In many different types of operations, from specific types of food production as well as in industrial manufacturing processes and machining, water mixed with coolants are used to cool equipment, flush away materials and to provide a more lubricated surface for cutting tools or any type of metal on metal contact.
During these types of operations, small amounts of oil from the equipment or from the process contaminate the coolant. Over time, and with ongoing use of the coolant, the amount of tramp oils in the coolant increases. When there are significant amounts, it is possible to see a film of oil on the surface of the coolant or to see actual droplets in the fluid.
The problem with the presence of tramp oils in the coolant is the lack of effectiveness in providing cooling and flushing away of materials and debris. The higher the level of tramp oil in any coolant the lower the cooling ability. Additionally, with high levels of contaminants in the coolant, there is increased wear and tear on equipment, resulting in greater costs of maintenance and operation.
Solving the Problem
It is very costly to continually dispose of coolant contaminated with tramp oil and replace it with new. A more cost-effective option is to use as oil water separator, which captures and removes the tramp oil, allowing for recycling and extended use of the coolant.
The best types of oil water separator models are simple in design, and also very effective in the job of removing these tramp oils. Skimmers built into the oil water separator remove the surface oil film and the free-floating oil droplets, while also removing the dispersed oil that floats just below the surface.
Pumps that cycle the uncleaned fluid through filters and through coalescing media complete the process and provides clean, recycled coolant for the equipment, systems, and machines.