An MDF press (medium density fiberboard)has run for about ten years without bearing failure. Within the last 2 years there have been four bearing failures. The post mortem of the bearing revealed corrosion as a possible root cause of the failure.

Formaldehyde gas is released during the pressing operation. Is it possible for the Formaldehyde to condense in the oil system and create Formic acid?

Many Thanks,
David McCall

David
Fluid Degradation
The presence of formic acid is particularly deleterious because concentrations higher than 0.15% may lead to excessive wear. Because formic acid may result in increased wear, an analysis should be conducted to detect its presence in the used fluid. The analytical procedure most usually performed for acid detection in aqueous solution is ion chromatography.
I don't know whether this test can be applied to mineral oils, talk to your lab.
Frank

formic acid will be formed in presence of formaldhyde and an alcohol. these two are oxidized to carboxlic acid. Mineral oil could contain alcohol