If you are machining metal you are probably using coolant of some type. Depending on the type of metal you are machining and the operations involved, you may be using a synthetic, semi-synthetic or even a soluble oil coolant. How do you know what the concentration is when mixing water with coolant? For example, if you add one quart of coolant concentrate to 4 3/4 gallons of water, you could correctly claim to have a five percent solution—but not for long. In less than a day the concentration will have changed. During the machining process, water naturally evaporates leaving a greater concentration of coolant behind. Adding plain water is the logical solution but how much is enough? Add too little and you haven’t solved your problem. Add too much and the total solution will become too weak. A refractometer is the answer.
A refractometer is a small optical device that allows the user to measure a liquid’s concentration. By placing a few drops of coolant on the tail piece, you can look through the lens and read a scale in much the same way you read a thermometer. When coolant concentration is too high, the machine is using more coolant than necessary and money is being wasted. When coolant concentration is too low, the metal parts being machined are not getting adequate rust protection from the coolant. If rust develops, profit is lost.
So, you can start saving money in your machine shop immediately by purchasing a few refractometers and testing your coolant concentration each day. Assigning this as a daily task for machine operators or supervisors is good way to make coolant efficiency a regular part of your shop’s routine.
View coolant concentration charts.
Need more answers? Not sure who to turn to? Give S.C. Chemical a call toll-free 888-729-0176. Ask to speak with Ed Thaves.
