The Importance of an Oil Mist Collector
An oil mist collector is a crucial piece of equipment in the production of precision metalworking. The machining of metal produces airborne particles that are dangerous for human health and the environment, which must be contained to keep workplaces clean and safe.
Mist can clog a machine, causing problems with the work surface and creating a hazardous work environment. Mist can also be breathed in, which is harmful to workers’ health, and can cause symptoms including eye irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, shortness of breath, vomiting, and even lung infections. Long-term exposure to oil mist can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and cancer.
Oil and coolant mist are produced by many different types of machines, from CNC machines to mills and lathes, and can be a serious problem for both workplace safety and environmental compliance. While factory HVAC systems can help to some extent, it’s important for all metalworking operations to use an oil mist collector to control these particles and prevent them from escaping into the environment.
There are three main types of oil mist collectors: centrifugal, electrostatic precipitators, and multi-stage media filters. Each type has a unique characteristic that impacts efficiency and reliability in different ways.
Centrifugal separators are the oldest form of oil mist collector on the market. They utilize centrifugal force to push impurities outward through sponge-foam filtering pads. However, these pads become saturated with contaminated mist, which reduces airflow and causes the system to lose efficiency over time.
A more modern solution is the centrifugal cyclone, which uses an impeller-driven system to create a high-speed cyclonic effect that forces small droplets of liquid or dust to coalesce on stainless-steel woven mesh and then drains from the system by gravity. This type of mist collector is effective for collecting oil-based coolant, but it does not collect smoke.
Another type of mist collection system is the cartridge-based collector. These units use pleated filter media rolled into round or oblong cartridges. They are highly efficient and have a long filter life with simple maintenance. A HEPA or carbon filter can be added for an additional level of filtration, which helps to remove fine aerosols and volatile organic compounds from the air.
It’s important to understand the different characteristics of mist collectors to select the right one for your facility. Power specifications indicate the voltage requirements of a system, maintenance intervals dictate how often the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, and installation indicates how it will be mounted for optimum performance. An experienced industrial filtration company will be able to guide you toward the best mist collectors for your application, helping you to ensure that your employees are healthy and productive, and that your facility stays in compliance with local and federal regulations. Give us a call today to discuss your project. We look forward to speaking with you!oil mist collector