If a small percentage of ammonia is absorbed into the oil, what will happen when pressure on the oil is lowered?

When a small percentage of ammonia is absorbed into oil and the pressure on the oil is lowered, the correct outcome is that the oil will foam. This occurs because ammonia is soluble in oil under higher pressure, but once the pressure is reduced, the ammonia is less able to stay dissolved in the oil. As the ammonia comes out of solution, it forms gas bubbles, leading to the foaming effect.

Foaming can significantly affect the operability of systems using such oils. It can lead to issues such as reduced lubrication efficiency, increased wear on machinery, or even system failures due to lack of proper oil circulation.

Understanding why foaming happens in this scenario is crucial for operators. Maintaining appropriate pressure and understanding solubility dynamics can help mitigate risks associated with foaming, ensuring smoother operations in systems that involve oil and ammonia.