Oil major Chevron’s brand Caltex Lubricants launched a holistic solution for varnish removal in steam and gas turbines called VARTECH Industrial System Cleaner (ISC) in April this year.

VARTECH ISC’s ‘unique triple action technology’ cuts through hard varnish, captures and stabilises micro-sized varnish particles in a protective barrier and provides compatibility with in-service oil for optimal operational flexibility, while maintaining system performance during the cleaning cycle. Moreover, it provides the operator the flexibility to schedule maintenance activities around other operational priorities and unexpected delays.

VARTECH ISC is added directly to the in- service lubricating oil shortly before a scheduled oil change. Depending on the system condition, the recommended concentration can vary from 5% to 20%. Chevron recommends a maximum of 30 days of cleaning cycle.

“In speaking to our customers, we recognised that industrial operators have long been aware of the potential damage from varnish that can inevitably impact their operations. Remarkably, varnish and the difficulties that come with it, have been accepted as a perennial issue. Our goal is to encourage customers to see that this issue can actually be managed,” explains Chevron GM Douglas Rankine.

Chevron has been closely working with industrial original-equipment manufacturers and customers to come up with a unique solution for varnish removal in rotary equipment. Customers using commercially available cleaning products have often complained of leaks in the system, lowering of flash point and filter plugging.

“These are just some of the gaps Chevron found in the industry demand for a product that effectively removes varnish,” says Chevron Industrial Lubricants product manager Akash Anand.

“Chevron’s advanced proprietary technol–ogy, helps remove varnish in microsized particles that don’t overwhelm the filters and keep the turbine on line and productive. In the trials conducted by Chevron, VARTECH ISC has shown excellent compatibility with in-service oils which allows for longer residence time for better removal of stubborn varnish.

“Over time, varnish builds up in almost all rotary equipment. While Chevron has successfully launched VARTECH ISC for turbine oils, we have recently completed our review of its usage in compressors. Industrial customers can benefit from VARTECH ISC if they are facing any concerns with oil life span in on-site compressors, owing to varnish and sludge build-up,” says Anand.

Additionally, Chevron is exploring the use of VARTECH ISC for the removal of sludge and varnish deposits in hydraulic systems in mobile and stationary equipment.

“The industry response to VARTECH ISC has been extremely positive. The product is now launched across Africa, the Middle-East, China, Asia-Pacific and the US. In a very short period, it has developed a very good reputation with its customers in mining, refining, power generation, and oil and gas segments,” Anand concludes.