CMS/User Guide - Filterteknik

Measuring Water in Hydraulicand Lubricating FluidsAppendix AFrom North Notts Fluid Power CentreIn mineral oils and non aqueous fire resistant fluids water is undesirable. Mineraloil usually has a water content of 50-300 ppm which it can support withoutadverse consequences.Once the water content exceeds about 500ppm the oil starts to appear hazy.Above this level there is a danger of free water accumulating in the system inareas of low flow. This can lead to corrosion and accelerated wear. Similarly,fire resistant fluids have a natural water content which may be different tomineral oils.Saturation LevelsSince the effects of free (also emulsified)water is more harmful thanthose of dissolved water, water levelsshould remain well below thesaturation point. However, evenwater in solution can cause damageand therefore every reasonableeffort should be made to keep saturationlevels as low as possible.There is no such thing as too littlewater. As a guideline, we recommendmaintaining saturation levelsbelow 50% in all equipment.Measuring Water Content 61