# Oil mist

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**Oil mist** refers to [oil](/source/Oil) droplets suspended in the air in the size range 1~10 μm.

## Formation of oil mist

Oil mist may form when high pressure [fuel oil](/source/Fuel_oil), [lubricating oil](/source/Lubricating_oil), [hydraulic oil](/source/Hydraulic_oil), or other oil is sprayed through a narrow crack, or when leaked oil connects with a high temperature surface, vaporizes, and comes in contact with low air temperature.

This happens while the fluids interact with the moving parts during [machining](/source/Machining).[1]

Smaller oil droplets than oil mist are difficult to generate under normal circumstances.

Bigger oil droplets than oil mist remain in spray form; this has the advantage of a higher ignition temperature. It sinks easily, reducing [fire](/source/Fire) hazard. Oil mist inside the crankcase can cause a bigger problem.

## Risks

When the concentration of oil mist increases and reaches the [lower explosion limit](/source/Flammability_limit) (LEL; 50 mg/ℓ, as defined by the IACS), explosion may occur when the mist contacts surfaces of over 200 °C (392 °F) or a spark.

The [International Association of Classification Societies](/source/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies) (IACS) mandates that all ships with a cylinder diameter greater than 300mm or [engine power](/source/Engine_power) over 2,250 kW must be equipped with either bearing temperature detectors or oil mist detectors.[2]

In regards to occupational exposures, the [Occupational Safety and Health Administration](/source/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration) and the [National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health](/source/National_Institute_for_Occupational_Safety_and_Health) have set occupational exposure limits at 5 ppm over an eight-hour time-weighted average, with a [short-term exposure limit](/source/Short-term_exposure_limit) at 10 ppm.[3]

## Related accidents

- [2010 Puebla oil pipeline explosion](/source/2010_Puebla_oil_pipeline_explosion) : The 2010 Puebla oil pipeline explosion was a large [oil pipeline](/source/Oil_pipeline) explosion in [Mexico](/source/Mexico). In the central part of Mexico, 28 people were killed by the explosion.[4]

## References

1. ["What is oil mist"](http://www.plymovent.com/int-en/solutions/oil_mist/about_oil_mist/what_is_oil_mist.aspx). Retrieved April 2, 2014.

1. ["A Current List of Cruise Ship Incidents - Ship Fires"](http://www.shipdetective.com/advice/safety/fires.htm). Shipdetective.com. Retrieved 2013-09-06.

1. [CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical hazards](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0472.html)

1. ["Mexico Pipeline Explosion Kills 28"](https://www.voanews.com/a/mexico-pipeline-explosion-kills-28-112182309/132525.html). Retrieved April 2, 2014.

## External links

1 International Maritime Organization (IMO)

- [GUIDELINES FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF OIL MIST DETECTORS](http://www.sjofartsverket.se/upload/5639/47-9.pdf)[dead link]
- [CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ATMOSPHERIC OIL MIST DETECTORS](http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=7469&filename=1086.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130828044227/http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=7469&filename=1086.pdf) 2013-08-28 at the Wayback Machine

2 International Association of Classification Societies Ltd unified requirements concerning MACHINERY INSTALLATIONS

- M10 Protection of internal combustion engines against crankcase explosions
- M67 [Type Testing Procedure for Crankcase Oil Mist Detection and Alarm Equipment](https://web.archive.org/web/20130124025145/http://www.iacs.org.uk/document/public/Publications/Unified_requirements/PDF/UR_M_pdf155.PDF)

3 Oil Companies International Marine Forum Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) Programme/ Vessel Inspection Questionnaires for Oil Tankers, Combination Carriers, Shuttle Tankers, Chemical Tankers and Gas Carriers

- [Questions & Answers : 11.22 / 11.23 / 11.24 / 11.25](http://www.aravessel.com/downloads/view_document.pdf)[dead link]

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Oil mist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_mist) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_mist?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.