What Is an Oil Mist Collector?

An oil mist collector is an industrial filter system that removes airborne mist and smoke from metalworking operations such as machining, grinding, turning, milling, drilling, and lubrication. These airborne particles are created when metalworking fluids are used to cool and lubricate machinery. Exposure to these particles can cause skin irritation and respiratory harm in workers. The goal of an oil mist collector is to keep the concentration of these particles below recommended levels so that employees can work safely and efficiently in the workplace.

There are two basic types of oil mist collectors; centrifugal and cartridge. Many centrifugal systems utilize a rotating drum to intercept unwanted particles and merge them into larger droplets that then drain out of the unit. This type of mist collector is often supplemented with a downstream filtration method that includes a wet filter or an afterfilter. These systems are typically less expensive than cartridge mist collectors but they can have short filter life and decreased airflow that requires frequent maintenance.

Cartridge mist collectors are made up of pleated filter media rolled into a round or oblong shape and then placed inside of a housing that contains a fan. The filter is usually rated at MERV 15* which can be increased to higher filter classes if the application requires it. Cartridge mist collectors are highly efficient and have long filter lives with easy maintenance that can be performed while the system is running.

Both cartridge and cyclonic oil mist collectors have their pros and cons, but it is important to understand what your application requires. Generally speaking, an oil mist collector that is able to handle high volume and long filter life is ideal. This will allow you to use fewer filters and reduce operating costs. On the other hand, an oil mist collector that can handle low to medium volumes and a shorter filter life is a great option for those applications that are not as demanding.

Source Capture Source capture is a key factor in any air filtration system. It is best to capture the contaminants right where they originate from so that they don’t have a chance to spread through the workspace. This can be done by attaching the mist collector directly to the machine, using a remote mount, or placing it in a hood.

A good mist collector will also include a first stage mechanical element filter that uses inertial separation to drain up to 85% of contaminants from the airstream before they can reach consumable filters. This translates into significant savings in the overall cost of operation and maintenance for the unit. The second stage of filtration will be a depth loading fiber bed mist filter that will progressively capture the remaining particles and consolidate them into a central drain for return to the machine sump.

An oil mist collector is an essential piece of equipment for any metalworking facility. It can protect your employees from harmful airborne particles, reduce downtime due to filter changes, and provide clean, safe work conditions in your shop. If you would like to learn more about the different types of oil mist collectors and which one might be best for your application, please contact us today. We will be happy to help!oil mist collector