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"Oil analysis data indicates that there is water in
one of my gearboxes. I have put a portable filter cart
on the gearbox, but about every three hours the full
indicator on the filter pops up. I have changed the
filter twice but it doesn't appear to be removing the
water. Is it possible that my filter won't take the
water out of the synthetic oil that I'm using?"
If you are using a standard filter for particle removing,
then the answer is no, it will not take out the water.
However, if it is a water-removing type filter (superabsorbent
type) then these are useful for removing small amounts
of water after accidental ingress.
If you have significant amounts of water,
for example in excess of say 0.1 percent by volume,
you need to address the root cause of the water ingress
and then dehydrate the oil or replace it depending on
the volume. Too much water is subjective, but technically,
if there is visible emulsified water (cloudiness of
the oil), this is too much.
As such, there is an ingress source that
needs attention. Typically water will be an issue dependent
upon the unit location (indoors/outdoors), proximity
to any process water, or any wash down activity that
may take place near the gearbox, or any steam source
in the vicinity.
The use of a desiccating breather or expansion
diaphragm-type sealed unit may also reduce the moisture
ingress, as will deploying better quality seals, and
educating the personnel responsible for wash-down activity.
Martin
Williamson, Senior Technical
Consultant, Noria UK Ltd.
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