Lubricants are engineered to meet a set of specifications. Improper handling or storage causes lubricants to degrade, deteriorate, or take in contaminants. Poor storage practices such as damaged containers, moisture from seepage or condensation, dirty handling equipment, and exposure to contaminants.
If lubricants can no longer meet the required specifications, they fail to lubricate adequately and become waste. This requires costly disposal.
For many years, the most common container for lubricants has been the trusted 55-gallon drum. When handled properly, drums can be an effective means for storing and handling lubricants. Unfortunately, if handled improperly, drums can injure workers and damage property as a full drum can weigh 450 lbs.
Outdoor Lubricants Storage
Make sure not to store drums of lubricant outside, as the contents of the drum can easily become contaminated. If stored outside, put drums on blocks or racks several inches above the ground and positioned on their side. Position bung holes on the drum horizontally from one another.
Storing drums horizontally allows the bungs to be in constant contact with the lubricant product inside the drum. This prevents the drum from breathing in moisture with changes in ambient temperature and pressure.
Tilt vertically stored drums on blocks to keep moisture or rainwater from collecting around the bung holes. Water draws through the bungs as the barrel breathes with changes in temperature and pressure.
Bulk Lubricants Storage
Consider using bulk lubricants storage if your shop is cramped for space. Bulk lubricant tanks stack up to three or four tanks high. Housing four or five drums consumes a lot of floor space and prove difficult to handle. A variety of pumps, hoses, reels, dispensing nozzles, and meters are available for bulk set-ups for extra convenience.
Bulk lubricant handling equipment eliminates the need for dirty funnels, leaking spouts, or incorrectly labeled oil containers. Bulk lubricants can also reduce spillage and eliminate the numerous mounds of oil dry found on many shop floors. Further, there is no need to stack unsightly empty oil drums behind the shed.
When you consider the cost savings and multiple benefits, bulk lubricants provide value and convenience. These set-ups ensure the lubricants you pour in your equipment are clean and provide trouble-free operation.