The Influence of Fluid Management Policy and Operational Changes on Metalworking Fluid Functionality

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of metalworking fluid management policy and operational changes on metalworking fluid functionality in terms of lubricating and cooling ability. Several important pathways for metalworking fluid depletion are reviewed. Using an instrumented drilling-based test-bed, the effects of lubricating component depletion, microfiltration, and dilutant water hardness were assessed. It was observed that microfiltration had no effect on fluid functionality. Increases in dilutant water hardness were found to produce decreases in drilling forces and temperature. Additionally, increasing dilutant hardness decreased microfiltration flux, but this effect can be counteracted with the addition of a chelating agent.