Coolant Management Guides

Poor fluid control drives tool wear, changeovers, scrap, odor, and safety risk. Oemeta coolants already deliver stable, low-foam sumps. With the right routines, you unlock the full value: longer tool life, fewer surprises, cleaner machines, and predictable results.

What you will learn

• Correct mixing technique and order of operations
• Refractometer use and maintaining target concentration
• Sump cleaning, changeover timing, and recycling tips
• Odor, foam, and bacteria prevention without formaldehyde or added biocides
• Copper and alloy considerations to avoid discoloration
• Compliance basics for OSHA, GHS, REACH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001

Rule one: water first, then add concentrate. Use a venturi or dedicated mixer to ensure a homogeneous emulsion. Record target concentration, Brix factor, and date on the machine tag.

Quick checklist

• Verify water quality before mixing
• Add concentrate slowly into flowing water
• Circulate and sample after 10–15 minutes
• Log Brix and pH on day one and day two

Most Oemeta metalworking fluids in use sit above pH 9.0. Low concentration and microbiology can pull pH down, weakening properties like corrosion protection.

If pH drifts down: raise concentration to spec, refresh with clean make-up, and recheck. Where allowed, use alkalizing additives per SDS guidance.

Weekly routine

• Measure Brix and pH on each machine
• Top off with premixed coolant, not plain water
• Skim tramp oil and remove fines
• Note color or odor changes and correct early

Water and air introduce microorganisms. Good habits keep them from taking over.

• Maintain recommended concentration
• Keep lids closed and avoid contamination from food, waste, or debris
• Check incoming water lines for cleanliness
• Clean or treat lines and tanks during scheduled changeovers

Oemeta products are tested for skin compatibility. Follow SDS guidance and use standard skin protection. Reduce prolonged contact with any alkaline fluid.

Copper released from chips and workpieces can react with certain amines and cause a green tint. When machining copper alloys, use amine-free or special-amine Oemeta coolants combined with inhibitors designed to limit copper release and color shift.

Running below the recommended range reduces lubricity, tool life, corrosion protection, and overall stability. Hold the floor. Your process costs less when the fluid is at spec.

Color shifts can appear from metal ions (copper blue-green, cobalt red-pink, iron brown), tramp oil (brown), or abrasion (grey). Oil-free concentrates tend to be clear to yellow; oil-containing variants run yellow to brown.

Certain EP or biocidal packages can darken concentrates. If within shelf life, these changes generally do not affect performance. Always confirm with SDS and product guidance.

Closed loops can clog with lime soaps and residues. Use compressed air where safe to clear blockages. Dispersants such as ADDI-PROX LC can help while flow still exists. Plan full system cleans during scheduled downtime.

Oemeta quality and environmental management systems are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.