Lubricant is a category which is of the most varieties and brands and most extensive range of use among petrochemical products. Meanwhile, lubricant is also a technology intensive product. Only well managing lubricant can it be used correctly and can its technical properties be brought into a full play, which can guarantee normal operation of the equipment, extend the service life of equipment, save lubricating oil and energy and enhance the economic and social benefits.

Transport and storage management of lubricant

Main requirements on transport and storage of lubricant:

(I) Lubricant in bulk

1. The containers for containing and storing lubricant should be clean;

2. "Special tank and line" is required for transport and storage of transformer oil and steam turbine oil; storage and transport facilities should be deployed for other lubricants under three categories, namely, internal combustion engine oil, hydraulic oil and gear oil.

3. Special attentions should be paid to avoid moisture and impurities in the course of storage and transport.

4. The storage period of lubricant in bulk is generally below half a year.

5. The density of lubricant is 0.75-0.95g/cm3, which is lighter than water and insoluble in water. The flashing point of lubricant is generally higher than 150℃, which is a combustible. So in the course of storage and transport, special attention should be paid to avoid it from flowing out to pollute the environment or catching fire.

6. It should be indicated with the product name, brand, class, quantity and incoming date, etc.

7. In principle, the same lubricant produced by different manufacturers cannot be mixed in storage. If it is required to be mixed, a "mixture test" should be conducted to see whether there is any adverse reaction.

(II) Lubricant in barrel

1. Lubricant loading and unloading truck cannot be operated wildly. The piled height of lubricant should be appropriate lest any danger occurs or the product is crushed. 

2. Pay special attention to avoid lubricant from mixing with moisture and impurities in the course of transport and storage. 

3. The storage period of lubricant in barrel may be longer than lubricant in bulk, but generally it should not exceed one year. 

4. Different lubricants should be piled separately and be indicated clearly with the product name, brand name, class, quantity and incoming date lest a mistake is made in shipment. 

Selection of lubricant and requirements on its viscosity and pour point 

Selection of lubricant 

　　The selection of lubricant is the primary link in the use of lubricant and the key to guarantee reasonable lubrication of the equipment and bring into a full play the performance of lubricant. 

1. In selecting lubricant, the following three factors should be taken into account: 

(1) Working conditions when the machinery and equipment is actually used; 

(2) Designation or recommendation by the manual of manufacturer of the machinery and equipment; 

(3) Requirements or recommendations by the manufacturers of lubricant. 

2. Selection of property indicators of lubricant 

(1) Viscosity 

Viscosity is the indicator for classification and rating of various lubricants, which is of a decisive significance on the quality identification and confirmation. The viscosity of lubricant used for equipment should be confirmed by referring to related graphics based on design or computation data. 

(2) Pour point 

Pour point is an indirect indicator of the flowability of lubricant under a low temperature at the time of storage, transport and use. Experience indicates that generally the using temperature of lubricant should be 5-10℃ higher than the pour point. 

(3) Flashing point 

Flashing point is mainly an indicator of safety in the storage, transport and use of lubricant, and is also used as an indicator for controlling fraction and volatility of lubricant in production. The principle of flashing point indicator of lubricant is a safety coefficient of 1/2 is reserved according to safety specifications, namely, 1/2 higher than the actual using temperature. If the maximum oil temperature of bottom shell of internal combustion engine does not exceed 120℃, the minimum flashing point of internal combustion engine oil should be 180℃. 

(4) Selection of specifications 

There are many property indicators, and different varieties have a huge difference, which should be reasonably and comprehensively determined based on working conditions of equipment, requirements of the manufacturer and introduction of the lubricant, so as to meet the technical requirements of lubrication and be economical and reasonable.