Management of the Metal Removal Fluid Environment

MRF Systems


How to Size Flume Design Chip handling Maintenance

Back Home Up Next

Table of Contents
Getting Started
Glossary
Search
Information&Links
Metal removal fluid systems are of two kinds: the self-contained system and the central system. The MRF system removes particles from the fluid. The system must deal with the chips and swarf generated by the metal removal process, as well. Detailed information on how the MRF is clarified can be found in Separation and Filtration.

 

uses of self-contained systems

 

 

 

elements of self-contained
systems:

filters

 

separators

 

 

 

 


Where MRF goes after use

 

 

 

 

self-contained systems vs. central systems


What is the difference between self-contained and central MRF systems?

A self-contained MRF system is a small unit that services one or two operations, while a central system services a transfer line or group of related machines that use a common metal removal fluid, usually for machining the same metal.

Self-contained systems are used for isolated machines, or for operations that require a unique MRF. If a number of similar operations occur in the same area, a central system is usually used.

What is included in a self-contained MRF system?

Self-contained clarifiers can be filters or separators.

Filters are usually small vacuum disposable media or wedge-wire drums.
A variety of separators are available, such as
chip conveyors
magnetic conveyors
spiked belt conveyors
roller filter conveyors.


Because separators do not provide positive filtration, they may not be suitable for many final operations. For finish grinding, honing, polishing, etc., a vacuum disposable media filter is recommended.

Usually the MRF drains directly from the machine into the clarifier, or from the machine through a short chute into the clarifier. Pay special attention to the height of the machine discharge to avoid unnecessary pit installation. In some cases, where accessibility is a problem, the MRF is drained into a sump and pumped over to the filter with a sump-mounted transfer pump. However, this method often creates a clean-out problem in the sump. On small machines the sump is too small to include a drag conveyor, and chips build up, requiring manual clean-out.

Small individual filters work well for isolated machines or operations that require a unique MRF, but if a number of similar operations are in the same area, a central system is usually more functional and provides greater economy of scale. Small filters take up more floor space per GPM (gallons per minute) than larger filters used in central systems. Individual filters are more expensive per GPM because each unit requires its own controls, drive mechanism, pumps, service drops and maintenance. Adequate space should be left open around all filters (large or small) for chip removal, media replacement and maintenance.

What is included in a central system?


back to top

 

 

orc_logo_dc1.gif (10085 bytes)Contact Chris Roman, orcstaff@orc-dc.com  
Copyright © 1999 Organization Resources Counselors
All rights reserved. 
Revised: January 06, 2000

Prepared by AWARE Services   wpe47.jpg (1343 bytes)