SumpDoc

August 13, 2012

Eriez Hydroflow introduces SumpDoc, a portable inline fluid reclamation machine that provides complete coolant restoration and rejuvenation treatment of the metalworking fluids in the machine tool sump with minimal operator interface. There is no interruption in the production cycle or need to transport fluids. The portable SumpDoc can be wheeled next to a machine tool, parts washer or rinse tank to provide full-service fluid reclamation in a simple three step process.

The main features of the SumpDoc include; sump cleaner (sump vac) for removal of all sludge and solids 50-micron and larger, pleated bag filter and housing for removal of solids down to 10-micron, continuous flow tramp oil coalescer, high speed centrifuge for removal of emulsified tramp oil and fines down to three to fiveµm, ozone generator for microbiological treatment of coolants, coolant makeup system with proportioner and electrical controls with touch screen dashboard. All components are housed on a mobile platform for ease of transportation.

"SumpDoc is a cost-effective alternative to a central fluid recycling system or batch processing," says Barry Nehls, General Manager-Eriez Hydroflow. "The economic advantages stem from the elimination of downtime and savings from re-use of fluids. The SumpDoc is like a crash cart for sumps. With its portable design and ability to function with little operator interaction and no stop in production, the SumpDoc is truly revolutionary."

The SumpDoc operates in three easy steps. After locating the SumpDoc unit next to an operating machine tool sump and connecting to the plant source of compressed air, water and electric, the unit is ready to begin metalworking fluid rejuvenation while the machine tool remains in full production. The operator turns the unit on and follows the steps illustrated on the control panel touch screen dashboard.

In step one the operator selects the Sump Vac Mode from the dashboard controls. The sump vac portion of the portable unit is equipped with a long two-inch diameter hose and aluminum angled crevice tool for sucking up the bulk of the chips in the sump. Solids are trapped in a 50-micron polyester bag and the coolant returns to the sump for continuous operation of the machine tool.

In step two the operator selects Filtration Mode from the dashboard controls. The suction hose of the air-operated diaphragm pump is positioned in the machine tool sump while the discharge hose from high speed centrifuge and/or tramp oil coalescer is directed back to the machine tool sump. The recommended positioning of the hoses maximizes the turbulence and sump "scrubbing" action to re-suspend settled solids for suction collection. The coolant continuously re-circulates to the sump during the filtration mode to provide uninterrupted machine tool operation. Once the filtration mode is in operation, the operator is free to conduct other activities until the filtration mode is complete.

Step three is the Coolant Makeup Mode. After running of filtration mode for a predetermined amount of time, the operator will check the coolant concentration level with the onboard digital refractometer. The operator then selects Coolant Makeup Mode from the dashboard controls and selects "lean," "standard" or "rich" for topping up the sump with the proper coolant concentrate mix. Once the sump tank reaches the desired concentration level, the process is complete. The operator disconnects the SumpDoc and moves on to the next machine tool sump or parts washer to be cleaned.

Onboard storage containers include a coolant concentrate/chemical tank, tramp oil and centrifuge backwash tanks. All tanks include discharge or cleanout pumps for ease of dispensing or removing content through simple touch screen controls on the SumpDoc dashboard.

Related Glossary Terms

  • centrifuge

    centrifuge

    Filtering device that uses a spinning bowl and the differences in specific gravities of materials to separate one from another. A centrifuge can be used to separate loosely emulsified and free oils from water-diluted metalworking fluid mixes and to remove metalworking fluids from chips.

  • 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.

  • metalworking

    metalworking

    Any manufacturing process in which metal is processed or machined such that the workpiece is given a new shape. Broadly defined, the term includes processes such as design and layout, heat-treating, material handling and inspection.

  • refractometer

    refractometer

    Optical instrument that measures the refractive index of a liquid, such as a water-diluted metalworking fluid mix. The refractive index can by used to determine the concentration of a fresh metalworking fluid mix.

  • tramp oil

    tramp oil

    Oil that is present in a metalworking fluid mix that is not from the product concentrate. The usual sources are machine tool lubrication system leaks.