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
- Dissolved
- Emulsified
- 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?
- Crackle Test
- Karl Fischer Titration - the most reliable method for testing 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!