Coolant Filtration

Dear friends,

Let’s talk about coolant filtration and what role it plays in increasing fluid longevity and part quality. Coolants are process fluids which serve as Liquid Tools® which perform various functions in the manufacturing and production process. Coolants provide a wide range of properties and aspects in the part making process; these include lubricating and cooling of the cutting tools and parts being machined. Coolants are also expected to provide excellent corrosion protection to the machine tool and parts; good chip evacuation along with an acceptable level of health and safety. So as you can see, there are heavy demands placed upon a metalworking fluid in order for it to fulfill its critical role in the manufacturing process. During machining, metalworking fluids become heavily contaminated with micron and sub-micron metal particles, as well as tramp oils. These tramp oils can be removed by skimming the free oil from the top of the emulsion, but the metal fines must be addressed by means of filtration. Filtration can come in many different forms and can range from simple decantation tanks and filter media, to more complex high speed centrifuges. Both provide the same end result - the removal of metal fines from the process fluid.

But isn’t filtration expensive?

In the past the cost of filtration verses the cost of metalworking fluids, was prohibitive for smaller shops to financially realize. However with the rising price of metalworking fluid concentrates and the high costs for spent coolant waste disposal; more companies are becoming aware of the value that filtration can play into decreasing the overall metalworking fluid cost and extending fluid life.

So what’s in it for me?

Coolant filtration can increase productivity and tool life and is beneficial in helping reduce scrap due to poor surface finish. Filtration increases manufactured part quality; this is due in part to superior surface finishes, thus improving a company’s overall part quality and image. Nice finishes = Happy customers!

In the 2^nd addition of Coolant Filtration, by James J. Joseph it states “The size of the operation no longer qualifies the need for filtration but it establishes the degree of filtration needed to show an economic return”. So now we see that all manufacturing companies regardless of size should be incorporating some degree of filtration. So the important questions we should be asking ourselves are these… Do I filter my coolant, and if not, why? What increases in productivity and tool life do I stand to gain by doing so? How much longer could my fluids last if I did?

By not implementing filtration, you will fail to realize the full potential of your cutting tools and (if equipped) high pressure coolant system, let alone the metalworking fluid you are currently using. Re-cutting chips is not conducive to long tool life and a contaminated fluid does not produce excellent surface finishes. One more item to take into consideration; high levels of metal fines raises the probability for contact dermatitis in the shop environment, thus increasing costs, and profit loss due to employee sick leave and low morale.

So if you are still kicking the idea around about whether or not you should purchase a filtration system?  My question to you would be…       Why wait any longer?

Stay tuned for more useful coolant related 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

E-mail at b.reynolds@blaser.com

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The Oil Baron Bulletin is not affiliated with Blaser Swisslube Inc. or its subsidiaries