Application: Machining large oil valve bodies on large open vertical turning lathes.
This global company produces large valve bodies for the oil industry. The large valve bodies are made of steel and require heavy, intricate machining all over, utilising large vertical turning lathes. Electrostatic and centrifugal filtration units were used to control the emulsion mist but were unable to cope with the large quantities of mist being generated.
The facility atmosphere had deteriorated quite severely with oil mist deposits noticeable on the floor, walls and ceilings, causing complaints from the workforce. In addition, the existing filtration systems had to be removed and cleaned on an all too regular basis.
Scandfilter conducted a survey and produced a report on the oil mist emanating from a large machine. Two ScandMist MA 400 D units were selected on the recommendation of the Scandfilter consultant. As the company wished to install the units themselves, Scandfilter produced a ducting design to capture not only the mist from machining, but also the mist from the large amount of hot swarf being conveyed to a swarf bin.
Results from the first big VTL machine showed vast improvements to facility atmosphere, and no maintenance was required other than to check the dial gauges. When measured, the discharged air from the ScandMist units proved to be cleaner than the air outside of the facility.
Under the guidance of Scandfilter engineers, ScandMist units are now in the process of being installed on another large vertical turning lathe.In addition, the ScandMist post-installation survey report is now been used by the company as part of their risk assessment.
