Shelf Life of Tire Oil Storage

Shelf Life of Tire Oil Storage

There is no fixed mandatory standard for the storage period of tire oil, which is mainly affected by storage conditions and the inherent properties of the oil. Considering the characteristics of this heavy fuel oil that is prone to oxidation and gelling, it is recommended that the storage period does not exceed 6 months under conventional storage conditions with airtight, light-proof, and compliant temperature and humidity. If the storage conditions are poor, the period should be shortened to within 3 months. Specific time limits are specified by scenarios as follows:

1. Ideal Storage Conditions (Recommended): ≤ 6 months

When stored in airtight special carbon steel anti-corrosion tanks with a stable temperature of 20℃~40℃, relative humidity ≤ 85%, good ventilation in the tank farm, and normal operation of oil and gas recovery, breather valves and other equipment, the oil is completely isolated from air, direct sunlight and water mixing for the entire period. Under such conditions, oil oxidation and gum precipitation can be effectively slowed down. The fluidity and combustion performance of the oil stored for within 6 months basically show no significant attenuation and can be used normally.

2. General Storage Conditions: ≤ 3 months

If the oil is temporarily stored in sealed containers after sub-packaging, or the tank has average sealing performance with occasional fluctuations in temperature and humidity (e.g., short-term high temperature exceeding 50℃ in summer, excessive humidity in rainy seasons), the oil will be slightly exposed to air or affected by the environment, accelerating the rate of oxidation and gelling. It is recommended to use up the oil within 3 months to avoid problems such as a sharp increase in viscosity, pipeline blockage and incomplete combustion.

3. Poor Storage Conditions: Use as soon as possible (within 1 month)

In an open/semi-open storage environment, with frequent temperatures exceeding 50℃, damp and water accumulation, or if impurities/water are mixed into the oil, the oil will undergo rapid oxidative deterioration, producing a large amount of gum and sediment. This not only impairs the service performance but may also block storage tanks and pipelines. In such cases, the oil must be used within 1 month and filtered before use.

Key Precautions

For tire oil stored beyond the recommended period, viscosity, water and impurity content must be tested before use. If the indicators are normal, the oil can be used continuously; if it has gelled or stratified, it must be filtered and purified before use. Direct feeding into equipment to avoid blockage is strictly prohibited.

The core of extending the storage period is to enhance airtightness and oxygen isolation. For example, nitrogen-filled protection of storage tanks (to isolate air) can appropriately extend the storage period to 8~10 months, which is also a commonly used method for prolonging the service life in industrial large-scale storage.