Clear out coolant line

[TravisR100]

I have a new SMM2. After finally getting it up and running cut some parts for about 3 hours. After 3 hours I had nearly the complete surface of the coolant tank floating with aluminum fines. The only reason I stopped to look was that the pcool nozzle flow slowed so much that it won't even reach the tip of the tools.

So, I've read through here and found that part of the solution is to install a filter right after the pump output to keep chips from getting back through. I'm still trying to figure out how to keep these fines from getting back into the tank.

But my immediate question is how to clean out the line. I'm leary about just putting high pressure air back through the end of the pcool nozzle. Will that work if I disconnect the line from the pump?

[TravisR100]

OK, I shut the pcool valve off and opened the locline valve. I disconnected the line from the pump and blew back through the locline valve. Some coolant came back through the line but no chips. I then decided to try low pressure and do the same with the pcool by shutting the locline valve and opening the pcool valve. I'm thinking the little union on the pcool has a check valve in it because no air will go back throgh. Anyone have any experience with this? Could it be that it's not the lines that are clogged but something in the pump itself?

[Matt@RFR]

If yours is like mine: Take the copper outlet tube on the Pcool off. Look inside, and things will become clear to you.

I installed a canister type water filter from Mcmaster-Carr between the pump and the machine, and that works well. Don't get the fine filters though, they plug up almost instantly.

I have a VF-2ss so I'm not sure how the coolant sump is set up on your machine, but what I do to help keep fines out of my sump is to put coarse media on top of the sump where the coolant drains into it. You have to keep your eye on that often because it can overflow and make a helluva mess.

[Geof]

Be careful blowing back through the lines with air. If you get too much pressure you might pop the coolant line off a fitting up minside the sheet metal around the spindle. Then you will discover what a pain it is to get at the coolant lines to fix it.

I have found it is best to dismantle everything to where it comes out of the spindle housing and then gently blow backwards. There are no sharp corners or constrictions between there and the end of the hose connecting to the pump.

Just install a water filter and don't worry about the fines getting into the tank, it is practically impossible to keep them out.


Afterthough: Check the filter screen between the tank and the pump well.

[Delw]

This is going to sound silly, but it seems to work.
I have had the problem from the first time I got my machine. pain in the butt when your running in cavities and need to blow chips out.
I have found over the last few months IF and ONLY IF my coolant tank is filled to the top I dont get the problem. yeah I know weird.... however the moment I suck air the pcool clogs up.
th only reason the machine sucks air is due to the chips filling up and clogging the drain were the chip conveyor is. if I let the conveyor run wether i need it or not I have no problems as it keeps the coolant tank full.

Like I said its weird and I dont understand it other than that works. since I been keeping an eye on it coolant levels I only clogged up once in the last month.

Delw



added, in typeing this I just figured out why.. DUH! when the coolant tank gets low its sucking off the top of the coolant level , the fines float due to the turbulance the coolant pump makes when its on.

[dahun]

Originally Posted by Delw This is going to sound silly, but it seems to work. I have had the problem from the first time I got my machine. pain in the butt when your running in cavities and need to blow chips out. I have found over the last few months IF and ONLY IF my coolant tank is filled to the top I dont get the problem. yeah I know weird.... however the moment I suck air the pcool clogs up. th only reason the machine sucks air is due to the chips filling up and clogging the drain were the chip conveyor is. if I let the conveyor run wether i need it or not I have no problems as it keeps the coolant tank full. Like I said its weird and I dont understand it other than that works. since I been keeping an eye on it coolant levels I only clogged up once in the last month. Delw added, in typeing this I just figured out why.. DUH! when the coolant tank gets low its sucking off the top of the coolant level , the fines float due to the turbulance the coolant pump makes when its on.

On the new 34 position (small box) pcools remove the nozzle at the compression nut, or remove the black hose at the spigot. DO NOT try to remove the hose from the back of the pcool. The gears inside will get damaged.
Pete