Continuous oil removal.
Less chemical replenishment.
Using a degreasing bath oil separator in a bypass circuit reduces chemical consumption before automotive components are coated.
The Situation
An automotive-parts supplier and manufacturer operates an electroplating line to apply surface coatings to its components.
In the first process step, every component passes through a degreasing bath to remove residual production oil, grease and particulate contamination. This prepares the surface for the subsequent coating process and helps achieve the best possible coating quality.
The Challenge
The automotive-parts manufacturer noticed that chemical consumption in the degreasing process was rising significantly, requiring frequent replenishment of the bath.
The active ingredients in the degreasing agent were continually consumed as they bound to the removed oil and contamination. The effective chemical concentration therefore declined quickly, driving up operating costs.
At the same time, insufficient or delayed replenishment reduced cleaning performance. Oil gradually accumulated at the liquid surface and formed a visible floating layer, increasing the risk that components would carry oil into the coating stage and compromise the final coating quality.
The Solution: FRIESS Skimmtelligent Oil Separator
Both problems—higher chemical consumption and increased product-quality risk—had the same cause: oil was accumulating in the degreasing bath instead of being continuously removed.
As the oil concentration increased, the company had to replenish chemicals more frequently and faced a growing risk of a floating oil layer forming at the surface.
To evaluate the solution, the automotive-parts supplier first rented a FRIESS Skimmtelligent oil separator for a trial.
Although the trial unit was undersized for the bath volume, the effect became apparent quickly:
- No floating oil layer formed at the bath surface.
- Chemical consumption decreased significantly.
Results
Following the successful trial, the customer purchased a FRIESS oil-separation system sized for the degreasing bath.
After commissioning, the results were even more pronounced:
- Chemical replenishment frequency fell sharply.
- Large quantities of oil and grease were continuously removed from the degreasing bath.
- Product quality remained consistent and met requirements.
These results sharply reduced chemical replenishment and treatment costs while maintaining consistent product quality.
The oil-separation system has now operated reliably for two years, and the customer is highly satisfied with both its performance and the results achieved.
Oil Separators for Degreasing and Process Fluids
Explore FRIESS oil separators for degreasing baths and other process fluids. From compact bypass units to systems that continuously remove floating oil, the right solution depends on your fluid, oil load and operating conditions.
A compact bypass unit for separating oil that does not readily rise to the surface.
Integrates FRIESS 1U oil-skimming technology to continuously discharge separated floating oil.
Coalescence separation efficiently removes free oil and fine droplets from wash and degreasing liquids. Continuous bypass operation improves fluid cleanliness and process stability.
Designed for individual tanks and small-to-medium flow rates, the SMT-FB coalesces oil while its V-shaped base simplifies settled-solids discharge, supporting cleaner circulation fluids and easier maintenance.
For large central or multi-compartment tanks and industrial circulation systems, the SMT-FL connects multiple floating suction devices to continuously recover oil-bearing surface liquid at higher flow rates.
Recurring floating oil in your degreasing bath and frequent chemical replenishment?
Please share your degreasing-bath volume, bath temperature, oil and grease load, circulation flow rate, chemical replenishment frequency, current oil removal method and target cleanliness. Our China engineering team can recommend a suitable Skimmtelligent model, bypass flow rate, and fluid intake and return arrangement for your operating conditions.