Depending on the capacity you are looking for, there are many coolant filters on the market. It is important to understand that the three main designs for coolant filtration are magnetic, centrifuge, and media. Media filters are usually split into two types; disposable and permanent. Most manufacturers of coolant filters have all types, depending on your specific application. But each situation is different and that will determine which you need.

When recovering metal cutting fluids and recycling oils from a machining environment, filters are essential to both save you money and save the environment. The benefits of filtering your used coolant can be summarized as follows:

• saves money
• increases tool life
• increases productivity due to less maintenance

If you are in the machining business and cutting ferrous materials a magnetic coolant filtration system will be your best pick.  Some magnetic filters can remove as much as 99% of the debris from the coolant.

It is best to use stages and actually remove the magnetic particles first, then filter the remainder through a fiber media.  Some systems can also detect pressure drops in coolant delivery and alert you to the need to change the filter.  Others can index a new filter into the stream automatically as needed. In this way a fresh layer of filter is exposed and clean coolant runs continuously to the machine.

Another type of filtration for your coolant is the centrifuge.  A centrifuge filter system has many advantages over the other types.  By using the forces of gravity, this filter system can separate large quantities of metal debris from your liquid coolants.  Again this system will almost always be paired will a final stage using a media filter to remove the fine particles that can cause wear on tools.   Centrifuge systems that may be worth looking at can be found at US Centrifuge.  This company is a leader in this type of filter.  Another good company is PRAB/Monlan.

Almost all diesel engines have a coolant filter and even many gasoline engines as well. Engine temperature is largely determined and influenced by the amount of contamination in the coolant, as these particles are deposited on the internal parts of the engine and reduce the cooling capacity of the system.

Filtering the coolant, helps to reduce this particle deposition and helps the system to function properly and efficiently. For this reason, it is important that the coolant system have mechanical coolant filtration to remove impurities that are suspended in the coolant. You can also prevent most of the rust from forming if you maintain an alkaline condition.

The filter housing and associated hoses are important components as well and need to be checked during any inspection of the engine. A good coolant filtration system relies on additives, both solid and liquid, to these additives must be in the right proportion for the size of the system. Very few diesel engines come from the factory without a coolant filter, but should you have one of these, you must install your own. One of the main causes of premature failure in diesel and gasoline engines is related to a failure in the coolant system function.

The bottom line on coolant filtration is that if you care about your engine, you will need to start caring about the coolant.