KR20230158541A - Process fluid handling devices and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for handling process fluids, such as machining fluids. The device comprises an inlet (2) for the machining fluid, a pump unit (5), a filtering unit (7), a microbial removal unit (9) with one or more light sources (16) delivering UVC light, and a machining fluid. It includes an outlet (3) for and also includes a control and regulation system for the functioning of the device. Preferably, the filtering unit 7 comprises one or more filtering means 7a and a measuring unit 8 connected in series with each other.

Description

Process fluid handling devices and methods

The object of the invention is an apparatus as defined in the beginning of claim 1 and a method as defined in the beginning of claim 10 for handling process fluids.

The device and method according to the invention, and hereinafter more concisely the solution according to the invention, are applicable for cleaning machining fluids used in machine tools during machining by chip removal in the engineering and metallurgical industries, for example It is an applicable solution for the measurement and maintenance of the properties of such machining fluids, which may be installed in connection with CNC machines, for example. The solutions according to the invention can also be used in other industrial applications where process fluids are used. The solution according to the invention can operate fully automatically, either as a continuous process or as a unit transferred from one machine to another.

The solution according to the invention can be used to clean essentially all process fluids and to adjust their concentration. The solution is very suitable for handling machining fluids and is advantageously suitable for handling machining fluids to be used in machining metals, for example to adjust the concentration for cleaning.

For simplicity, in the specification of the present application, the solution according to the invention is presented in more detail only in relation to handling machining fluids for metals, but the process fluid referred to may also be just a fluid for some other purposes. .

Machining fluids in machining by chip removal of metal, commonly referred to as cutting fluids or cutting coolants, inter alia cool the workpieces and machine tools used, lubricate the process surfaces and prevent corrosion of the workpieces and machine tools. It is used to protect against damage, improve chip management, and remove metal particles from machining interfaces.

Machining fluids can be divided into four basic types: cutting oils, emulsion-based machining fluids, semi-synthetic machining fluids, and synthetic machining fluids. The most widely used in industry are emulsion-based machining fluids. The solutions according to the invention are suitable for cleaning all machining fluids and also for cleaning other fluids, but the main focus here is only on emulsion-based machining fluids.

Emulsion-based machining fluids are often mixtures of oil and water, in which various additives are added to, for example, improve the life, heat capacity, lubrication capacity of the machining fluid or prevent the amount of corrosion targeting the machining device or machined workpiece. may be added. Emulsion-based machining fluids are in most cases delivered as concentrates mixed with water in a mixing ratio of, for example, 1/10 to 1/20. In this case, the concentration, or more simply the concentration, of the enrichment in the mixed machining fluid is between 10% and 5%.

One drawback of emulsion-based machining fluids is that a variety of microorganisms easily form within them, which can quickly destroy the life of the machining fluid, ultimately making it completely unsuitable for service. In addition, microflora causes odor nuisances and also occupational health hazards and diseases for machine tool users, such as skin allergies and respiratory disorders, for example. Contamination of machining fluids makes it necessary to replace them relatively frequently. Each machining fluid replacement incurs the following costs and losses, among other things: procurement of new machining fluid, production interruption, work time required for replacement, disposal of contaminated machining fluid as hazardous waste, and cost of disposal. Environmental impacts of non-renewable fuels.

Microorganisms in water-containing machining fluids use the organic compounds in the machining fluid as a nutrient and growth medium. Attempts can be made to prevent and control the formation of microbial flora in machining fluids by adding various disinfectants, pesticides and biocides, which are industrial protectants and preservatives, to the machining fluid mixture. However, biocides are toxic chemicals that cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and other illnesses, especially in users of machine tools. Additionally, when large amounts of biocides enter sewage, most biocides interfere with the operation of biological wastewater treatment plants and otherwise interfere with the biological waste treatment of biodegradable machining fluids.

As is known in the art, in most cases the concentration of the machining fluid is measured with a manually-operated optical refractometer, with which the concentration of substances dissolved in the machining fluid is determined. However, the use of manually-operated refractometers is unreliable because machining fluids easily stain the prism of the refractometer, in which case the results given by the device are unreliable or even inaccurate. Additionally, manual measurements are inaccurate, laborious, and time-consuming.

During machining, hazardous oils, which do not belong to the machining fluid but originate from the workpiece and machine tool being machined, hereinafter more briefly referred to as leakage oil, are mixed into the machining fluid, and these leakage oils are generally characterized by the chemical properties of the machining fluid. It is an environmentally harmful mineral-based oil that changes the temperature, in which case the machining fluid no longer functions in the desired manner. Leaking oil can also burn and adhere to the blade of the machine tool, resulting in breakage of the cutting blade. Leaking oil also collects small particles and other dust on surfaces, providing a good breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Leaking oil is removed, for example, with various oil skimmers, but this requires separate equipment which increases both complexity and cost. Additionally, oil skimmers only act to remove oil on the surface and do not remove oil mixed in the machining fluid, which is more harmful to the blades of the machine tool.

When machining metal, various solid particles, such as metal particles and shavings, always enter the machining fluid. Some of these solid particles settle to the bottom of the machining fluid reservoir while circulating with the machining fluid in the machining system. These solid particles can damage the surface quality of the workpiece and cause wear or even breakage of mechanical and cutting fluid systems, especially blade bits, pumps, rails and bearings.

According to what is known in the art, a total circulation system based on continuous cleaning is generally used to clean the machining fluid, the system comprising a separate cleaning device such as a microfilter, thereby removing the machining fluid from the machining device. Efforts are made to filter out, for example, solid particles and leaking oil from the exiting machining fluid. Solutions based on full circulation consist of many large, complex and expensive devices, which often only handle individual tasks rather than the entire process and occupy expensive floor space. Additionally, devices require many different maintenance procedures.

Also known in the art are methods based on batch cleaning, where the machining fluid is transferred to a separate batch cleaning process where the machining fluid is cleaned and later returned to circulation. The problem with batch cleaning is that the machining fluid to be cleaned must be completely transferred out of the machining fluid system for a separate cleaning, in which case an entirely new machining fluid needs to be added to the machining fluid system. In these cases, machine tools are not used during fluid changes. Additionally, changing machining fluids always incurs additional costs. Another problem is that batch cleaning is a one-time cleaning, in which case the fluid starts collecting dust again immediately after cleaning and is therefore not cleaned continuously at any stage other than commissioning.

According to what is known in the art, settling tanks connected to the processing system are also widely used, in which solid particles in the machining fluid settle to the bottom of the reservoir, and particles lighter than the machining fluid, such as oil, are also widely used. , rise to the surface of the machining fluid from where they are skimmed, for example by an oil skimmer. However, these types of solutions do not remove leakage oil dissolved in the machining fluid or the smallest solid particles that remain in the machining fluid and cause wear of machining tool parts and expensive cutting blades. In addition, the machining fluid settled in the reservoir is also an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms, which shortens the service life of the machining fluid. Another disadvantage is that settling tanks often require a lot of space and, along with their various compartments, contain complex reservoir solutions that impede cleaning and increase manufacturing costs.

Separation devices such as centrifuges and hydrocyclones based on centrifugal force are also used. However, when using a centrifuge, small particles always remain in the machining fluid. Additionally, emulsion degradation was observed in the case of emulsion-based machining fluids. Hydrocyclones are only suitable for separating very small particles and are therefore not suitable for shaving, which is mainly produced in metalworking, for example. Another problem with centrifugal force based separation devices is that they are not suitable for all machining applications. These devices pose a significant challenge in removing the extremely fine metal dust produced, for example, when grinding cast iron.

UVC light, which effectively destroys microorganisms in machining fluids, has also been used to destroy microorganisms in machining fluids. The main problem is that the UV lamps become dirty very quickly because they are in or directly on the cleaning fluid without protective structures. A brittle fused silica sleeve, which often breaks easily, is used as a shield for the lamp. Dust adhesion also significantly reduces the effectiveness of the light beam in eliminating microorganisms. One further problem is that in solutions known in the art the surface area of the fluid used for UV filtering is generally very small, in which case the UV light is not sufficient to destroy all microorganisms and cleaning is slow.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide an inexpensive, simple, reliable and cost-effective device and method for handling process fluids such as machining fluids. The device according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterizing part of claim 1. Correspondingly, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 10. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the other claims.

To achieve that object, the device according to the invention for handling process fluids, such as machining fluids, comprises a fluid inlet, a filtering unit and one or more light sources delivering microorganism-destroying light, such as UVC radiation. A microbial removal unit having a microbial removal unit, and a fluid outlet, as well as a control and regulation system for the functioning of the device. The device preferably includes a measuring unit connected to the device's control and regulation system for measuring and adjusting the properties of the process fluid guided through the device.

The method according to the invention can be implemented in a device according to the invention. In this case, solid particles and leaking oil are removed from the process fluid to be cleaned, such as a machining fluid, taken into the device by directing the fluid through a filtering unit. Then, essential values regarding the maintenance and monitoring of the fluid, the predictability of the fluid's service life, as well as the condition and concentration of the process fluid are measured from the process fluid. After the measurement function, the surface area of the process fluid exposed to the microorganism-destroying light is expanded for the removal of microorganisms, and the ray, such as microbial-destroying UVC light, is exposed to the expanded surface area of the fluid to destroy the microorganisms in the process fluid. It is headed towards. Finally, the cleaned process fluid is removed from the device.

One advantage of the solution according to the invention is that it cleans the machining fluid by cleaning all impurities such as solid particles and spilled oil, eliminating microorganisms, and automatically adjusting the concentration of the machining fluid and the optimal settings for maintenance. This means that it prolongs the life of the fluid. In this case, manual and unreliable measurements according to the prior art become unnecessary. In this case, the need to replace machining fluids is also reduced and the need for toxic biocide additives is eliminated. Furthermore, occupational health hazards and environmental hazards caused by machining fluids and biocides are reduced. Because machining fluids themselves are classified as hazardous waste, environmental concerns are reduced through fewer changes required and more opportunities for use of environmentally friendly fluids.

Due to automation, one advantage is that the measurement intervals of the machining fluid become sufficiently frequent and also enable real-time maintenance of the machining fluid, reliable measurement, and accurate documentation of the measurement results. In this case the machining fluid circulating in the system is always acceptably clean for process use. Automation also reduces the amount of work required for maintenance of machining fluids.

One important advantage is that, thanks to automatic measurements performed with precise and versatile measurement sensors, physical and chemical properties, concentrations and quantities of microorganisms can be examined and adjusted continuously and essentially in real time. In this case, for example, precise concentration measurement is necessary to avoid, for example, foaming of the machining fluid and the problems caused by it, while at the same time ensuring the circulation of the system, for example, to avoid overfilling the machining fluid reservoir. It is possible to control the amount of machining fluid to be added. It can be verified by precise temperature measurement whether the temperature of the machining fluid is at an optimal level so that the machining properties of the machining fluid are not deteriorated. This is particularly important in precision machining, where the effects of thermal expansion play an important role.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the device according to the invention can be controlled locally or by remote access, and that the device provides information to the user about the properties, chemical composition, amount and information of the machining fluid. It delivers real-time information about flow speed and the amount of microorganisms in the machining fluid.

Another advantage is that the light sources transmitting UVC rays do not come into contact with the machining fluid, in which case they do not become dirty and, as a result, their radiant power remains maximum. Additionally, UVC rays can withstand large surface areas of the machining fluid, in which case removal of microorganisms is as effective and rapid as possible. Additionally, the advantage is that the radiant power of the UVC light and the low velocity of the machining fluid can be adjusted in real time during the cleaning process, in which case the amount of energy to be used for cleaning can always be maintained at an optimal level.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that the simple structure of the device, which can be assembled from modules, enables easy mobility of the device to new locations and scalability into new size classes, is customizable to the user's needs. Another advantage is that modules can be delivered for service and delivered back to the customer in postal packaging, which results in lower logistics costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Hereinafter, the invention will be explained in more detail with the help of examples of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying simplified and schematic drawings.

1 shows a schematic and simplified diagram of one handling device for machining fluids according to the invention,
Figure 2 shows a schematic and simplified side view of one handling device for machining fluids according to the invention and its main components;
Figure 3 shows a simplified view of the upper part of the device according to Figure 2, viewed vertically from above, with the cover of the device open;
Figure 4 shows a schematic, simplified side view of the upper part of the device according to Figure 2, viewed vertically from above, with the cover removed on the device;
Figure 5 shows a schematic, simplified and cross-sectional side view of the upper part according to one embodiment of the device according to Figure 2, with the cover removed on the device;
Figure 6 shows a schematic and simplified diagram of a data transmission device of a handling device according to the invention for machining fluids.

1 to 3 show a handling device 1, more succinctly a maintenance device 1, or even more succinctly a device 1 according to the invention for machining fluids. The device is shown schematically in Figure 1 and in Figure 2 when viewed from the side. Figure 3 shows the upper part of the maintenance device 1 when viewed directly from above with the cover 9a of the device open, and Figure 4 shows the cover 9a separated from the maintenance device 1 itself. This is a simplified and cut direct side view with it raised directly upwards.

The maintenance device 1 comprises a support frame part which itself rests on a bedplate, on the supports of which the components of the maintenance device 1 are fastened. The maintenance device 1 supported by a frame part comprises, in particular, an inlet 2 for the machining fluid to be cleaned, an outlet 3 for the cleaned machining fluid, and a flow for the machining fluid between them. a channel (2a), a pump unit (5) with a suction pump (6a) and a high-pressure pump (6b) connected to the inlet (2), one or more filtering units (7) with filtering means (7a) and It includes a measuring unit (8) and a removal unit (9) for microorganisms. Preferably the filtering means 7a is a filter insert intended for this purpose.

The maintenance device 1 also comprises an intermediate inlet 4 for clean machining fluid, possibly equipped with actuators such as pumps and dosing valves, intended to increase the concentration of the machining fluid. . Preferably, the machining fluid to be added is mixed with the machining fluid concentrate into an emulsion in connection with the intermediate inlet (4). The water being mixed can also be purified before being taken to the maintenance device 1 and mixed with the machining fluid concentrate. Purification may be carried out, for example, by reverse osmosis filtering, a separate carbon filter or some other corresponding method. The purification is preferably carried out with a water purification unit, modularly connected with the device as required.

The maintenance device 1 also comprises a data processing unit 10 with conventional peripherals, more simply a computer 10, and a transceiver 11 connected thereto, preferably wireless. The computer 10 also has a control and coordination system for the maintenance device 1 .

At least the pumps 6a and 6b at the inlet end of the maintenance device 1, the measuring unit 8 with actuators, the microbial removal unit 9 with actuators and the intermediate inlet 4 with actuators are connected to a computer ( 10) and/or is connected to the control and regulation system of the maintenance device (1).

The suction pump 6a is arranged to suck the machining fluid to be cleaned into the maintenance device 1 through the inlet 2 for handling. Preferably, the outlet of the suction pump 6a is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure pump 6b, which ensures that the machining fluid flows through all the filtering means 7a of the filtering unit 7 of the maintenance device. can flow through, then to the measuring unit (8) and then to the microbial removal unit (9) and then, for example, by gravity or alternatively pumped, to the outlet (3). ) is arranged to raise the pressure of the machining fluid to be cleaned to a very high level so that it can flow back through the machine tool or the machining fluid reservoir. Preferably, the high-pressure pump 6b is a pump with adjustable pressure, where the pressure can be adjusted, for example, from 0.5 to 10 bar.

A filtering unit (7) connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump (6b) follows the high-pressure pump (6b) in the direction of flow of the machining fluid to be cleaned, and this pump (6b) controls all the filtering means (7a) of the filtering unit (7). ) to pressurize the machining fluid. Preferably there is one or more filtering means 7a connected in series with each other. Preferably the filter of the first filtering means in the series is the coarsest and filters the largest particles from the machining fluid flow. The filter of the second filtering means in the series is the second coarsest, and finally, the filter of the last filtering means of the series is the finest of all. The filtering unit 7 may comprise, for example, six filtering means 7a connected in series in series. The filtering means 7a can also be connected in parallel, for example two parallel sets of three filtering means connected in series. The filtering means 7a of the filtering unit 7 can be easily and quickly replaced depending on the properties of the machining fluid and/or cleaning requirements, due to the modularity of the maintenance device 1 . The filtering means 7a are preferably fastened to the device 1 by means of a quick-connect coupling or a counterpart coupling, in which case their replacement is quick and easy. Due to modularity, the device 1 can be quickly and easily configured for the desired machining fluid or depending on the contamination requirements for the machining fluid in different operating areas. One or more filtering units (7) can be installed in the maintenance device (1). In the case of more than one filter unit (7), the filter units can be installed in parallel or in series, thus providing increased handling speed or improved filtering capacity of the maintenance device (1). The filter units 7 installed in parallel are similar to each other, but the individual filtering means 7a installed in series become denser, of course, as the machining fluid moves through the filter units.

If necessary, depending on operating site requirements, the filtering means (7a) can also be used in the device (1) without the microbial removal unit (9). One such example worth mentioning is, for example, the use of microemulsion fluids as machining fluids, in which case the microbial removal unit 9 is preferably used in the machining fluid by gradually creating a macroemulsion fluid from the microemulsion fluid. It causes an unexpected reaction. In that case, it is advantageous to clean the machining fluid by adding fine filtering to the series of filtering means 7a in such a way that the precision of filtering is increased with denser filtering means until the desired level of filtering is achieved. For filtering in this case, modular coarse filtering means are first arranged to replace the removal unit 9, which remove the largest particles from the fluid. Filtering is then carried out with filtering means 7a and finally in the fine filtration module, which replaces the removal unit 9 together with the cut filter. In the fine filtering module, filtering after the series of filtering means 7a takes place, for example, with 1 μm silver-coated filters, in which case bacteria do not grow on the filter itself and the service life of the filter is prolonged. Finally, filtering is performed, for example with a 0.2 or 0.45 μm filter, in which case the microorganisms remain in the filter but the microemulsion fluid itself still passes through the filter.

The filtering means 7a, the fine filtering module and the removal unit of the filtering unit 7 are selected on the basis of the quality and composition of the machining fluid and, if necessary, adjusted on the basis of the values obtained by measuring the machining fluid. Therefore, for the dense filtering of microemulsion fluids using the microfiltering module and the filtering means 7a, and for macroemulsion fluids as well as other machining fluids, the filtering occurring by the filtering means 7a and the removal unit 9 A combination of can be selected. Due to modularity, it is easy to change the configuration of the maintenance device 1 depending on the selected machining fluid.

Replacement of the modular filtering means 7a of the filtering unit 7, automatic adjustment of the concentration of the machining fluid and adjustment of the power of the microbial removal unit 9, based on the measurement results (concentration measurement, contamination measurement) Thus, the quality (cleaning efficiency and fluid concentration) of the machining fluid is adjusted. Therefore, in this method, both the fluid (concentration) and the device (cleaning efficiency) are adjusted based on the measurement results.

The adjustable high pressure in the filtering unit 7 preferably has values up to, for example, 10 bar. Downstream of each other, i.e. in the filtering stage, in each filtering means 7a of the filtering unit 7, solids of finer grains than upstream are filtered out from the machining fluid. Preferably the filter material of the filtering means 7a is a lipophilic or hydrophobic material, which itself absorbs oil and rejects water. In this case the filter material allows passage of the actual machining fluid emulsified in water, but other oils and solid particles remain within the filter. The filter material may be melt blown polypropylene, for example.

Preferably, if necessary, fresh machining fluid flows through the intermediate inlet (4) into the flow channel of the machining fluid after the filtering unit (7) and before the measuring unit (8) in the direction of flow of the machining fluid to be cleaned. Added to (2a). This addition is implemented by the dosing valve 4a, which can for example be a solenoid valve connected to the computer 10. The infeed is arranged to occur automatically under the control of the control and regulation system of the maintenance device 1 based on the concentration values measured from the machining fluid. In this case, the computer-controlled dosing valve 4a admits fresh machining fluid, adjusted to its concentration, into the system via the measuring unit 8. The concentration of the new machining fluid can be adjusted manually to one level, which is usually sufficient, but when necessary the concentration can also be adjusted with the help of the computer 10. With the addition, the same values are measured from the machining fluid in the measuring unit 8 as for the machining fluid in another case, but in particular the concentration and amount of the machining fluid. The advantage of the measurement is also that the validity of the calibration of the sensors of the measuring unit 8 can be ensured.

The addition of machining fluid occurring through the intermediate inlet (4) keeps the machining fluid circulating within the system as far as possible at all times within the permitted operating limits. Additionally, the machining fluid reservoir is advantageously provided with one or more surface sensors connected to the control and regulation system of the maintenance device 1 for measuring the level of the machining fluid on the surface. This solution prevents the machining fluid reservoir from overflowing over its edges.

Within the flow channel 2a, there is a measuring unit 8 after the point of addition of the machining fluid in the direction of flow of the machining fluid to be cleaned. The measuring unit 8 comprises one or more measuring means 8a for measuring the properties of the machining fluid to be cleaned and for transmitting the measurement results to the control and adjustment system of the maintenance device 1 . Such measuring means include, in particular, sensors for measuring the amount of dissolved oxygen, sensors for measuring the oxidation-reduction potential, sensors for measuring the pH value of machining fluids, sensors for measuring electrical conductivity, sensors for measuring the TDS value of fluids, In addition, it is a measurement sensor for temperature and flow rate.

By means of a measuring sensor for the amount of dissolved oxygen, the amount of free oxygen dissolved in the machining fluid, i.e. the saturation of the machining fluid with respect to oxygen, is measured. Because microorganisms consume oxygen, this measurement allows monitoring the amount of microorganisms in the machining fluid. The more microorganisms there are in the machining fluid, the less dissolved oxygen there is. According to the invention, the saturation percentage of dissolved oxygen is measured, calculated and monitored in real time. Percent saturation means the amount of dissolved oxygen relative to the amount of oxygen in the saturated solution. In this case, the percent saturation calculated as a function of time indicates an increased amount of aerobic microorganisms. The amount of oxygen is preferably measured with a Clark electrode that functions as a sensor in the measuring unit 8, which generates a voltage signal for an A/D converter in or in connection with the maintenance device 1. The digital signals generated by this A/D converter are then transmitted for processing in the device's own computer 10 and/or to an external server.

Oxidation-reduction potential describes the oxidizing and reducing ability of a solution. The higher the potential, the greater the tendency of the substance to reduce, i.e. to act as an oxidizing agent. In an oxidation-reduction reaction, the reducing side loses electrons and the oxidizing side gains electrons. Although the reaction involves the transfer of electrons, oxygen is often involved, although oxygen is not necessarily required at all. Aerobic microorganisms are obviously active with higher potential values, while anaerobic microorganisms have low or even negative potential values. In addition to determining the level of microorganisms, the ability of a fluid to resist change, more specifically oxidation, is measured by the redox potential, which actually refers to the destruction of fluid components caused by oxygen. In this way, in the solution according to the invention, the chemical stability of the machining fluid can advantageously be measured with a measuring sensor for the redox potential.

Correspondingly, the pH value of the machining fluid is measured with a pH value measuring sensor. Adjusting this affects the function of the emulsifier, the growth of bacterial burden, and the corrosion of materials in contact with the machining fluid. pH values that are too low reduce the effectiveness of the emulsifier, while high pH values therefore prevent microbial growth and corrosion.

How many ions are dissolved in the machining fluid is determined by a measuring sensor for electrical conductivity. With these data, it can be determined how stable the machining fluid is with respect to the formation of emulsions. Correspondingly, using a measuring sensor for the TDS value, it is determined how many solid particles, more specifically salt ions, mineral ions and metal ions (total dissolved solids) are dissolved in the machining fluid.

The maintenance device (1) also comprises measuring means (8b) for the concentration of the machining fluid, which means are preferably arranged within or in connection with the measuring unit (8), and the maintenance device (1) is connected to the flow channel 2a as well as the control and regulation system of. Together with the dosing valve 4a, the measuring means 8b also functions as a means for regulating the concentration of the machining fluid, which is based on the measurements of the measuring means 8b and the fluid surface of the machining fluid reservoir and of the machining fluid. Maintain the concentration at the adjusted level. Preferably the properties of the machining fluid added through the intermediate inlet 4 are measured in phase at the time of addition or immediately thereafter.

The measurement of concentration is based on the concentration of light in relation to the refraction of light within the fluid. The means for measuring concentration 8b comprises a device to be used to record images, preferably a digital camera, the machine vision of which is from changes in light from which the concentration of dissolved substances in the machining fluid is derived based on the measured refractive index. It is arranged to read light traveling through the lens. The measurement results essential for the maintenance of the machining fluid measured from the machining fluid are processed in the computer 10 and the adjustment of the essential functions of the maintenance device 1 is arranged so that it occurs automatically. Cameras and/or video cameras may be used to record images.

After the measuring unit 8, the flow channel 2a of the machining fluid is connected to the microbial removal unit 9 via the inlet connector 2b. The removal unit 9 is preferably a box-shaped space with walls and a cover 9a and essentially a base 9b or a flow platform of large surface area, where the space is provided with a ray that destroys microorganisms, e.g. One or more radiation sources 16 that transmit ultraviolet rays. Preferably, the light sources are UV lamps that deliver microbe-destroying UVC light, such as high-power, low-pressure mercury lamps, but they may be UV LEDs or other types of light sources. The light source 16 is positioned so as not to contact the machining fluid flowing through the removal unit 9. The light source 16 is positioned, for example in the upper part of the removal unit 9, with an inlet connector 2b of the machining fluid connected to the light source 16 and the upper part of the machining fluid on the base 9b of the removal unit 9. It can be arranged in such a way that the upper surface of the machining fluid is sufficiently far below the light source 16. There may also be a structure between the light source 16 and the top surface of the machining fluid that protects the light source 16 from and against the machining fluid. The structure of the removal unit 9 and its actuators is presented in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 .

After removal of microorganisms in the machining fluid, the machining fluid is transported, for example by gravity, from the removal unit 9 through the outlet connector 3a to the machining fluid outlet 3 and then into the machining fluid reservoir, where the machine The processing fluid is recycled for use by the machine tool or to the maintenance device (1). When required, the machining fluid is delivered to the machining fluid reservoir by means of an auxiliary pump, which is shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line in the flow channel of the machining fluid before the outlet 3 of the machining fluid.

Figure 2 shows a simplified side view of one handling device 1 for machining fluids according to the invention and its main components, most of which have already been explained in connection with the illustration of Figure 1 . The maintenance device 1 is a completely independent unit that can be easily moved from one place to another and may also be equipped with wheels to facilitate mobility. The maintenance device 1 also includes a current connector 12 or a current conductor for connecting the device to an operating position in the electrical network and a current switch 13 for switching the device into operation and switching it off.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified view of the upper part of the maintenance device 1 according to FIG. 2 , viewed vertically from above, with the cover 9a of the device open. In addition to what has already been said, the maintenance device 1 here preferably comprises a device compartment 14 in which the components and actuators associated with the operation of the device are placed.

Figure 4 shows a schematic and simplified illustration of the upper part of the maintenance device 1 according to Figure 2, where, for clarity, the cover 9a of the removal unit 9 is shown separately above the removal unit 9 together with the device. Shows a side view.

Preferably, below the light source 16, between the upper surface of the flowing machining fluid and the light source 16, a protective chute rises upward from the free edge as a protective structure for the light source 16. chute)(17). In the present embodiment, in this case the upper surface of the protective suit 17 has an essentially upwardly reflective surface or reflector 18 and, correspondingly, on the inner surface of the cover 9a of the removal unit 9 There is essentially a downward reflecting surface or reflector 18a. The reflector 18 is configured to reflect the UV rays transmitted from the light sources 16 to the reflector 18a, which in turn is of the machining fluid on the base 9b of the removal unit 9 or on a separate flow platform. It is configured to reflect UV rays directed towards itself onto a surface 15, which surface is shown in dashed lines in Figure 5.

Preferably, the essentially upward reflective reflector 18 removes UVC rays via the essentially downward reflective reflector 18a onto the surface 15 of the machining fluid in the bottom part of the unit 9, for example. For example onto the base 9b or the corresponding flow surface, preferably over the entire surface area of the surface 15 of the machining fluid, or at least almost of the entire surface area of the surface 15 of the machining fluid. It is arranged to reflect over the entire surface.

The light source 16 and the protective chute 17 are located at the bottom part of the removal unit 9, for example at the surface of the machining fluid on the base 9b, in order to direct the UV light. On both edges of the removal unit 9 in such a way that an essentially large surface area of free space remains in the central area of the unit 9. Preferably, the UV rays are arranged so that they are directed to a surface area essentially the size of the entire base 9b. Preferably, the reflectors 18 and 18a are made of a material that reflects UVC rays or they are coated with a material that reflects UVC rays, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also commonly referred to as Teflon. .

A desired number of modular removal units 9 can be connected to the maintenance device 1 one above the other in the upper part of the maintenance device. At this time, the required removal efficiency can be changed quickly and easily depending on the quality of different cleaning solutions and the required cleaning requirements. If for some reason it is not necessary to use the removal unit 9 or if its use impairs the quality of the cleaning fluid, the device 1 can be assembled without the removal unit 9 and only with the filtering unit 7 and Only fine filtering modules can be used for cleaning.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic, simplified and cross-sectional side view of the upper part according to one embodiment of the device according to FIG. 2 , with the cover 9a of the device shown separately above the removal unit 9 . In the present embodiment, this structure of the removal unit 9 is similar to the structure shown in Figure 4, but now the protective suit 17 and the essentially upwardly facing reflector 18 are preferably transparent to UVC rays. -replaced by shaped protective means (19), in which case the upward-facing reflector is not required. For clarity, the support structures of the protection means 19 are not shown in FIG. 5 .

The downward facing reflector 18a may be similar to the structure shown in FIG. 4 . The UVC rays of the light source 16 now pass directly through the protective means 19 and are reflected through the reflector 18a onto the surface 15 of the machining fluid in the bottom part of the removal unit 9. For example on the base 9b or the corresponding flow surface, preferably on the entire surface area of the surface 15 of the machining fluid, or at least on the entire surface area of the surface 15 of the machining fluid. directed onto almost the entire surface of. Accordingly, the surface area of the machining fluid exposed to UVC radiation may essentially be the entire surface area of the entire base 9b of the removal unit 9.

In a solution according to one preferred embodiment, the removal unit 9 also has a thin protective film 19a permeable to UVC radiation between the light source 16 and the surface 15 of the machining fluid. This solution effectively prevents the radiation source 16 from contacting the machining fluid or its debris.

The protective means 19 may also be a thin film that is partially transparent to UVC rays and partially reflects UVC rays. In this case, the thickness of the film may for example be 0.02 to 03 mm, suitably 0.05 to 0.2 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm. Preferably, the protective means 19 is a PTFE film that is transparent to UVC rays.

The protective means 19 may also be a thin film that allows UVC rays to pass through but does not reflect them to any appreciable extent. In this case, the thickness of the film may for example be 0.02 to 0.2 mm, suitably 0.04 to 0.8 mm, preferably approximately 0.05 mm. In this case, the protective means 19 can be, for example, a fluorinated ethylene propylene film, ie a FEP film, which is transparent to UVC rays, allowing up to 90% of UVC rays to pass through. Additionally, the entire surface area exposed to light, covered by the protective film 19a, may be this type of FEP film. The entire surface area of the machining fluid within the removal unit 9 can in this way be covered with a protective film of this type, since in this case there is no air contact between the machining fluid and the light source 16 . ) protection is improved.

Figure 6 shows a schematic and simplified diagram of the data transmission arrangement of the maintenance device 1 for machining fluids according to the invention. The transceiver 11 of the maintenance device 1 transmits the measurement data measured by the actuators and measuring means 8a of the measuring unit 8 of the maintenance device 1 and processed by the computer 10 into more precise It is arranged to automatically transmit wirelessly 20 and in real time to an external server 21 for analysis. The analyzed measurement data and other data related thereto are arranged to be transmitted forward wirelessly (22) and automatically from the server (21) to, for example, a smart device (24) of the user (23) of the machine tool, From this the user 23 can inspect the operating process 25 of the maintenance device 1 for machining fluid in real time. Preferably, the external server 21 is, for example, a server of the manufacturer of the maintenance device 1 . The maintenance device 1 with control and coordination system and actuators can also be updated via the transceiver 11 . The maintenance device 1 can also function independently with or without the help of an external server 21 .

In the method according to the invention, the machining fluid to be cleaned is guided directly into the inlet 2 of the maintenance device 1, for example from the machining fluid reservoir. Preferably, the machining fluid is guided from the inlet (2) by the suction pump (6a) to the high pressure pump (6b), where the pressure of the machining fluid is such that it is suitable for passing through the cleaning cycle and filtering unit (7). It rises. In the filtering unit 7, the machining fluid is passed through filtering means that are first coarsest in terms of their filtering size, then second coarsest, and so on, and finally finest. In this way, the pressure generated by the high-pressure pump 6b is guided through one or more filtering means 7a connected in series. In each filtering means 7a of the series, finer solids are filtered out from the machining fluid than the preceding means of the same series.

After the filtering unit (7), the machining fluid is guided along the flow channel (2a) to the measuring unit (8). However, before the measuring unit 8, fresh, ready-mixed machining fluid is added to the machining fluid through the intermediate inlet 4 to increase its concentration. In the measuring unit 8, the most important properties of the machining fluid from the point of view of its condition, such as the amount of free dissolved oxygen in the machining fluid, the redox potential and pH value, electrical conductivity, total dissolved Solids (TDS), as well as temperature and flow rate, are measured by sensors in the measuring means 8a, preferably in real time. Additionally, the concentration of the machining fluid is measured, preferably in real time, with a device used to record images, such as a digital camera and/or a digital video camera and associated machine vision applications, which applications may be used to record the machining fluid. It is arranged to measure the refractive index and function in the manner of a digital refractometer.

After the measuring unit (8), the machining fluid is guided along the flow channel (2a) via the inlet connector (2b) to the microbial removal unit (9). In the removal unit 9, the machining fluid is spread in as thin a layer as possible onto the base 9b of the unit, or onto some other suitable flow platform with a large surface area, thereby exposing the machine to UV light. The surface area of the surface of the processing fluid is increased as large as possible. Microorganisms in the machining fluid are destroyed by directing UVC light from the UV light source 16 onto the surface of the machining fluid on the base 9b of the removal unit or on some other suitable flow platform. Preferably, the UVC rays are directed to the surface area of the entire base 9a or almost the entire base. UVC light from light source 16 is directed to the surface of the machining fluid directly and/or through reflectors 18, 18a. In the device 1 there can be multiple modular removal units 9 on top of each other, or alternatively the device can be manufactured without removal units. Because of modularity, it is easy and fast to adapt the device to changing requirements.

After the removal unit (9), the machining fluid is guided out of the maintenance device (1) via the outlet (3) and back to the machining fluid reservoir or directly to the machine tool. Preferably, the machining fluid is circulated essentially continuously, from the machining fluid reservoir 1 to the maintenance device 1 and back to the machining fluid reservoir in its own dedicated operating cycle. Another dedicated operating cycle may be from the machining fluid reservoir to the machine tool or machine tools and back to the machining fluid reservoir.

From the data transmitted to the server 21, the following is determined, in particular:

The amount of microorganisms in the machining fluid, the chemical properties of the fluid, the amount of ions dissolved in the fluid, and the concentration and temperature. These affect both the service life of the machining fluid and its properties in machining processes such as lubrication, heat transfer and corrosion inhibition, foaming and dimensional accuracy capabilities.

On the basis of the measured data and on the basis of the data processed thereon, the properties of the machining fluid and the state of the maintenance device 1 are monitored and adjusted. In this case, in particular the state of the filtering means 7a is monitored and, if necessary, the measuring means 8a is calibrated, and also the activation state and power of the UVC light source 16 are monitored and adjusted as necessary. Monitoring and adjustments are performed essentially in real time and preferably automatically and/or manually via a remote connection from the server 21 or from the smart device 24 of the user 23 . Preferably the data is presented graphically to the user of the machining fluid, in which case monitoring and decision making are effective. Measurement data is also used to predict the remaining life of machining fluids.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the examples described above, and that changes can be made within the scope of the claims presented below. Essentially, in the solution according to the invention, the machining fluid is cleaned as a polyphase continuous process and essential values from a maintenance point of view are measured from the machining fluid using a maintenance device according to the invention. Therefore, for example, the materials, shapes, dimensions, quantities and sizes of the main components as well as their relationships to each other may also differ from those presented above.

Process fluids other than machining fluids can also be handled with the method and holding device according to the invention, the solution according to the invention can be installed in a versatile way for a variety of devices, the solution according to the invention can also be used for example It is also clear to the person skilled in the art that it is suitable for various sectors such as the chemical industry, the food industry, and general fluid and water cleaning. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention is not limited only to industrial environments.

Additionally, the cleaning efficiency of the maintenance device can be improved by connecting multiple filtering units and/or measuring and cleaning units of the maintenance device in series by stacking one on top of the other in such a way that the frame parts of the maintenance device can all be identical. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that this multifold factor can be increased and the series-connected filtering units and/or measuring and microbial removal units can be adjusted device-specifically.

Furthermore, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that further components, such as heat pumps for warming and/or cooling the fluid, as well as larger filtering units, etc. can be connected to the cleaning system for machining fluid according to the invention. do.

Claims (18)

Maintenance device (1) for a process fluid, comprising: a fluid inlet (2), at least one filtering unit (7), a fluid outlet (3), A maintenance device comprising a control and regulation system, a measuring unit (8) connected to the control and regulation system and means (8b) for measuring process fluid concentration for measuring the properties of the process fluid guided through the maintenance device. In
The maintenance device 1 includes the following measuring means: means for measuring the amount of oxygen dissolved in the process fluid; means for measuring the redox potential of the process fluid; A means for measuring the TSD value of the process fluid; means for measuring the temperature of the process fluid; means for measuring the flow rate of the process fluid; A means for measuring the refractive index of the process fluid; and means for measuring the amount of UV light directed to the process fluid. A maintenance device comprising one or more of the following: In claim 1,
The filtering unit 7 includes oleophilic and hydrophobic modular filtering means 7a of different coarseness, with the first filtering means being the coarsest in terms of coarseness in the direction of flow of the process fluid. Maintenance device, characterized in that the last filtering means is arranged in the finest manner in series according to the thickness of the filtering means (7a). In claim 1 or 2,
The maintenance device (1) comprises one or more modular microorganism removal units (9) with one or more light sources (16) delivering microorganism-destroying light beams, the removal units being directed in the direction of flow of the process fluid. A space arranged after the filtering unit (7), having a base (9b) or a corresponding flow bed, arranged so that the process fluid is essentially a thin layer on the base (9b) of the space. and one or more light sources (16) in the space are arranged at a distance from the surface of the process fluid in the space. In claim 3,
The removal unit (9) is connected to a control and regulation system of the maintenance device and has at least one reflector (18, 18a) for reflecting UVC rays. In claim 3 or 4,
The removal unit (9) is provided with one or more films (19, 19a) permeable to UVC light, which films (19, 19a) are transparent to the light source (16) to prevent contact of the light source (16) with the process fluid or scattering of the process fluid. ) and a maintenance device characterized in that it is disposed between the surface of the process fluid. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5,
Maintenance device, characterized in that the measuring means (8b) for the concentration of the process fluid is connected to the flow channel (2a) of the process fluid and is also connected to the control and regulation system of the maintenance device. In claim 6,
The concentration measuring means (8b) is characterized by comprising a device for recording images, such as a digital camera and/or a digital video camera, and a machine vision application for measuring the refractive index of the process fluid. maintenance device. The method of claim 6 or 7,
In order to adjust the concentration of the process fluid, the maintenance device provides an intermediate inlet (4) connected to the flow channel (2a) before the concentration measuring means (8b) and/or the measuring unit (8) in the direction of flow of the fluid. Maintenance device, characterized in that the intermediate inlet is a dosing valve (4a). The method of any one of claims 1 to 8,
The maintenance device includes a computer (10) and a wireless transceiver (11) connected to the computer, the transceiver adjusting the operation of the maintenance device to analyze measurement data collected by the maintenance device. A maintenance device characterized in that it is wirelessly connected to an external server (21) in order to do so and to present the analyzed measurement data to the user of the process fluid. A method for handling a process fluid in a maintenance device (1), the maintenance device comprising a fluid inlet (2), a filtering unit (7), a fluid outlet (3), and control and regulation for the functioning of the maintenance device. system, and a measuring unit (8) connected to the control and regulation system for measuring the characteristics of the process fluid guided through the maintenance device, wherein the concentration of the process fluid is measured and adjusted, and A method in which solid particles and leaking oil are removed from a process fluid to be cleaned taken from said maintenance device (1) by guiding the process fluid through a filtering unit (7),
The amount of microorganisms in the process fluid; Oxidation-reduction potential of the process fluid; Total dissolved solids (TDS) in process fluids; flow rate of process fluid; refractive index of the process fluid; and the amount of UV light directed to the process fluid; A method characterized in that at least one of the following is measured from a process fluid. In claim 10,
In addition to the above measurements, the pH value of the process fluid; electrical conductivity of the process fluid; and temperature of the process fluid; A method characterized in that at least one of the following is measured from a process fluid. In claim 11,
The concentration of the process fluid is measured by a device used to record images, such as a digital camera or digital video camera, and a machine vision application connected to the device, which measures the refractive index of the process fluid and A method characterized in that it is arranged to function in the manner of a digital refractometer. The method of claim 11 or 12,
The concentration of the process fluid is measured and adjusted, the process fluid is cleaned into the maintenance device (1) as a continuous function and in multiple phases as an automatic process, and the process fluid is purged from the fluid reservoir into the maintenance device (1). characterized in that the fluid is circulated essentially continuously to and back to said fluid reservoir. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13,
The measurement data measured from the process fluid is transmitted to the external server 21 through the transceiver 11 of the maintenance device 1, where the measurement data is analyzed, thereby maintaining the measured value of the process fluid within predetermined limits. Characterized in that operation and adjustment commands are given to the control and adjustment system of the maintenance device (1) for maintenance. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14,
To remove microorganisms, the process fluid is guided to a thin layer extending from its surface area through a removal unit (9) connected to the maintenance device (1), where the microorganisms in the process fluid are removed. A method characterized in that the destructive light beam is directed to an extended surface area of the process fluid. In claim 15,
Rays for destroying microorganisms are delivered by one or more UV light sources 16 connected to the maintenance device 1, and the radiation amount of UVC rays from each UV light source 16 is continuously measured and corresponds to the measured value. A method characterized in that it is adjusted as needed based on the method. The method of claim 15 or 16,
UVC rays from the UV light source 16 are directed to an extended surface area of the process fluid on the base 9b of the removal unit 9, which is connected to the maintenance device 1 by one or more reflectors 18, 18a. A method characterized by reflection. The method of any one of claims 15, 16 and 17,
characterized in that the UV light source (16) is protected from the process fluid and from splashes of the process fluid by one or more films (19, 19a) that are transparent to UVC light.

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