A rapid indication of the total free and dissolved water content in an oil sample or water in fuel oil. Water contamination may cause different problems in different types of lubricating oil, although corrosion is always directly associated with water ingress. Whatever the equipment, water can displace the oil at contacting surfaces, reducing the amount of lubrication and activating surfaces which may themselves act as catalysts for degradation of the oil. Water contamination within lubricating / lube oil storage tanks can lead to microbiological growth, forming yeast, mould and bacteria that will clog filters and very rapidly corrode fuel systems. There are many potential sources of water contamination in lube oil in any system including:
Leakage from oil coolers, charge air coolers and steam heating coils
Condensation of atmospheric humidity
Blow-by gases from diesel engine combustion spaces or past compressor ring packs
Leakage at tank vents (especially those exposed to weather)
Coolant jacket leaks through cracks or seals
Contamination from top-up oil (especially in systems with a low tolerance to water)