Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech CmbH (Mühlheim, Germany):

Oehlstöter T., Mag. Eng., Triboengineering Dept.

Rabe H., Head of laboratory, Triboengineering Business Direction

Carl Bechem GmbH (Hagen, Germany):

Thordsen O., Dr. Head of Labour Studies and Development

Figge A., Dr., Head of Dept. of Development of Consistent Lubricants 

Reichmann F., Mag. Eng., Head of Dept. of Heavy Industries

Wagner P., Research Eng., reichmann@bechem.de

The steel industry takes enormous efforts to lower the fire hazard in their production plants. While already fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are available, the development of fire-resistant greases fails due to the fact that no commonly accepted measuring method for fire resistance is available. In this report such a measuring method is suggested and put up for discussion. General problem of fire resistance during lubrication is observed, the testing process and results of testing of three main lubricants are presented. The testing process included putting testing balls in the furnace, heating, placing the hot balls in the grease sample and checking of arising or no of ignition of these samples. Lithium and complex calcium compound have been used as thickeners. Fire hazard results have been analyzed and classified according to fire hazard degrees and duration of ignition as well as in dependence of different thicknesses and base oils at 1100 ^oC. It is concluded that conducted testings can be considered as an efficient tool for getting required information about possible fire hazard. It is especially important because the testings gave demonstrated steadily high reproducibility of obtained results and, therefore, can be recommended to be included in the technological chart of metallurgical facilities.