Abstract: This review intends to summarize the effects of oil compositions, type of process, and storage conditions on gum formation. The rate of gum formation has a significant relationship with the hydrocarbon compositions, among which olefins have the greatest effect. Traces of nitrogen-containing compounds, sulfur and its derivatives, metal ions and unsaturated hydrocarbons in fuels react with each other, playing a catalytic role on the gum formation and leading to color change. The gum content is also affected by external factors such as temperature, oxygen content, storage time, light, water content, and metal ion concentration. Different types of additives and the depth of hydrogenation reaction inhibit or promote the actual gum formation. It is proven that gum formation is the result of a combination of multiple factors. Hydrofining, improved storage conditions or adding appropriate additives can all decrease the rate of gum formation and extend the storage time of oil products. In view of the fact that nitrogen content is more sensitive to changes in actual colloidal content, attention should be paid to the nitrogen content in the oil. As fiber reinforced plastic storage tanks have many advantages, such as corrosion resistance, good mechanical seal, good thermal insulation, and UV protection. They are beneficial to improve oil stability when used for long-term storage of oil products. Regarding the research and application of oil stability, on the one hand, we should have a good command of the mechanisms of gum formation from the aspects of reaction kinetics and colloidal chemistry; on the other hand, we should strengthen storage oil quality analysis and make use of big data and artificial intelligence technology to acquire the main influencing factors of gum formation so as to provide theoretical support for practical applications.

Key words: oil storage, hydrogenation process, existing gum, fibe rreinforced plastic storage tank