Why Draining and Refilling Your Reservoir is Essential for Machinery Health
Regular oil changes are a critical part of maintaining machinery efficiency and longevity. Over time, lubricants degrade, accumulate contaminants, and lose their essential properties, making an oil change inevitable. Here’s why keeping your lubricant clean, cool, and dry is crucial—and how to know when it’s time for a reservoir drain and refill.
1. Contamination: The Silent Machine Killer
Contaminants such as dirt, water, and process-related liquids can compromise lubrication quality and lead to premature wear. If filtration and dehydration methods can’t remove these impurities, a complete oil change is the only solution.
But external contaminants aren’t the only concern—internal contamination from machine wear and oil degradation byproducts can be just as damaging. Left unchecked, contamination accelerates wear, shortens equipment life, and increases the risk of costly failures.
2. Oil Degradation: The Impact of Oxidation
One of the primary reasons for oil degradation is oxidation—a chemical reaction between atmospheric oxygen and oil molecules. As oxidation progresses, the oil’s chemical structure changes permanently, leading to sludge formation, varnish buildup, and increased acidity. These changes can cause filter clogging, restricted oil flow, and valve malfunctions, all of which can lead to severe machinery damage.
The Role of Temperature in Oxidation
Temperature is a major factor in oxidation rates. A good rule of thumb: for every 50°F increase in temperature, the oil’s lifespan is cut in half. Keeping oil cool helps slow degradation, but eventually, oxidation will take its toll, making an oil change necessary.
3. Additive Depletion: Losing Key Performance Benefits
Lubricants rely on additives such as detergents, dispersants, viscosity improvers, and anti-wear agents to maintain their performance. However, these additives have a limited lifespan and are gradually consumed or chemically depleted over time.
Once these additives break down, the oil loses its protective benefits, leaving the machine vulnerable to wear, corrosion, and decreased efficiency. For machinery that depends on these additives for proper function, ignoring additive depletion can significantly shorten equipment life.
Extending Oil Life: Prevention is Key
While oil changes are unavoidable, proper maintenance can extend the time between changes. The best practices for prolonging lubricant life include:
✅ Keeping oil clean – Use high-quality filtration systems to remove contaminants.
✅ Controlling temperature – Maintain optimal operating temperatures to slow oxidation.
✅ Monitoring additive levels – Regular oil analysis helps detect depletion before it becomes a problem.
By staying proactive with lubrication maintenance, you can reduce downtime, lower operating costs, and extend the life of your equipment. When the time comes, don’t delay—a timely oil change can prevent costly repairs and keep your operations running smoothly. Mellott’s expert service team is here to help! Contact us here!
