Oil mist extraction

Grinding, turning, drilling, and milling processes generate harmful emulsion and oil mists. In particular, cooling lubricants (CMLs) and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) release hazardous aerosols that disperse in the air and must be extracted. High-quality oil mist separators ensure reliable filtration. They remove up to 99.95% of contaminants and significantly improve workplace air quality, promoting safe and healthy working conditions.

What is oil mist extraction?

Oil mist extraction is a process for removing fine oil mist emulsions generated during industrial manufacturing processes such as grinding, milling, or drilling. Special filter systems capture the aerosols and purify the air. This protects employee health, prevents slippery floors, reduces machine wear, and contributes to environmental protection. Modern oil mist separators utilize multi-stage filters to remove up to 99.95% of particles and can be flexibly deployed in various production environments.

How is oil mist formed?

Oil mist is generated particularly in metalworking by rotating tools. During drilling, milling, and similar operations, the cooling lubricants used atomize into fine particles and smoke due to the high cutting speeds and injection pressures. Emulsions are also formed by thermal processes, for example, when hot machine parts such as bearings or pistons cause oil to evaporate. Other factors, such as compressed air guns or open, warm workpieces, also contribute to the release of oil-containing aerosols. These invisible oil droplets then float freely in the air. Without extraction by a fume extraction system, they pose significant health risks.

Health risks of oil mist

Oil mist poses a serious health hazard. The fine oil particles enter the lungs via the respiratory tract and can cause long-term damage with prolonged exposure. Common consequences include respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and, in the worst case, lung cancer. In addition to the respiratory system, oil mist also attacks the skin. Repeated contact can lead to skin irritation or trigger oil acne. Furthermore, the chemical additives in oil mist can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. A particularly insidious long-term consequence is so-called lipid pneumonia – a disease in which inhaled oil particles accumulate in the lungs and cause inflammation.

To minimize all these health risks and create a safe environment, employers should install an effective oil mist extraction system. Reliable capture of the harmful emulsions keeps the air clean and the employees healthy.

That's why oil mist extraction is important.

Oil mist extraction is versatile and promotes health and safety. It creates clean air in which employees can work safely and efficiently. At the same time, it extends the lifespan of machinery and even minimizes the risk of slipping by preventing slippery deposits on all surfaces. Furthermore, professional extraction saves energy costs and is environmentally friendly, as it neutralizes harmful fumes.

Advantages of oil mist extraction at a glance:

• Health protection for employees
• Increased workplace safety
• Protection and longer service life of machines
• Improved air quality and a pleasant working environment
• Reduction of maintenance and cleaning costs
• Compliance with legal requirements
• Environmentally friendly and resource-saving

Oil mist extraction applications

Oil mist extraction is used in industrial sectors where cooling lubricants or oils are used, such as in metalworking and the automotive industry. CNC machining centers and mechanical engineering in general, in particular, require one or more aerosol separators. Oil mist separators also help maintain consistently high and long-term pollutant-free air quality in the aerospace industry, printing plants, and medical technology.

Mobile and stationary oil mist extraction

Oil mist extraction systems are available in both mobile and stationary versions. Stationary extraction systems are ideal for continuous operation on production lines and in large production halls. This is because they offer high filtration efficiency and keep the air consistently clean. Models like the KAWEHA Oilmaster OM R, in particular, can handle volume flows of up to 100,000 m³/h and are specifically designed for industrial processes with high emission levels. For more flexible applications, a mobile extraction system like the OILMASTER MINI R ST/M is perfect. With a volume flow of 600 to 1,500 m³ per hour, it can be used directly on CNC machines, EDM machines, or extrusion processes. Thanks to its compact design and optional extraction arms, this mobile emulsion mist separator can also be conveniently used at different locations.

This is how oil mist separators work

Oil mist separators remove harmful aerosols using a multi-stage filtration system. First, coarse particles are filtered out in the pre-separation stage. This is followed by the main separation stage, which functions differently depending on the technology: Mechanical filters retain oil mist droplets, while electrostatic separators use electrical charge to bind the particles. Wet separators, on the other hand, pass the oil-laden air through a water bath. After this main filtration, post-filtration with HEPA or activated carbon filters ensures virtually complete air purification. Modern oil mist separators from KAWEHA achieve separation efficiencies of up to 99.95%, guaranteeing a safe and clean working environment.

KAWEHA is the right partner for your oil mist extraction.

With over 30 years of experience in extraction and air filtration technology, KAWEHA offers customized solutions for your oil mist problems. Our goal is to help you increase your production, efficiency, and employee health. To this end, our product range includes a wide selection of extraction systems, such as the Oilmaster OM Reverse and the mobile Oilmaster Mini. Whether for continuous operation on production lines or for flexible use in various locations, our extraction systems filter reliably and professionally – anytime, anywhere. Benefit from our many years of expertise and contact us today! We can find the ideal extraction solution for you.