From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Laboratory report on the analysis of a used rear axle oil sample, detailing its composition and corrosive effects.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\2\ scan0184 | |
| Date | 2nd July 1938 | |
| 1231. Wakefield Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} HL/EA.2/SK.2.7.38. Laboratory. Report No.P.22. Re : Sample of used Rear Axle Oil. This sample was examined with the following results :- (1) The black sediment present in the oil was found to be mainly iron and carbon, no sulphides being present. (2) The usual copper strip test was supplemented by a piece of S/ZN. The two metals were immersed in the oil at 120°F.{Mr Friese} for 50 hrs. At the end of this period it was noted that both materials were attacked. The corrosion deposit consisted mainly of chlorides, no sulphides being present. (3) The oil was heated to 150°C and the vapours and gases led into water. In this manner considerable quantities of Hydrochloric Acid and Sulphurous Acid were collected. These would normally result from the absorption of Sulphur Chloride in water. (4) Very little moisture was detected in the oil. (This may have been evaporated if the axle had been unduly hot). It may be of interest to you to observe here that the presence of water in an axle lubricated by a Sulphur Chloride type oil, may be dangerous, particularly under conditions of heat. Hl/EA. | ||