Machinist Venturi Mixer

Often, we are contacted with the following comments regarding a newly purchased Machinist Venturi Mixer.

1. It’s not working or mixing
2. It’s not drawing up
3. Just water is coming out

The primary reason for these issues we find is that modifications were made to the mixer or the installation instructions were not followed. Any deviation from our recommendations for installation will affect the Venturi part of the mixer. The mixer must be hooked up in the manner we specify using the hose provided and the discharge side should not exceed 40″ in length.

Recently, we were made aware that certain types of coolant may react with the brass fittings and create a gel-like substance inside the mixing chamber. Coolants containing both monoethanolamine and chlorinated alkanes is causing this issue. When this happens, the mixer will not function and you cannot use a Venturi mixer for your mixing needs. A better option would be a proportioning pump

Example of correct vs incorrect hook-up.

This is an example of an incorrect hook-up. A clamp and extra extender was added to the output and input intakes. This will dramatically alter the Venturi mixing capabilities resulting in the device not working.

The correct method to hook the mixer up is illustrated below. The discharge hose that is supplied must be used and installed per the picture below. The discharge hose is limited to 40″. Any modifications to the hose to exceed or shorten it will affect how the unit work. Again, you are inadvertently affecting the venturi mixing effect and the device will not function.

Following the supplied instructions will guarantee your Venturi machinist mixer will work correctly. If still experiencing issues please contact technical support at 440-528-0699 for assistance.

1. Remove discharge hose from output holding container or sump.
2. Verify concentrate container’s breather hole is open.
3. Verify that the check valve is free of debris.

1. Shut water ball valve off (check valve on end of standpipe is not rated to hold fluid under pressure).
2. Check water ball valve for cracks or damage.
3. If using a solenoid valve, install it on inlet before water supply (check valve on end of standpipe is not rated to hold fluid under pressure).

The proportioning pump has many small parts which can wear if given the opportunity. Using a pre pump water filter will decrease the likelihood of wear since it will capture any tiny particles that may flow through your water line.

Low concentration or none at all

Check the discharge hose. If you are NOT using the hose we provided, make sure you are using NO MORE than 40” of discharge hose, with a minimum UNINTERRUPTED ID of 1/2” for 3 gpm models, and 3/4” for 10 gpm models. Make sure that the hose has no kinks or other obstructions. If delivering mix through a garden hose, for instance, a proportioning pump is required.

If you want the type of setup illustrated below (note discharge tube on right is longer than 40 inches), you will need to order a proportioning pump. The 7gpm MIXPP518 proportioning pump is our most popular model, it mixes water and coolant to concentrations between 1.4% and 12.3%.

1. Examine the check valve at the bottom of the standpipe. Debris can keep it open, allowing concentrate to drain back into the drum. The check ball should be below the valve’s set screw.
2. Check the water pressure. Our equipment requires a minimum pressure of 25 psi. TEST: Using the mixer with needle valve closed, fill a pail of known volume and time it. If you can fill a 1 gallon pail in 20 seconds there is enough pressure for our 3 gpm unit. If you can fill a 1 gallon pail in 6 seconds there is enough pressure for our 10 gpm unit.
3. The needle-valve (dial) is numbered as a guide only. It does not indicate proportions. Turning the dial clockwise reduces coolant concentrate ratio.
4. Check the coolant concentrate level in the drum. You may be running out.
5. Check the viscosity of the coolant concentrate. Our equipment is designed for up to 500 SUS at 100° F. (SUS=saybolt universal seconds). 500 SUS is about the same as SAE30 motor oil.

Water Draining into Concentrate Container

1. Shut water ball valve off (check valve on end of standpipe is not rated to hold fluid under pressure).
2. Check water ball valve for cracks or damage.
3. If using a solenoid valve, install it on inlet before water supply (check valve on end of standpipe is not rated to hold fluid under pressure).

Concentrate Siphoning from Container

1. Remove discharge hose from output holding container or sump.
2. Verify concentrate container’s breather hole is open.
3. Verify that the check valve is free of debris.