Tri-Mist Series of Oil & Coolant Mist Collectors
The Tri-Mist series of oil and coolant mist collectors are very efficient, durable, economical mist collection systems used on CNC machine tools, grinders, saws and other applications. They are widely used in oil mist and coolant mist collection and recovery applications.
All service work should be performed by qualified service personnel and this information is intended for qualified service technicians. Always disconnect power to the unit before attempting any service work.
Tri-Mist mist collectors have relatively few failure modes and these are usually fairly easy to diagnose and correct. These diagnostic suggestions apply to all of the Tri-Mist mist collectors including the Tri-Mist 850, Tri-Mist 850-G2 and the Tri-Mist 1400.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common failure modes and how to diagnose and correct them.
The Impeller (Fan Motor) Does Not Start or Run
First, check to be sure there is nothing obstructing the fan’s movement and it turns freely. Inspect the impeller assembly. The fan and motor comprise an integrated unit and the fan should turn freely. It the fan does not turn freely, locate and remove any obstruction.
Next check to be certain that there is power to the impeller. If there is power to the impeller the next thing to check is the door interlock switch. The unit will only power up if the door to the filter bay is closed and the interlock switch is making proper contact. Check the door interlock switch and be certain that it is functioning properly and not faulty. If it is faulty, replace it (Part # 806R03-0186). Check to be certain that the interlock switch is aligned properly and making contact and the indicator lights are illuminated. If the interlock switch checks out, the lights are on, and the impeller is still not working this would will indicate a defective impeller and you should replace it with the applicable impeller replacement kit.
This of course assumes that you have the motor speed control switch turned on. IMPORTANT TIP: The motor control speed switch operates counter intuitively. Turning it all the way clockwise turns it off so it is best to start with it set at the half way point and adjust accordingly.
Replacement Impeller
Kit Includes the
Capacitor
Door Interlock Switch
806R03-0186
The Indicator Lights Are Off & the Impeller Is Running
The indicator lights and the impeller operate independently of one another. If the indicator light / lights are off that suggests that there is a problem with either the electronic cell /cells (Part # 806R03-0163) or the power supply or supplies. To isolate the problem, remove the cell that corresponds to the indicator light that is out (top light / top cell). With the electrostatic cell removed from the mist collector close the door to the filter bay and turn the unit on. If the indicator light is still off, the issue is with the power supply and it needs to be replaced. On the other hand if the indicator light is now on, the problem is with the electronic cell and it is probably dirty and/or shorted. You will need to trouble shoot the cell. Clean it well and blow compressed air through it to remove any chips or fines that may be shorting out the cell. Some things to check when inspecting the electronic cell include:
- Broken ionizing wires: Inspect all 9 ionizing wires and replace any that are broken.
- Clean the ionizing wires.
- Inspect the collection plates. They should not be bent or touching one another nor should they be loose on their support tube.
- Dirty collection plates: they should be clean. If they are not then thoroughly clean them.
- Small chips and fines caught in the collection cell – wash the cells thoroughly and rinse them well. As a final step in the cleaning process thoroughly blow compressed air through the cell. Small metal fines can become lodged in the cell that are not visible to the eye. The compressed air will often dislodge and blow them out.
Ionizing Wires
806R03-0198
While you have the cells out of the mist collector inspect and clean the contact boards if necessary.
Excessive Arcing Nuisance Noise
There are a couple of things that can cause excessive arcing noise. Many times nuisance arcing will also cause the indicator light to flicker. This problem is often caused by an issue with the electronic cell. The first step should be to remove and inspect the offending cell. The cell may be dirty and have a chip caught up in it somewhere. Often it is so small you can’t see it. Wash and rinse the cell. Thoroughly and blow air through it. Replace the cell in the mist collector, restart and see if issue is resolved. If not check the application. Have the operating parameters changed? Is the machine tool operating with oil or water soluble coolant? Check and be sure that the mist collector is set up for the fluid that is being used either oil or water soluble coolant. If the machine tool is using oil, then the mist collector should be set up for oil. If the Tri-Mist is set up for oil and the machine tool is using water soluble coolant, you will probably experience excessive arcing. If it is not set up correctly it should be changed. This is an easy on-site fix. Contact us for written instructions.
Passing Mist / Smoke
There are several conditions that can contribute to the passing of mist or smoke thru Tri-Mist Mist Collectors. First and foremost among these is a lack of cleaning and maintenance. Be certain that the impingers and electrostatic cells are thoroughly clean. If they have not been adequately maintained the mist collector will pass smoke / mist. Next, check that the indicator lights are illuminated and that pushing the test buttons produces an arcing noise. If pushing the test buttons produces an arcing noise then the problem is with the electronic cells. Fully clean an inspect the cells for chips, fines and loose or touching fins. Check for broken ionizing wires. Blow compressed air through the cells replace them in the mist collector (arrows pointing up with the air flow) and restart the mist collector.
A Word About The Optional HEPA Filter
If you have the optional 5th stage HEPA MAX post filter (a very worthwhile option), you should inspect it every time you do your periodic maintenance and cleaning. If it is plugged, it should be replaced. A fouled HEPA filter will decrease air flow. The result is the failure to maintain negative pressure within the machine tool cabinet and smoke and mist escaping from the cabinet through such places as the bar feed and the chip drag.