JOURNAL OIL AND WATER

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Hi,

I work in an oil analysis lab for a railway company. I sometimes have to evaluate oil conditions of the oil coming from the traction motor (journal bearing).

Due to the nature of the application, it is frequent, even if it is not a good thing, that I find high concentrations of water in this oil. This is true particularly under cold weather conditions. In the past, I always observed good oil/water separation (40-39-1 in less than 30 minutes). This week, I have received 2 samples in which water is emulsified. No separation can be observed. Emulsion is white and tick. Both samples are from 2 different locomotives. Galcar oil was reformulated this year (different additive package).

Was this phenomenon observed by some of you?
What could explain it?
New oil formulation?
Contamination by surfactant? (The emulsion does not foam)
High wear of the oil? (Can a heavily wear oil loose its separation capability at this point? I don’t think so!)

Thanks in advance,

JFG

11/26/087:03 AM

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rttechMember

Hi J,

check it out your self,

Get a new sample of both oils and complete a spectrographic analyse and check the P, B and Zn of the both oils and any change in the anti wear additive should be seen.

Then mix both samples with typical site water and time how long for each to separate, even though distilled water may not mix the water in the drives may depending upon the contaminates in the water,

Don't forget that any polar additives in the lubricant will promote mixing with water,

Carefully check the spectro' of the new oil against the emulsified used and the culprit promoting emusification may be apparent

Regards
Rob S

1/14/0911:10 PM

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robertcMember

You have 3 sources of atmospheric water and 1 blatant one of mass water.

atmospheric
Fill port.

Reservoir vent

Wick.

So, look at the fill ports, are they sealed? Are teh old seals still intact? are they latched/fastened?

Reservoir vent. Has anyone routed it elsewhere, tygon hose? Does it have a breather? Why isn't that a dessicant breather?

Wick. Is it shielded by design? Is it still?

And finally, how is the reservoir topped off? Where is that oil stored? Is it dry?

3/26/099:47 AM

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