Quench Oil

What Happens to the Quench Oil?
As any quench oil is used, its inherent properties of heat resistance, hardening ability and finishing quality begin to degrade. This degradation in quench quality is noticed because the quench oil is gradually being contaminated with particulate. Particulate contamination will diminish the quench oil’s resistance to heat, prevent uniform hardening and promote cracking or distortions of steel parts. Additionally, particulate contamination will inhibit a quality finish to steel parts as a sludge buildup is noticed.

Oxidation occurs in a quench oil as it is exposed to air or oxygen. At elevated temperatures, this oxidation occurs at a relatively high rate. Oxidation results in the buildup of organic acids and the formation of insoluble materials or sludge. These insoluble materials increase the viscosity of the quench oil. Thermal cracking occurs as the oil is exposed to elevated temperatures. This thermal cracking results in the formation of new materials; some light, relatively volatile products and some heavy, less volatile products. The light, volatile products lower the flash point of the oil. The heavy, less volatile products increase the viscosity of the oil. You may be experiencing any of the following with your quench oil:
    • Diminished resistance to heat
    • Increased oxidation
    • Increased thermal cracking
    • Non-uniformed hardening
    • Deterioration in hardness or finish
    • Sludge build-up
    • Uneven cooling on parts

Solution: COMO Filtration Systems
Particulate contamination does not mean that the quench oil must be disposed of and replaced. Through multi-pass filtration, the particulate can be removed from the quench oil and thus the life of the quench oil can be increased. Both fine and gross contamination can be removed through the use of multi-pass filtration. COMO Filtration will reduce part cracking and distortions, promote uniform hardening and improve finish quality.