Page 22 - Steel Metallurgy eMagazine Volume September 2026

STEEL MILL MAINTENANCE
REFRACTORY

than specification alone.

MAINTENANCE
METHODOLOGIES,
CONDITION
MONITORING AND

DATA

Lubrication strategy is closely linked
to maintenance methodology and has
a direct impact on OEE. Corrective
maintenance, where issues are addressed
only after failure, often results in
unplanned downtime and reduced
availability. Preventive maintenance
improves reliability through scheduled
lubrication activities but can still lead to
over- or under-lubrication if operating
conditions change.

Predictive maintenance offers the
strongest alignment with OEE
improvement. By combining condition
monitoring with operational data,
lubrication-related issues can be
identified and addressed before they lead
to equipment failure, helping maintain
availability, optimise performance, and
reduce quality variability.

A range of technologies support this
approach. Vibration analysis is widely
used to detect developing faults in
bearings and gears, while oil analysis
provides direct insight into lubricant
condition, contamination, and wear.
Ultrasound can identify early-stage
lubrication issues before vibration levels
increase, and thermal imaging helps
confirm abnormal heat generation
associated with friction and component
deterioration.
QH Barrel.
The real value lies in combining
these data sources. Information from
Compatibility is also critical. Mismatches viewed as the starting point.Optimising CMMS and EAM systems, condition
between lubricants, seals, or process lubricant selection often benefits from monitoring technologies, and oil
fluids can lead to contamination, leakage collaboration with an experienced analysis programmes can provide a
or degradation, increasing maintenance lubricant supplier that can assess comprehensive view of equipment
requirements and reducing reliability. operating conditions, review application health and lubrication performance.
requirements, and recommend products Many organisations also leverage expert
In practice, OEM specifications should be based on actual service demands rather lubricant suppliers for oil analysis

20 STEEL & METALLURGY SEPTEMBER 2026