Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE MWFPSG presentation
to the WATCH Committee York, 24th February 2011
Introduction
This information has been prepared on behalf of the Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group (MWFPSG) of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association. Formed from suppliers of metalworking fluids, additives and raw materials, the MWFPSG promotes high ethical standards, safety and regulatory compliance in the formulation and use of metalworking fluids, working closely with the Health and Safety Executive.
My name is David Neadle. I am a chemist. My working life began in the research department of a manufacturer of organic chemicals, after which I joined the Medical Research Council, carrying out chemical analysis and synthesis linked to the chemical pathology of mental disorders. Following a further one year as a hospital biochemist, I returned to industry and have worked with lubricants for 42 years. I am now retired except for my role as chair of the MWFPSG, which I am due to vacate in the Autumn of 2011. This paper covers the types, composition and regulatory aspects of metalworking fluids.
Applications of metalworking fluids Metalworking fluids are used in a vast range of metal removal (cutting and grinding) and metal forming processes. Fluids that are used for washing components, although not classified as metalworking fluids, may also need to be considered in relation to the health issues under discussion.
Types of metalworking fluids There are two main types of Metalworking Fluids: • Neat oils which are used as supplied. • Water-Mix metalworking fluids which are mixed with water before use.
There are three broad types of Water-Mix Metalworking Fluids: • Soluble oils, sometimes called conven- tional milky fluids, macro-emulsions or even suds or slurry oils.
• Semi-synthetic fluids. • Synthetic fluids.
Metalworking fluids are complex products with up to 20 individual components in water-mix fluids. Soluble oils (conventional/milky fluids) and Semi- synthetic fluids form oil-in-water emulsions. Synthetic water-mix fluids may form emulsions or solutions when diluted in water, depending on their composition.
General composition of neat oils: - Highly refined mineral oil or synthetic hydrocarbon or natural or synthetic ester
- Lubricity additives (sometimes called boundary lubricants)
- Extreme pressure additives - Anti-mist additive - Metal passivator - Corrosion inhibitor - Antioxidant - Dye/reodorant
Neat oils, depending on their intended applications, have a wide range of viscosities.
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This can have important implications for exposure for both the respiratory system and the skin.
General composition of oil- containing water-mix metalworking fluids (soluble oils and semi-synthetic fluids): - Highly refined mineral oil - Emulsifiers - Lubricity additives (sometimes called boundary lubricants)
- Extreme pressure additives* - Corrosion inhibitors - Coupling agent - Buffers/pH stabilisers - Biocide/preservative - Metal passivator - Antifoam - Chelator* - Dye/reodorant - Water
* more usual in semi-synthetic fluids. LUBE MAGAZINE No .103 JUNE 2011 21
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