Oemeta Additiv: The Chemical Backbone of the Hycut System
The Oemeta Additiv Series is the surfactant powerhouse behind the Hycut 2-Component System. While the oil component (Hycut ET) provides lubricity, the Additiv component delivers the washing power, corrosion protection, and emulsion stability. Manufactured in Salt Lake City, Utah and stocked in US Distribution Centers, these advanced surfactant packages allow manufacturers to independently adjust the cleaning performance and pH of their central systems without altering the oil concentration.
Why Shops Manage with Oemeta Additiv
The Additiv platform (featuring Additiv ET and Additiv V) gives engineers control over the "chemical personality" of their coolant, solving issues that pre-mixed fluids cannot.
1. Independent Washing Power
The Problem: In heavy production (e.g., cast iron transmission cases), parts often come out of the machine covered in "fines" or gray sludge because the coolant lacks detergency. The Additiv Solution: By increasing the concentration of Additiv, you boost the detergent capability of the fluid without adding unnecessary oil. This ensures parts come out of the machine slightly warm and dry, ready for assembly or inspection.
2. pH & Corrosion Control
The Problem: Over time, bacteria or acidic water can lower the pH of a sump, leading to rust and odors. Adding "more coolant" wastes money on oil you don't need. The Additiv Solution: The Additiv component acts as the pH Buffer. It re-stabilizes the alkalinity of the system (typically to pH 9.0–9.2), instantly stopping flash rust and neutralizing acidic conditions that favor bacteria growth.
3. Water Quality Adaptation
The Problem: Different regions have different water. Soft water foams; hard water splits emulsions. The Additiv Solution: Oemeta engineers specific Additiv formulas for specific water conditions. Additiv ET is the standard for general water, while specialized variants can be deployed to handle extremely soft water (preventing foam) or extremely hard water (preventing soap scum), customizing the Hycut system to your local municipality.
Technical Insights: Balancing the System
How to use Additiv to maintain a "Forever Sump."
The "Lean" Operating Model
In a mature Hycut system, you do not always add Oil and Additiv together.
- High Drag-Out: If you are losing fluid on chips, you add both (pre-mixed).
- Evaporation Only: If the tank level drops due to heat (water evaporation), you add Water + Additiv. This ensures you don't "over-oil" the system, keeping the emulsion loose and clean.
Splitting the Emulsion
Because Additiv creates a highly stable emulsion, it requires specific waste treatment protocols. If you treat your own waste water, Additiv is engineered to "split" cleanly when treated with standard acid/alum processes, ensuring your discharge water meets local environmental compliance.
Tech Tool Support & Availability
When you source Oemeta products through Tech Tool, you gain a national fluid management partner:
- Rapid Deployment: Inventory is stocked in US Distribution Centers (Pails, Drums, and Totes).
- Fluid Lab Access: Get free access to our Fluid Maintenance Lab. We perform "Split Testing" to tell you exactly how much Additiv vs. Oil is in your tank.
- Compliance Ready: We provide dedicated SDS compliance support for safety managers.
Recommended Equipment
Managing the Additiv component requires specific tools.
- Mixing: Use a dedicated Dosatron D14MZ10 for the Additiv stream if using an automated mixing station.
- Verification: Check daily with pH Strips (7.0–14.0) or a Digital pH Meter.
- Titration: While refractometers read the total solids, a Titration Kit (available from our lab) is the only way to measure the exact Additiv concentration separate from the oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Additiv just a soap?
A: No. While it provides detergency, it is a complex package of Corrosion Inhibitors, Emulsifiers, and pH Buffers. It is the "skeleton" that holds the Hycut oil in suspension. Without it, the oil would separate and float to the top.
Can I use Additiv in Unimet or Novamet?
A: Generally, no. Unimet and Novamet are pre-balanced. Adding extra surfactant to them can cause excessive foaming. For adjusting standard coolants, use the Addi-Prox series (Service Additives). Additiv is specifically designed for the Hycut system.
What is the target concentration for Additiv?
A: In a Hycut system, we typically target an Additiv concentration of 2% to 3% regardless of the oil level. This provides the baseline corrosion protection and washing needed for safe machining.
