What is the impact of moisture on the performance and equipment of oil products?

What is the impact of moisture on the performance and equipment of oil products?

The impact of moisture on the performance of oils and equipment is primarily reflected in the following aspects:

‌I. Impact on Oil Performance‌

‌Reduction in Combustion Efficiency‌

Water is non-combustible and dilutes fuel, leading to incomplete combustion, manifested as insufficient power, increased fuel consumption, and excessive emissions.

At low temperatures, water freezing may block fuel lines or form water pockets, causing difficulties in cold starts.

‌Destabilization of Oil Stability‌

Water reacts with oxides in the oil to produce acidic substances, accelerating corrosion of metal components (e.g., fuel pumps, injectors).

Emulsification reduces the viscosity of engine oil, significantly deteriorating lubrication performance and potentially leading to mechanical failures such as cylinder scoring or bearing seizure.

‌II. Direct Damage to Equipment‌

‌Mechanical Component Wear‌

Water causes lubrication failure, exacerbating friction and wear on parts like pistons and crankshafts.

Incompressible water entering the combustion chamber may bend connecting rods or puncture cylinder walls.

‌System Blockage and Corrosion‌

Water carries impurities that clog filters, affecting the fuel supply system.

Prolonged exposure to water corrodes precision components like high-pressure fuel pumps and catalytic converters.

‌III. Risk Thresholds for Different Oils‌

‌Gasoline‌: Safe moisture content ≤0.03%. Exceeding this threshold causes tank rusting and fuel line corrosion.

‌Diesel‌: Safe moisture content ≤0.05%. Exceeding this threshold leads to sudden power loss and injector damage.

‌Engine Oil‌: Any moisture is unsafe, as it results in emulsion failure and engine overheating.

‌IV. Treatment and Preventive Measures‌

‌Emergency Handling‌: Small amounts of water can be addressed by adding desiccants and using a full tank of fuel; significant water ingress requires complete tank drainage and filter replacement.

‌Long-Term Protection‌: Refuel at reputable stations, regularly clean tanks, and install fuel filters with water level monitoring.

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