Shear stable mist suppressants for aqueous metalworking fluids: Development and field evaluations

A new class of shear stable polymers has been developed as mist suppressant s for soluble oil, semi-synthetic and synthetic metalworking fluids. Labora tory screening tests and small-scale field tests (grinding and milling oper ations) were used :tb establish the mist suppression performance and durabi lity of these polymers during development. Field testing was done at Ford M otor Company manufacturing plants to confirm the application, effectiveness and durability of these polymers in actual production environments. Strong correlation was measured between the results of laboratory screening tests and field evaluations. The manufacturing plant tests conclusively demonstr ated the durable mist reduction performance of the polymers with significan t, visible improvements in plant air quality. No adverse effects were obser ved on parts quality, normal production operations, coolant performance and waste treatability after polymer addition.