Can moisture damage machinery parts?

Machinery is the backbone of multiple industries, from manufacturing and production to energy generation and agriculture. While high-quality equipment is engineered for longevity and performance, there are contaminants that can drastically cut operating efficiency and active service life.

Above all, water is regarded as one of the worst offenders and can cause different types of damage. This blog will explore that before.

Rust and corrosion

When moisture, oxygen and certain metals are present, a chemical reaction occurs, causing rust and corrosion. Rust makes metal gears and bearings brittle and breakable as it destroys its structural integrity, leading to potential component failure.

Lubricant deterioration

From grease to gear oil, companies like Millers and Fuchs produce lubricants to protect parts. However, oils, greases and fluids can experience water contamination when exposed while working.

Water in oil speeds up oxidation, causing varnish and sludge to build up and decreasing viscosity. The impaired lubricant fails to function and as a result, metal-on-metal contact increases, causing excessive friction and wear on parts.

Cavitation and erosion

In mechanical systems where fluids see active use, water vapour bubbles can form in low-pressure areas and then collapse under high pressure. This creates shock waves that harm the metal surfaces of parts that can become pitted, eroded and experience microcracks.

Electrical failure

When electric equipment connects with excess moisture, it can wreak havoc on equipment. As water conducts electricity, it can interrupt data pathways, cause short circuits and destroy the electronics of sensitive control components.

Seal and gasket damage

Beyond metal component damage, water can also damage other materials. Moisture can impact rubber gaskets and seals, making them swell, degrade or become hard and cracked, causing leaks in systems.

Bacteria growth

Systems contaminated with water often experience microbial growth. Moisture creates a fertile ground for fungi and bacteria to develop, clogging filters, inhibiting oil flow, and forming acidic by-products that impact the effectiveness of lubricants.

Freezing

Finally, under low-temperature conditions trapped water can freeze. This can cause blocked and burst pipes installed in pneumatic systems.

Best practices for preventing water contamination

A wide range of products are available to defend against the damage water can do to machinery, from rust preventative lubricants that inhibit iron oxide to antifreeze and heat transfer fluids that keeps systems from freezing. However, machine operators also play a pivotal role in protecting equipment. Lubricants should be regularly tested for signs of water contamination and systems routinely checked for signs of damage like leaks and corrosion.

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