Equipment Flushing Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

What does it actually mean to “flush” a lubrication system? And how do you know whether the flush you’re planning will actually solve the problem?

In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with flushing expert Larry Jordan of Conquest Services to break down the different types of equipment flushing, why the right approach depends on what you’re trying to remove, and why simply circulating oil through a filter cart may not be enough.

Larry draws on nearly four decades of field experience to explain the differences between particulate flushing, varnish mitigation, conversion flushing, and other cleaning strategies. He and Wes also dig into the importance of flow velocity and turbulence, why Larry targets a Reynolds number of at least 10,000 for particulate removal, and why critical components often need to be bypassed during a high-velocity flush.

You’ll learn about:

• Why “flushing” has become a catch-all term for very different processes
• How particulate, varnish, and conversion flushes differ
• Why turbulent flow alone may not be enough to remove contaminants
• The role of Reynolds number, velocity, viscosity, and temperature in an effective flush
• Why bearings, servo valves, and other critical components may need to be bypassed
• How solvency enhancers can help remove varnish without high-velocity flushing
• Why equipment history and oil analysis should guide the flushing plan
• When bringing in a specialized flushing provider can save time, money, and headaches

Whether you’re preparing for a major turnaround, dealing with contamination after a failure, addressing varnish, or simply trying to determine whether a system really needs to be flushed, this conversation provides a practical framework for choosing the right approach.

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