Implementing Proper Lubricant Storage and Handling Methods

The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), Oregon's largest public utility, is no stranger to promoting sustainable practices. Its lube room is no exception. It consists of two double-walled storage tanks that are used for synthetic-blended motor oils. It also entails a modified storage and dispensing system that handles hydraulic and transmission fluids, as well as tanks for coolant and washer fluids. The room features concrete walls, a sealed floor, a fire sprinkler system and an automated climate-control system that maintains the room at a consistent temperature throughout the year.

Through lab testing of incoming oils and fluids, EWEB identified that in many cases the oil and lubricants that were purchased were filthier than the fluids that were being removed. Because of this, EWEB equipped all of its storage tanks with quick couplers, enabling all the new oil and fluids to be filtered. Hydraulic fluids are filtered to an ISO 4406 cleanliness standard of 17/15/13. Motor oil and transmission fluids are kidney-looped with 10-micron filters for a period of up to 24 hours. Fluids are then dispensed through pumps and separate 10-micron filter assemblies. Transfer carts are also equipped with the same quick couplers, and they receive the same filtering process before they are used.

To minimize contamination, the vents from the tanks are independently plumbed to a centralized overflow container system, which is vented with a desiccant filter. Transferring the fluids consists of a sequence that uses different types of pumps specific for a type of fluid being pumped. Hydraulic and specialty fluids are dyed to specified colors for easy identification. EWEB uses a series of containers that are also color-coded and labeled for the same specific fluids. Spill containment is utilized for all storage tanks and racks. The lube room also includes spill clean-up materials, spill dikes and absorbent wipes.

The room has been equipped with an emergency shower and eye-wash station. The facility is certified in Oregon as an Eco-Biz facility, meaning that it has reached the highest standards in minimizing its environmental impact. EWEB employees have taken pride in implementing proper material storage methods and hazardous waste-management techniques within the lube room.