Houghton International has launched two new fluid equipment solutions that provide manufacturers with significantly greater control of fluid quality and concentration. The Houghton GREENLIGHT continuous concentration monitor and the Houghton ACTS fluid monitor and control system reportedly provide significant advances in the control of vital water-based metalcutting fluids, cleaners, aqueous quenchants, water glycol hydraulic fluids and offshore fluids. Many variables affect the performance of metalworking fluids, however, concentration is usually the most critical in assuring long tool life, achieving tight tolerances, reducing corrosion, improving surface finish and pushing the envelope on productivity.

The GREENLIGHT Fluid Monitor is a completely self-contained measurement system. Its small, modular design enables easy, reliable and low-cost continuous monitoring of fluid concentration using refractive index sensor technology with a user-friendly interface.

The Houghton ACTS fluid monitor and control system is a fully integrated system, which also measures pH, temperature, conductivity or other fluid properties in addition to concentration via refractive index. It provides automatic concentration control capability by independently controlling six separate programmable relay outputs for additions of water, fluid concentrates or additives.

"We are very pleased to offer these exciting new systems to our customers," said Dianne Carmody, Houghton Americas marketing director. "Houghton is resetting the industry standard in metalworking fluid property measurement and control. These innovative, robust and flexible systems not only deliver control, but more importantly yield the operational and financial benefits of a well-managed system, including longer tool life, reduced use of additives, and lower maintenance, metalworking fluid and waste treatment costs. Excellent control yields excellent productivity."