Don't Forget to Flush -................................................................7BACK
KTH Offers ISO9001 Flushing and Testing Service for Hydraulics Systems ____________________________________________________________________________________

A recent survey by hydraulic systems specialist KT Hydraulics has revealed that many shipping and offshore operators are neglecting to follow basic good practice in maintaining key hydraulic systems.

Richard Ellis, director at KT Hydraulics explains the importance of carrying out these basic tasks correctly. “Flushing should always be carried out when hydraulic and water glycol systems are being overhauled or commissioned. The flushing, filtration and cleaning of oil and fluids in the systems and the associated testing of them, helps to maximise their reliability and to minimise maintenance and system failures.

It really is false economy not to carry out such procedures but we are still amazed at the number of instances where these basic practices are neglected by both contractors and end users. Even in the short term, failure to carry out the correct flushing and testing procedures can cause irreparable damage to hydraulic systems resulting in unscheduled and potentially expensive downtime for repairs.

With the basis of our business being in the design, supply and installation of hydraulic systems to the marine and offshore industry, we saw the logic in setting up a flushing and pressure testing division and so created KT Hire Services about twelve months ago. Demand for company’s services has been strong although it is still quite alarming how often we are called in to repair or replace systems that have suffered from lack of correct care and maintenance.”

KT Hire Services, a division of hydraulic systems specialists KT Hydraulics, has ISO9001:2000 QA accreditation under the Lloyds Register for flushing and pressure testing of offshore and marine hydraulics systems.

The company has also invested heavily in the latest flushing technology, capable of flushing to the highest NAS and ISO standards. The equipment includes flushing rigs of varying sizes, microscopic and particle counter analysis equipment, pressure chart recorders, the training of operators and all associated hoses and sundries.

With the expertise and knowledge available from the parent company, KT Hire Services provides flushing and testing services anywhere in the world. Customers are able to choose to have the whole service carried out by KTH engineers to Lloyds Register 9001 accreditation standards or alternatively the company is set up to rent out the necessary measurement and pressure testing equipment on either a short or long-term basis to shipyards, offshore operators and process industries.

KTH has invested heavily in the latest technology, capable of flushing to the highest NAS and ISO standards.