Contamination Control 3B – Water Removal Methods

Water contamination is one of the most damaging forms of lubricant contamination, leading to oil degradation, increased wear, corrosion, microbial growth, and premature equipment failure. Excess water in lubrication systems can exist in three forms—dissolved, emulsified, and free water—each presenting unique challenges in detection and removal. Preventing and eliminating water contamination is critical to maintaining lubricant integrity, extending oil life, and improving machinery reliability.

This course provides a structured approach to understanding, preventing, and removing water from lubrication systems. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of water contamination, best practices for preventing water ingress, and the effectiveness of various water removal techniques, including desiccant breathers, nitrogen blanketing, separation methods, vacuum dehydration, coalescing filtration, and centrifuging. The course also covers how to select the most appropriate water removal method based on system requirements and contamination levels.

Designed for lubrication engineers, maintenance professionals, and reliability specialists, this course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to implement effective water contamination control strategies, reducing equipment failures and optimizing lubrication system performance.

Course Modules:
Contamination Control 03A 01 – Fundamentals of Water Control
Understand the sources and types of water contamination (dissolved, emulsified, and free water) and their impact on lubricant performance and equipment reliability.

Contamination Control 03B 02 – Prevention of Water Ingress
Learn proactive strategies to prevent water contamination, including proper storage, handling, system sealing, and environmental control measures.

Contamination Control 03B 03 – Desiccant Breathers
Explore the role of desiccant breathers in preventing moisture ingress by filtering out airborne humidity and particulate contamination before it enters lubrication systems.

Contamination Control 03B 04 – Nitrogen Blankets
Understand how nitrogen blanketing is used to create a dry, oxygen-free environment inside lubricant reservoirs, preventing water ingress and oxidation.

Contamination Control 03B 05 – Water Separation
Examine mechanical water separation techniques that allow free and emulsified water to settle and be removed from lubricants.

Contamination Control 03B 06 – Water Filtration
Learn about water-absorbing filters and their effectiveness in removing small amounts of water from lubrication systems.

Contamination Control 03B 07 – Vacuum Dehydration
Discover how vacuum dehydration technology removes all forms of water contamination, including dissolved water, from lubricants while preserving oil additives.

Contamination Control 03B 08 – Coalescing Filters
Explore coalescing filtration technology, which is effective in separating water from lubricants in fuel and hydraulic systems.

Contamination Control 03B 09 – Centrifuging
Understand how centrifugal separation removes water contamination by exploiting density differences between oil and water.

Contamination Control 03B 10 – Water Removal Selection
Learn how to select the most effective water removal method based on oil type, system design, water contamination levels, and operational requirements.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the impact of water contamination on lubrication system performance and equipment reliability.
• Identify best practices for preventing water ingress into lubrication systems.
• Learn how to use desiccant breathers and nitrogen blanketing to control moisture.
• Understand the effectiveness of different water removal techniques, including separation, filtration, vacuum dehydration, and centrifuging.
• Develop a structured approach to selecting the most appropriate water removal method for specific applications.

This course is ideal for maintenance professionals, lubrication engineers, and reliability specialists looking to improve lubrication system cleanliness, prevent equipment failures, and extend the life of lubricants. By mastering water contamination control strategies, participants will be able to reduce downtime, optimize oil performance, and enhance overall system reliability.