8.02
TI013G0008
Lubricants
Safety Precautions
There is a latent risk of
fi
re in almost all
compressed air systems and ISO 5388
Standard explains the reasons.
In fact, in compressed air systems both
oxygen and oil are always present and are
combustible.
Should for any reason oil vapours form,
these could burn in presence of a
fl
ame; an
ignition source may start a
fi
re in case of
use of excessive or unsuitable oil, or when
neglecting maintenance.
Faulty maintenance has been mentioned,
because a dirty radiator may cause a tem-
perature rise, often quickly, which leads to
oil damage and to the creation of deposits.
Such processes are accelerated if unsuita-
ble oil is used.
Based on experience,
fi
res are almost ne-
ver caused by the fact that the oil self-igni-
tion temperature is reached (340-400 °C).
Usually the cause is that the oil, while de-
composing, creates carbon residues that
when in contact with air and high tempera-
ture, continue to oxidize and, under special
conditions, may ignite. So it is essential to
use suitable lubricants and carry out cor-
rect maintenance.
WARNING!!!
It is important that to prevent the
risk of
fi
res the best attention is gi-
ven to the oil choice and to execution of all
maintenance operations, and speci
fi
cally:
- carry out regular and complete oil chan-
ges;
- ascertain that the coolling system is
always ef
fi
cient, with often checks to the
oil temperature;
- verify that protecting devices installed
are always in perfect working order;
- keep the oil consumption under control;
- take care of the machine cleaning.
Storage and treatment of oils
Usually lubricant containers are built so as
to prevent any contamination.
When the user receives the lubricant, it is
under his responsibility to avoid damages
or pollution to the same.
The lubricant may get damaged due to:
- dust and dirt;
- condensate, mainly due to absorbing hu-
midity from the air;
- extreme temperatures;
- mixing with other oil types.
Please note that dirt in the oil reduces its
ef
fi
ciency and causes wear of those parts it
comes into contact with, therefore there is
the need to increase maintenance.
Instead, condensate cancels the effect of
some additives, often present in very limi-
ted quantities.
Oil containers should be stored in protected
rooms, avoiding exposure to extreme tem-
peratures.
WARNING!!!
Absolutely avoid the mixing
of oils of a different grade and
quality .
Although looking alike, they could not
be compatible.
Also beware of oil leaks, not only being
a waste, but also polluting, causing falls
or injuries to people and also fi res.
