Water contamination

Even before being used oils are at risk of water contamination during transport or storage. When upright containers (particularly drums) are stored outside or during loading, water can collect on top of the container. As ambient temperatures rise and 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 operting outdoors, 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 direct results are the accumulation of mud and a change in viscosity. The first signs of a problam are an unpleasant smell and a chang ei ncolour (clouding of the oil).