EFFECTS OF WATER ON EQUIPMENT AND LUBRICANTS

 The effects of water are insidious. Failure due to water contamination may be catastrophic, but it may not be immediate. Many failures blamed on lubricants are truly caused by acids which are able to form from moisture.  The following are some of the effects of moisture present in oil: 

• Shorter component life due to rust and corrosion 
• Water etching/erosion and vaporous cavitation
• Hydrogen embrittlement 
• Oxidation of bearing/hydraulic components 
• Wear caused by loss of oil film or hard water deposits