Alkanolamine pH builders, emulsifiers, and inorganic buffers for water-soluble metalworking fluids u2014 monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, and boric acid u2014 supplied in bulk.
Metalworking-fluid amines are alkanolamines that hold a water-solublencutting or grinding fluid at the right pH while doing several jobs at once: bufferingnacid drift, emulsifying oil into water, and protecting ferrous metal from flashnrust. Monoethanolamine (MEA, CAS 141-43-5) is the strong, low-cost pH andnreserve-alkalinity builder; triethanolamine (TEA, CAS 102-71-6) adds emulsificationnand yellow-metal-friendly corrosion control. Target a working pH near 8.8-9.2 fornmost soluble fluids and dose the amine to hold it as the sump ages.
nnThe genuine trade-off is chemical, not commercial. Alkanolamines give a sump longnlife and good corrosion protection, but with a nitrosating agent present, most oftenna nitrite-based corrosion inhibitor, secondary-amine content can form N-nitrosamines,na documented metalworking-fluid concern flagged by NIOSH. Primary amines such as MEAnform unstable nitroso species; residual diethanolamine in a tertiary-amine grade isnthe principal precursor. Do not combine nitrite inhibitors with amine-based fluids,nand confirm regulatory status for your application and jurisdiction.
nnBoric acid (CAS 10043-35-3) rounds out the group as an inorganic pH buffer andnreserve-alkalinity aid, not an amine, and provides the mild biocidal action thatnhelps hold sump pH and limit spoilage. Keep total water hardness in view, becausenhard make-up water shifts both pH and emulsion stability. Monitor pH and refractometernconcentration weekly, and top up the amine package before pH falls below about 8.5nrather than after corrosion appears.
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