Discussion on the detection method of lubricating oil water content, fundamentally maintain the quality of lubricating oil and reduce energy consumption
May 08, 2022
For the moisture in lubricating oil, it mainly refers to its moisture content, which is expressed as a percentage. In lubricating oil, moisture is only allowed to exist in the form of trace moisture, and even some special varieties of oil products prevent the existence of moisture. Under the influence of moisture, the lubricating oil will appear emulsification, which will promote the decomposition rate of additives faster and the oxidation rate will increase, which will shorten the period of mechanical corrosion and affect the low temperature fluidity of oil products. To this end, it is necessary to pay attention to the application of the method of analyzing the moisture content of lubricating oil, and fundamentally provide a guarantee for maintaining the safety of lubricating oil.
Comprehensive analysis of the source and existing form of lubricating oil moisture 1. The source and channel of lubricating oil moisture For the moisture in lubricating oil, its main source channel is the process of storage, transportation and use. Once in storage, the container is not properly sealed, allowing clear water to enter it, or the condensate water that the container breathes into, or the container itself with water. In addition, if the lubricating oil encounters rain during transportation, rainwater intrusion will also occur. In addition, when the ventilation device is used, once the operation is unreasonable, the phenomenon that the water vapor cannot be discharged, coupled with the low temperature phenomenon, will form condensed water between the water vapor and the mechanical equipment. A milky liquid forms. 2. Introduction to the form of moisture in lubricating oil For the moisture in lubricating oil, its forms are mainly divided into three types, one exists in the form of molecular state, exists in the molecular gap of lubricating oil, and constitutes a homogeneous phase. The dissolution effect is closely related to the components and temperature of lubricating oil, and it is difficult to pass Appearance to distinguish. The second type of moisture exists in the form of fine particles, forming an oil-water two-phase emulsion, which is difficult to separate. The third type of moisture is mainly precipitated from the oil. After forming tiny particles, it forms large particles, which exist at the bottom of the container or the wall of the container, showing the state of oil and water separation. Systematic introduction to the hazards of moisture in lubricating oil 1. Adversely affect the quality and lubricating performance of lubricating oil In lubricating oil, its main components are Base Oil and additives. Under the influence of moisture, the maintenance speed of base oil is accelerated, which induces the occurrence of emulsification. At the same time, the additives in the lubricating oil are surfactants, which can easily become gelatinous, which affects the performance of the additives themselves, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity of the lubricating oil and changes in the service cycle. Once the base oil and additives in the lubricating oil are deteriorated, it will directly lead to the reduction of the thickness and stiffness of the oil film, and the occurrence of wear, which affects the performance of the lubricating oil's lubricating performance. 2. Increase wear and corrosion of mechanical equipment Once the lubricating oil has moisture, foam and lubrication are easy to occur, resulting in blockage of the oil circuit system, coupled with the rupture of the thickness and stiffness of the oil film, and the wear of mechanical equipment. In addition, moisture can react with impurities in the lubricating oil to form sludge. Once it accumulates, the oil supply will be insufficient on the surface of the oil circuit system, and the friction and wear speed of the parts will be accelerated, which will affect the service life of the machine. Introduction to the detection method of lubricating oil moisture 1. Introduction to rapid on-site analysis For the determination of lubricating oil moisture, if only rough detection is required, then simple and fast measurement methods can be used, mainly including visual inspection, sound and test paper methods. When applying the visual inspection method, it is necessary to place an appropriate amount of oil sample in a beaker, heat it, and after reaching 100 degrees Celsius, let it stand, and observe it to see if there is water analysis. When applying the sound method, the oil sample also needs to be heated. Once the sound appears, it means that there is moisture. If the container vibrates, it means that the moisture content is high. The test paper method mainly uses Bites test paper to immerse it in the oil. If the test paper has blue spots, the water content can be judged. 2. Introduction to Distillation For the distillation method, the lubricating oil is mainly mixed with the relevant reagents to achieve distillation and condensation to achieve the collection of water, and then the measurement of the water content is carried out. The detection method is relatively mature. Moisture determination method mainly mixes a certain amount of oil sample and reagent, and realizes the evaluation of moisture content with the help of moisture analyzer. This experimental method is relatively simple, does not require too much investment, and the results are more accurate. However, longer distillation and cooling times are required. The latest research shows that desiccants can be used to replace distillation, which is more reliable and accurate. 3. Introduction to Hue Popularization This method is mainly used in the detection and analysis of trace moisture such as oxidized solvents, and is not widely used in lubricating oil. However, a large number of studies have occurred, and gas chromatography can accurately and quickly determine the trace moisture content in lubricating oil. Therefore, It also has a certain popular value. 4. Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy With the help of infrared spectroscopy, lubricating oil with a water content of more than 0.1% can be effectively detected, the operation is relatively simple, the reaction speed is fast, and pollution is not easy to occur. Under the application of infrared spectroscopy, the quality of lubricating oil can be positioned by combining the changes of infrared spectral absorption peaks in lubricating oil components. In the application of infrared spectroscopy, it is necessary to compare the moisture content of the new lubricating oil to obtain accurate results. The application of this method is affected by many factors, therefore, before the experiment, the treatment of lubricating oil needs to be strengthened, mainly involving filtration and so on. In addition, the development of infrared spectrum detection instruments is rapid, and more attention is paid to miniaturization and multi-functionalization. Therefore, the research and development of infrared spectrum detection instruments should be increased. 5. Dielectric constant method This method is mainly based on the function of on-line monitoring of the dielectric constant method, and the sensor is used to realize the electrolyte of lubricating oil moisture, and the determination of the moisture content is realized by means of the dielectric constant. This method mainly includes capacitive method, radio frequency method and microwave method.
