Cast Iron Machining

Background

This global manufacturer of large diesel engines machined large cast iron castings using emulsion coolant. Their current filtration method was via an electrostatic system, which had to be serviced, with the plates removed and cleaned, every three weeks.

Problem

Due to the size of the cast iron components and the equally large machines, the existing mist filtration systems simply could not cope with the amount of emulsion they were required to deal with. This meant that the systems had to be serviced every three weeks at considerable cost in maintenance and lost operating time. Furthermore, the internal air quality had deteriorated badly.

Solution

Following a full ScandMist site survey, a report was produced and recommendations made on how to control the high levels of oil mist being generated. A three month trial with a ScandMist MA 400D took place and, following the success of this appraisal, an order was placed for the remaining units.

Outcome

The results of the installation were excellent:

• Inlet concentrations upwards of 50 mg/m³
• Discharge readings of 0.000 - 0.010 mg/m³
• Outside air readings of 0.025 mg/m³

With the plant operating 24/7, the projected filter life is two years with no maintenance, in spite of the fact that the discharge from the ScandMist units is cleaner than the air outside of the facility. Vokes Air is now the preferred supplier with ScandMist replacing all of the previous filtration systems.