Liasotech Private Limited - Blog #Myth Vs. Fact

The Myth of If the Machine is Running, the Oil is Fine

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:52:19 +0000

One of the most common and costly beliefs in industrial maintenance is this: “If the machine is running smoothly, the oil must be fine.”

Unfortunately, this myth has silently caused countless breakdowns, premature component failures, and avoidable downtime across industries.

The reality is simple: machines don’t fail suddenly—oil fails quietly first.

Hydraulic, turbine, and lubrication oils can look normal and still be heavily contaminated. Microscopic particles, moisture, and oxidation by-products are invisible to the naked eye but extremely destructive to pumps, valves, bearings, and seals. By the time performance drops or noise appears, internal damage is often already done.

In fact, studies show that up to 80% of hydraulic failures are contamination-related, not mechanical. Dirty oil accelerates wear, increases operating temperature, disrupts lubrication films, and shortens component life while the machine may continue running “normally” for weeks or months.

Another misconception is that topping up with fresh oil fixes the issue. In reality, adding new oil to contaminated oil only dilutes the problem temporarily. Without proper filtration, contaminants continue circulating, damaging critical components every minute the machine operates.

Modern maintenance strategies focus on oil condition, not just machine condition. Parameters like ISO cleanliness levels, moisture content (ppm), and oxidation indicators provide early warnings long before failures occur. Advanced filtration systems—such as depth filtration and vacuum dehydration—remove contaminants and restore oil health while the machine stays operational.

The takeaway is clear:

Running does not mean healthy.

Clean oil is the foundation of reliable machinery, longer equipment life, and lower maintenance costs.

Myth Vs. Fact - Lubricants

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:37:51 +0000

Myth: Lubricants are clean if grit or sediment cannot be seen.

Fact: Contamination from water, dirt, and incompatible oil can severely and detrimentally affect the useful life of the lubricant. Even fresh oil in the barrel can be dirtier than the used oil that is drained from the system.

Myth: Only Lubricants need filtration

Fact: Average individuals falsely believe that only lubricants used in industrial machines need to be filtered. However, the truth is that, like lube oil, hydraulic oil also comes into contact with vital parts of a machine and can degrade and deteriorate the hydraulic system. Contaminated hydraulic oil poses. a greater threat to a machine than contaminated lube.

Myth: More lubricant means better protection.

Fact: Over-lubrication can lead to increased friction, energy wastage, and even equipment damage. Proper lubrication involves finding the right balance to ensure optimal performance.

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Myth Vs. Fact: Offline Filters

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:27:08 +0000

Offline filter myths that can affect your system

Myth 1 : Offline Filters will remove additives

Fact: Sophisticated additive packages have been developed by Oil Companies, specifically formulated to dissolve completely in all lubricants, fluids, and fuels.

Though, there are some additives that are not soluble such as MoS2.

Myth 2 : Offline Filters having synthetic filter media such as glass fibre can remove varnish

Fact: The ideal material for capturing and removing varnish is depth filter, which is commonly used in Liasotech Filters. Conversely, synthetic filter media, such as Glass Fibre, which is often used in Inline Filters, is not capable of removing varnish. To effectively remove varnish, it is recommended to use an Offline Filter equipped with depth media.

Myth 3 : Offline Filters Cannot Clean High Viscosity Oils

Fact: Inline Filters are best for viscosities <200cSt as low surface area of these filters does not allow sufficient space for high-viscosity oils to pass through. Offline Filters on the other hand offer a much higher surface area and provide depth filtration as they run at much lower flow rates.