Emulsions and lubrication

Abstract

WHEN a substance composed of microscopic particles is subjected to chemical or mechanical disintegration wherein the dimensions of the particles approach the range of 2—100μμ or if the aggregation of molecularly dispersed particles is arrested within this range, a colloidal condition is attained. In most types of emulsification encountered in lubricating practice the former of these two conditions operates and microscopic droplets of water are formed which undergo by chemical and mechanical processes a reduction in size to colloidal dimensions. For certain steam cylinder oils and soluble cutting oils the formation of stable oil‐water emulsions is desirable, but can be detrimental in the case of steam turbine lubricants where it is essential to employ an oil which shows rapid demulsification.

Citation

BRANCKER (1949), "Emulsions and lubrication", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 12-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb051993