Smoke is commonly defined as solid particles in the air that result
from combustion or fire. Smoke in most mist collector applications is
actually not smoke because there are no solid particles. Smoke, in mist applications,
is either submicron oil mist or steam.
Submicron oil mist or oily smoke is generated by heat and/or pressure.
In quenching and lubricating a machine tool with straight oil, some portion
of the oil evaporates or vaporizes. When it condenses back to a liquid,
particles from 0.05 to 1.0 micron are formed. This ultra-fine mist looks and
resembles smoke due to the small size of the particles.
In high pressure lubricant systems, also referred to as micro-fog devices,
anti-misting agents and chemical bonds that keep mist droplets large are
overcome by high pressure, generating liquid particles typically between 0.1 and
1.0 micron in size. This fine mist looks like and resembles smoke as well.
Steam is commonly produced in machining applications involving
water soluble coolants. In fact, water is one of the best coolants on
the market. When water comes in contact with a hot part, some of the
water vaporizes and condenses back as steam.
Whether your application is generating oily smoke or steam, you may
have visible “smoke” emissions above your mist collector. Before you
add a HEPA or another filter to the system you have, contact your local
authorized Trion Representative.
They will work with you to determine your best solution and may be able
to offer a better alternative.