Lubricating oils vary in their
tendency to emulsify with water; therefore, if emulsification of gear oils is
likely to be a problem, the base oil should be investigated. Any polar
compounds remaining in the oil after refining, such as sulfonates, petroleum
acids, and even asphaltic bodies, may help to stabilize emulsions. Well refined
oils of low viscosity will have the least
tendency to from permanent emulsions with
water.
High interfacial tension will
tend to cause emulsions to break. Many oil field emulsions are broken by
causing the emulsion to revert from water in oil type to oil in water type.
However, the best solution for this type of trouble is to choose oil
additive combinations which do not promote emulsification.
