Quotes from machinerylubrications.com :
A )States of Coexistence
Water can exist in oil in three states or phases.
A.1 )
The first state, known as
dissolved water, is characterized by individual water molecules dispersed throughout the oil.
Dissolved water in a lubricating oil is comparable to moisture in the air on a humid day - we know the water is there, but because it is dispersed molecule-by-molecule, it is too small to see. For this reason, an oil can contain a significant concentration of dissolved water with no visible indication of its presence. Most industrial oils such as hydraulic fluids, turbine oils, etc., can hold as much as 200 to 600 ppm of water (0.02 to 0.06 percent) in the dissolved state depending on the temperature and age of the oil, with aged oils capable of holding three to four times more water in the dissolved state than new oil.
(Note:This dissolved water/oil state is applicable to water contamination of transmission oil in OP's case , as it is cherry red pinkish in colour with hardly a teaspoon of water.)
A.2 )Once the amount of water has exceeded the maximum level for it to remain dissolved, the oil is saturated. At this point, the water is suspended in the oil in microscopic droplets known as
an emulsion (the second state/stage).
This is similar to the formation of fog on a cool, spring day. In this case, the amount of moisture in the air exceeds the saturation point, resulting in a suspension of small droplets of moisture or fog.
In a lubricating oil, this “fog” is often referred to as haze with the oil said to be cloudy or hazy.
(Note:This is NOT applicable to OP's case, as the oil has NOT turned milky but remains cherry red pinkish as reported by OP.)
A.3 )The addition of more water to an emulsified oil/water mixture will lead to a separation of the two phases producing a layer of
free water (note:the third state/stage) as well as free and/or emulsified oil. This is like rain falling when the amount of moisture in the air becomes excessive. For mineral oils and PAO synthetics whose specific gravity is less than 1.0, this free water layer is found on the bottom of tanks and sumps.
(Note:NOT applicable to OP)
B )The Effects of Water Contamination
In a lubricating system, the two most harmful phases are
free and
emulsified water.
(Note:NOT applicable to OP's case in hand i.e 'dissolved water')
Because
the effects of free and emulsified water are more harmful compared to dissolved water, a general rule of thumb is to ensure that moisture levels remain well below the saturation point.
(Note:OP's oil is at first state/stage of 'dissolved water' contamination , and not at second and/or third stages which are more harmful than first stage.)
C )Measuring Water
In order
to control moisture levels, one must be able to detect its presence. There are five basic test methods used to determine the moisture content of a lubricating oil. These methods range from a simple apparatus to a more complex chemical test or slightly more expensive percent saturation probe test ideal for on-site screening purposes. It may also include more advanced technology typically used in laboratories for precise determination of the water level in ppm....................................
Like all contaminants, it is important not only to recognize its presence, but also to take steps to control or eliminate the source of water ingression. If possible, water levels in all equipment should be kept below the saturation limit, with every effort made to keep moisture levels as low as possible. Whether you choose to install desiccant style breathers, improve seals, or to use a centrifugal filter or a large vacuum dehydration unit, reducing the level of water in all types of equipment can dramatically extend the life of the lubricant and the machine.
(Note:water contamination is a problem to be managed , and
does not condemn OP's transmission oils outright and unconditionally as originally proposed to OP.)
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/192/water-contaminant-oil
OP,
Your case is at first stage 'dissolved water' contamination ...... and till now it hasn't gone into second stage of 'emulsified water'contamination (as would be evidenced from milky, strawberry milkshake and hazy colour ... which isn't true in your case) ...... and your are very far away from 'free water' contamination as would be evidenced from layer/phase separation............
this is NOT strong basis to condemn your oils.
What your read in above posts and internet on
water contamination tends to refer to
second and/or third stage water contamination .......... which isn't quite applicable to you (i.e 'dissolved water') as written above.
Whether it is first,second or third stage water contamination, again ,it
does NOT condemn oils outright and unconditionally as previously proposed here.
