Greetings electricpete!
We have developed a storage program at our facility with information from several mfg recommendations. I will research this info, In the mean time the storage facility must provide protection from contact with rain, hail, snow, blowing sand and dirt, accumulation of ground water, corrosive fumes and infestation by vermin or insects. Outdoor storage is not recommended for any motor components, including complete spare motors. Environmental conditions can affect idle parts or machines, variations in temperature and humidity can cause condensation throughout the parts or machine, producing rust and corrosion in metal parts as well as deterioration of electrical insulation. Avoid storage in an atmosphere containing corrosive gases, particularly chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxides. There should be fire detection and a fire fighting plan in all storage areas. Allow adequate space around stored motors for test and inspection. Avoid storage of motors in areas with intermittent or continuous floor vibration from moving equipment. Ensure that all machined surfaces such as shaft extensions, mounting feet, c-faces or mounting face, have rust preventative in place. Coat all exposed machined parts with solid film corrosion inhibitor (Rust-Ban 326 or equivalent) Motors in storage, equipped with brushes, should have the brushes lifted in the brush holder so they are not in contact with the collector rings or comm. Otherwise, ensure that there is a strip of protective strip such as mylar between the brushes and rings. Ensure that there is a moisture barrier between the machined feet or if on a skid. Ensure that temperature is controlled and that motor components or motor temperatures are above ambient temperature by at least five degrees F or three degrees C. (at temperature equal or below room temperature and relative humidity above 60%, water vapor can condense and promote rapid deterioration). Always keep component or motor temperature above the freezing point. To prevent condensation, energize the space heaters of large motors in storage. During periods of extreme cold or rapid temperature drops the space heaters may not adequate to maintain the temp differential and supplementary space heating may be required. It is a good practice to seal any shaft openings with silicone, rubber caulking, or tape. During storage of large motors, fill the bearing housing with oil containing 5% rust preventive concentrate. Ensure to drain the concentrate and refill with applicable lubricant prio to operation. (Note that the normal oxidation and rust inhibitors in oil are usually sufficient to protect the internal parts for 30 days without operation). Rotate the motor shafts monthly 1 and 1/4 turn. Mark the front of the shaft with a metal marker for reference. While the shaft is rotated it should be pushed to both extremes of endplay to allow for oil flow, over entire length og journal. Ensure that during transportation of motors that the shaft/rotor is prevented from moving by applying a shaft lock bar. We install this loc-bar on all motors in storage and loosen monthly when performing rotation.
The above information is our storage program taken from years of storing motors and input from various mfg. I hope this helps. Good input BJC!
Kind Regards,
motorhead1
