Oil Skimmer 1U for a Large Coolant Tank in the Production of Large Cast Stainless Steel Parts
Application: Machining of large stainless steel parts for marine and pump apllications.
Problem
The coolant tank for the lathes is located within the machine bed, which, due to the lathe’s length, spans a large area of 14 x 4 meters. Oil enters the coolant via the guides and workpieces, forming a widespread oil layer.
The closed oil film on the coolant surface often leads to a high bacterial load, necessitating frequent coolant changes and intensive tank cleaning. These frequent changes drive up operating costs significantly.
Solution: Oil Skimmer 1U
Photo 1: Coolant tank in the machine bed
Photo 2: Oil Skimmer 1U at the end of the machine bed with an opening for the oil collector tube
Although the Oil Skimmer 1U is typically designed for smaller tanks with shorter oil collector tubes, it is used here with a tube extending across the entire machine bed. Using a tube guide, the oil collector tube is guided across the entire width of the coolant tank. This ensures complete removal of tramp oil from the entire surface.
This setup is effective because, despite the large tank area, the amount of oil to be removed is within the capacity of the model 1U.
Result
The entire surface of the coolant tank is kept free of oil due to the operation of the oil skimmer model 1U. The coolant change intervals were significantly extended, leading to the installation of seven oil skimmers across as many machines. The customer is highly satisfied and is gradually equipping all their systems with FRIESS skimmers.
Summary:
- The coolant's lifespan has been significantly increased.
- Production is now more cost-effective and sustainable.
- The investment in oil skimmers paid off within a very short time.
- Seven additional tanks are being equipped with the Oil Skimmer model 1U.