Quaker Houghton, the global leader in industrial process fluids, has introduced a new aluminum hot rolling fluid providing superior mill cleanliness, minimal fluid maintenance and excellent surface quality. This latest innovation is available to all mills globally, including EEA and USMCA countries. The new non-soap emulsion technology, QH EVEROLL ™ A 5000, prevents both metallic soap buildup and metal sludge formation that challenge mills using existing emulsion chemistries. Key to its performance is the ability to keep aluminum fines dispersed in the fluid, allowing easy filtration to prevent deposition and sludge formation. The new product series is suitable for the full range of alloys used in aluminum strip production.

The development of QH EVEROLL ™ A 5000 followed a rigorous approach designed to accelerate success and de-risk rolling fluid upgrades for customers. The process included testing on the Quaker Houghton pilot mill, a unique capability within the rolling fluid manufacturing industry. Peter De Bruyne, global business director non-ferrous at Quaker Houghton, explained:

“Laboratory test methods alone cannot give a full picture of lubricant performance. By scaling up product development on the pilot mill we can evaluate rolling fluid behavior in real-world conditions. This approach was verified during the first customer trial of QH EVEROLL ™ A 5000. By developing hot mill protocols to mimic the customer’s rolling conditions, we were able to fine-tune our product before it reached the customer’s mill.

“This resulted in a seamless trial: besides a single ester addition during the very early stages of the product introduction, no additional tank-side additives were required during the first five months of full operation. The customer has seen a 30% reduction in oil consumption and good dispersal of aluminium fines has resulted in superior cleanliness of the mill environment.”

The launch of QH EVEROLL™ A 5000 demonstrates the continued commitment of Quaker Houghton to customers in the rolled aluminum industry following the 2019 divestment of the legacy Houghton International non-ferrous hot rolling business in Europe and North America, necessitated by the combination of Quaker Chemical and Houghton International. The associated non-compete clause ended in August 2024, allowing Quaker Houghton to bring this innovative new technology to a wider market. Peter De Bruyne continued:

“It’s a dynamic time for the aluminum industry, with net zero commitments both requiring operational improvements and fuelling demand. Our role is to enable our customers to embrace new market opportunities. Through innovative fluid technologies, such as QH EVEROLL™ A 5000, and applying our process expertise, we help ensure long term, competitive production in line with our customers’ sustainability and operational goals.”

To learn more about QH EVEROLL™ A 5000 visit: https://home.quakerhoughton.com/industry/aluminum-hot-rolling/ 

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