Forward-thinking metalworking companies are looking at ways to recover coolant, but that’s not the only fluid that can deliver cost-savings. Optimizing wash water and rinse water applications is another way to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Increasingly, manufacturers are seeking answers to challenges that occur during parts washing and other applications. More companies are utilizing two important fluid recycling processes – tramp oil separation and oil water separation – resulting in:
In practical applications, these fluid recycling processes have proven highly beneficial.
In 2021, a global manufacturer of components for hydraulic systems faced an ongoing challenge to streamline oil removal from their tunnel washer. Their existing system produced large amounts of oil which came in direct contact with the parts, requiring additional cleanings that increased labor costs.
By implementing a tramp oil separator, the manufacturer was able to recycle their tunnel wash water. The system automatically collects and discharges oils and other contaminants to produce clean, chloride-free water to spray on the parts in the washer. The new system resulted in improved process efficiency and $67,440 in annual savings.
In a similar instance, rapid accumulation of tramp oil led to constant wash water contamination, forcing a specialty fastener manufacturer to frequently change their cleaning solutions. This significantly reduced their parts cleaning efficiency, increased disposal costs, and threatened noncompliance with local regulations.
The manufacturer replaced the existing, inefficient rope mop skimmers with a custom tramp oil separator. The system recovered 30 gallons of tramp oil per week – much of which gets reused – while continually recycling the wash water. This resulted in dramatic improvements in cleaning process efficiency, reduced costs of new tramp oil, and enabled the company to meet discharge regulations.
Taking proactive steps to recycling and reusing fluids is crucial to improving plant efficiency, cost savings, and maintaining compliance. But identifying the correct solution takes expertise. This is where having a partner who understands your metalworking plant’s unique goals and values delivers the solutions for resource savings and process improvements.
To learn how an industrial oil water separator or tramp oil separator can benefit your operation, visit PRAB.com.
