Lubricating Oil Storage Principles
Whenever possible, barrel and containerized lubricating oil should be stored indoors to protect it from the elements. Opened lubricant drums must be stored inside. Drums are best stored on their sides (horizontally), with wooden wedges placed at both ends to prevent rolling, and should be regularly checked for leaks and label clarity. If vertical storage is necessary, drums should be inverted (bung down) or slightly tilted to prevent water from accumulating on the top surface and seepage through the cover, as water adversely affects all lubricants.
While it may seem that a sealed bung prevents water ingress, drums stored outdoors experience daily temperature cycles—hot days and cool nights—causing the air inside to expand and contract. This creates a "breathing" effect: air is expelled during the day and drawn in at night. If the bung is submerged, moisture will inevitably be drawn into the drum with the air over time, leading to significant water accumulation in the oil.
When withdrawing oil, a horizontally placed drum should be positioned on a rack at a suitable height, fitted with a valve at the bung, with a container placed underneath to catch drips. Alternatively, for vertically placed drums, oil can be extracted by inserting a pipe through the bung and using a hand pump.
Bulk oil stored in tanks will inevitably have condensed water and contaminants settle at the bottom, forming a layer of sediment that pollutes the oil. Tank bottoms should therefore be designed dished or sloped, equipped with drain valves for regular sediment removal. Tanks should be cleaned periodically internally.
Temperature affects greases more significantly than lubricating oils. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g., direct sunlight) can cause the base oil to separate from the grease. Grease containers should be stored indoors, preferably with the bung facing upwards. Due to their larger openings, greases are more susceptible to contamination by dirt and water; the lid must be tightened immediately after each use.
Lubricating Oil Handling Principles
Beyond strict adherence to storage guidelines, careful handling is equally crucial. If oil becomes contaminated during transport from the storage warehouse to the point of use, all careful storage efforts are wasted. Containers for storing or dispensing small quantities of oil must have lids, be kept clean, and be regularly cleaned, dried with a lint-free cloth before use. Funnels and other lubrication equipment require the same treatment. When wiping, avoid using waste cotton yarn or cloths that shed fibers, as these fibers can transfer into the machinery's lubrication system and block oil passages.
Each type of lubricant should have a dedicated container, clearly marked with the oil's name to prevent mixing. Used oil or waste should be held in labeled containers until disposal. It is essential to store waste oil separately from new oil to prevent contamination of the new oil.
Base Oil Performance Comparison
ISO Viscosity Grades
SAE Viscosity Classification
SAE Viscosity Grades for Automotive Gear Oils
AGMA Lubricant Viscosity Classification
Comparison of viscosity classifications
NLGI Grease Grade Classification
Address: No.1 Yichang Road, YEDA, China
Phone:+86 535 2160338
Fax:+86 535 2161795
