An oil mist collector helps workers maintain a healthy and productive working environment by removing harmful fluids and particles before they escape into the air. The system captures and separates oil, coolant, and mist generated during machining, grinding, turning, milling, drilling, metalworking, and lubrication processes before it can enter the body or cause harm.
Airborne metalworking fluids create a hazard for workers by triggering skin irritation and respiratory damage. The presence of these contaminants can also interfere with machine performance, decrease production speed, and lead to costly downtime caused by faulty equipment or contaminated products. These dangerous airborne particles can even settle on machinery and structures, creating a hazardous workspace.
Using a metalworking fluid that evaporates quickly can also contribute to an overly dirty workplace. This is a problem that affects the quality of work performed, the productivity of the plant, and overall company image. The presence of contaminant-filled air can also lead to unplanned downtime because equipment must be shut down for cleaning or maintenance, which leads to lost production and profits.
While aprons and masks are effective in protecting workers from exposure to metalworking fluids, they can still allow small particles to pass through and accumulate in the workplace. A lingering presence of these particles can leave a visible residue on machinery, lights and floors, and gives off a distinct odor. In addition, this free floating pollution can clog filters and make machine tools operate less efficiently.
To reduce the risk of health problems associated with breathing in these vapors, employers need to implement an industrial air filtration system that combines a pre-filter, cyclonic separation chamber, and a final stage filter. LNS FOX WS2 mist collectors feature this three-stage design, which achieves 99% filtration efficiency and maintains consistent results over time.
Before reaching the final filter, the vapors are drawn into the air purifier by an impeller that creates a cyclonic effect. This force the mist droplets to collide with a stainless-steel woven mesh that can entrain bulk liquids and agglomerate finer particles into larger ones for more efficient collection. Up to 70% of the mist and fluid is recovered at this point, allowing the material to be reused in the machining process.
In the third and final filtration stage, air is forced through the screen by centrifugal force. This forces the liquid droplets to coalesce and fall onto a drain point for evaporation. This reduces energy consumption because the mist is drained instead of being released into the atmosphere.
Choosing the right type and size of mist collector is crucial for ensuring optimal performance. Factors that should influence your choice include the type, viscosity, and quantity of the cooling fluid generating the mist, the dimensions of the machinery, and the intensity of machining. You should also look for a unit that uses cleanable filters that can be rinsed and recycled, reducing both operating and disposal costs. You should also choose a low-pressure unit (less than 10″ w.g.) to reduce energy use and prevent premature filter failure.