Metal working fluids are
used at thousands of manufacturing facilities to cool and lubricate metal
parts being drilled, milled, machined or formed. These fluids are primarily
water-based emulsions, although some petroleum-based fluids are also used.In addition to cooling and
lubricating, metal working fluids also function to flush metal particles
from the process surfaces. While water-based fluids are particularly susceptible
to microbial growth, even petroleum-based fluids can become tainted when
microbial growth occurs in any water collecting in the containment system
under the oil phase.Microbial contamination
can cause noxious odors, decomposition of the lubricating agents, acidity
that can be detrimental to machine tool parts, and, in some instances, a
limited health hazard during prolonged exposure of workers' skin to the
fluid. Addition of antimicrobials is essential for optimizing fluid life,
fluid functionality and worker comfort.
