Definition
Contamination is the presence of foreign material (solid particles, moisture, chemical agents, or other substances) in a system such as lubricant, hydraulic fluid, or an electrical enclosure, where it degrades function, accelerates wear, or causes a fault. Identifying the specific contaminant and entry point is central to correcting it, not just the presence of contamination itself.
Key facts
- Refers to foreign material present where it should not be (particles, moisture, chemicals) not a specific type of damage on its own.
- Common entry points include seal failure, breather vents, improper handling during service, and airborne particulates.
- Often diagnosed through oil analysis (particle counts, moisture content) rather than direct visual inspection.
- A frequent root cause behind other findings: wear, corrosion, or a short circuit can each trace back to an underlying contamination event.
What does Contamination reveal about failures?
Contamination is foreign material present in a system where it should not be (dirt or metal particles in a lubricant, moisture in an electrical enclosure, a chemical agent in a hydraulic circuit) degrading the intended function of that system or accelerating damage to components exposed to it.
How do teams use Contamination in failure analysis?
Contamination is typically identified through targeted testing (oil analysis reporting particle counts and moisture content, or inspection for visible residue and discoloration) and confirming both what the contaminant is and how it entered the system, since the entry point (a failed seal, an open breather, improper handling) is what must actually be corrected.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a contamination relevant to the asset?
A relevant contamination is foreign material (particles, moisture, or chemicals) present in a system such as lubricant or an enclosure, where it degrades function or accelerates wear, identified along with its specific entry point.
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