Excessive water can create emulsions in bearing oil, reducing lubrication effectiveness. The formation of deposits onto component surfaces compounds the problem. When water and polar chemicals are combined (even trace amounts) the lubricant's demulsibility (water-shedding ability), corrosion protection, and antiwear capabilities may be compromised. Water contamination can cut bearing life by as much as 80 percent.

From "How to Select a Motor Oil for Your Car or Truck"

Sooner or later, wear from abrasive particles and deposits from carbon and oxide insolubles will interfere with efficient combustion in an engine. Valve train wear (cams, valve guides, etc.) can impact timing and valve movement. Wear of rings, pistons and cylinder walls influences volumetric compression efficiency and combustion blow-by resulting in power loss. Particle-induced wear is greatest when the particle sizes are in the same range as the oil film thickness.

For diesel and gasoline engines, there is a surprising number of laboratory and field studies that report the need to control particles below 10 microns. One such study by General Motors concluded that, "controlling particles in the 3 micron to 10 micron range had the greatest impact on wear rates and that engine wear rates correlated directly to the dust concentration levels in the sump.

Read more about "How to Select a Motor Oil for Your Car or Truck"

Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication or oil analysis certification.

Question: Mineral oils cannot have a viscosity index higher than 100. True or False?

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Getting management support for transforming a lubrication program from average to world-class is critical. This article describes some simple ways to illustrate the the benefits of common tools and accessories employed in a world-class lubrication program.
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• Choosing the Correct Oil or Fuel Purification System for Water Contamination Removal

OCTOBER 2009

Machinery Lubrication I
27-29 Nashville, TN

Análisis de Aceite Parte I
19-20 Bilbao

Análisis de Aceite Parte II
21-22 Bilbao

Control Efectivo de la Contaminación
27-29 Querétaro, Qro.

Controle Efetivo de Contaminação
21-23 São Paulo, Brazil

Lubricación para Plantas con TPM
6-9 Monterrey, N.L.

Oil Analysis I & II
26-29 Selangor, Kuala Lumpur