Diffusion and Collection of Mist/Oil-Smoke in Near-Dry Machining Environment

Abstract

Use of metalworking fluids during machining results in a mist generation, which is associated with adverse health effects. Oil-mist or oil-smoke is generated in the near-dry machining process. These particles are called PM2.5 or PM10. Recently, the machining process is conducted in the closed machine, and such small particles are evacuated outside with the mist collector. In this study, the amount of the small particles of oil mist and smoke was measured in the working environment under various conditions. It was shown that the air pollution can be avoided by using the aid of mist collector with high performance filter, especially for very small particle smaller than 0.3μm. Also the amount of the mist particle which a machine operator is exposed when the machine door is opened at the work piece change. It was shown that using the mist collector with appropriate air flow volume can prevent the discharge of the particles outside of the machine. It was also shown that making air stream from high mist concentration area to mist collector can improve the mist collection efficiency.