Need Help!- Water cooled spindle.

[Mike F]

I have a very nice, water cooled spindle that runs beautifully. The water is pumped using a small, water feature pump and is more than adequate for the job. However, after a few days, the water in the supply tank takes on a life of its own, growing weird and wonderful cultures. I have tried using a weak bleach solution and it helps but just delays the inevitable growth.

Can anyone suggest an additive or solution to my problem?

Many thanks,

Mike

[jdr]

Mike,

You might want to try Dowtherm SR1. Used in Precise High Speed Spindles to keep this German brand of spindles running cool. Mixed with 2 parts water to 1 part Dowtherm SR1. Dowtherm SR-1 is a special pink colored mix of ethylene glycol(anti-freeze).
Also, google "Precise Spindles" for more info.

Hope this helps.

Link:

http://www.dow.com/heattrans/prod/glycol/dowtherm.htm

Jack

[Mike F]

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the reply but it seems that Dowtherm SR-1 is not available in Europe. Maybe it has another trade name over here. I used the product locator on the Dow website but no results for Europe!!

I will look for other glycol based systems over here.

thanks,

Mike

[Karl_T]

Just a thought, a little copper sulfate will kill this stuff off for sure. I've used it in my water bed for thirty years now. i don't know, but can't see where this would cause trouble with your spindle coolant.

karl

[Herbertkabi]

Perhaps you dont like it but why separate watere cooling at all - my coolant flows through spindle - kill two birds with one stone - one pump, the same fluid.
->Tank -> filter -> Pump -> Spindle -> Coolant nozzle -> .....
Selfmade brushless direct drive spindle, 1kW, 45.000 RPM
Cheers,
Herbert

[Mike F]

Hi Herbertkabi,

I don't understand what you are saying My system is a closed loop of tank, pump and spindle. The water re-circulates constantly but after a time it becomes cloudy and organisms start growing.

Mike

[nlancaster]

Herbertkabi is talking about using his machinig coolant to cool his beutiful self made spindle.

[jdr]

Mike,

Contact UK Ebay Seller: dave_the_chiller_man

I bet he would sell you some Dowtherm SR1. Search Dowtherm on UK Ebay.

Jack

[youngjim]

You could do a search for coolant additives for water-cooled PCs; they're meant for keeping fluid systems like that clean and germ-free. I ran my computer without it for a while and it did the exact same thing. With the additive I used, it stays clean, and lasts until it goes a little brown from air exposure. Cheap, too.

Jim

[Mike F]

Great, thanks for all the replies. I will make a few enquiries and let you know what I find.

Cheers,

Mike

[Herbertkabi]

this is my older machine coolant and spindle cooling I made few years ago, you can see how hoses ... this spindle is not so "nise looking" but it is good (45k rpm) pump is also tiny - exact like yours
("The water is pumped using a small, water feature pump and is more than adequate for the job.") - yes, some of these tiny 12v pumps are very good!
Pump is electronically controlled ...
You can use how many closed loop water-systems you like - I prefer just all in one
cheers,
herbert

[Mike F]

Hi Herbertkabi,

Nice looking spindle - do you have drawings and/or instructions on how you built your spindles? Is there a thread on the 'Zone'? I am very interested.

The controller, strapped to the side looks very much like a model speed controller for brushless motors. Also, what is the device on the table in the bottom right of the picture?

Thanks,

Mike