Oxidation occurs when oxygen molecules interact with oil molecules and cause chemical breakdown, just like how oxygen causes a cut apple to brown or iron to rust. Additive depletion and a breakdown in the base oil can also result.

Oil degradation is a general term used to describe the destructive mechanisms that cause physical and chemical changes to compressor fluids while in service. In addition, rust and corrosion can form on the equipment due to oxidation. Air and water can provide a source of oxygen that reacts with the oil and leads to oxidation of the lubricant. High acid levels can indicate excessive oil oxidation or depletion of the oil additives and can lead to corrosion of the internal components.

It leads to increased viscosity and deposit formation. There are many causes that can result in the degrading of your lube oil. In some cases, additive depletion and a breakdown in the base oil can also occur. Additive Depletion is another harmful process that reduces the performance, protection, and service life of compressor fluids.

Oxidation is the reaction of oil molecules with oxygen molecules. This type of degradation may increase viscosity, acidity and sludge/varnish formation in lubricants.

Keeping the oil as cool as possible when in use will extend its life and reduce the reaction of thermal breakdown. Sitemap.

4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Contamination of air compressor fluids by foreign substances (solids, liquids or gases) can significantly accelerate fluid degradation and create a host of additional problems to air compressors.

Most additive packages in oil are designed to be sacrificial and used up during the life of the oil. This can cause an increase in viscosity and the creation of varnish, sludge and sediment. If ignored, oil degradation will progress and can lead to failures of critical compressor components. Soot causes oil to turn black While heat cycles cause oil to darken, soot causes oil … Radioactive Contaminated Lubricant Testing, Filter Debris Analysis for Hydraulic Equipment Offered by TestOil.

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The most common are oxidation, thermal breakdown of the lube oil, micro-dieseling, additive depletion and contamination. This type of degradation may increase viscosity, acidity and sludge/varnish formation in lubricants. Contamination such as dirt, water, air, etc., can greatly influence the rate of lubricant degradation. Prolonged or elevated oxidation may lead to deposits; these deposits tend to be very dark (near black) in color and have a granular texture. While in service, additive levels continuously deplete which reduces the oil’s ability to resist oxidation and limits oil service life. #252Dunwoody , GA 30338.

Oxidation is an auto-catalytic series of chemical reactions that continuously produces acids, depletes additives, and ultimately will form harmful varnish and sludge in many compressor fluids. It can lead to an increase in viscosity and the formation of varnish, sludge and sediment. Increased oil viscosity, which reduces fuel efficiency; Additive depletion, reducing the oil’s effectiveness; Accelerated degradation, causing you to change oil more often; Heat accelerates oxidation. High heat accelerates oxidation. By monitoring the acid level, the oil can be changed before any damage occurs. Acids (produced from oxidation), and other contaminants (fine metal particles and water) are catalysts that accelerate fluid degradation, acid production and additive depletion. Once an oil starts to oxidize, you may see an increase in the acid number.

The Oil Degradation Cycle is a self-propagating, auto-catalytic cycle that continuously accelerates at an ever increasing rate.

The process is accelerated by heat, light, metal catalysts and the presence of water, acids, or solid contaminants. Once an oil starts to oxidize, you may see an increase in the acid number. As additive levels decrease, fluid oxidation and acid levels continuously increase until the fluid is no longer fit for continued service.

In situations with extremely high temperatures, even localized hot spots, both oxidation and nitration will increase.

In addition, rust and corrosion can also form on the equipment. Dirt containing fine metal particles can be a catalyst that sparks and speeds up the degradation process of your lubricant. Like oxidation, additive depletion is accelerated by catalysts like acids, water and fine metals.