There are three states of water contamination in lubricants, hydraulic fluid, insulating oil, etc.:

• DISOLVED WATER these molecules are dispersed one-by-one throughout the oil like humidity.
• EMULSIFIED WATER these microscopic globules of water are suspended in the oil like fog.
• FREE WATER settles to the bottom of the tank like rain.

All forms of water are generators of other contamination: rust, sludge, acids, soot, bacteria, varnish, and ice. All of these shorten the life of the oil or fluid, and the equipment serviced by it.

Posted in: Watchdog Desiccant Breather