Coolant Care: The 3 Essential Stages You Shouldn’t Ignore

Keeping your metalworking fluid in peak condition doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a bit of know-how, some basic discipline and the right tools. Whether you’re new to coolant management or just need a refresher, there are three key stages you need to get right: Mixing, Distribution and Monitoring.

In this blog post, we break down the 3 stages you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to looking after your coolant:

Stage 1. Coolant Mixing – Get the Order Right!

We still get the odd confused look when we tell people to add oil to water, not the other way around, but trust us, it’s the right way to do it. Why? Because it ensures proper emulsification and helps avoid costly issues like separation or unstable mixes.

We recommend our customers take it a step further and use an automatic dosing pump like a Mixtron. These clever devices mix your coolant to the correct concentration automatically, every time. Plus, they eliminate the need to manually handle concentrated coolant, which is a huge health and safety win.

Stage 2. Coolant Distribution – Don’t Undermine a Perfect Mix

So you’ve mastered the mixing stage! But if you’re tipping that freshly mixed coolant into old, stained 25-litre drums, contamination and degradation can happen before it even hits the sump.

Instead, consider cleaner and safer distribution systems like:
• A coolant ring main system
• Hose reels with a coolant gun
• A Freddy Bowser for portable top-ups

These setups not only help keep your coolant in tip top condition, but they also make life easier and cleaner, for everyone on the shop floor.

Stage 3. Coolant Monitoring – It’s More Important Than Ever

We hear it all the time “I didn’t have to do this 15 years ago!” And that’s probably true. But coolant formulations have changed, many of the harsher, more hazardous chemicals used back then have been banned or reclassified. Today’s coolants are safer for you and your team, but they do need a bit more TLC.

That’s mostly about dilution control. A quick check with a refractometer every few days takes just seconds and makes a big difference. Just make sure you know the correct refractometer range for your specific coolant, your supplier should provide this.

Need No-Nonsense Coolant Advice?

We keep it straight and simple. If you’d like help improving your coolant mixing, distribution, or coolant monitoring processes, drop us a message or give us a call on 0114 285 2987.

Our advice is always FREE, and our technical team are more than happy to help.