Two of the primary methods of removing oil mist and smoke from machine tools with mist eliminators are electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and centrifugal separators.  Although these 2 types are both designed for oil mist collection, the technologies employed are vastly different.

An electrostatic precipitator mist collector (like the Trion Mini Mist Eliminator) has an  ionizing section to charge the incoming particles, and collector plates that are oppositely charged, to collect those particles.  When the oil mist and smoke are drawn into the unit, the collector plates act like powerful magnets, removing oil mist particles from the air.  Because there are no woven media filters to become clogged with oil, airflow can pass through the filtration elements unimpeded, maintaining a consistent capture rate.

Centrifugal oil mist eliminators work by using a high-speed spinning drum that tosses heavy oil droplets into an outer collection chamber that employs hoses to drain the oil back to the machine.  A centrifugal separator is effective on metalworking fluids only.  A high quality HEPA after-filter is required to collect fine oil mist and smoke.

Drawbacks of Centrifugal Mist Eliminators:

• Drum spinning at high speeds (3,400 RPM) cause dramatic vibration and noise
• Media filter replacements are costly
• Centrifugal mist eliminators require an electrician to handle power and controls
• Mounting hardware is always required
• Due to constant vibration, many expensive part replacements are required for items like motor mounts, drums, drum pads, flange adaptors and stands
• Demands an exhaustive maintenance schedule

Benefits of the Electrostatic Mini Mist Eliminator:

• Electrostatic collector plates are easily washed off, eliminating expensive filter replacements
• Quiet and unobtrusive - performance without interference in your production process
• No electrician needed for set-up; unit simply plugs into a standard outlet
• Easy installation - the Mini M.E. easily bolts onto your machine
• Helps save you $$$ - the Mini M.E. is very energy efficient and virtually maintenance free