Fully filtered flow for contaminants

Problems: Water cooling has been around since the year dot as it is a readily available commodity and modern machining has demanded a more effective fluid, hence the development of cooling fluids. Other fluids, such as oil, are used as both lubricating and cooling mediums in a massive variety of applications from transformers to car engines. The problem that exists with many fluid based systems is that the effectiveness of the fluid can be diminished as contaminants are entrained within its bulk. Filters have leapt to the rescue here, but in more demanding application such as car engines and machine tools these filters can get clogged, restricting fluid flow, and need continual maintenance to ensure that they help rather than hinder. Many applications produce ferrous contaminants so magnetic filters have seen substantial use. However these can suffer from the problem of contaminant build up and the subsequent re-entry of it into the fluid flow, sometimes as a large, potentially damaging 'clump' Solution: A new type of magnetic filter has been developed by UK company Fluid Conditioning Systems. The Magnom has excellent entrapment properties and, thanks to its clever design, it is capable preventing the contaminant re-entering the fluid flow. The filter uses its magnetism to collect ferrous contaminants like many other designs but, thanks to its patented design and magnetic field usage the particles, some down to less than one micron, are diverted into collections zone off to one side – leaving the primary flow channels open. Applications: As the technology is scalable this filter has found itself in a number of diverse applications such as industrial hydraulics, machine tools and industrial process and plant systems. Other applications include racing motor cycles and it is also now being used in Formula One. A range of units is available; from the mini module which can handle working pressures up to 200psi to a larger model which offers a contaminant capacity up to 185g at a working pressure up to 5,000psi. As the unit is cleanable it will address legislation coming in to force in 2005 which will prohibit the disposal of filters in land fill it also reduces the need to dispose of the fluids in such great quantities. With the fluid conditioning market operating at $24.6bn, the company is in a good position to create future markets. The technology is already proven and the company, backed up with its internal experience and expertise, intends to improve its offering through partnerships with leading suppliers and higher education among others. Fluid Conditioning Systems