Plant Applications: Magnetic filter helps extend coolant life for oil, gas company

August 1, 2010

Situation

A Texas-based oil and gas company recently formed a team to focus on coolant cleanliness as a means to cut costs and increase plant safety and ecofriendliness.

As coolant runs through machinery, it picks up metal fines and other scrap. While the coolant is filtered, sludge accumulates at the bottom of the tank, and removing it stops production and takes time. It must be collected, transported, and dumped.

Dirty coolant leads to shorter tooling life, increased downtime, quality issues, shorter machine component life, and increased machine maintenance. It also causes safety risks, as bacteria adheres to the metal particles, resulting in odors and causing dermatitis and rashes when it comes in contact with skin.

Resolution

The oil and gas company learned about the Micromag™ magnetic filter, manufactured by Eclipse Magnetics and distributed by Magnetic Products Inc. The unit uses high-power, neodymium rare-earth magnets to remove steel and grinding medium particles, down to submicron size, from fluids used in honing, tapping, cutting, grinding, and fine finishing.

The company ordered one magnetic filter for each of its 27 turning machines. Each magnet pulls out 5 to 10 lbs. of metal particles per tank every couple of weeks, adding up to about 20 lbs. a month per tank.

The magnetic filter does not use consumables such as paper filters, which saves money and waste.

Magnetic Products Inc., P.O. Box 529, 683 Town Center Drive, Highland, MI 48357, 248-887-5600, info@mpimagnet.com, www.mpimagnet.com