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December 16, 2014 at 9:30 AM EST

Quaker Chemical QUAKERTEK™ Specialty Greases Keep Mills Running Smoothly

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Steel mill profitability is adversely impacted in scenarios resulting in rising production costs and inefficiencies leading to productivity losses. In the cold rolling and galvanize process, enhanced equipment protection that prolongs asset life and prevents unnecessary breakdowns is essential for reducing interruptions in production. If a mill experiences corrosion on the bearings, the operation runs the risk of capital and production loss.

QUAKERTEK™ CS 4602-EP, a calcium sulfonate grease, provides the competitive advantage to keep operations running with:

-    Water washout resistance - this grease will stay in place and lubricate the bearing even when fully submerged in water
-   Excellent corrosion protection – prevents bearing corrosion by supporting increased bearing life and reducing the amount of bearing replacements
-   Excellent shear stability - has an excellent ability to maintain its consistency and not soften during mechanical working

For specific information on our line of greases, please visit: http://www.quakerchem.com/product/greases/

In the galvanize and cold mill lines at one major North American steel producer, corrosion was shortening the life of the bearings, causing them to be replaced up to 9 times a year, at a cost of more than $6,000 per bearing for a total of cost of over $55,000. The steel producer, contacted Quaker Chemical for a solution to their corrosion problems that could extend the life of the bearing and result in a cost savings.

Quaker introduced QUAKERTEK™ CS 4602-EP into the steel producer's galvanize and cold mill operations. Since the introduction, the lifetime of the bearings has been increased and the amount of bearing replacements has been reduced from 9 to 2, resulting in a cost savings of more than $43,000 per year. To ensure the best grease for their operations was being used, the steel producer tested a competitive grease in their galvanize and cold mill operations, but were not able to achieve equivalent results so they returned back to the QUAKERTEK™ calcium sulfonate grease.

"The steel industry has become increasingly performance oriented, and one of the ways producers remain competitive is based on their ability to extend equipment life. In this instance, by working with the customer, Quaker was able to introduce a product to customer's operation that enhanced the performance of the mill bearings and reduced the chance of interruptions in production," states Mark Goedtel Quaker Chemical Grease Product Manager, North America.

As industries are becoming increasingly performance oriented and low-cost conscious, it is likely that in the future, the industrial and commercial manufacturing industries will remain competitive based on the ability to extend equipment life on a cost of unit output as opposed to cost per volume. For more information on Quaker Chemical and its complete integrated range of products and services for the steel mill, please visit http://www.quakerchem.com/expert-experience/industry-expertise/steel/.

About Quaker Chemical Corporation:

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process fluids, chemical specialties, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries, including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, cans, and others. For nearly 100 years, Quaker has helped customers around the world achieve production efficiency, improve product quality, and lower costs through a combination of innovative technology, process knowledge, and customized services. Headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA, Quaker serves businesses worldwide with a network of dedicated and experienced professionals whose mission is to make a difference. Visit quakerchem.com to learn more.