Page 8 - Coolant - Houghton Training
P. 8
The Biology of Metalworking Fluids
Many companies have tried to combat bacteria using outright biocides, usually
compounds that interfere with the metabolism of the bacteria itself. Unfortunately,
these substances can also be dangerous for people. Worse, once the bacteria have
had the chance to form a biofilm, even the most powerful biocides can’t touch them.
Only the wire brush and water jet have a chance.
The best strategy is to start fighting the bacteria right from the beginning, using
everything we know about chemistry and mechanics. Chemistry will tell us to monitor
the pH and concentration, while mechanics will keep us aerating and skimming using
disk skimmers, belt skimmers, coalescers, etc. Once we accept the fact that a
stalemate is the best we can hope for, our lives become that much easier.
