Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Tramp oils (hydraulic oil, lubricating oil and greases, and protective metal coatings) in coolant create expensive and frustrating problems. Tramp oils in coolant provide a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause problems ranging from unpleasant odor to employee skin rashes.
When tramp oils combine with other contaminants in coolant, they can form a sticky substance that clogs lines and sprays. When they hit the tool, the cooling effect of the coolant is reduced, causing shorter tool life, product staining, inaccurate tolerances and a smoky atmosphere in the plant.