Converting Your Storage Tank to Another Lubricant: What to Consider

If you’re converting a storage tank to a different lubricant type, brand, or viscosity, there are a few things you need to consider before diving in…

1: Are the two lubricants compatible?

Compatibility between two lubricants should not be assumed – it is not a guarantee!

If incompatible, you might deal with base oils separating, additives “falling out,” and overall diminished lubricant performance.

If the lubricants are designed for the same application (for example, engine oils with engine oils) they are probably compatible… And if they are not designed for the same application, it is best to consider the lubricants incompatible.

If the lubricants are different viscosities, it is important to make sure the blended viscosity of the lubricants is appropriate for the application.

2: Condition of current lubricant

Is the current lubricant in the tank in good condition? If contaminated or degraded over time, compatibility claims may be invalid!

3: Condition of the tank

Has the tank been contaminated over time by water, dirty, additive fall out, etc.? Once you put your lubricant in the tank, you are responsible for everything in the tank.

4: Limit risk by lowering tank beforehand

Even if the lubricants are compatible, the tank should be drawn down to approximately 15% of capacity before being topped off with a new lubricant. This ensures there is a sufficient amount of the new lubricant for the mixture to provide the proper level of performance.

From a liability standpoint, if there is a performance issue and the percentages are closer to 50% of each, it may be more difficult to assess and resolve the issue.

Converting Your Storage Tank to Another Lubricant: Recommended Steps

If you’re converting a storage tank to a different lubricant type, brand, or viscosity, check out these recommended steps for the process.

1: Compatibility check

Check with your supplier: Have lubricant A and B been historically compatible? (If sufficient information is not available, you may want to request compatibility testing.)

IF THE ANSWER IS NO: Drain and flush the tank before introducing the new lubricant. (Your lubricant supplier can provide appropriate recommendations for these procedures.)

IF THE ANSWER IS YES, but the viscosities differ: Your supplier should be able to provide the percentage of each lubricant required to reach acceptable blended viscosity.

2: Samples from the tank

Secure a sample of the lubricant from the tank and have it tested to confirm that it is representative of the lubricant it is claimed to be.

Secure a sample from the tank bottom to determine the amount and type of contamination present. The sample can be tested by a lab, but a simple visual check may be sufficient. If appropriate, drain and clean the tank or have the tank bottoms (the contaminated fluid which has settled to the bottom of the tank) removed by a vacuum truck.

3: Proceed to converting tank, if…

Proceed to converting the tank IF: The lubricants are compatible, the lubricant in the tank is representative, and the contamination level is acceptable.

4: Draw the tank capacity down

Draw tank capacity down to approximately 15% of capacity and top of with the new lubricant.

5: Establish a new baseline

Secure an oil sample and have it tested to establish a new baseline.

6: Update identification

Update identification on tank, lines, and hose reel to reflect new lubricant