Category: Storage and Handling

Storage and Handling / Strategic Tips

Expired grease?

expired_grease

Are there any signs that my grease has expired?

There are a lot of signs to tell if grease has expired!

Some of the signs include:

  • Separation of the oil from the thickener
  • Change in the consistency of the NLGI grade.

Ideally, we should check the expiration date on the packaging and contact the lubricant manufacturer.

We must note that if the packaging has been removed or opened in some way, the expiration date may not be valid.

The expiration date on the product is the approximate shelf life of the product should the packaging remain intact and if stored in the recommended environment.

If these are compromised then the validity of the expiration date has also been compromised.

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April 15, 2020
Storage and Handling / Strategic Tips

Outdoor Storage

storage

I have no room in the warehouse, can I store the oils outside until I get room?

It is never ideal to store lubricants outside exposed to the elements. However, there may be situations where this cannot be helped.

For instance, transformer oils are very sensitive to light and water.

If there is an option of at least storing one type of oil away from the elements, then this type of oil is at the top of the list.

If it has to be stored outside, then there are some measures that can be taken to ensure it is not compromised.

We can place a tarp over the product to ensure that the rain does not settle on the drums and they remain fairly dry.

They can also be stacked on pallets, so that they are not directly touching the ground. This way, water cannot enter the product.

Additionally, they can be stored such that the bungs are at a 9 or 3 o’clock position. In this position, if water falls on the top of the drum, it cannot accumulate by the bungs and seep into the product.

Once the packaging has been opened, the product can be considered open to contamination and anything that gets into the product will eventually get into the equipment.

Ideally, opened products should be stored in enclosed areas or have dedicated decanting systems.

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April 15, 2020