EcoFilter Conveyor

June 01, 2015

The EcoFilter from Jorgensen utilizes an innovative two stage metal chip removal and coolant filtration design. Primary large chip removal is done with a hinged steel belt conveyor and in a secondary process, fines are separated from the coolant via flow through a wedgewire filter cell. In our patent-pending, self-cleaning design, brushes wipe these fines from the surface of the wedgewire where they can then flow to the bottom of the conveyor. Finally, the conveyor belt's cleats scrape them around and up the incline for discharge.

• Less chip migration to the coolant tank means less tank cleanout and production downtime

• Pump, tooling and coolant life is greatly improved

• No consumables provide an environmentally friendly system

• Single drive design provides reduced energy consumption

The EcoFilter conveyor has been well-received by our customers. One customer uses a vertical machining center to do high-volume machining of aluminum parts. They had a serious chip migration problem where a high majority of the chips would migrate to the coolant supply tank. Tank baskets and screens needed cleaning multiple times a day and weekly machine shut downs were necessary to clean out the coolant tank which was virtually filled with chips. Machine supply pumps were fouling and failing due to chip migration into the pump inlets. Filters had to be put on the inlets which, when blinded off, caused the pumps to cavitate, leading to coolant foaming. The system would often back up and coolant would flood the shop floor.

Now, with Jorgensen's EcoFilter conveyor in place, they have enjoyed uninterrupted 24hr/5 days per week production. The wedgewire filter built into the conveyor has stopped the fines from getting into the tank and the coolant is no longer foaming up. The customer stated, "This new EcoFilter Conveyor has by far exceeded my expectations. The most problematic machine tool in our shop is now the most hassle free."

Related Glossary Terms

  • coolant

    coolant

    Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

  • machining center

    machining center

    CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.