Tube forming improved by emulsion filtration

A Fluid Conditioning Systems product story

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Jul 8, 2005

System that uses sub-micron filtration of ferrous particulate without incurring any significant pressure drop has improved cleanliness levels - and quality - in a tube mill.

The patented Magnom filtration technology was originally designed for Formula 1 as a way of delivering sub-micron filtration of ferrous particulate without incurring any significant pressure drop.

It has now been adapted to a wide range of applications ranging from construction equipment to power stations.

Its most recent success being in the steel industry.

An international tube forming company, were seeking process and cleanliness improvements of the tube forming section within their plant.

The largest area of concern for the quality control team was the condition of the tube mill cooling emulsion.

As a result of the forming process, ferrous contamination builds up in the fluid and on the mill beds.

This contamination then reduces the life of the fluid and can become embedded into the steel itself, resulting in quality control issues.

The staff at Magnom approached the quality control team with a solution.

As an initial trial a Magnom Clear 5 HT Unit was fitted in addition to the existing filtration to test the capability of the Magnom technology.

The unit was fitted upstream of the existing filter system, between the reservoir and the filters, to not only remove the harmful ferrous contamination but to augment the current filtration system.

Due to the nature of the process, large levels of contamination were forecast.

Consequently the core of the Magnom Unit was inspected soon after installation, where it was found to be heavily laden with ferrous contamination; this was a clear indication of success.

Cleanliness levels were improved and the life of the fluid extended.

The quality control team is continuing to evaluate the long term impact on finished product quality levels as a result of the introduction of Magnom, but their initial reports on the technology are extremely positive, so much so that the introduction of further units is planned.