Giving fluids an even chance: keeping them clean maximizes machine performance.

A clean metalworking fluid performs better and lasts longer than a dirty fluid. It should be obvious, but sometimes is not, according to Raymond M. Dick, manager, CIMCOOL Technical Service, Milacron, Inc.

"When recharging an individual machine or central system fluid tank, a cleanout of the tank is beneficial so that the fresh charge of metalworking fluid can perform with maximum efficiency," he says. "If not removed, accumulated shop waste, metal swarf, oil, mold growth, and pockets of bacteria cause deterioration of the fresh mix. Cleanout is an essential step, as it ensures that a metalworking fluid has an even chance to give maximum performance with a minimum number of problems."

According to Dick, the following ten simple cleanout procedures should be used, whenever possible, while no operators are producing parts.

1. Drain the entire central system or individual tank.

2. Remove all metal swarf and other debris from sumps, return trenches, oil pans, and filtration units.

3. Fill the system or tank with water sufficient to circulate through all lines and machines. Warm water is desirable, but is not absolutely necessary.

4. Add cleaner, such as CIMCLEAN 30, at 1:50 or stronger and circulate from two to eight hours. During this period of circulation, brush all trenches and filter elements; scrub machines and oil pans.

5. If possible, steam clean areas where suspected accumulation of swarf, oil, or both may not have been removed by the cleaner.

6. When the physical cleaning is complete, drain the cleaner mix from the system.

7. Refill with enough fresh water to circulate throughout the system or tank(s) so that all traces of cleaner and swarf are removed. Drain all lines and sumps. If the rinse water is exceptionally dirty, rinse a second time.

8. Charge the system or individual tank(s) with the required amount of water.

9. Add fresh metalworking fluid at the recommended concentration.

10. Circulate through the system to ensure proper mixing before production starts. In precision grinding systems, circulate the fresh charge until it reaches room temperature. Otherwise, size control problems may be encountered by the first production shift.

Sometimes it is not possible to drain the system because of production demands or a manpower shortage. However, try to incorporate as much of the cleanout procedure as possible during shutdown or during production to achieve good cleanout results.

During shutdown. After production stops, add one gallon CIMCLEAN 30 to each 50 gallons of dirty fluid in the machine reservoir or central system. Circulate the mixture for four hours or longer through all lines and machine tools. Drain, rinse, and recharge with a fresh fluid mix.

During production. Careful supervision is required for individual machines. During production, add one gallon CIMCLEAN 30 to each 100 gallons of dirty fluid in the machine reservoir or central system. Circulate the mixture for four to eight hours through all lines and machine tools. Drain, rinse, and recharge with a fresh fluid mix. (Note: Use CIMCLEAN 40 for aluminum applications.)

Milacron Inc. provides metalworking fluid technology and chemical management services to help the metalworking industry manage metalworking fluids and reduce costs. It is certified ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 9002, and ANSI/ ASQ Q9001. Milacron Marketing Company, www.rsleads.com/412tp-239