Patent ID: 6508944
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: B01D,B23Q,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for collecting cutting fluid and chip from a series of machine tools comprising:a series of separate sumps disposed along the series of machine tools to collect fluid and chips therefrom; an elongated closed header pipe extending generally horizontally below each sump; a drain connection between each sump and said header pipe; said header pipe having a down leg at a downstream end descending vertically to direct cutting fluid to a filter apparatus including a receiving filter tank, and flush a control valve controlling opening of said down leg to allow filling of said down leg and header pipe with said cutting fluid and periodic discharge therefrom; one or more intermediate air vents located along said header pipe controllably opened to allow drainage of said cutting fluid into said header pipe, and to alternatively be closed to prevent the entrance of air; and a primary air vent located at an upstream end of said header pipe allowing air to be admitted into said header pipe to allow draining of said header pipe upon opening of said down leg flush control valve.