Lubricant storage and handling: useful insights by an e-marketplace for genuine MRO spares
To ensure that different types of bearing such as roller bearings, spherical roller bearing and thrust bearings are running with minimal unscheduled downtime, they need to be well-maintained. A very important part of maintenance is lubrication. Regular reduces friction between the internal sliding surfaces of the bearings and increases their lifespan. However, when lubricants are not stored properly or mishandled, they lead to problems. The first step toward achieving proactive maintenance of MRO spares is to store and handle lubricants carefully.
As a leading e-marketplace for genuine MRO spares, we share with you useful insights on lubricant storage and handling:
Choose appropriately packaged lubricants: Lubricants are packaged in different forms. They come in pails, drums, totes and bulk tanks. Choose as per the space you have. The choice of packaged lubricants depends on
- Consumption rate
- Vendor delivery timeline
- Maximum storage capacity
Note: Follow a first-in/first-out (FIFO) inventory system so that you don’t end up with lubricants that may not have much shelf life.
Make sure the lube room is well-maintained: Lubricants are susceptible to contamination. They should be stored in a clean and dry place. Moderate temperature levels should be maintained in the lube room. Lubricants should be stored away from industrial contaminants that alter lubricants’ characteristics. Containers must be properly sealed when stored in the upright position.
Protect lubricants from adverse conditions: It is recommended that lubricants be stored indoors only. If for some reason that is not possible, minimize exposure to adverse weather conditions. Make sure lubricants are sheltered from rain, snow and other elements. Store drums horizontally to minimize the risk of the seals drying out. Avoid outdoor storage of water-based lubricants when weather conditions are extreme.
Take extra care with opened containers: Storage for open up containers needs additional care to ensure contaminants are not introduced to the lubricants as a result of poor housekeeping. Bulk tanks should use filter breathers to control contamination ingestion. Drums and pails should be capped when not in use.
Properly label containers to avoid confusion: All containers must be clearly labelled to ensure proper identification. Avoid using labelling methods that are not legible or may wear out easily, Color coding labels can reduce the risk of misidentification of products. Make sure all the employees are trained in the colour coding system.
Use designated equipment to carry lubricants: Storage isn’t the only time when lubricants are susceptible to contamination. Maintenance personnel should implement good handling practices to ensure cleanliness. This includes the use of well-maintained trolleys and dispensers.
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