Biochemical methods measure the level of some induced molecule that is a product of the metabolic cycle. The enzyme measured by the HMB is produced regularly when the organisms are metabolizing and reproducing. HMB results are, therefore a measure of how much biological eating (destruction of desirable components) that is occurring. Biochemical test results are generally available immediately (15 minutes in the case of the HMB).

From the foregoing, it is easy to imagine circumstances where both measurements are "right" but in which no useful correlation exists (low nutrient, variable temperatures etc;).

Both technologies are important, often complementing each other. In metalworking fluids, it is the biological eating that degrades the fluids, and this can happen rapidly. Knowing the number of organisms present is less important than knowing what they are doing. Typically, customers use the HMB in metalworking as a monitoring device to screen for trends, the trends dictating how to treat their sumps. Some customers rely solely on the HMB results for biological information, while others supplement the HMB with an occasional dip slide or plate count.

Metalworking fluids usually work at a pH level between 8.3 and 9.5. Human pathogens (bacteria that cause human disease) are accustomed to the pH of the human body which is 7.45. Human pathogens don't do well at the higher pH levels, and therefore are hardly ever identified in metalworking fluids. So Strep, Staph, Legionella, Pasteurella, Trepenema, etc; just have never been a hazard of metalworking fluids, and the operators need not fear getting plague, syphilis, etc. from their metalworking fluids.

This is not to say, however, that these bacteria, in large numbers, can't make people sick. They can. Organisms that do well in metalworking fluids tend to prosper in the human body as well. These infest our bodies when we are weakened by flu or colds and a host of other real human diseases. They are, as much as the disease itself, the reason we feel bad in such episodes. When present in large numbers, they can cause dermatitis by metabolizing in breaks in skin and leaving acids, to which humans are sensitive, behind. These acids cause the secretion of histamines which make the skin itch and produce rashes.

So, while the bacteria common to metalworking fluids do not cause human disease, they can make humans sick in various ways. Contact with highly contaminated metalworking fluids should be avoided.

• Testing activated sludge waste treatment plants
• Testing cooling tower water
• Testing for end-point temperature in cooked meats
• Testing for thorough cleaning of food packing lines
• Testing for contamination of stored fuels
• Bioreactor operation
• Testing for activity in soil remediation projects
• Testing the efficacy of biocides

Essentially, it may be said that anywhere real time information about biological activity is useful, the HMB may potentially be used.

As a servicing organization, the company's files tend to contain information about the features of most coolants and coolant companies. It is a fact that some are better than others, and where solicited to do so by a customer, BioTech will point the customer to solutions calculated to fit the task at hand.

BioTech does not make a skimmer. But many others do. BioTech evaluates the skimming needs of the shop and recommends a skimmer appropriate to do the job.

Filter systems manufactured by BioTech are designed to remove solids (dirt, metal fines, milk cartons). Solid particles circulating in the system reduce the efficiency of the coolant and promote bacterial growth. The machining tasks being performed in the customer's facility are evaluated and the filter media is fitted to the needs of the shop.

• Will never have rancid coolant
• Will save on labor
• Will extend tool life significantly
• Will eliminate disposal of liquid derived from coolant
• Will mitigate coolant associated health problems
• Will be able to reduce chemical purchases