In machining and metalworking, coolant maintenance describes the routine process of testing, cleaning, and adjusting process cutting fluids. Maintenance should keep the concentration stable and keep the coolant clean and stable to protect part investment, coolant investment, and tool life. Oil skimming is key for tramp oil removal in the process.

Oil skimmers improve coolant health by proactively removing tramp oil before it becomes a shop wide problem. Benefits include longer coolant life, longer tool and part life, reduced odors or smoke, and lower budget spend on coolant related expenses.

Tramp oil is a term referring to any unwanted oil that ends up in industrial metalworking fluids or water-based coolants as a result of regular operations. Sources can include way lube oil, hydraulic oil, spindle lubricants, rust preventatives, and more.

When allowed to build up in coolant or cutting fluids, tramp oil tends to inhibit coolant performance due to increased temperature exchange. This means that any oil present in the fluid will promote heat generated by the tool, shortening tool life. Additionally, tramp oil buildup in coolant can create breeding grounds for anaerobic bacteria, which expel a sulphury scented hydrogen sulfide gas. Exposure to contaminated coolant can also contribute to contact dermatitis of the skin. Removing tramp oil prevents these issues from causing strain on the operation and budget. It also promotes a safe work environment free of smoke and contaminants. Cleaner coolant allows tools to run at their peak operating speed, promoting consistency and quality outputs. Tools that operate within the correct parameters also have a longer life, as does the coolant.

Good quality, stable coolant is an important player in any machining or metalworking operation. Coolant maintenance is the process of mixing, maintaining, and cleaning coolant to keep it from degrading and causing operational issues.

Yes, oil skimmers extend coolant life by removing tramp oil. Coolant laden with tramp oil degrades tools and parts at a higher rate because it will promote heat exchange instead of discouraging it. Cleaned coolant can be recycled throughout a machining process, preventing frequent (and expensive) replacements. Clean, healthy coolant stays effective for longer periods of time.

Oil skimmers are designed to skim with oleophilic media, which picks up oils and greases. This also discourages coolant and other water-based fluid pickup, because these fluids have little affinity for skimming media. It is important to note that skimmers should only be operated when oils are present in coolant, however, because if little to no oil is present, the unit will pick up coolant.

Abanaki offers a variety of mounting options to ensure that your skimmer has perfect access to the tank, sump, or pit being skimmed. The Tubetastic is used where top access is not an option. This skimmer mounts to the side of the coolant sump, and the collector tube can access the sump directly from the side or from just over the top edge of the tank.

Yes, oil skimmers are capable of having very small footprints to access hard to reach spaces and can be mounted in a variety of ways to make this happen. The Mighty Mini, for example, is a popular choice in coolant applications and can fit in very small spaces. The TubeTastic is also a popular choice for spatial constraints.

Coolant disposal must be in accordance with environmental regulations. Skimming pulls oils out of fluids prior to disposal, helping shops meet both local and federal disposal requirements. Because waste oil is then a separate byproduct, it can be recycled or disposed of separately.

In applications where surface oils are reduced to very thin layers, like 1/16” or less, skimmers may pick up more water or coolant with the oil present. An oil water separator, like the Abanaki Oil Concentrator, handles this by providing gravity driven separation of water from oil after the skimming process. Abanaki recommends oil water separators in any oil skimming application, because they increase the efficiency of the skimmer and reduce costs associated with oil and fluid disposal.