Machining often generates a mix of coolant mist and fine dust. Oil droplets capture particles but also blind filters and coat surfaces. Control depends on staged separation, correct filter selection, and disciplined housekeeping.

Stage the capture

At the machine, use mist collectors or LEV with pre-separation: mechanical impaction or coalescing media to remove droplets, followed by finer filters for remaining particulate. Keep drains clear so coalesced liquid returns to sumps instead of saturating filters.

Choose filters for mixed aerosols

Use a sacrificial prefilter to catch droplets and extend downstream life. Where fine dust or carcinogenic risks exist, fit a high-efficiency final stage (H13/H14 as the risk assessment dictates). Avoid quoting free-airflow; check performance under load and monitor pressure rise as oil accumulates.

Room control and polishing

Even with source capture, residual haze can persist during busy periods. A portable air scrubber can “polish” the room air between machines. A unit like a MAXVAC Dustblocker may be used for background reduction; position intakes in the haze and discharge clean air away from workstations to set a gentle flow path.

Housekeeping that works

Vacuum floors and ledges; never sweep or blow down, which aerosolises oil and dust. Wipe controls with lightly damp microfibre to remove films that re-emit particles. Manage waste as oily rags or swarf per site rules.

Verify and adjust

• Use a PM meter alongside an oil mist indicator to see if stages are balanced.
• Trend pressure drop (Pa) across each stage to time changes, not guess.
• Inspect drains and coalescer media routinely to prevent bypass.

By separating liquids first, filtering fines second, and maintaining gentle room airflow, mixed aerosol exposure and residue fall sharply while keeping energy and filter costs controlled.