Contamination is defined as any substance which is foreign to a  lubrication system and damaging its performance. Even when no immediate  failures occur, high contaminations levels can accelerate component wear and in  turn, contribute to inefficient system operation, seizure of parts, higher temperature  or vibration levels, leakage and loss of control. All of these phenomena are  the result of direct mechanical action between the contaminants and system  components. Contamination can exist as gas, liquid or solid.  
       
      
    Contaminations come  from two basic sources: they either enter the system from outside (ingestion)  or are generated from within (ingression). Most systems ingest contaminants  through such components as inefficient air breathers. 
  |