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Most materials including lubricating oils and greases deteriorate with time. The art of good storage practice is to always have materials available when required, and to ensure stock turnover so that lubricants are used before any significant performance loss has occurred.
STORAGE CONDITIONS AFFECTING ALL LUBRICANTS
The storage environment greatly affects the estimated shelf life of lubricants and greases. Conditions which may affect oil lubricant shelf life are as follows:
Temperature – Both high heat, greater than +43ºC (110°F) and extreme cold, less than -18ºC (0°F) can affect lubricant stability. Heat will increase the rate of oil oxidation. Cold can result in wax and possible sediment formation. In addition, alternating exposure to heat and cold may result in brea- thing of drums and possible moisture contamination. A temperature range of -18ºC to +43ºC (0°F to 110°F) is acceptable for storage of most lubricating oils and greases. Ideally, the storage temperature range should be from 0ºC to +25ºC (32°F to 77°F).
Particulate Contamination – Lubricant drums and pails should not be stored in areas where there is a high level of airborne particles. This is especially important when a partially used container is stored for later use.
Atmospheric Contamination – Oxygen and carbon dioxide can react with lubricants and affect their viscosity and consistency. Keeping lubricant containers sealed until the product is needed is the best protection.
Estimated Shelf Life, in years (1)
| Base Oils | more than 5 years |
| Lubricanting Oils (mineral o synthetic) | 5 years |
| Greases (mineral o synthetic) | between 2 and 5 years |
(1) Shelf lives are estimates. They are based on the assumption that the optimum storage conditions listed below in Recommended Storage Conditions and Practices for Lubricating Oils and Greases are used.
Oil Separation – Oil will naturally separate from most greases. Temperatures in excess of 110°F can accelerate oil sepa- ration. If grease is removed from a drum or pail, the grease surface should be smoothed to prevent oil separation into the cavity.
AND PRACTICES FOR LUBRICATING OILS AND GREASES
1- Store lubricating oils and greases in a cool dry indoor area where airborne particles are at a minimum. Indoor storage also prevents label and container deterioration from exposure to weather. The ideal storage temperature range is from 0°C to +25°C (32°F to 77°F.).
2- If drums must be stored outside, use plastic covers or tip oil drums to direct water and contamination away from the bungs. Always store greases upright to prevent oil separation.
3- When necessary, bring grease to satisfactory dispensing temperature just prior to use.
4- Rotate inventory. Check the container fill date and use the oldest container first.
5- Keep containers tightly covered or closed to avoid contamination.
6- Wipe off the tops and edges of containers before opening to avoid contamination.
7- Use clean tools and equipment when pumping or handling lubricants and greases.
If you have an unopened container with a product that is beyond the estimated shelf life, it still may be suitable for service. The product should be tested and evaluated against the original product specifications. Thoroughly mix the container to ensure a uniform, representative sample is taken for testing. If the product’s test results fall within the original specifications, it should be suitable for service. Following testing, if the product is not consumed within a year, the product should be earmarked for reclamation.
As a final note, the user should validate the product’s performance claims against the equipment manufacturer’s current specifications. Equipment designs and specifications can change over time making an old product obsolete for new equipment. Call to OLIPES Technical Ser- vice, if there are questions concerning specification obsolescence.
Texts based on the publication of LubricantsUniversity® Copyright (c) 1997. 2000 Chevron Corporation. All rights reserved.