Corrosion by Emulsified Oil

[swall]

A colleague has examined lube oil from a gearbox and finds it to be emulsified (milky in color) and the water does not seem to separate out after a sample sat for 24 hours. The question (which is somewhat academic, as the bearings can be replaced if necessary) is how corrosive would an emulsified lube oil be? Unlike soluble oils, which are meant to emulsify and contain appropriate anti corrosion additives, am I correct in assuming that a lube oil will not provide corrosion protection if it becomes emulsified?

 

[CoryPad]

If there is water in the lubricant, it can corrode the gearbox components. Is it a simple natural organic oil, synthetic, EP-rated, etc.?

 

[swall]

The lubricant type is unknown, as the equipment was acquired used.

 

[CoryPad]

High likelihood of corrosion.

 

[metengr]

I would agree there will be significant risk of corrosion because I have seen this in wind turbine gear box teardowns.