Microparticle separator from Fluid Solutions works for metals, glass and ceramics

Citation

(1998), "Microparticle separator from Fluid Solutions works for metals, glass and ceramics", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 50 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1998.01850fad.009

Microparticle separator from Fluid Solutions works for metals, glass and ceramics

Microparticle separator from Fluid Solutions works for metals, glass and ceramics

Keywords: Cutting, Grinding, Microparticle

The microparticle separation unit, called a Sedimentor can be used to remove the debris and metal dust residue from cutting fluids used for grinding operations. It has successfully replaced a number of individual machine sumps and paper band filters for a major manufacturer of aircraft components (see Plate 8).

A single installation supplied by Fluid Solutions, which incorporates a single return tank, has minimised coolant losses owing to evaporation and drag-out, while also eliminating the potential for bacteriological contamination.

Grinding particulate down to 3 microns is automatically separated and evacuated, with clean reclaimed fluid pumped back to individual machine tools to meet demand requirements. There is no degradation of cutting fluid over extended use, showing considerable savings in this expensive consumable media.

Plate 8 Installation of a Sedimentor microparticle separation unit from Fluid Solutions, used for the removal of metal debris and particles from grinding fluid in the production of aircraft components

The Sedimentor can be successfully applied to glass and ceramic grinding as well as many other machine shop operations including sawing, plasma cutting, honing, boring, reaming and wire drawing. It can be used with neat or water soluble cutting oils as well as dielectric fluids, and even high pressure washing or degreasing systems.

The Sedimentor operates on the principle of a cleaning cassette containing tightly packed hydrodynamic tubes to provide high separation capacities. These cassettes can be varied in size to cover installation requirements, from a modest 50m² capacity up to 1,500m² or even larger if required. A pre-settlement chamber is provided for the removal of both coarse particles and contaminant heavy fluids. Light liquid separation for entrained oil droplets is also incorporated as part of a continuous three-phase separation process.

A timed cycle rotation of the cleaning cassette through 90º is used to flush out collected solids, where hot air drying can also be incorporated if required prior to discharge to collection drums or hopper. The automatic continuous collection of solid and liquid wastes can be combined with containerised disposal to comply with current environmental regulations.

Further information is available from Fluid Solutions, Birch House, 6 Acresfield Avenue, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5SY. Tel: +44 (0)161 370 6293; Fax: +44 (0)161 370 6293.