The
Do’s and Don’ts of Coolant Maintenance
Dear
friends,
Every
coolant manufacturer wants to sell you a metalworking fluid, but has anyone
ever took the time and told you how to properly take care of it? Well today is
your lucky day, because I’m going to tell you how. Basic coolant maintenance is
actually pretty simple; but a few key points need to be followed regularly if
you want to get the most out of your metalworking fluid. Here is what you want
to do.
·
First
- You want to make sure to mix your fluids properly. This is done by adding the
coolant concentrate to the water, while stirring vigorously. Remember – the
acronym O.I.L. or Oil In Last. Also when topping off or refilling you’re
coolant sump, don’t just add straight water to the sumps. Always add a lean mix
of coolant and water as this keeps the concentration steady and the additive
packages up in the fluid.
·
Second
- Concentration is the key. Make sure to keep the concentration at the proper
level for the material you’ll be machining, and never let the concentration fall below the manufactures recommended minimum
for any given length of time. If you don’t know what the proper coolant
concentration should be for the material you’re machining, feel free to ask you
fluid supplier for the ratio you need. Another critical piece of information
fluid manufacturers neglect to tell customers is that some fluids have a
refractive correction index, to compensate for the water and or various
additives in the coolant concentrate. These multipliers should be stated on the
Data Tech Sheet and also on the drum itself. This multiplier can range from 1.3
to 4.5 or higher. You multiply the refractometer reading by the given
multiplier value, and that is your actual coolant concentration in the sump.
·
Third
- Skim off tramp oils on a regular basis. I have found that Monday morning is
an excellent time to skim off your sumps, since the fluid has rested over the
weekend and has rejected out the free oils. If you don’t have this luxury and you’re
machining around the clock, you may want to invest in disc or belt skimmers and
or coolant coalescing equipment. Also you may want to consider looking at going
to a sulfur-free way lube. Conoco/Phillips the manufacture of the Hydroclear
TCS slide way lubricant line makes an excellent hydro cracked, sulfur-free way
lube. Sulfur free means less odor (Monday morning stink) problems, cleaner
machines and ultimately, happier employee’s.
If
these three basic rules are followed, you can experience great success and
longevity with your metalworking fluids, ignore them, and they can cost you
dearly.
Stay
tuned for more useful coolant tips, from The Coolant Guy!
Best
regards,
Brett
Reynolds, CMFS
Brett Reynolds, “The Coolant Guy” works for Blaser Swisslube Inc.
If you would like more useful information regarding metalworking fluids, or would like to find out more information about Blaser metalworking fluid products,
Please contact Brett at 801-722-4095 or via
theoilbaronbulletin@blogspot.com
The Oil Baron Bulletin is not affiliated with Blaser Swisslube Inc. or its subsidiaries
