Laser Cutter Coolant Solution?

[Jon Davies]

Hi All,

I have started this appropriate thread because this discussion began on another out of context...

So far, we are using plain tap water as Laser Cutter coolant and it is recommended we use distilled water. We were also wondering what else could be used, and here are the list of options (or combinations)...

● Washing up liquid
● Bleach
● Milton
● Antibiotics
● Distilled water
● Antifreeze (no good, acts as dielectric)
● Copper sulphate
● Bruclens
● Change box and hoses for light proof options to prevent algae

Other suggestions?

Cheers,
Jon.
(via Smartphone)

[Brittany Coxon]

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Distilled-Water making our own distilled water might be an option if buying it isn't sustainable. 

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[Dan Nixon]

Is there some type of filter we could use on the inlet to the machine, this would mean we wouldn't have to keep a usable balance of chemicals in the water. It would probably still need to be distilled and changed regularly though.

Although I'm starting to wonder how much of an issue organic material in the water is, as since when it is in the tube it is kept flowing there would not be a good enough chance for anything to settle/grow on the inner jacket, although this would assume that the pump was ran regularly to keep a good circulation.

Dan

[Jon Davies]

I am tempted to make an investment for the cooling system...

● UV treatment chamber

This would continuously sterilise the water and kill waterborne organisms. It is something normally used in ponds. Not sure of the price though; will find out more...

Cheers,
Jon.
(via Smartphone)

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[Dan Nixon]

So long as the box was blacked out could we not just fit a low voltage UV light inside the box? (maybe LEDs if they are bright enough)

It would be good if we had some way of actually monitoring the amount of stuff growing in the water, just to see how effective each approach is.

Dan

[Alistair MacDonald]

The air con system has a UV unit that appears to have been disconnected. I suspect the tube is broken but we might be lucky. I will try and get it down nest time it is quite.

  Alistair

[Jon Davies]

It appears you need UV-C light for effective disinfection.

Cheers,
Jon.
(via Smartphone)

[Jon Davies]

The bulbs have a finite life. It may have reached its limit.

Cheers,
Jon.
(via Smartphone)

[BinaryGenius]

Mineral oil is really good for cooling and is not conductive plus as far as i can see should not need changing often, This is the same kind of stuff my mate used to cool his pc in a fish tank http://store.steoil.com/crystal-plus-tech-grade-mineral-oil-70t-5-gal/ their should be a uk supplier plus it can dissipate my heat than water as far as i know.

Mick

[Jon Davies]

Fish tank UV lights are affordable from £15...£30:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-UV-Ultraviolet-Sterilization-Lamp-Filter-for-Fresh-Sea-Water-/350745063536?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item51aa08f070

Just needs to sit on the end of the return hose.

[Jon Davies]

I've just been offered a Zalman Reserator (for free!) as a very effective solution to cooling the water and keeping light infiltration to a minimum.

Looks something like this, but probably the original design:

http://www.zalman.com/global/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=183

Have asked the donor to give it to me.  I can bring it to the Space to try, and if no luck, I'll take it away again.  Worth a try though...

[Dan Nixon]

Ohhh, that looks cool.

I'm also wondering if the UV light could just be installed in the tube compartment of the laser.

Dan

[Alistair MacDonald]

I was wondering that as this is where we don't want anything growing after all.

Alistair

[Jon Davies]

Sounds like a good idea if it is safe enough to have a strip of UV-C LEDs running along the glass of the Laser tube.

[David Pye]

Hi chaps,

This has escalated quickly ;-)

I'm not sure purely UV-ing the water inlet to the tube will do it.

OK, it will stop things going into it and multiplying, but the general biofilm sludge will still end up in there, even if dead!  I don't think the tube site itself is necessarily a particular target for bugs wanting to multiply - the reservoir is larger, and more open to light and air.

I would propose we start with something simpler, either dilute Miltons in tap water - and change it regularly, or perhaps dilute car windscreen washer solution (which is alcohol and antibacterial, NOT ethylene glycol as per antifreeze).  This is designed to reduce biofilm buildup.

Miltons' would be my preference as it is a bit gentler, and has been used by LHS and others.

I don't think biofilm will be a major problem as long as we have something with a degree of inhibitory potential *AND* it is replaced regularly and the tube flushed.  Unless we go to a permanent closed system, even distilled water will quickly build up a film.

Are there any objections (at least for now) to get a dilute miltons' setup? If not, I can pop in to town tomorrow, get some, thoroughly flush the system through and get this underway.

Regards,

David

[Glen]

As snazzy as that looks I've already left a heatercore/radiator in the space that will be way more efficient than that.

Just needs a box made to fit around of that we can bolt a fan to.

G

[Jon Davies]

Hi Glen,

I have asked for the Zalman Reserator anyway, so we've several options.  I still want you to set up the more efficient option, but I am interested in seeing if/how this setup works in the interim.  I won't step on your toes regarding the final cooling setup.

Hi David,

Miltons plus a regular flush sounds like the most suitable option.

[Dan Nixon]

Jannetta says she can supply some distilled (or equivalent) water for the coolant.

Dan

[Jon Davies]

It is a LOT of water.  It takes 4-5 lots of the metal teapot filled to the absolute brim, which I guess is about 3 litres.  It must be somewhere in the region of 15 litres.  Quite an unpleasant prospect, carrying ~15kg of slopping liquid on a motor bike if you ask me!!! (Unless there is a different plan).

[Glen]

With active cooling we wouldn't need as much water I think.
Just enough to cover the pump. We only have a lot of water so its thermal mass dissapates the heat from the tube.

G

[Tommy]

Ikea do a black coloured box with lid. Part of their SAMLA series. I'm passing by later today so I'll pick up one of the 45L size which I think is about the size of the lovely pink box we have at the moment.

- Tommy

On Tuesday, 13 May 2014 09:38:33 UTC+1, Woody wrote:

[Ed Bisdee]

She has a large wheeled tank she uses to transport it round the lab. We've asked for 35 litres seeing as that's what the tank takes. She might need a lift with it down from the university though.

Milton and a bit of washing up liquid sounds the right way to go to me.

[Dan Nixon]

I believe Iain is planning to collect it in his car.

Dan

[Iain Yarnall]

Jannetta said she has access to a reverse osmosis plant and can fill a water carrier for us.

I suggested I would pick it up in the car.

Cheers,

Iain.

[Brian Degger]

Brewing water !

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