Page 24 - Steel Metallurgy eMagazine Volume September 2026

STEEL MILL MAINTENANCE
REFRACTORY

programmes and technical interpretation help identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
of results, helping convert condition data contamination control and standardise Achieving the greatest benefit requires a
into practical maintenance actions. best practices across the plant. combination of robust internal practices,
condition-based decision making, and
No single technique provides a complete Inventory management plays an access to specialist lubrication expertise.
picture. However, when analysed important supporting role. Excessive
collectively, condition monitoring stock can lead to lubricant degradation
5 LUBRICATION BEST
data enables a shift from time-based to before use, while insufficient inventory PRACTICES FOR HIGHER OEE
condition-based maintenance, reducing increases the risk of incorrect product
risk, improving decision-making, and substitutions. Aligning inventory 1. Select lubricants for real operating
maximising OEE. levels with consumption patterns and conditions
monitoring usage trends helps maintain Go beyond OEM specifications by
INVENTORY, consistency, reduce waste, and support considering temperature, load, speed,
STORAGE AND reliable equipment operation. contamination risks, and other application
requirements.
HANDLING LUBRICATION AS A 2. Control contamination at every stage
Maintain clean storage areas, use sealed
DRIVER OF OEE containers and transfer equipment, and
Lubrication performance begins address sealing or filtration issues that can
long before the lubricant reaches the compromise lubricant performance.
equipment. Poor storage, handling, In steel mill operations, lubrication is 3. Standardise lubrication practices
and inventory practices can introduce far more than a routine maintenance Define correct lubricant quantities,
contamination, accelerate wear, and activity. It is a critical contributor application methods, and relubrication
reduce lubricant effectiveness, ultimately to equipment reliability and OEE, intervals to minimise variability and avoid
affecting equipment availability, influencing availability, performance, over- or under-lubrication.
4. Use condition monitoring to drive
performance, and product quality. and quality. maintenance decisions
Implement tools such as vibration
Effective lubricant management When supported by predictive analysis, oil analysis, ultrasound, or
starts with clean, controlled storage maintenance, effective lubricant temperature monitoring to identify
conditions, sealed and clearly labelled management, and data-driven decision issues early and support condition-based
containers, and segregation of products making, lubrication helps create more maintenance.
to prevent cross-contamination. Proper stable operations, reduce downtime, 5. Focus resources on critical assets
transfer and dispensing practices are and improve production outcomes. Prioritise lubrication management,
equally important, as many lubrication- For steel producers seeking practical, monitoring, and technical support where
related issues originate during handling cost-effective OEE improvements, equipment failures have the greatest
impact on production, quality, and
rather than in service. Supplier-led lubrication remains one of the most downtime.
lubricant management reviews can also accessible opportunities to increase

22 STEEL & METALLURGY SEPTEMBER 2026