Water will cause rust on the metal surface, and for lubricating oil and grease, water will cause the oxidation and deterioration of the base oil in the oil, and the oxidation products contact with water again, and generate acidic substances to corrode the metal.  In addition, water causes oil oxidation metamorphism, the formation of sludge, affect the viscosity and normal flow of oil, further cause lubrication problems.  So the whole problem starts with a small amount of water, creates a chain effect, and eventually adds up to a huge amount of damage.

1. Hydrogen induced cracking

Also known as hydrogen embrittlement or hydrogen damage, it can cause metal damage, but it has not been widely paid attention to in bearing manufacturing and maintenance.

In such cases, water may be part of the source of hydrogen, which is also produced by electrolysis and corrosion, which water promotes. High-strength steels are particularly vulnerable to this problem.  In addition, the additives added to lubricating oil and grease contain sulfur (extreme pressure additives, antiwear agents and so on). Mineral oil itself also contains certain sulfur impurities, which can promote the corrosion and cracking of metals.  Both moist atmosphere and free water can cause hydrogen embrittlement of metals.

2. The corrosion

Water will cause metal rust and corrosion. After corrosion damage is formed on the surface of the bearing raceway, the smoothness of the lubricating oil film is destroyed, resulting in poor lubrication and further aggravating the damage.

3. Oxidation deterioration of lubricating oil

Water will cause the oxidation and deterioration of the base oil in the oil, and if high temperature and impurities (such as fine metal chips) are added, the oxidation rate will be significantly increased.  In addition, water can also cause the loss and consumption of antioxidants in lubricating oil, leading to oxidation and deterioration of lubricating oil.  Oxidation of lubricating oil will form acid, paint film on metal surface, increase oil viscosity, lead to metal corrosion, affect metal cooling and the normal function of some parts.

4. Consume the additives in the oil

The main component of lubricating oil and grease is base oil, as well as some additives. In addition to antioxidants, there are other additives such as antiwear agent, extreme pressure agent, rust inhibitor, dispersant, anti-emulsifier and so on.

Water will cause additive hydrolysis, agglomeration, loss, some sulfur phosphorus extreme pressure agent in the case of water will denaturate, generate sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, increase the acid value of oil, the formation of corrosive acidic environment.

5. Affect the normal flow of lubricating oil

Water will lead to sludge, oil emulsification, these clumps of impurities suspended in the oil affect the normal flow of oil, in addition, these impurities will accumulate plug in the bearing oil supply hole. Other harm and filter block, in cold weather, the water in the oil may also freeze, also resulting in poor oil flow, lack of oil machine.

If you have any questions,pls feel free to contact us

e-mial:bearing6@hyzcgroup.com