Pre-Commission Cleaners

Pre-Commission Cleaners

Pre-commission cleaners are used to bring closed systems to a satisfactory state for final commissioning and before a water treatment regime is established.  The purpose is to create clean, deposit free surfaces for water treatment chemicals to adhere to and allow biocides to work correctly, ensuring optimal flow throughout the system. Due to significantly lower tolerances in many water systems today, with narrower bore pipework and a greater range of metals used, correct flushing with cleaners, and subsequent biocide flushing is more relevant today than before. 

Polymers, chelants, sequestrants, wetting agents and surfactants are all available, as are a full range of specific targeted biocides.  We recommend a call to discuss which of our portfolio may be best for you. 

To discuss your requirements and take advantage of our expert advice contact us on 01495 792790.

Our Pre-Commission Cleaners Guide

Acid Cleaners

Acidic cleaners are typically used to remove mineral scales, rust, and other inorganic deposits found on the surfaces of water systems. They are particularly effective against calcium carbonate and iron oxide deposits. However, it is important to note that their acidic nature can pose a potential corrosive risk, so always check what metals are present.

Additionally, thorough rinsing is often necessary post-cleaning to neutralize any residual acidity. Despite these precautions, acidic cleaners remain the preferred choice for tackling heavy scale and rust when carrying out a pre-commission clean.

Neutral Cleaners

Neutral cleaners serve as versatile solutions for general cleaning and degreasing pipework. They are effective at removing organic contaminants, oils, greases, and light mineral deposits. Neutral cleaners typically contain surfactants, detergents, and chelating agents that help lift and suspend any deposits from the surfaces.

Unlike acidic cleaners, neutral cleaners are less aggressive and they are designed for a wide range of materials found in different water systems, including metals, plastics, and rubber. Furthermore, neutral cleaners are the preferred choice when it comes to routine maintenance cleaning, contributing to the overall upkeep and performance of the system.

Technical Help

Our expert scientists are here to help with your water treatment needs. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for get in touch by clicking here

  • Yes, you should always flush the water and refill unless you are carrying out a CIP clean where a filter is used and you retain the water.

  • A million-dollar question! If the system has been correctly set up and commissioned according to BSRIA guidelines, then once and once only. However, we appreciate that systems are added to, sections shutdown, water treatment companies change and pretreatment plant may fail. To that extent on occasion a chemical clean may be necessary to regain system cleanliness and biological control.

  • Unfortunately, there is no specific way to test for pre-commission cleaners in a system. However, it is important to note that pre-commission cleaners will vary in their dosage and circulation times. As a rule of thumb, the cleaners will circulate at a known percentage of volume of the system to be cleaned. It is important therefore to know the volume of the system as part of the initial survey process. We advise discussions with our Technical Team if uncertain, to specify the correct cleaner and a suitable dosage rate.