Shell Lubricants Product Data Guide: Australian and New Zealand Edition
Shell Lubricants Product Data Guide: Australian and New Zealand Edition
Shell Lubricants Product Data Guide: Australian and New Zealand Edition
Disclaimer
This Product Data Guide provides a summary of Shell’s main lubricant grades. The information is of a general nature and is not intended to provide
comprehensive advice nor specified advice on product applications in individual circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, The Shell Company
of Australia Limited and Shell New Zealand Limited exclude all liability for any loss or damage which arises (whether on the basis of negligence or
otherwise) as a result of reliance on the contents of this Guide. For specific advice, please contact the Shell Technical Advice Centre.
The information (including OEM accreditations/approvals) is current as at the time of printing, however, this Guide may reflect upcoming changes
to Shell’s product range and associated pack changes. Accordingly, the products listed may not yet be available or they may not be available
in the listed size or volume.
Further information on the listed products or specialist products not listed may be obtained from the Shell Technical Advice Centre.
Ph/Fax: 1300 134 205
This Guide is not an offer to supply product or services. Please contact The Shell Company of Australia Limited on 13 16 18 or
Shell New Zealand Limited on 0800 474 355 if you wish to request supply of products or services. Terms and conditions apply.
Shell Lubricants Product Data Guide Shell Lubricants Product Data Guide
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
Shell Argina X 40 Shell Argina X 40 is a multifunctional Medium-speed industrial or marine Shell Argina X 40 enjoys a comprehensive
crankcase lubricant for highly rated propulsion and auxiliary engines, range of Original Equipment Manufacturers’
medium-speed diesel engines burning residual fuel oils, which approvals through field experience over
operating on residual fuel. create conditions of high oil stress. many years and meets the engine test
criteria for API CF.
Shell Argina X 40 is designed for These conditions usually occur:
conditions of high oil stress and has
• In newer engine designs,
been further optimised to improve
less than 10 years old and/or
deposit control.
fitted with flame rings,
Shell Argina XL 40 Shell Argina XL 40 is a multifunctional Medium-speed industrial or marine Shell Argina XL 40 is approved by
crankcase lubricant for highly rated propulsion and auxiliary engines, Wartsila and meets the engine test
medium-speed diesel engines burning residual fuel oils, which create criteria for API CF.
operating on residual fuel. conditions of very high oil stress.
Shell Argina XL 40 is designed for These conditions usually occur:
conditions of very high oil stress and
• In newer engine designs, with flame
has been further optimised to improve
rings, especially from Wartsila,
deposit control.
• Where oil consumption is <0.5g/kWh
• Where load factors are >90%
•W
here fuels with sulphur >3%
are in use.
Shell Caprinus XR
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
STEAM TURBINES
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Turbo Oils T Shell Turbo Oils T products have Shell Turbo Oils T products are suited The performance of new Shell Turbo
long been regarded as the industry for application in the following areas: Oils T products meet or exceed a
32 standard turbine oil. number of major steam and gas turbine
46 • Non-geared industrial steam turbines.
manufacturer lubricant specifications
68 – AUST ONLY Building on this reputation, Shell Turbo
• Non-geared light duty gas turbines. including:
100 – AUST ONLY Oils T products have been developed
to offer performance capable of • Water turbine lubrication. General Electric GEK 28143A,
meeting the demands of the most • Compressor applications. 32568F, 46506D
modern non-geared steam turbine Siemens Westinghouse
•N
umerous applications where
systems and light duty gas turbines. 21T0591 and
strong control over rust and
55125Z3
Shell Turbo Oils T products are oxidation is required.
DIN 51515 part 1 and 2
formulated from high quality
ISO 8068
hydrotreated base oils and a
Solar ES 9-224U, class II
combination of zinc-free additives that
GEC Alstom NBA P50001
provide excellent oxidative stability,
JIS K2213 Type 2
protection against rust and corrosion,
BS 489-1999
low foaming and excellent demulsibility.
ASTM D4304, Type I
Siemens/Mannesmann Demag 800037 98
Approved by OEM against:
Siemens TLV 9013 04
Alstom HTGD 90117
Man Turbo SP 079984 D0000 E9
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Tellus Oil Shell Tellus Oil(s) are premium quality, • Industrial hydraulic systems. Shell Tellus Oil(s) have the following
solvent refined, high viscosity index approvals:
22 •M
obile hydraulic fluid power
mineral oil based fluids generally
32 transmission systems. CINCINNATI P-68 (ISO 32),
acknowledged to be the ‘standard-
46 CINCINNATI P-70
setter’ in the field of industrial hydraulic • Marine hydraulic systems.
68 (ISO 46), CINCINNATI P-69 (ISO 68)
and fluid power lubrication. Can be used for most hydraulic
100 DENISON HF-0,
requirements in equipment such as DENISON HF-1,
machine tools, forklift trucks hydraulic DENISON HF-2
presses and rams, earthmoving Eaton (Vickers)M-2950 S,
equipment etc. Eaton (Vickers)I-286 S
Shell Tellus Oil(s) are not suitable for Shell Tellus Oil(s) meet the requirements of:
equipment with silver bearing surfaces for ISO 11158
which Shell Tellus Oils S should be used. GM LS/2
AFNOR NF-E 48-603
Bosch Rexroth Ref 17421-001
and RD 220-1/04.03
Swedish Standard SS 15 54 34 AM
Compatibility and Miscibility
Shell Tellus Oil(s) are compatible with
most pumps. However, please consult
your Shell representative before using
in pumps containing silver plated
components.
Seal and Paint Compatibility
Shell Tellus Oil(s) are compatible with
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
Shell Tellus S Shell Tellus S products are ‘top-tier’, Primary application in industrial, Shell Tellus S products have been tested
anti-wear hydraulic oils formulated marine and mobile hydraulic and and approved to exceed the following
32 – AUST ONLY to be the ultimate ‘high reference oil’ fluid power transmission systems. industry requirements:
46 in the hydraulics industry.
68 Denison HF-0.
100 – AUST ONLY Based on advanced ‘zinc and Rexroth.
chlorine free’ technology, Shell Tellus Vickers M-2950-S (Mobile systems).
S products are formulated to ensure I -286-S (Industrial systems).
exceptional performance in hydraulic Cincinnati Milacron P68, P69, P70.
fluid power transmission systems
subjected to severe duty.
Shell Tellus T Premium performance, anti-wear Hydraulic and fluid power transmission Shell Tellus T products meet the performance
hydraulic oils which incorporate systems subjected to wide variations in requirements of ISO 11158 HV Type
15 a special viscosity index improver temperature or where low viscosity change
46 Compatibility and Miscibility
additive to enhance their viscosity/ with fluctuating temperature is required.
68 The anti-wear additive technology used
temperature characteristics.
100 Certain critical hydraulic systems in Shell Tellus T products are based
can only tolerate small variations in upon zinc, which although ideal for most
viscosity with fluctuating temperature hydraulic pumps, should not be used in
if efficiency and responsiveness are those of older design containing silver-
to be maintained. plated components. Shell Tellus S should
be used for these applications.
Hydraulic oils, such as Shell Tellus
T products, which exhibit multigrade Seal and Paint Compatibility
viscosity characteristics may be used Shell Tellus T products are compatible
to particular advantage in these with all seal materials and paints normally
circumstances. specified for use with mineral oils.
Shell Morlina Oil Shell Morlina Oil(s) are premium Machine circulation systems Meets Morgan Specification for Circulating
quality mineral oils blended with oils for roll-neck bearings CL according to
150 •O
il lubricated plain and
carefully selected additives for use in DIN 51517-2
220 rolling element bearings.
circulation systems and certain other
320 Compatibility
industrial applications which do not • Roll-neck bearings.
460 – NZ ONLY Shell Morlina Oil(s) are compatible with
require oils with EP properties. • Low or moderately loaded all seal materials and paints normally
enclosed gears. specified for use with mineral oils.
GEAR SYSTEMS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Omala Oil Shell Omala Oil(s) are high quality, Shell Omala Oil(s) are formulated Meets the ISO 12925-1 Type CKC
lead-free, extreme-pressure oils using high viscosity index, solvent specification
68 designed, primarily, for the lubrication refined, base oils and incorporate a
100 Meets the David Brown S1.53.101
of heavy-duty industrial gears. Their special sulphur-phosphorus additive
150 specification
high load carrying capacity and anti- to provide an extreme pressure
220 friction characteristics combine to offer performance which allow trouble free
320 superior performance in gears and application in following areas:
460 other industrial applications.
680 • Steel gear transmissions.
• Industrial gear drives where a
full EP performance is required.
• Bearings.
•C
irculating and splash
lubricated systems.
For automotive hypoid gears, the
appropriate Shell Spirax should be
used, as the Shell Omala Oil(s) are
not designed for this purpose.
Shell Omala Oil Shell Omala Oil HD products are Enclosed industrial reduction gear Meets the ISO 12925-1
HD an advanced synthetic heavy-duty systems operating under severe Type CKD specification.
industrial gear oil offering outstanding operating conditions, such as high
Meets the ANSI/AGMA
220 lubrication performance under severe load, very low or elevated temperatures
9005-D94 specification.
320 operating conditions, including and wide temperature variations.
460 improved energy efficiency, long Meets the US Steel 224 specification.
• P articularly recommended for certain
service life and high resistance Fulfill the requirements of and
‘lubricated-for-life’ systems.
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
AIR COMPRESSORS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Corena Oil Shell Corena Oil AP products •A
ll industrial reciprocating air DIN 51506 VDL
AP are an advanced reciprocating air compressors, in particular up ISO/DP 6521-L-DAB – medium duty
compressor lubricant and is based on to and above air discharge ISO 6743-3:2003 DAB – severe duty
Shell Corena Oil Shell Corena Oil AS products are an • R otary sliding vane and screw air ISSO 6743-3A-DAJ.
AS advanced air compressor lubricant, compressors – Oil flooded single
Shell Corena Oil AS 68 fulfils the
capable of giving high performance and two-stage compressors, in
requirements of ABB VTR 184.714
46 in many oil-flooded air compressor of particular those operating with
“Special low friction synthetic oil” with
68 – AUST ONLY screw or vane design. higher output pressures of up to
a maximum oil change interval of 5000
Suitable for rotary-vane and 20 bar and with air discharge
Based on selected synthetic base hours (HZTL 90617, List 3).
screw type compressors temperatures higher than 100°C
fluids, Shell Corena Oil AS products
(including intermittent operation Compatibility and Miscibility
provide long oil life and effective
under these conditions). Miscibility – Shell Corena Oil AS products
lubrication in machines working in
are fully miscible with mineral oils,
extremes of temperature and •E
quipment running under arduous
although dilution with mineral lubricants
working conditions. conditions, where exceptionally high
will markedly reduce its performance.
ambient temperatures are found,
Care must be taken to ensure that Shell
when the oil temperature cannot
Corena Oil AS products are not mixed
be reduced to normal levels.
with other synthetic fluids.
•A
BB Turbochargers fitted to low
Seal compatibility – Shell Corena Oil
and medium speed diesel engines
AS products are compatible with all
used in marine and power
sealing materials commonly used in
generation applications.
air compressors.
Shell Corena Oil S Shell Corena Oil S products are a • R otary sliding vane air compressors ISO 6743-3A-DAH
premium quality lubricant developed – Oil flooded or oil injected, single
46 Compatibility and Miscibility
for the lubrication of rotary sliding or two-stage compressors, operating
68 – AUST ONLY Seal compatibility – Shell Corena Oil S
vane and screw air compressors. at pressures of up to 10 bar and
is compatible with all sealing materials
Suitable for rotary-vane and It is based on a blend of selected with air discharge temperatures
commonly used in air compressors.
screw type compressors solvent refined base oils and of up to 100°C.
carefully chosen additives.
•S
crew air compressors
– Oil flooded or oil injected,
single or two-stage compressors,
operating at pressures of up to
20 bar and with air discharge
temperatures of up to 100°C.
REFRIGERATION COMPRESSORS
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
GAS COMPRESSORS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Madrela Shell Madrela Oil T has been specially Reciprocating gas compressors Sump and Shell Madrela Oil T is approved by the
STERN TUBES
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MAIN APPLICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Strombus HS Shell Strombus HS is designed Stern Tubes where an emulsifying type Kinematic Viscosity 373 cSt at 40OC
specifically for stern tubes with non- of oil is required to prevent leakage
AUST ONLY circulatory oil-filled lubrication systems past damaged or worn shaft seals.
and is particularly recommended where
oil must be prevented from leaking past
damaged or worn aft seals.
The vast majority of ships today are
fitted with oil lubricated stern tubes.
The stern tube bearings and the tail
shaft are required to operate reliably,
often in extreme conditions due to
vibration, water ingress, flexing of
the vessel’s structure, movement of
the vessel in heavy seas and with
variations of speed and temperature.
Shell Strombus HS is specifically
designed as a stern tube lubricant for
non-circulatory oil-filled systems, where
face or labyrinth seals are fitted.
Shell Strombus MP Shell Strombus MP is designed Stern Tubes where an emulsifying type Kinematic Viscosity 273 cSt at 40OC
specifically for oil-filled stern tubes, of oil is required to prevent leakage
Emulsifiable stern tube oil particularly in the event of leakage. past damaged or worn shaft seals.
It is mainly used for the lubrication of
stern tube bearings and protection of
tail shafts in systems incorporating lip
ENGINE OILS – MARINE
Shell Thermia Shell Thermia Oil B is based on Enclosed circulated heat transfer Classified as ISO 6743-12 Family Q.
Oil B carefully selected highly refined mineral systems for industrial applications such
Meets typically DIN 51522 requirements.
oils chosen for its ability to provide as process industry, chemical plants,
superior performance in indirect closed textile producers etc. and in household
fluid heat transfer systems. equipment such as oil filled radiators.
Shell Thermia Oil B can be used in
high temperature continuous heat
transfer equipment with the following
application limits:
• Max film temperature 340°C.
1
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES FOR ENGINE OILS
(SAE J300 December 1999)
VISCOSITY (cP) AT TEMP (°C), MAX. VISCOSITY4 HIGH-SHEAR
SAE (cSt) VISCOSITY5 (cP)
VISCOSITY AT 100°C AT 150°C AND
GRADE CRANKING2 PUMPING3
MIN. MAX. 10 SEC-1, MIN.
by ASTM D3244. ASTM D4683, CEC L-36-A-90 (ASTM D4741) or ASTM DS481.
5
2
ASTM D5293. OW-40, 5W-40 & 10W-40 grades.
6
3
ASTM D4684. Note that the presence of any yield
15W-40, 20W-40, 25W-40 & 40 grades.
7
stress detectable by this method constitutes a failure
regardless of viscosity.
SAE J306 MAR85: Axle and Manual Transmission Oil Viscosity Classification
SAE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE VISCOSITY AT 100°C
VISCOSITY FOR VISCOSITY OF MINIMUM MAXIMUM
GRADE 150 000 cP cSt Cst
°C
70W -55 4.1 –
75W -40 4.1 –
80W -26 7.0 –
85W -12 11.0 –
90W – 13.5 <24.0
140W – 24.0 <41.0
250W – 41.0
Kinem
Redwo
NLGI Grease Classification (National Lubricating Grease Institute)
Saybol
GRADE NO. ASTM WORKED PENETRATION Engler
AT (25°C)
000 445/475
00 400/430
KINEMA
0 355/385 CENTISTO
1 310/340
2 265/295 2.0
2.5
3 220/250 3.0
4 175/205 3.5
5 130/160 4.0
6 85/115 4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
ISO Viscosity Numbers 8.0
ISO Viscosity Classification 8.5
9.0
The ISO viscosity classification uses centistoke (cSt) units and relates to the viscosity 9.5
at 40°C. It consists of a series of 18 viscosity brackets between 1.98 cSt and 10.0
10.5
1650.0 cSt each of which is defined by a number. The numbers indicate, to the
11.0
nearest whole number, the mid-points of their corresponding viscosity brackets. 11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
ISO MID-POINT VISCOSITY KINEMATIC VISCOSITY
13.5
VISCOSITY GRADE cSt at 40.0°C LIMITS cSt at 40.0°C
14.0
MIN. MAX.
14.5
ISO 2 2.2 1.98 2.42 15.0
ISO 3 3.2 2.88 3.52 15.5
16.0
ISO 5 4.6 4.14 5.06
16.5
ISO 7 6.8 6.12 7.48 17.0
ISO 10 10 9.00 11.00 17.5
ISO 15 15 13.50 16.50 18.0
ISO 22 22 19.80 24.20 18.5
19.0
ISO 32 32 28.80 35.20
19.5
ISO 46 46 41.40 50.60 20.0
ISO 68 68 61.20 74.80 20.5
ISO 100 100 90.00 110.00 21.0
ISO 150 150 135.00 165.00 21.5
22.0
ISO 220 220 198.00 242.00
22.5
ISO 320 320 288.00 352.00 23.0
ISO 460 460 414.00 506.00 23.5
ISO 680 680 612.00 748.00 24.0
ISO 1000 1000 900.00 1100.00 24.5
25.0
ISO 1500 1500 1350.00 1650.00
26
GENERAL INFORMATION
27
28
29
30
31
32
2.0 31 32.6 1.12 33 137 155.2 4.46 104 426 484 13.73
2.5 32 34.4 1.17 34 141 159.7 4.58 106 435 493 13.99
3.0 33 36.0 1.22 35 145 164.3 4.71 108 443 502 14.26
3.5 35 37.6 1.26 36 149 168.8 4.84 110 451 511 14.52
4.0 36 39.1 1.31 37 153 173.3 4.96 112 459 521 14.78
4.5 37 40.7 1.35 38 157 178.0 5.10 114 467 530 15.05
5.0 39 42.3 1.39 39 161 182.4 5.22 116 476 540 15.31
5.5 40 44.0 1.44 40 165 187.0 5.35 118 484 549 15.58
6.0 41 45.6 1.48 41 169 191.5 5.48 120 492 558 15.84
6.5 43 47.2 1.52 42 173 196.0 5.61 122 500 567 16.10
7.0 44 48.8 1.56 43 177 200.5 5.74 124 508 577 16.37
7.5 45 50.4 1.61 44 181 205.0 5.87 126 517 586 16.63
8.0 46 52.1 1.65 45 185 209.8 6.00 128 525 595 16.90
8.5 48 53.8 1.71 46 189 214.5 6.13 130 533 605 17.16
9.0 49 55.5 1.75 47 193 219.0 6.26 132 541 614 17.42
9.5 51 57.2 1.80 48 197 223.7 6.38 134 549 623 17.69
10.0 52 58.9 1.84 49 201 228.3 6.51 136 558 632 17.95
10.5 54 60.7 1.89 50 205 233.0 6.64 138 566 642 18.22
11.0 55 62.4 1.94 51 209 237.5 6.77 140 574 651 18.48
11.5 57 64.2 1.98 52 213 242.2 6.90 142 582 658 18.74
12.0 58 66.0 2.03 53 218 246.8 7.04 144 590 667 19.01
12.5 60 67.9 2.08 54 222 251.5 7.17 146 599 677 19.27
13.0 62 69.8 2.13 55 226 256.0 7.30 148 607 686 19.54
13.5 64 71.7 2.18 56 230 260.7 7.43 150 615 695 19.80
14.0 65 73.6 2.23 57 234 265.3 7.56 152 623 705 20.06
14.5 67 75.5 2.28 58 238 270.0 7.69 154 631 714 20.33
15.0 68 77.4 2.33 59 242 274.7 7.82 156 640 723 20.59
15.5 70 79.3 2.39 60 246 279.2 7.95 158 648 732 20.86
16.0 72 81.3 2.44 61 250 284.0 8.04 160 656 742 21.12
16.5 74 83.3 2.50 62 254 288.5 8.18 164 672 760 21.65
17.0 75 85.3 2.55 63 258 295.6 8.31 168 689 779 22.18
17.5 77 87.4 2.60 64 262 297.7 8.45 172 705 797 22.70
18.0 79 89.4 2.65 65 266 302.4 8.58 176 722 816 23.23
18.5 81 91.5 2.71 66 271 307.0 8.72 180 738 834 23.76
19.0 82 93.6 2.77 67 275 311.7 8.85 184 754 853 24.29
19.5 84 95.7 2.83 68 279 316.3 8.98 188 771 871 24.82
20.0 86 97.8 2.88 69 283 321.0 9.11 192 787 890 25.34
20.5 88 99.9 2.94 70 287 325.5 9.24 196 804 908 25.87
21.0 90 102.0 3.00 72 295 335 9.51 200 820 927 26.40
21.5 92 104.2 3.06 74 303 344 9.77 204 836 946 26.93
GENERAL INFORMATION
22.0 94 106.4 3.11 76 311 353 10.03 208 853 964 27.46
22.5 96 108.5 3.17 78 319 363 10.30 212 869 983 27.98
23.0 97 110.7 3.23 80 328 372 10.56 216 886 1,001 28.51
23.5 99 112.8 3.29 82 336 381 10.82 220 902 1,020 29.04
24.0 101 117.1 3.41 84 344 391 11.09 224 918 1,038 29.57
24.5 103 117.1 3.41 86 352 400 11.35 228 935 1,057 30.10
25.0 105 119.3 3.47 88 360 410 11.62 232 951 1,075 30.62
26 109 124.0 3.59 90 369 419 11.88 236 968 1,094 31.15
27 113 128.5 3.71 92 377 428 12.14
28 117 133.0 3.83 94 385 438 12.41 For higher viscosities use the
29 121 137.5 3.96 96 393 447 12.67 following factors:
30 125 141.7 4.08 98 401 456 12.94 RI = 4.10 VK.
31 129 146.0 4.21 100 410 465 13.20 SU = 4.635 VK.
32 133 150.7 4.33 102 418 475 13.46 E = .132 VK.
Storage and Handling of Lubricants When oil is stored in bulk it is probable that water or
Storing Lubricants condensation will accumulate and fine dust find its way into
Packages containing lubricants should, whenever possible, the tanks with the result that, eventually, a layer of sludge-like
be stored under cover where they will not be exposed to the material builds up at the bottom of the tanks and leads, in
action of the weather. time, to contamination of the oil. Consequently, it is advisable
to have storage tanks fitted with dished or sloping bottoms
Small packages such as tins should always be kept in covered provided with drain cocks, which will enable dregs to be
storage, as should any package, whatever its size, once it has drawn off periodically. Where practicable, bulk storage tanks
been opened and its contents partially used. When the outside should periodically be cleaned out.
storage of unopened drums is unavoidable, certain simple
precautions must be observed. Insofar as greases are concerned, the drums must, of necessity,
have a large opening and, to avoid as far as possible the
The drums should preferably be stored on their sides with entry of dirt and water, it is important that the lid or cover
bungs at 3 o’clock and should always be replaced firmly and securely as soon as
9 o’clock and wooden dunnage or runners should be used to requirements have been taken.
keep them clear of the ground and to prevent rusting of the
undersides. They should never be stacked directly on a surface Extremes of temperature are not good for lubricants. They
containing clinker, which is particularly corrosive to metal. should not be stored in any unduly warm place; equally, it
The drums at each end of a stack must be securely wedged to is not wise to leave them for long periods in conditions of
prevent movement. Regular inspection should be carried out extreme cold.
with a view to the detection of leaks and to make sure that
identification markings remain clear and legible.
Handling Lubricants
The benefits of good, clean storage can be largely nullified if
If, for any reason, drums have to be stored on their ends, they
a lubricant becomes contaminated in transit from the store to
should be raised off the ground and stored upside down (i.e.
the machines. The containers used for transporting lubricants
with the bungs at the bottom). Failing this, they should be
on a site and for the storage of small working quantities must
tilted so that rain water cannot collect round and submerge
be kept clean and should be provided with lids to prevent the
the bungs. Water contamination is undesirable, whatever the
entry of dust and dirt. They should be washed periodically with
grade of lubricant, and it is not always realised that moisture
gasoline, care being taken to mop and dry them before using
can enter a drum through what appears to be a perfectly
them again.
sound bung.
A drum standing in the open is subjected to the heat of the Similarly, funnels and other pieces of apparatus must always
day and, of course, cools down again at night. This results in be kept scrupulously clean, rags and wipers being used for
expansion and contraction of the contents with the effect that this purpose. Cotton waste or woollen rags should not be
the air in the space above the oil level is subjected, during used as they tend to leave behind fibres which will eventually
the day, to slightly higher than atmospheric pressure and, find their way into machinery and impair the flow of oil.
at night, to slight vacuum. These changes in pressure may
be sufficiently great to cause a pumping action, known as It is advisable to have separate, clearly marked containers of
breathing, in which air is forced out the drum during the day each grade of oil or grease so the contamination of one with
and drawn into it at night. If, therefore, the bungs through another does not take place.
which this breathing takes place are surrounded by water,
some of this water may be sucked into the drum and, in the Used and dirty oil should be put into special containers and
course of time, quite considerable quantities may accumulate. stored in separate, clearly labelled receptacles unit disposed
of. Every precaution must be taken to see that used lubricants
Once the seals have been broken and packages have been are not allowed to contaminate fresh oils and greases.
opened, there is always a danger that, unless the packages
are kept properly closed when not in use, impurities such as In general, cleanliness precautions are even more important
dust, sand and fibre may enter them. Such contaminants, with grease than with oil. There is always the chance that
eventually finding their way into machinery, can cause impurities in oil may sink to the bottom of the tank or container
damage or abrasion or, by blocking oilways, can result in a out of harm’s way; with grease this cannot happen and any
complete breakdown due to lack of lubrication. grit or other contaminant which gets into the grease is bound
to find its way into lubricators and machinery sooner or later.
An oil drum, or other package, should never be opened
by cutting a large hole in it or by completely removing one Grease is more susceptible than oil to the effects of
end, since, even if the hole is kept covered by, for example, temperature and temperature cyclings. High temperature or
a wooden or metal lid, the chances of contamination are prolonged exposure to even moderately high temperatures
greatly increased. Similarly, it is a bad practice to dip an open (e.g., tropical sunshine) may cause oil to separate out with the
container into the oil since, not only does this allow dust to result that the grease loses some of its lubricating properties.
GENERAL INFORMATION
enter, but the outside of the dipper itself may be dirty. Drums Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and certain types of grease can
of oil should, therefore, be placed on their sides on wooden be made liquid by heating and, on cooling, will regain their
cradles of convenient height and the oil dispensed by means former condition; but these are exceptions and most greases
of a tap under which a drip tray is placed. Alternatively, a will be ruined if treated in this way. Never, therefore, heat a
drum may be stood on its end and the oil withdrawn by grease to make it fluid.
means of a hand pump, the pump intake being inserted into
the large bung-hole.
The lubrication of machinery should be supervised by a Avoiding contact with mineral oils
responsible person and should be made a routine procedure. Contact with mineral oils should be kept to a minimum by
For instance, when a machine requires oil-can applications using effective splash guards and correct work methods.
daily, it should become routine to do this job each morning Good maintenance should be practised so as to avoid
before commencing to use the machine. Where grease oil-soaked floors or benches.
lubrication is called for weekly, this should be done, for
instance, first thing Monday morning or last thing before Where cutting oils are used, these should be changed at
shutting down for the weekend. regular intervals to minimise contamination with abrasive
metal particles or bacteria. To keep circulating oil as free
Each operator should know which grades of lubricant are as possible of abrasive particles, filter and sumps should be
recommended for the equipment in his/her charge and regularly inspected and cleaned out.
supplies of the correct lubricants and the handling equipment
should be readily available to him. Minimise mist and vapour generation. If this cannot be
done, use proper ventilation to keep the breathing zone
As lubricants are dispensed, the quantities should be concentration of oil mist below the recommended maximum
measured and a record maintained. Store room records concentration in air of 5mg per cubic metre of air.
should show the quantities issued and the records should be
kept for each machine or unit. By this means, regular checks Personal protection
can be made on consumptions and any marked changes To minimise skin contamination by oils, wear protective gloves
noted. These should be investigated at once. and aprons and suitable outer overalls. Where soluble oil
concentrates are used, wear goggles or face visors.
Increased consumption is quite often the first sign that a
machine is in need of repair, or that its lubricating system Protective clothing should be cleaned at regular intervals to
requires adjustments; on the other hand, it may mean over- remove oil. It is most important to avoid wearing oil-soaked
lubrication by the operator. clothing, and hands should be cleaned with disposable wipes
which should not be kept in overall or trouser pockets after use.
Personal Hygiene
Shell lubricants are quite safe to use provided ordinary care is Gloves can become contaminated on the inside and when
taken to minimise skin contamination and to avoid breathing worn again they bring the skin into close and repeated contact
oil mist or vapours. with oil. A system of regular and frequent changing and
cleaning of all protective clothing is the best safeguard.
However, prolonged improper use can cause dermatitis or
other skin conditions or even, where heavy contamination Where contamination with mineral oils occurs regularly at work,
occurs over many years, skin cancer. for example when using soluble cutting oils with high-speed
machinery, it is necessary to give more rigorous attention to
Those at risk are people who use oils every day over periods adequate laundering and regular changes of clothing and
of months or years, not those who work with oils only very underclothing. To avoid soiling of clean clothing, contaminated
occasionally. The risks can be avoided by carrying out the clothing should be stored separately from street clothing.
following simple health precautions.
Cleansing the skin
Oil should not be left on the skin for any prolonged period of
For advice contact a Poisons Information Centre
time, particularly if mineral oils are used every day at work.
(Phone: Australia 13 11 26,
Skin contaminated with oil should be cleaned with mild soap
New Zealand 0800 764 766)
or suitable hand cleansers at regular intervals, and particularly
or a Doctor (at once).
at the end of a working day.
Special oils and compounds Strong soaps and detergents, and abrasive skin cleansers
The types of oil which have been associated overseas with skin should be avoided as these themselves can cause skin
disorders appear to be those which have been lightly refined irritation.
and which contain relatively more polynuclear aromatic
compounds. Oils of this type are used in rubber processing. Solvents such as petrol, kerosene, trichloroethane and similar
Particular care should be taken in these cases. fluids should not be used for cleaning oil off the skin.
When working regularly with mineral oils follow these Barrier and restorative creams
simple rules: The natural oils in the skin which form a protective barrier
are often removed by the regular washing needed in industry.
1. REDUCE skin contamination by mineral oils to the minimum The natural protective barrier can be replaced to a certain
and avoid breathing their mists or vapours.
GENERAL INFORMATION