CoolCon System

CoolCon®

A New Solution for Biological Control of Machining Coolants

An increasing number of machine shops and manufacturing facilities are turning to the CoolCon® system for the control of biological growth in machining coolants. In most cases the facilities have problems with waste disposal, the smell of bacteria in the coolant sumps (Monday morning stink) and skin rashes from contact with the coolant. These problems can now be solved, without the use of chemicals, by utilizing the CoolCon® system to treat the coolant. The following are examples of how biological contamination is controlled at automotive parts manufacturing facilities and at machine shops around the country.

It is now possible to use soluble, semi or fully synthetic oils. Before the installation of CoolCon® units there was a need to dispose contaminated machining coolant as frequently as every ten (10) days. With CoolCon® in place, the coolant deteriorates more slowly and its usable lifetime is extended. The coolant can be disposed at less frequent intervals and in some cases the disposal can be completely eliminated.

In one particular plant, the CoolCon® system has been in operation over two (2) years. This plant is still using the same coolant and NONE of the coolant fluid has been discarded. Increased tool life has also been realized. On one specific machine, which drills taps and iron parts, the tool life was increased five-fold. Tooling is a large expense in machining operations so the savings are substantial.

Since contaminated coolant is classified as a hazardous waste, special disposal methods and storage procedures are required. With the CoolCon® system, these liabilities are minimized, because disposal is significantly reduced.

Other trends are observed. Machine operators commonly complain of a skin condition known as dermatitis, which is chronic among operators of machining and tooling equipment. They suffer from rashes and cuts, most noticeable on hands and forearms, that do not heal. Independent testing has shown that a wide range of bacteria thrive in the coolants such as "Pseudomonas" which is a gram-negative bacilli, that prevents healing of open wounds.

This serious problem can be solved by circulating the coolant through a new, patented, reticulated CoolCon® foam material along with pre filtration units. Machining coolant fluids are filtered and treated, then returned to the machine sumps on a continuous basis. The CoolCon® system kills the bacteria and employees are no longer exposed to the toxic chemical biocides that are commonly used to control bacterial growth. Rashes and other skin problems quickly disappear and the coolant is free of bacterial smell.

The CoolCon® system saves in coolant and tooling expenses, reduces disposal costs and eliminates the need for chemical additives With the CoolCon® system the total cost reduction is remarkable.