Improvements in the delivery, storage, and handling of lubricants are just as important as advancements in lubricant formulations.
The effectiveness of lubrication can be significantly impacted by contamination.
Particulate contamination is the number one issue causing premature wear and component failures in the construction industry.1
Construction equipment managers are beginning to adopt better preventative maintenance and lubrication practices to optimise machine longevity.
Correct storage and handling of products are critical to reducing the risk of contamination, premature damage, misapplication, cross- contamination, and safety incidents.
For Shell Lubricants, the quality leaving the refinery or blending plant is closely monitored and controlled.
Technical Specialist at Viva Energy Australia (Shell Lubricant Macro Distributor), Silvana Farrugia, explains that stringent care is always taken in manufacture, packing, and transportation to ensure products are free from contaminants and meet or exceed specifications.
“However, once lubricants leave Shell or its agents, their continuing quality for use depends on subsequent storage and handling procedures,” she said.
“When it comes to delivery, the old school practice of unloading lubricants off the delivery truck with an old tyre should be avoided. This practice is unsafe and can contaminate the environment if spillage occurs.
“Many construction businesses are investing in hydraulic lifts to help move drums of oil from one place to another.
“The standard 209-litre drum weighs about 185kg when filled with oil. It’s important drums must never be dropped when being unloaded or moved. Hydraulic lifts or forklifts are recommended instead.”2
With bulk lubricants, Silvana said it was essential that the correct grade is stored in the right tank, so supervision and tank labelling are essential.
A responsible person should supervise all deliveries, to ensure that the correct quantity and grade of lubricant is off-loaded or discharged.
Head of Lubricants Sales and Marketing at Viva Energy, Renee Reilly, said the processes for storage of lubricants had upgraded significantly in recent decades, with colour- coded options and associated tags to minimise confusion.
She also recommended construction sites install satellite storage rooms and contamination control tools like desiccant breathers on machines, such as hydraulic fluid tanks. This can help provide cleaner storage facilities and prevent moisture and particles from entering and contaminating lubricants.
While such improvements require additional financial outlay, they protect your investment in high-quality lubricant products.
“It starts with getting the basics right: having a clean lube room and dispensing area,” Renee said.
“If these are not clean, then any advancements or innovations to the lubricants may not deliver their full value.”
For assistance with how best to store and handle lubricants, Viva Energy Australia’s technical team can provide expert knowledge. Call 1300 134 205 or email technicalhelpdesk@vivaenergy.com.au.
Sources:
1: ShellContentServices – Whitepaper 2024
2: Shell Lubricants Storage Handling HSE Guidelines