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CompressorParts Blog Having Good Storage and Handling Systems Lead to a Cleaner and More Effective Equipment Lubrication

The success of a lubrication program depends on methods by which lubricants are stored, transferred, and applied to equipment. Cleanliness goals for most machines will be extremely hard to achieve if one starts with contaminated oil. For majority of applications, new lubricants are unsuitably dirty and this is why these should be properly filtered first before installation. As an initial step in cleaning new oil, it must be filtered to an acceptable level, depending on its method of delivery. Oil coming from drums can be cleaned with portable compact filtration units. However, if oil volume is essentially large, it can be filtered as it is transferred.An alternative method that covers a range of storage and handling issues supports usage of comprehensive lubricant management systems. These systems provide multiple options including separate pumps and filters per lubricant, high quality desiccant breathers to avoid successive contamination to the fluid, fittings and spigots that lessen contamination, and even flowmeters to evaluate and monitor the amount of oil dispensed. These systems permit easy new oil cleaning & maintenance, prevention of cross-contamination, and oil consumption tracking by product type.Maintenance of oil cleanliness is simple provided that the right tools are used. Good house-keeping, wiping fittings, and using dust covers can greatly help in keeping dirt and contaminants out of stored lubricants. Making use of top quality desiccant breathers is the best way to block dirt and moisture from entering a drum or a tank.How oil is delivered into a machine also determines lubricant cleanliness. Filtered oil will not be effective if it is dispensed to a dirty container. For large and moderately sized systems, it is advised to directly pump oil into the sump from a tote or a drum with a filter cart. These compact filter carts are one of the most reliable tools available for decontamination and lubricant transfers. For an efficient fluid transfer or decontamination, right fittings on equipment sumps must also be secured when using filter carts.To stop cross-contamination and prevent a labor intensive flushing cart process in switching products, units dedicated to specific oil types must be considered. Some manufacturers permit color-coding in the filtration unit to help identify which cart should be used per lubricant. Some users find performing an oil change with a filter cart more time efficient compared to performing the job with conventional methods.Oil containers are acceptable for use in applications with small sumps given that these meet certain criteria. A recommended oil transfer container should be plastic, sealable, color-coded or marked for a particular product type, and must be cleaned regularly. Its opening must be large enough to permit trouble-free and effective cleaning of the container's inside. Funnels should be avoided when using top-off containers whenever possible. Most new containers now utilize hand pumps to eradicate usage of these funnels.A reliable lubricant handling procedure leads to effective lubrication. Addressing the need for good filtration, high grade breathers, filter carts, and a prominent tagging or color coding system provides a step closer to a lubrication program's success. At CompressorParts.com, you can choose from a range of superior quality filtration products and compressor oils available. Our compressor items ensure optimal performance of your equipment and facility. Learn more about our product offerings by visiting http://www.compressorparts.com/products today!

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