Water Contamination in Lubricants

Water Contamination in Lubricants

Water is one of the most destructive contaminants that can enter a lubricated system. It is also one of the most common contaminants, so in this week's blog, we will be discussing the different forms of water that can get into the oil.

The Three Forms of Water Contaminants

  1. Dissolved
  2. Emulsified
  3. Free water

Dissolved Water

Dissolved water means that individual water molecules are dispersed throughout the oil.

Emulsified Water

Once the amount of water has exceeded the maximum level for each remaining solvent, the oil is saturated.

Free Water

The addition of more water will lead to a separation of the two phases, producing a layer of free water and a layer of oil.

What is the Most Harmful Water Contamination?

In a lubricating system, the two most harmful phases are free and emulsified water. Water has a degrading effect on both lubricant and equipment.

In the equipment, rust can form from the corroded components. It can even result in a chemical reaction with some additives through a process known as hydrolysis.

What Methods Can Test for Water Contamination?

Learn More About Water Contamination in Oil

If you are interested in learning more about how we test for these three different forms of water in a lubricated system, download our free eBook, "Water in Oil." You can also contact us today with any questions!

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