Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1522439
Machinery Lubrication Annual Edition | www . machinerylubrication.com 49 ML quently, the equipment it is meant to protect. e first thing to focus on is the climate. Lubricants should be stored in a cool, dry place with a controlled temperature. Extreme tempera- tures can degrade the lubricant's quality. Ideal storage temperatures typically range between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C). Lubricants should never be stored in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can accelerate oxidation and reduce the effective- ness of your lubricants. However, just putting lubricants in a climate-controlled room is not proper storage. We want to ensure that lubricant containers, whether drums, pails, or bottles, are tightly sealed. is prevents mois- ture, dust and airborne contaminants from infiltrating the lubricant. Ideally, we want to see some sort of filtration of new oils and then transfer them to a clean tank. If this is not possible, then we should always replace container caps or seals immedi- ately after use to maintain product integrity. Another thing we want to be aware of when it comes to lubricant storage is that we are not cross-contaminating lubricants — we want to see clearly labeled containers listing not only color but also shape, which provides multiple ways to verify the lubricant that is in the container. Even small amounts of one lubricant mixing with another can alter their properties and degrade their performance. Also, make sure to note the date the lubricant was received. is will help with the "first-in, first-out", regarding usage. The Proper Handling of Lubricants Now let's dive into the proper handling of lubricants. When handling lubricant containers, make sure to use clean tools and equipment to avoid introducing contaminants. A "top-up" container that can be filled without the removal of the lid is ideal. As we discussed above, when it comes to usage of your lubricants the "first-in, first-out" rule of thumb prevents your lubricants from reaching the end of their shelf life before you use them. We need to make sure that we have a good way to track the use of our lubricants, whether it be good old-fashioned pen and paper or on a computer-based tracker. Knowing the usage rate of your lubricants prevents you from possibly running out at a crucial time and also keeps you from over-ordering. Upon receiving new lubricants, examine them right away to ensure there was no damage or contaminants that were introduced during transit. A couple of tools to help keep out contaminants like water and debris particles include desiccant breathers and filtration carts with quick-connect fittings through which you can add the lubricants without exposing them to any contaminants in the environment. Lubricants act as silent guardians, ensuring the gears keep turning, the engines keep running and the processes remain smooth. However, the significance of proper lubricant storage and handling is often underestimated, despite its pivotal role in the efficient and sustainable functioning of many industries. Ensuring Consistency in Performance This article seeks to shed light on the importance of this crucial practice and provide a comprehensive set of guidelines to help facil- ities master the art of lubricant management. Lubricants are not just substances in bottles or drums — they are the lifeblood of mechanical systems. Neglecting their storage can have profound repercussions, including a reduction in the consistency of performance. A lubricant's role is to deliver consistent and efficient performance. If a lubricant's properties are compromised due to improper storage, machinery reliability is jeopardized. Consistency ensures that operations run smoothly, mainte - nance costs stay in check, and productivity remains unhindered. Reduced Contamination Lubricants are sensitive to contaminants like moisture, dirt and impurities. e equip- ment they protect is reliant on their purity. Proper storage is the first line of defense against contamination, safeguarding both the lubricant's effectiveness and the machinery's longevity. As we've explored through this article, temperature control, protection from heat and light, airtight containers and avoiding cross-con - tamination are all vital facets of proper lubricant storage. Equally important are the principles of proper handling and usage tracking, which help organizations avoid waste, manage inventory and reduce risks of running out or overstocking. Environmental responsibility should be at the forefront of any organization's approach to lubricant storage. Developing a plan for the responsible disposal and a documented emergen - cy-response strategy is a commitment to both the environment and the safety of employees. In essence, proper lubricant storage and handling is the cornerstone of effective lubri- cant management. Neglecting these practices can lead to decreased lubricant effectiveness, equipment breakdowns and even environmental hazards. By embracing and implementing these guidelines, industries can not only ensure the longevity and efficiency of their lubricants but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of their operations. After all, it's the meticulous care of these silent guardians that keeps the wheels of industry turning smoothly. ML About the Author Matt Ferrell is an Industrial Service Technician for Noria Corparation. His duties include collecting data and preparing reports for the engineering team. Prior to joining Noria he was an industrial maintenance supervisor in a foundry, where he was responsible for troubleshooting and repair of electrical and mechan- ical equipment, as well as scheduling preventive maintenance and shut down operations.