{"id":4856,"date":"2025-07-01T09:20:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T08:20:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atten2.com\/?post_type=knowledge&p=4856"},"modified":"2025-07-01T11:35:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T10:35:30","slug":"water-a-challenge-in-the-lubrication-of-critical-paper-machinery","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/atten2.com\/en\/knowledge\/water-a-challenge-in-the-lubrication-of-critical-paper-machinery\/","title":{"rendered":"Water: A challenge in the lubrication of critical paper machinery"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The paper industry operates in demanding environments: wet processes, high temperatures, and equipment running at intense speeds for extended periods. In this context, lubrication is a critical pillar for maintaining machinery reliability and efficiency. However, water\u2014a necessary component in paper manufacturing\u2014can become one of the biggest risks to lubrication systems.<\/p>\n

Learn about best lubrication practices<\/a> in paper mills, the problems caused by lubricant contamination with water<\/strong>, the ways water appears in oil<\/strong>, and how monitoring with sensors<\/a> enables critical decision-making to ensure machinery performance and longevity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

The role of lubrication in paper machines<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Lubrication protects components such as bearings, gears, cylinders, and rollers from direct contact, wear, and overheating. Press and drying sections, in particular, face extreme conditions: heat, mechanical load, and constant proximity to water.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

Water in the l<\/strong>ubricant<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>

Water can infiltrate oil through multiple paths: condensation, leaks, steam exposure, or even during the production process. There are three ways water manifests in lubricating oils:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \n
  1. Free Water:<\/strong> Accumulates at the bottom of the tank. To allow the oil to separate from this water before recirculating, reservoirs must be large enough to hold the oil for at least 30 minutes (preferably 60 in critical systems). This favors natural settling.<\/li>\n
  2. Emulsified Water:<\/strong> Exists as fine droplets suspended in oil, giving it a white or milky appearance. This occurs due to:\n