Quaker recently received a call from a customer who raised concerns about the safety of microbes and unpleasant odors in their coolant system. The company immediately dispatched its technical team to the site, aiming to address the issue promptly and support the customer effectively.
During our on-site discussion with the factory staff, we identified that the coolant had a **low pH**, which can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Following this, Quaker submitted an analysis report to the customer’s chemical management department, revealing a significant level of bacterial contamination in the coolant.
Bacterial contamination is a common issue in coolant systems, often caused by microorganisms present in the air. In this particular factory, the local atmospheric conditions contribute to the presence of various microbes, including bacteria and fungi, which have adapted over time through air circulation. This explains why different facilities may experience varying types of microbial growth.
In general, **microbial contamination and odor generation** are closely linked to several factors:
**1. Coolant pH Level**
a) pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution or emulsion.
b) It affects the solubility of alkanolamines in water. A change in pH can lead to the release of these compounds into the gas phase, causing an ammonia-like odor, which is commonly considered unpleasant.
c) The ideal pH range for coolant is typically between 9.0 and 9.5.
d) Microbial activity produces acidic byproducts, which can lower the pH. Raising the pH helps inhibit microbial growth and reduce odor formation.
**2. Prolonged Microbial Contamination**
a) Microbes consume certain components in the coolant, such as nitrogen-containing compounds like alkanolamines, to support their growth.
b) This metabolic process results in the production of waste products that can enter the coolant, contributing to odor issues.
c) Regular maintenance and timely intervention are essential to prevent long-term contamination and related problems.
**3. Systemic Pollution**
a) During manufacturing, oils such as spindle oil, hydraulic oil, and rail oil may leak into the coolant system, altering its composition. These contaminants need to be removed using appropriate methods.
b) Some hydraulic oils contain zinc additives, which can negatively affect aluminum processing due to their high electronegativity.
Based on the customer’s situation, when the pH dropped below the acceptable level, microbial growth increased significantly. To manage this, the pH needed to be raised (using amines), but this could lead to volatile amines, causing strong odors. Quaker introduced a dynamic control program to stabilize the coolant’s bio-activity, manage microbial growth, and minimize odor emissions, thus improving the health and safety of the workers.
The customer followed Quaker’s recommendations and successfully resolved the issue. As part of our commitment, Quaker has always prioritized on-site technical support, aiming to provide effective solutions for all application challenges faced by our clients.
Control Panel,Java Control Panel,System Control Center,Run Control Panel
Zhengzhou Shenlong Pump Industry CO.,Ltd , https://www.waterpump-manufacturer.com