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Foam
Table of Contents
Physical
& Chemical Properties
Foaming is defined as the production and coalescence of gas bubbles
on a lubricant surface. Foam may be a result of a variety of problems
including air leaks, contamination, and over filling of sumps. Foaming
can cause loss of oil out of a vent and serious operational problems
in most lubricated systems. Excessive foam can starve bearings and
pumps of liquid lubricant (pump cavitation) causing failure, and cause
poor performance in hydraulic systems. The foaming characteristics
of an oil are measured by ASTM D-892. Using a calibrated porous stone,
air is blown into the bottom of a graduated cylinder for a specified
time. Immediately upon completion of the blowing period, the foam
that has formed on the top of the oil is measured. Ten minutes after
the completion of the blowing period, an additional measurement is
made of the remaining foam as the foam retention characteristics of
the oil. The results are reported in milliliters.
Most commercial lubricants contain foam inhibitors, as these inhibitors
reduce foaming. A few ppm of silicone is commonly used (Reference
4).
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