May 2023 Volume 5

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

So, we have discussed some steps to prevent nozzle clogging, and now the discussion turns to how to remedy clogged nozzles after it has occurred. The rule of thumb is always that you need to treat one hour of downtime as if it was one day of downtime. This means that every time that there isn’t lubricant being pushed upstream of the nozzles, a warm/hot water flush of the system is required to prevent buildup that will lead to nozzle clogging. Additionally, nozzles should be carefully cleaned manually using tools for that purpose as well as flushed with water after the upstream apparatuses are cleaned. Tanks and other holding areas should be cleaned on a regular schedule as well. Care needs to be taken not to use any cleaners for this process, as those will break dispersions easily if allowed to interact. Only warmwater should be used in this cleaning process.

Frank Sobnosky Jr. Chemical Engineer AML Industries, Inc Phone: 330-399-5000 Email: fsobnosky@amlube.com www.amlube.com

References: https://dynamixinc.com/mixing-101-the-basic-principles-of-mixing and-impellers/ https://www.lechlerusa.com/en/technology/basics-nozzle-technology/ spray-character

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Figure 2: Fluid being sprayed from an atomized nozzle properly with no clogging.

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Figure 3: Fluid dynamic representation of impellers. If upstream best practices are followed, there should be little to no downtime as a result of clogged nozzles. Clogged nozzles are generally a symptom of issues upstream of the nozzles and not of problems at the nozzles themselves. While each forging company’s specific spray system may differ and require individual solutions, these practices and principles govern nozzle clogging for almost all spray systems and graphite based lubricants. The experts at AML are always interested in helping to solve practical forging problems. We keep things running smoothly.

www.forging.org info@forging.org (216) 781-6260

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2023 21