Because Arizona’s weather can be so extreme, certain petroleum equipment may be at risk of added wear and tear. The intense heat, dust, wind, and monsoon storms can affect the performance of equipment, whether it is used in your facility or outdoors. Grohall understands that the equipment you purchase is an investment in the future of your company, and our team wants to help you protect that investment. We can offer tailored guidance in equipment maintenance and repairs, including tips for cleaning, inspecting, and troubleshooting key equipment. Here are some tips for properly maintaining your petroleum equipment so that it continues to operate safely and efficiently.
Regularly Inspect All Equipment
One of the most important steps you can take is to inspect all of your equipment regularly. This will help you identify minor issues and address them before they become bigger or more dangerous. By proactively solving problems, you can avoid costly repairs, premature equipment replacement, and inconvenient business disruptions. Inspections should include:
- Weekly visual inspections – Check all equipment exteriors and interiors and all parts and components for signs of loose connections, damaged or missing parts, wear and tear, rust or corrosion, condensation buildup, leaks, dents, strange noises, or other warning signs of problems.
- Annual professional inspections – Schedule an annual inspection conducted by an experienced, certified professional. They will evaluate the performance, lifespan, and safety of your equipment and confirm that it meets industry standards and regulations.
Clean and Lubricate Parts
Follow all manufacturer and industry guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your equipment. Make sure equipment has the necessary clearance on all sides, and that no components are blocked, covered, or clogged when they should be free and clear. Lubricate any relevant moving parts regularly. When equipment is not in use, follow manufacturer recommendations for covering or protecting it from dust and moisture.
Prevent Corrosion and Rust
All equipment is in danger of corrosion and rust, even though Arizona is typically very dry. If recommended, use a rust-resistant coating to protect the equipment. For underground tanks or other equipment, establish more aggressive and proactive corrosion-resistant measures. When possible, purchase equipment that is manufactured from materials that are less likely to rust, such as steel or fiberglass.
Evaluate Fuel Levels and Quality
You should also regularly inspect fuel tanks and other fluid storage tanks to make sure the contents have not been contaminated. Look for signs of leaks, rust, tank damage, mold or mildew, and other warning signs of contamination. When recommended, use filtration measures to protect the quality of your fluids. Protect storage tanks from extreme temperatures and moisture. Regularly check fuel levels and test the fuel gauge and all other monitoring and safety equipment.
Select Quality Equipment and Install and Operate it Properly
Grohall can help you make sure you are selecting the highest quality and most durable equipment for your facility needs. We distribute petroleum and lubrication equipment for the mining and industrial sectors, and only partner with industry leading brands known for high performing products. Call us now at (520) 622-4263 or 1-800-624-0003, or email us at sales@grohall.com to learn more about our inventory of petroleum equipment in Southern Arizona.