Aluminum Furnace Maintenance Tips

Use and Maintenance of Bypass Coolers

Maintenance items for coolers include:

• Lubricate the bearings
• Be sure the 350 degree temperature control keeps working
• Be sure the water temperature control valve controls the water outlet temperature to not more than 120ºF (48°C).
• Be sure the oil drain trap is functioning to continuously drain all of the rolling mill oil that is driven out of the aluminum load and condensed in the cooler.  If oil does not drain, it will accumulate and could become an explosion hazard under certain conditions.
• Check water pressure drop through the coil and clean it if it starts to plug up.
• Check air pressures in the cooler.  There are pressure taps on the side of the cooler to measure internal pressure with a water manometer.  These pressures should be recorded when the unit is new.  Readings are taken before and after the filters and coils.  An increase in pressure drop indicates the need to replace the filters or clean the air side of the coils.

The latest design, materials and equipment specifications should be obtained from the company before any reliance is placed on the enclosed since changes may occur due to product improvement.