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Metalworking Fluid Delivery Using Supercritical CO2: An Environmentally Preferable Alternative to Aqueous Systems

EPA Grant Number: FP916414
Title: Metalworking Fluid Delivery Using Supercritical CO2: An Environmentally Preferable Alternative to Aqueous Systems
Investigators: Clarens, Andres F.
Institution: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: $109,744
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2004)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry , Fellowship - Environmental Engineering

Description:

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to develop alternative delivery mechanisms for industrial lubricants used in metal cutting to improve upon both the performance of traditional water-based fluids and to reduce the environmental impacts of these traditional fluids. Metalworking fluids (MWFs) serve to lubricate and cool the interface between a work-piece and a tool, while removing chips during metal cutting processes. They generally consist of oil in water emulsions with the oil providing the lubrication and the water providing the cooling. This mixture of oil and water makes the MWFs an environmental and occupational health problem because microorganisms thrive in the fluids; the MWFs require a number of additives including biocides, corrosion inhibitors, and anti-foaming agents, resulting in a hazardous waste problem when they reach the end of their useable life. An obvious development to MWF technology would be to investigate alternative solvents, particularly given that alternative eco-friendly solvents have proven successful in other industrial processes. One such solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). scCO2 is produced by raising CO2 above its critical temperature and pressure where it takes on unique solvency properties. scCO2 has been used successfully in a number of other industrial applications including metal cleaning and coating.

Approach:

This research project will investigate oil in scCO2 emulsions and assess their performance in metal cutting applications relative to traditional oil in water emulsions. A few of the oils that will be investigated are soy, canola, and mineral oils. In addition, it is possible that surfactants (surface active agents that permit two immiscible phases to mix) will be necessary to achieve stable oil in scCO2 emulsions. An analysis will be conducted on the additives (e.g., extreme pressure) that are required in most metal cutting processes to determine how they would behave in a scCO2 system. The fluids formulations will be tested for performance using a tapping torque machine as well as wear scar analysis. Life-cycle analysis will be used to interpret the implications of switching to nonaqueous-based fluids. Finally, an economic and regulatory analysis will be conducted to understand the hurdles and challenges associated with the proliferation of the new technology.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, supercritical carbon dioxide, metalworking fluids, MWFs, hazardous waste, alternative solvents, environmental impacts, life cycle analysis, pollution prevention, green chemistry , Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, waste reduction, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, supercritical carbon dioxide, co-solvents, electronics , industrial lubricants, metalworking, waste minimization, environmentally conscious manufacturing, subcritical CO2, environmentally friendly technology, integrated circuit fabrication, environmentally conscious design, supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) technology
Relevant Websites:

2004 STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference Poster (PDF, 1p., 117KB, about PDF)

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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