Abstract
Our work is to observe how oil mist is generated in grinding operations, find out the major factors of oil mist formation, and propose some measures and guidelines reducing worker exposure to oil mist. The mechanism of oil mist formation mainly consists of fast motion of grinding wheel, high shear stress and heat. Increasing the velocity of grinding wheel and material removal rate give rise to thicker oil mist concentration. The larger flow rate of oil-based grinding fluid enhances cooling efficiency and then lowers oil mist concentration resulting from heat. It is not helpful to alter the angles of nozzles in suppressing oil mist. The most efficient methods of controlling air quality in manufacturing plants include installation of air cleaners, enclosure of machines, frequent air exchange between factories and outdoors or using different grinding fluids with low misting property. Besides, adding mist suppressants like PIB is one of turnkey solutions to decrease oil mist concentration. Experiments on suppressing oil mist from grinding operation show that PIB and PEG reduce mist concentration of oil-based and water-based grinding fluids respectively.