Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

Liquid used to improve workpiece machinability, enhance tool life, flush out chips and machining debris, and cool the workpiece and tool. Three basic types are: straight oils; soluble oils, which emulsify in water; and synthetic fluids, which are water-based chemical solutions having no oil. See coolant; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.

Any manufacturing process in which metal is processed or machined such that the workpiece is given a new shape. Broadly defined, the term includes processes such as design and layout, heat-treating, material handling and inspection.

Metal fines and grinding wheel particles generated during grinding.

Oil that is present in a metalworking fluid mix that is not from the product concentrate. The usual sources are machine tool lubrication system leaks.

How a metalworking operation handles hazardous waste management and disposal impacts the environment. And, it directly influences profitability.

Failed inspections, fines, inefficient operations, risks to employee health and safety, as well as environmental contamination are among the consequences of improper hazardous waste handling. Because regulations change periodically, it is critical to re-evaluate and consider improvements to hazardous waste management practices on a semi-regular basis. In addition, updating hazardous waste processes can result in more efficient labor allocation, enhance housekeeping efforts, and leverage more sustainable revenue sources.

To identify possible areas for improvement, consider asking these questions:

What Waste is Considered Hazardous?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies hazardous waste according to four lists (F, K, P, and U) found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in section 261. The F-list includes hazardous waste common to manufacturing processes, such as spent solvents, electroplating, and other metal finishing wastes. Depending on the type and amount of waste, there are specific rules that must be followed regarding handling and disposal.

In metalworking operations, metal scrap coated in fluid complicates hazardous waste compliance. That’s because it adds to the overall volume of hazardous material and increases labor costs, haul-away fees, and the expense of replacing spent fluid. 

Common hazardous fluid waste in metalworking operations include:

Metal waste such as swarf, shavings, and grinding fines can also be hazardous depending on the type of metal and cooling lubricant used.

Generally speaking, there are two methods – separating cutting fluid from metal scrap and prolonging fluid life with filtration technology – that can be employed to improve hazardous waste compliance and handling. Both processes have been proven to be very effective and there are several automated equipment solutions available.

The dryer the metal scrap, the higher it’s value to recyclers. In some cases, metalworking operations can receive up to 25% more for dry metal scrap than scrap that is still coated in fluid. Utilizing processes that separate and reduce the volume of scrap material and cutting fluid also helps keep facilities clean because it reduces the amount of space and containers needed for storage on the plant floor.

Metal scrap and fluid separating equipment

Several types of equipment are available to recycle metal scrap and reduce fluid. These include:

Another tactic that can be employed to better manage hazardous fluid is through fluid filtration equipment. These systems can reduce hazardous waste volumes by as much as 90% and lower new fluicd purchases by 75%. Employee health and safety can also be improved by keeping bacteria levels in cutting fluid low, which can help prevent dermatitis.

Types of equipment include centralized coolant recycling systems automatically recycle used coolants, reducing waste fluids by up to 90%. These systems can also remove free-floating tramp oils to .1% or less, eliminating concerns about wastewater haul-away liabilities and minimizing exposure to lubricants that can cause health problems.

Tramp oil separators can cut coolant purchases by up to 75% by extending the life of soluble oils, coolant, and washwater. Tramp oil separators automatically remove tramp oils, bacteria, slime, inverted emulsions, and more from individual machine sumps, central systems and wash tanks. 

Establishing a metalworking facility with processes that address the ongoing environmental and safety concerns of hazardous waste first and foremost is essential. However, by evaluating the automated equipment solutions that exist to handle hazardous waste, operators also stand to benefit by lowering labor, fluid, and haul-away costs, and possibly securing a higher source of revenue from metal scrap recyclers.

Improving hazardous waste-handling practices such as these provides a way to take greater control of compliance concerns and encourages more sustainable savings that will benefit the operation year after year.

For more information about PRAB, visit prab.com.

Mike Hook is the sales and marketing director for PRAB and has more than 15 years of mechanical conveying design and application experience. You can contact Mike at mike.hook@prab.com. PRAB is a leading manufacturer of engineered conveyors and equipment for processing turnings, chips and metalworking fluids. PRAB also designs and builds wastewater recycling systems. For more on PRAB, please go to www.prab.com or call (800) 968-7722.

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