consider as a priority to make more environmentally responsible choices.
What’s more, bio-sourced water-based fluids which are free of oils and emulsifiers can offer a more sustainable solution for high heat-generating metalworking operations. Providing high lubricity and excellent cooling power, these can advantageously replace those that are petroleum derived.
Health and safety considerations whilst working with metalworking fluids?
One key aspect of mitigating workplace risks is putting in place effective training programs on safe handling of equipment, as well as the implementation of comprehensive safety protocols, such as providing protective equipment, conducting regular workplace inspections, and ensuring that proper ventilation and containment systems are in place.
Ensuring the correct choice of optimum lubricants and taking the necessary precautions in usage and application can also meaningfully contribute to greater health, safety, and well-being across the manufacturing lifecycle. One key criterion when selecting lubricants for maximum safety is flammability which creates a great fire risk, especially in pure cutting and solvent-based products. Secondly, choosing these products with high flash points can minimise the risk of high evaporation that can easily cause irreversible damage in terms of health and safety and create dirty and greasy workshops, whilst also reducing fluid consumption.
It is also essential for metalworkers to manage quality and health and safety through monitoring. For water-based cutting fluids, fluid pH, concentration, hardness, and microbiological contamination presence should have mandatory weekly tests that must strictly be followed. In addition, the fluid feeding pressure, flow rate, tank size, temperature, and conductivity are all key parameters to assess and follow up. Ensuring these quality parameters are controlled not only improves health and safety but also can help reduce waste and the overall operational cost of manufacturing. This is achieved through effective and timely maintenance, materials replacement, and other necessary interventions.
Lubricant in machinery and equipment contains vital information needed to monitor equipment and lubricant condition, hence why an expert oil analysis with accurate data is essential for proper lubrication management. LubAnac by TotalEnergies Industry analysis service provides comprehensive lubricant oil analysis across a range of industries, to ensure you are equipped to make the best decisions with regards to your equipment.
To ensure optimal efficiency and sustainability, tank dimension is also an important factor to be considered – an undersized or oversized tank will cause problems with water evaporation, poor aeration, and ineffective filtration. Complementing the system design with separation equipment like filtration, skimmer, and Local Exhaust Ventilation, will help contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of operations while limiting exposure.
The UK metalworking sector finds itself at a critical juncture. With net zero goals a priority, manufacturers must increase productivity and the safety of their workplace, all while minimizing their ecological footprint. By opting for products with low toxicity, high flash points, and biodegradability, as well as embracing new technologies, businesses can make big differences in their carbon footprint and workplace efficiency.
totalenergies.co.uk
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.181 JUNE 2024
25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
