Oil & Grease Storage

As well as proper bunding practices (covered in a previous TEC TIP) – storage of lubricants plays an important role in preventing contamination and extending the life of your lubricant inventory.

Oil storage containers (IBCs, tanks and drums) all ‘breathe’. This occurs where there is a temperature change in the fluid causing expansion and then contraction on cooling. As the cooling occurs the container will ‘breathe in’  drawing in the surrounding atmosphere (or water if the top of the container hasn’t been covered.

To minimise contaminant ingress from ‘breathing’, the best option is to store product inside where it can be protected from airborne particles including dust and moisture. It is however worth keeping in mind that depending on the indoor environment, contamination can still exist from operations generating dust, water particles from wash-down areas etc.

Where storing drums inside is not possible its even more important to keep the product covered.  It is possible to store drums on their side, however care should be taken to ensure that the 2” and ¾” bungs are positioned horizontally to keep them below the fluid level. This method helps to prevent the potential ingress of contaminants whilst keeping the seals conditioned.

To help provide best in class protection we offer a range of covers suitable for both drums and IBCs that can be utilised both indoors and outdoors.

Where bulk storage tanks are in use, high-quality breathers should be fitted to help prevent the ingress of moisture and airborne particles to the bulk tank. Depending on the dispensing rate from the tank the breather should be sized accordingly. Tecalemit can offer a range of solutions in this space – please call to discuss your specific requirements. Our range also includes units that display an LED indicating that the breather needs to be changed.

In addition to oil, proper storage of grease cartridges is also an important consideration and often overlooked. Grease cartridges should always be stored upright to prevent an air pocket developing down the length of the grease cartridge.

Grease tubes that have been stored incorrectly will cause issues for the operator trying to bleed the air from the cartridge and potentially result in inadequate greasing and equipment damage.