Let’s face it, coolant gets dirty and no one wants to clean out the coolant tank. I know this to be a fact because usually the person who gets stuck cleaning the coolant tank is the one with the least seniority. One great solution for this poor guy is not to clean the coolant tank as often. How can this be accomplished? Well, Navy vets will recognize the expression, “clean as you go.” It means keeping the coolant clean as its being used. If you can do this, the coolant will require less frequent changes and the company will save money.
Start by removing tramp oil. Tramp oil finds its way into coolant from a number of sources. It leaks in from gear boxes, conveyor and hydraulic systems, even from parts that have oil on them as a rust preventive. When you figure in tapping fluids and other oil contaminants, it can all add up to equal a lot of tramp oil. Removing this oil will help the coolant last longer and function better throughout its useful life. This in turn will save the company money.
There are almost as many oil skimming devices on the market as there are coolants. The best place to start your search for a good oil skimmer is to ask the expert, your coolant salesperson. The amount of money you spend on oil skimmers will come back to you with lower disposal costs and less down time. Skimmer prices vary in direct proportion to the effectiveness of the skimmer, so don’t be afraid to spend just a little more on a better quality skimmer.
