Production delays happen when coolant tanks need emergency draining. Water contaminated with metal fines and tramp oil can’t support machining operations, so operators have to stop equipment and wait for fresh coolant delivery. In some plants, contaminated coolant is filtered and reused on site, extending fluid life and reducing how often tanks need to be drained and refilled.

How different sectors tackle liquid waste management

Mining operations handle the heaviest loads
Mining sites generate thousands of litres of wastewater each day, and traditional settling ponds struggle to handle peak flows of clay, metals, and oils. Centrifugal systems can remove 85–90% of water content from mining sludge, according to industrial separation research. However, plants that underestimate volumes still face problems when capacity gets overwhelmed.

Manufacturing extends coolant life
During normal machining, coolant gradually collects metal fines and tramp oil, rendering it unsuitable for precision work long before the fluid itself is exhausted. Liquid waste management systems extend fluid life by pulling out contaminants before they build up. Magnetic drum separators grab ferrous particles while oil skimmers clear surface contamination that feeds bacterial growth.

Food processing manages organic loads
Pre-treatment systems can reduce organic loads while recovering solids for agricultural use. Food processing introduces another challenge, as wash water contains organics that can disrupt municipal treatment systems. Vegetable processing, dairy operations, and beverage production require pretreatment before discharge – dissolved air flotation and biological treatment meet these requirements.

Common system failures to avoid

Undersized equipment
Treatment systems that work well under normal loads fail when production ramps up. Most problems happen when plants size equipment for average volumes rather than peak periods.

Poor integration
New filtration equipment must fit with the existing infrastructure. Poor planning creates bottlenecks that kill treatment effectiveness.

Maintenance gaps
Automated systems require regular attention to maintain steady separation performance. Plants that skip maintenance watch treatment quality deteriorate fast.

Recent mining filtration developments show how different sectors adapt automated systems to handle what they’re dealing with.

Interfil designs liquid waste management systems that handle variable waste streams without compromising operational schedules. Contact Interfil’s engineering team to assess current disposal volumes and identify cost reduction opportunities.

Frequent questions about Interfil systems

Which Interfil system works for high-volume coolant operations?
The magnetic drum separator handles continuous coolant filtration without stopping production. It captures ferrous particles automatically while operators focus on machining.

What’s the difference between centrifugal and magnetic separation?
Centrifugal separation uses spinning force to separate particles by density, while magnetic separation uses magnets to capture only ferrous materials. Many systems combine both methods for more complete contamination removal.

How does the IC45-A centrifuge compare to basic settling tanks?
The IC45-A removes fine particles that settling tanks miss, producing cleaner water for reuse. It processes variable contamination levels without manual intervention.

Can Interfil systems integrate with existing plant infrastructure?
Most Interfil equipment connects to current plumbing and electrical systems. The team assesses integration points to minimise installation disruption.

Regulatory and water pressures drive system upgrades

NSW facilities face discharge standards that basic settling tanks can’t meet, and water restrictions across many regions mean plants can’t count on unlimited fresh supply during peak production either. This dual pressure pushes operators toward automated separation systems mandated by NSW EPA waste regulations, while water scarcity makes reuse essential rather than optional. Operators who separate solids before discharge send less contaminated water for disposal while meeting compliance targets.

Working with filtration specialists

When disposal costs rise without a corresponding increase in production, waste-handling practices are often among the first areas operators review. Interfil has built systems for every type of contamination for over 39 years, from fine metal particles to heavy sludge. Contact Interfil to discuss specific disposal challenges and find solutions that work.