METALWORKING FLUIDS CAN INTERACT WITH ALUMINUM CHIPS AND FINES TO CREATE A PROBLEM WITH THE FLUIDS’ CHEMISTRY

When machining or grinding aluminum it has been found that the freshly cut surfaces which stay in the fluid for extended periods can react with the some metalworking fluids and create salts or soaps. The undesirable material can affect the lube package of the metalworking fluid and/or it hardness parameter. When the concentration of this undesirable material grows to a point where the coolant can no longer function and the fluid appears to “die.” Studies indicate that this reaction varies with metalworking fluids and often it does not occur until the fluids’ life has been extended by standard filtration.

One possible step which can be taken to minimize this problem is to enhance the filtration to remove more of the aluminum particles which are less than 8 micron. The high count of extremely fine material could be the main contributor to this problem. Better filtration will help.

Harrigan Solutions understands this phenomenon and can offer advice on how to mitigate the problem. We offer engineering help on how to improve your filtration system if enhancement is needed. We sell or rent new and used filters depending upon the customers economical goals. Service agreements are offered where our technicians will perform the maintenance functions for customers who do not have the staff to cover this area. Our crews can perform maintenance to any level the customer wishes. In addition, our technicians can assist in upgrading the actual filtration equipment wherever it is economically viable. For more information contact me Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603.
Email me at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com.
The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm