In any type of application where coolant is used and recycled, contamination of the coolant will happen over time. The speed or rate of this contamination is based on the presence of oils, grease, dirt or even small metal shavings or particulate matter that is found on the workpieces or is produced by the machining equipment during operation.
Different types of industrial filtration systems can be used to extend the life of the coolant by removing this oil, grease and the solid contaminants in the liquid. This process can extend the life of the coolant fluid, helping to reduce the high cost of continually replacing coolants and paying for disposal of the old, used, contaminated liquid.
Typical Filtration
Most of the basic types of industrial filtration systems are designed to remove tramp oil. Tamp oil is sometimes called sump oil, and it tends to collect on the surface of the coolant in the sump or reservoir. Over time, these oils build up and create a toxic waste issue that is both costly to dispose of and can also cause damage to equipment by reducing the efficiency of the coolant, allowing equipment to run hot.
More Complete Filtration
More advanced filtration may also remove entrained or emulsified oil, which is the smaller droplets of oil that are dispersed in the liquid. This is a more efficient and effective way to extend the life of the coolant, but there is still the issue of the solids that are in the coolant water mixture.
The ultra industrial filtration systems have an advanced design that skims the surface oil, removes the entrained or emulsified oils, and also removes solids. These systems typically have different compartments and processes for each filtration, but they can be very efficient at handling even large volumes of coolant and significantly extending the life cycle.