ABSTRACT
In most machining operations, metal removal fluids (MRFs) are sprayed onto the part to cool and lubricate the process. MRFs also protect parts against corrosion and help remove chips. A side effect of using machining fluids is that a portion of the spray from MRFs becomes airborne as mist or aerosols. Mist, also referred to as aerosols, are the liquid droplets or solid particles that become airborne as they separate from the bulk MRF. In addition to mist, MRFs can also release gaseous material into the air as the more volatile components evaporate. The gases consist of many individual molecules, such as decane. Since the gases are primarily organic, they may be referred to collectively as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A recent innovative approach to fluid usage is minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), in which very small volumes of MRF are applied as a mist.
