Coolants & Lubricants | Coolants | Troubleshooting

Coolants Troubleshooting Guide
Select your Current Problem
Foaming
Odor
Poor Tool Life
Residue In Machine
Rusting
Skin Irritation
Foaming
Causes: Solutions:
Concentration too high/low Adjust concentration to specification

Machine cleaner in sump Check pH - drain re-charge if necessary

Mechanical - lines on suction side leaking, cracks in hose, loose fittings, impeller cavitation Repair or replace hose, check pump for hair-line cracks and fix or replace if necessary

Soft water Sample water, treat if necessary

Pump pressure too high Regulate as needed

High tramp oil content Skim off oil. Check for leaking oil lines

Fluid level too high, too low Adjust fluid levels
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Odor
Causes: Solutions:
Low concentration Adjust concentration to specifications

Low pH Check pH, contact AFT

High tramp oil content Skim off tramp oil

Contamination Find contamination source

Solids, sludge or swarf Drain sump. Purge solids, sludge or swarf. Put back old coolant and adjust concentration. Recharge with fresh coolant if necessary.

Bacteria, fungus Treat with bactericide, fungicide. Drain, clean and recharge. Contact AFT.
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Poor Tool Life
Causes: Solutions:
Concentration too low Adjust concentration to specifications

Wrong product being used Contact AFT

High tramp oil content Skim off tramp oil
High solids content Filter coolant

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Residue In Machine
Causes: Solutions:
High concentrations Adjust concentration to specifications

High tramp oil content Skim off tramp oil

Incorrect mixing Add concentrate to water. Never add straight concentrate to sump. Mix thoroughly.

Hard Water Treat water. Install R.O. or D.I. System.

Heavy misting Check ventilation system. Adjust coolant nozzles. Increase coolant flow.
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Rusting
Causes: Solutions:
Concentration too low Adjust concentration to specifications

Poor mixing (soluble oils) Add concentrate to water. Never add straight concentrate to sump.

High concentration of dissolved solids in solution Sample water, treat if necessary. Drain and recharge sump if necessary.  Keep coolant filtered.

Galvanic reaction from dissimilar metals Clean chips from sump.  Drain and recharge sump if necessary.  Keep coolant filtered.

Evaporative cooler Divert air flow away from machine

Fluid contamination Check contamination sources
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Skin Irritation
Causes: Solutions:
High concentration Adjust concentration to specifications

High pH Check pH, contact AFT

High tramp oil content Skim off tramp oil

Dirty shop clothes Use clean, chip-free shop clothes

Contamination Find contamination source and correct

Allergies See doctor
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