In industrial environments, Boil Out cleaning has become an essential process for decontaminating systems containing hazardous products. This procedure is performed before the technical cleaning of equipment, in order to remove hazardous substances such as benzenes, explosive compounds and pyrophoric products.
The key to Boil Out is that it generates less waste than conventional cleaning and, in addition, biodegradable products are often used, making it a more sustainable option. Below we will detail the technical aspects, benefits and waste management associated with this procedure.
Technical aspects of the Boil Out
The Boil Out process is used to remove hazardous contaminants from industrial systems that handle toxic, explosive or corrosive substances, such as hydrogen sulphide. The main steps are as follows:
Initial phase: Partial filling
The process begins by filling 15-30% of the system with a liquid solution containing specific, biodegradable chemicals, minimising environmental impact. This solution is designed to dissolve hazardous contaminants on the internal surfaces of the equipment.
Liquid-Vapor phase change
As the system is heated by vapour injection, the liquid turns to vapour and carries contaminants to the vent points. This allows hazardous products to be safely removed while maintaining close control of emissions.
Circulation of the chemical
To compensate for the evaporation of the solution, a piston pump continues to inject chemical, ensuring that the process is efficient. During the process, contamination levels are monitored through analytical control to confirm that the decontamination is being effective.
Benefits of Boil Out cleaning
Boil Out cleaning is not only an efficient decontamination process, but also offers a number of advantages that make it preferable to other conventional methods:
- Less waste: By using biodegradable products, the only waste generated is the sludge removed from the equipment, reducing the amount of hazardous waste to be treated afterwards.
- Sustainability: The chemicals used are environmentally friendly, which reduces the environmental impact of the cleaning process.
- Safety: Allows equipment to be kept free of hazardous substances, reducing the risk of accidents during physical cleaning or maintenance.
- Time optimisation: Boil Out speeds up equipment downtime by being faster and more efficient in removing contaminants.
- Prolonged equipment life: By removing scale and debris that could damage components, the durability of industrial equipment is extended.
Waste disposal during the Boil Out
One of the main advantages of Boil Out over other cleaning methods is the reduction in waste generation. Below, we detail how waste is managed during this process:
Reduced waste generation
Unlike traditional cleaning, Boil Out uses biodegradable products, which reduces the volume and hazardousness of the waste generated. This means that the only waste to be treated is the sludge accumulated within the system, which is managed in a controlled manner.
Heavy sludge removal
During decontamination, hazardous sludge tends to accumulate in the low points of the system. These are safely and systematically purged during the process. Although it is not always possible to remove all the sludge at this stage, decontamination reduces the hazardousness of the sludge, allowing for safer extraction at a later stage.
Vent and emission control
The vents play a crucial role in the process, as they release the vapour that has entrained the pollutants. These vents are carefully monitored to ensure that emissions are within legal and safe limits, protecting both personnel and the environment.
When is it advisable to perform a Boil Out?
The Boil Out is particularly useful in a number of industrial situations:
- Before scheduled maintenance shutdowns, when equipment contains toxic or explosive products.
- In systems that have been exposed to corrosive environments, such as those in the presence of hydrogen sulphide.
- For sustainable cleaning, where you want to minimise the generation of hazardous waste and use biodegradable products.
- On new equipment requiring initial decontamination to remove industrial waste prior to operation.
Conclusion
Boil Out cleaning is a fundamental process in the decontamination of industrial systems that handle hazardous products. By using biodegradable products and generating less waste than conventional cleaning, it is a safe and sustainable option that improves efficiency and prolongs the life of equipment. In addition, proper management of waste, especially sludge, is crucial to ensure a safe working environment and comply with environmental regulations.
