USED FILTRATIOIN EQUIPMENT CAN BE JUST A FILTER, OTHER COMPONENTS, OR THE WHOLE SYSTEM

The term used filtration equipment is all encompassing to include not only the cleaning device but also other key components which make up a system.

Some available equipment are complete filtration systems in different sizes and with different cleaning devices. Other inventoried equipment include components such as pumps, tanks and controls.

Some complete systems can be used as is or arranged to serve as follows:

1. Full flow closed loop system; centralized or remote coolant recovery systems.
2. Sidearm systems; single loop for a new facility or addition to existing facility.
3. Remote recovery modules; cleaning batches with a full flow or sidearm system.
4. Standalone modules; single loop or full flow dedicated to a single independent machine.

The big advantage is that it is not always necessary to have to buy the total system. There are many situations where a filter or one of the key components is needed to complete the system regardless of its size. Obviously if a complete package is available and as long as it fits the criteria of the application, its price is usually such that it would be wise to purchase the complete assembly.

One of the main missions of Harrigan Solutions is to inventory used filtration equipment. We will be able to help you with selection and planning the installation of the used filtration equipment. We can sell or rent used filtration equipment to meet your budget needs. We also provide service agreements to service your equipment. The agreement can be to any level of involvement you wish; from just monitoring to actually performing the maintenance work. If desirable, we can conduct training to give your staff the know-how needed to operate and/or maintain the equipment.

The service agreements could be applicable to all your other filtration systems wherever you wish.

For more information please contact me, Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. My email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

USED COOLANT FILTERS SUCH AS THE FLAT BED PRESSURE DESIGN HAVE SOME ADVANTAGES OTHER DESIGNS DO NOT OFFER

Used coolant filters are readily available in the filtration market place and they could be good options for many different filtration projects. One of the most popular used coolant filters is the flat bed pressure filter using roll or belt media.

There are many reasons for this and here are a few points to consider;

• The typical high first cost of new units makes used coolant filters attractive when their selling price is usually a fraction of the new filters' costs.
• The pressure filter has fewer moving parts exposed to the dirty liquid therefore its long term reliability is better than the type of filter which has moving parts submerged in the dirty liquid.
• With fewer moving parts reconditioning is less involved and more effective.
• The foot print of the floor space is usually smaller than the other designs.
• Since the filter is pump fed it offers more flexibility for its location.
• The cake of solids goes through a liquid extraction process before being discharged.

There may be other reasons for selecting a flat bed pressure filter and the engineers at Harrigan Solutions can assist you in your evaluation. They can also, explain the other types of used coolant filters they have in inventory. Other options may fit your needs as well.

Harrigan Solutions offers their customers a choice to purchase or rent used coolant filters to satisfy their economic objectives. Service agreements are available where Harrigan Solutions' trained technicians provide maintenance support ranging from just monitoring to actually maintaining the equipment. Or, training sessions for the plants' maintenance staff could be arranged.

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

USED COOLANT CENTRIFUGES CAN BE SERVE A WIDE RANGE OF COOLANT APPLICATIONS

The fact that you are looking at used coolant centrifuges means that you recognize that centrifuges could serve a number of metalworking coolant applications. The three basic centrifuges continuous flow/self cleaning bowl, batch and disc stack are used in the metalworking field on different types of applications. Some of these applications include but not limited to:

• The continuous flow centrifuges are used for liquid/solid separating applications such as surface finishing, wire drawing , and other light stock removal applications.
• Batch centrifuges are used where small amounts of coolants need cleaning and there is no problem with operator participation.
• Disc stack centrifuges are the most sophisticated since they are efficient in separating liquids from solids as well as solids from solids. They are effective in keeping tramp oil under control in waterbase coolant applications. Plus they can be used as polishing devices on coolant recovery modules

We at Harrigan Solutions recognize the value of centrifuges and carry an inventory of used coolant centrifuges. We can sell or rent them depending upon the economic goals of our customer. We have a proactive service program which covers used coolant centrifuges when our customer wishes to outsource the maintenance needs of the equipment.

For more information contact me, Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. My email address is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. the website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

USED CENTRIFUGES ARE MORE RELIABLE TODAY THAN THEY WERE YESTERDAY

Used centrifuges is a term which was not popular a few years ago because of the lack of long term reliability of the equipment. The family of used centrifuges covers the wide range of designs including bowl, basket, and high speed disc stack. They were not operator friendly and had the reputation of always needing attention. Today the centrifuge manufacturing arena has developed better products where longer life and good performance can be expected. They do not have to be the "black box" of the liquid clarification world.

• Bowl centrifuges now have the capability of continuous feed and self cleaning.
• Batch centrifuges are easier to clean.
• Disc stack centrifuges improvements in the parts reliability and electronic chip controls.

Consequently the interest in used centrifuges has increased dramatically. Good, reconditioned used centrifuges are available at factions of a cost of new units. Plus, they are available with a short lead time. Projects can be implemented sooner and at a lower cost.

Harrigan Solutions maintains an inventory of used centrifuges. They can either sell or rent the needed unit depending upon the client's return on investment goals. Harrigan Solutions also services used centrifuges for customers who do not have the manpower or need help with training.

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

PRESSURE FILTER FLOW RATE VARIES WITH DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS

Pressure filters are sized at different flow rates for each metalworking application.
The flow rate through the filter is called "filter flow rate" or "filter flux" and is usually stated as gallons per minute per square foot of filter area or liters per minute per square meter of filter area. This value is different for each application depending upon the clarity needs of the application and economical goals for the installation.

The following are some of the typical values for general machining with pressure filters. These are just guidelines and may vary in actual installations for reasons unique to the installation. Also, general machining applications usually have chip pre-separators before the coolant is sent to a filter.

• Cast iron up to 30 GPM
• Aluminum up to 35 GPM
• Steel up to 35 GPM

Grinding applications have a lower filter flow rate for the obvious reasons. These applications need a high clarity and the pressure filters will handle more of the finer particulates. Also, the filter flow rate is adjusted for the equipment it is serving because the moving parts may need a cleaner fluid than the actual operation. For example high pressure pumps are more vulnerable to dirty liquid than the drilling operation the pumps feed. Or, workpiece transfer mechanisms need to be flushed with cleaner liquid since they can not tolerate solids accumulating on the fixtures which could cause rejects.

Harrigan Solutions understands the nuances of selecting and sizing filters for metalworking operations. We sell or rent new and used filters and provide service agreements where our customer needs assistance in maintaining the equipment.

For more information contact me, Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. My email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. the website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

SELECTING METALWORKING FLUIDS MUST CONSIDER MANY ASPECTS WITHIN THE PLANT

The selection process for metalworking fluids must check the key milestones within the plant which would be affected by a selection. The selection process could be a formal documented policy normally found in large facilities with many departments or an informal agenda used by smaller facilities where the individuals involved may be wearing many hats. This program is applicable to a new facility or an existing facility where a change of the metalworking fluid is being considered. The key milestones are usually:

1. Identify the operation where the metalworking fluid will function
2. Contact the machine tool builders for comments
3. Develop a roster of possible metalworking fluids
4. Evaluate benchmarks where similar operations use the fluids being considered
5. Run tests only on close contenders where benchmarks do not exist
6. Evaluate for any possible changes in cycle times dictated by the metalworking fluid
7. Rank acceptable fluids
8. Check filterabilty; particularly with existing equipment
9. Factor in any new equipment needed to filter, handle, and dispense the fluids
10. Review health and safety for personnel
11. Evaluate environmental compliance; receiving, storing, dispensing and disposing
12. Weigh the total cost factors and not just the cost per gallon
13. Consider the reliability of the metalworking fluids suppliers
14. Look at any special warehousing needs
15. Select the optimum choice
16. Implement the new selection and conduct a full scale run-off
17. Sign-off on the successful selection
18. Conduct ongoing monitoring programs for troubleshooting and continous improvement

Harrigan Solutions personnel have the know-how to assist in the metalworking fluids selection process with particular emphasis on the filtration, handling, dispensing, and disposing phases. They sell or rent filtration equipment including centrifuges; both new and used. They also can service the equipment by working with the maintenace staff and their schedules.

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

TRIBOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS

The term "tribology" came from a committee in England around 1966 as they established the definition of the science and technology for the interaction of surfaces in motion. Tribo comes from the classic Greek word tribos which means rubbing. Then it was combined with technology to become the universal term for the study of friction and lubrication. It encompasses every aspect of an integrated study from design engineering to troubleshooting. It categorizes the different kinds of wear which include but not limited to:

• Rolling Fatigue
• Abrasive Wear
• Sliding Fatigue
• Corrosion Wear
• Adhesive Wear
• Scuffing Wear.

Harrigan Solutions provides the know-how to select and care for the varied industrial lubricants to meet these needs. We provide engineering, equipment and field support. New and used filtration equipment is available for purchasing or renting. Service agreements can be implemented to what ever depth of involvement our customer wishes.

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

CUTTING FLUIDS' KEY FUNCTION IS TO REMOVE HEAT

Removing heat from the tools and workpiece is the main function of cutting fluids. Granted there are other tasks cutting fluids accomplish; such as cleaning, flushing debris, and protecting against corrosion but heat removal is key.

There is a strong exponential correlation with temperature and tool life. Years ago a company studied the temperature impact on die life for wire drawing. It revealed that as the temperature climbed from 400 to 600 degrees C the hardness of tool steel dies dropped by 40 percent. Wire drawing exhibits more friction due to the nature of the process so heat is a prime concern. If the die "softens" the wire profile can be distorted.

With machining and grinding operations some of the heat is removed along with the chips and swarf so the increase in temperature is not as fast but still a major concern.

Harrigan Solutions understands the importance in selecting the proper cutting fluids for the operation. They also recognize the value in keeping cutting fluids clean so the fluids can continue to function efficiently.

Harrigan Solutions serves the metalworking industry with cutting fluids' filtration engineering, filtration equipment and service. New and used equipment are available as well as rental programs.

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

COOLANT RECOVERY OPERATIONS ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL WHEN TWO BASIC STEPS ARE FOLLOWED

Coolant recovery operations are finding more success beyond the facts that recovery modules are relatively simple and available at acceptable costs. Experience has shown that success is further enhanced when:

1. The module is as close to the operations as possible.
2. Batch recycling is accomplished more frequently than the previous dumping frequency.

1. When the module is reasonably close to the operations site, potential transporting problems and ordeals are less. The coolant recovery module does not have to be next to the facility it serves and this is one major advantage of the concept. However, if distances can be short, the transfers are that much easier.

2. The time interval between emptying and recovering coolant from a machine should be shorter than the time interval schedule when there was routine dumping of the dirty coolant. The logic is to not wait until the machine and operations are working with very dirty coolant. It is better to shorten the recovery cycles so the machine is using cleaner coolant more often and the recovery module does not get "shocked" with a heavy load of contaminants at one time. Short cycles (within reason) help the machine function and ease the burden on the recovery module.

Harrigan Solutions understands this phenomenon and provides equipment, service and engineering to assist our customers with the appropriate plan for recovering coolants. We sell or rent new and used equipment as well as offer service agreements to maintain the recovery module.

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

COOLANT FILTRATION LOOKS AT MEDIA MICRON RATINGS DIFFERENTLY FROM OTHER FILTRATION APPLICATIONS

Filter media selection for coolant filtration does not use micron ratings as a major criteria. There is much more to consider. The use of micron ratings for media is more helpful on applications where there is relatively little contamination and where the particle size range is narrow. For example a hydraulic system is a sealed network and the amount of solids it experiences is low and the particles sizes are very small. Therefore, a filter engineer will select a media based on micron ratings because the bare media has to intercept the fine particulate.

However, most coolant filtration applications are on systems where the solids are generated on purpose and usually have a higher ratio of solids to liquid. Also, the particle sizes would span a wider range. Since most coolant filtration applications, use a filter which allows a "cake" of solids to accumulate on the media, the cake is the actual filtering medium and can yield cleaner fluid than the media by itself. The cake is a simulated "sand " bed. Because of this the media is selected for its ability to intercept the larger particles in the range and hold them so the finer particles are trapped to form the cake. Permeability is a factor in this selection since flow must be maintained as the cake grows in thickness and tightness.

Applying a media with a small micron rating for metalworking applications usually results in a higher operating cost for the media. For example; often a request is made for a 5-micron fabric to clean a fluid used for rugged metalworking applications such as rough grinding. 5-micron barrier is too tight and the filter will blind quickly and replace the media frequently at a high cost. The significance of this statement is further understood when it is realized that the human eye can not see a 5-micron particle. The range of visibility starts at about 29-micron.

Harrigan Solutions understands the selection process for coolant filtration and offers engineering know-how for these applications. They also sell or rent new and used filters when their customer needs a way to overcome an economic obstacle. Harrigan Solutions has as a trained staff to provide service on the filtration equipment ( including centrifuges) which can be tailored to the plant's needs. For more information contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

COOLANT FILTERS IS ONE SECTOR OF THE FAMILY OF CLARIFICATION EQUIPMENT

Clarification equipment is the formal title for devices which are used to clean liquids. Even being more technical the term "clean" is for the arena of coolant filters. There are many other processes which separate a liquid from a solid as part of the production of either the liquid or the solids. Therefore they are not cleaning as coolant filters clean a dirty liquid.


Coolant filters clean coolants by forcing the liquid through a media so the particles are intercepted on the media as the cleaned liquid flows through. They take advantage of the particles size for removing the unwanted material. Other clarification devices which clean coolants are called separators. These are centrifuges, retention tanks, hydrocyclones, magnetic units, decantation tanks and coalescers. Separators take advantage of the contaminant's physical characteristics other than particle size; such as weight or magnetic ferrous material. Even decantation units rely on the difference in weight of a tramp oil and the waterbase coolant.


Harrigan Solutions can meet any of the needs for coolant filters and separators. We provide engineering for selection and system design. We also sell new and used equipment when budgets and pay backs need a lower initial investment. Rentals are also available. Service contracts for maintaining or even operating coolant filters and separators are available in a wide range of involvement.

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

ALFA LAVAL SERVICE CAN BE OUTSOURCED TO EASE THE BURDEN ON THE MAINTENANCE STAFF

Often a maintenance manager wishes he had the time for his maintenance crew to service their centrifuges the way that typical Alfa Laval service would be performed. Despite the popularity of the centrifuge, knowledge on its inner workings is often limited. Add to the awareness limits, time limits are even worse since the maintenance department usually has to devote most if not all of its time to production or plant facilities equipment.

Harrigan Solutions offers service for centrifuges which include Alfa Laval service.
Their agreements can be to any level of involvement the customer wishes; from just monitoring the equipment, training personnel, or actually performing the maintenance work. In all cases the work is scheduled in coordination with the plant's maintenance group.

Harrigan Soluitons also sells or rents new and used centrifuges. For more information contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

ALFA LAVAL PARTS ARE DESIGNED TO FUNCTION UNDER THE RIGORS OF A CENTRIFUGE'S OPERATION

The operation of a centrifuge develops tremendous forces in order to perform the liquid/solid or liquid/liquid separating functions. While working under rugged conditions the reliability of the Alfa Laval parts play an important function for the success of the operation and longevity of the centrifuge's productive life. They must perform under severe conditions for extended periods and like any other heavy duty equipment, parts are subject to wear and tear. Alfa Laval parts are organized into two categories; service kits and replacement parts. The service kits are packaged so they can be used at prescribed intervals for "preventive" maintenance. The kits are called;

• Intermediate Service (IS)
• Major Service (MS)
• 3-Year Service (3S)

Harrigan Solutions has the know-how to assist in maintaining centrifuges and can provide genuine parts and service kits. We can also perform the service work if needed.

We sell new and used centrifuges so our background is extensive. We work with our customers on rental agreements where the economics require this kind of arrangement.

For more information contact me, Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. My email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. Our website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.

ALFA LAVAL CENTRIFUGES LIKE ALL CENTRIFUGES ACCELERATE RETENTION TIME

In the field of liquid /solid separation, any liquid can be cleaned if it could be held in a quiet pool for a period long enough to allow the heavier material drop to the bottom and the lighter material rise to the top. This is called retention time with gravity. However, most applications do not have the ability to house a large enough pool for the time needed. Alfa Laval centrifuges like all centrifuges create the atmosphere where they accelerate the retention time. They have the ability to generate forces hundreds of times greater than the gravitational force to pull the material out of the primary fluid. The centrifuge is one of the most efficient devices used in this field.

The design and selection of the centrifuges depends upon a number of factors and a properly selected unit offers a great deal of flexibility to cope with the variables found in typical metalworking applications.

Harrigan Solutions understands the parameters for selecting and applying centrifuges. They sell new and used Alfa Laval centrifuges. Rentals are also available. In addition Harrigan Solutions provides service agreements to assist in maintaining them. For more information contact Bill Harrigan at 1-888-685-9603. His email is bharrigan@harrigansolutions.com. The website is www.harrigansolutions.com/index.htm.