Cleaner Coolant Extends Machine Life
Small and Efficient Tramp Oil Separator
By Mark Scherer, Master Chemical Corporation
Tramp oils (hydraulic oils, lubes, or any undesirable oil) are a source of many of the problems associated with water-miscible cutting and grinding fluids. Removing the tramp oil from the coolant removes a food source for bacteria, reduces undesirable residues on machine tools and work pieces, and reduces smoke and oil mist in shop.
Large, highly efficient tramp oil separators are priced at about $3,500. Small units cost between $400-$500, but are not considered efficient. Now, the highly technical and efficient Master Coalescer Jr. offers a cost-effective mid-range option. Sales have been brisk for this compact, affordable, and effective processor of machine tool coolants that meets the requirements of any metalworking plant.
"The Master Coalescer Jr. was developed to meet a need in the marketplace," says Ron Wendt, technical support representative of the Systems Equipment Division (SED) of The Andersons, Inc. (Maumee, OH). "It provides a cost effective midsize tramp oil separator." The machine removes tramp oils and provides clean, reusable coolant – paying for itself with extended coolant and tool life, improved machinability, and reduced maintenance.
This equipment is designed for use with water-miscible coolants and parts washing fluids that "reject" tramp oils (chemical emulsion or chemical solution types). It is not designed for use with chemical surface active types that emulsify tramp oils. According to Wendt, its compact design works with CNC machines with small, hard-to-access coolant sumps, requiring minimum maintenance and providing maximum tramp oil removal while the machine is running. "Junior?s" portability allows shared use on several machine tool sumps and the tramp oil separator?s simplified operation requires less operator involvement.
"It uses an electric, 120 volt diaphragm pump that primes to 48 in," explains Mr. Wendt. "This self-priming pump uses less energy, which offers cost savings." The Master Coalescer Jr. has an easily removable media pack that offers up to 132 sq ft of coalescing surface. No adjustments are necessary and the new floating 3 in diameter skimmer works in sumps as shallow as 1½ in deep to collect oils and soiled fluids.
This tramp oil separator is also available in a portable model with wheels. The portable Master Coalescer Jr. provides the same working performance, but moves from one sump to another with ease. "Portable Jr." features two rigid and two swivel casters and a hinged pull handle with handy magnetic latch.
Mark W. Scherer is the manager of communications for Master Chemical Corporation, 501 West Boundary Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551, 419-874-7902, Fax: 419-874-0684, mscherer@masterchemical.com, www.masterchemical.com.
Coolant Cleaners Notably Decrease Machine Wear
By Dan Zimmerman, Eriez
Designed to meet the heavy demands of grinding and metal-cutting operations, Eriez® magnetic coolant cleaners provide unmatched extraction of ferrous particles. These powerful ceramic and rare-earth magnetic coolant cleaners extend life of coolant, cutting tools, grinding wheels, pumps and other filtering devices.
Radial-design magnetic circuits extract ferrous particles to help meet tolerances and improve surface finish. Designed for use with surface grinders, gear grinders, honing and lapping machines, broaches, milling and drilling machines, face grinders and oil reclaiming machines, magnetic coolant cleaners are an essential and powerful tool wherever clean coolant is required.
To meet application specific needs, a wide variety of models are available. Ceramic magnetic coolant cleaners remove ferrous particles as small as 15 microns, while Xtractor? rare-earth magnetic coolant cleaners remove ferrous particles as small as 3 microns. With the array of options available, users can easily find the right coolant cleaner to fit their particular needs.
Permanent ceramic magnetic indexing units, available with either a smooth-faced or extended-pole roll, can be used when both ferrous and non-ferrous contaminants are present. Non-indexing models are ideal for applications where little or no non-magnetic contaminants are present in the coolant. These ceramic manetic coolant cleaners are reliable and rugged. They are available in several sizes and can handle up to 600 gpm of water-soluble coolant.
Xtractor rare-earth coolant cleaner utilizes a powerful magnetic field, designed to maximize removal of fine ferrous particles from coolant. Available in four sizes, the unit will handle up to 120 gpm of water-soluble coolant. All of these coolant cleaner models can be easily installed on new or existing machines to provide years of maintenance free operation.
Dan Zimmerman is the metalworking market manager for Eriez, 2200 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506, 888-300-3743, dzimmerman@eriez.com, www.eriez.com.
