What process occurs in the lube oil storage and settling tanks?

The correct answer focuses on the purpose and function of lube oil storage and settling tanks. In these tanks, the process referred to is batch purification, where lube oil is allowed to sit undisturbed for a period. This allows for the separation of impurities and particulates that may be present in the oil. During this settling period, heavier contaminants tend to settle at the bottom of the tank due to gravity, leading to a cleaner product that is more suitable for use in lubrication systems.

This process of separation is critical to maintaining the quality and performance of lube oil used in machinery and equipment. By allowing the oil to settle, operators can effectively remove sediment and ensure that only the purified oil is pumped to other parts of the system for further use, preventing damage and wear in mechanical components.

The other processes mentioned are less relevant in the context of what specifically occurs in the lube oil storage and settling tanks. Continuous circulation, instantaneous filtration, and heating for viscosity control are more involved in active oil management systems or treatments that may occur elsewhere in the lubrication process, but they do not define the primary function of settling tanks where batch purification is the key process.