INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS; FRIEND AND POSSIBLE FOE

Industrial lubricants are an asset to the metalworking equipment, but they can be a liability to the filtration of the metalworking fluids. The main reason is leakage of the lubricants into the coolant creates a tramp oil problem. Some of the leakage can not be stopped because of the nature of the application of the lubricants, such as:

1. Spindle lubes
2. Way lubes

Other areas where lubricants find their way into the coolant are:

1. Uncontrollable leaks of hydraulic oil
2. Coatings on the incoming stock

Although the items appear to be uncontrollable there are steps which can be taken to reduce the rate of leakage.

1. Keep dispensing devises properly adjusted to not send more lubricants than necessary
2. Fix the hydraulics leaks where it is practical
3. Verify the type and amount of material used for coating the incoming stock

Harrigan Solutions’ engineers and technicians can assist you in reviewing the areas where leakage is occurring. They can also provide the equipment to remove tramp oil where the amounts of the unwanted oil are causing problems on the line and with the chemistry of the coolant.
For more information call bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html

CUTTING FLUIDS NEED FILTRATION TOO

Cutting fluids are in the same category as metalworking fluids, however, the term "cutting" implies machining. There is a school of thought that a machining operation is rugged and dirty anyway, so, the need for filtration of the cutting fluids is not that great. While it is true a machining process can operate without filtration for a longer period than grinding operations, there comes a point where the contaminant level begins to take its toll. Particles load between the tool and the workpiece. The increase in friction develops more heat which causes the tools to wear prematurely and the parts are machined out of specification. Therefore cutting fluids filtration is needed and can show economic justification.

Harrigan Solutions’ staff understands the need for the proper selection of cutting fluids and the value of keeping the fluid clean enough to constantly serve the operation. For more information call Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. Email him at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. Website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

USED COOLANT FILTERS CAN SERVE COOLANT SYSTEMS IN MANY DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS

Used coolant filters could be a popular item for different types of installations. Two of the most popular installations are:

1. A remote coolant recovery filtration module which is designed to work off-line to clean dirty coolants collected from various machines and hold the recovered fluid ready to be sent back to the machines when a clean batch is needed.

2. A auxiliary filter on systems where the main filter is not able to maintain the desired coolant clarity level. The location of the auxiliary filter will depend on the size of the system, layout and reason why the main filter's performance falls short. The secondary filter can act as a polishing device, pre-filter, or in parallel with the main filter.

A properly sized, good, reconditioned filter will be an economical choice as well as have a short lead time. For more information call Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. Email at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

USED COOLANT CENTRIFUGES CAN BE AN ANSWER TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH TRAMP OIL

Used coolant centrifuges could be an answer to the ongoing tramp oil problem in metalworking coolant systems. The purchase price, availability and reliability of a good reconditioned centrifuge make it a good choice for tramp oil applications. The high speed, disc stack centrifuge is not only a good separator for tramp oil but it will also removed many of the fine solids. Its high efficiency allows a high speed centrifuge to maintain tramp oil content at an acceptable level with only handling a low flow on a by side arm basis.

For more information on selection, sizing and pricing contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603.
Email him at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com.
The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

USED FILTRATION EQUIPMENT SHORTENS THE TIME TO COMPLETE A FILTRATION SYSTEM PROJECT

Used filtration equipment is finding a larger share of the industrial filtration market. The attitude toward used filtration equipment has changed because of two main reasons:

1. The care now given to a plant's filtration equipment allows the used devices (once they reach the market) to be reconditioned economically.

2. The increase in the number of plants downsizing or closing has released a number of good filters which could be used with little need of reconditioning.

As a result, used filtration equipment can be purchased at reasonable prices and with short delivery times. Both of these facts certainly help expedite the progress of a filtration project.

Harrigan Solutions have an inventory of used filtration equipment. The devices include pressure filters, vacuum filters, and screen filters. Also a number of centrifuges are also available. They will sell, rent or lease equipment depending upon their customers' needs. Leasing programs can include service agreements which offer a range of maintenance schedules based on the desires of the plants' maintenance staffs.

Call Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email address is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

COOLANT RECOVERY IS AN OFF-LINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

"Removed and repaired" is a common phrase used by maintenance departments to note when a defective part is taken off the machine and repaired within an acceptable time frame so it can be placed back on the machine to keep it going.

"Removed and replaced" is to note that a defective part was taken off the machine and replaced with a spare (new or reconditioned) in order to keep machine running. Where possible the defective part is either repaired as a future spare or discarded.

Coolant filtration is also a maintenance program just like the typical maintenance programs for machines and tools used in the production process:

1. On-line filtration (either full flow or sidearm) is the "removed and repaired" procedure.
2. Coolant recovery (off-line filtration) is the "removed and replaced" procedure.

Harrigan Solutions carries a full line of filters and centrifuges which could be used in coolant recovery modules. The modules are designed with the necessary dirty and clean tanks; the dirty tank will hold the "removed" dirty liquid to be cleaned, and the clean tank will hold the cleaned liquid for the "replaced" phase.

Contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

USED CENTRIFUGES READILY AVAILABLE

Many times the need for a centrifuge for a system or project is hampered because the of the long lead times required to obtain a new unit. Usually reconditioned used centrifuges are readily available so the program need not be delayed. Also, the price differential is another incentive for looking at used centrifuges.

Harrigan Solutions have an inventory of reconditioned used centrifuges. They have the know-how to assist in selecting and operating centrifuges and centrifuge systems.

Harrigan Solutions also rent or lease used centrifuges. Lease agreements could also include a service agreement which can range from just monitoring the centrifuge to performing the needed maintenance.

Call Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. Email him at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

FLAT BED PRESSURE FILTERS OFFER UNIQUE FEATURES

Flat bed pressure filters use a simple concept to clean contaminated fluids by forcing the fluid through a filter media so the unwanted material is separated and discharged. The pressure filter goes through an indexing cycle to remove excess fluid trapped in the accumulated material so a relatively dry "cake" exits the chamber. The spent media is wound in a roll for easy disposal. Acceptable levels of fluid clarity are reached because of the filters' flexibility in media selections and adjustable filter flow rates for a each application. This simple action yields a host of advantages:
1. Automatic-little operator attention.
2. Compact Design; less floor space.
3. Cake filtration; better clarity with lower media usage.
4. Blowdown extracts loose liquid for a drier cake where applicable.
5. Loose liquid extraction minimizes fluid carryout.
6. Wide range of media options.
7. No by-pass leakage around edges.
8. Using less media than other types of filters is normal.
9. Less moving parts.
10. No conveyor chain needed.
11. Readily accessible since tanks do not have to be emptied to get to filter’s chambers.
12. Doctor blade separates cake from media and spent media is rewound.

Harrigan Solutions offers a full range of pressure filters along with the application know-how.

Call Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. Email bharrigan@harigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

FILTRATION IS FUNDAMENTAL TO METALWORKING FLUID MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Filtration systems for metalworking fluids greatly influence a fluid management program beyond just filtering contaminated fluids. Filtration capability within comprehensive filtration systems are the foundation from which metalworking fluids management programs can set strategies and meet the objectives of other key items in an effective program. The major key items are:

1. Fluid Selection - Longer fluid life due to filtration allows a facility to use higher quality and safer fluids.

2. Fluid Dispensing - The comprehensive system approach evaluates flushing volumes and velocities to control splashing and minimize misting.

3. Health and Safety - Cleaner and higher quality metalworking fluids reduce some of the variables which may have an impact on operator sensitivity issues.

4. Fluid Additives - There is usually less chemical dosing since the filtration system is protecting the stability of the blended fluids.

5. Handling - Extended metalworking fluid's life reduces man hours because of less dumping, and reductions in tank cleaning and smaller volumes for disposing or recycling.

6. Waste Treatment - Less dumping could be a major input for waste minimization programs.

7. Performance - Cleaner fluids enhance productivity and reduce machine wear and tear.

8. Procurement - There are less fluids to buy because of the extended life of the fluids on line.

9. Storage - Less usage and possible consolidation reduces the need for space and traffic.

Harrigan Solutions can assist you in designing an effective program which can be developed to only the depth of involvement you need. They have the engineering know-how and can supply products if they are needed.
For more information contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603.
His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com.
The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

ALFA LAVAL SERVICE AGREEMENTS DESIGNED TO WORK WITH MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTS

Harrigan Solutions has the know-how on the selection and operation of centrifuges for many applications. Therefore, they understand the disciplines needed to service Alfa Laval centrifuges and can provide service for centrifuges at varying levels of involvement.

The level of involvement can be tailored to meet need of the facility. The options are:

1. Monitor equipment and submit a report to the maintenance department.

2. Monitor equipment, perform minor adjustments and submit a report.

3. Monitor equipment, perform minor adjustments, perform maintenance in conjunction
with the maintenance department, perform routine PM programs and submit a report.

4. In addition to the above options service is available which involves assisting
the plant personnel in monitoring the performance beyond the mechanical functions
of the system.The goal is to reach a practical level of liquid clarity and
equipment set-up by conducting clarity levels with laboratory analysis.

5. Up grading equipment and controls can be another option in the service agreement.

You can contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603 or email at mailto:bharrigan@bharrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

ALFA LAVAL PARTS AVAILABLE

Alfa Laval parts for centrifuges can be purchased as separate items or as kits with relatively short lead times.

Harrigan Solutions is organized to provide full service for Alfa Laval centrifuges, including:

1. Sell Replacement parts,
2. Set up centrifuge operation
3. Monitor performance
4. Preventive maintenance
5. Repair at breakdown
6. Upgrade older units

They also sell, rent, and lease new and used centrifuges. Lease agreements can include service contacts which would work in conjunction with your maintenance department and free your staff so they can concentrate on the other items in a production plant.

Contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

A FILTER UPGRADE CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY ADDING A PRESSURE FILTER

A filter upgrade for an existing filtration system can be accomplished with the relatively simple step of adding a flat bed pressure filter to compensate for the short comings of the initial filter. It is usually less expensive, and faster to look at the system upgrade, than it is to remove and replace or do a major revamp on the existing filter.

The pressure filter offers the flexibility to be positioned almost anywhere in the system. It can act as a polishing filter or guard filter or supplement to the existing filter.

Harrigan Solutions can work with you on developing a plan to incorporate a pressure filter as an up grade of your existing filtration system. For more information call Bill Harrigan at
1-888-685-9603. You can email him at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

Alfa Laval Centrifuges Cover a Wide Range of Applications

Alfa Laval centrifuges rank high in their capability to separate liquids from solids as well as liquids from liquids. The disc stack high speed unit has the capability of separating a solid from a liquid and at the same time it can separate a second liquid from the same mix.

Alfa Laval centrifuges are well suited for applications where the materials which need separating are relatively close in density and/or specific gravity. Plus, the materials' physical characteristics would not allow a conventional filter to function economically.

Another advantage is that the highly efficient centrifuge can reach acceptable results with a low flow rate working on a sidearm loop. For example, an industrial coolant application with a 30,000-gallon reservoir and where tramp oil is entering at a rate up to 500 gallons a day can be served by a single centrifuge at 22 GPM and keep the tramp oil content below 2 percent.

Harrigan Solutions can provide application know-how for almost all applications where a centrifuge is a viable option. They also service centrifuges and have an inventory of units for sale or rent. Lease programs are also offered which can include equipment maintenance agreements.

For more information contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A MACHINING COOLANT IS NOT FILTERED?

Often a question is asked; what actually happens if a coolant for machining is not filtered? The main reason for the inquiry is that many look at a machining application as rugged and dirty. Therefore, they feel that unfiltered coolant may not be as large of a problem as it would be for other metalworking operations.

The answer to this question is that unfiltered coolant is a problem and it can be seen in many sectors of a machining operation. This blog will address three of these sectors which are the first to feel the negative impact when operating without coolant filtration. Other sectors will be revealed in a subsequent postings in the blog on Coolant Filtration.

A machining application can operate without coolant filtration for an extended period without experiencing tool life and product quality problems. However, as the suspended particles grow in concentration a number of adverse conditions develop with the most critical being unwanted material becoming trapped in the interface between the tool and workpiece:

• The particles cause the tool to be exposed to more friction which elevates the temperature.
• The heat shortens the life of the tool’s cutting edge.
• The variance due to the high temperature affecting the coefficient of expansion can cause the workpiece to be machined out of tolerance.

Harrigan Solutions understands the value of a filtration system for machining applications. They have the industrial filters, coolant centrifuges and services to address these concerns. Feel free to contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9803. Or email him at bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.html.