Jorgensen's Coolant Collection System Eliminates Sludge Build-Up

Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions has developed its new PermaClean system to eliminate sludge buildup. PermaClean adds agitation to the coolant collection system or holding tank and prevents particulates from settling. The process is said to maintain coolant clarity by enabling the removal of all chips and particulates from the coolant circuit, increasing coolant life and also eliminating sludge buildup.

The PermaClean solution is an add-on feature designed to work in conjunction with Jorgensen’s base coolant circuits such as the EcoFilter Conveyor, FlexFiltration or the FilterVeyor Permanent Media Filter. PermaClean keeps coolant and particulates in a constant state of agitation. As a result, the suspended solids continue through the filtration process until they are virtually eliminated, reducing downtime due to frequent tank cleanings to remove sludge or the need to use a sump sucker system that removes settled particulates from the bottom of the holding tank.

Depending on its properties, the coolant can be cleaned to 10 µm or less with the addition of a second-level filtration process. Bag filters are said to provide the lowest coolant filtration solution that is easily integrated into existing systems and offer low maintenance. Gravity roll media filters using a variety of disposable cloth medias based on specific needs and applications can be mounted to existing coolant tanks with the PermaClean solution to remove fine chips and grinding sludge.

A hydrocyclone filter that eliminates filter media consumption can also be used in conjunction with the PermaClean system. In addition to its agitation-induced particle suspension, cyclonic filtration uses high-velocity flow through a conical whirl chamber that employs centrifugal separation, throwing solids against the chamber walls and discharging through a nozzle at the bottom. Clean coolant is then ejected through a reverse vortex process from the unit’s clean liquid outlet.

According to Jorgensen, all three of these secondary filtration stages provide another layer of screening for the cleanest coolant possible. Special applications that require through-spindle coolant may also benefit from yet a third layer of filtration with partitioned tanks.

PermaClean also keeps machine tools running longer. Post-process particulates are abrasive. As they pass through the machining process and coolant circuit over time, they cause advanced wear on pumps, hose connections and even the interior of the machine tool itself. Removing as much of these harsh elements as possible reduces machine tool wear and tear and extends tool life, resulting in further cost savings over time.