The Cost of Carrying Oil in Cans
When oil is carried in cans, spills, leftover oil, use of the wrong oil and unrecorded consumption are unavoidable. Slippery floors increase the risk of accidents at work, and open containers lead to oil contamination. A central oil distribution system carries oil in a closed line and measures every fill.
How Does the System Work?
- Pump: A compressed-air-driven pump draws oil from the tank or drum.
- Main line: The oil is carried to the workstations through pressure-resistant pipework.
- Hose reel: An enclosed oil hose reel at each workstation keeps the hose tidy and clean.
- Metered dispensing gun: The technician reads the filled quantity from the meter on the gun.
Benefits
- Metered filling and accurate invoicing
- Reduced losses from spills and leftover oil
- Oil carried in a closed line without contamination
- Cleaner floors and less risk of slipping
- Packaging and cost advantages from switching to bulk oil purchasing
Several Oil Types
Separate lines are installed for different engine oil viscosities and for transmission and differential oils. Each oil type has its own pump, line and hose reel; hose reels and guns are labelled by oil type, preventing the use of the wrong oil.
Components
- Pneumatic oil pumps and pump suction kits
- Pressure regulator, filter and safety valve
- Main line pipes, ball valves and fittings
- Enclosed oil hose reels
- Oil dispensing guns with mechanical or digital meters, and drip trays
If you want to record dispensing operations by staff member, work order and vehicle, computer-controlled oil management can be added to the system.
Where Does Oil Loss Occur?
In a workshop working with drums, oil is lost through spillage from open containers, residue left at the bottom of containers, filling and then draining the wrong oil, and unrecorded use. A central oil distribution system eliminates most of these loss points: oil is conveyed in a closed line, dispensed through a meter, and the correct oil type is labelled at each station.
Return on Investment
Switching to bulk oil purchasing reduces the unit cost compared with packaged oil; reduced losses and more accurate invoicing add to this. The payback period depends on the workshop’s monthly oil consumption; during the site survey we review your consumption data together and give you a realistic picture.
Maintenance
Pump seals, filters, hoses and gun nozzles are parts that wear over time. During periodic maintenance we check line pressure, leaks and meter accuracy, and replace parts as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many different oils can lines be installed for?
There is no limit; a separate line can be installed for every oil type you use in the workshop. In practice, the two to four most frequently used oil types are put on the central line, and less frequently used ones are handled with mobile units.
Do the pumps run on electricity?
Workshops generally use pneumatic pumps driven by compressed air. For this reason, the installation is planned together with the compressed air line.
How often should the meters be checked?
Meter accuracy can drift over time. We recommend checking them at regular intervals depending on usage; for this we offer an oil meter calibration service.
Can central distribution also be installed for grease?
Yes; a central grease line can be installed with grease pumps and grease hose reels. Because of its flow characteristics, a grease line is planned with different pumps and pipe diameters from an oil line.
Do the guns drip?
Good-quality, well-maintained guns do not drip. We use a gun holder and drip tray at each station to keep the floor clean.
