservative
oil
j) Do not rotate the crank shaft after
the above operations. viii)Remove any foreign matter,
which may collect on screens
k) Tag the Engine with date of and strainers, before regular
treatment to indicate it has been operation of the 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 rust likely to be unused for more than
or corrosion and take corrective six months
action if necessary.
a) Keep the engine on a suitable
pedestal
 b) Just after six months from the date fan/blower with a suitable rust
of despatch, the preservative oil preventive.
should be drained off from the
engine. After flushing the internal b) Blind the suction and discharge end
parts with a suitable solvent, wipe of the fans/blowers.
and clean the parts with the
solvents. Clean the parts with dry c) Close all openings in the casings.
felt cloth.
d) Clean and coat the exposed shaft
c) After drying suitable rust with grease.
preventive should be again sprayed
and dried on the parts e) In case of grease lubricated
bearings remove the grease, clean
d) The crank case should be filled the bearing and bearing housing
with suitable rust preventive and and fill the bearing housing fully
should be filled up to the high oil with fresh grease. Close all
level mark of crank ease openings of the bearing housing.
e) Connect a electrical motor driven f) In case of oil lubricated bearings
lube oil priming pump with suction drain the oil. Flush and fill the
of the pump connected to the crack housing fully with suitable grade of
case drain point and discharge fresh lubricating oil. Close all
connected to the inlet of the lube oil openings of the bearing housing
filters
g) Coat all the exterior surface of the
f) All the openings to be covered or casing/bearing housing with
blinded to make the engine air 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 then oil. Clean the exterior surfaces of
stop the pump. By this method all the gear box and paint them. Wrap
bearings, pistons connecting rod, all exposed shaft with Plastic tape.
rocker arms, valves, etc. will be Store the reducer in a warm and
lubricated dry. The gear box rotor shall be
rotated by the following
h) After six months repeat the above procedures:
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
The following procedure should be degree after 3 months.
adopted for preserving idle fans and
blowers  It should be rotated by 90 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. These components.
may cause rusting, pitting of surfaces
and other forms of deterioration. Proper 4.2 PRESERVATION OF PIPES, PIPE
identification system should be used for FITTINGS AND VALVES
material stored in the warehouse to
avoid mixing. Procedure for 4.2.1 Preservation of Pipes:
preservation of stored material should
be adopted as follows. Both CS and low alloy steel pipes can
be stored outdoor in a self draining
4.1 PRESERVATION OF HEATER position on a concrete surface either on
COMPONENT: steel racks or 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 submerged in
Both CS and low alloy steel heater ground or pool of water.
tubes can be stored outdoor on a sloped
concrete surface. These tubes shall be Pipes/ pipe fittings shall be protected
kept either on steel racks or wooden with an external coat of black
rafter. Tubes shall not be allowed to get bituminous paint. Pipes shall also be
submerged in the ground or in contact painted internally at the ends, upto a
with water. Both the ends of tubes shall length of 12" or as practicable.
be suitably capped or plugged. CS
heater tubes shall be given a coat of Stainless steel pipes shall be stored
oil preservative externally before indoor on wooden rafters/ concrete,
stacking the tubes. 300 mm length at separate from CS, with ends opened or
each end of tube shall be coated with plugged. The ink used for marking, if
grease and water proof wrapping paper any shall be free from chloride, sulphur
where rolling operation is performed. and lead.
To avoid chloride attack, it is preferable
to store Stainless steel heater tubes For pipes with threaded connection,
indoors on wooden rafter with both the extra care shall be taken in protecting
ends plugged. the threads by putting plastic caps or
wrapping with jute cloth.
4.1.2 Return Bends:
4.2.2 Preservation of Flanges:
CS/ Low alloy steel cast plug type return
bends should be stored in a covered Flanges with anticorrosive painting
shed. Grease preservative shall be shall be stacked on stands
applied on all the machined and threaded /concrete or wooden sleepers with their
surfaces. However other type of return gasket seating surfaces at the bottom
bend can be stored outdoors after and covered with tarpaulin. All the
applying necessary protective coatings flange gasket seating surface must have
as given to heater tubes in downward a protective coating &
 extreme care must be taken during CS & AS tube bundles shall be stored
handling to avoid damage. suitably covered on wooden rafters. Oil
preservation spray on tube extended
All SS flanges should be stored surface shall be done once in a year.
indoors. Tube sheets shall be greased properly
and covered with wooden boards.
4.2.3 Preservation of Pipe Fittings:
CS & AS tube bundles can also be
Forged fittings can be stored outdoor stored in wooden boxes with tarpaulin
on sloped concrete surface or wooden cover on top.
platform. All fittings shall be preferably
given a coat of anticorrosive paint and Tube bundles of brass/ stainless steel
shall be stored in such a location that and high alloy steel shall be stored on
rain water does not accumulate in it. wooden rafters with proper covers.
Special care needs to be taken for SS
Stainless steel fittings should be stored bundle to avoid chloride attack. No
indoors. preservative is needed for these
bundles.

4.2.4 Preservation of Fasteners: 4.3.2 Tubes:

Fasteners shall be kept indoors. Carbon All the exchanger/ condenser tubes
steel and alloy steel fasteners shall be shall be stored indoor on steel racks.
stored in separate bays after oil CS and alloy steel tubes shall be coated
preservation spray. Stainless steel with oil preservative or black
fasteners do not require any protection. bituminous paint whereas brass/
stainless steel tubes do not require any
4.2.4 Preservation of Valves: preservative. Tubes may be provided
with tightly fitted HDPE/ PVC end
End cover of all the valves shall be caps.
plugged by wooden/ rubber/ PVC
blanks. 4.3.3 Tube Sheets:

Valves shall be stacked on a concrete CS and alloy steel tube sheets shall be
surface on wooden rafters, with wooden stored indoor on wooden rafters with
planks on flanges. grease applied on it. Brass/ SS tube
sheets shall be stored indoor without
Grease shall be applied on valve steel any preservative.
spindle and flange faces of CS & AS
valves. Valves shall be kept in upright 4.4 PRESERVATION OF PLATES:
with spindle upward and gate in closed
position. CS plates can be stored in a sloping
fashion on wooden rafters in bunches
All SS valves shall be stored indoor keeping sufficient clearance from the
without any preservative. ground. Top, bottom and side surface
of the bunch (of same size) coming in
4.3 PRESERVATION OF HEAT contact with atmosphere should be
EXCHANGERS/ CONDENSERS/ coated with preservative oil/grease/
COOLERS: paint.

4.3.1 Bundles: Alloy Steel/ Stainless steel plates may

be stored indoor. No
 preservative is required for these plates. above ground level. If the floor is not
dry ensure storage of bags above the
4.5 PRESERVATION OF damp floor by providing timber boards
STRUCTURAL on bricks, planks or any other suitable
STEEL: device.

Structural steel shall be positioned in Bags of castables shall be stacked at

a way to allow self draining. Structural least 30 cm away from the walls to
steel should not be in contact with soil ensure that they shall not come in
during preservation. contact with walls which may be damp.
In very large sheds, bags shall be
4.6 PRESERVATION OF COLUMN covered with plastic sheets.
TRAYS & FITTINGS:
4.9 PRESERVATION OF SPARE
These shall be stored indoor. CS/AS PARTS OF PUMPS AND
fittings shall be kept after a spray of oil RECIPROCATING
preservatives. Stainless steel parts shall COMPRESSORS:
be kept as it is.
Preservation should be carried out in
4.7 PRESERVATION OF VESSEL & accordance to Para 4.4 of OISD- STD-
EXCHANGER SHELL: 126

Closed vessel shall be kept on their 4.10 PRESERVATION OF ANTI-

steel supports. In absence of steel FRICTION BEARINGS:
support, wooden saddles shall be used.
Vessel shall be painted externally with Preservation should be carried out in
Zinc Oxide primer. Preservative oil accordance to Para 4.5 of OISD- STD-
spray shall be done on internal surface. 126
Flanged faces shall be greased and
covered with wooden boards. All the 4.11 PRESERVATION/
nozzles shall be suitably covered so REPRESERVATION OF
that rain water will not ingress. COMPONENTS OF
CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR /
4.8 PRESERVATION OF STEAM TURBINE / GAS TURBINE
REFRACTORY / DIESEL ENGINE

4.8.1 Refractory Bricks: 4.11.1 Rotor:-

Refractory bricks shall be stored Preservation/Represervation of rotor

indoors in a dry shed. The storage shed should be carried out in accordance to
shall be at a well-drained location. In Para 4.3 of OISD-STD-126.
stacking, the bricks, shall be stacked
on edge with laths in horizontal joints. 4.11.2 Casing:-

4.8.2 Refractory Castables: Casing surface to be sprayed with

suitable rust preventive oil. To the
Castables shall be kept in dry storage extent possible the parting planes of the
and protected from rains and moisture. casing shall be kept on top. If this is not
The stacking of castables shall start possible and if the casing is required to
approximately be kept in the inverted position, the
15 cms above the concrete floor which parting planes shall be kept on dry
itself shall be sufficiently wooden beams. To avoid rusting of the
contact area between the casing parting
plane
 and the wooden beams, rubber pads or d) All piping connections and openings should
grease/ oil immersed felt shall be kept. be carefully plugged, blinded.

4.11.3 Journal Bearings, Thrust e) Lubricated cylinders should be lubricated

Bearings, Oil Seals And by manually turning the force feed
Couplings: lubricator, which should be kept filled up
with suitable preservative oil. Wherever the
These small spare parts which are to force feed lubricators are not available
under go forced lubrication, should be apply suitable preservative oil inside the
protected by coating with suitable cylinder surfaces.
grease and wrapped in water proof
plastic paper/ VCI paper. f) For non-lubricated cylinders, keep
sufficient dehydrating agents such as silica
4.11.4 Crank case/Connecting rods/ gel inside the cylinder and close all the
pistons/liners and other components to openings tightly. Check the effectiveness of
be stored in a covered shed preferably the dehydrating agent periodically.
with a coating of anticorrosive paint.
All shaft connecting rods shall be g) The barring of the compressor to be done at
provided with proper wooden supports. least once in three months.

4.12 PRESERVATION PROCEDURE When the oil free screw air compressor
FOR EQUIPMENT NOT is not commissioned and kept idle for
INSTALLED/ KEPT AT STORE. more than five months.

When the Reciprocating Compressor is a) Renew the drying agent such as silica gel
not installed at site and likely to be kept placed in the inter cooler moisture trap
idle more than six months. immediately upon receipt of the compressor
at site
a) Inspect the Crank case cover to check the
condition of crank shaft, connecting rod b) Renew the drying agent such as silica gel
and other components. After cleaning them kept in the inter cooler moisture trap once
thoroughly flush and drain the Crankcase in every 3 months
by filling suitable preservative oil and then
fill the same oil upto the Crank Case oil c) Store the compressor units indoors in a dry
level. space

b) Open the inspection cover to check the d) Ensure that there is absolutely no water in
condition of piston rod, rod nut, cross head, the crate, on any plastic cover, or any where
etc and after cleaning these are to be along the canopy or the base frame of the
coated with rust protective layers. Close the unit
crank case cover to prevent the entry of
dirt/ dust and moisture. e) Install a motor driven special lube oil pump
of small capacity capable of developing the
c) Suction and Discharge valves, piston rod maximum operating pressure of the main
pressure packing rings should be taken out oil pump of the compressor with suction of
and cleaned thoroughly by some solvent the pump connected to the oil sump drain
and then coat them with some rust point and the discharge of the pump
preventive oil and wrap then in polythene connected to the upstream of the lube oil
pack and should be kept separately. filter.

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 oil (iii) ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel
pump. After lubrication insert new silica Code, Sec VII – Recommended
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
(ii) NACE Standard – RP - 01 – 70 - of 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.