ZAY7045 ZX-45 Mill Coolant Floating Oil Catch Can

[Chris MateParticipant @chrismate31303]

Hi, I also completed the Coolant Floating Oil Catch Can.(Experiment to be)

The theory is it floats with a small side reservoir(Round) stabalised by few floats attached at such a level to the coolant level, that extra dirty oil from the top is contained here in this area alone and spill over in small reservoir from which I extract it. I will see how this works, if it turns out theres another real similasr non floating selution using same filter assembly and also containing the dirty oil in small area keeping it out of the rest of the Tank.

A fishtank airbubble is added ad the bottom to aerate that section as well to keep good bacteria in check(Theory)

Note:
The Coolant tank was modified with 4x bearing wheels riding on tracks in or out. I pull the tank out on a steel plate easily removed for easy non spill events. I also fitted a Coolant Level, a drain tap, and 2x fish tank air compressors added in tray/drawer above coolant tank to arerate areas in coolant tank.
THe blue marked pype is going out to 3x filter system, the green pipe marked coming back is just a backflow from pump through filters to stirr tank with coolant I do not use controlled by two taps near headstock.

See Photos:

Edited By Chris Mate on 25/02/2022 20:53:02

[Chris MateParticipant @chrismate31303]

Catches dirty oil and/or contain it in small area

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

Most of the cnc mills where I worked collected the floating oil with a little mechanism that looked like a vertical belt sander. Just a slow moving rubber belt dipping into the tank, and a scraper to wipe off the oil and divert it into a small container for disposal. They ran all the time the machine was running.

[Chris MateParticipant @chrismate31303]

Hi , I looked at those, but I wanted to experiment with something no moving parts and no extra space. I am just a slow home shop, and those although they work well will be too cumbersome for me.
If this turns out a nuisance, I have another simple fixed idea doing the same thing, however the oil won't spill over if oil level drops, thats my next option.

Edited By Chris Mate on 25/02/2022 21:14:43

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

The smell of old coolant was the signal to replace it, and I wonder if the extreme dilution was to blame. I just use a Rocol soluble oil in small mixes at about 10% and have never had it go off. But I only use it in squeezy bottles, not a pumped system.

[Chris MateParticipant @chrismate31303]

Hi, Interesting you mention delution. I was advised to mix around 12%(Manual milling) by experienced guy, and he said no rust he had no problems over the years, replace it every year. I don't have a problem mixing it heavier, although I understand you cannot go too heavy like over 15%…Maybe there are others knowing more about maximum percentage for manual milling. I am not going to blast the chips away like CNC milling with a closed cabinet. Minimum I can buy of the stuff I want is 20 Liters so I have plenty to experiment with. I think contamination stuff landing back in your tank plays a big role, especially if your pump remixes it and then sit still for periods.

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