We can use a pipe wiper to get rid of residual acids and old mineral oil without using solvents. Many manufacturers advise against using solvents because they may damage the system or cause negative environmental effects. In that case, it would be wise to use a pipe wiper.

The pipe wiper comes with pigs of multiple sizes (especially large sizes with the commercial kit). So, we pick the pig we need for the line size and use the pipe wiper with nitrogen (and a good flow regulator) to send the pig through the line. As the pig moves through the line, it wipes all of the oil and acid residues off the sides of the copper tubing. We finish off with a little more nitrogen to dislodge any particles that the pig may have knocked off the sides or dropped along the way.

When we retrieve the pig outside, we notice that it’s discolored, meaning that it picked up some gunk in the pipes. One of the techs seals the line immediately after we finish, which will prevent other contaminants from getting in.

On the second go-around, we find that there is less oil than there was in the first pig. (However, we also discovered that Les ended up sending two pigs through the line.) The pipe is also bone-dry.

You can find out more at a-jacksmanufacturing.com/product-page/commercial-pipe-wiper-kit and use the offer code “getschooled” for a discount.