Kleenoil Panolin

Consequences of water contamination in the oil

 
Even before being put into use, oils are at risk of water contamination during transportation and storage. Often mistakes are made when storing the oil; when upright containers (particularly drums) are stored outside or during loading water can collect on top of the container. As ambient temperatures rise and then fall, moisture can be drawn into the barrel via the barrel caps.

During operation, water can get into the oil through openings on the tank, as condensation from the air, or through worn cylinders and seals. Condensation is the most common cause of water contamination in oil during operation, especially in the case of mobile machinery operating outdoors, where water vapour can condense in the tank every time the system cools down. If equipment is relatively static this often leads to rust and other corrosion problems, especially above the oil level. As soon as there is a higher amount of water in the oil microorganisms begin to grow. The result is the accumulation of sludge and a change in viscosity. The first signs of a problem are an unpleasant smell and a change in colour (clouding of the oil).

Most new oils contain a small concentration of water. Therefore the challenge is not to achieve and maintain oil that is completely free of water, but to avoid a level of water contamination that would be detrimental to both the oil and the system.

Water Filtration with Microfiltration

Negative effects of water contamination

-   Speeds up the ageing of the oil (hydrolysis)
-   Deterioration of the lubricating characteristics
-   Speeds up corrosion and cavitation
-   Shortens the life span of the seals
-   Deterioration of the filterability

With a water content of > 0.05 resp. 0.1 % in hydraulic oil

According to NAS 1638-01/1964 (extended to particle range 2 – 5 µm)

Effects of the water content in the oil during storage time