Water in the oil?!
In addition to contamination of the oil by particles, water is another trigger for malfunctions and damage to system-relevant components in the oil circuit.
Water can occur in oil in different states: dissolved water, free water and emulsions.
The dissolved water is initially uncritical and is usually created through exchange with the moist ambient air.
With free water, water droplets form in the oil, creating two phases. There is a need for immediate action here as it has a negative impact on the air separation ability, defoaming and lubrication behavior. It accelerates corrosion and wear of hydraulic components. The same applies to emulsions, which are a milky and cloudy mixture of oil and water.
Depending on the application, there are different oils that can hold a certain amount of water in solution (saturation limit). This always depends on the type of oil (mineral oil, organic oil, synthetic oil, etc.), the additives and external influences such as temperature and pressure.
It is important that you adhere to the oil and machine manufacturers’ specifications; once the saturation limit is reached, action must be taken!
If the saturation limit cannot be adhered to due to the process, a different oil should be used in consultation with the machine manufacturer Sidestream filtration with additional Water separation function insert.
Questions? Contact us: lars.benk@schuhmacher-tech.de or 07424/9495-663
Lars Benk: Profile of a field-tested expert
Basic training: Tool mechanic, specializing in stamping and forming technology.
Further training: State-certified technician with a focus on mechanical engineering.
Additional qualification: Degree in technical business administration, combining technical know-how with business expertise.
Professional experience: More than a decade of active work in the field of hydraulics.
Specialization: Certified specialist in oil analysis (MLA II – Machine Lubrication Specialist), with a specific focus on the maintenance and optimization of machines through professional lubricant analysis. Certified specialist for hydraulic fluids – specialist knowledge for optimal hydraulic systems.
