Precision Machining Company in the Nuclear Parts Industry Uses Aeroex Oil Mist Collector for 15 YEARS WITH NO MAINTENANCE.
Laker Energy LTD was one of Aeroex’s first clients dating back to 2007 and after 15 years their original oil and coolant mist collector is still performing as strongly as the day they bought it.
Laker Energy is a Canadian success story – founded more than 20 years ago, its 140 employees produce components for CANDU® nuclear power utilities around the globe using precision machining techniques. Laker Energy started their business supplying nuclear grade pipe, tubing, fittings, fasteners that hold up under pressurized operating conditions. To supply the nuclear industry, they are a CSA N285.0 certified Material organization and are a supplier of CANDU parts like fuel channel components, feeder components, and reactivity control components. Its mission is to provide best-in-class service that is safe, emphasizing quality and customer satisfaction. Their mission was a success, as they have since been acquired by BWX Technologies Inc., a large, 150-year-old US-based nuclear power and operations company serving the US government. You can find them at one of their southern Ontario machine shops or their Oakville headquarters. The Challenge
Today Laker Energy has a very large machine shop, but that wasn’t always the case. When they were starting in the 2000s their machine shop was much smaller and tightly packed. Because everything was so close together, even a small oil mist problem is going to feel big! Laker was running many cycles in their shop and had begun to observe ambient mist conditions over the day. Oil mist can become an issue for anyone, including Laker – if you are using higher tool speeds, applying fluid to cutting edges, and/or have higher workplace temperatures. Laker prioritized safety and quality and understood that issues with oil mist could include acute/chronic health issues, visibility, slippery floors and equipment, maintenance, work stoppages, and environmental pollutants.
The Solution
After identifying the oil mist issue, Laker Energy came to Aeroex for a reliable mist collector solution that would fit into their existing shop configuration. Laker Energy received one of Aeroex’s earlier models based on the design of the day in 2007. Key issues for Laker Energy in selecting an oil mist collector manufacturer were:
- A modular design that could fit into their “smaller” shop;
- High quality to align with their customer needs in the nuclear industry, and;
- Reliable performance with minimal disruptions to their busy and growing business.
Aeroex oil mist collectors use industrial air purification systems based on the science of how mist, vapors, smoke, and fumes behave when released, so Laker Energy was confident that the oil mist issue would be dealt with. However, they also needed a solution that addressed their key issues (above). The Aeroex oil mist collectors achieved this by:
- Size Having flexible unit sizes and mounting options that can fit into any shop or machine. The modular design allows it to be a source control measure via mounting that occupies a very low shop footprint if you are short on space. Tubing can be used if desired, but it is generally not required – giving it that clean shop look.
- Quality Aeroex is a made-in-Canada solution that uses the highest quality parts and manufacturing in the units they produce, a standard that Laker Energy expects from its equipment. Aeroex does not cut corners with cheap parts, and the thoughtful design enforces a quality mindset.
- Reliability Aeroex uses multistage filtration that extends performance for years to come. Primary and secondary mechanical elements have an “infinite” life with some periodic handwashing, and the depth loading fibre bed is thick and durable enough to go for years without clogging thanks to the staging of primary elements that remove most oil mist.
The Results
Laker Energy knew they had the oil mist collection solution they needed, but the result went beyond their expectations. They now have many Aeroex oil mist collectors, but that first model they purchased back in 2007 is still going in 2021! It has run without disruptions for many machine cycles without major maintenance or filter changes, and it even made the move with them when they upgraded to a larger shop. Hear it first hand from a Senior Manager at Laker Energy, who said during an Aeroex shop visit that:
- “We purchased backup filters, and to this day we haven’t had to install them”!
- “They run all day, every day (three shifts)”.
- “No problems with clogging”.
- “We use Aeroex for rough machining, which creates a lot of mist. We’ve tried a couple of other mist collectors in the past, but performance-wise they have longer cycle times than Aeroex.”
Evident from the case study is that the result was a resounding success. The Laker Energy results demonstrate that Aeroex oil mist collectors truly are an investment that pays for itself, and even in rough machining operations, they outperform the competition with longevity for years to come. When Laker Energy chose their first oil mist collector, they never imagined it would still be running 15 years later to the same standard as when they got it!
Apply the Case Study to Your Needs
If you are reviewing this case study, you are likely aware of your oil mist collector needs and maybe starting to refine your search to a final model. Aeroex understands that selecting an oil mist collector manufacturer and model can be a difficult process. The industry has its language and performance standards with various companies making claims about what is being provided or omitting key details. The Laker Energy case studies prove the standard Aeroex provides is transparent and lives up to its promise. Aeroex oil mist collectors are an excellent investment with high performance and a better life cycle than other brands, as Laker Energy experienced firsthand. If the Laker Energy experience sounds like something you want for your operation, reach out to our team today to get started.
