October 02, 2025

Quaker helps customers solve microbial contamination and odor problems

Quaker recently received a call from a customer who had concerns about the safety of microbes and unpleasant odors in their coolant system. The Quaker team responded quickly, arriving on-site to assist in identifying and resolving the issue as soon as possible. During our on-site visit, we discovered that the factory was experiencing a significant problem: the coolant had a **low pH**, which can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Following up with a detailed analysis report, we found that the coolant contained a high level of bacterial contamination. Bacterial contamination in coolants is not uncommon; it often stems from microorganisms present in the air. In this particular factory, the local atmospheric conditions contributed to the presence of various types of bacteria and fungi, which over time became dominant in the system. This explains why different factories may face different microbial challenges. In general, **microbial contamination and odor generation** are closely linked to several factors: **1. Coolant pH Level** a) pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution or emulsion. b) It affects how alkanolamines dissolve in water. When pH changes, these compounds can move from the liquid phase into the gas phase, releasing an ammonia-like odor. c) The ideal pH range for coolant is typically between 9.0 and 9.5. d) Microbial growth produces acidic byproducts, which can lower the pH. Raising the pH can help inhibit microbial growth and reduce odor issues. **2. Long-Term Microbial Contamination** a) Microorganisms consume certain components in the coolant, such as nitrogen-rich alkanolamines, to support their growth. b) This process leads to the production of metabolic waste, which can contribute to foul odors. c) Regular maintenance and prompt action are essential to manage these issues effectively. **3. Systemic Contamination** a) Oils like spindle oil, hydraulic oil, and rail oil can leak into the coolant system during manufacturing, altering its composition. These contaminants need to be removed using appropriate methods. b) Some hydraulic oils contain zinc additives, which can negatively impact aluminum-based systems due to their higher electronegativity. Based on the customer’s situation, when the pH dropped below the control limit, microbial growth increased significantly. To address this, we recommended raising the pH using amines, which helps suppress microbial activity and reduces the release of volatile, unpleasant odors. Quaker Chemicals provided a dynamic control program designed to maintain a stable, bio-stable coolant environment, preventing microbial growth and minimizing odor problems—thus improving overall health and safety at the site. The customer followed our recommendations and successfully resolved the issue. At Quaker, we take our commitment to on-site technical support seriously, always striving to solve real-world application challenges for our clients.

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